Monday, February 3, 2014
Ashton Blog Post #1
Jack Burden's steady sarcastic tone throughout All The King's Men conveys his insecurity and negativity regarding his surroundings and his peers. When debating how to address the Judge during Boss's visit, Burden admits to his uneasiness about talking with authority that is superior to his own. Boss tries to get Burden to recognize that he is the Governor and to get over his fear of a loss of dignity. Boss states that he simply just wants to look at him. "Well, you sure picked a hell of a time and a hell of a long way to go look at him,' I said not feeling anything but peevish now, and falling back on my shoulder-blades where I belonged. 'Why don't you get him to see you in town sometime?'" (56) Jack's childish, antagonistic retort, as well as his slumping back into a safe position of a slouch, demonstrate his lack of ability to face his fears and confront someone. He wants to avoid the situation instead of face it. With prodding from rational Boss, who reminds him that there is no time like the present, Burden grows impatient and hostly reminds Boss that he is the Governor and his dignity is constantly questioned. Boss's response, 'Yeah, I'm Governor, Jack, and the trouble with Governors is they think they got to keep their dignity. But listen here, there ain't anything worth doing a man can do and keep his dignity. Can you figure out a single thing you really please-God like to do you can do and keep your dignity?" (57). Burden is non responsive other than a conceded slouch and a sarcastic, "If you want to call it that" (57). Evidently, Burden hates being wrong because it makes him feel less than the other person. In this case, Boss had better points to make, things to do, and conversations to have. Burden was scared, petty and shaky. Fearing a loss of dignity from a misstep, Burden would rather sit and sulk in silence then admit a loss of a minor defeat. Later, when Boss is conversing with the Judge, he realizes that he may have been gypped. Asking for the recollection of old favors, Boss is stunned when the Judge says, "I made no commitment. I didn't make any commitment except to my conscience" (66). It comes full circle when Boss childishly retorts, "You been messing in politics a long time, Judge... and so has your conscience" (66). The circular mind games that are riddled with sarcastic, uneasy undertones contribute to Boss's and Burden's character development as they both realize that dignity can be lost if one acts foolishly or out of line. Both their reputations took hits, as well as their pride. Burden's complete lack of happiness, and truth make him simply a bystander to opportunities, whereas Boss's outgoing, overly confident attitude make him a target for others. Both are incredibly insecure and unclear as to how they should confront their obstacles.
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I definitely agree that Mr Burden has a steady sarcastic tone so far in the novel. Jack wanting to avoid situations is evident and your evidence backs it up. I think he will avoid any possible situation, especially ones that will make him feel uncomfortable. Like when the Boss was having his photo taken is his old room by a photographer, and Jack said "And he got a half dozen more, the Boss sitting in a chair by the trash- burner, holding an old law book on his knees, and God knows what else. I didn't sit out the dance. I wandered off downstairs and left them preparing the documents for posterity."(p42) Jack, though he may like to avoid situations, is a useful man with habits and characteristics that are helpful to the Boss. Jack's sarcastic tone and hate of certain situations do add to the themes and the feel of the book.
ReplyDeleteI can certainly agree on Burden's sarcastic tone that conveys his pessimistic outlook on his peers. Through his descriptions and diction, Burden hints his dismay of his job and obligations he faces as Willie's right hand mind. When Willie Talos is getting his photo taken, he and the photographer have trouble getting Buck (the family dog) to sit next to Talos for the photograph. As these attempts continue to be unsuccessful, Jack says, "The Boss looked at me, and I knew what I was paid to do...I was supposed to do a lot of different things, and one of them was to lift up fifteen-year-old, hundred-and-thirty-five-pound hairy, white dogs on summer afternoons.."(39). Burden acknowledges the fact that he gets paid for doing practically anything the Boss tells him to do; with no questions asked. His detailed description of the hefty dog puts emphasis on the poor situation at hand. Immediately afterwards, his sarcastic tone is immediately noticed as he is obliged to "paint an expression of unutterable bliss upon their faithful features" (39). By using the word "paint", it implies his forced feelings, secretly tainted with displeasure. He also uses the term "unutterable bliss", which is somewhat ironic, for that he actually feels the quite opposite doing these types of tasks, yet he is unable to say so outloud. He also tries to make the sentence poetic and intimate when he mocks his devout dedication to Willie when his eyes "gaze deep, deep into the Boss's eyes" (39). However, his relationship with the Boss is the opposite of that. Everything about his job is very professional, and as Cameron states above, its very often uncomfortable being around the Boss.
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