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March 26, 2006
darkness to light
O'Connor, ''The Artificial Nigger'' -- Jerz: American Lit II (EL 267)
"The only dark spot in the room was Nelson's pallet, underneath the shadow of the window."
Mr. Head is described as wise and full of light at the start of the story and Nelson is in darkness. However, Nelson becomes the source of mercy for Mr. Head in the end and "even his face lightened" as he declared that he would not return to the city. Mr. Head acheived his goal, but gained much more himself.
Posted by JenniferDiFulvio at March 26, 2006 07:34 PM
Comments
Jennifer,
Nelson did see the light at the end. Mr. Head was trying to show him this all along but he went about it in an odd way. Nelson realized that he did need Mr.Head still but did not realize it until the end. Nelson stated "I'm glad I've once, but I'll never go back again!" I think he realized how much and how dependent he was and that he admitted that this was the first time he went to the city even though throughtout the story he argue's and insists that it would be his second time. Life is full of lessons.
Posted by: LisaRandolph at March 27, 2006 09:25 AM
Excellent point. Nelson does seem to have the power of judgment over Mr. Head, somewhat, but even more prevalent in granting him mercy and forgiveness is the statue they observe together near the conclusion. But why do they feel that the statue is a source of mercy?
Posted by: ChrisU at March 28, 2006 08:48 AM