American Literature helps me to expand the boundaries of my own experience.
During my time of learning and exploring American Literature, I can say it has and will definitely help me in my experiences in life. From influential Native American writers to Transcendentalism to Modernism and the Beat Generation, I have learnt so much about America and its literature.
There was particularly one week where I was in absolute awe and I know I will always remember everything about the lesson, author and the text. “Going to Meet the Man” by James Baldwin, is a short story that will stick with me for the rest of my life. The pure emotion that pours out of the text is brutal, raw yet intriguing all at the same time. Baldwin writes with such conviction and imagery that you can actually picture what is going on in your mind as you read. After reading the story I was left absolutely speechless, I had never in all my life read a story that had left me physically and mentally uncomfortable yet so fascinated and intrigued. The power of James Baldwin’s writing is incredible to say the least, his work on this has expanded my knowledge on racial discrimination and how dreadful and hard it was for coloured people in America. I will always remember this piece of work especially as I go on in life.
In Week 8, I found a great appreciation for Modernism. Charlie Chaplin’s speech in “The Great Dictator” is an incredible piece of work that is still heard to this day and age. The movie/speech was released in 1941, at a time of war and hate. During the speech Chaplin outlines how men need to unite, that fighting against each other is a waste of time. Why fight when life has so much to give. The emotion and words that come from his mouth is incredible because it looks and sounds like he is talking directly to you. Themes of equality and love are shown throughout the speech and it is seen as something the world needs desperately. “The Great Dictator” speech is a work I will always remember, it has expanded my knowledge greatly. Even in a time of political troubles and war, people still believed that the world could become a better place. Modernism in America is shown through great authors and pieces of work and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about it.
Overall my time in American Literature was great, I loved learning about everything that the topic had to offer. I’m finishing up this semester with a great appreciation for American writers as they have expanded my knowledge and will be with me in my own experiences throughout life.
julenaoliva 