The Wide, Wide World seems to examine parents as instructional tools. Ellen’s mother is her main guiding light, teaching her how to become the perfect lady as well as a high moral and spiritual code. Although Mrs. Montgomery is portrayed as a very loving mother she is also very stern with Ellen. Throughout the entire reading Ellen was reprimanded for showing too much emotion. Every time she began to cry her mother would tell her to that she should “try to compose [herself]” and that crying would only end up hurting both of them even more (p24). Mrs. Montgomery also strongly advised Ellen to put her full trust in the Lord and even told her that “if you love anybody or anything better than Jesus Christ, you cannot be one of his children.” (p51)
The text makes a clear division between mothers and fathers concerning sentiment and attachment to children. Mrs. Montgomery is always trying to keep her emotions level in order to consequently keep Ellen’s emotions level; however, she is deeply moved and sorrowed by the parting that the future brings. This affliction is evident in the scene where Mrs. Montgomery is trying to sleep on the night before Ellen must leave but lays in bed in vain and dread. The fact that Ellen must leave does not seem to bother Mr. Montgomery in the least. “He seemed very pleased” when he broke the news to his wife about finding a suitable acquaintance to take Ellen to Thirlwall. (p70). The most obvious division of mother and father lies in the love Ellen holds for the two of them. It seems as though she has no regard for her father and so much love for her mother that she is lovesick. At the very end of the reading, Ellen cannot even remember how she got into the carriage or for that matter saying goodbye to her father. The only thing that is plaguing her is the horror of leaving her mother.
Ellen perceives her mother in the highest esteem. When the old gentleman asks her if she would rather have something for herself or for her mother, Ellen retorts immediately with “Oh, for mamma, sir.” (p65) This is not a typical response of a young child but it is clear that Ellen really does put her mother before anything else in her own life.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Theories in Analyzing Children and Childhood Literature
In our recent readings, I have found many theories and common denominators used to explore and analyze children and childhood literature.
The first theory to keep in mind is that children’s literature is actually not written for the child; rather it is written as a reflection of the adult’s ideals and desires. In the Sanchez-Eppler article she articulates this thought in noting that “much of the most insightful work on children has seen childhood essentially as a discourse among adults.” This theory is evident in the story that we read of Rip Van Winkle who slept for twenty years and was rewarded by avoiding his overbearing wife Dame. Children have no conception of the struggles and difficulties that go hand-in-hand with a relationship, yet adults experience it on a daily basis.
The next important theory I saw in analyzing the readings was that a moral lesson must be present in the stories in order to teach and give merit to the future generations. MacLeod explains that “developing moral character of children was the object of much anxious attention in the period.” A good character was foiled with a bad character, and children were to draw from these obvious traits to learn the importance of obedience and morality.
The coinciding moral lesson was in direct relation to the political and social climate of the time; therefore, in the examination of children’s literature it is vital to keep in mind what was going on in America. “Stories to tell to children varied with these changes in perspective,” Sanchez-Eppler explained in correlation to changing American attitudes. Evolving from a Calvinistic perspective to a Jacksonian perspective, the essential values taught to children changed and was reflected in writings.
Another main theory that Sanchez-Eppler discusses is that children are “objects of socialization: taught to conform to social expectations.” I think that this is very different from the moral undertones of the stories because this theory explains how children are seen as objects and are essentially manipulated into believing conventional views of Americans.
Finally, it is key in analyzing children to recognize the fact that childhood is a thread that connects all people together. Sanchez-Eppler said it best when she phrased it by saying —“young will become old, and old once young.” This helps explain the sentiment and nostalgia tied to the memory of childhood. The commonality makes these works timeless.
The first theory to keep in mind is that children’s literature is actually not written for the child; rather it is written as a reflection of the adult’s ideals and desires. In the Sanchez-Eppler article she articulates this thought in noting that “much of the most insightful work on children has seen childhood essentially as a discourse among adults.” This theory is evident in the story that we read of Rip Van Winkle who slept for twenty years and was rewarded by avoiding his overbearing wife Dame. Children have no conception of the struggles and difficulties that go hand-in-hand with a relationship, yet adults experience it on a daily basis.
The next important theory I saw in analyzing the readings was that a moral lesson must be present in the stories in order to teach and give merit to the future generations. MacLeod explains that “developing moral character of children was the object of much anxious attention in the period.” A good character was foiled with a bad character, and children were to draw from these obvious traits to learn the importance of obedience and morality.
The coinciding moral lesson was in direct relation to the political and social climate of the time; therefore, in the examination of children’s literature it is vital to keep in mind what was going on in America. “Stories to tell to children varied with these changes in perspective,” Sanchez-Eppler explained in correlation to changing American attitudes. Evolving from a Calvinistic perspective to a Jacksonian perspective, the essential values taught to children changed and was reflected in writings.
Another main theory that Sanchez-Eppler discusses is that children are “objects of socialization: taught to conform to social expectations.” I think that this is very different from the moral undertones of the stories because this theory explains how children are seen as objects and are essentially manipulated into believing conventional views of Americans.
Finally, it is key in analyzing children to recognize the fact that childhood is a thread that connects all people together. Sanchez-Eppler said it best when she phrased it by saying —“young will become old, and old once young.” This helps explain the sentiment and nostalgia tied to the memory of childhood. The commonality makes these works timeless.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Letter of Introduction
My name is Lindsay, and I am from San Antonio, Texas. I am a Junior majoring in strategic communications and minoring in business. I decided to come to TCU because I had many friends who had gone here and loved it. I visited Fort Worth when I was in high school and fell in love with the city. If I were to be Chancellor of TCU I would create more parking for students, lower tuition, and allow sophomores to live off campus. I think that a good teacher is someone who is genuinely interested in the well-fare of his or her students and who is flexible and understanding. On the flip side, I think that a student needs to be responsible, mature, and keep up with his or her work on a consistent basis.
If I could have dinner with anyone, I would choose to dine with Jesus, Janis Joplin, and Andy Sandberg. These are all very different individuals who all spark my interest. Three important aspects about me are that I enjoy being around witty people with a good sense of humor, I procrastinate, and I am addicted to facebook. I hope to learn three things about everyone else, including: interests, opinions, and favorite pastimes of each individual.
I am taking this course as my last core credit and I hope to come out of it with a broader knowledge base of popular authors and works from the nineteenth century. I also think that this course will help me become more familiar and savvy when it comes to blogging.
I enjoy reading fantasy based novel outside of the classroom. The Harry Potter books are some of my favorites. I also prefer books that are light-hearted and humorous. I constantly read magazines and have a guilty pleasure for tabloids. My writings consist mostly of texting and e-mails outside of class. Although they are usually informal and between my friends or family, it drives me crazy when people utilize useless abbreviations or misuse grammar in texting. I think that my writing reflects my own personality and is unique.
I tried to put my own spin on this blog and personalize it in a well-rounded way as to capture my full personality and interests. I picked the blue, bubble background on my profile because I thought that it was the most conducive with what I like.
I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the syllabus.
If I could have dinner with anyone, I would choose to dine with Jesus, Janis Joplin, and Andy Sandberg. These are all very different individuals who all spark my interest. Three important aspects about me are that I enjoy being around witty people with a good sense of humor, I procrastinate, and I am addicted to facebook. I hope to learn three things about everyone else, including: interests, opinions, and favorite pastimes of each individual.
I am taking this course as my last core credit and I hope to come out of it with a broader knowledge base of popular authors and works from the nineteenth century. I also think that this course will help me become more familiar and savvy when it comes to blogging.
I enjoy reading fantasy based novel outside of the classroom. The Harry Potter books are some of my favorites. I also prefer books that are light-hearted and humorous. I constantly read magazines and have a guilty pleasure for tabloids. My writings consist mostly of texting and e-mails outside of class. Although they are usually informal and between my friends or family, it drives me crazy when people utilize useless abbreviations or misuse grammar in texting. I think that my writing reflects my own personality and is unique.
I tried to put my own spin on this blog and personalize it in a well-rounded way as to capture my full personality and interests. I picked the blue, bubble background on my profile because I thought that it was the most conducive with what I like.
I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the syllabus.
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