The Snake: American literature themes

"The Snake" relates to the theme of freedom in American literature.  Freedom is what best describes this poem because the snake is unrestrained and in control.  The poet, Theodore Roethke, observes a young snake as it is gliding out of the shade.  It is hanging limp on a stone and even his tongue is motionless.  There is a calmness about the snake and in the air.  There is no hurry, stress, or worry.  The snake has choices and is without restrictions.  It comes out, is observed, then quickens and is gone.  I believe this type of freedom is exactly what many Americans throughout history and today want. From the colonists who wanted religious freedom, to slaves who wanted personal freedom, and women who wanted equal rights, Americans desire personal control over their lives.        

Roethke longs to be the snake. Just like the colonists, slaves, women, and immigrants, Americans throughout history have been longing for the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  To be allowed to live how you want with limited government involvement is still a theme that is exhibited today.  This is a continuous struggle for many Americans and will be into the future.  I too want personal, religious, and any other kind of freedom now and forever. 

Herland or Feminisia?

Herland was written from 1909 to 1916 by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and so far is one of my favorite books.  It's of course fiction, but the plot is intriguing, unique, and thought-provoking. What if there was really an ALL female civilization?  Would it be chaotic, ruthless, miserable, and hormonally challenging where everything was broken and unmanageable?  Or would it be paradise because you are surrounded by beautiful land in a peaceful existence with everything figured out and no one competing for boyfriends or worrying about what to wear?  I would definitely sport the Miley Cyrus shaved haircut for sure. 

"They had the evenest tempers, the most perfect patience and good nature- one of the things most impressive about the all was the absence of irritability."  These resourceful women, of all ages, seem to have everything figured out.  From food, clothing, and shelter to pets (just cats), this is dreamland.   What I like most so far is that the three main characters (Terry, Jeff, and Vandyck) are American citizens, classmates, and friends discovering a lot more about life, themselves, and women.  This personalities of this threesome range from complete jerk to really great guy, so their perspectives should be fascinating. 

So far this vision of utopia has my attention and I am eager to read on.  I have never thought of myself as a feminist, but if I was living in the early 1900s, I would relate to this novel better than a 21st Century gal.  The gender stereotypes are alive and positively entertaining.  Almost as amusing as Grey's Anatomy and Alex Karev's consistent beliefs about women.  Terry and Alex may have been separated at birth.