Intrinsic Emotions

 

             In the letter “Scenes from a Fatherhood,” Stevenson’s descriptive word choices depict a deep and explosive intrinsic feeling that perfectly translates onto his writing. The first element he used described “the arsenic hour,” which was his evenings at home with the kids.  I found myself searching the meaning of some unfamiliar words. I found that the terms used in his description of his daily living with his children are words relating to chemistry. "I haul garbage, empty bottles, and cases of wine, but skirt diapers, as if they were filled with plutonium." The chemical terminology he uses escalated in chemical elements. For instance, arsenic = atomic number 33, plutonium = atomic number 95. This can be seen metaphorically as his feelings escalate while he continues his letter.  

The logical connection the author used by introducing scientific concepts to convey his message provides a sense of truth supported by facts. As an active reader dissecting the author’s work, I analyzed the word choices and how they intertwine with the message. As a writer, I can see how having knowledge in other subject areas other than English/Literature can enhance a piece of work and can deepen a message.  

             I often find myself incorporating what I have studied in psychology with English. Stevenson’s knowledge of various concepts, like scientific elements including their atomic number, can target different audiences.  I liked the author’s use of foreign words. I usually do not like it when authors incorporate other words into their writing, but I enjoyed it this time. Maybe I enjoyed it because the words were in an unfamiliar language; thus, I was exposed to new words.

·      Loco parentis – Latin for “in the place of parents.”

·     Suisse Romande - "Romance Switzerland" is a local name for the French-speaking districts of western Switzerland.

Furthermore, given how Stevenson children have been raised in Switzerland, he expressed how he would not like his children to miss having an "American childhood." Coincidentally, yesterday evening I watched a historical documentary of Cuba for about one hour. I was shocked at most of what I saw, but was even more thankful to have been raised in the U.S. I did realize that last night was probably the longest I have ever been exposed to my native history other than what people say about Cuba. More so, I realized I exiled myself from my "right" of learning about Cuba.


Maybe in the future I can visit key places in Cuba, like Varadero, as Stevenson would like his children to visit key places in America. This way I can be sure not to miss out on a Cuban adulthood.