When reading over the folklore of both John Henry and Joel Chandler Harris, I found to question myself in regards to whether what I was reading was that of a foreign language or not. The three short stories done by Joel Chandler Harris seemed to really make my head spin. However, I did find one of these particular stories to be interesting primarily because I understood its meaning but more importantly its significance in explaining the different races found in society.
The story allowed me to realize that through this folklore races were acquired by dipping their entire bodies into a pool of enchanted water, which showed that many of the already “black” individuals were unable to become white. I also found the concept of Mulattos and Chinese ethnicities to be really quite surprising only because of the explanation of how they came about in society. I guess that looking at Mulattos as being unable to dip their whole bodies into the water and the Chinese dipping their hair in the water to straighten it was a way at looking at different ethnicities than I would have ever fathomed to believe to be held accountable and reliable.
However, after examining these stories I did take into account that they are simply stories that are past down from generation to generation. I looked at my family’s stories and realized that we cherish these stories rather they are believable or even silly. I came to the conclusion after realizing these facts in my own personal life and decided to not rule out their creation and acceptability all together.
After reflecting on these stories, I really began to agree with Katie Aikins and her opinion that these stories would have had more meaning if they were actually able to be acted out by other classmates. I feel these stories were definitely a difficult read, and I probably would have also taken more from the experience if they were presented orally maybe not individually but through a group presentation.
I found in my individual research that interpreting the story is problematic for the modern reader. These definitely seemed to calm my fears about being the only individual on the planet that did not understand this work. But, as I continued on in the research I found several questions to rise in regards to Harris’ intent in documenting these tales. I know that in my own reading I wondered why he might want to begin problems and controversies with the stories. However, I found in my research that John Chandler Harris insisted that his collection was not an ethnographic or anthropological archive, but rather a collection of works from a dying tradition. This helped me to understand that these were not written in terms of controversy but rather to receive a soon dying area or literature.
When writing this blog entry, I had two specific goals in mind. I wanted to be able to understand these readings for myself as well as to help out any classmates that may have struggled as I did when first reading them. I would really enjoy feedback on your thoughts of the reading! Did you struggle reading through the stories? Were you able to comprehend their meanings? Let me know what you think!
Melissa,
I had a really hard time reading, too. I was going to do my panel on Uncle Remus, but I couldn't even understand it, let alone present it.
Katie
Melissa, there is another lit slam coming up, so there is still the possibility that someone will choose a legend to act out.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at November 1, 2004 5:12 PMMelissa,
Yes, I did struggle with the stories. I found it quite difficult to read. I understood the main points of the story, but not the significant details. I liked John Henry story better than Bre'r Rabbit, because it was more clearer to me. Do you think that John Henry was a legend or was it real? I thought it was a legend because the facts were not accurate. The main points were consistent in many websites, but the details were not consistent; for example, the place where he was brought up and whether he was white or black. Do you think people would have appreciated it whether or not it was a legend? I think it doesn't matter whether John was real or not. It's the actual legend that makes the reader involved in the story; for example, I'm sure you have heard of the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow", well some people believe in it and others do not. It depends how well the story is told, so it can be pasted down generation to generation. And if that happens, then it is valuable to the readers.
Hope to hear from you soon.
-Nabila :)
Posted by: NabilaUddin at November 1, 2004 5:38 PMKatie,
I am so glad to hear that I am not alone on the feelings I had towards the readings. I believe though that after the class discussion I seemed to understand it a little bit more. Did you think that the class discussion helped you? If so, in what ways did it help you to further understand it or maybe further misunderstand it? I hope to hear back from you in these questions. Thanks for taking the time to share your feelings with me!!
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Hagg at November 3, 2004 9:11 AMDr. Jerz,
I am glad to hear that there will be another literature slam because I really did enjoy the first one. I just don't know if I would pick these stories!!:) But, I am sure that I will find something that fits my likings!!
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Hagg at November 3, 2004 9:13 AMNabila,
I do agree with you that the story of John Henry was a legend. I also believe like you have said that some people may want to believe it when others think it is just a story. I believe that it may have happened, but I think because it was passed down from generation to generation that it has been altered several times to make the story more believable and more amazing. I find this even in stories that happen in my own family that as they are moved down from generation to generation they are told to be more funny or better than what really happened. So, I do believe that the story is a legend and may have occurred from an experience that was smaller than what it now is being said. I was wondering do you believe the same way that I do. Or, do you think that the story may not have happened at all? I know you stated previously that you thought it was just strictly a legend, but could it might have happened like I have posted. I just thought I might dig for some more information from ya! Like always I admire your blogging and comments so please fill me in on your viewpoints!!
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Hagg at November 3, 2004 9:21 AMNabila,
I do agree with you that the story of John Henry was a legend. I also believe like you have said that some people may want to believe it when others think it is just a story. I believe that it may have happened, but I think because it was passed down from generation to generation that it has been altered several times to make the story more believable and more amazing. I find this even in stories that happen in my own family that as they are moved down from generation to generation they are told to be more funny or better than what really happened. So, I do believe that the story is a legend and may have occurred from an experience that was smaller than what it now is being said. I was wondering do you believe the same way that I do. Or, do you think that the story may not have happened at all? I know you stated previously that you thought it was just strictly a legend, but could it might have happened like I have posted. I just thought I might dig for some more information from ya! Like always I admire your blogging and comments so please fill me in on your viewpoints!!
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Hagg at November 3, 2004 9:21 AMMelissa,
I think it was easier to remember not just do to exaggerations, but also the way they the author interpreted the text. What I mean is you can sometimes visual of the setting, the characters, and how the atmosphere was like during those years. By forming a picture in my mind, I was able to remember some of the stories that I could understand.
-Nabila
Posted by: NabilaUddin at November 3, 2004 4:21 PMMelissa,
Well, if I had to pick whether John Henry was real or not, I would say that he was real. The reason I think that he is real is because it is not as exaggerated as other stories. For example, "Babe and the Blue Ox", this story says that the characters are fifty feet tall. That's quite an exaggeration. For this legend, it says that John was about eight feet tall. I believe that it is possible for a man to be that tall, because during those olden days, you can come cross tall people, also I remembered in the "Guiness Book of World Records" about a very tall man who was born during the 1900's. Also, I think that anything is possible for a man or woman to achieve. If you have an aderline rush, then it can be even possible for a young women to lift a car. So, it's realistic for me to believe a man can beat a steam drill with will power and determination. Anything can happen. There are always possiblities to break and shatter records for certain events.
-Nabila :)
Posted by: NabilaUddin at November 3, 2004 4:36 PMNabila,
Thanks for letting me know your viewpoints. I really like how much time you put into answering the questions that I pose. I really understand the text a lot more now and you are partly the reason for it. Thanks so much I really do appreciate it!
Melissa Hagg
Dear Melissa:
I had a few minutes so thought that I would type my late Grandpa's name in to see what the net had under his name, Henry Hagg. I saw your blog and was intrigued and impressed by your writings. My daughter's name is Melissa. I don't know where you are from, but I suppose that you are a relative, given the spelling of your last name. I was raised on a 200 acre farm in Reedville, Oregon. I'm wondering if you are a part of the John Hagg family. Would enjoy hearing from you sometime. Best to you, Marilyn