Reflecting Meta-Cognatively

  Literature can be persuasive on so many levels that, in some cases, can oddly overwhelm the reader. Being a reader of many essays, articles, biography's, novels, etc; I naturally critically think my way through whatever the author has to throw my way. Sometimes though, I can get so involved in the literature that, all of a sudden, I just cant help but to view the plot from various angles. Meaning, I can follow along with the flow that the author provides in his/her writing, then I start predicting whats next, or start viewing the story from a macro perspective, or even start disagreeing with the writing based off a critics point of view, thus leaving me wondering what the author was really writing about all along. All these little point of views help morph a straight forward story or passage into an overly analyzed stack of words that sometimes requires me to read over one more time to get the story straight. All in all, I do not think this is a bad thing, but surely enough it is a positive underlying obstacle I possess and endure.

  Naturally, I am not truly fond of reading often. Like most individuals, I like reading what interests me first, then what the instructor has assigned for me later. Regardless of these facts I do what I have to and stay current on my readings. As past experiences have taught me, being responsible with a great work ethic generally leads to self fulfillment and a true pride that no one can take away. The fact that I am writing this blog and sharing the way my mind functions is a bit of a noteworthy feat. All this was not the case early on when I initially graduated High School. I did not take my reading assignments seriously, then when quiz's and tests came along I simply found myself mostly at a loss. Not a good feeling! After a couple of years of added maturity and a full understanding of a direction pertaining to a career; I find reading quite useful and sometimes fun. Life lessons and career orientation have helped me adopt the practice of recreational reading no matter the case.

  As far as a timeline for reading, any quiet moment through the day is an opportunity. Whether its at home, in my car, at school, or elsewhere, reading has become a regular. I feel I have an intuitive understanding of the text thus far, given by my instructors this semester. Also, I am caught up on my readings for History and even English, so I have no difficulties relating to any of these courses. From immaturity to thinking critically to successful application of my new found habits, reading is not just a requirement anymore, but a successful tool for hopefully a successful Engineer someday. Now that my friends, is a good feeling!

Owl Creek Bridge

  Its Northern Alabama, Payton Farquhar is standing on a railroad bridge overlooking the fast, yet cold water below. The opening scene and the details of uniformed men' postures, purposes, protocol, overall landscape and all structural surroundings ease into the atmosphere at hand. The authors reason for this scene is to create a mental picture describing an obvious ceremonial lynching by the Federal forces. The civilians demeanor and appearance is also described as one of a gentlemen. The location was secluded with nowhere to go, the lynching was going to happen and sadly Payton's fate was undoubtedly set. This gives me reason to believe that the civilian (Payton) had to have sided with the confederate's somehow and was being convicted and executed by a wartime penalty.  

  The purpose for this scene was to engage the reader and share what Payton was feeling while standing on a plank supported by another mans weight with a rope fastened securely around his neck. How it was an air tight  fail proof situation that he was in and what flashed through his mind in the waning moments until the plank was no longer supported. The possibility of escape and scenarios to achieve it would run through all of our minds. When acceptance sets in, then the ones we love the most become our priority to the last breath. Payton was a good man, but sometimes even good men pay the price for standing up for what they believe. This scene sets the foundation for what is real and what is wishful throughout the remainder of the story. 

  While reading the whole Ambrose Bierce story I naturally try predicting the conclusion at the very beginning. Understanding the situation and being part of the current military myself, I quickly finalize that Payton will be lynched, so when the details of his escape were given I couldn't buy it. I mean the soldiers were positioned at both ends of the bridge and around him. The rope was secured to "stout timber" above his head and even if the rope somehow broke, the positioned soldiers would have a clear shot. As the story went on and after Payton escaped by surviving the initial jolt of the rope/brake, then pulling a houdini by freeing his hands, eluding bullets while fighting currents down stream and successfully running into the woods in the direction of home; the story comes back to the last details of the first scene. As it turned out, the escape scene that perceived to last a whole day really lasted just moments in Payton's mind as he was falling to his doom. Maybe I think a little too logical or critical, but somehow it did help me this time because I actually accurately predicted the outcome to this story.

  The fall of Corinth caused great trouble for the South during the war. The railway supply lines were cut and after several attempts to retake it, the South ultimately failed. Payton's character is described as "naturally an original secessionist and ardently devoted to the southern cause. Circumstances of an imperious nature, which it is unnecessary to relate here, had prevented him from taking service with the gallant army that had fought the disastrous campaigns ending with the fall of Corinth, and he chafed under the life of the soldier, the opportunity for distinction." (Ambrose Bierce, 173). The Federal forces are advancing and with each stride the railway is being rebuilt for use again. Payton was a supporter of the Confederacy/South and based on the fact that the scout pretty much duped him into trying to burn down the Owl Creek Bridge. The North may have been trying to lure all confederate extremist left to the bridge, then legally execute them based on their actions. This could indicate there was quite a disparity between the North and South during this time of reconstruction.

Citations Used:

Ambrose Bierce. Great American Short Stories. Mineola, New York:

Dover Publications, INC. 2002. Pg. 713. 

MLA Amendments 13, 14, 15

 The very first positive outcome of the American Civil War revolved around the XIII Amendment. Slavery was officially abolished once Section 1 of the Amendment was released. As stated in "America Past and Present" section 1 "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction"  (Divine, Robert A, A-12). The firmness of the literature truly emphasize the radical change of that time.

  A couple of years later, the country is still uncertain and unsettled about the XIII Amendment. In 1868, the XIV Amendment was passed and enforced nation wide. This section formally defines equal Citizenship, Life, Liberty, and fair entitlement to property was emphasized in Section 1. As stated, "nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law" (Divine, Robert A). This allows the Federal Government to protect all naturalized citizens from any cruel laws being passed through the state level.

  The ground rules on voting rights were explained along with what defines a US Citizen and who is not eligible to run for office (civil or military) in Sections 2 & 3. Section 2 clarifies that any male 21 years of age is entitled to vote no matter the race. Stated in Section 2 "any of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States," continued "shall bear to the whole number of male citizens" (Divine, Robert A). This means that post slaves are counted as "one whole person" per-vote rather than being considered 3/5ths or a person as previously enforced. Section 3 stressed that all members of the old confederacy leaders not have the ability to hold any Federal Office. Section 3 states that no person shall "have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same or given and or comfort to the enemies" (Divine, Robert A). The only way they should have a chance to regain full citizenship and a spot in office is through a passed 2/3 vote from congress itself.

  Continuing on with the XIV section 4. As stated "any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void" (Divine, Robert A). This was a section firmly stating to all southern states that there will be no payments or compensation for loss of slavery or payment to slave traders at that time. Section 5 pretty much speaks for its self. With support of legislation, Congress has the power enforce all said through this article.

  The final Amendment passed through the post Civil War was designed to guarantee that former slaves would retain their voting rights from any ban. The XV Amendment states "the right of citizens of the United States shall not be denied," continued in section 1 "on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude" (Divine, Robert A). This section was written to counter the suffrage laws being placed by southern states to discriminate any kind of groups. Loopholes were eventually found in this Amendment as well and states found ways to continue banning/preventing blacks from voting, even up to the 1960's.



Citations Used:


Divine, Robert A. "Appendix" America Past and Present. Upper Saddle River, NJ:


Pearson Education/Longman, 2011. A-12.
 

 

Journal Writing: Point of View (Civil War / Basics)

  January 1861. President Lincoln was newly elected and widely know as a abolitionist (people who strive to abolish slavery). The fact that Lincoln was put in power seemed to be enough to force South Carolina to hit the panic button and become the first state to secede. The sole purpose for this move was simply because they relied heavily on slave labor and couldnt imagine life without them. Soon after, the secession welcomed six more states, then later a of 11 total states will round out what eventually was known as the Confederacy. This kind of diversity within the country created heavy tension and soon enough something was about to give.

  President Lincoln tried to avoid any kind of spark that may ignite warfare, but on April 12, 1861 it was made inevitable. Shots were fired on fort Sumter (based in SC), then after sometime the fort was surrendered to South Carolina and the American Civil War was begun. Needless to say, from this point four years of brotherly bloodshed would be spilt in what may still be the most horrifyingly gruesome and detrimental wars of American history.

  After years of brutality, Confederate Army Commanding General Robert E. Lee scheduled to meet with Union Army Commanding General Ulysses's Grant in a home in Virginia at Appomattox. On April 9, 1865 the American Civil War was effectively over. The Union had finally won and the Confederacy hopes for establishing itself as a permanent independent republic was halted.

  Shortly after the war, President Lincoln was assassinated. The Era of reconstruction began with a bang so to speak. The true outcome of the Civil War revolved around the implementation of a reconstructed government for the south. This time was not peaceful, but a violent time filled with controversy turmoil. Everyone wanted to take advantage of how weak the south was. The 13th amendment was passed and slavery was abolished. The south was left trying to piece what was left together.

  The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were the real success in the aftermath of the war. Later the 14th amendment was passed to give Federal Legal Protection to all citizens (including African Americans specifically) to help with the transition from slave to free citizenship. The 15th amendment gave the African Americans a voice/vote. These Amendments were the true victories of the Civil War, eventhough it took each state so much longer to actually transition and accept the true meaning of equality. It took up to as much as 12 years for the southern states to finally transition back to the United States. In 1877 the reconstruction was considered over when the remainder of federal troops finally were removed from the south.

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