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Hi folks! Thanks for stopping by... Here's more of the story. I hope you enjoy.
Beneath the Surface....Continued
Part 2
By Carrie Fleharty
John pushed himself back into his office with his butt in his chair and rolling the chair. Kim as properly as she could rose and pushed her chair back. Gwen and Sarah were having a mini discussion about grading with Mary eavesdropping. Bob quickly hurried himself back into his office so no one would corner him. Sandy began typing the notes of the mornings meeting so that everyone in the department would have these ASAP in their email box. John arrived at his desk and pulled out one of his infamous yellow legal pads from his desk drawer. In the center of the pad he drew a bold vertical line, and at the top of his page he drew another line horizontally to make a “T.” On the left side he wrote the word “Shadow(s)” and underneath that he wrote the words “Foreshadowing and Shadowing.” The right side he wrote the word “Mask(s)” and along with that he wrote “Literary Element.” Clunking the pen on the pad a while he thought about the specific meaning of the words he wrote. Then he turned his mind and attention to his information connection at his desk connecting to the database “Contemporary Literature” he began his quest of research. He had his thoughts, and knew that he could prove them, but wanted to have them backed up by some good resources. He was one of those that could get lost in his research so he would need to keep his eye on the clock. He needed to remove himself from the research cave and be ready for his 10:00 am class. While he searched his thoughts about masks, shadows, shadowing and foreshadowing nearly consumed him. His masks were his and he really didn’t want to share what they were. He wasn’t aware of any writer using masks as a literary technique. Masks were considered to be a psychological term process of hiding one’s soul, one’s psyche, one’s inner being, but not a literary device. Most of the human population uses masks to avoid others from looking in and finding the true self. John knew all too well about masks. They were his and not anyone else’s business. With that final thought he looked up and noticed he had 30 minutes before class. He had enough research notes for the moment. He’ll organize them later. “First things first,” he thought as he turned everything off, and placed his notes in the top right hand desk drawer. Camelot’s roundtable disguised as a department meeting day had arrived. John had his satchel full of notes arrived just after Kim. They both hated these meetings, and were just flat out of luck to have them removed from their department. Anyway, they were there in spite of their feelings. Kim spoke up first, “I am certain that you’ve done your homework on this topic and researched it thoroughly upside down and backwards.” “Me? Why would you think that? I don’t spend all of my time getting lost in Cyberspace researching every topic. I sometimes spend time playing computer games.” John responds brimming ear to ear with a grin. “You bet I have. You know me well. “Yes, I know that, but you gather and glean more information than anyone that I know except our friend Carol the head librarian. She knows more than either of us put together.” Kim stated. John interjected, “Ms. Kim, I know you, and you too have done your homework. Besides it’s your topic. You caused this meeting.” “I know and that I am sorry about. At least I have a different kind of topic, and far better than what Bob would have chosen.” “That’s true. Hey, we are the Dynamic Duo…Trouble I and Trouble II. We’ll handle this easily in more ways than one.” John laughed and said as he elbowed Kim who also joined in the laughter. The round table wasn’t exactly round, but oblong and solid with a mahogany finish. Occasionally marks from the wear and tear through the years were seen by a dark indented spot, or a deep scratch. The chairs were modern comfortable high-backed with rollers and arms. The two together just didn’t quite fit the mood of the room. Kim and John sat on the side facing the door to observe the others who would be strolling in soon. Sandy had already been there fixed coffee, ice water. Slowly one by one everyone entered the room and so did the box lunches from the food classes who were an excellent caterer. Bob began the discussion with his usual babblings “We come together at this time in the spirit of the “Knights of the Roundtable” for discussion and camaraderie.” John and Kim nearly croaked up a guffaw, but held it in check. “Our topic today is one of literary importance. Is or are shadows and masks used in literature as a literary device? Or are they aspects of literature showing the psychology of the characters? Are masks and shadows the same or are they different. As we begin our discussion I am reminding each of you that we are using the Socratic approach. One person talks, the others listens and interjects questions without being rude, inflammatory or insincere. Let us begin. Kim, give us your thoughts and means of shadows and masks.” Shuffling papers and folders Kim found and opened the purple one and began. “Uhhh…Shadows and masks or character development. My question surrounding my premise is this: Could shadows and masks be considered a literary device or are they just an aspect of character development? With that being the question, I embarked on a research quest. I found that shadows and masks were common among the Ancient Greek Philosophers to the modern day philosophers. I’m sure that most of you are aware that the biggest source of research came from the psychology and sociology areas of our lives. Each of us, in our own way, and in our own day-to-day living wears many masks. These masks change from moment to moment depending on the situation.” John’s mind heard Kim’s words, but he was attempting to ignore that last bit from her oration. Even though he had prepared for this discussion, his mind and heart didn’t want to be involved. Hoping he could keep quiet and keep in control of his mind and emotions. For now he continued to listen and keep himself under his force field. Kim continued speaking. “When my African American Literature Studies class began reading several stories which contained actual masks for different situations; they asked if writers used masks as a literary device. Through research, debates and arguments the class decided that masks should be considered as a literary device or technique. Last week’s department meeting I happened to mention that debate only to give an example of one of the many different learning styles. At the time I hadn’t decided yet, but here we are having this discussion among my colleagues.” “Gwen” said Bob. “Considering the information given thus far, what do you think of masks as a literary technique?” “Masks and Shadows who in the hell cares. The most important aspect of any story is plot, setting, description, character development, conflict, climax and resolution. Now some of you might argue about the mood and foreshadowing is equally important. But not for me, the rest is just fluff. Good story elements are the key to good writing. Masks and shadows are part of the author revealing himself through the characters. These are not literary devices.” Gwen matter-of-factly stated as she shook her head back and forth. Sarah took up where she left off. “To me these are aspects of human nature. If a writer is good enough they will bring forth the masks and shadows in good character development among the plot. That’s all.” Putting her sandwich down Mary piped up. “Let’s think about this. We all know that a good story contains great descriptions, good hooks with all of the story elements. But we, the editorial we, have not ever thought about adding additional literary techniques or devices. If we can come up with solid evidence, then maybe there could be a change brewing in the literary world. My brother, the psychologist talks about masks that we humans wear all the time. Why not persuade the English community to develop a new aspect representing a new literary technique. This department should think of writing a paper on that very subject.” Bob looked around the table and was surprised to find and hear nothing. John was looking at his legal pad writing, and Kim was looking at John. There had to be some reason that John wasn’t saying a word. “OK, anyone else?” “I just don’t see the need that we concern ourselves with this. We have other more important things to do, such as provide information to the department heads about our grading procedures.” “Gwen you don’t concern yourself with anyone or anything,” responded Mary. “Well I for one agree with Gwen. This may be a good discussion but let’s leave the topic for the psychology and sociology students and department.” Sarah stated harshly. Mary energetically said, “I disagree. I think its good we look into the possibilities of this.” “Mary you have way too much energy and not enough experience. You are clueless.” Gwen said as she rolled her eyes. Quickly and fervently Bob, interjected. “Hey we need to remember the rules. We are here to be respectful of each other. Your rudeness needs to remain in check. Hey, John we haven’t heard from you. What are your thoughts?” “Thoughts? Hmmm…I have many, but I don’t think mine are worth sharing with the group.” John gazed around the room looking at everyone except Kim. “Actually I really have nothing to say on this subject.” Kim’s ears, eyes perked up, and looked over at John staring just a bit. “That’s not like you. I know you’ve done some research. I was looking forward to hearing your thoughts. I value your opinion. Now, I’m puzzled, what’s up?” Looking across the room John’s eyes rested on Sandy’s and breathed deeply. “Honestly, I really just now decided not to engage in this conversation.” “You are our research guru, and we need your input.” Bob interjected. “I find it most amazing that John doesn’t want to share. He’s always showing off his intelligence.” “Yeah,” said Sarah. “What’s the deal?” Kim sensed John’s tension and said. “Hey it’s ok with me if you don’t want to share. That’s fine. I’m not going to push you I respect you. You don’t owe me anything.” John looked down at his notes then up again. “OK people here you are. People and literary characters are the same. The literary world tries to capture the human experience through the literary techniques and the author’s description. Who really cares how and why. Just like masks for instance they hide reality and so does the shadow. We get glimpses through foreshadowing, but that’s just a technique and that’s all. Just like I wear a different tie every day to represent my mood doesn’t mean I put on a mask. Right now in this moment I’m not very interested in this subject. I thought I would be, but I’m just not.” With that said, John swept his arms down to the table and gathered all of his papers and his trusty yellow pad slid back his chair, stood up, and said. “Excuse me.” He left like a bat out of hell as they say leaving the room eerily quiet. “Kim, what’s got into him? You two are close friends.” “I have no idea, but if you’ll excuse me I’ll go find out.” Kim said as she gathered herself along with her research notes. “Please do, and if there is anything I can do let me know.” Bob said as the sound of Kim's heels could be heard outside the closing of the door.
To Be Continued....
That's all for now....
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