Journal 8– Identify one border that our writers
have traveled that you think will come into play into your own explorations.
I think it was difficult to just choose one border that
our writers have traveled because there are so many different kinds of borders.
For example, there is a spiritual border and physically passing through a
border. I think the author that represents my own explorations would be “Roughing
It” by Mark Twain. I really connected with his writing and how he explained his
travels in so much detail. For example, he literally talks about a sage bush
for a whole two pages. He states that, “its foliage is a grayish green, and
gives that tint to desert and mountain. It smells like our domestic sage, and "sage-tea"
made from it tastes like the sage-tea which all boys are so well acquainted
with” (Twain 15). I am a very analytical person, and though it seems unnecessary
to talk about a bush for several paragraphs; it is something that I connect to.
I enjoy being descriptive in my writings because it makes the reader feel like
they are actually there. When I am traveling I literally point out everything
because the simplest things amaze me and I feel like that is one reason why I
connect to Twain’s writing style and how he crosses his borders.
I
also enjoy how Twain “Roughs It” in his travels. For example, he describes how he makes his
bed, “We stirred up the hard leather letter-sacks, and the knotty canvas bags
of printed matter (knotty and uneven because of projecting ends and corners of
magazines, boxes and books). We stirred them up and redisposed them in such a
way as to make our bed as level as possible” He did not even care that he was
sleeping on hard leather because he was so excited to go on his journey. I
think that is another reason why I love the way Twain crosses borders. I do not
want to bring much and I rather rough it when I travel. I know it does not
sound ideal, but it sounds more fun to me because I can experience things in a
different light. Traveling across borders the way Twain did is how I want to
because I get a chance to experience the culture in a unique way. Roughing It
allows me to focus on my surroundings and take everything in moment by moment.
I totally agree with your reasoning behind picking Twain’s piece. All of the detail he includes helped to keep me interested in some ways. Sure, sometimes it was almost too much, but I would prefer too much detail rather than too little. I would much rather know exactly what the scene he saw was like rather than have to assume about the little details that often complete his original image. I really liked your thoughts on how “roughing it” could be more fun, even if it not always ideal. I do agree that it would provide a whole new level to the experience, but I do not think I could ever literally “rough it.” It is really cool that you would be so open to what that experience would offer though!
ReplyDeleteAbby,
ReplyDeleteI too connected with Twain. I think that his wonder and amazement at even the smallest, most insignificant details of his surroundings is refreshing. It reminds me of how vast and magical the world seemed when we were younger, and I admire that you still feel that same wonder today! It is rare I think in our day and age because everyone is focused on the “main attraction” but the opening act can be inspiring too. I also like that you mentioned your desire to actual “rough it” along with Twain. Striping away the comforts of your dorm or home and living out of a sac could indeed provide a new and unique perspective to any journey.
I see why you connected to the Twain piece. From the things you said it seem to relate to your idea of travel. Though I didn't make the same connections myself.
ReplyDeleteI also like the Twain piece and how he goes so in depth with his explanations. I think it really brings out the piece and we can actually visualize where Twain is going and what he is experiencing during his travels. I think going into that much detail is important and that is what makes Twain such a good writer. When I read something I want to be able to feel like I know what the writer is talking about and I want to visualize in my head where that person is going.
ReplyDeleteAbby, your comments about the joys of roughing it (from Twain's perspective) made me think about the relationship our other writers have with this same phenomenon - I often think of Cahill, who has done things that few of us can achieve and yet who always manage to complain just a little bit about physical discomforts...
ReplyDeleteAbby,
ReplyDeleteI also had a terribly difficult time choosing only one border to hone in on. There are so many different types of borders including the few that you listed. I think that Twain has resonated the most with myself too. I find myself thinking about this reading selection throughout the duration of the class. I however differ with the thoughts of actually roughing it. Maybe one day I'll try roughing it, but for now, I'll just pack what I need. Overall, great insight Abby!
Twain is a great author to write about be cause "Roughing It" while you are traveling you are taking yourself out of your comfort zone and putting yourself in another culture. Emerging in with the locals is not a easy thing to do at times, but when you do it can be the best experience with any traveling experience.
ReplyDelete