Final Friday

Yep, today marks the beginning of the last weekend before my first finals week of grad school. I started working on my second take-home exam earlier this afternoon. I wrote a short (2 1/2 pages) essay on Lord Byron's Don Juan, Canto I (1819). It was a character analysis of Donna Julia. I've got two other essays to write for the exam, one on Percy Shelley's The Cenci and the other on the poetry of John Keats, whom we're concluding the semester with. (As I did with the first exam, I'll post and discuss my answers to these questions here sometime next week.) We'll finish up our discussion of Keats Monday night, and the in-class final exam will be Wednesday night. I'm not terribly nervous about it. I've done my reading and basically get it. Speaking of Keats, author of "Ode on a Grecian Urn (1819)," he died sick and lonely in 1821 at the tender age of 25. I know that's a little heavy for a Friday, so I'll try to end this post on a decidedly lighter note: I received my first Google AdSense check today. $102.87! I'm not sure what I'll do with it yet, but I'm very happy about that. It's the beginning of a (hopefully) successful business enterprise.

More Feelings On My Grade and Professor's Comments

Last night I said that I felt my grade on my research paper was a fair one and that I got what I deserved. As for Dr. K's comments, I agree with what he had to say-- there were a few things I could've done differently and/or better. For example, he didn't like how I previewed each section at the end of the previous one. I get where he's coming from on that front. Also, he criticized my lack of focus and the fact that the questions I posed in my thesis were very broad. Once again, guilty as charged. I need to strive to be more concrete as opposed to somewhat abstract. Finally, he felt that I could've developed certain points a bit more. I'm not trying to make excuses, but I think the time factor was a big issue here. Had this been a "normal" 16-week semester, I could've taken eight weeks to do research and then another three or four weeks to actually write the danged paper. All things considered, I'm pleased with the results of this endeavor. I've had fun this summer. Besides, we still have our second take-home exam and final to do. I could easily get As on those assignments and pull an A out of the class. Furthermore, I could re-edit this sucker in order to make it grad assistant application worthy by October, when the app is due. You've gotta take the good with the bad, and that's what I'm doing. To be perfectly honest, I don't want to talk about the danged paper anymore. It's done and over with. Time to move on to bigger and better things!

My Final Grade & Some Other Stuff

Well, folks, I had class tonight, and the moment of truth did indeed arrive. Leading up to that moment-- the tail-end of class-- I felt like a proverbial lamb to the slaughter. I got my paper back. Okay, here goes: I made a B. This is what Dr. K had to say: "Very good energy, but poor focus. This is too much a Wikipedia-style discussion pitched to people who have never heard of Paine, one that thus ends up saying a little bit about everything but not much about anything. Good job engaging your sources, but you go overboard with it, cramming in quote after quote, seeming to find everything equally interesting and relevant. In fact I do often find this informative. But you need to establish a much clearer line of argument and set of priorities, so that you're not just, in effect, dumping all your research on the reader's desk, in no particular order." Overall, I think this was a fair grade and assessment of my work. It's not perfect, but it's above average. I can certainly live with that! In tomorrow's post, I'll discuss the preceding comments-- along with my feelings about them-- in a much more in-depth manner. I'm way too tired (and oddly relieved!) to do that right now. In non-sequitur news, today was my parents' sort-of 30th wedding anniversary. (The sort-of part is a whole separate post.) That said, happy sort-of anniversary, Mom and Dad!

The Presentation (Subtitled: I'm Still Alive!)

Last night was my big research paper presentation. Obviously, I survived. I was the second person called to sit in the "hot seat," so I didn't have that much time to get super-nervous. Anyway, I read my thesis and some Paine background info verbatim and then summarized the main points of the paper. Overall, it was well received by my prof and classmates. At least I think so. I got a big round of applause and mostly positive feedback from the peanut gallery, so I suppose that's a good sign. They seemed to especially like my conclusion and little comparison of Paine and arch-rival Edmund Burke to Keith Olbermann and Bill O'Reilly. They all laughed when I made that analogy, so I must have made a basically successful presentation. After my 15 minutes of fame was up, Dr. K called my work "very informed." That made me feel a lot better. Now, I just have to wait for the moment of truth-- finding out my grade-- which will probably occur sometime next week. Y'all keep your fingers crossed!

Greetings from Research Paper Heaven!

Well, folks, I survived my "trial by fire." Of course, I'm referring to the writing of my research paper. I'm getting ready to present it tonight. Actually, I just got finished with my "Works Cited" page. I swear, citing sources is the worst part of the whole ordeal. Anywho, as I promised y'all over the weekend, I'll share that experience tomorrow-- if I survive!

Conclusion: Who Was Thomas Paine, and Why Does He Still Matter?

The following is the conclusion to my big research paper. I'd like to add that the introduction/thesis I posted on here about a week ago is much different now, thanks to some eleventh-hour revisions. Incidentally, as a result of said revisions, the paper's length now totals 13 1/4 pages.
Conclusion:
So, who was Thomas Paine anyway? Simply put, he was a writer, self-taught scholar, philosopher, spin doctor, and revolutionary. A more complex answer is necessary, however, to answer this question. Paine was a man who was misunderstood, even ostracized, in his own time. Essentially a man without a country, Paine was banished from his native England, contributed intellectually to-- and subsequently questioned-- a revolution in France, and helped found America through his pen. His ideas regarding equality, justice, diplomacy, and economics are nothing less than prophetic. He dared to say what needed to be said and endured harsh punishment for doing so. Besides being the author of literary and political masterpieces, including Common Sense, The Rights of Man, and The Age of Reason, Paine laid the groundwork for generations of progressives and freethinkers on an international scale. For this, he is simultaneously a true American hero and citizen of the world. Most importantly, Paine is a genuine original whose unparalleled life must be studied in order to understand the current national and global situation.
This leads to a second question-- why does Paine matter? Answer: He matters, because everything that is happening now would not be possible without him. Just as 1776-- the year of the American Revolution-- was a year of change, so was 2008. And, in the same sense that Paine made the Revolution possible, he made the outcome of the 2008 presidential election a reality. To an extent, President Barack Obama owes his victory to Paine's courage to broach the race issue. Had individuals such as Paine not spoken out about the necessity of equality and freedom for all human beings over two centuries ago, Obama could never have become president. Paine's relevance to current events goes far deeper, though. This relevance can be traced all the way back to those immortal words Paine wrote in The Crisis: "These are times that try men's souls." The Crisis was written during a trying time in America's history. Today, the nation is enduring involvement in multiple unpopular wars and an economic crisis, but through the application of common sense principles, diplomacy, and a can-do optimism tempered with no-nonsense rationalism, its current commander-in-chief is invoking Paine's ideals in order to solve these problems. Thus, Obama is, in a sense, giving credit where credit is due vis-a-vis his handling of latent crises and essentially salvaging Paine's legacy. This is precisely why Paine still matters.

Notes on the Completion of My Big Research Paper

Well, folks, I finally finished my big research paper (12 1/2 pages!) this afternoon. I came up with a rather interesting conclusion regarding Paine's importance. I told my mom about it, and she called my argument, "fresh and intelligent and 'never been done before'." Okay, I feel better about this whole thing-- I pleased one of my toughtest critics. lol! (I think I'm probably my worst.) So, all things considered, pleasing Dr. K and my classmates will more than likely be a piece o' cake! I have to present this sucker Monday night. Of course, I'll discuss that with y'all Tuesday.

Big Changes on the Way?

Alright, I found out today that things are really going to turn around for the better at the radio station. I don't know exactly what these changes will be, but I'm pretty excited. This could mean that my job situation might turn around. Of course, I'm busting my butt to get a grad assistantship at EIU for the spring 2010 semester. That would be a really positive big change!

Greetings from Research Paper Purgatory!

Okay, I'm almost finished with my dang research paper. I wrote the bulk of the sucker today. All I've got to do with it now is wrap things up and come up with something witty for the conclusion. Thus, I'm currently in that place known as "Research Paper Purgatory"-- an awkward limbo state between tearing my hair out and breathing a big ole sigh of relief. I plan on getting out of there tomorrow. I have the conclusion in my head. Now, it's just a matter of getting it onto paper. To be perfectly honest, that can at times be a lot easier said than done in the Ashleyverse. After I type the last word, I'll probably proofread/edit the sucker with characteristic crazy, obsessive-compulsive zeal.

Will Work for Change.

As y'all have probably figured out already, I'm a little dissatisfied with my work situation. I tend to base my self-worth on how work is going. The fact of the matter is that this has been the case since I waited tables and washed dishes at Pizza Hut back in high school. In other words, my work is my identity. If I don't work, I'm nothing as far as I'm concerned. Having a fulfilling job gives me a sense of dignity. (I tend to come by this quite honestly, for I'm very much my father's daughter when it comes to work ethic. I'm not saying that's necessarily a good/bad thing, depending on how you look at it.) Right now, I'm questioning whether it's been worth it to even work at all this summer, given the whole funding situation. I keep telling myself that this is only temporary and that I'm doing some good for somebody out there. I know things are going to change, but I also know that I'm going to have to work hard to make those changes happen-- just like our president says. I want to ultimately parlay this philosophy into my own public service career. Dare I say it-- I'm feeling inspired. I've gotta get going, 'cause I've got a job to do, a paper to write, and a life to live. On a totally unrelated topic, I'm feeling really physically sore. What's that all about? I think it has something to do with my workout regimen. I'm probably overdoing it, like with everything else. It could more than likely be attributed to the powerwalking. (I do a lot of climbing up and down hills-- literally and metaphorically-- along my route.) In other completely non-sequitur news, today is my cousin Matthew's 21st birthday. Happy b'day, Matt! Party hard (but not too hard-- you probably have class tomorrow).

Greetings from Research Paper Hell!

Well, folks, I have officially touched the flames of "Research Paper Hell!" Hmm... I wonder what level Dante would place me in. LOL! Yes, I'm feeling very infernal right now. Still, I think that at this point, there's hope I'll make it out the other side and redeem myself with a decent paper. I'm about half-way finished writing the dang thing, so perhaps by tomorrow, I'll be upgraded to "Research Paper Purgatory." Needless to say, the second I finish this sucker will be absolutely heavenly. (Excuse all these cornball religious metaphors. It's just that I'm so deeply entrenched in all that Romanticism stuff atm. Not that I'm complaining-- I actually love it.) Okay, I need to be a good girl (if possible) and get my paper written.

What Really Happened 40 Years Ago Today?

Yeah, today is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. We've all been told that astronaut Neil Armstrong, as he stepped onto the moon's surface on July 20, 1969, uttered "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Now, however, there is speculation that Buzz Aldrin spoke the very first words on this excursion. Okay, enough with all this trivia stuff. I have to focus on my excursion to the Ashleyverse a.k.a. going to school. Perhaps this could be a leap (or, in my case, trip) for womankind. LOL!

The Life and Times of Thomas Paine: A Thesis Statement

Well, folks, I wrote my thesis statement today. So, here it is!

Who was Thomas Paine? More importantly, why does he matter to today's literary and political discussions? In order to answer these questions, one should first examine Paine's background. Secondly, Paine's writings-- especially Common Sense, The Rights of Man, and The Age of Reason-- need to be studied in the context of the Romantic Period and the historical events that shaped it as a whole. Also, Paine should be compared and contrasted to his contemporaries within the Romantic Movement. In addition, Paine's designation as one of the more controversial figures of his day needs to be examined. Another angle one must explore is the fact that Paine died in obscurity, but his ideas are enjoying a resurgence of popularity in the wake of current events. Finally, a study of each of these facets of Paine's life will lead one to understand why he is still important to post-modern public discourse and relevant to everything that is happening now. Thomas Paine does still matter; in fact, he is probably more important 200 years after his death than he ever was in life.

How My Research Paper's Coming Along

Well, I started (sort of) working on my research paper today. I did some preliminary research and came up with the title: "Who Was Thomas Paine, and Why Does He Still Matter Today?: Evaluating Paine's Role in the Romantic Movement and His Relevance to Current Events". Catchy, right? Anyway, I'm a little anxious about the whole thing. I feel like now that I'm in grad school, the stakes are a lot higher, plus I have to present this sucker to my professor and classmates. Maybe I'm just being hypercritical of myself-- as usual. I know I can do this. I will survive "Research Paper Hell!"

Self-Esteem Exercises

I just got home from a workshop at the college. The first half of the day, we listened to and participated in a presentation by the Southern Illinois Professional Development Center called "Are We Ever Going to Use This?: Making Sense of Algebra Using a Hands-On Approach." During this presentation, we learned that algebraic principles foster an environment of fairness, justice, balance, and equality and that the discipline is an excellent problem-solving tool. (Y'know, if my math teachers had used this angle, I might actually like math now!) Anyway, the second half of the day was devoted to a SIPDC workshop entitled "Encouraging Your Students to Increase Self-Esteem-- Creating the Climate." Here, we did various interactive self-esteem exercises that can be adapted for the classroom. One of these exercises was writing an "I Am" poem. Below is the one I wrote.

"I Am..."

By Me

I am a teacher

I wonder how I can create change

I hear about problems

I see solutions

I want to be part of the solution

I am a teacher

I pretend that the world is perfect

I feel frustrated sometimes

I touch people in my own unique way

I worry about things I know I cannot change

I cry occasionally for no particular reason

I am a teacher

I understand that I can't change the world by myself

I say "yes" when others say "no"

I dream that I will make a difference

I try to accept what I cannot control

I hope I'm helping someone

I am a teacher

Uplifting, huh?

In Conclusion...

Things have been a little iffy in the Ashleyverse, to say the least. I think the situation is starting to stabilize, though. I'm getting stuff (read: employment options) lined up for the fall. On top of that, school's going great. I'm so glad I decided to go back. In Romanticism, we finished up our discussion of Lord Byron last night. He was basically the Michael Jackson of his day-- a classic case of image and scandal superceding art and talent. How sad! (BTW, we read Byron's poem Don Juan, Canto 1-- not my favorite thing I've ever read.) Next, we're going to talk about the Shelleys, Frankenstein author Mary and hubby Percy Bysshe, who wrote The Cenci (1819), a controversial, scandalous play that we're going to read. Can't wait! In the fall, I'm taking 18th-century Restoration British Literature. Did I mention that already? Anyway, I'm feeling a lot better about everything than I did at the beginning of the summer. I have a direction! Now, if I can just get my man situation straightened out... .

My Personal Experience with Byronic Heroism

Yesterday I discussed the characteristics of the Byronic hero. It turns out that there might be one inhabiting the Ashleyverse-- my dad. He's back in town after being in Wyoming for the past three weeks. I love the man to death, but he's kind of a pain in the derriere sometimes. Also, my brother's in town this week. I swear, I couldn't imagine life without those two, but they drive me nuckin' futs! Dad and Hoss' comings and goings are a bit stressful, especially considering what we're going through with my sister. Even so, I'm grateful that I have a strong support network of family and friends. Still, I'm dying to get a job in Chucktown-- preferably through the university-- and finish my master's degree and get on with my life. I love my family, but I also value my sanity. I suppose one way I could view my situation is that I have training in dealing with strange, difficult people-- particularly weird men.

My First Assignment Grade, Among Other News O' the Day

This just in: I got my first paper back last night, and I got a B on it. Dr. Kilgore said I was "a bit rambling and impressionistic" in my analyses. Imagine that! Oh, well, I guess that's still a pretty decent grade. I shouldn't be so hard on myself!
In more important news, the GOP is wigging out over the more-than-likely confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor, who would be the first Hispanic on the U.S. Supreme Court. Repubs are having a field day with Sotomayor's "wise Latina" remark, which they claim reflects racial bias, and her alleged liberal agenda. Just like with so much else nowadays, I think it's a whole lot of media hype.
Speaking of media hype, we're studying the life and writings of playboy aristocrat/radical politician/darkly Romantic poet George Gordon a.k.a. Lord Byron (1788-1824) in class this week. Dr. K likened the 19th-century buzz surrounding Byron-- a notorious rake, rogue, and rambler-- to the media hype that surrounds celebrities such as Michael Jackson. (Byron even reportedly had a thing for little boys.) Interestingly, for all his accomplishments, wealth, and fame, Byron died miserable at age 36. In fact, his poem "On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year (1824)" is practically a cry for help/suicide note. Perhaps Byron's biggest literary accomplishment was his creation of the Byronic hero character. A Byronic hero is an anti-hero. That is, he isn't necessarily a bad person and has some redeeming qualities but is flawed, strange, narcissistic, and deeply troubled. Talk about art imitating life!
BTW, I found out today that I will more than likely be getting some more work at the radio station come September. What a relief!

The Continuation of My Search for Better Employment

Alright, things just aren't happening fast enough for me in Olney. So, when I go to to school today, I'm going to the Writing Center and Booth Library to fill out job applications. One of those jobs-- along with the newspaper gig-- would be awesome. As always, I'll keep y'all posted.

Commentary on Lonesome Dove Marathon

Howdy, folks! Well, Pork Day '09 was a regular blast. lol! More importantly, I'm gearing up to watch CMT's big 20th anniversary Lonesome Dove marathon. This award-winning, four-part miniseries first aired on CBS in the winter of '89 and has been a Waggoner family fave ever since. Based on the novel by Texan Larry McMurtry-- author of Terms of Endearment (another novel-turned-classic film)-- Lonesome Dove is the epic story of former Texas Rangers Capt. Augustus "Gus" McCrae (Robert Duvall) and Capt. Woodrow F. Call (Tommy Lee Jones)-- residents of the eponymous bordertown in the 1880s-- and a cattle drive that changes their lives forever. Below, I will comment on the series' four installments.
Pt. I: Leaving-- Here, we are introduced to the two principal characters. We also get to meet the supporting players. And they're an eclectic bunch! There's Pea Eye (Tim Scott), an old friend of the captains. Then, there's former slave Joshua Deets (Danny Glover). In addition, we meet Miss Lorena Wood (Diane Lane in her first grown-up role), a whore-with-a-heart-of-gold who loves Gus. Former child star Rick Schroder grows into adulthood as Newt Dobbs, a young cowboy whose paternity is questioned throughout the film. Is Capt. Call Newt's father? Stay tuned. The storyline really gets going when old friend Jake Spoon (the late Robert Urich) appears on the South Texas ranch and regales his buddies with tales of the "cattlemen's paradise" that is the Montana Territory a.k.a. "Big Sky Country." This sparks something in the ambitious Capt. Call, and he becomes tunnel-visioned about building the first cattle ranch in Montana. As for laid-back Capt. McCrae, he's interested for another reason: his former sweetheart, Clara, who is now married and living en route to Montana in Nebraska. There are various subplots brewing as well, including the bizarro marital situation of pushover Sheriff of Fort Smith, Arkansas, July Johnson (awesome name, BTW!), played by great character actor Chris Cooper, and his miserable-- not to mention preggers-- wife, Elmira (Glenne Headly)-- who still carries a torch for a former flame who also, incidentally, now lives in Nebraska. (Thanks to this subplot, we get a glimpse of a young and gloriously icky Steve Buscemi.) The greatest scene in Pt. I is the breakfast scene in which an intense, lively conversation provides us with insight into the main characters' psyches and sets the tone for the rest of the movie. One thing I find really intriguing is how Mexican cook Bolivar is an apparently minor character, but the story of life on the ranch seems to be told through his eyes. Also, the other characters view Bol as an equal.
Pt. II: On the Trail-- This episode opens with a funeral scene, one of several. Following the burial, Capt. Call tells the youngsters, Newt, Dish Boggett (D.B. Sweeney), and Jasper (who is that guy?), something like, "The best way to deal with death is to ride away from it."-- a fave line. (The deceased is a young Irishman about the same age as Newt, Dish, and Jasper. Side note: Young Sean's death scene used to give my little brother night terrors.) The best part of Pt. II, IMHO, is when Call and McCrae are in San Antonio and Gus rides down to a grove of pecan trees by a lil' creek that he calls "Clara's Orchard." Call finds him, and subtly hilarious-- and very revealing-- dialogue ensues. This scene is beautiful because we get to see just how much Gus loves Clara. From this point on, we'll be introduced to some rather unsavory characters, especially half-breed outlaw Blue Duck, menacingly portrayed by Frederic Forrest.
Pt. III: The Plains-- By far, this installment is the best. The crew finally makes it to the Great Plains, where Gus is reunited with the "still pretty and sassy" Clara, played to perfection by the incomparable Anjelica Huston. So much happens in Pt. III that I would have to write a full dissertation to share my feelings on it with y'all. I will say this, however: The awkward exchanges between Clara and Woodrow-- whom Clara openly "despises" for separating her from Gus, her true love-- are priceless. Huston delivers some of the best lines spoken by a female character in cinematic history. We also say good-bye to two characters, one beloved and the other we come to view with ambivalence.
Pt. IV: Return-- In the series' conclusion, what's left of the entourage enters the Montana Territory. Since I'm not one to supply spoilers, all I'll divulge is that we will ultimately bid farewell to one of our best-loved new celluloid friends. Warning: This is a tearjerker.
Alright, it's time for me to say, "Adios, y'all!" My movie marathon just started, and I want to enjoy every last bit of it.

Pork Day: A Peculiar Annual Ritual in the Ashleyverse

Yep, another freakin' early Saturday morning post. (It seems like I have a lot of those.) Anywho, I'm headed down to Albion, Illinois, with my mom and possibly sis for Pork Day '09. It's a time-honored family tradition that takes place every Saturday after Independence Day. It's basically a celebration of America, Southern Illinois, agriculture, and family values. We gather at my 91-year-old great-grandma's house in the morning and sit out in the front yard and watch a parade. Then, we stop by the local fairgrounds to procure our annual meal: porkchops, corndogs, baked potatoes, bread 'n' butter, etc.-- everything a figure-conscious gal loves! The rest of the day, we hang out and shoot the breeze. It's a good ole time, let me tell ya. In order to commemorate this occasion, I will share an excerpt from William Blake's Visions of the Daughters of Albion (1793). (Albion is an ancient name for England, and Albion, Illinois, is a very English settlement-- in more ways than one.) Actually, this poem is about the repression of women in a Puritanical society. Trust me, if y'all knew my mom's upbringing, you'd understand. I know the women in my family, especially my mom and Aunt Cindy, will get a big ole kick out of this. So, here goes:

Visions of the Daughters of Albion

ENSLAV'D, the Daughters of Albion weep: a trembling lamentation

Upon their mountains; in their valleys. sighs toward America.

Source: Blake, William. Visions of the Daughters of Albion. 1793. Excerpted from The Longman Anthology of British Literature, Volume 2A: The Romantics and Their Contemporaries, p. 198. Ed. by Damrosch, David and Kevin J.H. Dettmar. New York, San Francisco, Boston, London, Toronto, Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, Madrid, Mexico City, Munich, Paris, Cape Town, Hong Kong, and Montreal: Pearson Education, Inc., 2006.

Spots of Time

I've been discussing and writing about Wordsworth and his "spots of time" concept a lot lately. It's really gotten me thinking. When I get stressed out, I try to think about all the happy moments and memories in my life, especially those from my childhood. This week they've been showing Lonesome Dove (1989) on CMT. It's a Western and set partially in South Texas, so my family has always watched it at least once a year. Sometimes we'll even do a weekend marathon. Anyway, seeing this miniseries and remembering how much fun my family and I have watching it together is one of my personal "spots of time." BTW, I think I'll discuss this movie here later this weekend. I hear they're supposed to run a marathon on Sunday.

My Answers to Those Burning Essay Questions

Well, folks, I successfully completed my first grad school essay exam. For the first section of the test, I said that the Samuel Johnson poem-- "On the Death of Dr. Robert Levet"-- was an example of 18th-century Neo-Classicism, with its strict adherence to poetic style conventions and pretentious tone. The Wordsworth poem-- "Extempore Effusion on the Death of James Hogg"-- on the other hand, is characteristically written in a 19th-century Romanticist manner, with its nature and religious imagery, as well as its cast of "common-folk" characters. To answer the second question, I discussed Blake's "The Chimney Sweeper" from Songs of Innocence and "London" from his companion work-- Songs of Experience. Lastly, I wrote about the "spots of time" concept in Wordsworth's The Prelude and then related the concept to three of his other poems: "I wandered lonely as a cloud," The Old Cumberland Beggar, and "Strange fits of passion I have known." Ultimately, I concluded that Wordsworth's message is that life is tough, and we must savor life's simple pleasures in order to pull us through. Boy, I'm sure glad that's over! Next on the agenda is to survive "Research Paper Hell."

Take-Home Essay Questions

Here are the questions I answered for my very first grad school take-home exam. The test was divided up into three sections, and we were instructed to answer one out of two or three prompts out of each. Tomorrow I'll discuss my answers to the three questions I selected to write about.
I. General perspectives and tendencies:
How does the contrast between "On the Death of Dr. Robert Levet" and "Extempore Effusion on the Death of James Hogg" epitomize the differences of the two literary eras, Neo-Classic and Romantic, eigteenth and nineteenth centuries?
II. Blake:
Discuss Innocence and Experience, showing how each perspective or spiritual state has positive aspects but is finally insufficient. For your examples of Innocence, use "The Chimney Sweeper" or "The Little Black Boy" or both. For your examples of Experience, use "London" or "The Chimney Sweeper" or both.
III. Wordsworth:
Making appropriate reference to The Prelude, explain what "spots of time" are, then relate the concept to at least three other poems of Wordsworth.
Wow, right? If y'all think that stuff's insane, you should read my answers!

Positive Happenings in the Ashleyverse

Oh, yes, there's good vibes in the Ashleyverse today. My first column will be published in today's edition of the DEN. Also, I get my first paycheck of the summer (finally!) on Friday. I guess if there's a downside to all this, it's that I have to write three essays for a take-home exam this evening. (Yuck! Oh, well, at least I enjoy the subject matter.) Other than that, things are on a definite upswing in the Ashleyverse.

Constructive Criticism

Okay, I got my proposal back from Dr. John Kilgore, my lit. pofessor, and it was returned with some very interesting comments. I thought I'd post them for my readers' amusement.

Dr. Kilgore's "Constructive Criticism":

'A potentially very good project I think but a bit dangerously diffuse at present. In the first paragraph you pose four questions but leave all of them floating or hanging without subordinating one to the other or interconnecting them. Better to decide which ONE is your real question and let the others (insofar as they fit) be subordinated to them and generated out of them in a logical way, not just turned to seemingly at random.

E.g., if "Was Paine a Romantic?" is your central question, then the next logical question might be "What's a Romantic?," "For example look at Blake"-- and the comparison to Blake would have a more specific edge and relevance. You'd be doing it not just to do it but by way of developing the larger question, what is romantic and what's not in Paine.

The first question "Why was Paine so controversial?" seems so broad maybe it doesn't belong here? To a great extent it's simply a non-question (he was expressly and deliberately a revolutionary, so of course he had to be controversial). It could be a guiding question I suppose if you intended to show that many of his ideas were actually accepted when others espoused them, or if you intended this as a reflection on the nature of controversy-- but right now it doesn't seem well-related to the other questions.

I don't think the Songs of Innocence will give you much insight into Blake's political views, at all. Better to turn to secondary sources for that I think, starting with the Blake Dictionary, then perhaps introductory studies of the period.

BTW, if you wanted to simplify, I think "Blake and Pained" could be a perfectly good topic, though you'd need to be sure you went well beyond what Damon [author of primary course text] already gives us. But the topic might well lead to a focused and do-able journals search. Ending up with 5 or 6 articles on the two as your research base could be a good position to be in, if the articles are full and authoritative and more recent than Damon...'

My Interpretation: I think what Dr. K is saying is that I need to pare this sucker waayy down. So, that's what I'm going to do. Wow! My thinking is "a bit dangerously diffuse (read: all over the place)." Shocking, right?

Palin's Resignation and "Higher Calling"

Have y'all heard the latest news about Sarah Palin? Yes, she's resigning from the Alaska governorship, as well as writing her memoir. She's also mentioned following a "higher calling." Political analysts are saying that this really hurts her chances in terms of pursuing the presidency in 2012. Now, Palin is claiming that she's a "victim of the 'liberal' media"-- a la Miss California. That's going hurt her more than anything in the long run. As for her "higher calling," she's hinted in recent interviews that she "wants to unite the country along conservative lines." The trouble with that is that America is a strongly centrist nation. (For the record, President Obama is also a definite centrist.) Perhaps Sarah realizes that she may not be able to juggle politics, marriage, and caring for a special-needs child. Interestingly, my mom told me that she watched a snippet of one of those aforementioned interviews and that Sarah seemed "manic." I haven't seen said snippet, but I'll have to check it out somewhere such as YouTube.

Happy Birthday, America!

Yep, today's the Fourth of July. I'm not doing a whole lot. Actually, just like Memorial Day was, the weather is rainy and icky-- not conducive to a fireworks spectacular and/or outdoor BBQ extravaganza. Oh, well, there's other ways to get into the patriotic mood. I think we're just going to have all-American hotdogs over at my mom's house later on today. I might even get on Yahoo!Music.com and watch some vintage patriotic videos, particularly Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." and John Mellencamp's "Pink Houses." I may possibly drink a Budweiser or two. Yeah, I know it's kinda corny, but dang it, I really love my country right now!

Silver Anniversary of a Very Important Event in the Ashleyverse

Twenty-five years ago today, something very special happened in the Ashleyverse. On July 3, 1984, I became a big sister, when my "baby" brother-- Austin Bailey Waggoner-- was born at Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. Today, he works on oil rigs in Pennsylvania. He's in town today, and we're celebrating with a big ole Texas-style steak dinner this evening. (My mom still bakes him a Texas chocolate sheetcake, complete with little cowboy and Indian figurines, every year!) Happy birthday, Hoss. We're proud of you, and we love you!

Speaking of Pennsylvania, the first week of July also marks the anniversary of two decisive Civil War battles-- Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Vicksburg, Mississippi. Accordingly, I've written an apropos Suite101 article. As always, I'll supply y'all with the critical info.

Title:"Vicksburg and Gettysburg: Two Civil War Battles That Ensured Union Victory in July, 1863"
Teaser: During the first half of the Civil War, things went badly for the Union Army. In July, 1863, however, two important battles would turn the tide in the North's favor...
Link: http://www.suite101.com/writer_articles.cfm/obamagirl08

Summer 2009 Editorial

Howdy, y'all! Remember when I mentioned something about basing my next Olney Daily Mail editorial on the seven principles that promote true patriotism, which are outlined in A Handbook for American Revolutionaries? Well, folks, here it is.

The Obama Presidency Quarterly, Summer 2009 Issue:

As we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of our nation's inception-- otherwise known as the Fourth of July-- I'm reading a very timely book, Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries (Simon & Schuster, 2008). In this book, author Naomi Wolf argues that what has passed for patriotism during the last eight years-- flag-waving jingoism (hyper-nationalistic reactionary-ism) disguised as Christianity-- is anything but. She also discusses seven principles that, when applied, promote true patriotism. These principles, outlined in "Part II: Core Values (p. 91-214)" of Give Me Liberty, are:

1.) We are required to speak freely.

2.) We have a duty to rebel continually against injustice and oppression.

3.) Ordinary people are supposed to run things.

4.) Americans cherish the rule of law.

5.) America establishes no God.

6.) Americans deliberate with their neighbors; we disagree without violence.

7.) Liberty is universal: America cannot maintain an oppressive empire.

In a sense, the Obama presidency is proving itself to be revolutionary. First, the American people spoke freely in 2008 and elected Barack Obama to be their leader via an unprecedented grassroots, Internet-facilitated campaign. Secondly, in doing so, we rebelled against the injustice and oppression of a tyrannical oligarchy (government led by the privileged elite) with no respect for the U.S. Constitution-- especially the Bill of Rights, no checks-and-balances system, and a fondness for detrimental legislation (e.g. the so-called "Patriot Act"). Thirdly, our current commander-in-chief came from humble beginnings, has empathy for the disadvantaged, and is a genuine intellect, unlike his predecessor, who, to quote the late, great former Governor of Texas Ann Richards, was "born with a silver foot in his mouth." Also, President Obama and his cabinet are upholding the rule of law by way of full disclosure and transparency. Furthermore, Obama has almost single-handedly saved America from becoming a theocratic state ruled by fundamentalist religion-- a la Iran-- and has brought about a cease-fire of sorts to the culture war that has divided us for far too long. (Incidentally, there is absolutely no constitutionally mandated religious litmus test for political candidates.) In addition, the president has improved our image on the world stage through diplomacy with various nations-- friendly and not-- including: Israel, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Cuba, North and South Korea, China, Turkey, Russia, Germany, Lebanon, Egypt, and France. Finally, Obama wants to end U.S. occupation of Iraq by late 2011-- an action that will eventually lead to the end of American imperialism in the Middle East. As a result of the application of all seven of these principles, we, the people, have preserved our rights and freedoms. More importantly, we have ensured that we will remain the constitutional republic/liberal democracy that the Founding Fathers intended us to be.

Patriotism Quotes:

"My country is the world, and my religion to do good."-- Thomas Paine-- excerpted from The Rights of Man (Ch. V)."

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place is proud of him."-- Abraham Lincoln

"Do not... regard the critics as questionable patriots. What were Washington and Jefferson and Adams but profound critics of the colonial status quo?"-- Adlai Stevenson

(This piece will be published either today or tomorrow on the ODM Website. You can read it-- as well as corresponding readers' comments-- at http://www.olneydailymail.com/opinions/letters_to_the_editor. Should be interesting!)

Thoughts on Troop Withdrawal and Other News

In world news, it's the day after the withdrawal of U.S. forces from urban areas of Iraq. There has been violence associated with this, especially in the city of Kirkuk. The truth of the matter is that it's time to let Iraq begin to become a sovereign nation. We can't be the world's moral police. Now, President Obama must deal with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Poor guy. Oh, well, that's what happens when our democratically elected public servants only look out for their own best interests.
In Ashleyverse news, I've been chatting online with this mystery man from Maysville, Kentucky, over the past few days. Actually, he's not all that mysterious to me anymore. His name is Josh, and he's a 34-year-old Navy brat and a criminal justice major at the University of Louisville. He read my review of the obscure-but-wonderful film Inside Moves (1980) after finding a link to this blog that I posted on the movie's message board at IMDb.com. Hmm... this could be interesting. I'll stick around and see which direction it goes. (FYI, I looked up Maysville on wikipedia and discovered that the town, located in the Northeastern corner of the Bluegrass State, near Lexington and the West Virginia border, was the site of a slave auction witnessed by Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1833. Years later, this experience would serve as a backdrop for Stowe's incendiary, best-selling expose of the slave trade-- Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852).)