urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:cuhaynes American Literature 1855-1916 Curtis Haynes 2038-01-19T03:14:07Z urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:cuhaynes:859 2038-01-19T03:14:07Z 2038-01-19T03:14:07Z My initial reaction to reading Emily Dickinson's written work was that it was very difficult to follow just because I wasn't used to her style of writing. I also have to mention that I have one of the most simplistic minds out there. I'm pretty bummed about not fully understanding Dickinson as fast as everyone else has but I will in time. I am making progess by discussing with the professor my interpretation of each poem and by listening to other people's comments in class.<br />I totally see and understand the philosophical message in poem #67. <br />The overall message that I got was in order for one to understand what it feels like to win one has to loose in order to fully appreciate the concept of winning.<br />One way that helped me understand the optimistic message in poem #67 was relating it to award shows because I am very big on those. Yes, it is very sad but it's the truth. Take for instance the Oscars. If a person who won the award for Best Actress had been a new up and coming actress then her appreciation for the award wouldn't be as authentic.