Week 4: Beats

This week we discussed the differences between the actual Beat generation and the Beatnik which was an exploited version of the stereotype, as seen above. Our professor showed us multiple examples (including this one) of poorly associated literature covers claiming to be part of the Beat movement. Silly.

We then discussed jazz, Jack Kerouac and spontaneous prose. It was beautiful and frustrating at the same time. I read The Subterraneans as it was intended, quickly, and as if listening to a great jazz performance. I enjoyed it. I did not overly examine the use or misuse of punctuation, nor did I mark notes in my margins examining each word. Come on people, don't you listen to jazz, don't you read for pleasure? Don't you do anything other than try to be perfect academic intellectuals? Ugh!

Meanwhile, my response paper this week which discussed how this book was written as a jazz performance, and was meant to be read that way?.... A+ bitches. A+.

Week 4: Inferno

Last night, we discussed the structure of Hell. The Circles of Hell are as follows:
1. Limbo
2. Lust
3. Gluttony
4. Greed
5. Anger
6. Heresy
7. Violence
8. Fraud

Thus,  murders are in the 7th circle, while fraudulent investment bankers-- yeah, they are down there at the bottom. ;)

Week 3: Beats

On the Road. We discussed the "hatred" for Dean Moriarity, the mis-treatment of women as they are portrayed in the story and the overwhelming since of the road being for men only.

I disagree.

After class I said, " I think I read a different book." I love Dean's character, the fact that he is wild, and out of control and aimless reminds me of my youth, draws you in to his experience and makes the story enjoyable. I was not struck with any mis-treatment of women, nor was I annoyed by their portrayal. Yes, Dean leaves several women along the way, and yes, they aren't always spoken of in the best manner--  but the story is essentially a story of male friendship. And, when boys are with each other, in their little group, they don't refer to women in the politically correct sense, and who cares? Also, the "road" isn't for men only-- this story just happened to be written by an author relaying his own life with his friends.

And, at the end of class we discussed how our professor would like us to read  the next Kerouac book-- he wants us to READ it. Not, "close read" it. No notes in the margins, no pre-typed paragraphs of witty interesting things to say in class... you know just-- read the damn book.

Finally! That's what I always do. It's about time we cut the bull sh*t. This is a class about the Beat Generation.

Week 3: Inferno

We learned a lot of historical information this week. I was very tired, and thirsty (forgot my water). But, we covered Cantos 6-10, which is the Third-Fourth circle of Hell. These circles include the sins of gluttony, heresy and greed. 

As always, we got to see some artwork and learned about the area of Florence and Tuscany. (which I really enjoy and am looking forward to seeing)

Our professor told us of the chamber of the Nine Priors, also known as the room of good and bad government, in which the very large fresco depicts good government on one side vs. bad government on the other. Hopefully, Dave and I get to see this when we are in Tuscany.

Vocabulary

I should probably sit down and read the Dictionary from cover to cover. Why? I have found that despite my extensive background with English literature and reading, I am at a slight disadvantage when it comes to my Graduate Lit courses. Basically, when I speak in class I sound like an idiot.

The problem, I think, is rooted in the fact that I have not used these skills since graduating from Muskingum. That was almost a decade ago. I am not a High School English teacher, nor am I a Community College Professor. I don't study this material closely, and teach it, every day. I haven't looked at most of it for 10 years.

Others in my classes are either teachers, or professional students. They say brilliant things in class, examine the works closely and say remarkably well articulated comments.

They say things like, " What I found remarkable about this line in the poem was the use of juxtaposition between the conformity of American society in the heterosexual, nuclear family sense and the misogynistic viewpoint towards the suburban lifestyle and women."

It's not that I don't understand the words. They are not above my understanding, it's just that... well..

I say things like, " I related to this section of the poem where he talks about banks, because I work for an investment bank."

See the difference? I'm an idiot. Every time I speak up, my face turns hot, and I spend the rest of the class paranoid that I say the stupidest things-- and that I should just quit the class. Yet, I appear to be doing well thus far with the response papers. So, there's that. 

Week 2: Beats

As expected, we discussed Allen Ginsberg and his poems, "Howl" and "America" during class. Throughout our class discussion we focused on particular lines-- giving them a "close reading"-- which is just a fancy way English people say they are focusing on every word and applying meaning. 

Our class is also centered around the concept of the Beat movement as a reaction to the dominant culture of the 1940s and 1950s. Related to this we are exploring the American identity through the various subject positions people occupy. (subject positions relate to race, gender, class, etc.) 

Next week, we move on to On the Road.

Week 2: Inferno

This week we read Cantos 1-5 and discussed the first ring of hell (reserved for carnal sinners engaged in acts of lust etc.)

We discussed the story of Francesca and Paolo, two lovers cast into hell for their adulterous lust. In the story, Francesca is married to one of two brothers, Gianciotto. One night she and Gianciotto's brother, Paolo are reading the famous story of Lancelot and Guinevere, when, they are consumed by the desire of each other and share a kiss. Later, Gianciotto discovers the pair together and murders them both.

In Dante's creation, the pair is eternally bonded together in hell, drifting upon the wind, as depicted in the picture below.

Week 1: Inferno

Florence, Italy

In the first few moments of our first class, I became overwhelmed with excitement. Our professor, an Italian native, with thick accent, exudes a familiarity with culture I long for. He explained he is a professor of Art History as well as Italian and Literature. So, basically perfect. 

He began the class session by showing us classical paintings, and discussion of what is the classification of a "classic". He followed by giving us a brief history of the Florence and Italy that Dante knew. This was particularly interesting, and will continue to be, as I will be visiting these places in a few months. 

Isn't Florence beautiful?

Week 1: Beats

During our first class, we listened to Allen Ginsberg reading his famous work, "Howl".  Our assignment afterwards was to read this poem, and related texts and create a short response paper, which will become part of the class discussion on the following Tuesday.