Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight.
Understanding works of literature may not be important in your life at the moment, but it will help you in the future with various conversations and dialogues that a person will have with their company. Literature helps bridge the gap between cultures; therefore, comprehending unfamiliar works will be helpful. In the essay, Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight, Clifford Geertz, the author of the essay, must comprehend the culture of the Balinese people. There are some aspects in which I do not understand in the essay.
I understand most of the essay, but I do not really comprehend on the terms of why Geertz went to Bali. I would like to guess that he wanted to learn about cultures across the globe; moreover, broadening his horizon on people from different nations. I do understand that hobbies and games are often played for money instead of fun. Cockfighting represents a part of the Balinese culture, and money plays as an important factor in this hobby. .
"What makes Balinese cockfighting deep in thus not money itself, but when the more of it that is involved the more so, money causes to happen: the migration of Balinese status hierarchy into the body of the cockfight." (Geertz-321).
Cockfighting seems to be revolving around the issue of money. I understand that Geertz went to Bali, but he was not really introduced to the society. Although he gained entry to Bali and learned about the culture, Geertz himself did not really attain a sense of respect from the people. Moving on his own, Clifford wrote in his book about day to day experiences that took place on the island. The essay does have some complexity to it, because it is just a rough draft about his occurrences in Bali. .
Moreover, the essay simply analyzes life in Bali in 1958. Cockfighting seems to be an important part of the Balinese society at that time. Geertz does a good job of explaining his experiences with these people, and I for the most part understand what he is saying.
