A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America | Book Review

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America | Book Review A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, a novel by Bill Bryson takes you through the journey of a man looking to connect with more then just his local environment, but explore nature and go where many do not dare to go. Although Bryson does not touch every single mile he wishes to, at the end of his journey he fulfills more then ever imagined. Bryson creates a sense of place in a variety of different ways. Brysons feelings towards his preparations for the Appalachian Trail give us a better understanding of the sense of place. Are you saying, Dave, that I pay $250 for a pack and it doesnt have straps and it isnt water proof? Does it have a bottom in it? (Bryce, 10). Bryce heads to his local sporting goods store to talk with an expert on the trail. Dave Mengle tells Bryce he must purchase sleeping bags, boots, tents, thermal clothing, cook sets, and packs. We can infer that the trail is not simple and requires previous preparation in order to assure ones safety. Bryce begins to realize that this task may not be as easy as he thought and must prepare for any dangerous encounters he may face with nature. We get a more clear view of the sense of place and began to see the surroundings that Bryce encounters when they enter what seems to be his favorite part of the trip so far, the Shenandoah National Park. He enjoys the lively scenery which includes grouse, deer, owls, and turkeys. Not to mention the easier terrain, this being their favorite part. However, not every animal encounter is pleasant. Bryson remarks, I think I have a right to be a trifle alarmed, pardon me. Im in the woods, in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, staring at a bear, with a guy who has nothing to defend himself with but a pair of nail clippers. (Bryson, 142). Bryson becomes fearful when he hears an animal in their cam, but this quickly fades when he realizes that the bear only wishes to drink from a nearby stream. As Bryson says, It was a miracle, I swear to God. Just when I was about to lie down and give myself to the wolves and bobcats, I look up and theres a white blaze on a tree and I look down and Im standing on the AT. (Bryson, p. 266) We can conclude that towards the end of the novel a final connection was made between Bryson and Mother Nature. Although Bryson didnt complete every step of the 2,200-mile trail he realized that this is not necessary in order to get the fulfillment he desired before seen starting his journey through the Appalachian Trail. First, Bryson demonstrates human-environment interaction when he must quickly learn to adapt to his environment and knows that this is necessary in order for him to begin his hike down the Appalachian Trail. One of the more clear themes is location of the story which takes place on the Appalachian Trail. The AT is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States, extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. Brysons new location to Hanover, New Hampshire gives him the urge to begin traveling the trail after coming across part of the trail. There were many landmarks throughout Brysons journey to demonstrate place. Springer Mountain is the southern trailhead of the AT. Amicalola Falls Lodge is seven miles from their starting point at Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. While they are still in northern Georgia, the trail takes Bryson and Katz over a narrow ledge along Big Butt Mountain. Finally, Bishop Boarding House welcomes Bryson and Katz as they em erge from the Maine woods. Mrs. Bishop assures them that the woods will still be there if they decide to try again.

Us Economy After the Civil War

MSS220 US Economy After the Civil War The north and the south both experienced a slight struggle after the Civil War concerning agriculture, commerce and the state of the economy. A southern newspaper out of Augustus County, The Staunton Spectator, offered several articles that gave insight as to what the conditions were like after the war had ended. One article, â€Å"Grape Culture† explained the possible profit one could obtain by adding grapes to their normal crops. Grapes were extremely expensive when fully grown since they were used mostly for wine.Although farmers were not skilled enough to make the wine themselves, they could sell the grapes and make a total of 400-500 dollars per acre after purchasing seeds for less than 100 dollars. This article shows that most agriculture in the south was not as profitable as it was before the war. The push to increase agricultural revenue shows that this was a time of struggle. Another article, â€Å"Our Town and Its Business† stated that the farmers had been doing well and making some profit despite the poor conditions that followed the war.It described the south as thriftier than ever, with more energy and industry than they had before the war. The article â€Å"Home Industry† pushed the notion of making their own products at home in the south rather than supporting the north and sending away for household items. Both articles seemed optimistic and supported the idea that southern industry would become stronger in the future. The Valley Spirit was a newspaper from the north in Franklin County, whose articles provided the same insights.One article â€Å"The Coming Crops of this Country† explained that the year before had not been very profitable but that in the coming harvest, conditions were ideal. The crops would have a much higher yield than the year before, leading to much more revenue for northern farmers. This article shows the northerners had high hopes for larger profits than the preceding year and for agricultural prosperity. Another article â€Å"Business in Chambersburg† urged farmers to do their business locally rather than in larger cities. Buying produce from local stores costs just as much as it did in the larger cities . It was also heaper to buy products in bulk from the local stores since discounts were given when products were bought in larger quantities. Again, the article shows that saving money was of high interest to the northerners and that local support was needed. Both newspapers show that the economy all over the country was not as strong as it was before the war. They both seem to focus on the increase of agricultural profit, saving money and an optimistic outlook on the future. Though the articles showed that the north and south did not want to support each other, it was obvious that they were going through the same struggles.

Essay on Langston Hughes The Weary Blues - 1421 Words

Langston Hughes The Weary Blues Jazz music is often associated with long, lazy melodies and ornate rhythmical patterns. The Blues, a type of jazz, also follows this similar style. Langston Hughes poem, The Weary Blues, is no exception. The sound qualities that make up Hughes work are intricate, yet quite apparent. Hughes use of consonance, assonance, onomatopoeia, and rhyme in The Weary Blues gives the poem a deep feeling of sorrow while, at the same time, allows the reader to feel as if he or she is actually listening to the blues sung by the poems character. The Blues musical move was prominent during the 1920s and 30s, a time known as the Harlem Renaissance. Blues music characteristically told the story of†¦show more content†¦Another place that consonance is apparent is in line 5, ?pale, dull pallor of an old gas light. The sticky l sounds are difficult to produce off of the tongue quickly; therefore, these words slow the poem down. This is typical of the blues. The slow sounds of blues music are incorporated in the words of this poem. It seems as if the words with the l sounds get extra emphasis, as well, because they are so difficult to pronounce. Added strength through word sounds helps boost the poems glumness. Line 10 is another excellent example of consonance in The Weary Blues. The m and p sounds of He made that poor piano moan with melody give the poem a juxtaposition of warm sounds from the m to aggressive tones with the sharp p. This is a nice element as it is characteristic of blues music, as well. Usually there are some elements of comfort and disdain within the blues. The contrast of the m and p sounds highlights this very well. There is a great amount of assonance in The Weary Blues. The first example of assonance comes right away in the poem. Line 1 opens with the long o sound in Droning a drowsy syncopated tune and continues with Rocking back and forth to a mellow croon in line 2. This long o sound is representative of the forlorn blues aforementioned. The long o is repeated throughout the poem, for example in line 10 withShow MoreRelatedLangston Hughes The Weary Blues Analysis1256 Words   |  6 PagesOn Langston Hughes’s The Weary Blues Kevin Young, a graduate of Harvard University and one of the winners of the Guggenheim Fellowship, writes the historical perspective of Langston Hughes. He discusses the flowering of the African American literature and culture and how it is actually just the extension of the New Negro movement. 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