Jack

(Below is an essay I wrote about an essay I read concerning humans and technology. I titled it, “The De-Evolution of Man.” I think the topic is quite interesting to ponder. Keep in mind, the essay I am referring to (“Insert Flap ‘A’ and Throw Away” by S. J. Perelman) was written in the 1940s—it’s fascinating to see how society has changed, but even more compelling to see how society has stayed the same. What are your thoughts on the matter?)

The De-Evolution of Man

(Jack C, 2024)

S. J. Perelman’s essay, “Insert Flap ‘A’ and Throw Away,” explores humanity’s seemingly de-evolutioned self through satire and humor. Perelman’s essay follows a narrator who has terrible competency regarding “advanced”—assembly required—products. The author appears to relay his worst experiences dealing with infuriating technology, which society would consider advanced. Perelman raises the question of which person is truly evolving backward: those who can adapt to technology or those who cannot.

(Here is one of my short essays looking at James’ Agee’s depiction of a childhood memory. Agee wields lucidity and the human senses to his advantage, crafting the scene for the reader in such a way that readers may even wonder if Agee’s memory is their own. I highly recommend reading the essay on your own, too.)

Writing a Memory

(Jack. C. February, 2024)

James Agee accomplishes something in his essay, “Knoxville: Summer of 1915,” that many writers can never do: Agee writes a memory. But not just any memory—an accurate one. Not often can authors convey the essence of a dreamlike memory without having it feel patchy or even unrealistic. Meanwhile, Agee cleverly uses language and style tactics to his advantage in order to poetically describe his memory of the Knoxville summer of his youth, so readers feel as though they were there themselves.

(This is a speech I gave to my class in Korea about the importance of adequately directing and interpreting literature. J. R. R. Tolkien has the perfect allegory on this topic. Literature majors, and the common reader, can learn a lot from Tolkien’s advice. I hope you enjoy it. Have you experienced this reckless dissection before?)

The Tower and the Sea Allegory

(Jack C. December, 2023)

What does it mean to interpret a piece of literature? J. R. R. Tolkien was firmly against the reckless academic scrutiny of literary works. Yet, it is not uncommon in today’s academic realm to peel apart literature in hopes of uncovering a deeper meaning. The act of attempting to find flaws and hidden context in literature leads to careless academia. Oftentimes, this can be seen most clearly when it comes to allegory. Instead of appreciating the story for what it is, readers are often pushed to dig too deep into the material of the story, which leaves the story itself set apart from the interpretation, now insignificant and forgotten.

(Here is a short discussion post I wrote about Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, “The Birth Mark.” In the post, I compare the short story to the fall of man written about in Genesis. Do you think this is a valid comparison? I’m curious to hear others’ thoughts.)

Birth-Marks and Forbidden Fruit

(Jack C. May, 2024)

In terms of surface-level allegory, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, “The Birth-Mark,” depicts an allegorical interpretation of human mortality and imperfection; nevertheless, I believe that an even darker allegory lies beneath the surface. One thing truly stood out to me as I read the story, and that is how the first sentence of dialogue is phrased. The sentence reads, “‘Georgiana,’ said he, ‘has it never occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed?’” (1). The key here is that the sentence is posed as a question. I was immediately reminded of Genesis 3:1, where the serpent in Eden asks Eve, “‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” (New International Version).