yares of black mountain

I thought one aspect of the short story that was interesting was the battle between the North and SOuth and over the thoughts of slavery. I think that this battle was in the story for a reason as it was written shortly after the ending of the civil war. Mrs. Cook is a Northerner and thinks of the South as being immoral and wickedly terrible, while the widow thinks the South is a place of heaing and comfort.
Mrs. Cook has many prejudicies against the South. She comes down to find facts for a book she is writing and lets her prejudices effect how she interprets the culture an the people of the South. She fels that Southerners are greedy. They think you have money. These Southerners are impoverished by the war and have an indea that every Northerner is overloaded with wealth and is fair game. (p 249). Mrs. Cook turns out to be the foil of the story as her absolute dislike for all things related to the South, turns the readers against her and for the character of the widow.
The widow initially comes to the South to improve the health of her sickly baby. She immediately feels at home in the South and falls in love with its culture, people, and friendliness. Se as no complaints about anything in the South, unlike Mrs. Cook and seems to have no ill thoughts about slavery.

Insane In the Brain

We've encountered many strange things throughout our readings this semester. Having the main character committed in to a mental asylum is a first. Entering into the character's state of mind is also a first. I think it is interesting and has a profound effect and impact on the story.

Sybil is known for her free spirit and has no problem with speaking her mind on such matters as liberty and freedom. At the time period this is very unconventional for a girl's behavior. Her outspoken nature makes Sybil a target. I feel that Sybil was more irrational than insane. Though she was quite upset after waking up and finding out she was in an asylum, who wouldn't be? I think being committed without any explanation at all would have a profound impact on someone. Sybil was a victim in this regard. On page 246 she exclaims, " I, poor victim, was given up to experimented upon, till by subtle means I was driven to the insanity." I feel that she's a victim because of her gender. I don't think a boy would be placed in a mental asylum without a say in the matter. Sybil is forced into the asylum and that in itself makes her question her own sanity.

In terms of the mother/daughter relationship, the one between Sybil and her mother is far different than ones we've encountered before. A mother figure has been present in the other works of literature we've read. Ellen had her mother and Gerty had a mother figure in Emily Graham. Sybil's mother's physical presence is not felt within the story. Her mother does seem to have an impact on her though. The lack of her presence in Sybil's life impacted Sybil to rely on her manipulations to get her through. I find it quite ironic that they both end up being committed and think that shows that although they didn't spend time together, a mother and daughter truly do share a strong bond.