Throughout this semester, as we’ve talked in class and read our books, I’ve learned a lot about African American literature and how it shaped the world today. In the very beginning of the semester, we started with “African Fractals” by Ron Eglash, which talked a lot about geometry, architecture, scaling, and how they intertwine in many different ways. Later on, at the end of the semester, we read “The Water Cure” by Percival Everett, which had themes of revenge, malice, and renewal. These two books by themselves seem to have hardly anything in common, but upon further inspection, it becomes clear that we read them for a reason. The lessons I’ve experienced during this course taught me how to bring these books together. Looking back on everything, I can see I’ve learned a bunch about what this class is trying to teach us, and I feel like I’ve gained a vast amount of knowledge I was previously not exposed to.
To start, “African Fractals” delved into the ideas of geometrical architecture, or fractal architecture. Fractals can best be described as a curve or geometric figure, each part of which has the same statistical character as the whole. Using this in architecture gives the buildings a uniquely constructed pattern. The purpose of the geometry shows how cultures produce recursive patterns that characterize their specific social, cultural, economic and political organization. This means that the designs in architecture aren’t just about looks; they also reflect how societies are structured and organized. For example, certain fractal patterns might represent social hierarchies or economic systems within a culture. So, understanding these fractal patterns helps us understand more about the people and societies that created them. Moreover, fractal architecture serves as a manifestation of cultural identity and values. By employing fractal geometry in their architectural designs, different societies express their unique worldview and beliefs. For instance, a culture that values harmony and interconnectedness may incorporate fractal patterns that emphasize repetition and symmetry, reflecting their emphasis on unity within the community. On the other hand, a society that prioritizes individualism and innovation might utilize fractal designs that showcase complexity and diversity, symbolizing their embrace of individual expression and creativity.
In “The Water Cure” by Percival Everett, we meet Ishmael Kidder, a writer who lives by himself after his divorce. His world is shattered when he learns about the brutal murder of his daughter. Fueled by grief and a desire for justice, Kidder embarks on a quest to find the person responsible for his daughter’s death. When he finally tracks down the culprit, Kidder takes matters into his own hands by kidnapping him and keeping him captive in his basement. Since Kidder never learns the man’s name, he simply refers to him as Art. Over the course of several days, Kidder subjects Art to various forms of torture as he seeks retribution for his daughter’s untimely demise. However, as the story unfolds, Kidder’s actions raise questions about morality, justice, and the nature of revenge. In the end, Kidder makes a surprising decision to release Art, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of seeking vengeance.
Both “African Fractals” and “The Water Cure” explore the interconnected themes of geometry and renewal in different contexts. In “African Fractals,” the focus is on the use of geometric architecture, particularly fractals, as a reflection of societal structures and values. The way in which different societies utilize fractal geometry in their architectural designs reflects their unique social, cultural, economic, and political organization. For example, certain fractal patterns may represent social hierarchies or economic systems within a culture. By understanding these fractal patterns, we gain insights into the people and societies that created them. Moreover, fractal architecture serves as a manifestation of cultural identity and values, with different societies expressing their worldview and beliefs through their architectural designs. This connection between geometry and culture highlights the role of architecture as a means of expressing and perpetuating societal norms and values. Similarly, in “The Water Cure,” the themes of geometry and renewal are explored through the actions of Ishmael Kidder. Kidder’s quest for justice following the murder of his daughter leads him to engage in acts of violence and revenge. However, as the story unfolds, Kidder’s actions raise questions about morality, justice, and the nature of revenge. His decision to release the man responsible for his daughter’s death reflects a moment of contemplation and renewal. Kidder struggles with the consequences of his actions and ultimately chooses to break the cycle of violence, offering a chance for redemption and healing. This moment of renewal emphasizes the complexity of human emotions and the potential for growth and transformation, even in the face of tragedy. In both cases, geometry serves as a metaphor for the underlying structures and patterns that shape human behavior and societal dynamics. Through the exploration of these themes, both “African Fractals” and “The Water Cure” invite readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of form and meaning in the world around us, and the potential for renewal and growth even in the most challenging circumstances.
Finally, connecting this to my class experience, the exploration of geometry and renewal as depicted in “African Fractals” and “The Water Cure” resonates with my own journey of learning and growth . Just as fractal geometry in architecture serves as a reflection of societal structures and values, my study of literature, mainly African American literature, has offered insights into the underlying patterns and dynamics of human society. Through discussions, readings, and assignments, I have gained a deeper understanding of how cultural, social, and historical factors shape individual behavior and collective identity. Moreover, the themes of renewal and transformation depicted in “The Water Cure” are similar to my own experiences of personal growth and development throughout the semester. Like Ishmael Kidder’s journey towards redemption, my academic journey has involved moments of reflection, self-discovery, and renewal. I definitely have encountered challenges and setbacks along the way, but through perseverance and reflection, I was able to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger and smarter. Overall, the themes explored in “African Fractals” and “The Water Cure” served as metaphors for my own educational journey, highlighting the interconnectedness of learning, self-discovery, and societal dynamics. As I continue in my academic pursuits, I will find inspiration in the patterns and possibilities of growth and renewal, both within myself and in the world around me.