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

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

Finally in Griffin's essay the hierarchy of the people is absolute. When a Nazi

in a uniform fashion. This is much like the way that it is in Griffin's essay. The

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

only find a release through a stimulant. The joy in her life had been driven out of

There are many ways that people put up a front to hide the truths found in

The Bali people, the American culture and the people in Griffin's essay

through the expressing of joy to explain the basic animal instincts of the

Primal instincts lay beneath the surface, and show certain reactions

ways that each group deals with the other. Whether they ignore, criticize or

that a culture demonstrates it's social positions, and how they are used.

Finally is the need for structure within the chaotic rituals of a society.

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

Category: Miscellaneous

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