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 Cockfightâ€" 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,"" there are many insights to help people better understand the
feelings of a young African-American in a freethinking society. In "Our
Secretâ€" by Susan Griffin, the author "explores (the) connections between
...an individuals life and the lives of others (402)â€". 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
the primal need for certain reactions in a person. The second is the way
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.
Primal instincts lay beneath the surface, and show certain reactions
in a person. Geertz, Ellison and Griffin all believe that laughter is a primal
instinct. When looking at the three essays one can find a connection
through the expressing of joy to explain the basic animal instincts of the
human being. In Clifford Geertzes essay the villagers laugh at how funny the
researchers looked as they were running away from the police. In Elision's essay
the main character realizes...