Passion and Obsession. These are two things that can drive anyone to do anything. To be passionate or obsessed, depending on what connotation is appropriate for the situation, means that the person will not stop until their cause has been fulfilled. In many circumstances, passion (and sometimes even obsession) is great. Passionate people help save lives and jobs. There are a couple of cases, sadly, from Appalachian history that represent just the opposite.
An example of this is the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys. What started out as a disagreement over land turned into an all-out war leading to many deaths on both sides. Both ‘Devil’ Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy first had a passion for the land they each thought rightfully belonged to them. Later on this turned into an obsession with defeating each other that instead thoroughly defeated themselves and their families. The popularity of their feud grew to the point where it is now in history books, been transformed into a miniseries, and a popular topic of conversation in a 21st century classroom.
When Robert Schenkkan first wrote the play The Kentucky Cycle, he was probably a bit passionate about exposing the Kentucky he very briefly saw to the rest of the world. What he may not have expected was the intensity of the uproar from the people of Kentucky and Appalachia in general. Schenkkan’s characters sure were passionate (obsessed) with many things that enhanced some already prominent stereotypes about the region. Michael Rowen killed and betrayed several people simply for land. He and the generations of his family were so obsessed and materialistic with their land that they were determined to eliminate (murder) any threat to it. The play ends with the family in pieces and the land being sold. Shortly after being released, many Appalachains became passionate about rejecting it.
Both stories about obsession started out with good intentions that later led to the destruction of many. What the Hatfields and McCoys as well as the characters in Schenkkan’s play failed to realize was that while being passionate about something important can be good, it is important to stick with one’s own morals. It can be easily argued that Rowen did not have morals. Perhaps the Hatfields and McCoys just lost track of theirs. Appalachains are very passionate about what they care about: people, history, and many other great things. I find it unfortunate that the story of the feud as well as the play represent this negatively.
-R
2 comments:
I see where you're coming from, and I agree to somepoint. it really does narrow down to passion and obsestion, very well writen, this just made me think in a hole differant way about the play. -E
I definitely agree that Shenkkan took some of our better traits--our passion and devotion--and turned them into something...well, ugly. Land is important to us--how long we've been on the land, the accomplishments and memories associated with the land. But Shenkkan twisted it. It may be more entertaining that way, but that's not how it really is.
You made some good points, and I like how you tied in morals at the end. Great piece. :)
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