Terrorism: Media Simplistically Portrays War as Good vs. Evil :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Media Simplistically Portrays War as Good vs. Evil    The morning of September 11, 2001, will be a communal memory for many around the world.   On this morning, peace was threatened by terrorism on United States ¹ soil and the U.S. declared war in defense of peace. The majority of television, print, and internet media coverage of these events have focused around a discussion of good vs. evil.   In this paper, I will address ways in which hegemonic and counterhegemonic forms of media have contributed to the discussion of good vs. evil at war.    The depiction of good (us) vs. evil (them) in the media has justified war in the name of peace.   The United States ¹ first visual of good vs. evil came with television broadcast statements from the leaders of this war.   From this, the American public ascertained that the evil guys are led by Osama bin Laden who promised that  ³America will not live in peaceÃ…  1 ² sitting atop a rock outside a cave.   In turn, the good guys are led by President George W. Bush who, from his leather chair in the White House, asserted  ³We are at war with terrorism.2 ²Ã‚   These broadcasts became proof for many that  ³they ² attacked peace therefore  ³we ² were justified in declaring war. President Bush extended this belief by reminding the American public that,  ³If you ¹re not with us, you ¹re against us.3 ²Ã‚   This statement called all of America to war against terrorism; Bush ¹s comment implied that those in opposition are the enemy.   As one of the most access ible forms of news, television has become the most powerful form of social pedagogy.   With few exceptions, television has succeeded in perpetuating and legitimizing a hegemonic good vs. evil mentality where  ³we ² are good and  ³they ² are bad.   One could argue that few have sufficient media literacy skills to deconstruct dominant messages put forth by the majority of television networks.    Conversely, internet and print media have, on more occasions, provided counterhegemonic alternative readings on the September 11 events.   One can still visit mainstream websites such as NBC, ABC, FOX, and CNN to view hegemonic references of good vs. evil.   A series of clicks on one ¹s mouse can take a web surfer from photos of candlelight vigils and Twin Tower donation centers to sites where one can watch Powell and Bush, singing calypso, about the demise of Osama Bin Laden as well as play an interactive torture game on the leader of evil4.

Mobility essay Essay

The Unites States is the land of opportunities where people pursuit the American dream to have a better life. American life is built on the faith that it is possible to rise from humble origins to economic heights. In that case social mobility plays a big role in todays society. Social mobility refers to the ability to change the positions within a social stratification system. In other words, when people improve or decrease their economic status in the way that it affects their social class, they experience either pward or downward social mobility. With this in mind, the social mobility in United States appears to be stalled or in decline. One of the main reasons is poverty that is causing a decline. Furthermore, the rich-poor gap that widens also has an effect on mobility causing income inequality. Also, European social mobility is much better than that one in the United States. Some other factors that influence social mobility include race, income, mother and father occupation, and ethnicity. Certainly, one of the reasons why social mobility in United States appears to be talled or in decline is because of poverty. The higher the individual starts on the social ladder the more likely that individual will end up higher than where he or she first started. The more income the parents have will guarantee more opportunities for that person. According to Economic Mobility Project, 40% of Americans that are born in the bottom quintile remain stuck there as adults (â€Å"Upper bound†). That means that that almost half of that social group doesn’t change their position within a social stratification system. That doesn’t mean it is their fault because people that are poor start with a disadvantage. For example, according to Eric Wanner, president of the Russell Sage Foundation, â€Å"Upper-income families can invest more in their children’s education and they may have a better understanding of what it takes to get a good education. † (â€Å"Harder for Americans to Rise From Lower Rungs† by Jason DeParle). That means that a child that comes from a richer family has more educational opportunities than a child coming from the poor. Furthermore, a child oming from rich family will have a better understanding on how to succeed in school where on the other hand, child from poor family doesn’t have that opportunity. However, Just 8% of American men at the bottom rose to the top fifth. That shows that even though it is difficult it is still possible. Generally speaking, the rich-poor gap that widens also has an effect on mobility causing income inequality. As the gap between rich and the poor has widened since 1970, the odds that a child that is born in poverty will climb to wealth remain stuck. Same goes to child that is born rich will fall into middle class. One reason for mobility gap may be the depth of American poverty which leaves poor children starting especially far behind. Most of the time it is determined by the father and mother occupation. Based on the new data gathered by Bhashkar Mazumder of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, he argued that 60% of a son’s income is determined by the level of income of the father. (â€Å"Goodbye, Horatio Alger†). This means that more than half of men are dependable on their father’s income. Furthermore, this shows that the higher the income ot parents, the more opportunities the child example, researchers now estimate the elasticity of father-son earnings at 0. 5%. That means that for every 1% increase in father’s income, his sons’ income will be increased or expected to increase by about 0. 5%. ((â€Å"Harder for Americans to Rise From Lower Rungs†). In other words, the better the income of the father, the better the income of the son. So the family background is very important in social mobility. In contrast, European social mobility is much better than that one in the United States. European countries have made serious investments to create equality of opportunity for all. According to Fareed Zakaria in â€Å"The downward path of upward mobility,† they have extremely good childhood health and nutrition programs, and they have far better public educations systems than the United States does. Furthermore, poor children compete on a more equal footing against the rich and in the United States poor children compete for better education few steps behind then others.

Understanding Depression And Anxiety, Addiction, And Dementia

The biopsychosocial model is a perspective for explaining the causes of mental problems, which collects evidence from the individual’s social, psychological and biological conditions (Toates, 2010, p19). It considers those factors as interdependent and equally important (Toates, 2010, p13). This essay will evaluate this model ability to understand depression and anxiety, addiction, and dementia, and will show that in some cases of mental problems, the biopsychosocial perspective is not the appropriate tool for explaining these problems. Firstly, this approach is crucial for understanding depression and anxiety, and the case of Neha’s depression is an example. Socially, she suffered a divorce and her parents’ death (Toates, 2010, p18).†¦show more content†¦This depression could be alleviated by drugs that reduces cortisol, which is an evidence of the biological root only. Hence, a biopsychosocial model is not useful for explaining comorbid depression. Furthermore, phobia of spiders is a case where the biopsychosocial approach to understanding anxiety is not helpful, and an example of that is Kate phobia (The Open University, 2016a). The reason is that spider phobia happens because of an environmental learning process about a frightening experience, and an evidence about this is the case study of â€Å"little Albert† (McLannahan, 2010, p107). On the other hand, snake phobia is the result of the evolutionary process of human, which is genetically inherited for protecting the survival of human; thus, it has a biological explanation only (McLannahan, 2010, p108). Also, there is evidence from twins’ studies for the genetic predisposition for specific animal phobias (Kendler, et all, 1992, cited in Mclannahan, p 109). Thus, a biopsychosocial approach did not contribute to understanding these specific phobias. Meanwhile, biopsychosocial model is important for explaining OCD. For example, John’s excessive hands washing. Psychologically, he has intrusive thought regarding his family’ safety (Toates, 2010, p1). Stress at work and family misunderstanding are his triggers (Toates, 2010, p2). Using PET scan, there is increase of activities in the prefrontal cortex and the caudate nucleus brain’sShow MoreRelatedMental Health Problems Are Still With Us1406 Words   |  6 Pagesare a problem in society today because the lack of development in pharmaceutical intervention. The essay will endeavor to give evidence on how the lack of understanding in some mental health illnesses has prevented the development in drug treatment. One such problem is seen in dementia, scientist have some understanding on what occurs in dementia but as yet have not found a cure (cited in Leys, Rostron and Heading 2011). Evidence will be given to explain that drug intervention may not always be aRead MoreThe Biopsychosocial Model and Research in Mental Health1018 Words   |  5 Pagesthe Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (Martins-Mourao, 2010, pp. 99, 122-123). Ost et al., (2001) in McLannahan (2010, pp. 111-113) investigated the effect of exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on claustrophobics. Data was gathered from questionnaires and physiological and behaviour tests, and showed significant improvements in symptoms after both therapies. Proudfoot et al., (2004) in McLannahan (2010, pp. 96-98) assessed a computerised CBT treatment for mild depression in anRead MoreDrug Alcohol And Alcohol Abuse Essay980 Words   |  4 Pagesproblems such as stress, anxiety or depression (Understanding Addiction, 2015). Low self-esteem or feelings of guilt or shame is another reason that drugs and alcohol become used and abused (Facts about Alcohol and Drug Abuse, 2015). Abuse isn’t automatic when one uses; it varies between individuals. Drug abuse varies more by the drug than the amount that is being used. If drug and alcohol use is causing problems in your life, drug addiction or abuse is likely (Understanding Addiction, 2015). The averageRead More##ing Suffering Through Music : An Analysis Of Sonnys Blues By James Baldwin1167 Words   |  5 PagesAn Analysis of â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† Written in 1957 by James Baldwin, â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† is a short story where music plays a dominant role in defining characters, specifically Sonny. The story has three main topics of discussion, family struggles, drug addiction and most importantly music. In the beginning Sonny’s older brother, a high school algebra teacher. He reads about him being arrested for selling heroin. He is disappointed and thinks about the future of his students. The narrator doesn’t talk toRead MoreProtection of Vulnerable People: Older Adults With Dementia2567 Words   |  10 PagesOlder Adults with Dementia Definition of Vulnerable Dementia refers to a syndrome which results in deterioration in thinking, memory, behavior, and ability to execute everyday activities and duties. Despite the fact that the syndrome is mainly associated with the older people, it is not a normal aspect or part of ageing. One of the major causes of dementia is the aspect of Alzheimers disease. This disease contributes to about 60 to 70 percent of the cases of dementia. Dementia possesses psychologicalRead MoreObesity And Its Effects On Society1455 Words   |  6 PagesObesity has been around for a decade that affects millions of people of the nation of the United States every day. According to the textbook â€Å"Understanding Psychology†, obesity is body weight that is more than 20% above the average weight for a person of a particular height (Feldman, 2012, pg. 325). This health problem not only affects adults but also a lot of children. Obesity has increased over the past decade, particularly people that are facing obesity are using inadequately devise dietsRead MoreOnline Support Group s Mission Or Purpose?1592 Words   |  7 Pagesdiscussion that covers almost every imaginable topic related to military trauma and PTSD. The purpose of this forum is to share common experience, exchange information, build network of support, and take comfort in providing and receiving sympathetic understanding among military community. It is an invaluable source of online support for members of military, veterans and their families and friends and an excellent resource guide for anybody who struggles or whose loved one struggles with symptoms of PTSDRead MoreDementia: How and Whom Does It Affect?5576 Words   |  23 PagesRunning Head: DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 1 Dementia: How and Whom Does it Affect? Liberty University COUNS 502 B-23LUO Instructor: Dr. Richard Pace Shelly M. Becker March 5, 2013 DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 2 Abstract Although dementia is often viewed as an â€Å"old person’s disorder, its effects ripple down in many directions such as family, caregivers, finances, and the healthcare systemRead MoreThe Effects Of Long Term Alcohol Use On The Brain1482 Words   |  6 Pageswhile limiting the capacity for comprehension of information and processing of memories. Reports from the National Institute of Health have shown that the deficiency of Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is commonly seen with alcoholism, and can be linked to dementia-like symptoms associated with alcoholic encephalopathy and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (U.S. Natl. Library of Medicine). Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for disturbances in the excretory system, rendering the body unable to eliminateRead More Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol Essay examples2057 Words   |  9 Pagescan have on the body, and on the life of a person. Thousands of jobs, homes, and families are lost annually through the addictions of drugs and alcohol. Children grow up without parents, spouses are forced to raise their children as single parents, and grandparents become legal guardians for a second time, due to the effects of substance abuse and dependence. Exactly how addiction is defined and diagnosed is an on-going issue and one that will be discussed in this paper. While there are eleven different

How Pre Kindergarten Programs Increase Literacy And...

Title How Pre-Kindergarten Programs Increase Literacy and Prepare Children for Kindergarten Justina Jefferson Walden University Tools for Doctoral Research (EDDD - 8003 - 2) Background/Introduction The problem that I would like to address is how pre-kindergarten programs increase literacy and prepare children for kindergarten. Researching this problem will allow me to explore early literacy programs and how they implement literacy programs that facilitate the development of literacy skills among children in high poverty areas. Children living in poverty are more likely to experience stress and have less access to early learning experiences than affluent children. (Mead, 2015) On average, children from low income†¦show more content†¦Evidence from Research that this Problem is Meaningful Studies have shown that rigorous pre-kindergarten literacy interventions can result in positive bearings from kindergarten through adulthood (Campbell, Ramey, Pungello, Sparling, Miller-Johnson, 2002; Heckman, Moon, Pinto, Savelyev, Yavitz, 2010; Reynolds, Temple, White, Ou, Robertson, 2011). Because a child’s cognitive skills are easily molded at a young age, literacy in their early years lays a strong foundation for future academic success. Overall, attending pre-kindergarten programs increases students’ opportunities of reaching their reading level by 11 percent. (Lesnick, 2010) Children who have extensive exposure to vocabulary and reading in early years have proven to have higher levels of success through elementary and middle school as well. (Duncan et al., 2007; McClelland, Acock, Morrison, 2006; National Early Literacy Panel, 2008). Being able to read and write to think clearly and to communicate effectively is crucial to success in school, as well as in life. Research showed that from birth to age 8 literacy development is crucial. Exposure to oral and written language and through utilization of prior knowledge and language experiences encourages successful literacy development. Using play, print, and oral language children learn the significance of reading and writing. Research taking place in several states across the United States have also recognized great gainsShow MoreRelatedEducation Is Too Structured And Hinders Children Creativity Essay981 Words   |  4 PagesAbout 4 million children enter kindergarten in the United States each year (Duncan 2015). However, preschool attendance has been a controversial topic for over fifty years. Advocates argue preschool provides children with a foundation to excel upon entering kindergarten. According to Kathleen McCartney, PhD, Dean of Harvard School of Education, preschool exposes children to numbers, letters, and shapes. In addition, children learn how to socialize – get along with other children, and they alsoRead MoreThe North Carolina Pre K Program Requirements1471 Words   |  6 PagesThe North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten Program, formerly known as More at Four, is geared towards bettering the lives for At-Risk 4-year-old children. Exposing children to an early learning experience that w ill promote a positive learning environment to ensure Kindergarten readiness is what drives the program. Upon arrival, each child is screened using the Brigance 4-year-old tool to assess and determine the child’s developmental skills and abilities. According to the text, â€Å"Classroom tests and assessmentsRead MoreComparative Analysis of the Purpose of8067 Words   |  33 Pagesof the Purpose of Kindergarten in Finland and Ontario, Canada The theories of Friedrich Froebel, the founder of kindergarten have influenced kindergartens in several regions including in Finland and Ontario, Canada. The kindergarten program in Finland is one of envy as it contributes the nation’s successful educational system. Kindergarten in Finland is a free service available to all children, which is similar to Ontario, Canada’s program which is also free to children in the province. TheRead MoreEssay about Expanding Writing Instruction to Support Student Achievement1808 Words   |  8 Pagesthe best way to teach writing. Year after year, Kindergarten teachers in our district report that the incoming students need higher level writing skills. They believe that having these skills promote higher scores on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment for Literacy (KRA-L), which is taken before officially starting Kindergarten. According to the Office of Early Learning and School Readiness, â€Å"Children are prepared for the kind ergarten literacy expectations as measured by the KRA-L when the earlyRead MorePre K For All By Mayor De Blasio Essay1657 Words   |  7 PagesPre-K for All was initiated by Mayor de Blasio of New York City which started in January of 2014. During the NYC Mayoral election race of 2013, Bill de Blasio campaigned on a platform of closing the divides of racial and economic inequality. His foremost initiative was to expand access to free, full day, Pre-K to all 4-year-old New York City children under New York’s Universal Pre-K program. His goal was to increase the number of free full day program seats from the 19,287, in 2013-2014, to 53Read MoreKindergarten Curriculum6037 Words   |  25 Pages K to 12 Curriculum Guide KINDERGARTEN January 31, 2012 K TO 12 – KINDERGARTEN I. INTRODUCTION â€Å"The first years of life are important because what happens in early childhood can matter in a lifetime.† (Harvard, 2009) The Department of Education (DepEd) having been a strong advocate of early childhood education has implemented various programs for preschoolers for decades now. The Department further strengthens this through the inclusion of kindergarten in the K to 12 basic educationRead MorePreschool Programs And The Universal Preschool2914 Words   |  12 PagesPreschool programs are designed specifically to make sure that children are ready for kindergarten and will be able to succeed in school by third grade. All preschool programs have three characteristics in common. They are governed by high program standards, are open to 3 and 4 year–olds, and focus on school readiness. The term universal preschool means that preschool programs are available to any child in a given state, regardless of family income, children’s abilities, or a ny other factors (Colker)Read More Whole Language versus Phonics Essays2286 Words   |  10 Pagesis the best way to teach kindergarten children the proper way to speak and learn the English Language? There are many valid reasons why experts argue for both phonics and/or whole language. Both seem to be exceptional ways to master the English Language. The purpose of this research paper is to compare phonics versus whole language and to determine how technology can support each approach. The history of the use of phonics dates back to the 1700’s. Backs then, children were taught to read throughRead MorePreschool Is An Imperative And Fundamental Stage Of Learning3059 Words   |  13 Pagesthe focus of much discussion and controversy statewide. In years past, preschools were ordinarily used as a day care and/or a place where children could go to socialize. However, today, young children are expected to have a considerably high amount of knowledge prior to reaching Kindergarten. This reveals why preschool, learning daycares, childcare, and programs such as Head Start have undoubtedly become quite popular over recent years. Tools of the Mind defines early childhood â€Å"as occurring beforeRead MoreEarly Childhood Literacy Proposal3552 Words   |  15 PagesEarly Childhood Literacy LaTonya Grady EDU 626 Introductions to Research and Methodology Dr. Paula Zobisch July 30, 2012 Abstract Research on early childhood literacy pinpoints the early childhood years as the foundational base period for developing the language and literacy skills that are fundamental to a young child’s long term developmental success in reading and writing. This study places theoretical attention on the essential components of literacy that promote and predict the essential emergent

A Comparison of Tragedy in Hamlet, The Book of Job, and...

Interpretations of Tragedy in Hamlet, The Book of Job, and Oedipus Rex For ages, man has pondered upon the roots of destiny. Is the outcome of a mans life determined by human qualities and failings, the meddling of a divine power, or simple fate? Shakespeares Hamlet made the argument that tragedy is caused by human folly. The idea that divine intervention is at the root of human suffering is put forth in the Book of Job. In Sophocles Oedipus Rex, fate is given as the root of mans suffering. Three divergent perspectives on the origins of calamity exist within the tragedies Hamlet, Job, and Oedipus Rex. Shakespeares Hamlet enforced the idea that Human suffering is a result of human faults. Hamlet possesses extreme†¦show more content†¦While looking at the corpse, Hamlet said, You poor, reckless, meddling fool, goodbye! / I thought you were the King (Hamlet III.iv.30-31). This act of carelessness led to Poloniuss son, Laertes, to challenge Hamlet to a duel. This duel led to Hamlets death as well as the death of his mother. Hamlets own faults led to his doom, but the faults of others also contributed to Hamlets fate. When Claudius killed Hamlets father, the revenge tragedy was set into motion. Without this singular act of evil, there would be no conflict. Hamlet would have lived a good, peaceful life. The character Polonius had faults that also led to the downfall of Hamlet. When Hamlet heard Polonius behind the curtain he said, What is this? A rat (Hamlet III.iv.24). In a sense Hamlet was correct. Polonius was a rat... an insignificant, conniving creature. In the course of his meddling, Polonius was stabbed to death by the confused Hamlet. Polonius death lead to the duel that took Hamlets life and the life of his beloved mother. Shakespeares Hamlet puts forth the notion that human folly is responsible for human misery, but the Book of Job suggests that God is at the center of a mans misfortune. Job was an upright man, without sin or fault. He was Gods favored, and because of this, was granted wealth a nd progeny beyond the dreams of most mortal men. The story shows how our fate can be quickly turned by the whim of the Almighty.Show MoreRelatedDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesSuzanne Duda Lead Media Project Manager: Denise Vaughn Full-Service Project Management: Sharon Anderson/BookMasters, Inc. Composition: Integra Software Services Printer/Binder: Edwards Brothers Cover Printer: Coral Graphics Text Font: 10/12 Weidemann-Book Credits and acknowledgments borrowed from other sources and reproduced, with permission, in this textbook appear on appropriate page within text. Copyright  © 2011, 2007, 2005, 2002, 1998 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, One

A Glimpse Into the Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin Free Essays

A Glimpse into The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin Marie Edmund ENG 125: Introduction to Literature Nathan Pritts February 11, 2013 A Glimpse into The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin Literature can be found at every turn and there are many different genres to choose from. Each brings with it a new world for the reader to immerse himself. Literature allows the reader to experience a new perspective. We will write a custom essay sample on A Glimpse Into the Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin or any similar topic only for you Order Now It allows the reader to feel and connect with the story and its characters. No matter the genre, the world created in a literary work provides enlightenment to the reader in spite of the varying emotions it conveys. One such literary work is Kate Chopin’s, â€Å"The Story of an Hour†. This short story captured my interest through its use of irony. In studying this specific work, I chose to use a reader-response approach to evaluate and analyze the text. Using a reader-response approach allows me to connect with the story and reflect on the wide array of emotions presented in the story. In order to connect I had to read imaginatively and immerse myself in the story and put myself in the shoes of the main character, Mrs. Mallard. Once that was taken care of I had to consider or analyze what I had read, and then draw conclusions or interpret what I had read. In short, â€Å"The Story of an Hour† is about a woman who experiences a multitude of conflicting feelings at the news of her husband’s death due to a tragic train accident. Some of the feelings Mrs. Mallard experiences in this story are grief, exhaustion, fear, joy, and freedom. It is interesting to note that many of Chopin’s literary works represent women who are struggling to be free or to have independence of self. Also noteworthy is the fact that Chopin’s father died in a train accident and Chopin herself â€Å"†¦grew up surrounded by smart, independent, single women† (Wyatt, 1995, para. 2). It is no wonder that she portrays Mrs. Mallard as a strong, independent woman, in spite of her heart trouble. At the onset of the story, one might have the opinion that Mrs. Mallard is weak because of her heart trouble and the â€Å"great care† that is taken in relaying the news of her husband’s death. However, it is quite the opposite. Initially she is distraught; stricken with grief and exhausted. But these feelings give way to something more. Using simile, the writer paints a clear picture of a new beginning†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"She could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air† (Clugston, 2010). These thoughts of a new beginning brought with it fear for Mrs. Mallard. She was fearful of what she was feeling which could be described as joy or anticipation. Not wanting to seem heartless, in my opinion, she â€Å"beat it back with her will†, to no avail. She was finally free. Free to â€Å"live for herself† and to only think of her needs. This desire for freedom and self seems to be a running theme in many of Chopin’s literary works and can be seen in the character, Edna Pontellier, when she stands naked on the beach at Grand Isle. In a review by Lewis P. Simpson (1971), he quotes Seyersted who says that Edna â€Å"symbolizes a victory of self-knowledge and authenticity as she becomes fully herself. † I believe that this depicts Mrs. Mallard as well. Mrs. Mallard knew that her husband loved her and because of that she would still feel sorrow and grief, but she would also feel relief. Relief because she knew she had the rest of her life ahead of her to live it as she pleased. Unfortunately for her, that relief was short-lived when in an ironic twist, her husband, Brently Mallard walked in the front door alive and well and Mrs. Mallard died. There are many different genres of literature but in particular I really enjoyed Chopin’s short story The Story of an Hour. The textbook tells us, â€Å"Literature restores the past, stimulates the imagination, glorifies the commonplace, evokes emotions and links feeling to thinking, upholds a vision of the ideal, and explores significant human questions and reveals human nature (Clugston, 2010). This rings true for this piece of literature. It brought together elements of imagination, symbolism, and metaphors that paint a vivid picture of a woman who feels repressed in her marriage and embraces the freedom she feels at the news of her husband’s death. This piece allowed me to experience a new perspective. It allowed me to feel and connect with the story and its characters. It created a world that I could immerse myself into. References Clugston, R. W. (2010). Journey into literature. San Diego, California: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Retrieved from https://content. ashford. edu/books/AUENG125. 10. 2/sections/sec2. 3 Kate Chopin: A Critical Biography by Per Seyersted; The Complete Works of Kate Chopin by Per Seyersted; Kate Chopin Review by: Lewis P. Simpson Louisiana History: The Journal of the Louisiana Historical Association , Vol. 12, No. 1 (Winter, 1971), pp. 86-88 Published by: Louisiana Historical Association Article Stable URL: http://www. jstor. org/stable/4231171 Wyatt, N. (1995). Biography of Kate Chopin. Retrieved from http://www. vcu. edu/engweb/webtexts/hour/katebio. html How to cite A Glimpse Into the Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, Essay examples

How were some sonnets used to express different views on love Essay Example For Students

How were some sonnets used to express different views on love Essay For hundreds of years poets have used the sonnet to express their feelings, usually placing emphasis on the theme of courtly love. It is estimated that the earliest sonnets date from around 1200 AD, and they were probably sung as expressions of romantic love in Italian courtyards. As the sonnet moved from country to country different poets attempted to ‘make it their own’, causing the variation of sonnets we are now familiar with; namely the Petrarchan, Shakespearean and Spenserian sonnet. One of the most acclaimed sonneteers is Shakespeare, who wrote one hundred and fifty-four sonnets that were published between 1599 and 1609. From these many sonnets the one Shakespeare is most remembered for is Sonnet 18, sometimes referred to as ‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day’ due to the opening line. The sonnet is in keeping with the traditional views of courtly love, where the man tried to win over the woman in whichever way he could, being described as a ‘highly conventionalised code of conduct for lovers’. This sonnet takes the form of a Shakespearean sonnet the first of which were composed by Sir Thomas Wyat (1503-1542) and Henry Howard (1517-1547) – written in iambic pentameter, containing three four-line quatrains with a strict rhyme scheme and an ending rhyming couplet. Shakespeare uses this strict form to express his love, allowing the reader to focus more on his words and message than the structure. The sonnet starts off with the question, ‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?’ which Shakespeare then goes on to answer in great detail. The first two quatrains show us the flaws of summer, saying its ‘lease hath all too short a date’, and also stating that ‘Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May’. Throughout the sonnet Shakespeare uses many of the images and language commonly associated with courtly love. Exaggeration is used continuously, alongside imagery, to help us fully comprehend the love that Shakespeare is trying to express. Phrases such as ‘his gold complexion dimm’d’ and ‘eye of heaven’ use personification, helping us to clearly see the image that Shakespeare was trying to create through this sonnet. Another example of personification can be seen in the third quatrain where death is made into a proper noun in the line ‘Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade’, making it seem like Shakespeare’s lover is so great they can, in fact, cheat death. Despite these few techniques, the language in the sonnet is actually very straightforward, with limited alliteration and assonance, helping Shakespeare get his views across in a simple way that the readers, then and now, would understand. The point of Shakespeare wanting this poem to be accessible for everyone can be explained in the final two lines of the poem, ‘So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this and this gives life to thee.’ Here, Shakespeare tells us that as long as people can read this poem his lover will live on. Shakespeare’s views of true love can also be seen in Sonnet 116. In this poem the character of death is also personified, ‘Within his bending sickle’s compass come’, saying that this time it’s not just the person that Shakespeare is writing about that can cheat death, but love itself. The sonnet, also sticking to the common Shakespearean form, has a constant theme throughout – what is true love? The strength and continuity of love is stressed. First we are told what love is not; ‘Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove’. The sonnet then goes on to tell us what love is. Although some familiar imagery is used, such as ‘rosy lips and cheeks’, Shakespeare also uses a maritime theme, which wasn’t commonly used in sonnets. He using a metaphor, describing love as both a lighthouse and the North Star in the second quatrain, saying it is ‘an ever-fixed nark†¦it is the star to every wandering bark’. American Poet Essay ConclusionImages are created throughout with metaphors and similes such as ‘for they are lyke but vnto golden hookes, that from the foolish fish thyr bayts doe hyde’; here, alliteration is used to help create the image of men being innocent but foolish. Graphic images like ‘her bloody hands them sly’, which seem to be made even more shocking by the bitter, exaggerated tone used, acting as a warning to men, telling them to not be deceived by women. It seems as though Spenser had been rejected by someone he loves, probably more than just once, and is using this experience as his inspiration for the poem. The motives behind Lodge’s Sonnet XLVII may have been anger and bitterness; however The Cross of Snow by Longfellow was inspired by something completely different. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) was one of many American sonneteers. Sonnets were introduced later to America than Europe, with the first being written by the Revolutionary War general David Humphreys in the last quarter of the eighteenth century (however, they weren’t published until 1804). It is a Petrarchan sonnet with an octave and sestet and was written eighteen years after the tragic death of Longfellow’s wife who died after her dress caught fire. It is possible that Longfellow chose the traditional form of the Petrarchan sonnet as it is timeless and unchanging, as he later says his love for his wife is. The two main inspirations in the poem that we can see are the photograph of his wife, ‘A gentle face – the face of one long dead – looks at me from the wall’, and the photograph of the Mountain of the Holy Cross, a mountain in the Rockies where the snow-filled crevices made the image of a white cross that could be seen all year round from many miles away. The suffering that Longfellow feels his wife went through is shown to us in how he describes her as a martyr, saying ‘Never through Martyrdom of fire was led to its repose’. This description might help us to understand how it took him eighteen years to write a poem about the death of his wife. Longfellow uses the metaphor of ‘a halo of pale light’ to create an angelic, pure and innocent image of his wife, which is then reinforced with the repetition of the word white. The image of the Mountain of the Holy Cross is also used as a metaphor in two ways. The cross is used to represent the suffering and burden he has carried since his wife dies, and it is also used to say ‘through all the changing scenes and seasons, changeless since the day she dies’, showing us that Longfellow’s love for his wife remains unchanged. This collection of sonnets shows us how different sonneteers have used the strict form of the sonnet to express their feelings of love; whether it be through a simple love poem such as Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 and 116 and Lodge’s Sonnet 22, a way of mocking false love as Shakespeare did in Sonnet 130, a warning to other men as in Spenser’s Sonnet XLVII or even as a way of expressing your grief at the loss of a loved one, as Longfellow did in The Cross of Snow. At the time these sonnets were written, the poems were very much expected to be used in courtship, so it would have been extremely surprising to see Shakespeare and Spenser using it differently, and even Longfellow to a certain extent. Despite these sonnets being from so long ago we can still relate to them; after all, are they really so different to the love songs we hear sung today? The language used in the sonnets, the metaphors, similes and imagery, along with the idea of courtly love itself have clearly stood the test of time, and are just as much a part of today’s society as society in the sixteenth century.