Faulkner’s story titled Go Down Moses alludes to the Biblical story of the persecution of Jews in Egypt in relation to the blacks in the South. Faulkner draws a parallelism between the two racial groups despite their obvious social and historical differences, he does this to echo the idea that slavery has been around longer than even white people in America. In a sense, the traditional slave song contributes a mythical aspect into Faulkner’s story; it is a decree that one day blacks will have their freedom.
Faulkner’s story tries to demonstrate that the social norms against blacks are set in place regardless of their education and rhetoric. In the beginning of the story the young black man, Samuel Beauchamp, does not speak like a Southern or a typical black man of the time. Regardless of his demeanor he is still executed. His grandmother reiterates throughout the story that Carothers Edmonds has sold her boy to the Pharaoh. This constant repetition of Pharaoh represents the white man’s relation to the Pharaoh, as a tyrannical and oppressive force. In the end of the story the Beauchamp family is visited by Stevens who sees the three people resign and depressed, moaning that Samuel was sold to the Pharaoh. Essentially, Samuel has been stole to the white man, or even to the devil. Faulkner is trying to demonstrate the lost of hope for the Beauchamp family. They sit and mourn the lost of the black boy as though they are waiting for their Messiah,someone to rescue them from the tyrannical rule of the white man.
By: Jareen Imam
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
"Go Down, Moses" Response
The title given to William Faulkner’s short story, “Go Down Moses” plays an important role in determining how the reader is supposed to interpret the story. There are obvious connections between the narrative and the idea of a slave spiritual. The slave spiritual had a variety of purposes. They could be used as a means to convey messages or protests that they did not want their owners to hear or as gathering songs before a church service began. Both of these uses are relevant to the story. The white characters obviously do not quite understand what the black characters are saying when they recite the lines to the song. They often tell them to be quiet or explain that Samuel was not sold in Egypt and that there was no Pharaoh involved. This is indicative of the secret nature of the meaning of slave spirituals and how they were successful in going undetected by whites. The use of spirituals as gathering songs is also pertinent. In a way, Mollie is trying to call her son back home. She would seem to accomplish this as Gavin Stevens arranges to have the body brought home for burial after Mollie says little more than lyrics from the spiritual
The title also has some significance other than also being the name of a slave spiritual. In terms of myths, the story of Moses and the enslavement of the Israelites by the Egyptians was very popular amongst African American slaves. It was especially popular to those who had recently been forced to convert to Christianity. Faced with compulsory assimilation, they identified with a part of their new culture that was relevant and useful to them. Focusing on the story of an oppressed people who are assisted by God in overcoming their master was a way for them to comply with their masters orders while at the same time resisting. In a way they altered the way that a traditional myth was interpreted or seen and used it to their own advantage. This comes into the story in the way that the black characters still seem to be living in a world where they are outsiders. They are obviously not considered equals and the consequences of this treatment are shown in Samuel’s descent into a life of crime. The story depicts a life where blacks appear to be assimilated fully on the surface, but underneath there is an underlying sense of division.
The title also has some significance other than also being the name of a slave spiritual. In terms of myths, the story of Moses and the enslavement of the Israelites by the Egyptians was very popular amongst African American slaves. It was especially popular to those who had recently been forced to convert to Christianity. Faced with compulsory assimilation, they identified with a part of their new culture that was relevant and useful to them. Focusing on the story of an oppressed people who are assisted by God in overcoming their master was a way for them to comply with their masters orders while at the same time resisting. In a way they altered the way that a traditional myth was interpreted or seen and used it to their own advantage. This comes into the story in the way that the black characters still seem to be living in a world where they are outsiders. They are obviously not considered equals and the consequences of this treatment are shown in Samuel’s descent into a life of crime. The story depicts a life where blacks appear to be assimilated fully on the surface, but underneath there is an underlying sense of division.
"Go Down, Moses"
William Faulkner’s title of “Go Down, Moses,” for this short story describes the journey Samuel Worsham Beauchamp makes from Chicago to Jefferson, Mississippi. Samuel’s death corresponds with the oppression of Moses’ people in the spiritual “Go Down, Moses.” From what the reader knows, Samuel does not confess to killing the cop. In fact, he disputes the accusation and states, “No. It was another guy killed the cop” (369). Even though he denies the claims, he receives a death sentence. Faulkner’s Moses, Gavin Stevens, undertakes the burden of bringing Samuel’s body home. He urges the townspeople to contribute to the fee of properly returning Samuel’s body without fully appreciating the significance of his actions. Stevens is not the typical Moses figure. He cannot deliver Samuel from death, but he can provide comfort to those remaining, specifically Samuel’s grandmother.
Stevens acts as a bridge between the townspeople and Samuel’s family. The editor, specifically, contributes to bringing Samuel’s body home for the “novelty” of it, and even then it will only be “almost worth it” (378). Stevens shows a possible future of white and black relations by taking on Mollie Beauchamp’s demands. He recognizes Mollie’s need to find Samuel without completely understanding it. For example, Stevens thinks, “And that’s who I am to find, save, Stevens thought. Because he did not for one moment doubt the old Negress’ instinct” (372-373). The literal meaning behind the title and the story crops up when Mollie and others begin singing “Go Down, Moses” and the reader is told by Miss Worsham that “It’s our grief” (381). Most importantly, Stevens acts as a representation of Moses by giving the black population a voice. At the end of the story, he finally realizes the driving force behind Mollie’s desire to have Samuel’s body returned. He understands “she doesn’t care how he died. She just wanted him home, but she wanted him to come home right” (383).
Stevens acts as a bridge between the townspeople and Samuel’s family. The editor, specifically, contributes to bringing Samuel’s body home for the “novelty” of it, and even then it will only be “almost worth it” (378). Stevens shows a possible future of white and black relations by taking on Mollie Beauchamp’s demands. He recognizes Mollie’s need to find Samuel without completely understanding it. For example, Stevens thinks, “And that’s who I am to find, save, Stevens thought. Because he did not for one moment doubt the old Negress’ instinct” (372-373). The literal meaning behind the title and the story crops up when Mollie and others begin singing “Go Down, Moses” and the reader is told by Miss Worsham that “It’s our grief” (381). Most importantly, Stevens acts as a representation of Moses by giving the black population a voice. At the end of the story, he finally realizes the driving force behind Mollie’s desire to have Samuel’s body returned. He understands “she doesn’t care how he died. She just wanted him home, but she wanted him to come home right” (383).
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Go Down, Moses (i don't know why this is formatting weird)
The title of Faulkner’s “Go Down, Moses” echoes the African American spiritual of the same name as Faulkner builds a parallel between the enslavement of the Jews in ancient Egypt and the African Americans in pre-Civil War America. Butch Beauchamp’s grandmother Mollie makes the most obvious and direct reference to the song. Aunt Mollie wails that the “Pharoah got [her grandson]” after her landlord Carothers Edmonds “sold him in Egypt” (380). Gavin Stevens, the educated, white district attorney, recalls that “it was Edmonds who had actually send the bow to Jefferson in the first place: he had caught the boy breaking into his commissary store and had ordered him off the place and had forbidden him ever to return” (373). Despite the fact that Butch had moved to town, been caught breaking into a store, and killed a police officer, landing himself on death row, Butch’s grandmother sees the fault as being entirely Edmonds’. As she mourns the loss of her grandson, Mollie and house companion Worsham practice a call and response typical of African American spirituals as she starts a chant about her grandson and Worsham replies, echoing her sentiment.
While Mollie curses slavery, DA Gavin Stevens’ role in the story is counter to what one might expect from his character in 1940. He empathizes with his poor, black constituents and offers to help in Mollie’s plight to regain her grandson’s body. He takes on the case practically pro bono and pays mostly his own money to ship the body and pay funerary expenses. Instead of being a story about how the whites oppress the blacks, Stevens provides hope for a more unified future.
Go Down Moses
By giving his short story the title “Go Down Moses,” Faulkner not only references the popular African American spiritual song, but also draws a parallel between antebellum American slavery and the enslavement of the Jews in Egypt. This analogy plays an interesting role in the story. The parallelism makes it seem like Benjamin is taken away from his grandmother merely because he was sold to man in Chicago. As a result, Mollie Beauchamp, blames slavery for his death. However, this idea denies what seems to the audience as the truth. Mollie Beauchamp’s frame of mind—which is resolute—neglects to recognize that Benjamin dies as punishment for his own actions. Thus, at first glance, it seems that the title is inappropriate.
However, I believe that Faulkner uses this title to signify that the audience is supposed to take up Mollie Beauchamp’s way of thinking when examining the execution and following procession. Under this precept, the law symbolizes the Pharaoh, because it is the southern laws of slavery as well as the laws of punishment for murder that take Benjamin away from his grandmother. Thus, the law becomes responsible for his death. Next, the attorney Gavin Stevens becomes the Moses figure of the story for Gavin is responsible for not only freeing Benjamin’s body from a shameful burial among strangers, but also returning Benjamin’s and Mollie’s dignity. To further the analogy, the procession, led by Stevens, also mimics the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Thus, through the title Faulkner creates an analogy that allows his readers to see what many would term as a ordinary act of justice, into grand event.
However, I believe that Faulkner uses this title to signify that the audience is supposed to take up Mollie Beauchamp’s way of thinking when examining the execution and following procession. Under this precept, the law symbolizes the Pharaoh, because it is the southern laws of slavery as well as the laws of punishment for murder that take Benjamin away from his grandmother. Thus, the law becomes responsible for his death. Next, the attorney Gavin Stevens becomes the Moses figure of the story for Gavin is responsible for not only freeing Benjamin’s body from a shameful burial among strangers, but also returning Benjamin’s and Mollie’s dignity. To further the analogy, the procession, led by Stevens, also mimics the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Thus, through the title Faulkner creates an analogy that allows his readers to see what many would term as a ordinary act of justice, into grand event.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
"Go Down, Moses" response
The title "Go Down Moses" draws a connection between antebellum African American enslavement and the bondage of the Jews in Egypt. Using this analogy, Mollie Beauchamp compares her grandson Benjamin to a Jew who has been "sold" to the law by the shopkeeper, Edmonds. She chooses to blame her grandson's death on the continued practice of discrimination against African Americans in the south, refusing to even consider that he may have brought about his own demise via his unapologetically criminal lifestyle. Her eyes glaze over when Stevens tries to persuade her that Mr. Edmonds did not "sell her Benjamin", and instead of listening she sits chanting to herself throughout his stay, "Sold my Benjamin. Sold him in Egypt..."
The lawyer Stevens acts as a kind of Moses to Benjamin's character, freeing not only Benjamin's body from a disgraceful burial but also Benjamin's grandmother from the truth that her grandson's death was actually a court-ordered execution. The best example of his likeness to Moses is the scene of the funeral procession (that was made possible entirely because of his efforts), which mirrors the Jews' grand exodus away from Egypt and into the promised land. Stevens freed the family from unnecessary turmoil and gave their loved one an honorable burial, which the short description of Benjamin's character leads the reader to believe he never did anything to deserve in the first place.
The lawyer Stevens acts as a kind of Moses to Benjamin's character, freeing not only Benjamin's body from a disgraceful burial but also Benjamin's grandmother from the truth that her grandson's death was actually a court-ordered execution. The best example of his likeness to Moses is the scene of the funeral procession (that was made possible entirely because of his efforts), which mirrors the Jews' grand exodus away from Egypt and into the promised land. Stevens freed the family from unnecessary turmoil and gave their loved one an honorable burial, which the short description of Benjamin's character leads the reader to believe he never did anything to deserve in the first place.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Favorite Book
I love reading so I have a ton of favorite books. Catch-22 is at the top of my list, along with Gone With the Wind and East of Eden. If I had to pick one, though, I would stick with Catch-22.
First Blog Post Assignment
To be answered in 250 words by all students whose last names begin with letters A-M. Please read each other's posts, even if it's not your week to respond.
"Go Down, Moses" is the name of a traditional African American spiritual. Here are the lyrics: "When Israel was in Egypt's land: Let my people go, / Oppressed so hard they could not stand, Let my People go. / Go down, Moses, / Way down in Egypt land, / Tell old Pharaoh, / Let my people go."
This song was very popular during slavery and continues to be sung today by African Americans and non-African Americans alike, especially in churches and synagogues. It is based on the passage in Exodus (in the Hebrew scriptures AKA the Old Testament) when Moses tells the Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage.
Why, do you think, does Faulkner title this story "Go Down, Moses"?
.
"Go Down, Moses" is the name of a traditional African American spiritual. Here are the lyrics: "When Israel was in Egypt's land: Let my people go, / Oppressed so hard they could not stand, Let my People go. / Go down, Moses, / Way down in Egypt land, / Tell old Pharaoh, / Let my people go."
This song was very popular during slavery and continues to be sung today by African Americans and non-African Americans alike, especially in churches and synagogues. It is based on the passage in Exodus (in the Hebrew scriptures AKA the Old Testament) when Moses tells the Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage.
Why, do you think, does Faulkner title this story "Go Down, Moses"?
.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
My Favorite Book
My favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
It is a story of a boy who travels to find the hidden treasure in Egypt.
I really like his concise and meaningful sentences, and the ending was the best part..
It is a story of a boy who travels to find the hidden treasure in Egypt.
I really like his concise and meaningful sentences, and the ending was the best part..
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
favorite book
My favorite book ever is a book I read in my AP English class serveral years ago: A Prayer for Owen Meany.
Favorite Book
The "what's your favorite book?" question is always so difficult to answer. I've just finished I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith and have fallen in love. The narrator writes in a journal entry manner, and uses an extensive vocabularly without any flourishes, which really lets the reader focus on what is being written.
Favorite Book
Favorite book? That's a tough call. Favorite authors include Charlaine Harris, Ralph Ellison, and more...but right now, I'd have to say the most recent of my favorite books is Popco by Scarlett Thomas. It's about a woman who works for a toy company and has a shady past involving cryptography. It sounds a little odd, but its beautifully written and incredibly sophisticated. Right now I'm reading Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, and I can already tell it will join my list of favorite books--it's incredible.
Favorite Book
My favorite book, if I had to choose one, is probably To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I'm currently reading Atonement by Ian McEwan, and it's definitely one of my favorites as well.
Monday, January 19, 2009
my favorite book
My favorite book would have to be Life of Pi but right now I am reading Breaking Open the Head by Daniel Pinchbeck and it's up there on my list of memorable books.
favorite book
My all-time favorite book would definitely have to be Slaughterhouse Five. It's so imaginative and completely unique from all the other books I've read.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to our blog. To test the blog out, I'd like everybody to post his or her favorite book (any genre) - I know, an impossible question to answer. But humor me. At the moment, mine's Kindred by Octavia Butler (who passed away last year). It's about an African American woman living in 1970s California who gets sent back in time to the pre-Civil War South and has to live as a slave on her white ancestor's plantation. If you like sci-fi, American history, and/or African American culture, check it out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)