Freedom

Sean Conboy
October 2nd      

        In reading the works by Lynch, Ciardi, and Poe a theme that is presented clearly is the human desire for a sense of freedom.  In "Liberty" the speaker feels the urge to urinate on his lawn to express his freedom as well as his sense of dominance.  In "Suburban" Mr. Ciardi criticizes his neighbor for being un-accepting of the fact that his dog has ultimate reign of wear it uses the bathroom.  In "Cask of Amontillado" Fortunato is physically trapped underground by the somewhat psychotic Montresor.  Lastly in the Zen Meditation, freedom of the mind is encouraged and ultimately leads to a calmer and more relaxed self.
        "Liberty" by Thomas Lynch presents an interesting point of view from a man who feels an overtaking sense of personal freedom.  He states that he goes out and, "Pisses on the front lawn as a form of freedom."  This shows the restriction he feels by society and how it is looked down upon to be so open about something that is considered to be vulgar.  I believe that the speaker feels constricted by the plainness of modern society.  He says " Still, nothing here, in the suburbs" to show how the suburbs prevent him from feeling free and independent from conforming society.  While he expresses his desire for freedom in something as simple as using the bathroom, his desire is strong.
        "Suburban" by John Ciardi expresses a similar stereotype in the lack of freedom that confines those stuck in the suburbs.  Mr. Ciardi expresses the comedy of when his neighbor Mrs. Friar accused his dog of leaving a "large repulsive object on her lawn."  Ciardi jokes as this is a big deal to his neighbor as it disturbs her petunias, when in reality it is just the nature of an animal.  Animals possess the freedom to uses the bathroom where they please.  Although displeasing to many it is a part of nature, and Ciardi finds humor in the fact that suburban culture has created this to be wrong.  It strangles freedom even for animals.
        "The Cask of Amontillado" differs from the two poems as it deals with literally being trapped underground with no freedom at all.  Montresor is a rich man who convinces his enemy Fortunato to travel to his underground cellars to find an old "Amontillado" to drink during carnival season.  Fortunato's pride prevents him from denying the opportunity to sample such a rare and expensive type of wine.  Montresor leads him down the passages, feeding him drinks, ultimately making him extremely intoxicated. They reach the end of the tunnel as Montresor chains Fortunato in a niche, and walls up the entrance in front of him ultimately leaving him trapped.  This prevents Fortunato's freedom, as all he had done to wrong Montresor sealed his fate, and his death in the dark chamber with the "Amontillado."
        During Zen Meditation all who attend are encouraged to relax and clear their minds.  Through this complete sense of relaxation many are freed from the stressors and troubles that come along with everyday life.  At this moment you feel free to think what you want with a clear mind, body, and spirit.  The Zen Meditation is extremely important as it promotes freedom of mind and stresses the fact that no matter what you are always free to think and believe what you want.