We discussed in class the parallelism between Morton Henry's offense against traditional sensibilities and Edward's, particularly to the narrator Maggie. But the plow is a particularly clever example for Kenan to use in relation to the title and motifs of the piece. "The Foundations of the Earth."
We're talking about something deep and broad and ponderous when we talk about foundations. Like the curve of the Earth which you can only see from space. We're talking about God. What, to such foundations, metaphysical as well as physically removed from our remote positions within and on it, is PLOWING? Is an act of turning up the first few inches of the Earth's crust? And only its physical crust! Plowing as a preparation for life, sowing seeds, gives it an intimate, metaphorical link to the sexual nature of Edward's transgression as well.
I was initially uncertain about the function of the title in this work. Of all of my theories, I definitely like this one the best. The plowing scene is featured at both the beginning and end of the work. At the beginning, the uncovering of the earth is seen as detestable to the members of the porch. At the end, the act is still detestable to most of the porch members, but Maggie claims indifference (something along the lines of 'do what you have to do'), which resonates acceptance (not necessarily endorsement) of sexual preference.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Matt, i didn't originally understand the title, but by the end of the story, i like the comparison Kenan uses to Edward's sexuality and plowing the earth. I also like that the title implies "foundations", giving the symbolic "beginning" of earth before humans were here to judge. I think that Kenan is trying to say that humans should not judge an act on what they think that the Lord would want. The earth is ancient and all-knowing and people could not begin to fathom what is right or wrong in the grand scheme.
ReplyDeleteYou all are so smart. Great post, Erin, and great comments, Kyla and Matt.
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