Long Overdue Book Review

McKay, Claude, and Joan R. Sherman. Selected Poems. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 1999. Print.

Reviewed by Toni Gott, Los Osos High School, Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.

 

     The book of selected poems by Claude McKay as a whole tells the story of living in a prejudiced world. Claude McKay, a black man, endured many struggles, and conquered many downturns in life. The prevelent use of imagery, similes, mataphors, and select diction thouroughly succede in telling the story of a hard life, as well as motivating others through their struggles.

     McKay describes scenes, people, and situtaions in many of his poems. The use of key diction played an important role in pulling the reader into the time and place. The majority of the poems were set in the time of the "Harlem Shadows." This is key because it adds to the feeling of restlessness and struggle.

     The poems portray extreme plausability, for we know that in fact the black population went through a time of strugles. However they may be plausable, they also may be biased. This man had endured these hardships and therefore may display his resentment for the situation by exaggerating slightly.     

     Overall, the collection was remarkable, bringing me laughter, gasps, and tears. I recomend this book to anyone looking for inspirational poems, appicable to any life situation. 

 

 

 

 

The novel "Emma" is one of sophistication and poise. The composition of the novel parallels the main character, Emma Woodhouse. As Jane Austen sets the stage, she introduces the central characters through the eyes of the town people in regards to class, wealth, significance and relevance. The development of Emma is essential to not only the understanding of the motives behind behavior but also the understanding of societal rules and expectancies. Emma's main interest is playing match-maker among the people of the town. She has set up various couples and is determined to continue with her streak. Some begin to consider her actions invasive and encourage her to work on herself by focusing on finding a man to we'd herself. This is just the beginning of what seems to be the story of control changing to the uncontrollable spiral of consequences following inconsiderate actions. In time, we all come to meet "the controller." This person tends to stick themselves in everyone else's business. It is inevitable. We will encounter someone like this at one point or another. What is important to remember is how to deal with these people. Calm respect yet strong confidence is the best weapon to fight the person who believes they know best for you. Also, we must try not to become this person. Itis one thing to care for and look out for someone yet it is a completely different situation once one believes they know someone better than they know themselves. The policy I live by is, "Love everyone. Care for all. Take responsibility for thyself."