Alan Moore

Alan Moore’s  graphic novel “ Light of Thy Countenance” brings up the question of how we define literature.   Moore’s comic book is considered to be non-literature for many people mostly because they believe it is to simple or elementary. I feel that Moore’s comic is considered literature.   In the beginning of the course, we gave certain characteristics that may help us define literature.   I feel that most of these characteristics pertain and are evident in Moore’s comic book.  

Similar to any other form of literature whether it is a novel or a short story, Moore’s comic book is read with the same process of noticing, questioning, and formulation of a hypothesis.   It can be said that we question who Maureen Cooper really is, notice the elements of the supernatural, and formulate that Cooper is indeed a spirit of the TV.  This process is the same process that would be used to analyze any other novel.  Like any other novel, there are four components in the comic book that signify that it is literature. They are text/context and reader/context comparisons. It can be said that the comic book style text relates to the context in which it was written as well as the reader’s experience (religion, race, culture) in context to our current time period.  

In my opinion, the definition of literature as becomes too narrow-minded.   Many scholarly authors say that literature has to have a deeper meaning or that it must use certain literary techniques that enhance the style of writing.   I believe that what defines literature ultimately depends on the reader.    On the first day of class we toke notes on how literature has the ability to enrich life, serve as an escape from reality, and relieve stress.  I feel that as long as the piece of work that is being read serves one of these purposes it can be defined as literature.    I believe that we should be broadening our minds with more unique styles and forms of literature such as Moore’s comic book.  I think many people who believe Moore’s comic book is not literature are simply too narrow-minded in the way they perceive and analyze text.   

M Butterfly

Throughout the play “ M Butterfly”, evidence of racial and gender inferiority is seen.   The poem explores the aspects of the relationship between race and gender in the eyes both Western and Eastern cultures. The author is keen on the stereotypes that are affiliated with both cultures.  The Western cultures believe that “ oriental countries and women are submissive” and “ feminine”, while eastern cultures believe that western cultures are “ rude”, “ foreign” “ and “ masculine”.    Gallimard and his wife are critical of China’s “ antiquity” and “ arrogance” , while Song and Comrade Chin are critical of  France’s selfishness and intolerance.   These conflicting stereotypes provide us with reasoning on why there is such ambiguity between the two cultures and give us further insight on the relationship between Gallimard and Song.   The two constantly find themselves in conflict due to the difference in idea of race and gender.   Song, knowing that her culture looks down on western culture ideology, constantly finds herself debating on whether she/he should be with Gallimard. Furthermore Gallimard, also knowing about his own culture’s stereotypes and claims about China, also debates on whether he should pursue Song.     Along with racial differences, gender differences also exist between the two cultures.    The main difference between genders pertaining to the two cultures is the treatment of women. The stereotype towards the treatment of women in China is that it is ok to treat women poorly. This is seen on pg. 6 when Pinkerton states “ Not like American girls… They want to be treated bad!.” This quote shows how people are influenced by the stereotypes that they learn in their home countries. 

This themes of racial and gender throughout the play remind us of the difference in cultures.  The play reminds us that there is a fundamental difference between gender and race between western and eastern cultures.  I believe that David Hwang is also trying to remind the audience of the play to have an open perspective on the differences.  The characters in the play did not have an open perspective and were already hypnotized by stereotypes, thus leading to the many conflicts and arguments.   Hwang tries to remind his readers to keep an open mind and to try to understand and appreciate cultures rather then stereotype and ridicule them. 

Globalization

            Globalization is a reoccurring theme throughout William Gibson’s “ Pattern Recognition.”  Globalization, which is the spread of interactions between cultures, is not only a theme within the book but also corresponds and relates to our current society.  In the novel, Gibson provides evidence of multiple societies that have experienced globalization.  An important piece of evidence that show how globalization has occurred is the reoccurring global cities in the novel.  The novel takes place in many different global cities such as Tokyo, London, and Moscow.  These cities represent a pattern of worldwide globalization that has occurred.  

              Cayce’s journey to these global cities shows the impact globalization has had on different societies.  Evidence of globalization is seen when Cayce’s visits Japan and the first thing she sees is “ the Coca cola logo pulsing on a huge screen. “ This shows that because of globalization, every country has the same global products such as Coca Cola.  These big name companies and industries are an example of the effects that mass globalization has had.  The main effect is the shift from countries being diverse and unique to their own culture to one where there is a monoculture and singularity. This singularity in culture is seen when Cayce visits Tokyo. Cayce who stays at the globalized hotel chain, Hyatt, visits other areas of Japan and realizes how things have changed.  Cayce describes the city of Shinjuku to being a red-light district full of a new generation of Japanese youth.  The red-light district and the upcoming generation of Japan show how the culture of the once traditional country of Japan has diminished because of globalization.

            Other evidence supporting the theme of globalization is the idea within the novel that we no longer live in a world without borders.  Gibson gives the idea that globalization has created a virtually borderless world.  This borderless world is a consequence of the singularity of cultures and traditions.   Before the effects of globalization were seen, countries would want to keep their traditions and cultures within the country.  Countries such as Japan resisted change and even went through a period of isolationism.  Gibson comments on the change that countries went through. No longer do countries want to be isolated but instead they want globalization.  Countries now desire to have the latest technological advances and big corporations.  This is seen in the novel by the many similarities that the cities of Moscow, London, and Tokyo had such as the big name corporations of Starbucks and Prada.   Within these cities, the citizens are also aware of globalization. In Moscow, Stella states in response to Cayce that the city “ Is new for us. Everyday, now.”    It is clear that Stella along with other characters are still adjusting to living in a world where borders don’t exist.  The concept of globalization whether beneficial towards society or not, remains a key issue for our changing world.