The Old Patriarchal System Of The South
Discuss the old patriarchal system of the South. Does it still apply? Support with specific examples in the areas of family and religion. Patriarchy is the idea that the man is supposed to be the head of the family which means the man dominated the institution. In the old patriarchal system of the South, men were the head of any institution as well as in the household. Woman had no much say and could barely occupy position either in the political system or in the church. But the trend has changed over the decade. I do believe that in certain areas the modern southern family unit is still patriarchal, but not all modern Southern family is like that. As for instance, in most Baptist churches, they still maintain their beliefs and doctrines.
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Woman cannot occupy any positions in the church as well as in the household. Contrary to the old south, with the proclamation of the Emancipation, it seems like women can do the same thing that men can. Some factors show that we are no longer in a patriarchal system include high divorce rates resulting in single mothers, fathers in prison, high rate of violence leaving single mothers, same sex relationships and the independence of women (feminism).
3.
Discuss how the South is influenced by four major groups, according to your textbook. Southern Culture began with four majors groups. These majors groups are Native Americans, West Africans, English Settlers from the South of England, and the settlers from the area of the British Isles. Majors’ influences come from the West Africans migrants and British Isles who migrated here in the 1600s-1700s according the text book. These groups brought their values and traditions that influenced the South and lead to the creation of a new culture. As for instance, In regard to music in the South, Southern music is a blend of races because it is a productive mix of ethnic groups such as blacks, whites’ creoles, Anglo-Americans, Africans, Italian immigrants. Each ethnic group had its own musical …show more content…
traditions.
4. Show how each of the follow informs the South:
• Farming
• Social class
• Race
• Family
• Politics
• Religion
Race was a major influence on the culture. As the textbook mentioned, race as black was destiny because it determined with whom blacks could socialize with, which church they should go, to whom they could marry etc. Family in the South were family-oriented, the man was the head of the household which means he provides for his family and makes sure that everybody was take care of. Men were mostly dominant and the roles of the women differ from the men. Slavery and segregation had an impact on the black families and their roles. As someone who has been in the mid-west, I have seen the difference. Southerners seem to worship in ways that differ from the other parts of the country. They spoke a unique dialect which is obvious and evident. I feel like people in the South are more family-oriented, tend to maintain relationship. A lot of cities in the South are small cities not too much model of transportations. A lot of elder people, I have talked too, would tell me that they used to live in small farms, picked cotton and experienced segregation. Most of all, the South has a unique heritage. The music, the poetry, building styles, cuisine, churches, all these make the South so unique. The old Social class in the south is dying as the textbook mentioned. The middle class seems to be predominant in all aspects. Two main important crises defined the politics in the South. Most important two crises happened in the 1850’ and 60’and a centennial later in the 1950’s and 60’s. During the first crisis, political discord over slavery were so violent which contributed to the removal of 11states in the United States, in result of the Civil war , Africans –Americans and whites continued to fight for a voice in the politics. The second crisis was mainly about segregation, more precisely in the Deep South were blacks were not allowed to vote. Race has always been the center of the Southern politics.
5. What role, if any, do you believe that defeat in the Civil War has had on the South over the past 150 years? Be specific; do not just generalize. The fact that the states succeeded prior the Civil war has played a great role. The states seceded because more Northerners came to realization that slavery was wrong and began to accept the argument that slavery must be banned even though it was still a viewpoint held by minorities. Slaveholders dominated the South, and the Northerners were afraid that it might expand to every corner of the nation, and they thought they might have to compete with free slave labor; in result to that the Northerners established a new party which is called the Republican Party. It was mainly created for the purpose of abolishing slavery. Most planters saw the Republican Party as a threat, but they could not control it because the election of the first republican president Abraham Lincoln actually marked the end of slavery. Both Union and the other Deep South states obviously followed. Former slaves were then given the right to vote for the first time and southern States were forced to draw up new state constitutions in recognizing equality. 6. For the past few weeks as we have sampled Southern literature of the twentieth century, we have identified some common denominators among the writers in their treatments of subjects such as family, race relations, etc. Instead of focusing on these similarities, identify some of the uncommon denominators among Welty, Williams, and Faulkner. Explain and support. Eudora is known for using mythology to connect specific characters. She uses place (Location) as an important component in every story she has ever wrote. Places define how the story is perceived and also define the mood and the plot. Faulkner style of writing is recognized by the range of technique, theme and tone used. Faulkner can create complicated situation which involve a variety of characters with different reaction. Faulkner examined the relationship between whites and blacks in many of his works while Eudora major theme extends beyond the South which includes the pain of growing up, fear and loneliness and communities.
7. Tennessee Williams treats more than one theme, or purpose, throughout Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Identify what you consider to be the major theme and show how this theme weaves itself throughout the play. The major theme involves lies and homosexuality. Brick is a heartbroken man who became an alcoholic after the death of his beloved friend Skipper. He mourned the love of his friend Skipper, a love that no one can understand which is pretty much inexplicable. For Brick, this must be one the most beautiful thing in this world. One might think that he is living in another planet.
8. Comment on whether you believe these writers’ works will withstand the test of time, explain why, and support: William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Connie May Fowler. Yes, I do believe that these writers ‘work will withstand the test of time. All of them used the South as a setting for their stories by adding characters too it. While reading these novels, it is hard to differentiate whether the books were dedicated to each region or each state. Also it is difficult to distinguish whether the novels were written for specific audiences because everyone can relate to it whether you live in the region or in the State. These Works are not just a general reflection of the place, but they beautifully evoke a time, place and way of living which cannot be separated from the reality.
9.
How does Southern literature of the twentieth century comment on what it means to be human in the modern world? In order to understand our world, humans use philosophy, literature, religion, art and music. The knowledge of recording these human experiences gives us an opportunity to focus on our similarities and differences, and also to learn important life’s lesson. Humanities can convey important life messages through music, literature and achievements; we can learn certain things about life and that’s what reminds us that we are human beings. The Work of William Faulkner and Eudora Welty comment on what it means to be human. To be human in the modern world for me means that humans are creatures that have the free will do to what they want to do whether right or wrong without the intervention of any other influences. Evening Sun by Faulkner which portrays inequality, fear, domestic violence and lie show how the modern world is corrupt. For instance, The Southern racial distinction allows Mr. Stovall to use Nancy as a sexual object and abuses her without anybody interfering because of his position in the society and because of the color of his skin. The major point Faulkner is making about humanity in the novel “Rose for Emily” is the notion of death, change and power. Based on this novel, one could say that humans are cruel creatures and inequality in the society will always exist because live itself is unfair. In addition to that, Eudora Welty story “Before Woman had
wings”, she uses characters that depict the qualities of a human being. Qualities such as selfishness, fear, domestic violence are qualities that are displayed in human in this modern world. Overall, in both writers’ work I have mentioned, Southern Literature of the twentieth century seems to tell us that it is the human nature to commit sin and to be corrupt by the society. We live in the society where everybody seems to be corrupt and no one seems to have principles and standard in this modern world.
10. Try your best to state an all-encompassing definition of Southern culture. Support with as many examples from this course this semester as possible. Southern Culture is a subculture of the United States and it is the most distinct part of the country (Jacobson). Culture is a major issue because culture is what gives meaning to the South (Beck, Frandsen, Randall, 3). The uniqueness of all the components (values, behaviors, clothing styles, people, climates) that englobes culture is what makes the South so unique. Faulkner portrays the struggles of the South after the Civil War. When it comes to religion, Evangelical Protestant which includes Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostalism has long been the heart of Southern religious culture. The South is known as the Bible belt because it has, for a long time, been known as the part of the country with the most religious people on the planet. Ideologically, the South is a distinct because of the multitude of religion it displays. Forms of religions identified within the South are Evangelicalism, Fundamentalism and Pentecostalism that has been dispersed over the nation (Beck, Frandsen, Randall, 225). Evangelical protestant includes denominations such as Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal, but in the South, the most church going population is Baptist (Beck, Frandsen, Randall, 225). Emily is the contrast between the Old South and The New South. In Addition, Southern culture includes southern history, southern manners, southern dialects, southern religion, southern food, music, dance, social class which are all unique compared to the other part of the country. After the Civil War, Southerners were expected to adopt a way of life prior to the Civil War. These transitions were difficult for Southerners because some wanted to keep their old tradition and beliefs. A “Rose for Emily” is the perfect example that portrays the Old South.
Woman cannot occupy any positions in the church as well as in the household. Contrary to the old south, with the proclamation of the Emancipation, it seems like women can do the same thing that men can. Some factors show that we are no longer in a patriarchal system include high divorce rates resulting in single mothers, fathers in prison, high rate of violence leaving single mothers, same sex relationships and the independence of women (feminism).
3.
Discuss how the South is influenced by four major groups, according to your textbook. Southern Culture began with four majors groups. These majors groups are Native Americans, West Africans, English Settlers from the South of England, and the settlers from the area of the British Isles. Majors’ influences come from the West Africans migrants and British Isles who migrated here in the 1600s-1700s according the text book. These groups brought their values and traditions that influenced the South and lead to the creation of a new culture. As for instance, In regard to music in the South, Southern music is a blend of races because it is a productive mix of ethnic groups such as blacks, whites’ creoles, Anglo-Americans, Africans, Italian immigrants. Each ethnic group had its own musical …show more content…
traditions.
4. Show how each of the follow informs the South:
• Farming
• Social class
• Race
• Family
• Politics
• Religion
Race was a major influence on the culture. As the textbook mentioned, race as black was destiny because it determined with whom blacks could socialize with, which church they should go, to whom they could marry etc. Family in the South were family-oriented, the man was the head of the household which means he provides for his family and makes sure that everybody was take care of. Men were mostly dominant and the roles of the women differ from the men. Slavery and segregation had an impact on the black families and their roles. As someone who has been in the mid-west, I have seen the difference. Southerners seem to worship in ways that differ from the other parts of the country. They spoke a unique dialect which is obvious and evident. I feel like people in the South are more family-oriented, tend to maintain relationship. A lot of cities in the South are small cities not too much model of transportations. A lot of elder people, I have talked too, would tell me that they used to live in small farms, picked cotton and experienced segregation. Most of all, the South has a unique heritage. The music, the poetry, building styles, cuisine, churches, all these make the South so unique. The old Social class in the south is dying as the textbook mentioned. The middle class seems to be predominant in all aspects. Two main important crises defined the politics in the South. Most important two crises happened in the 1850’ and 60’and a centennial later in the 1950’s and 60’s. During the first crisis, political discord over slavery were so violent which contributed to the removal of 11states in the United States, in result of the Civil war , Africans –Americans and whites continued to fight for a voice in the politics. The second crisis was mainly about segregation, more precisely in the Deep South were blacks were not allowed to vote. Race has always been the center of the Southern politics.
5. What role, if any, do you believe that defeat in the Civil War has had on the South over the past 150 years? Be specific; do not just generalize. The fact that the states succeeded prior the Civil war has played a great role. The states seceded because more Northerners came to realization that slavery was wrong and began to accept the argument that slavery must be banned even though it was still a viewpoint held by minorities. Slaveholders dominated the South, and the Northerners were afraid that it might expand to every corner of the nation, and they thought they might have to compete with free slave labor; in result to that the Northerners established a new party which is called the Republican Party. It was mainly created for the purpose of abolishing slavery. Most planters saw the Republican Party as a threat, but they could not control it because the election of the first republican president Abraham Lincoln actually marked the end of slavery. Both Union and the other Deep South states obviously followed. Former slaves were then given the right to vote for the first time and southern States were forced to draw up new state constitutions in recognizing equality. 6. For the past few weeks as we have sampled Southern literature of the twentieth century, we have identified some common denominators among the writers in their treatments of subjects such as family, race relations, etc. Instead of focusing on these similarities, identify some of the uncommon denominators among Welty, Williams, and Faulkner. Explain and support. Eudora is known for using mythology to connect specific characters. She uses place (Location) as an important component in every story she has ever wrote. Places define how the story is perceived and also define the mood and the plot. Faulkner style of writing is recognized by the range of technique, theme and tone used. Faulkner can create complicated situation which involve a variety of characters with different reaction. Faulkner examined the relationship between whites and blacks in many of his works while Eudora major theme extends beyond the South which includes the pain of growing up, fear and loneliness and communities.
7. Tennessee Williams treats more than one theme, or purpose, throughout Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Identify what you consider to be the major theme and show how this theme weaves itself throughout the play. The major theme involves lies and homosexuality. Brick is a heartbroken man who became an alcoholic after the death of his beloved friend Skipper. He mourned the love of his friend Skipper, a love that no one can understand which is pretty much inexplicable. For Brick, this must be one the most beautiful thing in this world. One might think that he is living in another planet.
8. Comment on whether you believe these writers’ works will withstand the test of time, explain why, and support: William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Connie May Fowler. Yes, I do believe that these writers ‘work will withstand the test of time. All of them used the South as a setting for their stories by adding characters too it. While reading these novels, it is hard to differentiate whether the books were dedicated to each region or each state. Also it is difficult to distinguish whether the novels were written for specific audiences because everyone can relate to it whether you live in the region or in the State. These Works are not just a general reflection of the place, but they beautifully evoke a time, place and way of living which cannot be separated from the reality.
9.
How does Southern literature of the twentieth century comment on what it means to be human in the modern world? In order to understand our world, humans use philosophy, literature, religion, art and music. The knowledge of recording these human experiences gives us an opportunity to focus on our similarities and differences, and also to learn important life’s lesson. Humanities can convey important life messages through music, literature and achievements; we can learn certain things about life and that’s what reminds us that we are human beings. The Work of William Faulkner and Eudora Welty comment on what it means to be human. To be human in the modern world for me means that humans are creatures that have the free will do to what they want to do whether right or wrong without the intervention of any other influences. Evening Sun by Faulkner which portrays inequality, fear, domestic violence and lie show how the modern world is corrupt. For instance, The Southern racial distinction allows Mr. Stovall to use Nancy as a sexual object and abuses her without anybody interfering because of his position in the society and because of the color of his skin. The major point Faulkner is making about humanity in the novel “Rose for Emily” is the notion of death, change and power. Based on this novel, one could say that humans are cruel creatures and inequality in the society will always exist because live itself is unfair. In addition to that, Eudora Welty story “Before Woman had
wings”, she uses characters that depict the qualities of a human being. Qualities such as selfishness, fear, domestic violence are qualities that are displayed in human in this modern world. Overall, in both writers’ work I have mentioned, Southern Literature of the twentieth century seems to tell us that it is the human nature to commit sin and to be corrupt by the society. We live in the society where everybody seems to be corrupt and no one seems to have principles and standard in this modern world.
10. Try your best to state an all-encompassing definition of Southern culture. Support with as many examples from this course this semester as possible. Southern Culture is a subculture of the United States and it is the most distinct part of the country (Jacobson). Culture is a major issue because culture is what gives meaning to the South (Beck, Frandsen, Randall, 3). The uniqueness of all the components (values, behaviors, clothing styles, people, climates) that englobes culture is what makes the South so unique. Faulkner portrays the struggles of the South after the Civil War. When it comes to religion, Evangelical Protestant which includes Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostalism has long been the heart of Southern religious culture. The South is known as the Bible belt because it has, for a long time, been known as the part of the country with the most religious people on the planet. Ideologically, the South is a distinct because of the multitude of religion it displays. Forms of religions identified within the South are Evangelicalism, Fundamentalism and Pentecostalism that has been dispersed over the nation (Beck, Frandsen, Randall, 225). Evangelical protestant includes denominations such as Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal, but in the South, the most church going population is Baptist (Beck, Frandsen, Randall, 225). Emily is the contrast between the Old South and The New South. In Addition, Southern culture includes southern history, southern manners, southern dialects, southern religion, southern food, music, dance, social class which are all unique compared to the other part of the country. After the Civil War, Southerners were expected to adopt a way of life prior to the Civil War. These transitions were difficult for Southerners because some wanted to keep their old tradition and beliefs. A “Rose for Emily” is the perfect example that portrays the Old South.