Analysis of Edward Hoagland's "Heaven and Nature" by Rachel Bowman

 

Too many human minds are composed of dark labyrinths, some of which spiral out of control, creating a void of self-destruction. One man who decided to record these previous notions is Edward Hoagland, an American author, and a 1954 alumni of Harvard University. Best known for his works in nature and travel writing, Hoagland published an essay, “Heaven and Nature” in 1988. The essay delves into what it means to be a suicidal adult, while creating reasoning why suicide is viewed as a painless or vengeful way out. As a man in his mid 50’s, Hoagland establishes a personal ground with his middle aged audience, by first referring to suicide as a deplorable condition. He creates a grim mood, referring to suicides’ commonality by saying, “Our building, across the street, seems imposing from the water and over the years has acted as a magnet for a number of suicides” (Hoagland 518). This literary device paints a vivid picture in order to bring out emotion in readers. Despite this fact, Hoagland’s direction changes when he expands on how love and nature can affect a person’s mental health; specifically, the shame in that people spend more time worrying rather than enjoying the beauty in life. From this, Hoagland uses rhetorical devices such as the simile to institute a purpose; he states, “In killing himself a person acknowledges his failures during a time span when perhaps heaven and earth had caught him like a pair of scissors – but not his life span” (Hoagland 519). Although it is true that Hoagland did not save the lives of every suicidal man/woman by composing this piece, he did clearly establish a valuable idea. In other words, look at life as though it is a painting. Every work of art has rough spots where the paintbrush - in this case, heaven and nature - did not glide over so smoothly. However, this does not make an unsightly painting, only a louder canvas.

"To beautiful to leave"

http://fullhdwall.com/beautiful-nature-backgrounds.html

Analysis of Adrienne Rich's "Women and Honor: Some Notes on Lying" by Rachel Bowman

In the eyes of Adrienne Rich, writer of “Women and Honor: Some Notes on Lying”, lying is an abstract idea practiced by women to conform to societal norms. Prior to a prosperous career in English and Literature, Rich graduated from Oxford University in 1951. She then went on to publish multiple poems and non-fictional essays, including one of her most renowned pieces; here, she delves into the “unconscious state” of a woman in the late 20^th century in order to establish a personal definition of lying, and explore the human condition in relation to truth. A matter Rich frequently uses throughout the essay is gender roles: specifically challenging how they relate to lying. She applies the idea of feminism, along with a formal tone, to appeal to an audience consisting of older woman. Rich goes on about how “honesty in women has not been considered important” (Rich 412). Society holds a man’s word on a pedestal, and a women’s moralities on a ledge. Due to this fact, women are forced to lie with their bodies – wear tight apparel that does not express their true nature – for example, along with lying with their conscious mind. As Rich disclosed, the unconscious desires truthfulness, which is why women attempt to shut out their unconscious in order to achieve the standards of a man. Along with creating a scene of a mental state of the late 70’s, Rich also uses rhetorical devices, such as the cliché rhetorical question. She states, “Women have been forced to lie, for survival, to men. How to unlearn this among other women?” (Rich 415). Throughout the piece, the purpose seems to shape in to the fact that human nature possesses both the ability to lie and tell the truth, but it is society that influences this. Unfortunately, Rich argues about a concept that is implausible to alter – human nature. Although she has a base, the repetition and interrogation leaves the reader on a cliff, unable to clarify the true point to her madness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Human Nature : stuck in time?"

 

https://www.pinterest.com/ann_popenfoose/vintage-antique-art-things/

Analysis of John Updike's "The Disposable Rocket" by Rachel Bowman

 

In order to achieve a witty tone, it is typical for a writer, especially one of a ripe age, to compare his/her body to nothing short of a shriveled prune. No one does this more than American novelist and 1954 Harvard graduate, John Updike. The author uses his awarding talent to compose the satirical narrative, “The Disposable Rocket”, where he describes the male physique, and explains what makes it destructible. Before reading, it is inferred by the reader that the essay is written for a female audience, interested in learning about male anatomy. However, it becomes clear through Updike’s personal use of humor that the piece is meant for male readers. With little hesitation, Updike is crystal clear about what he is referring to as a “disposable rocket.” He states, “His (male) body is like a delivery rocket that falls away in space” (Updike 549). He uses the rhetorical device of symbolism to go on to say that men view their bodies as rockets, explaining why they take so many risks. They want to experience a release from gravity – in other words, pure freedom. Updike then flips the objective to contrast the male and female body, using a phallic yet comical tone to further expand on the “outward” of the male body, and how it affects everyday activity. He connects this idea to the purpose, being that the male body does not last forever, specifically due to the fact that it acts as the “delivery rocket” of children and simply, a man ages. Following this, Updike brings back the contented mood by saying, “He (males) goes along, gratefully, for the ride” (Updike 552). Although a man may not be able to enjoy the wonders of zero-gravity space forever, Updike proves it is in one’s best interest to enjoy the ride of life for as long as possible – occasionally taking a blast on that rocket. Just for fun.

 

 

"Age is but a number, Age is but a topic"

http://www.jantoo.com/cartoons/keywords/middle-age