Author Archives: Jonathan Veras

Clue (Things Fall Apart)

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“Okonkwo was given a plot of ground on which to build his compound, and two or three pieces of land on which to farm during the coming planting season. With the help of his mothers kinsmen he built himself an obi and three huts for his wives. He then installed his personal god and the symbols of his departed fathers. Each of Uchendu’s five sons contributed three hundred seed-yams to enable their cousin to plant a farm, for as soon as the first rain came farming would begin.”

During this scene we are shown that Okonkwo will never let any obstacle stop him from succeeding. Although he was helped by his mothers kinsmen, he is using this given land to rebuild what he has lost and start his new life. Okonkwo was questioned for his arrival in his motherland after so many years of being away. He was an outsider, according to customs he did not belong to this “foreign” land. However this did not stop him from coming. In this scene we get a hint of what his mother maybe been like. Her kinsmen still respect her and care for her family. They care for her land and property, and now her son. We may see Okonkwo attempt to get closer with his past. Maybe reconnect with his mothers people, and decide to stay in this new land and not go back to his clan after the 7 years.

At the Mountains of Madness (Create Post Group 3)

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As we approached this foreign land the peaks of these monstrous mountains could be seen from miles away. Their bases hidden within the clouds, we drew closer to what we thought was land. Waves could be heard crashing along the coast line. Ice from glaciers falling off in the distance sounded like explosions from an enemy above. We had no idea what we were in for. Upon arrival, we noticed pieces of one of the planes sent the night before, scattered along the ice bed. Curious to find its source we began walking up the hills. Eventually one of the camp grounds was found nearly pulverized by snow build up and torn walls. The wind from the storm seemed to have completely destroyed our men’s shelter. Further down the hills we discovered the bodies of the dogs. None of them survived. It was extremely difficult to keep our personal emotions out of this situation especially when I discovered the bodies of six imperfect monstrosities buried in snow graves. I couldn’t tell the men about this, they would freak out. Who would possibly take the time to arrange these dead men like this? What was their motive? Were we next? I fear the safety of the remaining men, but we couldn’t let this stop us. The expedition must push forward in the name of science.

Within pages 100-104, the scientist began exploring new land. They discovered giant mountains, and the death of the men who left the day before. They were caught in a storm which may possibly be the cause of the destruction of the camp, and equipment. However something seemed off when the bodies of six men were discovered.

“The Dead” Clue Blog Post (Group 3)

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Originally in class the question as to “Why did everyone gather for Misses Morkan’s annual dance?”, was brought to light. When Gabriel began his speech in honor of Misses Morkan’s, this question is answered. “I wish from my heart it may do so for many and many a long years to come– the tradition of genuine warmhearted courteous–Irish hospitality, which our forefathers have handed down to us and which we in turn must hand down to our descendants, is still alive among us” (pg72). From Gabriel’s choice of words it seems that the annual dance has became a tradition within this community. The Morkan sisters, host this dance in order to pass down morals practiced by previous generations. Later in the speech Gabriel continues to  mention the “new generation” whom are actuated by new ideas and new principles. He believes due to the sceptical, thought-tormented age they live in, that this “new generation”, educated or hypereducated, may lack qualities of humanity, of hospitality, and kind humor, which belong to an older day. Misses Morkan’s annual dance however, give these kids (new generation) an opportunity to be surrounded by people of all ages, in hopes of influencing them to stay true to their kindhearted, people loving ways. The dance is the physical representation of the “old days” way of living and loving thy neighbor, still being practiced.

Evil within the wilderness (Young Goodman Brown)

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Hawthorne uses references of “evil” to help create a visual aid for readers within the climax of the story, when Goodman maddened with despair deep within the forest, to set the setting and mood of the story. Hawthorne described the forest to be “peopled with frightful sounds; the creaking of the trees, the howling of wild beasts, and the yell of Indians; while sometimes the wind tolled like a distant church-bell giving a broad roar around the traveler.” His description of the forest gave us a better understanding of the scenario Goodman is in. Goodman in a way was hurting himself by running further into the forest. Originally Goodman kept his faith, he was determined that the devil had no chance of turning him. However he began losing himself when the voices began taunting him. Out of desperation he looked up to the sky, doubting whether there really was a heaven above him. At this point Goodman lost sight to what was real or not. The evil within the forest finally managed to crack Goodman, and at any point he can completely give in and lose himself.

This sort of reminds me of McCandless death from “Into the Wild”. Not necessary for evil with supernatural events, but more about the evil and dangers of ones environment when desperate measures are taken. McCandless similar to Goodman, was put in a scenario were he questioned his ability to survive and his faith of a greater power. Because McCandless was starving, he was forced to eat wild berries that later turned out to be poisonous. However if he had waited just a couple more days with proper conservation of his supplies, McCandless might have survived. This reminds me of Goodman because, Goodman is at a point in the story were any decisions he makes might mean freedom from the devil or completely for fitting to evil. Goodman needs to push himself forward and maintain his faith even if it may seem as if he has ran out of corners to turn or places to hide.