Dori Week 10 PAP- The Benefit of Debate

    In her poem “Enlightenment,”  Natasha Trethewey recounts the time when she and her father debated Thomas Jefferson’s history, character, and relationship with slaves. She begins the poem with imagery and symbolism as Trethewey describes “the portrait of Jefferson that hangs at Monticello” as being “two-toned...as if the artist meant to contrast his bright knowledge, its dark subtext.”  I find this observation intriguing because it not only helps me visualize the referenced image of Jefferson but also uniquely sets the tone for the rest of the poem as there are generally two opinions about Jefferson: that he was heroic and honorable or hypocritical and racist. The name of the poem “Enlightenment” also seems to connect with the concept of being “two-toned” because although the Enlightenment is typically known as an era of intellect, discovery, and natural rights, these prospects were not, in reality, available to everyone.

    Trethewey then compares her perspective, as a black woman, with the insight of her white father. For example, she says her father explained how “out of necessity” Jefferson needed to own slaves and that “his own moral philosophy meant he could not have fathered those children” that he had with slaves.  This explanation shows that Trethewey’s father believes that Jefferson did not intend to be harmfully racist or morally corrupt. While she does not fully agree with her father’s opinion and finds Jefferson to be more problematic, Trethewey notes, “I did not know then the subtext of our story...or that my father could believe he’d made me better.” This quote shows that Trethewey eventually realized that hearing a belief that differed from her own enabled her to become more open-minded and knowledgeable of the multiple sides of the matter.  

    By the end, she also understands the importance of learning about history and its various interpretations when she writes, “this history [links us]--white father, black daughter--even as it renders us other to each other.” I found this quote a bit confusing to process at first from the “other to each other” phrase, but I soon figured out that this means that while Trethewey and her father may be racially categorized differently and separated, their distinct backgrounds and experiences allow them to become more aware of diverse viewpoints and relate to one another in unique ways. 

    I found this poem interesting and informative as it truly demonstrates how identity and racial background play a role in the way one perceives a narrative. It also emphasized the critical value of not closing yourself off to other opinions as they can enrich you in some way. This is crucial to consider especially now when there is so much division between (and in) political parties. Let me know what your thoughts are on the message of the poem! Have you ever felt you benefited from engaging in a debate with somebody else who had distinctive views from you? 

Link to poem: 

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57697/enlightenment-56d23b7175cc0