Elizabeth Milonas
Dr. Ellis
Understanding Literature 101.16
2 October 2013
PRIDE
In
Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” John Ciardi’s “Suburban,” Thomas
Lynch’s “Liberty,” and the meditation class I partook in on Monday night, all involve
the common theme of pride. Specifically, Poe demonstrates how Montresor’s
obsession with his pride comes between his friendship with Fortunato and
eventually leads to murder. Ciardi demonstrates the insignificance of proving
himself correct and swallowing his pride because he does not care what his neighbor
thinks of him (or his dog). Lynch doesn’t care what others think of him and will
“piss on the front lawn/ as a force of freedom,” establishing a strong sense of
self-pride. Dr. Davis’ Zen meditation class also lets you focus on yourself
without the interference of others. This enables you to build a stronger sense
of self.
Edgar
Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” explains how a person can be so obsessed
with their own pride that it drives them to ghastly circumstances. Montresor’s
extreme interpretation of Fortunato’s comment created a monster inside of him
that caused him to murder his friend. The incredible sense of pride and
superiority that he feels produced this inhumanly action. Poe writes of
Montresor’s harsh thoughts: “I must not only punish, but punish with impunity.”
Fortunato had insulted Montresor, and instead of taking it all in stride, or
lightheartedly, it drove him to unimaginable circumstances. More interestingly,
he doesn’t even feel ashamed by committing this horrific crime—even after fifty
years.
In
“Suburban,” John Ciardi’s personality shines through. It is understood that his
high self-assurance and pride enables him to take the blame for things that
aren’t his. To take guilt for something that you can prove easily is not your
fault is a major deal. This shows how comfortable he is with himself that he
does not need to prove anything to anyone. Ciardi explains that “My dog, as it
happened,/ was in Vermont with my son who had gone fishing.” Yet even so, “I
went with a spade” over to Mrs. Friar’s home.
Thomas
Lynch’s “Liberty” explains the concept of pride as well. In this case, Lynch
clarifies his strong pride and self-confidence because he doesn’t conform to
society. He explains that “some nights I go out and piss on the front lawn” and
he does so without any problem. He does not care what others think of him,
which clarifies how relaxed he is with himself. There is no need to justify his
actions to anyone and he knows that.
The
meditation class I partook in this week also required self-actualization. This
week consisted of the longest time I had meditated (ever) and I also joined in
on the chanting portion for the first time. In all honesty it was a bit of a
struggle. I am not used to sitting still for a long period of time—if anytime
at all! It caused me to look in to myself and actually instilled a large amount
of self-confidence. I was determined to complete the task to the best of my
ability. Even though I usually shy away from such activities, it required me to
step out of my comfort zone and establish a sense of self in that new environment.
Overall
the two poems, short story and the Zen meditation class, all consisted on a
central aspect of pride. Pride can cause a person to do negative things, but
also grants many positive features as well.
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