How Computers Change The Way We Think - 1373 Words

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Subject Details Date How Computers Change the Way We Think Introduction Jarvis: Sir, I think I need to sleep now... [shuts down] Tony Stark: Jarvis! Jarvis? Don t leave me, buddy... Consider this other conversation: Colonel James Rhodes: Give me a suit. [holds out arms] Tony Stark: Sorry, they re only coded to me. Don t worry, I got you covered. [a suit approaches Rhodey] Jarvis: Good evening, Colonel. Can I give you a lift? Colonel James Rhodes: Very funny. (Ironman 1) These are extracts taken from the Marvel blockbuster movie Ironman. By the face of it they seem as normal conversations taking place amongst three characters. However, in relation to the topic of this paper, Jarvis will be the example that is being brought into attention. Jarvis is not a person, rather it is a computer system with the ability to control any machine it is linked to. In fact the name Jarvis is an acronym J.A.R.V.I.S that stands for Just A Rather Very Intelligent System. Attention should be drawn to the fact that Jarvis; rather than simply shutting down, goes to sleep, Tony Stark refers to him as a buddy,which is slang for friend and Jarvis has a sense of humor! This exemplifies the level of human capacity that the computer has. In line with this, the movie IRobot also explores a world where machine and robots are an everyday part of life until they decide to rise against the humans.Now, oneShow MoreRelatedHow People View the World Influences the Tools Used to Obtain Kn owledge744 Words   |  3 Pagesrecently undergone a huge change in how they process information. This change is coupled with an increase in the amount of information that is available to a person. With all of these changes it is important to use this new information, and the knowledge acquired from it, wisely. In Sherry Turkle’s essay How Computers Change the Way We Think she opens with the statement, â€Å"The tools we use to think change the way in which we think†(1). Turkle argues that computers are changing the way that people processRead MoreEssay on Synthesis on Smart Phones730 Words   |  3 Pageshome, school or work, and almost 50% of Americans have smart phones with internet at all times. The articles â€Å"How Computers Change the Way We Think† by Sherry Turkle, â€Å"Lazy Eyes† by Michael Agger and â€Å"Americans and Their Smartphones† by John C. Dvorak, all talk about how technology is changing the world. Easy access and constant u se of the internet is changing the way people learn and think in their everyday lives. Before people had access to the internet so commonly finding answers for things wasRead MoreThe Cost Of Computers And Television s Impact On Society1194 Words   |  5 PagesComputers have been around for what seem like decades, it’s a way of life if nothing else we rely on it so much in our daily life. It wasn’t always like this our computer technology has been advancing astronomical. When once computers were seen as a simple calculator for simple calculations. We valued them as they were specialized machines for each person and each person could have a different experience with the computer, recently computers have skyrocketed with improvement in the early 20th centuryRead MoreDid Computers Really Change the World? Essay1527 Words   |  7 Pagesdependent on computers. This assertion is made based on the fact that there are computers in every country and by the definition of computers (Patil 3), which by the Merriam Webster Dictionary says that computers are â€Å" programmable machines that can store, retrieve, and process data.† In every corner of the earth there are people using computers. Not just that, but programs like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are sending computers into space. The furthest computer from earthRead MoreHow Technology Has The Way We Think By Sherry Turkle And Electronic Intimacy987 Words   |  4 PagesThe progressing changes in technology, like social media, can both push us, as a society, further and closer to and from each other and personal connections. The articles â€Å"How Computers Change the Way We Think† by Sherry Turkle and â€Å"Electronic Intimacy† by Christine Rosen argue that technology is quite damaging to society as a whole and that even though it can at times be helpful it is more damaging. I have to agree and disagree with this because it really just depends on how it is used and it canRead MoreCommunication Technology Research Project : How It Works, A nd Its Application919 Words   |  4 PagesTechnology today is constantly growing and expanding into forms that we could never imagine, or we could but we just didn’t think it was possible. In any of the movies about the future we see amazing technology being put to use. I don’t know about you, but personally I always think to myself how far fetched it all seems. The new communication technology I chose really overwhelmed me at first. I couldn’t believe all the different ways it could be used for all different types of people and the lengthsRead MoreIs Google Making Us Stupid: Summary and Response Essay1145 Words   |  5 Pagesoverall culture. From clocks to computers the use of electronics and tools is occurring every day in almost all situations. In Carr’s article â€Å"Is Google Making us Stupid?† he introduces the idea how the internet is changing our lives by making us mentally process information differently from the past, based off previo us changes in history. Carr explains how we think less deeply and rely on quick facts, versus using critical thinking and research. Also he explains how our brain is malleable, and mayRead MoreIs Google Making Us Stupid?1562 Words   |  7 PagesSocrates about love and how we are slaves to self-pleasure. This directly connects with each of us because we have become a slave to our phones, laptops, etc. Over the past couple of years as technology has advanced we have become a lazier and a less intelligent society. Little do we know our brains are being re-wired and re-programmed by the technology we use every day. Nicholas Carr wrote an article called â€Å"Is Google making us stupid?† In the article he talks about the different ways electronic advancementsRead MoreHistory1717 Words   |  7 Pagesmy assignment, I will be looking at how the general use of certain software’s and digital technology has taken the world of architecture and Interior Design in another era. And how other articles and journals supports that view and don’t. At the moment, we are living in a world of advanced technology where everything is taught using digital technology, whether it be a mobile device, an iPad or a computer, in a preschool or third level facility. It shows that we are ingrained with it nowadays and evenRead MoreThe Corner Of The Eye1285 Words   |  6 Pagesused to worry that computers would become so powerful and sophisticated as to take the place of the human minds,† expresses Lewis Thomas, the author of â€Å"The Corner of the Eye† [Thomas, 83]. A large part of Thomas’s fear of computers is due to the fact that â€Å"a large enough machine can do all sorts of intelligent things beyond our capacities† [Thomas, 83]. However, computers cannot replace us; he realizes computers cannot do some of the things that we can do, like being human. We like to be equivocal

Cleopatra and Her Relationship with Roman Caesars - 578 Words

Stacy Schiff is a remarkable writer and a historian. She has a Pulitzer Prize to prove it, and she is also a guest writer for the New York Times and various newspapers. Her latest work is Cleopatra: A Life. Schiff tells how Cleopatra was a very remarkable woman. Even after Octavian, Cleopatra was known as the wicked women in the world. Schiff tells much about Cleopatra’s life involving Mark Antony and Julius Caesar. Schiff ensures us that Cleopatra had one of the top educations from Alexandria. Caesar did not only stay in Egypt for Cleopatra’s seductress ways, however Caesar wanted to get rein over his enemies. When Caesar was murdered, by a group of schemers, in the Roman Senate, his adopted great nephew Gaius Octavius was his only heir. Mark Antony thought he was heir to the Roman Empire but however, Caesar had different plans. Janet Suzman tells the story of how Shakespeare wrote the play about Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Suzman says Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra is a horrific story of a formally mighty conqueror who is infatuated with the Queen of Egypt. Antony was so obsessed with Cleopatra and how she led him to his death. (Draycott, 38-44) Suzman said that Cleopatra and Antony had a horrible love story. Schiff tells the story of Cleopatra and Antony very similar to Suzman. However, Cleopatra and Antony’s relationship had its problems. Schiff believed that Antony and Cleopatra had much in common. They were both left out of Caesar’s will. Schiff also tells howShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Antony And Cleopatra1121 Words   |  5 PagesGood morning, students. Today’s lecture will be on William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. The play, which is a tragedy, revolves around the relationship between Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Antony is one of three leaders of the Roman Empire and Cleopatra is the Queen of Egypt. In this story, the reader is able to explore the complexity of the emotion of love and the highs and lows it entails, as well as the conflicts that can present between duty and emotion. The reader sees the effects that passionRead MoreThe Failure Of Cleopatra And Cleopatra1447 Words   |  6 PagesCleopatra innovatively utilised Roman politicians to benefit both herself and Egypt. Cleopatras skillful manipulation of Roman generals consequences in her triumphs but also ultimately the downfall of Egypt. Many agree that Cleopatra never truly loved Caesar or Antony but it does seem evident that at least Casar did in fact love Cleopatra. While Cleopatra skillfully used Caesar and Antony to rid her of enemies and threats to the throne it was also a Roman politicians that effected the end of herRead MoreEmpowerment of Women through the Film Cleopatra Essay1616 Words   |  7 PagesOne main message Cleopatra is presenting to society in the 1960s is the empowerment of women. Although Cleopatra is depicted in many different ways in other films and plays, the 1963 film portrays her as a ruler who tried to bridge gaps between men and women. She overthrew her brother’s power and exiled him and Cleopatra wanted to be seen as equal by both Caesar and Antony. This reflects the women’s movement of the 1960s when women mainly stayed at home and took care of children. On DecemberRead MoreShakespeare’s Presentation of Rome and Egypt in Antony and Cleopatra1175 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeare’s Presentation of Rome and Egypt in Antony and Cleopatra As the title clearly suggests, Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra is based around the extraordinary relationship among two distinctive individuals, one a Roman general and the other an Egyptian queen. Along with Caesar who is also a Roman general, these entities dominate the play’s tragic storyline progression. However whilst Antony and Cleopatra centres around a provocative love affair, Shakespeare makes Read MoreHow Does Act 1 of Antony and Cleopatra Prepare the Reader for Tragedy?955 Words   |  4 PagesAct 1 of Antony and Cleopatra prepare the audience for tragedy? In this essay i will discuss how act of Antony and Cleopatra prepare the audience for tragedy. Firstly the character of Antony is one of three who rule Rome after the assassination of Julius Caedar. But Antony’s popularity is shortlived, as Shakespeare’s audience discovers when Act I opens in Alexandria, Egypt, where Antony languishes under the spell of Cleopatra’s incomparable beauty and charm. She spends her every wile and witcheryRead MoreThe Life and Death of Cleopatra1152 Words   |  5 PagesThe Life and Death of Cleopatra Everyone wonders how Cleopatra gained control of Egypt and what she did while she reigned. Cleopatra ruled during the Ptolemaic Dynasty (BBC). The Ptolemaic rule ended with the death of this impressive woman. In Cleopatra’s lifetime she inherited the throne of Egypt; fell in love with two influential Romans, just to kill herself to escape punishment by Octavian. Cleopatra’s father, King Auteles’, also known as Ptolemy XII or â€Å"The Piper† because he could play theRead MoreSimilarities Between Cleopatra And Cleopatra1523 Words   |  7 Pagesguests until his murder, Cleopatra tried to get recognition for her son as rightful heir, but to no avail.†(Cinnone) â€Å"Cleopatra s family ruled Egypt for more than 100 years before she was born around 69 B.C. The stories and myths surrounding Cleopatra s tragic life inspired a number of books, movies and plays, including Antony and Cleopatra by Shakespeare. Cleopatra has become one of the most well-known ancient Egyptians.†(Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator.) â€Å"In 59 Caesars, with this backing, securedRead MoreTechniques on Cleopatra and Anthony Powerplay1524 Words   |  7 PagesElective 2: Powerplay – Antony Cleopatra Consider representations of and the interplay of types of power Analyse portrayals of the powerful Consider how the depiction of particular relationships provides insight into the nature of politics Consider the extent to which power resides with the people Techniques Suspense Delays entry of main characters and Caesar Caesar powerful- delayed entrance- magnifies his power for audience (dramatic technique) Soothsayer foreshadowing/foretelling Read MoreAntony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare946 Words   |  4 PagesThroughout Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, readers are constantly thrown in the middle of a battle between Roman and Egyptian values. Antony, a noble warrior for the Romans, is the character that seems to have the most trouble between this dichotomy. He is constantly caught between reason (Rome) and passion (Egypt) and has a difficult time making the transitions. Cleopatra is the character that stays most true to her roots, but begins adopting the other side’s values toward the end of the storyRead More Cleopatra: The Natural Nemesis of Rome Essay2709 Words   |  11 PagesCleopatra: The Natural Nemesis of Rome Abstract Cleopatra is most often remembered as the lover of two Roman consuls, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, thereby forever connecting the Egyptian queen to the history of Rome. The stories of her relationships with the two men do not always paint a flattering picture of Cleopatra, as her reported promiscuity and presumption give her a colorful reputation. Cleopatra is also sometimes seen as a misunderstood woman, someone who was never given a fair

Lines Composed A Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey Essay Example For Students

Lines Composed A Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey Essay In Lines Composed A Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey, Wordsworth uses imagination to help him and others to live in the physical world peacefully. He recalls playing in Tintern Abbey, a forest nearby there and played in it when he was young. Now he comes back for different reasons. He escapes the world which is individualism and goes to the forest to get away from all the burden. He tells his young sister that she can always come here to get away from her problems as well. In the poem, Wordsworth uses nature to solve problems in life. The Tintern Abbey has mysterious powers that only those in touch with nature can see. Wordsworth illustrates such powers by writing, These beauteous forms/Through a long absence, have not been to me/As is a landscape to a blind mans eye. He wishes he could feel the beautiful powers of the forest more often. Coleridges poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner illustrates Christian redemption and mans redeemable qualities. Coleridge believes life and poetry bot h follow a cyclical pattern. The story is about a mans literal and spiritual journey and how they parallel each other. On these journeys, Coleridge imaginatively explores the supernatural. He makes the story and the Mariners experiences more interesting. The Mariner experiences moral error and physical decay that changes his view on life during his journey. In the first part of the story, the Mariner and his crew come across an albatross, a pious good omen, That made the wind blow, a mysterious, supernatural quality. The crew of the ship welcome it As if it had been a Christian soul, We hailed it in Gods name. The Mariner, however, is mustering pride and decides to shoot the Albatross with his crossbow. He illustrates his belief that he does not need the good luck of the Albatross. He decides to severe his bonds with the universal cycle of life and love. Following the execution of the Albatross, the Mariners luck suddenly changes. He experiences the punishment that comes with the moral error of killing the Albatross. The punishment is isolation and alienation from everything but himself. Thereafter, the Nightmare, the life in death, kills his crew. He is lost at sea, left alone in the night to suffer, and he has detached from his natural cycle. The Mariner proclaims his misery when he says, Alone, alone, all, all alone, Alone on a wide wide sea! / And never a saint took pity on My soul in agony. To the Mariner, nature has become foreign. The execution of the Albatross causes physical and spiritual decay. The Mariner then has a changed eye on nature. While looking at the stars and the moon, the Mariner notices that the stars have a place in the sky, and they belong to a set position. The Moon, however does not, and is on a journey like the Mariner. It is then that the Mariner decides to accept everything around him as beautiful. A natural course of action takes place and his bonds with the cycle of life are recreated, setting him back on course on his literal voyage to his own country. He ends up completing his voyage and his journey. The Mariner has learned natures way of life on his voyage, and decides to teach it to common people around the world. While suffering for his moral error of having the pride to kill the Albatross, the Mariner blesses everything from his heart and lives on to tell the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, traveling from country to country, helping people to keep away from his path of life and to accept everything as a natural path that leads to success in life. Th rough moral error and physical and mental decay the Mariner completes his literal voyage through the supernatural and his spiritual journey through the physical redemptions of life. His errors cause him radical change, new forms of expression, and a concern for the common people.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck A Symbol free essay sample

In John Steinbecks The Pearl, the symbolism associated with the Pearl of the World evolves throughout the novella from a symbol of hope and prosperity to a symbol of greed and destruction. The Pearl tells of the story of Kino, who Is Ignorant of this evolution, and how the pearl corrupts him with greed, as well as others, throughout the story. In the beginning of The Pearl, when Kino first finds It, It symbolizes hope and a new beginning for Kinos family. Kino thinks the pearl will bring vast amounts of wealth to his family as he Is entranced by Its magnificence. However, as the novella progresses, the pearls symbolism transforms Into that of greed and evil. The pearl Is starting to negatively affect Kinos life as greed Is corrupting him and the ones around him. Finally, at the end of the novella, Kino realizes the true nature of the pearl as Its symbolism becomes slnlster and malevolent. We will write a custom essay sample on The Pearl by John Steinbeck: A Symbol or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The pearl causes many external forces to bring hardship and pain Into Kinos life, and he is ignorant of the evil associated with the pearl until the end of the novella. The pearl that Kino once believes to be glorious evolves into something more dverse as the novella progresses, corrupting many people with greed and causing many unfortunate events to occur. Kino is ignorant of how sinister the pearl really is due to the pearl corrupting his Judgment with greed as he believes selling the pearl will benefit his family. The Pearl shows Just how people can instantly change when blessed with wealth or power and become corrupt, Just like how Kinos judgment became corrupt with greed, and ultimately, destroyed many of his existing relationships. In the beginning of the novella, the pearl symbolizes hope, prosperity, nd a new beginning for Kinos family. When Kino first sees the pearl, he envisions it as a blessing that will benefit his family. Kino perceives the pearl as magnificent and an insurance that things will become better for the family. And to Kino the secret melody of the maybe pearl broke clear and beautiful, rich and warm and lovely, glowing and gloating and triumphant. In the surface of the great pearl he could see dream forms, (Steinbeck 19). When Kino lays his eyes upon the pearl, not only is it shown to be grandiose, but it also gives off a comforting melody considered beautiful and glowing. Kino sees this as assurance that the pearl will bring good fortune upon his family since it must have great value due to its magnificence. The pearl becomes a symbol of hope for Kino as he believes It will bring prosperity to his family. Kino anticipates him and Juana becoming officially married, getting new clothes, a rifle, and securing an education for Coyotlto. Kino sees the pearl as a new beginning for his family as Its wealth will bring great fortune. Kinos Intentions are good as he envisions the pearl will allow his family to have the luxuries they never get to have, and more Importantly, allow Coyotlto to have an education. This Is extremely Important to Kino since Coyotlto will become the first formally educated person within the oppressed Indian community. Kino longs for his family to be free of the prejudice that binds them from becoming nothing more than a member of the lowest social class in society. When Kino looks at the pearl, he sees dreams of the future. and the pearl becomes a symbol ot taitn This leads to now the pearl is symbolic ot a new beginning for the Indian community as it represents freedom from oppression. The Indian community that Kino lives in is segregated from a dominant Hispanic ommunity who discriminates the Indians, which is shown when the doctor refuses to treat Coyotito for his poison. While at first Kino sees the pearl as an opportunity to treat his son, this develops into an opportunity for Coyotito to gain an education in school. The pearl will allow Coyotito to escape oppression by gaining an education, which will benefit the entire community as he can educate others as well. Through this, the Indian community can finally be equal to their oppressors in terms of education, and can possibly escape the continuous cycle of oppression and discrimination. However, the good intentions that Kino possesses becomes corrupt through the greed that is slowly spreading through himself and the entire community. As the novella progresses, the pearls symbolism evolves as it now represents greed, evil, and destruction. The pearl begins to show the inherent evil within people as a consequence from greed. As news reaches La Paz of the pearls discovery, it brings out the greed that it deeply imbedded within peoples hearts. The pearl makes the people of La Paz envious of Kino and greed corrupts them as they want the pearl for themselves. One instance of this is when the doctor hypocritically goes to visit Kino and Juana to see Coyotito even though in the beginning of the novella, he refuses to do so. The doctor wants to create a false perception of himself in which he is a hero to Juana and Kino so that he could get pearl as payment. The doctor does this by convincing Kino that the poison will relapse, and gives Coyotito a medicinal capsule with powder. This medication, however, causes Coyotito to become gravely ill. Before, the doctor didnt have any interest in Kino or his family and discards them for they were poor, but once news of the pearls discovery spreads, he is willing to put Coyotitos life in danger to obtain the pearl. This shows how the pearl brings out greed from the doctor, who would go to great evil lengths, even poisoning a child, in order to gain the pearl and its wealth. Unfortunately, the pearl also affects the neighbors of Kinos community. These neighbors were living simple, peaceful lives just as Kino and Juana. However, the pearl disrupts this peacefulness within the community as more and more people gain interest in the pearl. Every man suddenly became related to Kinos pearl, and Kinos pearl went into the dreams the needs, the lusts, the hungers, of everyone o that he became curiously every mans enemy. The news stirred up something infinitely black and evil in the town, (23). The news of the pearl causes many of Kinos neighbors to become greedy and envious. On more than one occasion, Kinos neighbors discuss what they would do with the pearl, displaying their obvious envy. It is because of Jealousy that the Hispanics from the stone city assault Kino and attempt to rob him of the pearl. While greed corrupts Kinos neighbors and members from the Hispanic community, Kino as well is affected by greed as the seeds of avarice begin to sprout within him. With the dreams and visions from the pearl that Kino envisions, avidity becomes apparent as well. The pearl promises freedom from oppression, but with that promise comes the constant longing for wealth. When the pearl buyers offer money that Kinos neighbors consider to be a vast amount, Kino refuses to take it. Kinos selfishness becomes stronger as ne now wants much more money tor the pearl. Even when members ot the dominant Hispanic race assault him numerous times at night, Kino still wishes to sell the pearl at the capital, despite Juana pleading to discard it. This attachment to the pearl only causes much pain and suffering in Kinos life, and once he realizes that destruction and evil associated with the pearl, it is too late for him as he loses many of the beloved relationships he once cherished. At the end of the novella, the connotation associated with the pearl is revealed to be sinister and malevolent. The pearl, while itself is not evil, causes many external forces to afflict pain and grief upon Kino and his family. One way the pearl does so is by straining the once peaceful relationship between Kino and Juana. Kino and Juana ere so close to each other that they did not need to communicate with each other through conversation; they understood each other so well and were living a simple, yet tranquil life. The pearl causes the destruction of this tranquil relationship as Kinos attachment to the pearl grows. This obsession eventually causes Kino to beat Juana for attempting to throw away the pearl into the ocean. In a way, Kino loses some self-respect and integrity as his anger slowly dissipates into disgust as he realizes what he has done. His obsession with the pearl destroys his once serene arriage, bringing out the greed and aggressiveness within Kino. This infatuation also affects the lives and ultimately, the safety of Coyotito and Juana. Kinos enthusiasm with selling the pearl puts the lives of his family in danger as they depart on a Journey up north to the cities. While doing so, three men are tracking down Kino in order to catch and kill him for murdering a man and fleeing from La Paz. Even Juan warns him of the unknown perils, but Kino ignores the warnings and decides to take the Journey anyway. The pearl and its promise for wealth is corrupting Kino as he nsists on placing his familys lives in danger in order to sell the pearl. While other can see the affect the pearl is having on Kino and the community, Kino is ignorant to the pearls true nature. This Journey to sell the pearl, however, ends up destroying the most beloved treasure in Kino and Juanas lives: Coyotito. As Juana and Coyotito hide in a cave, Kino once again has to kill in order to protect the pearl. However, Coyotito cries, and Kino is too late in stopping the rifleman from firing at Coyotito. Kinos compulsion to sell the pearl ends up killing Coyotito, finally showing Kino how alevolent and sinister the pearl is. In the beginning of the novella, Kino has plans for Coyotito to live a successful life filled with education. Kinos good intentions, however, become corrupt by greed as he is willing to go to great lengths to sell the pearl, even by putting his familys lives in danger. At this point, Kino finally realizes the pearl for what it really is. When Kino first sees the pearl, he perceives it to be grand, magnificent, and perfect. But now, when Kino looks at the pearl, the pearl was ugly: it was gray, like a malignant growth. And Kino heard the music of the pearl, istorted and insane, (89). This shows Just how the symbolic value of the value changes from the beginning of the novella since Kino now views the pearl to be ugly and horrifying. The once beautiful song from within the pearl is now sinister and melancholy. Kino finally realizes that the pearl is an embodiment of greed and destruction, and has done nothing but destroy his life. Within the reflection of the pearl, Kino sees only tragedy, such as Coyotitos dead body and the body of the men Kino kills in order to protect the pearl. By the end of the novella, the pearl embodies he greed that exists within each persons heart The greed and enw that results from the pearl symbolizes Just how corrupt people can be when given or shown power. This greed causes much suffering for Kino and his family throughout the entire novella as the once benevolent pearl turns out to be malevolent. Throughout the entire novella, the symbolism of the pearl changes from a symbol of opulence and ambition into a symbol of malevolence, greed, and destruction. In the beginning of The Pearl, when Kino discovers the pearl, he believes it to be a symbol of hope and a new beginning. Kino believes that the pearl will bring good fortune to his family since once he sells it, they can have the luxuries they never did before.

John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums” Essays

John Steinbeck’s â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† Essays John Steinbeck’s â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† Paper John Steinbeck’s â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† Paper Essay Topic: Anthem The Chrysanthemums Name: Course: Lecturer: Date: John Steinbeck’s â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† Themes Gender inequality â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† has many underlying themes one of them being the theme of gender inequality. The story is a critique of a society that has demeaned its women. The society is filled with male chauvinists who give their women little regard. This is seen in the way the society fails to appreciate the qualities of Elisa, as she is smart, energetic, attractive, and ambitious. On the contrary, we find two key men who do not exhibit such qualities like Elisa being more successful in the society than she is. The gender inequality is depicted in the way we see Henry managing the ranch, eking out a living for the family yet he is not as intelligent as Elisa is. Elisa is relegated to the role of being a subordinate member. Henry refuses to treat her as equals. He informs her on the on goings of the ranch and does not involve her in any decision making. The story even portrays Tinker as more intelligent than Henry yet it is clear that he does not match up to Elisa’s spirit and passion. Elisa even goes ahead to confess that he cannot match up to her thinking. However, Tinker gets the opportunity to explore and travel the countryside instead of Elisa. He travels across the country in the belief that adventure is unfit for women. Importance of sexual fulfillment Another theme that is highlighted in the story is that of the importance of sexual fulfillment. The story highlights that need for sexual fulfillment is very influential and its pursuit can lead to men performing unnatural acts. Elisa and Henry are a married couple. However, instead of treating each other passionately, they end up treating each other as siblings or mere friends. Their relationship lacks any romance or passion. The lack of passion in her relationship renders her depiction as a robust nature coupled with fertility and sexuality useless. This however, does not interfere with her character as a sexual, normal and enviable person. The lack of passion from her marriage leads into having an obsession to Tinker. This obsession is very powerful and uncontrollable. It can be seen in her conversations with tinker while looking at the stars. Her conversation is illicit and very strong; it could be described as nearly pornographic. Her acts are also very suggestive as she takes a posture that depicts sexual submission. The narrator describes it as that of a fawning frog. In the end, her unfulfilled desires lead her into more traumatized state than the pleasure itself. The major characters in the story are Elisa Allen, her husband, and the Tinker. The writer manages to develop them into three-dimensional by giving them humanistic attributes and placing them in realistic situations. Elisa Allen is a major character in the story. She is a major character in the novel because through her we get to see how women are oppressed in the society. It is also through her that the characters of other major characters in the story are established like that of her husband and Tinker. She is depicted as having the humanistic characters of being interesting, intelligent, and passionate. She is a woman who lives a very unsatisfied and unappreciated life. Despite her intelligence, she does not have a career to pursue or a business to run. The writer manages to depict Elisa as a three dimensional character by giving her contrasting personalities. This makes it impossible for the reader to put her in a box or stereotype her. She is depicted as both having a strong and rough exterior and at the same time retaining a sense of compelling beauty (Steinbeck, line 6, 348). This is seen in the way that she gently tenders to her flower garden and at the same time depicted as a strong manipulative woman who uses her wit to get her way. Her efforts are thwarted and are constantly ignored as if she is not worth any sense. She is totally left in the sidelines in the running of the ranch. She is not consulted nor is she included in any decision making in the running of the ranch. All her efforts to try to participate in the running of the farm are frustrated by the condescending remarks by her husband. Her own motherly attributes are also left to waste, as she does not have any children of her own to foster. She is denied the chance of traveling and getting to experience the countryside. She therefore dedicates her efforts into tending the garden and her home. Her dedication and pride in her garden is highly exaggerated. It shows what all her worth has been reduced to. The other major character in the story â€Å"the chrysanthemum† is Henry Allen. Is the husband to Elisa Allen. The writer manages to depict Henry as a three dimensional character by displaying character traits that are conflicting. We see him appreciating his wife’s gardening skills and at the same time we see him giving her condescending remarks and demeaning her. He treats his wife kindly and even makes the effort of taking her out occasionally in the evenings yet we get to see that he does not have sexual relations with the wife leaving her feeling neglected. He is depicted as being a very moderate man but who is unable to fulfill the needs of his own wife. He does make the effort of providing for his family by managing the farm and taking his wife out on several occasions. This could be considered very commendable for any caring husband. He tries his best to treat his wife with the utmost respect. He even goes to the lengths of speaking well of his wife, he constant ly complements her and gives her praises. By any standards, he could be considered as the perfect husband by many women. On the contrary, his wife does not appreciate this but feels very inadequate and unfulfilled (Crane, 35-41). He fails to realize the potential of the wife to run the ranch and other more meaningful duties. He instead leaves her to tend to her little garden and other household chores. Henry is used by the narrator to represent the patriarchal man who is chauvinistic in nature and has low expectation on women. He does not see women as equals and ends up running everything on his own. This is because he does not have enough faith in her potential. He refutes her efforts at trying to contribute in the ranch with condescending remarks. He is of the traditional nature that believes that women are soft and men are rough. He is a sure depiction of the typical societal male who believes that men and women cannot be equals. The Tinker is another major character in the story. He is depicted as both exciting and smart. He is ignorant in that he did not go through the education curriculum. This is seen in how misspells the advertisement for kitchen implements and repairs. He is person who loves to flirt with Elisa even though he knows that she is married to Henry. He is also a chauvinist who has low opinion about women. This is seen on his view that traveling adventure is meant for men. Women are not meant for such but are to be left at home tending to the house chores. He is very clever and witty. This is because he able to use his canny nature to successfully convince the Elisa who is very skeptical to offer him employment. He uses his cunningness by first begging Elisa for employment. After he has secured employment, he ends up flattering her. He is able to manipulate the manipulator. This is because he managers to manipulate Elisa who was known to manipulate her husband. It could be argued that the Tinker does not posses these qualities and they are just an imagination of Elisa. This is because Elisa is so desperate to find someone who understands her and is a worthy partner. The story goes ahead to show the Tinker throwing away the chrysanthemum shoots. These are a symbolism to Elisa herself. This shows that the Tinker does not share the same passions and interests with Elisa. Historical Era (Time Period) The story is based in the period of the nineteenth century. The historical context of the â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† was the era around the year 1934. During this time, America had suffered a great economic slump and was just recovering from it. The great depression resulted in the crumbling of the New York stock market in the year 1929. The effect of the economic slump rippled throughout the entire world. Many people lost their jobs and ended up starting their own businesses (Davidson, 41-50). The story depicts this time because we see that neither Henry nor the wife is employed. They own a ranch in which they eek out their living from. From the clothing that the wife is adorning, we get to see that they are not very wealthy which was common with many a folk at that time. The story is successful in depicting this period. The story highlights the struggle and limitations that were imposed on the nineteenth century woman. The society then was very patriarchal and the men were ch auvinists. The author is able depict the characters and symbolism to create images and lifestyles of the way life was in the nineteenth century. The women are depicted as second-class citizens who do not have the ability to make any solid decisions. Thus, decisions on issues that pertain to them are made by the men. Flannery O’Connor: â€Å"Good Man Is Hard to Find Study Guide† Themes Salvation and redemption can only be made through faith The story â€Å"A Good Man is hard to Find† is a grotesque writing that has a couple of major underlying themes. One of the major themes is that salvation and redemption can only be made through faith. The author highlights no matter the gravity of ones iniquities, one can obtain redemption and the remission of ones sins by accepting Jesus Christ and having faith in him. This is seen in the way the old woman reaches out for the misfit and takes him as one of her very own young children. Because of this leap of faith, she obtains salvation and the remission of her sins. All her wayward past is completed remitted against her. This included her selfishness, racist mentality and falsehood. Her act illustrated her contrite acceptance of Jesus as savior and hence her consequent sainthood. Due to this act, she becomes what the story describes as the â€Å"good man† who is hard to find†. The misfit on the other hand refuses to accept Christ for the remission of his sins a nd continues to reject Christ (Asals, line 24, 54). Breakdown of moral values Another dominant theme is that of breakdown of values. The characters in the story behave in such a manner that suggests that the there is total moral decadence in the society that they are living in. the children are morally decadent yet the parents do not seem in any way appalled by their wayward behavior. We get to see the two siblings Wesley and June acting as hellions and having a very sassy attitude. Although it is common to see mischievous kids, what strikes the most is the way the parents act indifferent to their children’s immoral behaviors. This goes to show that this kind of behavior is an acceptable norm in this society. The society is also concerned with the wrongs of other people but is blind to its own. We find Bailey’s mother complaining of the way people have changed but is not concerned to notice her own shortcomings. She is nagging, constantly gives false information, and primps. The writer manages to depict grandmother as a three dimensional character by giving her contrasting personalities. This makes it impossible for the reader to put her in a box or stereotype her. The grandmother in the story, â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† is depicted as self righteous egotistical person. She deems herself as morally upright. She considers herself to be above the rest on the mere basis that she is a woman. She uses this condescending attitude to pass judgment on others. She believes that her conscience to be the source of guidance to her life. She tells Bailey that her conscience would not allow her to take her children in the same path that the misfit was taking. This shows that her conscience was pure and always obeyed it for decision-making. The irony of it all is the same conscious was not pointing to her personal flaws. She constantly reprimands the mother for not rearing the kids in a place where they could broaden their thinking. The three dimensional nature of her character is depicted at the end when she is seen as humble, remorseful and apologetic. (Orvell, 117-124). One of the major characters in the story is Bailey. He is the son to the main character to the story. He is also father to June and Star. He is depicted as an indifferent father. This is because he is not perturbed by the wayward behavior of his children. He fails to discipline his own children even in the sight of their moral decadence. He is also very reserved as we get to see him being pushed and bossed around by his mother without his complaining. He is easily convinced to go out and visit an old house. He is also very unresponsive to the wife. He reluctantly accepts his wife to take advantage of him. His apparel is symbolic of his character. He adorns a yellow that has two parrots printed on them. This is probably a symbol to his cowardly nature (Johansen, 25-27). Historical Era (Time Period) Flannery O’Connor’s â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† was written in the year 1953 and published in the year 1955. This time represented height of racism, segregation and the civil rights movement. During this time, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and other activists were conducting rallies and demonstration against the state of racism against the African Americans in the United States of America. This was fueled by the death of some activists in the riots and the inspiring speeches of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. The story depicts this period in time because we see the underlying theme in the story is one of racism. We get to see the grandmother making racist remarks towards the misfit. The term misfit itself could be termed as a racist remark against this person (Davidson, 110-117). An alternative ending to Flannery O’Connor’s â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† The story â€Å"A Good Man is hard to Find† has a very tragic ending. In the end, the grandmother recognizes the driver to be the misfit who proceeds to shoot her three times. Since the story is about religion, a more suitable ending would be that the misfit spares the life of the old woman. The misfit ought to have had remorse on the old lady because at the moment, she seemed to have changed ways. This ending would be suitable because it would reflect he message of forgiveness that the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was preaching about. The African Americans were known to be his staunch followers hence the misfit’s show of remorse would identify with the typical African Americans at the time. Asals, Frederick. Flannery O’Connor: The Imagination of Extremity. Atlanta, GA: University of Georgia Press, 2007. Print. Crane, Milton. 50 great short stories. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1983. Print. Davidson. American history. Canada: Glencoe / Macmillan, 2001. Print. Johansen, Ruthann K. â€Å"O’Connor’s Episodic Tales of Sin.† Bloom’s Major Short Story Writers: Flannery O’Connor. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, 1999. Print. Orvell, Miles. â€Å"A Critical Study of ‘A Good Man is Hard to Find’.† Readings on Flannery O’Connor. San Diego: Greenhaven Press Inc., 2001. Print. Roberts, Edgar V. Writing About Literature. Brief 11th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2006. Print. Steinbeck, John. â€Å"The Chrysanthemums.† A Prentice Hall Pocket Reader: Literature Ed. Mary McAleer Balkun. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Person, 2005. Print.

Catch Us If You Can” by Catherine McPhail Essay Essays

Catch Us If You Can† by Catherine McPhail Essay Essays Catch Us If You Can† by Catherine McPhail Essay Essay Catch Us If You Can† by Catherine McPhail Essay Essay Based on the novel† Catch Us If You Can† by Catherine McPhail. I have studied many characters that can be more responsible to what they do. The chief character is a responsible individual. The chief character is Rory that a male child in this novel. Responsible can be described as a work that we must make it by ourselves. Now. I will discourse to all of you about the character that has shown duty in his actions. It is the chief character. Rory. First. allow me travel on with my first statement that show the chief character. Rory is a responsible individual. It can be shown from chapter one. at the clinic. Rory brings Granda for medical check-up. Granda afraid to run into the physician and Rory attempts to quiet down his every bit good. The same clip. Granda can’t be a mature individual. He acts such as a kid at at that place. Rory asks Granda to act himself. This can be turn outing at chapter one. page 2. at last paragraph â€Å"I pulled him back to our seats. â€Å" Now sit down. Granda. and act yourself† . After that. Granda helps a lady with opens the door to her. Granda puts on fire and Rory has to throw H2O all over Granda to set out the fire. When they meet Dr. Nicol. Rory asks the physician about Granda wellness. Dr. Nicol gives a suggestion to take a place aid but Granda be the first individual doesn’t agree with it. From the point that I view. I knows that Rory is a responsible individual even he merely a male child that must necessitate some love. Rory existences responsible with brings Granda to the clinic for a medical check-up. Rory besides asks Granda to act himself because he wants Granda in good status. He besides neer forgets to give Granda the pill every twenty-four hours. He is more caring towards Granda. He does it because he loves Granda really much. He loves Granda because Granda is the lone individual that takes attention of him since he is immature. He thinks that Granda is the lone male parent and female parent in his life. He can’t through the life without his Granda beside him. From all the points I have mentioned. I strongly believes that Rory is a responsible individual even he merely a immature male child. Following. allow me travel on to the 2nd point that show Rory is a responsible individual. It has be shown at the Rachnadar. It is the first clip Rory sees his Granda calls even his late nan dice. Rory feels guilty when he sees the status of Granda at Rachnadar. Granda asks him why they bring him at that place but Rory doesn’t know what to state. Granda hugs Rory and holds the Rory’s manus tightly but Rory brings her eyes to the exterior. The following twenty-four hours. he plans to deliver Granda from Rachnadar and Darren supports it really Darren besides gives the key of his mother’s train to Rory. He asks Rory to remain at that place for a piece. Rory goes to the Rachnadar and enters it through the issue door. He asks Granda to be rather and he will pealing Granda outs from at that place. The same clip. he takes Granda’s pill because he knows that he will necessitate them. This can be turn outing at chapter 13. page 62. at 2nd paragraphs â€Å"His teet h were on the beside tabular array. Better non bury them. And his hearing assistance. non that it did him any goods he normally forgot to exchange on† . From the point that I view. I know that Rory is a responsible male child towards his work. He neer forgets to be after it highly and wholly because he wants the program works. Rory existences more responsible when he plans to deliver Granda from Rachnadar. He feels that it is his responsibility to salvage Granda from a suffer life. He can’t seeGranda calls any longer and he wants Granda makes a freely life minutes. He besides is responsibles to what he plans. He takes Granda’s pill when he goes to Rachnadar and saves him. He does it because he knows that he will necessitate the pill or the equipments at another clip. From all the points I have mentioned. I strongly believe that Rory is a responsible male child that rescues his Granda from a suffer life. Last. allow me travel on to the last point that shows that the chief character. Rory is a responsible male child. It can be shown at chapter three. at the field. Mr. Hood invites Rory to fall in the football squad. But. Rory tells Mr. Hood that he can’t drama football. After that. Darren comes to inquire him once more but Rory still in his determination. Rory besides tells Darren that his musts look after his Granda. This can be shown at chapter three. page 6. at last paragraph â€Å"Anyway. you know I can’t acquire to football pattern. How would I acquire to the games? Who would look after my Granda. † Later. Darren asks him to direct Granda to Rachnadar. and so Rory is angry and about kick Darren’s leg. He besides tells Darren that Granda doesn’t privation to travel to Rachnadar. Last. he runs off before Darren can state another word. From the point that I view. I know that Rory is the chief character that be a responsible in his life. He is more responsible when he knows that his musts look after Granda. He can give anything even he merely a immature male child. He thought that he must takes the duty towards his Granda because Granda doesn’t has any individual that may takes attention of him. Furthermore. Granda is unretentive individual. Rory besides loves his Granda. because of that he willing to do that occupation. He doesn’t have any biological parents in his life ; he merely has Granda as a male parent and a female parent to him. He besides feels guilty towards his Granda. If he plays the games. he can’t imagine that Granda will acquire sicker than earlier. From all the points I have mentioned. I strongly believe that Rory is responsible individual. He cans give his joyful to take attention of Granda. As a decision. the chief character. Rory is a responsible individual even he merely s immature male child that needs more love from grownups. He makes Granda as his parents because he doesn’t have a female parent or a male parent. From the event. we can cognize that Rory can be a mature individual and he cans think likely an grownup. Rory becomes more responsible to what he does and be responsible to every individual particularly his Granda.

Superstition vs Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Superstition vs Religion - Essay Example In previous times, culture was often seen in terms of opposition to nature. However, more recently the field of anthropology has tended to hold the view that in fact culture is nature. Therefore anthropologists have begun to shift their attentions away from an etic type comparison (an outsider's view) of cultures - in search of some kind of universal rule of cultural development - towards a more emic type (an insider's view) of approach that focuses on understanding aspects of culture in that particular culture's own terms. In other words, their focus is on a kind of 'cultural relativism' (1). Therefore, during the first part of this essay I will concentrate on an emic view of superstition and religion whilst examining examples of each. I will then go on to attempt an outline of the differences and similarities between the two before drawing conclusions on their continued importance to today's world. Superstition can be loosely defined as the belief in ideas that are not founded in e ither knowledge or reason. From an outsider's position, the term is often used in a somewhat derogative manner, referring to it in terms such as 'old wives tales'. Nonetheless, many superstitious practices date back to a pre-religious era and many people from various cultures still firmly believe that events can be predicted, often 2 based on the outcomes of previous events. For cultures steeped in superstitional practice, nothing has a 'natural cause' as such. Indeed every event was the work of spirits. These spirits could punish or reward, ruin or save the individuals of peoples. Let us take the example of the ritual practices and beliefs of the Azande tribe. If we were to study these practices from an etic standpoint, using techniques of ethnography for example, we could effectively explain every outcome in terms that would be outside the understanding of this tribe, but to us would effectively prove that the rain dance this tribe performs had no effect on the rain. However, at t he same time the peoples of this tribe could also effectively show that, if carried out correctly, this ritual could indeed affect the outcome of the rain. Here we have an example of cultural relativism. The practice of astrology is another area that falls into the category of superstition, simply because despite practitioners' attempts to tie the practice to precise mathematical formulas, it is not strictly based on scientific truths. However, proponents of astrology – including the areas of horoscope and Tarot readings – would claim the validity of the practice simply because of its long history. In fact, the use of horoscopes was first recorded in Ancient Mesopotamia where they were used to predict affairs of the state, while they became more individual-focused in Ancient Greece. So that is a basic outline of superstition, let us now take a closer look at religion. Religion has, in fact, historically been defined in various different (and often overlapping) ways. Mo reover, some definitions appear to be relatively broad whilst 3 others are somewhat narrower. For Example, the American theologian, Vergilius Ferm spoke of religion in terms of " effecting in some way†¦a vital adjustment to whatever is reacted to or regarded implicitly or explicitly as worthy of serious and ulterior concern" (qtd in Sweetman 4). More morally minded was the philosopher William James who spoke of religion as "a belief there is an unseen order, and that our supreme good lies in harmoniously adjusting ourselves thereto" (qtd in Sweetman 5). Thus, we see it is difficult to define religion in precise terms; however, we