Scene Analysis

Joey Mann
Mrs. Wecker
IB Junior English
June 17, 2009
A Society in Motion
The 1960s was a decade of immense social unrest and challenges to tradition. Perhaps no film of the era better captured those same ideals than Peter Fonda’s epic 1969 road film, Easy Rider. Easy Rider in its entirety follows two bikers on a spiritual journey through the American southwest, and the scene which immediately follows the selling of the cocaine to a dealer in Rolls-Royce is particularly important. In this, Fonda demonstrates the rebellious nature present within all people, through representation of the American counterculture of the 1960s, and show of progression of this same counterculture. The representation of the American counterculture is achieved via the use of music, close-ups, and symbols. The progression of the counterculture is illuminated by the use of dolly-shots, panning, and
The counterculture plays a pivotal role in the film Easy Rider, and is represented in many. Perhaps most noticeably through the use of music, the counterculture is shown. The theme playing is titled The Weight, by Smith, and is a noted song of the era, and its lyrics allude to change, and a society in motion. Next, close-up shots are used to a very important effect, as there are numerous close-ups throughout the scene. The close-up of Wyatt’s motorcycle boot highlights the very determined nature of the counterculture during this era. Lastly, symbols are present in this scene which adds to the effect. Chief amongst these symbols are the motorcycles ridden by Billy and Wyatt. These two are very heavily customized, and highlight the counterculture emphasis on individuality.
The progression of the counterculture plays a significant role throughout the film, and particularly in this scene. The use of dolly shots is pivotal in this development. Dolly shots allow the camera to capture the perpetual motion in which the counterculture symbols are engaged. Panning is also important in this scene, creating a stark contrast between the riders and their background. Lastly, symbols also serve an important role in this scene. Particularly noticeable is the symbol of highways, which symbolic of the means by which the counterculture is able to move forward.
Thus by portraying the counterculture and their development, Peter Fonda is able to Highlight the rebellious nature present in all people.

Scene video

Th URL for the video for my individual scene analysis is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLkmbLoaORU&feature=related

Scene proposal

Movie- Easy Rider
Scene- Towards the begining
Time- 2 minutes and 25 seconds
Described- The scene follows two counter-culture bikers, Billy (played by Dennis Hopper) and Wyatt (played by Peter Fonda), as they smuggle drugs from Mexico to Los Angeles. The background is, as one would expect, very deserted, creating a serene feel. The scene is primarily filled with Dolly shots, because the two motorists are in constant motion, for the entire seen. There is, it should be noted, alot of close-ups on both the bikes, and the faces of both characters. Also the scene uses a pan to further invoke the serene, lonely nature of a highway in the American southwest. There is dramatic use of long shot, as well as angled shots, throughout the entirety of the scene.

Antigone journal- words/ideas

• Anouilh uses the word Holocaust to describe the battlefield on which Polynices and Eteocles are found dead. This strikes me as interesting because of the obvious associations of the word Holocaust, as well as its very morbid nature. I also think it is a somewhat unusual word to use in describing a battlefield where to noble young princes have died- the word is quite morbid and devoid of any connotation with nobility, honor, or bravery. I also cannot help but wonder, that owing to the era in which it was written, if it is a reference to the actual genocide of the same name.
• Happiness is a very ambiguous term used quite frequently by Anouilh. It is uses especially often in the dialougue between Creon and Antigone. It is important because the desire to find happiness is universal, and the unspecified meaning of the word happiness reaches out to all people.

Journal 2: Medea

The chorus in Medea differs significantly from that in Oedipus the King, in that it is alot more sympathetic to Medea's situation, feeling her pain and anguish at the injustice Jason comitted. The chorus often addresses Medea by name and in a sympathetic manner, such as the line; "The lover you lost, O heartbroken lady!" This empathy expressed by the chorus is very different from the righteous, just attitude taken by the chorus in Oedipus, and helps to shine a much more positive light on Medea, as well as help in evoking pity and fear, as the sympathetic nature of the chorus helps the reader to connect with Medea's character- thus sharing in her heart-bending anguish.

Journal 1: Medea

Sophocles evokes pity by placing the main character, Medea, in a very unhappy situation. Medea, whose husband Jason left her for another woman, is grieving uncontrollably, and has obviously had her heart crushed. This is a situation which alot of people might have experienced, and can understand the pain of, so thus they can pity Medea. Medea's hatred towards her own children also evoke pity from the reader, as the children didn't do anything wrong and are being spurned by their own mother. Sophocles also manages to evoke fear from his audience, as through Medea being forced to leave Corinth. When Creon forces her exile, the audience can't help but experience the fear of losing everything they know and hold dear.

Journal 4: Oedipus

"How terrible- to see the truth when the truth is only pain to him who sees!" Here we have the image of eyes, as shown through this quote by Tiresias. The imagery of eyes is commonly used throughout the play, where in eyes have come to represent being exposed to, and havin to live with the inherent evil and immorality of the world. As Tiresias states, eyes are a device which grants us clarity, and a vision of the world around us. But who wants to see, when there is nothing in the world to see except pain and misery? After Oedipus gouges out his eyes, he says; "What good were eyes to me? Nothing I could ever see would bring me joy." in which the imagery of eyes is used to represent the hopelessness of his existance. Such is the fate of Oedipus to dwell in misery, so he would certainly rather not have to see that misery, through the clarity of vision provided by his eyes.

Journal 3: Oedipus- roles of the gods

Throughout the play, the characters seem to think of the gods as being involved with every aspect of their lives. Characters presume to predict the future through revelations made by their gods, and the concept of a god-given moral code seems to govern the people at large (for example, how Oedipus' affair with his mother is considered an abomination in the eyes of the gods). The god most commonly referenced is probably Apollo- the very god who granted the prophesy around which the plot is based. The chorus also references Dionysius (perhaps for his patronage of plays) and Hermes. Sophocles uses metaphors and symbols to create a very dramatic effect- conveying things in a way that truly stands out to the reader.

Journal 2-Oedipus

• Oedipus proves himself to be quite a defficient leader, as he lacks the ability to persuade his subjects, and he appears quite arrogant. His arrogance is explified by the use of the line "No matter- I must rule," after Creon suggests that his judgment is incorect. Oedipus also does not seem to be very secure in his power or very trusting in his fellow rulers, as he immediately suspects there has been a conspiracy to oust himself from power. Additionaly, Oedipus is not very reasonable, as he seems to ignore Creon's logic, in favor of a very far-fetched conspiracy theory.
• As the story developes, Oedipus comes across to the reader as increasingly unpleasant and unreasonable. While initially seeming to be a noble king who only has the best interests of his subjects at heart, he soon shows his own insecurity ( his fear of losing power). He manifests several undesirable traits, not the least of which is his aversion to taking responsibility for his own actions. Thus he becomes an increasingly negative character in the eye of the reader.
• Creon and Teiresias both seem to be very honest and respectful towards Oedipus. Creon appears to be a loyal subject doing his utmost to help his sovereign in a time of trouble. Teiresias also seems to be merely doing his duty as a prophet and a seer- in revealing who truly murdered King Laius.

Oedipus- Journal 1

· Pg. 159- Oedipus meets with a priest to talk about and better understand the troubles of the people of Thebes
· Pg. 160- The priest states that people of all ages and social classes have been effected by some sort of misfortune
· Pg. 161- The priest asks Oedipus for help and says he and the other people would gladly submit to a worthy leader like Oedipus
· Pg. 162- Oedipus sympathizes with the misfortune of the people and agrees to help, as the messenger Creon arrives
· Pg. 163- Creon is greeted and given audience for the message he bears
· Pg. 164- Creon tells Oedipus he must avenge the death of the murdered king of Thebes, King Laius
· Pg. 165- The messenger Creon states that there is a witness to the crime, and that the murderer still resides within Thebes
· Pg. 166- Creon reveals that Laius was killed by a band of thieves
· Pg. 167- Oedipus vows to avenge the death of the murdered King Laius, and the priest is satisfied with his promise
· Pg. 168- The chorus implores the gods to help Oedipus in his task
· Pg. 169- Chorus speaks of the countless horrors Thebes has endured
· Pg. 170- The chorus asks their favored gods to help punish the god of the underworld, Hades

Dystopian Journal-topic C- We

In the novel We by Yevgeny Zamyatin, D-503 is a character who begins to clash with society after a lifetime of conforming to and admiration of the oppressive regime of the One State. Formerly a perfectly functioning cog in the mathematically run society, our protagonist soon finds himself at odds with society, and to a degree, working towards its downfall. D-503 aids the resistence by establishing contact with the Mephi through I-330. Belonging to a resistance group, D-503 uses his knowledge about the planned flight of the Integral to aid the Mephi in preventing its launch. While D-503 had the best of intentions, his actions were ultimately futile, as he and the other resisters were stopped by the Guardians, and the flight of the Integral was undeterred. Finally, for his part in the resistance, D-503 is not punished specifically, but as a consequence of the rebellion all citizens (D-503 included) are subject to the Great Operation. Thus D-503 is indirectly punished for his role in the rebellion by having his imagination obliterated.

Rough draft for dystopian group

Body Paragraph 2
Zamyatin uses the symbol of the Great Operation to show how, in the most extreme manner, the civil liberties of citizens can be eliminated for the sake of happiness and security. When D-503 is speaking to a patient; “Absolute happiness should, of course, carry a minus sign- the divine minus” (Zamyatin 184). The patient uses a euphemism, in the creole of the One State that could be taken to mean that absolute happiness and personal freedom are mutually exclusive. The minus sign in this euphemism represents the lack of personal liberty (more specifically imagination). Absolute happiness is the desired state which all individuals should strive to achieve. Thus in order to achieve the desirable state of happiness, individuals within a society must surrender personal liberty. Zamyatin reuses the symbol of the Great Operation later in the book. After the failed attempt to seize the integral; “[…] everyone was to report for the operation” (Zamyatin 206). The quote uses the word “everyone” in order to emphasize the fact that no citizen can choose to escape the Great Operation. The passage also uses very forceful verb choice, ”was to,” in order to emphasize the fact that citizens cannot decide to not have the surgery performed; they have lost that right. In conjunction, this shows that citizens have completely surrendered all personal liberties to the state for the sake of happiness and internal security, thus dangerously upsetting the balance between liberty and security.

Propaganda!

• From: http://fashionforwardpr.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/destroy_this_mad_brute_wwi_propaganda_poster_us_version.jpg
  
• The target audience is probably you men of fighting age
• It is very effective, because it evokes a sense of terror, as well as it appeals to the manhood of the target audience (through the image of the woman in distress)
• I think it is fairly overfbearing as is, because it depicts a german soldier as being less than human
• The audience probably wont feel manipulated, because the intent of the poster is to evoke emotion, not to inspire fear
• The tone was appropriate for society at this time, because it depended on a strong notion of manhood, and showed the enemy as sub-human
• I think the slogan will stay in the mind, because it solicits a very angry emotional response, and is very xenophobic in its depiction of germans

We- Journal 2- Topic C

In the novel We, author Yevgeny Zamyatin criticizes the vesting of too much power in government. This was likely an influence of the rise of totalitarian regimes in the early 20th century, namely the soviet union, who seized power from citizens at an alarming rate, and by force of arms and propaganda, dictating most aspects of life and dehumanizing civilians. The society in We is merely a very exaggerated totalitarian regime, whose power and influence are extended to new levels by use of technology. From its glass apartment, to mandatory auditorium sessions, the government in We has trampled on individual rights, such as privacy, and freedom to dissent. While the vision given by Zamyatin appears quite over the top, it nonetheless evokes a strong response from the reader, and shows what could happen if any central authority is given too much power over the individual. Thankfully however, Zamyatin provides some hope- hope placed in the spirit of the individual. The individuals must rise up and seize their rights in society, rather than meekly stand by and be ravished, and the hope for improvement rests entirely on the individual (as is exemplified by the protagonist D-503, and I-330, both of whom are individual citizens rebelling against society as a whole). Thus such oppression can be prevented, but only if the individual stands up for his rights.

We Journal 1, Topic A

Passage: “ The brisk crystal ball bent over my head: seven o’clock, time to get up. On the right and the left, through the glass walls, I see myself, my room, my clothes, my movements- repeated a thousand times over. This is bracing: you feel yourself a part of a great, powerful, single entity.”
Here our protagonist, D- 503, takes the time to reflect on his society while rising from bed, and in doing so gives us a most interesting look into that same society. Of the utmost importance is the fact that all citizens arise at exactly 7:00 AM, demonstrating the remarkable unity of this society, its strong emphasis on the community as a whole, and its hostility towards the individual. We most certainly shows a society which values conformity. Also it stands to notice that all citizens lack any privacy, as they live in glass apartment buildings- yet another factor contributing to this society’s obsession with conformity and unity. All individuals are exposed to their fellow citizens at all times. Also as the author describes the “single entity,” a feeling of the superiority of the group (as opposed to the individual) arises. Also the use of seven o’clock is significant, because it is a reference to the Table (the chart which decides the actions of every citizen at any given time) and the arithmetic laws which govern society and individuals seem to prize. This passage is useful in representing this section of the book, because it gives the reader a glimpse into the society experienced by D- 503, and proves to be a symbol of what D- 503 will eventually rebel against.

Stranger journal number 8

The conclusion that Camus is trying to come to is that life is without any true meaning, and that the emotions most people attach to life can only cause them pain- so once freed of their emotional attachment, need to explain the unexplainable, and need to attribute meaning to the meaningless, people are better able to live a happy life. I also happen to think that Camus desires that the reader reach that very same conclusion, as he causes Meursault to become totally content with the greatest fear of most people- death, and that this fear is alleviated through the logic used by Meursault, makes that all the more appealing. This leads to anouther conclusion of mine- that is, that Meursault is actually much happier at the end of the novel, because he has experienced trials of his own outlook, and still maintained his philosophy- testament to his own emotional security.

Stranger journal 7

Camus, I believe, sought to divide the book into two to expose different parts of Meursault. Part 1 exposes the reader to Meursault's interaction with others, builds expectations for future actions, and provokes moral outrage. Part 2 on the other hand gives the reader more of an insight into the mind of Meursault, and makes him appear slightly more human. Also it appears that in part 1, Meusault differs in that he has greater freedom of action, where as in part 2 Meursault is imprisoned, and with such pressure imposed upon him, his actions restrained. Camus uses these differences to manipulate the reader and evoke mixed emotions.

Journal 6 for stranger- 9 Questions

• Word choice- Camus uses very blunt words- Why does Camus use very blunt language?
• Sentence structure- Camus seems to use fairly short sentences and lacks alot of variance in sentence length- Why does Camus use such short, straight-forward sentences?
• Images- Camus seems fond of using tactile imagery, such as "hot sand" or other descriptions of discomfort by way of the sense of touch- Why does Camus commonly use tactile imagery?
• Symbols- Camus uses some symbols, such as the sun, recurrently- To what extent is Camus' use of the sun significant throughout the novel?
• Figures of speech- I think Camus' novel is significant in this category for it's lack of particularly distinctive use of figures of speech- Why does Camus appear to avoid figurative language, in favor of the literal?
• Rhetorical Devices- I think that Raymond almost fuctions as a foil of Meursault, in that his passion and fiery-temper are as distinct as Meursault's flat personality- What does Camus hope to accomplish by foiling Raymond and Meursault?
• Patterns- I think two recurrent themes are Meurault's acceptance of his helplessness, and his lack of a desire to find a greater meaning in anything in life- What message is Camus trying to convey through Meursault's lack of interest in the meaning of life?
• Narrator- Appears to be narrated in the first person- To what effect does Camus use first-person narration?
• Structure- appear to operate at a very slow pace for the majority of the book- Why does Camus use such a slow pace throughout the book?

Journal 5 for stranger

My personal philosophy influences everything from the very details I choose to examine, to my emotional responses, to my interpretation of the greater meaning of subjects. My philosophy helps me to understand characters such as Meursault (although not necessarily agree with him), and to establish different meanings to his very actions as they pertain to the gist of the story. It helps me to determine which details are important to the message I am trying to convey, and how to elaborate on those same details, just as it leads me to down-play or leave out other details altogether. Also, my philosophy naturally impacts what meaning I establish to a novel, as I would of course desire to erect a meaning which supports my own philosophy.

Journal stranger 4: sun and another idea, or symbol

• Pg 15 "But today, with the sun bearing down making the whole landscape shimmer with heat, it was inhuman and oppressive." : It helps to set the very unpleasant mood, as well as perhaps serve as a symbol of outside pressure acting on Meursault, due to its seeming oppressive- much like his boss.
• Pg 27 " He was with his dog. The two of them had been inseperable for eight years[...]" " [...] and yet they hate each other" : here the dog serves as a scapegoat for the old man's anger, but also as a symbol of betrayl, as the dog is loyal, but yet is beaten by his cruel master.

Journal 3: philosophy- Attributionism

Attributionism

• Nothing in the physical world can ever be known to truly exist, because our understanding of the world is based on human perception- something which is very flawed
• Good and evil do not exist: they are intangible so there existence depends on their very definition, but the definition is arbitrary(owing to so many different beliefs of individuals, cultures, religions, etc), so they lack any identity that can be commonly accepted
• Pleasure does not truly exist- it is but a misleading of faulty human senses which cannot be trusted
• Nothing can ever be proven by humans, because all things are intangible(see bullet 1), therefore there exists nothing by which objects can be measured
• Nothing ever happens due to causation, because nothing can be proven to exist, so there exist no factors exist which could influence other events
• The physical world is only significant by way of the meaning we attribute to it, therefore it exists only in the human mind( nothing can truly be known to exist, due to faulty human perception)
• There is no difference between life and non life, as both are merely human ideas, owing to the absence of evidence which might support a distinction(nothing can be proven)
• Despite all of these, a happy life can be lead, and as falsehoods do constitute what we define what we call "reality", a perfectly happy life can still be lead according to those same falsehoods, as lies are often warm and comforting. It is also not worth acknowledging these falsehoods, because there is no foundation for any other ideas, so in practice human perception and human senses should never be questioned- but rather these same lies should be lived by
• Therefore the meaning attributed to objects is a substance in and of itself- the definition which we give subjects constitutes their very identity.

Stranger journal 2

• Meursault travels to attend the funeral of his mother, appearing very dettached the entire time, and eagerly anticipating the opportunity to return home, and after returning he meets an ex-coworker, takes her on a date and has sex with her, then hardly seems to care when she is gone in the morning.
• My responses to Meursault are both disgust and understanding. Disgust because he is very indifferent to others, and appears to live a somewhat decadent lifestyle, and understanding because his behavior could be found in any man, once stripped of morals and concerns.
• Camus is trying to create a protagonist who will pursue things in a very matter-of-fact, pragmatic way, and will provide a very nihilistic viewpoint- something which is not particularly common or easy to accept.

Strabger journal 1

The two different translations are very different tonally. The first translation portrays a respectful young man who is distraught over his mother's death and dutifully preparing to go to her funeral, while the second translation almost evokes anger from the reader, in that the character seems so indifferent to his mother's death, lacking in manners when speaking of her funeral, and altogether disgusting by way of his being so self-centered. These different translations evoke very different emotions from the reader, The first translation sympathy, and the second disgust and anger.

Chapters 19 and 20: journal

The novel is structured so that the begining and ending of the novel take place in the familiar porch setting. This is to create a sense of ease, comfort, and consistency, that helps to create the very personal, laid-back appeal of Their Eyes Were Watching God. Also the novel is from the perspective of Janie looking back upon her past- in order to to create a very conclusive feeling for every event which takes place.

Chapter 18- Journal

• The title is significant in so far as it implies the relative helplessness of the characters in Hurston's novel, as well as the fact that they do not always look inside themselves for answers, but rather look towards others.
• The Title also suggests that the characters are very dependent on god for assistance and comfort. They are worshipful and doubting of themselves, so they look to the sky for answers.

Chapters 16 und 17- journal

• Mrs. Turner is very controlling and domineering as a person, and these traits are enhanced by her very dominant role in her relationship. She " wears the pants" so to speak in her marriage, and that serves to make her appear more rigid and dominant. Also their relationship seems to be very hollow, perhaps because of Mrs. Turner's obcession with skin color.
• Jaine in Tea Cake stand in stark contrast to the Turners- Janie's relationship actually based off of love and mutual attraction, and appears to be more symbiotic.

Journal: 3 techniques

• Pg 136- conflict "Janie learned what it felt like to be jealous. A little chunky girl took to picking a play out of Tea Cake..." : Hurston uses this conflict of interests to create a sense of hostility in chapter 5. Janie feel as though she must compete for Tea Cake's love; thus it leads to a sense of hostility between Janie and Nunkie, and frustration between Janie and Tea Cake.
• Pg 134- symbol "Sometimes Janie would think of the old days in the big white house and the store and laugh to herself " : Here the white house that Janie lived in with Jody is symbolic of her old life. The white house and the drudgery of the store represent something Janie is glad to have escaped, and Hurston wants to emphasize Janie's new found satisfaction.
• Pg 129- setting "To Janie's eyes, everything in the Everglades was big and new": with this Hurston desires to create a general setting- something overwhelming, worshipful, and completely new to Janie.

Journal 4~ motivation/change- chapter 11&12

Motivation: Janie is motivated primarily by a desire to discover herself and the pleasures of life. As Janie is no longer merely content sitting in the high seat her grandmother wanted for her, she seeks to truly experience life and the world around her- as opposed to simply being satisfied with her relative wealth and good standing. She is willing to risk all of these things to lead a more fulfiling life with Tea Cake.
Change(s): Janie has changed in that she has begun to revert to the same mindset she had at the start of the book; at least in so far as love is concerned. She begins to seek affection with Tea Cake as opposed to putting up with men like Logan and Jody. She is more open to risks- she could have married any of a number of well-to-do men, but instead she would risk everything for the love of a stranger. This is very similar to her ideas on love in the begining of the story- something irrespective of weath or status, but greater than either.

Mimic! Hope it's not too abstract Mrs. Wecker!

So Jack began to consider time. Time, that shrunken old man with the gray hair, who dwells only in the mind of man. The one who stands on a stage for all men to see, but the stage has no foundation to it, and no substance. What need has time for proof, and what man doubts his existence. He sits upon a throne that overlooks the lives of all. Sits patient and silent always, waiting for god knows what. Been sitting since a song was sung in praise of his patience. He was soon to catch a glimpse of time's gaze in the mirror sooner or later. He was curious and thoughtful also. Dear Jill! She ought not have to swim that sea alone. He sent the witch to help, but, Jill declined. These hopes is-a all gone with the likes of Sodom and Gomorrah. She'd be the same again when she drank from a clear fountain on a hill. She couldn't grow older at all. That was what she thought. But the witch told him different, so he knew. And then if she hadn't, the next morning he was sure to guess, for stars gathered in the mind's eye under a waning moon. Stars that would not have embraced light began to shine and not in the home. Just spoke of light under the moon. God knows what, the face of a man, shown in the moon over the town.
P.S. I was having trouble mimicing assonance in line 7, so I hoped the use of an alliteration would help add a little color, even though I realize its not the same.

Journal 3: Chapter 4- 5 techniques

• Pg. 26 symbol: "He had ceased to wonder at her long, black hair" - Janies hair is like a sex symbol, representative of beauty, love, and lust. The author uses it here to show how Janie is neglected by her farmer husband.
• Pg. 26 simile: "Ah'm just as stiff as you is stout" - Janie shows her stubborn side, that she is not going to do a man's work, and she's willing to use her power over her husband. The author probably inserted this simile to show how Janie asserts her independence and doesn't meekly submit to her husband as anouther wife might do.
• Pg. 27 imagery: "The shirt with the silk sleeveholders was dazzling enough for the world" A piece of imagery thrown in to accent the style of Joe Starks, and provide a more vivid image of what caught Janie's eye.
• Pg. 27 foil: "It was a cityfied, stylish dressed man with his hat set at an angle that didn't belong in these parts" A brief description of Joe Starks emphasizes his stylish, businessman-like manner. Starks contrasts with the very homely, and boarish farmer Logan Killicks- and I think the author used this foil just to accent this difference.
• Pg. 28 hyperbole: "You ain't hardly old enough to be weaned" In this passage, Starks aims to flatter Janie by exagerating her youth. The author might just be using this device to highlight Janies youthful beauty, as well as Starks' city-folk manners.
• Pg. 28 metaphor: " You behind a plow! You ain't got no mo' business wid uh plow than uh hog got wid a holiday" This passage is yet anouther attempt of starks' to flatter Janie. It was possibly put in by the author to bring notice to the fact that Janie was poorly suited to the sort of agrarian life Mr. Killicks led, and that Starks disapproved of the idea of Janie doing man's work, perhaps also foreshadowing his winning her over and taking her to a new life.

Their Eyes Were Watching God: 1,2

Journal 1
The dialect used in the story is radically different from that used in the narration. The dialect used is associated with someone who his uneducated, impoverished, definitely southern, and probably being from some sort of agrarian backwater community. The narration on the other hand, is laid out in an average american dialect, probably someone good at articulating his/herself- a very matter-of-fact piece of work. These two different dialect, I believe, serve to contrast each other and therefore heighten each others qualities, almost in the manner of a juxtaposition.

Journal 2
The setting, a small, southern African-American community leads us to very basic assumptions as to the characters involved (uneducated, impoverished, very religious)- almost drawing upon our possible stereotypes of people we would expect to be in such a community. The setting adds to what seems to be a fairly somber mood, by soliciting images of poverty, lack of infrastructure, and all the backwardness I seem to associate with the rural south. This dingy, dank community could force someone into depression quite easily or prove just prove unenjoyable, and an escape from this dull uninteresting life might turn out to be a motivation of our main character.

Hey I'm here!

At long last!