 #1 (permalink) Tue Jan 12, 2010 15:57 pm On the place of execution |
|
|
hi! could anyone help me in analaysing this text:
by
Charles Wentworth upham (1802-1875)
On the place of execution
The place selected for the execution is worthy of notice .it was at a considerable distance from the jail, and could be reached only by a circuitous and difficult route. It is a fatiguing enterprise to get at it now, although many passages that approach it from some directions have since been opened. But it was a point where the spectacle would be witnessed by the whole surrounding country far and near, being on the brow of the highest eminence in the vicinity of the town. As it was believed by the people generally that they were engaged in a great battle with that Satan, one of whose titles was «the prince of the power of the air», perhaps they chose that spot to execute his confederates, because, in going to that high point, they were flaunting him in his face, celebrating their triumph over him in his own realm…
“witch hill” is a part of an elevated ledge of rock on the western side of the city of Salem, broken at intervals ; at leg’s hill, and trending northerly….its somber and desolate appearance Admits of little variety of delineation. It is mostly a bare and naked ledge. At the top of this cliff, on the southern brow of the eminence. The executions are supposed to have taken place. The outline rises a little towards the north , but soon begins to fall off to the general level of the country .from that direction only can the spot be easily reached .it is hard to climb the western side , impossible to clamber up the southern face ….it is, as it were , a platform raised high in the air.
A magnificent panorama of ocean, island, headland, bay, river, town, field, and forest spreads out and around to view. On a clear summer day, the picture can scarcely be surpassed. Facing the sun and the sea, and the evidences of the love and bounty of providence shining over the landscape, the last look of earth must have suggested to the sufferers a wide contrast between the mercy of the creator and the wrath of his creatures. They beheld the face of the blessed god shining upon them in his works, and they passed with renewed and assured faith into his more immediate presence. the elevated rock , uplifted y the divine hand, will stands in bold relief , and can never be obscured by art, a fitting memorial of their constancy .when , in some coming day , a sense of justice , appreciation of moral firmness, sympathy for suffering innocence , the diffusion of refined sensibility , a discriminating discernment of what is really worthy of commemoration among men, a rectified taste , generous public spirit, and gratitude for the light that surrounds and protects us against error folly and fanaticism , shall demand the rearing of suitable monument to the memory of those who in 1692 preferred death to a falsehood , the pedestal for the lofty column will be found ready, reared by the creator on a foundation that can never be shaken while the globe endures , or worn away by the elements , man, or time –the brow of witch hill. On no other spot could such a tribute be more worthily bestowed, or more conspicuously displayed
Getting at meaning:
1. Describe witch hill in Salem. According to upham, what were the probable reasons for the choice of this spot as an execution site?
2. What does upham speculate must have gone through the minds of the accused witches before they were hanged? What does upham suggest erecting on witch hill? Why?
Developing skills in reading literature:
1. Essay. An essay is brief, nonfiction composition that offers an opinion on a subject. Frequently the essayist tries to persuade the readers to agree with his or her ideas.
This essay was written in the nineteenth century, long after the Salem witch trials had taken place. What is the writer’s perspective on the events that look place in 1692? What is his attitude toward the suffering people who were hanged? What words and phrases indicate his opinion of puritan society?
2. Symbol. Symbol is a person, place, or object that presents something beyond itself. Upham sees the rock at witch hill as a fitting symbol of the “consantncy” of the people who were hanged there. Why is the rock an appropriate symbol? What qualities in the people does this symbol emphasize? why is it significant that the rock is» elevated”?
3. Theme:
What is upham’s concept of GOD? Point to specific words and phrases that reveal his beliefs. How does his concept contrast with puritan notion of the deity? Which vision of a divine being do you find more appealing? Why?
What is upham’s view of his own society? What does he hope for society” in some coming day”? To what does he refer when he speaks of “the light that surrounds and protects us against error, folly, and fanaticism”? |
|
 Belaid123
I'm new here and I like it ;-)
Joined: 12 Jan 2010
Posts: 33
|
