This story is portrayed in pictures which shows with penetrating clarity that mankind has not become wiser with experience and understood nothing from history (meaningless of history). Mankind has not succeeded in breaking out of the recurring cycle of war, new hope, rebuilding and the return of war. This parable seems to be pessimistic, yet there is a seed of optimism hidden in it: the belief in something indestructible, the belief in the flower. The last human beings of yesterday are at the same time the first humans of tomorrow. This flower which escapes total destruction becomes the ancestor of a whole new flora on Earth. There is always hope for a better world. Unfortunately, war destroys it. The next wave of destruction could be the last one. This cartoon connects to the Cold War, in which there is minimal hope for disputes waged in countries are settled peacefully. The build up of nuclear weaponry between US and USSR causes competition, which threatens war.
Kind of grotesque and sarcastic, but, in a way, true. History of mankind is the history of wars. Whether we learn from our past experiences, or the history repeats itself, is up to us. The Cold War, that lasted for almost 50 years, demonstrated to all how quick yesterday's allies can become bitter enemies. And the funny part is, that the worst "hawks" are usually those who haven't been to war themselves.
I am pleased you two gentlemen chose to analyze this piece, and you both have some great comments. Brendan, I think you nailed the "pessimism-optimism" thing! Great Cold War connections as well! Alex, I agree that allies can shift suddenly and paradoxically (think Berlin Airlift). In Thurber’s view, what will always unite us is our common humanity and desire to further life. Of course, this assumes that there will always be someone to care for the flower. I think the situation in Japan will further our understanding of nuclear power/dangers. Does either of you, or anyone else in the class, want to comment on the likelihood of a future nuclear war? Who might perpetrate that war? Why is such a war likely or unlikely? The other aspect of Thurber I like is his timeless message. I believe his “poem” will be read 100 years from now and still be relevant. Agree/disagree? Does anyone know more about Thurber? Why did he create “The Last Flower”?
Honestly, the author is very creative to used cartoon images to convey the audiences especially young generation like myself who have no idea what is like to be in war. By using pictures, people can see into their eyes and understand so that people in our generation think smarter and act wiser. For, this parable is definitely pessimistic but there is hope hiding beneath each picture. This cartoon connects to the Cold War that there is less hope for the conflict to settle peacefully. This is because when one has anger they suddenly turn blind and forget the good things that other done and turn into true enemy. The author’s purpose is to remind everyone about the past experiences and the effects of it to prevent those events from occurring again in the future.
After viewing the parable and recognizing that Thurber has portrayed an endless cycle of life, destruction, death, and rebirth I’d have to say all-in-all I would consider it to be a pessimistic view. I mean even after the evident power struggle and fight for total domination life was found. Because of war, life might have been destroyed but for those survivors that had no other option (besides doing nothing and letting life fade away more and more) they chose to be strong. It was inspiring to see that shortly after discovering the first and only sign of hope they started rebuilding a new civilization again. That one single flower gave hope to one person that than caused others to see hope as it multiplied (like evolution did). I think Thurber’s view of mankind is what’s humorous about this parable. He allows you to see that people are full of error and not perfect in any one particular way. Our intentions may start off as good ones but if we don’t realize that too much change is affecting not only us individually but as a whole society life as we know it will fall apart. Mankind should be more aware of what could happen from trying to conquer over others and that to improve the future mankind should learn from the past. I think this cartoon connects to the Cold War in the sense that war alone impacts all of society and the people in and surrounding it. As all of the countries involved in the Cold War, throughout all of those years, have shown us is that trying to rule over each other is a bad approach. Yet, no matter what may have happened it was depicted that civilizations rebuild themselves and carry on because someone somewhere has seen or experienced hope. And in response to you, Ms.Nelson I do think that no matter how far along in the future it is this parable will be relevant because as Thurber showed us mankind lives in the way in which it causes reoccurrence of the past and I think for as long as there is a world there will be war. Despite hoping for a better world, it is reality that war occurs.
Thurber demonstrates in a cynical manner how one thing leads to another and mankind tends not learn the lessons necessary to stop repeating history. He portrays an optimistic view by showing the strength resiliency of human beings in their ability to overcome obstacles and create a wonderful world when there is cooperation and love. He also portrays a pessimistic view by showing the destruction man is capable of when there is jealousy, fear, or mistrust. This assessment relates to the Cold War because American’s and Russian’s were able to conquer the Germans in World War II by working together for the common good of humanity. Unfortunately, this good will quickly ended when suspicion, fear, and mistrust developed between the two powers and the nuclear arms race began. Though nuclear weapons were not created when Thurber wrote The Last Flower it was clear to him (and likely the rest of society) after World War I man is capable of complete destruction and will not stop in the development of weapons of war until the weapons are so powerful they will destroy the entire planet. He wrote this tale in hopes his only child, daughter Rosemary will not have to live in world dominated by war and destruction as it was published two months after the onset of World War II. Thurber wants Rosemary to enjoy the beautiful side of life humans experience when there is love, peace, and cooperation.
This story is portrayed in pictures which shows with penetrating clarity that mankind has not become wiser with experience and understood nothing from history (meaningless of history). Mankind has not succeeded in breaking out of the recurring cycle of war, new hope, rebuilding and the return of war. This parable seems to be pessimistic, yet there is a seed of optimism hidden in it: the belief in something indestructible, the belief in the flower. The last human beings of yesterday are at the same time the first humans of tomorrow. This flower which escapes total destruction becomes the ancestor of a whole new flora on Earth. There is always hope for a better world. Unfortunately, war destroys it. The next wave of destruction could be the last one. This cartoon connects to the Cold War, in which there is minimal hope for disputes waged in countries are settled peacefully. The build up of nuclear weaponry between US and USSR causes competition, which threatens war.
ReplyDeleteKind of grotesque and sarcastic, but, in a way, true. History of mankind is the history of wars. Whether we learn from our past experiences, or the history repeats itself, is up to us. The Cold War, that lasted for almost 50 years, demonstrated to all how quick yesterday's allies can become bitter enemies. And the funny part is, that the worst "hawks" are usually those who haven't been to war themselves.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased you two gentlemen chose to analyze this piece, and you both have some great comments. Brendan, I think you nailed the "pessimism-optimism" thing! Great Cold War connections as well!
ReplyDeleteAlex, I agree that allies can shift suddenly and paradoxically (think Berlin Airlift). In Thurber’s view, what will always unite us is our common humanity and desire to further life. Of course, this assumes that there will always be someone to care for the flower.
I think the situation in Japan will further our understanding of nuclear power/dangers. Does either of you, or anyone else in the class, want to comment on the likelihood of a future nuclear war? Who might perpetrate that war? Why is such a war likely or unlikely?
The other aspect of Thurber I like is his timeless message. I believe his “poem” will be read 100 years from now and still be relevant. Agree/disagree? Does anyone know more about Thurber? Why did he create “The Last Flower”?
Honestly, the author is very creative to used cartoon images to convey the audiences especially young generation like myself who have no idea what is like to be in war. By using pictures, people can see into their eyes and understand so that people in our generation think smarter and act wiser. For, this parable is definitely pessimistic but there is hope hiding beneath each picture. This cartoon connects to the Cold War that there is less hope for the conflict to settle peacefully. This is because when one has anger they suddenly turn blind and forget the good things that other done and turn into true enemy. The author’s purpose is to remind everyone about the past experiences and the effects of it to prevent those events from occurring again in the future.
ReplyDeleteAfter viewing the parable and recognizing that Thurber has portrayed an endless cycle of life, destruction, death, and rebirth I’d have to say all-in-all I would consider it to be a pessimistic view. I mean even after the evident power struggle and fight for total domination life was found. Because of war, life might have been destroyed but for those survivors that had no other option (besides doing nothing and letting life fade away more and more) they chose to be strong. It was inspiring to see that shortly after discovering the first and only sign of hope they started rebuilding a new civilization again. That one single flower gave hope to one person that than caused others to see hope as it multiplied (like evolution did). I think Thurber’s view of mankind is what’s humorous about this parable. He allows you to see that people are full of error and not perfect in any one particular way. Our intentions may start off as good ones but if we don’t realize that too much change is affecting not only us individually but as a whole society life as we know it will fall apart. Mankind should be more aware of what could happen from trying to conquer over others and that to improve the future mankind should learn from the past. I think this cartoon connects to the Cold War in the sense that war alone impacts all of society and the people in and surrounding it. As all of the countries involved in the Cold War, throughout all of those years, have shown us is that trying to rule over each other is a bad approach. Yet, no matter what may have happened it was depicted that civilizations rebuild themselves and carry on because someone somewhere has seen or experienced hope. And in response to you, Ms.Nelson I do think that no matter how far along in the future it is this parable will be relevant because as Thurber showed us mankind lives in the way in which it causes reoccurrence of the past and I think for as long as there is a world there will be war. Despite hoping for a better world, it is reality that war occurs.
ReplyDeleteThurber demonstrates in a cynical manner how one thing leads to another and mankind tends not learn the lessons necessary to stop repeating history. He portrays an optimistic view by showing the strength resiliency of human beings in their ability to overcome obstacles and create a wonderful world when there is cooperation and love. He also portrays a pessimistic view by showing the destruction man is capable of when there is jealousy, fear, or mistrust. This assessment relates to the Cold War because American’s and Russian’s were able to conquer the Germans in World War II by working together for the common good of humanity. Unfortunately, this good will quickly ended when suspicion, fear, and mistrust developed between the two powers and the nuclear arms race began. Though nuclear weapons were not created when Thurber wrote The Last Flower it was clear to him (and likely the rest of society) after World War I man is capable of complete destruction and will not stop in the development of weapons of war until the weapons are so powerful they will destroy the entire planet. He wrote this tale in hopes his only child, daughter Rosemary will not have to live in world dominated by war and destruction as it was published two months after the onset of World War II. Thurber wants Rosemary to enjoy the beautiful side of life humans experience when there is love, peace, and cooperation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving Thurber a look. I love his timeless message:) (and worry about the fate of mankind!!)
ReplyDelete