Introduction to world literature
I have learned many new things throughout the whole course. Among the most important things I’ve learned comes from Willian Blake’s poem A poison tree. He discusses how anger can accumulate in case one suppresses it over a long time and turn into hatred. The hatred is then likened to a poison tree which the individual has planted and watered until it bloomed. However, the consumption of this fruit leads to death as it is from a poisonous tree. Still, the solution to conquering this anger is by communicating one’s thoughts and feelings with whoever has made you angry. With this, it is possible to avoid all the negativity and hatred that accrues in one’s heart. This poem has helped me improve my communication skills to avoid conflicts. Better communication ensures avoidance of anger and eventually resentment (Blake et al 1983).
Another important issue was in the poem ‘The Garden of Love’ by William Blake. It discusses how religion opposes people doing the things they love and is a means to control people. Every human has natural wishes which they wish to accomplish in their lifetime. Religion restraints the accomplishment of these desires and instead sets new goals that may not be as desirable as one’s original wishes. This form of organized religion tends to focus on the afterlife and gives this world the impression of a grave. I learned that instead of blindly following instructions, I should consider what is best for me also (Blake 2009).
The poem ‘The Man He Killed’ by Thomas Hardy is another piece I have leaner a lot from. It is set during a war-torn era and the persona describes how he shot another man from the opposing faction. While this is what was expected of him since they were in a war, the persona was troubled by him killing another man. He believes, in hindsight, he could have befriended the man he murdered. He does not see this man as his enemy and believes they were both similar. This poem taught me that we have a lot in common with everyone, including our enemies. These wars and conflicts are all needless and prevent us from acknowledging our humanity. The persona also seems to believe that they could even have met his ‘enemy’ in a different setting like in a bar drinking and they would have been friends. These possibilities of alternate realities help show how we are all similar and can easily find common ground. However, reality often has it that we are on opposites ends and in constant conflicts. If we could all take the time to understand each other, we would need to fight each other (Hardy 1903).
The course taught me the importance of communication in conflict resolution and releasing suppressed anger. At first, I believe that by not communicating about a disagreement, the problem will eventually go away and fade from one’s memory. However, the feelings of anger do not disappear but amass in one’s heart and eventually end up as hate. This will lead to two similar individuals ending up as enemies and potentially causing each other harm. If the same situation was handled differently, the end product would not be the same. If these two people decided to settle their grievances with discussion, they would have come up with a permanent solution. Therefore, the various works involved in this course are significant in that they show us we are more similar than we can even imagine. I used to view people as diverse with different likes and needs. While this is true, we are all connected by our humanity and are more similar than we think. These works changed my perception of how I view and treat strangers. I now consider the possibility of ‘alternate realities’ and thus I believe anyone can be your friend.
‘A Rose for Emily’ by William Faulkner is one more significant composition learned in this course. A major theme in this work is the refusal to accept death, especially by Miss Emily. While it was expected that she was aware of her father’s death, she still keeps his corpse around for many years. She is in a state of denial and even attempts to communicate with her dead father. It is something that affects her life and she can not live normally like her peers and friends. This is a significant issue in society that needs more attention and awareness in the public eye. It is an issue that can affect almost anyone yet it is hardly ever spoken about. Therefore, it would be important to improve awareness about the issue and suggestion of possible solutions. Not only does this denial leave the affected individual traumatized, but they are also often isolated like Emily. This isolation will further complicate their mental health state and can bring about other illnesses like depression. I did not know such an issue existed before reading the book by Faulkner and I now understand how important and serious the issue is (Faulkner et al 1958).
The book ‘Letter Composed During a Lull in the Fighting’ is by Kevin Powers and is another highly significant text. It discusses what a soldier goes through during war when the soldier is not fighting. It portrays the soldiers as regular human beings. While this may sound like an obvious point, it is not common. These soldiers go to war and face life and death situations multiple times. Additionally, with their rigorous training, they are made dangerous and have superior combating skills. These conditions make the rest of us civilians believe ty are different from us. However, they go through the same emotions like us and also suffer like us. Hence, we should treat them decently and with the respect they demand. This is a significant issue I learned from the book (Powers 2009).
What I have learned will have a substantial influence on my future behavior. I have learned the importance of communication in any setting and I will never ignore any impending issues. By communicating effectively with those with who we don’t agree, I will be able to avoid possible anger accumulating and harm. I will also encourage my friends, peers, colleagues, and all acquaintances to communicate better with those with who they are not agreeing. Additionally, by treating all people equally, including strangers, we can all live in a harmonious and friendly place. Thus, I will also try to talk with as many people as possible to learn their contesting views.
Furthermore, I have learned that religion may have some limitations and disadvantages to followers. I have learned that before following everything the religious leaders and texts say, I should also consider my best interests. Certain religious institutions are run by corrupt individuals who only think about themselves. Thus, I have decided that I will assist the need before I make any payments to these religious institutions. Additionally, I have decided to talk more to the people who have recently lost loved ones. They may be in a weird place and are yet to accept their loved one’s death. Talking more about the issue helps them accept the reality of life.
What I would have done differently to alter the result of the course would be to ask the students to write poems or short stories based on stories they believe are not talked about enough. This would help to bring important lessons into the limelight and maybe some attention can be devoted there. The thing which I would change about the course is the practical aspect of the class. I believe the class does not have enough practicality and should involve the students more. The students are often expected to attend classes, complete assignments, and sit for an exam to complete the course. However, I believe a practical element should be added like visiting an important site or going on a trip.
Works Cited
Blake, William. “4. The Garden of Love.” (2009).
Blake, William, and Matthew Sweeney. A poison tree. Prometheus Press, 1983.
Faulkner, William, John Carradine, and Anjelica Huston. A rose for Emily. Paderborn, De: Verlag F. Schöningh, 1958.
Hardy, Thomas. “The Man He Killed.” (1903).
Powers, Kevin C. “Letter Composed during a Lull in the Fighting.” Poetry 193.5 (2009): 400-400.