Essay Questions

Identify the connotations of racism in “Blasting from Heaven” using the Critical Race Theory.

The speaker covertly alludes to racist perceptions of black inferiority when he/she says,“I would say that fate/brought me here to…/stop the Negro from/ bearing witness to the world.” First, the term ‘Negro’ exhibits unconcealed racism for it is referring to a black individual. The speaker’s contention concerning the role of obstructing “the Negro From/Bearing witness to the world,” implies that the speaker is of the opinion that ‘Negros’ should are not be existent for they are low-grade or the world does not energetically sponsor their presence. If the speaker had the power, he/she would discontinue the black person's existence categorically.

What changes happened to the earth when Philip Levine was sixteen? What could be the trigger of the changes? (“Buying Earth”)

Philip Levine writes, “ Before I was 16/those fields were gone, the trees brought down with a cry that stopped down. Pond, grove, roadless meadows between town and town all gone. And I walked on in a starless dark.” The imagery in these lines illustrate the expiry of the earth that Philip Levine had subscribed. The death could be credited to proliferating deforestation and burgeoning urbanization.

Identify the overarching message in “Blasting from Heaven”, “Buying Earth”, “Burial Rights.”

The question of existentialism cuts across “Blasting from Heaven,” “Buying Earth,” and “Burial rights” relates to termination of physical existence that comes after death. “Buying Earth” depicts the connection between existentialism and nature. “Blasting from Heaven” dissects the interrelationship between race, discomfort(tears) and existence.