Noah Pfister: Kirikou

Noah Pfister

World Lit. Survey

Prof. Benander

Film Review: Kirikou and the Sorceress

           Dircted by Michel Ocelot, Kirikou and the Sorceress was created to present viewers with fictional African folk tale. 

Created as a fully animated film, Ocelot strives to create a world that is completely unrealistic but yet retains may of the true qualities of Africa. The film focus on a young baby names Kirikou who was born with the ability to walk and talk immedatly after exiting the womb.  In addition, Kirikou was given tremendous speed, agility, and keen mind. Throught the film, Kirikou take it upon himself to save his village from the evil Sorceress who has been terrorizing the land.  Despite the warnings and the knowledge that know one ever comes back after visiting the sorceress, Kirikou feels that it is his duty to help the village. 

          Using his supernatural speed and cunning abilities, Kirikou attempts to save the village children as they continually fall victom to the trapts set by the evil Sorceress. In doing so, Kirikou must battle his way through countless minions that are under the control of the Sorceress.  Graphically designed after the style of Cubism,  these robot like figures are always on the look out of the little Kiriou. However, given his infinate state, Kiriou has the upper hand when trying to evade his pursuers. 

         This film can be equated to modern westren films such as, Princess and the Frog,  Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast.  However, with its elements of partical nudity, the film is often seen at taboo here in the U.S.    Originally released in 1998, the film was orginally produced using French voice acting done by West African voice actors and school kids. This element helps to show the persistant struggle with the colonial onset as popular media with French backgrounds penitrates the cultre. 

        Kirikou and the Sorceress is a excellent film, focusing on moral issues such as duty, honestly, and integrity. This is a wonderful animated film for all age who are interested in well directed and comical story line.  The folk tale basis for the film provides a family friendly element that creates a rich moral theme and allows for traditional African views to be shard with the world.   This is film however is not only limited to children.  Viewers who are looking for deep cultures blast are incouraged to watch this film.  The music, dance, and folk theme help to create a plot line that allows for viewer to take an inside look at west Africa as it struggles to brace itself again the ever growing threat of colonialism. 

Noah Pfister: Popenguine

Noah Pfister
World Lit. Survey
Prof. Benander

Film Review: Popenguine

     Full of dancing, music, and colonizational struggles, Ca Twiste à Poponguine brings to light the real world events of this sea side village. Director Moussa Sene Absa strives to create a comical film that is centered around the Senegalese village, where the local teenagers are divided into rival cultural camps. Some  have adopted the names of French pop stars including,  Johnny Halliday, Sylvie Vartan, "Clo Clo" and Eddie Mitchell. While the Kings, on the other hand, style themselves after African American rhythm and blues legends, Otis Redding, Ray Charles and James Brown; they work as fishermen.  

The story is told throught the memories of Bacc, he is a street smart lillte boy who is out to prove himself to the world. He has been abandoned by his parents and is therefore taken in by her grandmother. Throught the film, Bacc acts as a messenger between the two groups, he makes deals and sets the stage for the big parties that the teenagers attempt to throw during the christmas season. 

This Film is full of music, incorporated is a mixture of both African traditions dumbs and folk, as well as American rock n' roll. Add to the cultural mix, director Absa has placed a French colonized school teacher Mr. Beniot in middle of the Popenguine town. Mr. Beniot proves to be the voice of reason and change within the town. Through his presence, viewers  learn of the struggle that are encased in trying to colonize the Senegalese people.  

I personally enjoyed this film, I found the experience of a new culture interesting.  The elements of American music allowed for me to have a connection to this forgine film.  I loved seeing the directors show the process by which French culture was encroching on the traditional views and thoughts.  I recommend this film to all those who enjoy film with a rich history and forgien cultural background. In addition, viewers who enjoy music and dancing are also encouraged to see how art of music can have an impact on culture.  It is important to enter this film with an open mind, this will allow for a far more enjoyable Popenguine experience. 

Noah Pfister: Minutes of Glory

Noah Pfister
World Lit. Survey
Prof. Benander

Ngugi: Minutes of Glory 

         Written by Ngugi wa Thiong'o,  Minutes of Glory strives to focus attention on the life of a barmaid are she battles with her identity and the scrutiny of colonial Nairobi.  Ngugi's story is built upon a woman named Beatrice who is struggling to keep a job. Beatrice is described as a dark and full of flesh, having form, but yet filled out. However, Beatrice is not seen as a beauty queen, she is often over looked by all the men looking for instant satisfaction. Throughout the story, Beatrice is traveling from town to town and working at whatever bar will higher her. Unfortuately she is eventually gives up her profession and settles for a bed making job at the Treetop Bar in  Ilmorog.  While making beds, Beatrice happens upon a costumer whom she befriends and begins to meet with on a regular basis. After many meetings, Beatrice becomes board with the mans stories and begins to work up enough courage to steal from the man. Upon stealing the mans money, Beatrice enters the city and spends the majority of the money perfecting her image and creating a completely new air about herself.  Beatrice personally experiences the power of being a woman for the first time. However, her glory is short lived when the man she stole from, comes with the police to arrest her. 

          The aspect of this story that jumped out at me, is the fact that Ngugi created a story in which being a barmaid was a suitable and exceptable occupation; the women have a sense of dignity and poise.  Ngugi creates women who are working to make an honest living, doing a job that many would consider degrading. 

           The next aspect that i found interesting, is that fact that Beatrice's co-worker was given a name.  Nyaguthu, was Beatrice's rival, she often ruled the floor and established her dominance as the men's favorite. However, readers learn that the reason for Nyaguthu choosing the occupation of a barmaid is due to her over protective parents.   Nyaguthu was burnt out on all of the rules and regulations of the Christian life. She simply wanted to be free.   I feel that the author is trying to make the point that if  people are pushed too far and the rule are too strict, then the only response is conflict and rebellion.   Nyaguthu is basically kicked out of her family because she couldnt and didnt choose to follow the Christian traditions.  This caused her to have a major attitude which in turn was the source of her power and influence. 

           Ngugi wishes for readers to understand the sense of pride that Beatrice lacks. Beatrice is always looking down on herself, she is never proud of being dark black or proud of being African. She is always trying to make herself lighter and trying to transform herself into what she thinks the general public will like. This identity struggle is what Ngugi wishes to combat, the colonization of the mind.  

         In addition, Ngugi wishes to bring attention to the belief that colonizatoin equals wealth. This is evident by all the men that are seen at TreeTop bar. They are all wealthy, power, colonized men.   Ngugi wants readers to simply be proud of who they are. Embrace the fact that they are African and that there is no need to conform to the colonization of other. 

Noah Pfister: Six Feet of The Country (Nadine Gordimer)

Noah Pfister
World Lit. Survey
Prof. Benander
 

Six Feet of The Country

      Written by Nadine Gordimer, Six Feet of The Country, is story of a white land owner who goes out of his way to help some of his farm hands.  The story presents interesting events because of the fact that the land owner is taking time to hand issues what most people wouldn't bother to care about.

Gordimer creates a story in which a certain farm hand, Pertus, invites his brother to leave Rhodesia and travel to Johannesburg in an attempt to help him find work. However, after completing the long travel, Pertus' brother dies of phenomena.  After conveying the news to the land own, the dead body to take by the health services and disposed of.  Unfortunately however, the problems begin when Pertus requests to have his brothers body returned. The land owner grants his request and retrieves the body.The issues then becomes the fact that the land owner had been given the wrong body and now fights with the authorities to correct their mistake.
The irony in this story is that Gordimer has created a character in this land owner that fights on principle. Regardless of skin color, the land owner and his wife Lerice, fight to return both the correct body and the money owed to their farm hands. It is rather unusual to fine a wealthy white man to fight on the principles of fairness in regards to black Pertus. The racial and economical barriers have been broken and equality have begun to creep in. It is interesting to me that despite the land owners frustrated attitiude, to continually does his best to help Pertus and win him just treatment.

What interests me greatly about this writing, is that only two characters have names; the farm hand Pertus, and the wife Lerice.  The story is told from the point of view of the land owner, he therefore only refures to himself as, "I" or "Me".   I personally feel that the reason only the wives name is reveal is because she is actually the cause for the land owners pursued of justice.  THroughtout the story, the land owner often grumbles and complains about spending too much time help the farm hands with insignificant issues.  Its not until the wife suggest things or until Lerice pushes her husband, that he actually begins to be productive.
My thoughts then are that Gordimer gives Lerice a name because she wishes for readers to be drawn to this character. Gordimer wishes to speak to wives on how to focus the husband attention and push him into action. It is not impossible to assume that Gordimer is writing a gender role message that explains the important of the womanly influence on mens thoughts and actions.

In my personally life experienced, I have witnessed both fighting on principle.
During a conversation with my father this past year, we there discussing a law-suit that his company was tied up in. When in inquired upon the amount the case dealt with, I was shock to find the amount in dispute to be only a few hundred dollars. My father than explained to me that the amount in question wasn't truly important. But rather the fact that the supply company refused to correct a small part malfunction. My fathers company had been wronged and were fighting on the principle that supply companies should be allowed to get away with cheating customers simply because there is no one to challenge them.

Noah Pfister: Achebe's: The Madman

Noah Pfister
World Lit. Survey III
Prof. Benander
19 April 201.

Achebe's: "The Madman"

      In his attempt to awaken his own culture and to draw support from the west, Achebe writes a short story called, "The Madman".   The story is written to express how the African culture is being crippled by all the negitive talk of colonization. During the story, one of Achebe's characters has his plants stolen while he was down by the river. After realizing they were stolen, the man ran after his offender; upon reaching the crowded market place, the man began to scream at the bystanders to assist him in retreaving his pants.  With out a second thought, members within the crowed quickly grabbed the naked screaming man and accompanied him home. 

     

It is interesting to note that although the man did indeed need some help, the assistance he received was of no use to him.  Achebe wishes to draw a similarity between this and the help Africa received from outside countries.  Africa may have need some help from outside sources,  however Africa didn't need all of Europe to step in and take over its territories 

Achebe continues his story by writing how everyone assuming that the man running throughout the market place was crazy. Everyone in the village was convinced that due to his extreme behavior, the man must have been completely nuts.  As time passes, the man doesn't speak and the people assume that the mental condition is permanent.   

The towns people have just given up hope, when a young doctor agrees to treat the man. After treatment, the man begins to talk and is accepted back as a cured individual.

       

 The irony of this story, is that the man was never crazy in the first place. He was just man with rage that his pants were stolen and he was being forced to run around town in his bare skin (Personally, that would frustrate me as well!).   The towns people automatically assume that this man is nuts, forgetting to take into the account for the situation and the circumstances.   As a result of being accused repeatedly for a mental issue, the man eventually shuts down and begins to accept that maybe really is crazy. 

This is the main point that Achebe wishes for us as readers to focus on.  Due to the repeated accusations, the man in the story (although completely sain) began to buy into the accusations of insanity. Achebe is making the statement, that if you tell someone that they are crazy long enough the will begin to question there own sanity. 

This is was the invading nations are doing to African culture. Outsiders are persistently  downgrading the people the point were the culture has started to view themselves as worthless, meaningless, low class individuals. Achebe writes to remind us as readers to not buy into the media and the stories of the low class Africa. But rather to look at the situation and to find the reasons for Africa;s outcries and the cause behind thier devastated culture. 

Noah Pfister: "The Strangleholf of English Lit."

Noah Pfister

World Lit Surv. III

Prof. Benander

4 April 2011


       Written by Felix Mnthali, "The Stranglehold of English Lit." seeks to bring to light several issues that arise from English literature. Mnthali wishes to state that English isn't as grand as it seems; but rather it is a language that mocks and pokes at those who have been abused.  This poem is a waring cry for all Africans who are wishing to be Educated in English literature. Mnthali is fearful that Englishing is dulling the sense of the Africans, he is worried that those who give into the elegance of English will forget the history of mocking and irony.

However, it is interesting to me that Mnthali has written a poem such as this. Despite his words of warning, he himself was trained in the English school. Therefore, I can only assume that he writes this poem in response to the issues his fellow Africans were forgetting. Mnthali wishes to reminds readers that they must not blindly give into colonization, that they must remember the hardships and the cruel jokes told at the African expense.

       After reading this poem and comparing it to a previous reading, "Gentlemen of the Jungle," I have found this poem to be a more intellectual response. This poem presents an attitude of one that suggests sitting, looking, remembering, and waiting for a better opportunity. Through the poem, I feel Mnthali asks questions that cause readers to stop and think of a better solution than just brute force.  This differs greatly from the methods presented in the "Gentlemen of the Jungle;" these involve complete force. Kenyatta pushes for individuals to forget the courts and the literature and begin to fight back. While Mnthali suggests using education to help, but always continuing to maintain respect for the damage English has caused.

Noah Pfister: Zorro

El Zorro:

           The Fox

Who is Zorro? What is Zorro?

The plot and character of Zorro was created by Isabel Allende. She created this character, this iconic figure that reached out to the common people. The legend of Zorro is a classic tale of a hero fighting crime and helping the poor and abused. Similar to modern characters just as Batman and Robin Hood, Zorro seeks to avenge those who cannot protect themselves from the terrors of evil individuals. 

It is interesting to note that with Zorro, we find a heroic figure that originated from the party in which he now fights against. 

    

     Growing up the son of a wealthy politician, we see Zorro's character begin his journey as a young man loyal to the Spanish crown and its government. However through his own personal experiences, he learns of the corrupt nature of the government and is angered by his loyalty to such an unjust and brutal system. 

When examining Zorro, it is important to remember which side of the fence he originated. As a young man, Zorro, had the money, the skills, and the advantages of Spain. But regardless, he was able to see the destruction and pain cause by such a governmental entity such as the Spanish military.  However, I again find it fascinating to discover that Zorro makes use of every advantage Spain his given him.  I am in awe of such a story line that uses an upper class character use all of his gentleman skills to completely disrupt the military of a nation that his given him everything.   In other words, Zorro is battling a military, who government (Spain) fully equipped him (Zorro) to be the militarise most formidable and effective opponent. 

     Through our studies in class, we view the graphic comic of Zorro. Illustrated by artist Francovilla, we got to see, rather than read the issues that Zorro faced. A key issue that i picked up on, was the separation of classes.  Author Allende and artist Francovilla, present this pure blood Spanish class, "Casellno's". The are seen as the wealthy, the mighty, the cruel, non-tolerant, and nefarious class.  This class is mainly represented by the Spanish military, thought to have come straight from Spain and are in the America's to enforce the will of the crown.  On the other hand, we are faced with this lower class, this poor, abused, and taxed society. Representing the mixed blood class or the Mestizo, the natives and peasants are forced into submission by the government. 

    By presenting these two social classes, the authors have show readers the huge social divide and the struggle that Zorro faces in trying to defend such a defenceless class. However readers can take comfort in the fact that against such as evil, a figure like Zorro is invincible. The legend, the icon, the embodiment of Zorro is something that no government, no military, or bullet can kill.  

Noah Pfister: Borges

Magical Realism:
                  For The Intellectual


     Specializing in the style of magical realism, Borges explodes with writings that represent a different view point then we have seen thus far in our World Lit. class.  It has become evident that Borges wishes to convey his writings on a more intellectual basis rather than on a wordy, fluffy, beautiful basis. When reading the works of Borges, I found them to be rather dry and straight forward. In addition, the reoccurring theme seemed to be this concept of, Meta-awareness.  I have found the definition of this concept to mean: having thoughts about thoughts or have desires about have desires.
I believe that Borges, through his writings, sought to establish this theory. Borges felt as though since we create realities in our minds that aren't real by physical standards; but yet exists because our minds believe that they are real and we can imagine the connections.

     Through discussions in class and through personal readings, I have come up with several themes presented within the individual readings of two stories.
1) "Garden of Forking Paths"
              Time is multifaceted
              Cowardice leads to useless sacrifice
              Ignorance can destroy greatness
            
2) "Gospel According to Mark"
              Peoples ignorance can lead to destruction
              Blind faith will trump Science
              Separation of faith and science

     All these theme listed are key points to understanding Borges outlook on Latin American culture. Particularly in "Gospel According to Mark", we see his criticise the Latin American Catholic Church for its lack of involvement in the lives of the common individual.

     Unfortunately, I haven't enjoyed Borges as much as I had hoped. I often found his metaphors to be deep and sometimes hard to follow.  It is important to remember that when reading or studying Borges, one must not read concretely, but rather metaphorically.

Noah Pfister: Google Trouble!!

Google...

Worth The Trouble?

Just finished a study with my group during an in-class project on Google Apps. The purpose of the assignment was to find if Google App was a useful method for Collaboration.  In other words: Is Google an easy way to work on a group project; allowing for a fun and easy way for multiple people to communicate on a single project?
After several class periods of work, it was concluded that using Google App was NOT an acceptable method for Collaboration. As a group, we found it to be frustrating to sign-up and to log-in. As a matter of fact, several members of the group (myself included), were unable to even sub scribe for a Google App. 
Personally, i found Google to not be worth its trouble. I love Google as my homepage and my web browser, however i feel that, that might be the extent of my Google usage. It the creaters of Google could only clean up the admittions and log-in pocesses, then I would be more than willing to give App's another try. But until then, I dont feel that Google is the right tool for Collaboration purposes.

Noah Pfister: Gabriel Marquez

Noah Pfister

World Lit. II

Prof. Benander

24 January 2011

Marquez: Magical Realism

    Originating in Colombia, Gabriel Marquez heavily favors the writing style of magical realism. Throughout his literary works, Marquez seeks to shake individuals from their ordinary way of thinking. He force readers to accept possibilities outside societies limiting view points. While reading several of his short stories, I found Marquez to be rather frustrated with the lack of backbone that individuals had when faced with abnormal circumstances. It is evident to me that Marquez view the majority of individuals as a leaf in the wind. Meaning that people often simply act upon and think whatever society deems appropriate or acceptable. Proof of this I have found in both "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World", and "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings."

     "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings," is a short story in which an angel is found sitting in the mud in the courtyard of house within a small town. The town concludes that because the being didn't fit the type concept or idealist image of an angel, the being could not possible be an angel.  This I believe drove Marques crazy; he couldn't understand how narrow minded society had become. Through this short story Marques sought to show that things aren't always as they seem. Blessings come in all different shapes and size, not all blessings will be presented with glamor and beauty.

     Similarly, "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World," seeks to show how society holds the beauty and glamor with the utmost importance. I feel that Marques wishes for people to just step back and recognized that is beauty all around; there is no need to idealize someone for something that society has deem beautiful. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, not in the narrow views of society.

     Through these two stories, I see Marques trying desperately trying to shake society out of their perceptions and ideal. Marques is tired of people preceive limitations (weather too much or not enough), their sense of normalcy, and ideals of a closed minded society. In my opinion, I feel that Marques would have people be more open to the possiblities of divine influance. This would then force people to maintain an open mind when faced with abnormal situations and circumstances.

    Thanks to magical realism, Marques is able to give his readers a taste of how trapped within society they have become. By used his literary devices and bring faniticy to the real world, reads can understand how Marques wishes for them to remain open to a wide realm of possibilities.
Personally I truly enjoyed Marques' works, his short stories challenged the mind and forced me to uncover the hidden message.  

Noah Pfister: Cortazar

Noah Pfister

World Lit. II

Prof. Benander

17 January 2011

       Author Julio Cortazar is a master at the Latin American style of writing, magical realism. He is able to connect reality and fiction in a way that only a few can accomplish. Cortazar has established a system in which he brings fiction to reality instead of taking realism and placing it into a fictional world. This style is an extremely
complex style that allows for the supernatural and uncommon to becomes common and accepted by the characters in the stories.
     I personal find this style of writing to be extremely interesting. The mind thrilling stories created by Cortazar presents an entertaining style that leaves me thinking deeply about the underlining meanings. Through his writings, I have come to understand that Cortazar often critically critiques his native culture; pointing out the changes or  flaws in society.  This allows for me to learn not only a new style of writing, but also to learn about a culture that is vastly different from that of the United States.
    Thus far in the course, I have completed 3 different works by Cortazar, I have greatly enjoyed his style of writing and look forward to continue studying the mind bending style of magical realism.

Noah Pfister: Popol Vuh

Noah Pfister

World Lit.  II

Prof. Benander

Janurary 10, 2011

     The Popol Vuh is an interesting article written to tell the story of the creation of both mankind and the earth.
After reading the first five chapters, similarities can be found between the Christian account for creation and the events occurring within the Popol Vuh. I found that the reason for mankind to exist is consistent in both Christianity and this piece of Aztec literature.  Christianity suggests that man was formed to ultimately to glory to God, similarly, the Aztec gods formed man so that they would have beings to who could constantly worship them, write down things about them (the gods), and ultimately remember the gods. In addition, mention of the seven deadly sins is incorporated in this story when one of the ones become too prideful. This again shows the correlation between the Christian faith and the Aztec beliefs.
However, I found the Aztec gods to be rather vane and power hungry. Although I realize that it is a strong part of this culture to be remembered and that was the gods ultimate goal.

     Personally I found this literature to be somewhat difficult to read. The abundance of Latin and Spanish names served as several stumbling blocks for me. Overall, I enjoyed this account for creation, it provided me with a different view into a culture that i haven't studied before. Through this creation story, readers are able to start building a view of this ancient culture.