It's just American history

Before studying the Declaration of Independence this Tuesday, and hearing Professor Svelmo's (sp?) speech on the history of our founding fathers, I often approached American history with more than a little apprehension. European history is exotic, exciting...while American history seems mundane simply because the same subjects are stressed over and over again throughout an American's education.

However...I may give it another chance. The background of Thomas Jefferson's famous document holds SO much-his true background as a slave owner, his slightly arrogant attitude, his help from John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. All of these facts were overlooked in my previous studies of the matter, but I really think they make the document more personable, if that even makes sense. Jefferson wasn't some ideological figure; he was extremely intelligent, yes, but he struggled the same battle between his ideals and his ability to follow them completely, just the same as present Americans. In the same way, Adams seemed to struggle with his own shortcomings in the HBO series. While these personal traits may seem inconsequential to some, I think they make our American history, and forefathers, something we can share, and even relate to 200 some years later.

Candide: hero or humor?

Candide is one of the most interesting, and therefore questionable, characters we have encountered this fall. His struggle seems sympathetic; he is kicked unceremoniously from his home, forced to travel without means or money while believing those dear to him have died, and all the while keeps hope of returning to a state of happiness. To me, it seems like Voltaire is making fun of Candide, and in penning the Character, representing the whole human race of his world. Hope is for fools; however, Candide holds on, placing his trust in a divine purpose that he believes will guide him to success:

"Come on then", said Candide, "and let us put our trust in Providence." (p.43)

Is Candide's hope something to admire or look down upon? In today's world, optimism is compared to naivity; someone with Candide's outlook would be considered someone without world experience, and knowledge of life's trials. However, Candide's twist is that he DOES have knowledge of these trials, yet persistently hopes for the best. To me, this kind of 'optimism' is something Voltaire would encourage...while doubting that anyone could accomplish it.

Alexander Pope

First, I loved this reading! It seemed to pick up right where we left up, after reading Milton. Pope, to me, seems like he is rationalizing the way that God has set up the world for men to live in...much like Milton explained how Adam and Eve were responsible for the fall of man, and subsequent necessary salvation by Jesus. One line that really matched up:

"Weak, foolish man! will heaven reward us there
With the same trash mad mortals wish for here?
The boy and man an individual makes,
Yet sighest thou now for apples and for cakes?
Go, like the Indian, in another life
Expect thy dog, thy bottle, and thy wife:
As well as dream such trifles are assigned,
As toys and empires, for a God-like mind."

Pope is basically saying that man has no way of knowing what God has planned-crying over man's current state on Earth is pointless because Earth was never meant to be man's reward. Pope's subject matter was a popular one during the Enlightenment period; I found an article discussing Voltaire and Pope's relation, and often similar ideas, on the state of man during this time.