- Published: January 2, 2022
- Updated: January 2, 2022
- Level: Undergraduate
- Language: English
- Downloads: 45
Discussion Salvation, the of the story by Langston Hughes, means the act of saving something or somebody and closely related to the etymology of this is the word salve, which means something that eases pain or anxiety. Ironically, the contraposition of salvation is what was narrated to us by the writer. While the act of saving should naturally ease anxiety, it is precisely this attitude of worry and nervousness that filled the Langston while he was in church to receive Christ. Aside from the overall tone of the narrative, this claim is very much supported by the author’s repetition of the word “ waiting” which he directs to the presence of Christ. Aside from this, he also uses the word “ come” recurrently to employ a sense of enticement, which perhaps does not just pertain to his condition while he was having this experience but also for people such as me who are reading his works to be pulled in to the story.
What really works for me in the story, besides its interesting paradoxical nature, is the subtle restrain of emotions by the author. Hughes, instead of describing the sentiments of the protagonist, expounds on the surroundings of the character, mainly using verbs to push the story forward and into transition. This then makes the reader read between the lines and more sensitive to what the main character would feel given the circumstances, hence what the author really asks of his audience is to be human and to feel for the person if he or she was placed in a particular situation. Because of this, I could definitely relate to the story as I myself have experienced waiting for something that will never seem to come. Characteristically human as well, I have lied to myself and others to suppress what I am feeling inside of me. Human nature is generally paradoxical in this way: hope is simultaneously our strength and weakness. Though waiting only gives me disappointment, I still wait for something to save me; I still hope that it is coming, my salvation.
Discussion 2
The article that I have chosen has the heading “ From Swine Flu to Bubonic Plague, Epidemics have always stirred Fear and Terror” by Richard Martin, a staff writer from the St. Petersburg Times. His introductory lines go: “ So far, swine flu has infected fewer than 200 people, scattered across the United States. Most havent needed hospitalization. But the signs of fear are everywhere.” Many have been doing necessary, or as the writer might imply, unnecessary precautionary measures to avoid swine flu such as wearing of surgical masks in public places, keeping away from crowded areas and cancellation of school and events even without having a confirmed case of the virus. The media has widely exaggerated reality and the fear that is spreading among the people is far worse than the flu virus.
People are so scared because every new pandemic calls to mind the collective experience of the bubonic plague, more commonly called as the Black Death during the 1300s. Among other pandemics are the Spanish flu, the Polio epidemic, AIDS, SARS and Bird Flu, and people have tendency to envision the worst when it comes to diseases such as those mentioned. Nevertheless, according to a doctor of public health, the story these epidemics are told are driven by unfounded claims of expectations, hopes, fears and it would be best to just stick with the facts.
In reality, the there are risks that people go through everyday that are more likely to kill a person such as obesity, smoking, drinking and lack of exercise, yet we do not fear these things because we have control over them and that is what really scares people, the lack of control over something. In the end, doctors assure us that there is no cause for panic and medical advancements are sure to help solve diseases of the future.
Works Cited:
St. Petersburg Times. 4 May 2009. St. Petersburg Times 490 First Avenue South St. Petersburg. 7 September 2009.
< http://www. tampabay. com/news/health/medicine/article997373. ece>