The Odyssey Of Madam Knight Analysis

The journals expose two different attitudes because these two authors have different personalities. Knight is intolerant with others. When she is questioned; she makes jokes pretending not to be bother, but she does. Basically, Knight is a bright woman who likes to observe others and for that, she makes use of sarcasm to criticize, especially women’s” bad tongues,” as Julia Stern describes on “To relish and spew disgust as cultural critique in The Journal of Madam Knight” another thing, she certainly dislikes interrogation, mainly because she is from Boston and well educated, so she has a refined background, and has trouble dealing with rural people. She believes that Bostonians are better and for that, she perceives herself, as superior in class

and manners. Let remember that, Knight Travels for business purpose, instead of leisure, so when she meets many people from different social background; she makes use of plenty of distinctions, especially on Natives customs.

Robert O. Stephens in “The Odyssey of Sarah Kemble Knight” mentions Knight’s prejudiced attitude towards poor social class, especially on American Natives and Blacks slaves, she judges them based on her puritan’s beliefs; she sees these two social groups, as immoral and part of Satan. On the other side, Bertram seems very enthusiastic; he travels for different American habitats and makes recounts and descriptions of wild animals and vegetation. Bartram displays an early biocentrism philosophy, as Michael Branch describes in “The Nature of John and William Bartram” more like an environmentalist that wants to create environmental consciousness. He shows plenty of love for everything he runs into. His encounters with wild animals are described, as joyful experience; he shows no signs of fear. When Bartram is attack by the crocodile, he defends himself, but never harms the wild animal. He tries not to disrupt their habitats and demonstrates admiration. His narration show a man that demonstrates fully respect for

life. Bartram, also risks himself and sleep in the wildness with a positive attitude. He remains serene and sympathetic, in spite of, wild animals attack. Bartram passion for environment encourages many individuals that enjoy outdoors. His narrative prose demonstrates the true relationship between man and nature in an exciting way.
They also differ on style; Knight and Bartram employ different writing to define surroundings. Knight’s accounts contain an informal narration. Her narration involves dialogues from individuals from different social class, and the sentences used by Knight are short and simple. She also employs contractions for the narration. She presents many emotional states during the time; she is interacting with others. Her journal is more like a “speaking narrative” as Peter Kratzkes’ article states in “Sarah Kemble Knight’s Polemical Landscape.” Much of her narration is used to comment about the food and people she meets, Knight’s narration involves a deep description on social classes making her journal a descriptive narrative writing. Her writing denotes neoclassical traits when she introduces poems, very common back there. Instead, Bartram’s writing exhibits deep detailed descriptions. His big interest on the study of plants, implies a scientifically journal. He studies, collects and draws pictures of plants like Rob MacLoone implies in “Natural Affinities: The Political Economy and Ecology…” making his journal comprehensive for others that have interest on Botany. He encounters different species of plants and animals; he takes notes and even collects specimens. His journal is full of information about flora and wildlife. He even also makes a wide description of horses that belong to his friend. It is clear that he sees beauty on every single creature. He refers to Natives with respect and admiration, especially about young ladies that he encounters. Criticism is not used in Bartram’s writing; instead he denotes affection for others. He is open-minded and his journal includes a wide description of the scenarios like the Great Lake George that gives a good picture of the Natural features. Bartram also makes reference to food chains and how crocodile prey other species. His writing is remarkable methodical information based on a descriptive writing.