The Meaning of Jazz in African American Culture...

The Meaning of Jazz in African American Culture Particularly in Harlem During the 1950’s In the Baldwin’s story, Sonny’s Blues, the author portrays African -Americans in the urban life. Even though he writes about reconciliation of two brothers, who are trying to overcome their differences and to come to understand each other, the story shows the meaning of Jazz in African American culture, particularly in Harlem during 1950. The urban life in Harlem has being described by many authors, including James Baldwin. The life of an African American man in this place during the 1950’s was a â€Å"disaster†, â€Å"faces and bodies† [†¦] were â€Å"trapped in the darkness† (Baldwin n.pag). It was a time prior to the Civil Rights Movement, the time of†¦show more content†¦The story portrays that the conflict between two brothers is more complex than it seems to be. Sonny tries to prove that â€Å"living by another man’s definition of success, or worse, being hemmed in by discrimination that deprives one true freedom, is like being dead. Music, art, and even drugs are avenues out of that social death, even as they are, in their own ways, dangerous or subversive† (Class Lecture). Sonny becomes a drug user and gets arrested for possession of narcotics. â€Å"Those who try to escape on the streets find themselves encircled by disaster† (Baldwin n.pag). In h is adolescence, Sonny succumbs to the streets and ends up hooked on dope and in prison† (Flibbert n.pag). Even though, Sonny tries to explain himself, the narrator chooses not to be involved. Later in the story he reconciles with his younger brother after the death of his daughter. The pain of loss made him more sensitive to his brother’s feelings. The narrator in the beginning assumes â€Å"that he has escaped the underclass(Baldwin n.pag), but what he discovers later is that his younger brother is still stuck there addicted to heroin, and he will never find a peace until he saves him†(Reid n.pag). What he begins to discover with Sonnys arrest and literal imprisonment is that he cannot free himself from responsibility for his brother. â€Å"He is his brothers keeper [†¦] and the vision that will make life and freedom from bondage possible is not the Platonic, Apollonian vision ofShow MoreRelatedLangston Hughes: A Poet Supreme Essay1879 Words   |  8 Pagesof language. No poet better carries the mantle of model and innovator the Langston Hughes, the prolific Duke Ellington of black poetry. Hughess output alone is staggering. During his lifetime, he published over eight hundred poems. Moreover, he single-handedly defined blues poetry and is arguably the first major jazz poet. Early in his career he realized the importance of reading his poetry to receptive audiences. When Alain Locke arranged a poetry reading by Hughes before the PlaywritersRead MoreThe Influence of Gospel Music Essay2325 Words   |  10 PagesGospel music has been around for a hundred of years. Gospel music is highly emotional evangelical vocal music that originated among African American Christians in the southern United States and was a strong influence in the development of soul music. (Gospel Music) Gospel music quite evolved from the songs slaves sang on plantations notably work songs, and from the Protestant hymns they sang in church. However in the 19th century, spiri tual hymns transfer into gospel music, which started the goldenRead MoreNew York City: History and Landmarks4966 Words   |  20 Pages(shell beads). Fewer than 300 people lived in New Amsterdam when the settlement moved to Manhattan. But it grew quickly, and in 1760 the city (now called New York City; population 18,000) surpassed Boston to become the second-largest city in the American colonies. Fifty years later, with a population 202,589, it became the largest city in the Western hemisphere. Today, more than 8 million people live in the city’s five boroughs. New York City in the 18th Century In 1664, the British seized NewRead MoreThe History of Dance9217 Words   |  37 Pagesto the deities; dancers are married to the deity. Devadasi also known as temple dancers usually illustrated their devotion to the Gods the most, performing in front of the Gods, or at festivals in honor of them. Bharata Natyam captures the true meaning of dance drama, the dance routines tell a story, creating theatrical unity and wholeness in the meditative mind. The following is a list of dance names; Argentine Tango - history of Argentine Tango and Milonga. Argentine Tango History - Milonga and

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles - 1222 Words

Oedipus a man who’s fate was out to get him, the great king of Thebes formerly prince of Corinth. He had to face many struggles in his life that he had well caused, and even though Oedipus tried to escape his fate by leaving Corinth. His true fate lied in Thebes while Corinth was just an obstacle. Oedipus is a man who in a way caused his own fate to be brought out into the light revealing everything. It was all because of Oedipus determination to figure out who killed the great king before him Laios which had turned out to be his father. Oedipus kept on going and going on how important it was to find out whom truly did it, and even though he couldn’t connect the dots. His wife and soon figured out mother did, Jocasta realized that Oedipus was her son and she wanted him to stop searching everywhere so that the truth would not be revealed. It was not come to the light and life could continue to be great. However Oedipus was a man who cared about the people so since he kn ew what Apollo had said to get rid of the disastrous Plague in Thebes Oedipus went on and on. Not stopping until the truth was revealed and when it was, the despair Oedipus felt was unbelievable. Some people might say that Oedipus could have just been a man who fell into his fate as it was already written for him, however Oedipus can actually be classified as a man who brought out his own fate because of his determination to find Laios killer and find out the truth of who he truly was. Oedipus theShow MoreRelatedOedipus Rex, Sophocles1252 Words   |  6 PagesOedipus the ideal Tragic Hero Kelli Richards Liberty University Abstract In the play Oedipus Rex, Sophocles portrays Oedipus who is also the main character, as a good- natured, beautiful, noble yet narcissistic person who has a lapse of judgment and fall from power. Throughout the play Oedipus makes a few profound decisions for which he is condemned to plentiful suffering;Read MoreOedipus Rex, by Sophocles822 Words   |  4 Pagesrelates to Oedipus’s situation from Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. Sophocles‘ Oedipus Rex tells the story of a monarch named Oedipus whowho becomes the unfortunate victim of circumstances beyond his control. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus‘ downfall is not a result of excessive hubris or his actions, but rather his parents’ disgraceful actions and uncontrollable aspects of fate. Oedipus’ parents actions and decisions are a major element in Oedipus’ tragic downfall. Before Oedipus is born, Laius and Jocasta, theRead MoreOedipus Rex by Sophocles683 Words   |  3 PagesThe play Oedipus Rex is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles during a time when Athens was the major power of the world. During this period, people believed that the Gods had control over their destiny. The play itself opens up as a detective story, because there is murder, and mystery surrounding the murder, as well as solving the mystery as the central theme and ultimate conclusion of the story. A plague has befallen the city of Thebes and so King Oedipus sends his in-law Creon to the Oracle ofRead MoreEssay on Sophocles Oedipus Rex1369 Words   |  6 PagesSophocles Oedipus Rex As the plot in Sophocles famous play Oedipus Rex unfolds, many aspects of the relationship between ancient Greeks and their gods are revealed. It demonstrates that the people couldRead MoreThe Characters Of Oedipus Rex By Sophocles973 Words   |  4 PagesMaya Fleischer Ms. Hampson World Lit II CPA 11/7/17 Oedipus Essay Whether positive or negative, individuals have various characteristics that define them. Many people struggle to find a balance between confidence and arrogance. Oedipus, King Laius, and Queen Jocasta fall into this category, as they all possess this character flaw. Throughout Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, these characters make decisions based on what is best for themselves. Sometimes putting yourself before others is necessary forRead MoreOedipus Rex by Sophocles Essay1829 Words   |  8 PagesOedipus Rex by Sophocles In Sophocles Oedipus the King which is a tragic play, which discusses the tragic discovery that Oedipus has killed his father and married his mother. Oedipus is the embodiment of the perfect Athenian. He is self-confident, intelligent, and strong willed. Ironically these are the very traits which bring about his tragic discovery. Oedipus gained the rule of Thebes by answering the riddle of The Sphinx. Sophocles used the riddle of The Sphinx as a metaphor forRead MoreOedipus Rex by Sophocles889 Words   |  3 PagesSophocles’s Oedipus the King, fate is primary theme in the play. The influence of fate goes beyond the play but how Greeks viewed fate entirely. Also, Oedipus somewhat represented the Athenian political system and the people of Athens by his leadership. And lastly, having the play unfold, one is able to sympathize with Oedipus and strike pity and fear rather than disgust from his sins. The power of fate in Oedipus the King was one that shaped the entire story. In the beginning of the play, Oedipus heardRead MoreThe Unavoidable Fate In Oedipus Rex By Sophocles1010 Words   |  5 PagesDestiny Fate is an unavoidable force that controls life. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles is a Greek tragedy about Oedipus finding the truth about his origin, while also trying to save the city of Thebes from a terrible plague. Oedipus unknowingly ends up killing his father and marrying his mother. When the truths about his sins are discovered, Oedipus blinds himself and exiles himself from Thebes. Oedipus ultimately could not control fate. Oedipus could not control the fate of citizens of Thebes as a kingRead MoreThe Flaws Of Arrogance In Oedipus Rex By Sophocles796 Words   |  4 Pagesonce said, â€Å"None are so empty as those who are full of themselves.† The words ring true through the character Oedipus whose tragic flaw of arrogance brought his downfall. In his timeless play, Oedipus Rex, author Sophocles unflinchingly illuminates the haughtiness and hubris displayed by the hero Oedipus. Through his candid exploration of the ship/captain and light/dark motifs, Sophocles makes an e ffort to ultimately bring the reader to the realization that arrogance creates an illusion to the truthRead MoreThe Value Of Leadership In Oedipus Rex By Sophocles1326 Words   |  6 PagesBased on evidence, Athenians valued bravery, confidence and heroic strength in their leaders. For example, the entire reason Oedipus from Oedipus Rex by Sophocles became king of Thebes is because he defeated the Sphinx that was guarding the city, saving the citizens (info from the backstory). On page 11, a senator makes the comment, â€Å"if his bosom holds a grain of fear, curses like yours he never will abide.† The reader can assume the Athenians valued bravery because the senator makes a comment against

Proposals Relation to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania free essay sample

In the â€Å"Proposals Relation to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,† 1749, Benjamin Franklin reconciled public service, the benefits of classical learning, and the necessity of practical training for young people in the colony. Mr. Franklin discussed that knowledge helps to give honor. Not just honor to yourself for knowing what you are doing and talking about but, also an honor for your country to represent them if you were to become a part of office and have to communicate with others outside of country. Not even just to be in office but, to also become a minister or priest for a religion thanks to the studies of religious and civil morality. Thanks to their knowledge the academy will give to them they will be able to help their country in not just honoring them but, helping the citizens in the country. Due to their knowledge they will be able to give the citizens fair amounts of income, fair prices for taxes, and prayers. We will write a custom essay sample on Proposals Relation to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The men that will have this knowledge will not only be from a rich background with an abundance of money and high class families.As well as, poor background young men with little money and probably no family at all have a chance to receive an education and help their country. Then after one school is built to help young men, more and more can be built by other men with knowledge and help others get the education they once received. In this academy the students will learn similar subjects to what the modern day student learns today. Students will be taught the English language by reading some of the best authors in the 1700’s. There was Tillotson, Pope, Cato’s Letters, and etc. hould be some of the classics read. They will be taught to write with neat handwriting, swift drawing of arithmetic, accounts†¦ geometry, and astronomy. All of these can count as basic classes to help with any future job the student might want to have/achieve when they graduate. These basic classes can also help with everyday jobs, for example, directions in the stars while on a journey in the ocean or lost in the forest (science), buying or trading goods for money (math), or even just being able to read and write a form of a constitution or charter (grammar).Benjamin Franklin also states â€Å"But art is long, and their time is short. † in paragraph 8 of â€Å"Proposals Relation to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,† 1749. In the passage, the author also talks of the necessities of practical training which has to do with knowing how to handle and work on machines and the histories on machine. Something that will be taught is the machines used in wars. Men can learn to make these machines and use them. Then they can improve them in ways to make them better so they can be used when needed.The knowledge of machines can help those week men that cannot do much physical work can invent new machines to reduce labor for all men and slaves. Manufacturing companies will begin to grow in ways of money and making more of what they sell. Their money will flourish and the companies will gain power. Once the companies grow, trade will also increase which can make that country gain more money also. That is when math and grammar also come in handy. Manufacturing companies will not only flourish but, farming as well because of the farming technique they give you, to plant cash crops and even plant your own foods to eat at home.Benjamin Franklin put to rights that public service, the benefits of classical learning, and the necessity of practical training for young men in the colonies by giving them knowledge to honor and help themselves and country. Next, the students learning the basics will help with future jobs and everyday lives. Lastly, the men learn to use and invent machines by learning their histories and how they were used. These arguments should make anyone want to open up an academy and teach young men.