Grandpa's generation vs. Our's

James Bond, the quintessential 60's man

As I have reflected over my readings of the James Bond novels and my blog posts one of the biggest things I have noticed is the difference between my generation and his. James Bond novels were written in the 50's and 60's, and the movies have been released continually since 1962. Reading a novel from this era is like stepping into a completely different world, one that is run by men. The only women mentioned are secretaries and the girls that Bond seduces. Most often the women are damsel in distress like figures. Bond is the man in charge always and he always gets the job done without much help from his female sidekicks. Even minor characters give their say about the importance of male dominance in society throughout the novels.

The Death of a Salesman

Over three years ago I was studying at Brigham Young University Idaho. I took an "intro to theater" class that opened my eyes to a new art form. Sure I had seen some plays before, but by taking this class I was taught how to analyze the plays and see how the themes in them applied to my own life. During the course of the term we read many plays, but very few really stood out to me. One of those plays was The Death of a Salesman. I was able to relate to the play because it portrays the story of an average man who despite his best intentions and wishes falls short. I think there is a little bit of the main character "Willy" in all of us. We all try, we don't always get there. We all have hopes and dreams, some of they may not be accomplished in our lifetimes. These things were enough to drive Willy into a depression. After reading a piece of this play again in my literary analysis class it reminded of the feelings I had when I read it over three years ago and I found that this theme of the American dream and the desire to change and be better is still found in much of our media today.

I watch a show called Mad Men that I love. It often deals with the themes of the American Dream and society in the 60's.  In the show we learn that Don Draper has a shadowy past, one that he tries to run away from and has done so successfully, well at least in his professional life. This clip however shows a younger version of the main character Don Draper and a man who may have had an influence on him. This man is a drifter who tells him "We all wish we were from some place else". That was Willy's wish, to escape his circumstances. That was Don Draper's wish. That I think is a hope we all share.

Entering the Inferno

So after spending about three hours of my morning going over the common readings and some literary terms while getting some errands done I decided to soak up some sun by the pool. While I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the fiction stories provided with the common readings I thought I would try brushing up on my poetry skills and have a little self introspection. I brought along a book of poetry I recently purchased called The Inferno by Dante. For those of you who know what that is, you know that it isn't really light poolside reading.

Midway upon the journey of our life I found myself within a forest dark....

The Inferno is the story of how one man (Dante) is guided through hell by a famous poet named Virgil. From what I have read so far he is not enjoying his experience at all and he is only a spectator. Now I know this is kind of an interesting choice for a book given the subject matter and the difficulty in reading 14th century epic poetry, but bear with me. I follow a show called Mad Men, which I consider to be the most well written show of all time, and after seeing the show's main character Don Draper reading and quoting passages from the book I felt compelled to read it and understand it myself. Don Draper himself is going through a bit of hell right now in the show, and there has been a constant tone of death felt throughout this season. By reading this book not only have I gained some insight into my favorite show, but I have also gained some personal treasure from it, much like when I read the scriptures. Two hours well spent. My favorite passage from today:

"Thy soul attainted is with cowardice,

Which many times a man encumbers so,

It turns him back from honored enterprise,

As false sight doth a beast, when he is shy."

Canto II: 45-48