http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/1931/
http://www.spunk.org/library/writers/goldman/sp000064.txt
http://flag.blackened.net/antinat/
http://www.anarchy.no/
Friday, April 27, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Dharma Bums 100-123
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 201
" Ah the Public ain't so bad, they suffer too. You always read about some tarpaper shack burning somewhere in the Middlewest with three little children perishing and you see a picture of the parents crying. Evern the kitty was burned. Japhy, do you think God Made the world to amuse himself because he was bored? Because if so he would have to be mean."
Ray makes a strong statement in this particular quote. This specificic dialogue in the story between Ray and Japhy is probably the most profound. Ray actually sees both side of the coin and expresses to Japhy the struggle on both sides. What Ray does that Japhy ignores is the realization of the lifestyles on both sides. While Japhy is only rigid to his own Dharma Bum Philosophy, and would like for everyone to follow this Buddhist path, Ray is more sentimental and see the goods and bads between both lifestyles. However, throughout the story Ray has only mentioned these contradictions and beliefs in his mind, but in this case he actually expresses his thinking and his acceptance towards both sides of the lifestyles. Ray contradicts what Japhy believes quite rigidly, which is a huge turning point in the story.
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 203
" East'll meet West anyway. Think what a great world revolution will take place when East meets West finally, and it'll be guys like us that can start the thing. Think of millions of guys all over the world with rucksacks on their backs tramping around the back country and hitchhiking and bringing the word down to everybody."
" That's a lot like the early days os the Crusades, Walter the {enniless and Peter the Hermit leading ragged bands of believers to the Holy Land."
In this specific conversation between Japhy and Ray, one can really observe Japhys rigid philosophy on the way lifestyles for all should be. Japhy seems to be so caught up in his Dharma Bum and religous lifestyle that he simply can't understand why others do not follow the same paths as himself. Japhy shows his dreamlike vision of a land of all hitchhikers and Buddhists. Yet, Japhy criticizes those with goals and dreamy notions, however, in this particular statement from Japhy he is actually expressing his dream of a content land of hitchhikers and buddha believers. Therefore, this is another contradiction from what he states and believes. However, Ray seems to be extremely open minded and seems to never sway from one opinion to the next, he just simply observes and acknowledges. Japhy as he expresses his hatred towards society seems to actually become very similar to society because he neglects and diminishes the lifestyles of others simply because they do not follow the same path as himself.
Pg. 201
" Ah the Public ain't so bad, they suffer too. You always read about some tarpaper shack burning somewhere in the Middlewest with three little children perishing and you see a picture of the parents crying. Evern the kitty was burned. Japhy, do you think God Made the world to amuse himself because he was bored? Because if so he would have to be mean."
Ray makes a strong statement in this particular quote. This specificic dialogue in the story between Ray and Japhy is probably the most profound. Ray actually sees both side of the coin and expresses to Japhy the struggle on both sides. What Ray does that Japhy ignores is the realization of the lifestyles on both sides. While Japhy is only rigid to his own Dharma Bum Philosophy, and would like for everyone to follow this Buddhist path, Ray is more sentimental and see the goods and bads between both lifestyles. However, throughout the story Ray has only mentioned these contradictions and beliefs in his mind, but in this case he actually expresses his thinking and his acceptance towards both sides of the lifestyles. Ray contradicts what Japhy believes quite rigidly, which is a huge turning point in the story.
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 203
" East'll meet West anyway. Think what a great world revolution will take place when East meets West finally, and it'll be guys like us that can start the thing. Think of millions of guys all over the world with rucksacks on their backs tramping around the back country and hitchhiking and bringing the word down to everybody."
" That's a lot like the early days os the Crusades, Walter the {enniless and Peter the Hermit leading ragged bands of believers to the Holy Land."
In this specific conversation between Japhy and Ray, one can really observe Japhys rigid philosophy on the way lifestyles for all should be. Japhy seems to be so caught up in his Dharma Bum and religous lifestyle that he simply can't understand why others do not follow the same paths as himself. Japhy shows his dreamlike vision of a land of all hitchhikers and Buddhists. Yet, Japhy criticizes those with goals and dreamy notions, however, in this particular statement from Japhy he is actually expressing his dream of a content land of hitchhikers and buddha believers. Therefore, this is another contradiction from what he states and believes. However, Ray seems to be extremely open minded and seems to never sway from one opinion to the next, he just simply observes and acknowledges. Japhy as he expresses his hatred towards society seems to actually become very similar to society because he neglects and diminishes the lifestyles of others simply because they do not follow the same path as himself.
The Dharma Bums 171-199
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 175
" That was a very wise cartoon, it reminded me of my own experience, trying to tame my mind in the woods, then realizing it was all empty and awake and I didn't have to do anything, and now I was getting drunk with the butcher Japhy."
Previous to this quote, Ray experiences the high intensity of hitchhiking cross country. Ray uses this journey as a method to become more devoted to his philosophy and tame his mind to become that of a quite central buddhistic thought process. Although Ray tries tremendously to force his mind to acquire the "middle way" characteristics, he finds that the solution to live the bhuddistic way is to not think at all. The way to tame the mind is to let it roam frequently without any assumptions, questions, or contradictions. It is simply to acknowledge the surroundings, maintain a balance with all that is given on earth, and become one with everything without mental contradictions.
Pg. 175
" That was a very wise cartoon, it reminded me of my own experience, trying to tame my mind in the woods, then realizing it was all empty and awake and I didn't have to do anything, and now I was getting drunk with the butcher Japhy."
Previous to this quote, Ray experiences the high intensity of hitchhiking cross country. Ray uses this journey as a method to become more devoted to his philosophy and tame his mind to become that of a quite central buddhistic thought process. Although Ray tries tremendously to force his mind to acquire the "middle way" characteristics, he finds that the solution to live the bhuddistic way is to not think at all. The way to tame the mind is to let it roam frequently without any assumptions, questions, or contradictions. It is simply to acknowledge the surroundings, maintain a balance with all that is given on earth, and become one with everything without mental contradictions.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Dharma Bums 120-142
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 137-138
" O wise and serene spirit of Awakenerhoo, everything's all right forever and forever and forever and thank you thank you thank you amen." What'd I care about the tower of ghouls, and sperm and bones and dust, I felt free and therefore I was free."
In this scene, Ray is praying and also seems to be trying to convince himself of his happiness in life. Previously before this scene, Ray was thinking negative thoughts of emptiness, lonliness, and actually claiming that he wants to die. It seems as though his dream like vision of a content Zen life is not provided him the positive outcome that he is expecting. As reality of the world kicks in, he seems to realize that his dream is not perfect, and that provides him with anguish. Ray gets to the point where he begins to question whats reality and not. He tries to reassure himself that since he feels free he was free, and that this temporary anguish is just an obstacle that he can go around.
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 132
"And I though of Japhy as I stood there in the cold yard looking at her: "Why is he so mad about white tiled sinks and 'kitchen machinery' he calls it? People have good hearts whether or not they live like Dharma bums. Compassion is the heart of Buddhism."
This is one of the very rare transition points in the story. Ray seems to be looking at all sides of the coins, and noticing people for their hearts, not for their lifestyles. Ray in this particular quote, seems to go against the contradiction of Dharma Bum philosophy. He sets aside the lifestyles and looks towards the personality. He actually lives the Buddhist way of life, and shows the true characteristics of the buddhist philosophy. This way of thinking actually seperates Ray from the other Dharma Bums, because he actually lives by the true philosophy (without contradiction).
Pg. 137-138
" O wise and serene spirit of Awakenerhoo, everything's all right forever and forever and forever and thank you thank you thank you amen." What'd I care about the tower of ghouls, and sperm and bones and dust, I felt free and therefore I was free."
In this scene, Ray is praying and also seems to be trying to convince himself of his happiness in life. Previously before this scene, Ray was thinking negative thoughts of emptiness, lonliness, and actually claiming that he wants to die. It seems as though his dream like vision of a content Zen life is not provided him the positive outcome that he is expecting. As reality of the world kicks in, he seems to realize that his dream is not perfect, and that provides him with anguish. Ray gets to the point where he begins to question whats reality and not. He tries to reassure himself that since he feels free he was free, and that this temporary anguish is just an obstacle that he can go around.
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 132
"And I though of Japhy as I stood there in the cold yard looking at her: "Why is he so mad about white tiled sinks and 'kitchen machinery' he calls it? People have good hearts whether or not they live like Dharma bums. Compassion is the heart of Buddhism."
This is one of the very rare transition points in the story. Ray seems to be looking at all sides of the coins, and noticing people for their hearts, not for their lifestyles. Ray in this particular quote, seems to go against the contradiction of Dharma Bum philosophy. He sets aside the lifestyles and looks towards the personality. He actually lives the Buddhist way of life, and shows the true characteristics of the buddhist philosophy. This way of thinking actually seperates Ray from the other Dharma Bums, because he actually lives by the true philosophy (without contradiction).
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Dharma Bums- 94-120
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 119-120
"...But then more fog and smog again and horrible damp white cloud of dawn and my bag too hot to sleep in and outside too raw to stand, nothing but horror all night long, except at dawm a little bird blessed me."
Ray, in this quote, is actually sensing the reality compared to his assumptions on a pleasent dream-like journey. As he sleeps in the dense smog of LA, he finds that this journey isn't as smooth and peaceful as he intended it to be. In this particular scene, the concepts of reality and dreams take shape. Ray's dream of peace and tranquility is not the reality of the world. He finds that the world is not peaceful as he intended for the world to be, but that places in the world are rough and a hard habitat to live in. Also, not all things contain that peacefullness that he believes, but that some things can contain horridness. It's not all smoot and tranquil a journey as Ray expects.
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 104
"But there was a widom in it all, as you'll see if you take a walk some night on a suburban street and pass house after house on both sides of the street each with the lamplight of the living room, shining golden, and inside the little blue square of the television, each living family riveeting its attention on probably one show; nobody talking, silence in the yards; dogs barking at you because you pass on human feet instead of on wheels. You'll see what I mean when it begins to appear like everybody in the world is soon going to be thinking the same way and the Zen lunatics have long joined dust, laughter on their dust lips."
In this quote, Ray is describing the mundane lifestyle of citizens inhabiting the urban lives of society. He describes the monotonous lifestyle of regular everyday citizens and comparing them towards the Zen dharma bums. He explains their sort of need for materialism to vill their void. However, throughout the story Japhy and Ray find that comparisons are odious, yet they can't help but compare their lifestyle to the lifestyle of society. They believe that their lives are the better of the two, yet how would they be able to judge that comparison? Maybe a citizen of society may think that their monotonous lifestly is the best suitable option of the two. So by comparing the society to their dharma bum lifestyle they are contradicting their own beliefs.
Pg. 119-120
"...But then more fog and smog again and horrible damp white cloud of dawn and my bag too hot to sleep in and outside too raw to stand, nothing but horror all night long, except at dawm a little bird blessed me."
Ray, in this quote, is actually sensing the reality compared to his assumptions on a pleasent dream-like journey. As he sleeps in the dense smog of LA, he finds that this journey isn't as smooth and peaceful as he intended it to be. In this particular scene, the concepts of reality and dreams take shape. Ray's dream of peace and tranquility is not the reality of the world. He finds that the world is not peaceful as he intended for the world to be, but that places in the world are rough and a hard habitat to live in. Also, not all things contain that peacefullness that he believes, but that some things can contain horridness. It's not all smoot and tranquil a journey as Ray expects.
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 104
"But there was a widom in it all, as you'll see if you take a walk some night on a suburban street and pass house after house on both sides of the street each with the lamplight of the living room, shining golden, and inside the little blue square of the television, each living family riveeting its attention on probably one show; nobody talking, silence in the yards; dogs barking at you because you pass on human feet instead of on wheels. You'll see what I mean when it begins to appear like everybody in the world is soon going to be thinking the same way and the Zen lunatics have long joined dust, laughter on their dust lips."
In this quote, Ray is describing the mundane lifestyle of citizens inhabiting the urban lives of society. He describes the monotonous lifestyle of regular everyday citizens and comparing them towards the Zen dharma bums. He explains their sort of need for materialism to vill their void. However, throughout the story Japhy and Ray find that comparisons are odious, yet they can't help but compare their lifestyle to the lifestyle of society. They believe that their lives are the better of the two, yet how would they be able to judge that comparison? Maybe a citizen of society may think that their monotonous lifestly is the best suitable option of the two. So by comparing the society to their dharma bum lifestyle they are contradicting their own beliefs.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The Dharma Bums 72-94
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 90
" Come on Ray, everything comes to an end." In fact I realized I had no guts anyway, which I've long known. But I have joy. When we got to the alpine meadow I stretched out in my belly and drank water and enjoyed myself peacefully in silence while they talked and worrieed about getting down the rest of the trail in time."
In this particular scene, even though they all disagree with routine and deadlines in society, it seems that in particular cases they all turn towards the concept of schedualing. Japhy and Morley are racing to get to the car on time, while it seems that Ray is making the most of time and enjoying the hike peacefully and in solitude. However, although they spent there trip trying to get away from society, it looks as though they race to get back to society. They seem to not realize that they are rushing to get back to the one thing that they despise.
The Dharma Bums, Jack Keouac
Pg. 92
" Poor Japhy, it was here finally I found out his Achilles heel. This little tough guy who wasn't afraid of anything and could ramble around mountains for weeks alone and run down mountains, was afraid of going into a restauraunt because the people in it were too well dressed."
Japhy, who is very athletic and is extremely dedicated to his religous practices seems to have a weakness. Although he does not care about society, it seems as though he still fears being judged by society. In this particular quote, he fears going into the restauraunt because of how the other people dressed compared to what he looks like. Japhy, like everyone else, has a weakness that may bring him down from his targeted objective in life. Japhy fears being crticized and judged at for who he is. So in some cases, people who try to avoid society end up still trying to look good in their eyes. These people still try to be accepted in society rather then trying to neglect society, which in this case is a complicated paradox. Japhy who has always been against society still feels the worry of being criticized for who he is.
Pg. 90
" Come on Ray, everything comes to an end." In fact I realized I had no guts anyway, which I've long known. But I have joy. When we got to the alpine meadow I stretched out in my belly and drank water and enjoyed myself peacefully in silence while they talked and worrieed about getting down the rest of the trail in time."
In this particular scene, even though they all disagree with routine and deadlines in society, it seems that in particular cases they all turn towards the concept of schedualing. Japhy and Morley are racing to get to the car on time, while it seems that Ray is making the most of time and enjoying the hike peacefully and in solitude. However, although they spent there trip trying to get away from society, it looks as though they race to get back to society. They seem to not realize that they are rushing to get back to the one thing that they despise.
The Dharma Bums, Jack Keouac
Pg. 92
" Poor Japhy, it was here finally I found out his Achilles heel. This little tough guy who wasn't afraid of anything and could ramble around mountains for weeks alone and run down mountains, was afraid of going into a restauraunt because the people in it were too well dressed."
Japhy, who is very athletic and is extremely dedicated to his religous practices seems to have a weakness. Although he does not care about society, it seems as though he still fears being judged by society. In this particular quote, he fears going into the restauraunt because of how the other people dressed compared to what he looks like. Japhy, like everyone else, has a weakness that may bring him down from his targeted objective in life. Japhy fears being crticized and judged at for who he is. So in some cases, people who try to avoid society end up still trying to look good in their eyes. These people still try to be accepted in society rather then trying to neglect society, which in this case is a complicated paradox. Japhy who has always been against society still feels the worry of being criticized for who he is.
Friday, April 13, 2007
The Dharma Bums 49-72
The Dharma Bums, Jack karouac
Pg. 50
"...Red-pristne shafts of sunligh coming in over the hill and slanting down into the cold trees like cathedral light, and the mists rising to meet the sun, and all the way around the giant secret roar of tumbling creeks probably with films of ice in the pools."
This quote really explain the essence of being in the mountain in early dawn. It really expresses the beauty of nature and how life is really interpreted in the beauty of dawn. Dawn is always an interesting concept because it represent the rejuvenation of the soul and the restart of a new day (of a new time in life). In this particular quote Ray is just waking up and although he may be a bit lethargic from a light sleep, he still is caught by suprise by the reflection of early light and pleasant sound of dawn.
The Dharma Bums, Jack Karouac
Pg. 55
"Comparisons are odious, Smith," he sent sailing back to me quoting Cervantes and making a Zen Buddhist observation to boot. "It don't make a damn frigging difference whether you're in The Place or hiking up Matterhorn, it's all the same old void, boy."
In this quote Japhy reallly explains the void and that these moments of happiness are just concepts that hide the stuggle of life momentarily. Japhy states how comparisons are odious, or harmful and bad. What Japhy means is that no matter where you are and what interpretation of happiness you might be experiencing they are all the same thing. There is no room for comparison because there is no such thing as comparison. Whether you are having fun with family or hiking the mountains, its all the same momentary happiness that continues to fill the void.
Pg. 50
"...Red-pristne shafts of sunligh coming in over the hill and slanting down into the cold trees like cathedral light, and the mists rising to meet the sun, and all the way around the giant secret roar of tumbling creeks probably with films of ice in the pools."
This quote really explain the essence of being in the mountain in early dawn. It really expresses the beauty of nature and how life is really interpreted in the beauty of dawn. Dawn is always an interesting concept because it represent the rejuvenation of the soul and the restart of a new day (of a new time in life). In this particular quote Ray is just waking up and although he may be a bit lethargic from a light sleep, he still is caught by suprise by the reflection of early light and pleasant sound of dawn.
The Dharma Bums, Jack Karouac
Pg. 55
"Comparisons are odious, Smith," he sent sailing back to me quoting Cervantes and making a Zen Buddhist observation to boot. "It don't make a damn frigging difference whether you're in The Place or hiking up Matterhorn, it's all the same old void, boy."
In this quote Japhy reallly explains the void and that these moments of happiness are just concepts that hide the stuggle of life momentarily. Japhy states how comparisons are odious, or harmful and bad. What Japhy means is that no matter where you are and what interpretation of happiness you might be experiencing they are all the same thing. There is no room for comparison because there is no such thing as comparison. Whether you are having fun with family or hiking the mountains, its all the same momentary happiness that continues to fill the void.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The Dharma Bums-1-24
The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac
Pg. 7
" Happy. Just in my swim shorts, barefooted, wild-haired, in the fire dark, singing, swigging wine, spitting, jumping, running--that's the way to live."
This quote is very significant to the story. The idea of living in a way that is one's own is what the story is mainly about. Just living as one with the wilderness and being happy is the essence to Ray's (Jack Kerouac) life. While others try to live the life of others and try to seek a happiness that will not occur in the life of someone elses. Instead of living a suburban lifestyle of materialsm, Ray finds happiness in a way that is different from the similar routines of society.
Pg. 7
" Happy. Just in my swim shorts, barefooted, wild-haired, in the fire dark, singing, swigging wine, spitting, jumping, running--that's the way to live."
This quote is very significant to the story. The idea of living in a way that is one's own is what the story is mainly about. Just living as one with the wilderness and being happy is the essence to Ray's (Jack Kerouac) life. While others try to live the life of others and try to seek a happiness that will not occur in the life of someone elses. Instead of living a suburban lifestyle of materialsm, Ray finds happiness in a way that is different from the similar routines of society.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Are These Actual Miles?
Raymond Carver, Are These Actual Miles?
Pg. 586
"He listens to the traffic on the highway and considers whethe he should go to the basement, stand on the utility sink, and hang himself with his belt. He understand he is willing to be dead."
In this specific quote, the narrator is in a financial issue that is almost certain to become bankruptcy. The narrator is saying how instead of being filed for bankruptcy, he would rather just take his life. This shows mostly the average citizens desire for reputation and materialistic necessities. The idea of being in bankruptcy is taken very seriously in society. If one is bankrupt in society, people seem to neglect and see them as more of an outkast with a false show of pity. Since materialism was a huge aspect in this time setting, it was important to buy the latest necessities in order to show wealth and therefore raise ones reputation. Without money and a bad reputation, many people (including this narrator) would rather kill themselves.
Raymond Carver, Are These Actual Miles?
Pg. 590
" He remembers waking up the morning after they bought the car, seeing it, there in the drive, in the sun, gleaming."
The narrator is remembering the day when they first bought their new car. However, I feel that Carver used this car as a metaphor to their lifestyle and marriage before the file for bankruptcy. Their life when they bought that car was lavished in materialistic necessities, they exceeded their previous reputations, and they were in the blend of society. The similarity in the society was relevant for them, they lived the perfect suburban lifestyle. With no question in mind about loosing money, they spent their money on everything and the car is an example of their uncontrollble spending of money. The car represents the narrators dream for that perfect lifestyle and yet never looked at the costs for living a lifestyle that one cannot afford.
Pg. 586
"He listens to the traffic on the highway and considers whethe he should go to the basement, stand on the utility sink, and hang himself with his belt. He understand he is willing to be dead."
In this specific quote, the narrator is in a financial issue that is almost certain to become bankruptcy. The narrator is saying how instead of being filed for bankruptcy, he would rather just take his life. This shows mostly the average citizens desire for reputation and materialistic necessities. The idea of being in bankruptcy is taken very seriously in society. If one is bankrupt in society, people seem to neglect and see them as more of an outkast with a false show of pity. Since materialism was a huge aspect in this time setting, it was important to buy the latest necessities in order to show wealth and therefore raise ones reputation. Without money and a bad reputation, many people (including this narrator) would rather kill themselves.
Raymond Carver, Are These Actual Miles?
Pg. 590
" He remembers waking up the morning after they bought the car, seeing it, there in the drive, in the sun, gleaming."
The narrator is remembering the day when they first bought their new car. However, I feel that Carver used this car as a metaphor to their lifestyle and marriage before the file for bankruptcy. Their life when they bought that car was lavished in materialistic necessities, they exceeded their previous reputations, and they were in the blend of society. The similarity in the society was relevant for them, they lived the perfect suburban lifestyle. With no question in mind about loosing money, they spent their money on everything and the car is an example of their uncontrollble spending of money. The car represents the narrators dream for that perfect lifestyle and yet never looked at the costs for living a lifestyle that one cannot afford.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)