Clifford Geertz, Ralph Ellison and

A detailed Summary of Clifford Geertz, Ralph Ellison and

There is deeper meaning behind the structure of societies rituals and

customs. The works of the noted authors Clifford Geertz, Ralph Ellison and

Susan Griffin explore the world beneath the words. They explore and

interpret three different cultures that are not alike in their practices, yet

similar because of the underlying instincts that are inherent in all people.

The essay "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese CockfightaE? by Clifford Geertz,

helps outsiders to better understand the Balinese society through the

actions and rituals of it's people. In Ralph Ellison's essay "An Extravagance

of Laughter,aE? there are many insights to help people better understand the

feelings of a young African-American in a freethinking society. In "Our

SecretaE? by Susan Griffin, the author "explores (the) connections between

...an individuals life and the lives of others (402)aE?. Geertz, Ellison and

Griffin look closely at the societal rituals and actions to help them

determine the underlying meaning behind them. The authors explain the

hidden agenda beneath the actions that are expressed within the essays in

three ways: the first are the instincts that lay beneath the surface, and show

was put to them if they were to come out of the conflict as a whole person.

people. They have a ritual for everything. Every facet of their lives is structured

while in New York, slowly begins to realize that it is a place of seeming equality.

the boundaries are and what will happen if they cross it. In the second essay by

mother laughing. This would only occur when her mother had first stayed up all

people can admit that they are fallible, and the can accept them into their

ostracize the other group, each specifically deals with the other in accordance to

lay beneath the surface in reference to laughter, the way that a culture

societies treat class in much the same fashion. With the Balinese people there

demonstrates it's social positions, and how there is a need for structure a

needs or feelings of others. There is a structure to the society in America,

act in a specific manor. Even the letting go and relaxing during the match has

ridicule. It is a defense mechanism that the culture invented. In the culture of

the main character realizes that he laughs because he is unsure of himself. In

unneeded. The third author writs of this to convey her understanding of her

Approximate Word count = 1506
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous

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