Saturday, September 22, 2007
Cane
What a very engaging an abstract format this compilation of stories follows! After a few pages of short story/essay we are presented with a few poems, breaking up the rhythm of the book and moving along in a sort of poetic scrapbook of images, dreams, feelings and gripping characters of this time. From the irresistible, seductive Karintha, to the tragic tale of Becky and her sons. These writings are dark, real and uncompromising in their description of these events and visions. How graphic the "Song of the Son" is in it's poetic description of the horror of lynching, the parallels it draws between the victims and fruit of the trees. These writings are both gritty and truly gripping. I look forward to the stories that will follow.
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6 comments:
I agree with you that these stories are real and uncompromising. I can't say that I enjoyed the readings though since I found them confusing. I had no idea what I was suppose to take from them as a reader besides a more realistic look about their lives in the south.
I also enjoy this book very much. The descriptions of each woman, the settings, and the poetry in general are all extremely intriguing. It actually makes me eager to continue reading the book. I really enjoy how the images in the book are very descriptive. It is as if I am actually there when everything being described is happening.
I agree with you, Jared. Toomer’s writing feels very authentic. Many of the characters and situations that he writes about seem like they could have been real African Americans in the South. I feel as if this quality makes Toomer’s book very relatable for the reader. Many of these stories and poems are vividly written causing the reader to experience Toomer’s writing in an emotional way.
ah yes! vividly mesmerizing and jaw clenchingly realistic! Jean Toomer brings us to a world over a hundred years before our time. Its like getting put into the car from back to the future. The stories are so tragic and give reality to what we have been taught in history classes. So confusing some are but with a second read through and analysis: comprehendable they are. I am in agreement that they are enjoyable and i too looked forward to the stories that were ahead in CANE!
Jared, I agree with you 100%. I loved Cane. The stories were dark and gritty yet light and artistic. It's an emotional book due to the graphic nature in which Toomer writes.The break up of stories to poems make Cane an easier read. I liked the flow of the book.
As confusing as these stories were I did enjoy them some what. Well I didn't enjoy them really until after we went over them in class and I was able to put all the pieces together. I do feel as if his writing really puts us in the time period and the place and the descriptions really help with this. I also like the way the book is set up and isn't just all short stories or all poems, but a mix. It's nice to switch things up once in a while.
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