The Hunted Slave

Ansdell, Richard. The Hunted Slaves. 1861. Oil on canvas. International Slavery           Museum. Liverpool, United Kingdom. Web 2 July 2014.


       Richard Ansdell's The Hunted Slave is a dramatic work of art that displays the bravery and passion of two escaped slaves in the 19th century. The painting captures and represents the struggles and human sacrifices made during the slavery period. The painting provides a colorful representation of a daring and courageous attempt at freedom with the protective male figure depicted as powerful and heroic with his mate close by his side. It shows a pack of ferocious dogs in the midst of attacking the fugitives who appear to have dominance over the animals. The expression on the animals show fear while the fugitive's depict one of confidence and courage. The artist used a variety of browns which softens the work, giving it an earthy undertone.

       This painting shows a steadfast and courageous attempt at freedom that clearly depicts, despite the risk and consequences escape poses,  the indomitable perseverance and courage of the human spirit . Although Ansdell was a British artist and never experienced servitude, he successfully expressed through his imagination, one of the many struggles endured by slaves. His work demonstrates that despite dismal circumstances, humans have the capacity and determination to persevere.

Survivor

Destiny's Child. Survivor. Columbia, 2001. Youtube.com. Web. 1 July 2014.

       The song Survivor is a song written and produced by Beyoncé Knowles and performed by her and the other members of the group Destiny's Child. The song Survivor was a piece included in their third album also titled Survivor.

       This is a song that displays a great example of a woman's courage and capacity to survive independently despite negative outside influences. The song's lyrics alludes to the end of a relationship with the former partner attempting to convince the woman she could not be successful alone. The phrase after all of the darkness and sadness comes happiness shows that despite a bleak outlook, if one pushes on and perseveres, happiness and prosperity can be found.

Apocalypto

Gibson, Mel, dir. Apocalypto. Touchstone, 2006. Film.

       Mel Gibson's Apocalypto tells the story of a young man and his plight to save his pregnant wife and young son during the tumultuous demise of the Mayan civilization. The story begins with the capture of the main character Jaguar Paw who is forced to leave his pregnant wife and son behind as they hide in a deep hole. He is destined for human sacrifice but is miraculously spared with the timely appearance of an eclipse. He manages to escape his captors and begins a determined quest to save his family before the monsoon rains. Eventually through a series of near-death experiences, he reaches his wife and now two sons rescuing them in the nick of time.

       The director Mel Gibson does a wonderful job showing the transformation of the character Jaguar Paw from a skittish young man into a courageous and daring rescuer. Although he is badly wounded and pursued by several determined and skillful enemies, he finds an inner courage and will that eventually leads him to the successful rescue of his family. Many times thoughout the film, death seemed imminent for Jaquar Paw. However, human persevance and an undying love and dedication for his family spare his life.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Hosseini, Khaled. A Thousand Splendid           Suns. New York: Riverhead                      Books, 2007. Print.


       The novel A Thousand Splendid Suns written by Khaled Housseini gives an up close and personal look at what life may be like for the women in Afghanistan. The main theme of the book focuses on the relationships between women visiting the many harsh struggles two central characters overcome throughout their development into womanhood. It begins telling the story of Mariam who after a great disappointment from her father, witnesses the scene of her mother's suicide. She marries into an abusive relationship and experiences a number of miscarried pregnancies. The story continues with the tragic death of Laila's parents. This lands her into a deceptive and barbaric marriage. After a rocky beginning, Mariam and Laila's relationship blossoms into a deep sisterly love. They find peace and small pleasures in each other's company despite their dismal circumstances. After years of enduring harsh and cruel treatment from their husband, Mariam find self-content and peace in front of a firing squad while Laila reconnects with her childhood swain.

       The characters in this novel have to overcome many overwhelming struggles, especially the women. Mariam displayed courage as a young teen ignoring her mother's plea to not leave their home in pursuit of her father. Unfortunately, this quest ends in disappointment for her and ultimately leads her into a prearranged, unwanted marriage. Although she suffered many years of verbal and physical abuse from her husband, her inner courageous self never died. It was through this display of courage and strong will that any reader could grow to admire her. Laila's love and commitment for her daughter stimulated her to persevere despite having to place her daughter in an orphanage. In addition, her love for Tariq never yielded despite the fact she thought he was dead. The sheer perseverance displayed by the two woman ultimately led to Miriam's spiritual freedom and Laila's joyful reunion with her childhood beau.

The Color Purple

Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1990. Print.

       This novel tells the story of Celie, an innocent, self-doubting young girl who was abused and raped by her own father but transforms into an independent, self-confident woman. She shares a strong bond with her sister Nettie whom she attempts to shield from the painful ordeals she has had to endure. She marries into an abusive relationship that further adds to her struggles. It is through this relationship that she loses contact with her sister for many years. She develops a compelling and mesmeric friendship with her husband's mistress. It is through this bond that Celie experiences love which fosters her emerging self-confidence and independence. Despite her traumatic upbringing and adulthood, she transforms into quite a remarkable woman that not only earns the respect of her friends but also that of her estranged husband.

       The Color Purple is a story that is full of not only tragedy and hardship, but also one full of love and friendships. The main character Celie deals with several heartbreaking tragedies throughout the story that includes sexual and physical abuse along with the devastating separation from her beloved sister Nettie. Despite the many downfalls she experiences throughout her life, she manages to find her own voice and with courage evolves into a self-sufficient and strong woman. Her extreme perseverance eventually leads not only to total independence but also to a gratifying place in life amongst friends and family she cherishes dearly.