Free Essays on I Never Learned Their Names

The Unpublished Ellison In the short story â€Å"I Never Learned Their Names† has many layers, and multiple meanings to people in different situations. This Ellison story relates to his â€Å"childhood, and his early examples of his lifelong fascination with American identity.† As I read the story I was confused about the exact underlying meanings. This is because I hadn’t looked into the story as it related to his early life. However when read again I began to see three main underlying meanings. The Underlying meanings are the personal issues that Ellison dealt with in his life, the journeys that Ellison took and cultures society in which he was living in. The first underlying meaning that I came across in the story â€Å"I Never Learned Their Names† was the personal issues that Ellison dealt with in his life. The main two issues that I saw Ellison dealing with was that he was a black man when racism was a major part of the life style, and also his problem that he had with money. Ralph being a black person was the first personal issue that I noticed. In the second paragraph of this story he writes that his buddy â€Å"got quite a kick out of having a Negro for a buddy. Why should it matter if somebody has a black friend, white friend, or a cream colored friend? A friend is a friend and you shouldn’t get a kick out of the color of there skin, but the personality in which they have. However, when Ellison was traveling it didn’t matter and Morrie had a lot of courage to be friends with Ellison. The second personal issue that I felt that Ellison had to deal with was his lack of money, which also derives from his childhood. His mother passed away and he and his brother were left with little money. In the story he has been traveling around trying to find work, so that he could get money to get an education. He had been many places and was on his way to Alabama hoping to find work. He and his friend Morrie got food from people on the... Free Essays on I Never Learned Their Names Free Essays on I Never Learned Their Names The Unpublished Ellison In the short story â€Å"I Never Learned Their Names† has many layers, and multiple meanings to people in different situations. This Ellison story relates to his â€Å"childhood, and his early examples of his lifelong fascination with American identity.† As I read the story I was confused about the exact underlying meanings. This is because I hadn’t looked into the story as it related to his early life. However when read again I began to see three main underlying meanings. The Underlying meanings are the personal issues that Ellison dealt with in his life, the journeys that Ellison took and cultures society in which he was living in. The first underlying meaning that I came across in the story â€Å"I Never Learned Their Names† was the personal issues that Ellison dealt with in his life. The main two issues that I saw Ellison dealing with was that he was a black man when racism was a major part of the life style, and also his problem that he had with money. Ralph being a black person was the first personal issue that I noticed. In the second paragraph of this story he writes that his buddy â€Å"got quite a kick out of having a Negro for a buddy. Why should it matter if somebody has a black friend, white friend, or a cream colored friend? A friend is a friend and you shouldn’t get a kick out of the color of there skin, but the personality in which they have. However, when Ellison was traveling it didn’t matter and Morrie had a lot of courage to be friends with Ellison. The second personal issue that I felt that Ellison had to deal with was his lack of money, which also derives from his childhood. His mother passed away and he and his brother were left with little money. In the story he has been traveling around trying to find work, so that he could get money to get an education. He had been many places and was on his way to Alabama hoping to find work. He and his friend Morrie got food from people on the...

5 Verbose Sentences Made Shorter

5 Verbose Sentences Made Shorter 5 Verbose Sentences Made Shorter 5 Verbose Sentences Made Shorter By Mark Nichol When you write, think tight. The goal is not to reduce every sentence to its most concise form but to avoid distractingly extraneous wording and phrasing. Here are five sentences improved by a reduction in length. 1. â€Å"The teacher is speaking on a phone in his classroom between classes, and he breaks away for a moment to answer a student’s question.† To condense a sentence with two independent clauses separated by a conjunction, open a parenthetical where the sentence’s first verb appears, and close it where the second clause begins, deleting the verb and the conjunction respectively: â€Å"The teacher, speaking on a phone in his classroom between classes, breaks away for a moment to answer a student’s question.† 2. â€Å"The theme of this year’s summit is ‘From Essential Elements to Effective Practice,’ and the conference will include a variety of interactive sessions.† Here’s a revision of a sentence constructed like the one in the previous example, which is improved by the same technique deletion of the initial verb and parenthesis of what followed that verb: â€Å"This year’s summit, ‘From Essential Elements to Effective Practice,’ will include a variety of interactive sessions.† 3. â€Å"John Smith runs the DJ Project, an after-school program in San Francisco for students struggling in school. He uses hip-hop to connect with the students.† To combine two sentences into one, convert key information from either sentence into a parenthetical and tack the other statement onto the end: â€Å"John Smith, who runs the DJ Project, an after-school program in San Francisco for students struggling in school, uses hip-hop to connect with the students.† 4. â€Å"It’s rather annoying that you can’t turn off the various sounds that play when you use the zoom and other functions.† Strive to pare explanations and descriptions down to the fewest possible words. For example, there’s a standing phrase for the concept of â€Å"the various sounds that play†: â€Å"It’s annoying that you can’t turn off the sound effects for zoom and other functions.† 5. â€Å"Students worked collaboratively on unfamiliar and open-ended problems.† Look for opportunities to reduce sentence length by omitting a sentence’s verb and converting an adverb to a verb to take its place: â€Å"Students collaborated on unfamiliar and open-ended problems.† (The problem this revision solves is called smothering a verb.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Slang Terms for MoneyWork of Art TitlesThrew and Through

What gives your life meaning and direction Essay

What gives your life meaning and direction - Essay Example It is an accounting degree that will give me the knowledge to be successful in anything around the business world. This is because it is always known to be the basic tool and the language of business. It opens doors to every type of business, and it defines how a business is performing and what the lowest line is. Moreover, it gives one a foundation to go and turn out to be a certified public accountant. In addition, an accounting degree will prepare me to turn into a partner with any accounting organization to pursue a profession in corporate management or finance to develop into an entrepreneur or even secure a job in the government. Furthermore, the demand for accountants is outdoing supply since it is ever on the rise and the job opportunities in the present day business world is better than ever before for accountants. Finally, in this progressively challenging and competitive business atmosphere, accounting expertise is desperately sought-after, and accounting has turned into a vibrant career. Therefore, no matter what I choose to do, acquiring a background in accounting will assist to open doors wider for me (Bloomfield,

The recent developments in the business environment Essay

The recent developments in the business environment - Essay Example The main motivation for mass marketing is the huge profit prospect created economies of scale. Starting from the strategy of competing on prices, companies have shifted to the focus on adding customer value by enhancing product quality. Recognizing the uniqueness of each of the segment of market segment, niche, and individual customers companies have embarked on target marketing. As opposed to mass marketing, target marketing focuses on serving a specific and identified target market. Instead of going after everyone, customers choose the most lucrative sector to cater to and use all of its resources in order to satisfy the needs and wants of these customers. From its humble beginnings Wal-Mart has become one of the most successful and biggest retailers in the world. What is very interesting about the company is its firm adherence in mass marketing as a strategy in the attainment of its organizational goals. Since its inception, the company is stuck to the principle in competing through a low pricing strategy. Following this, the company leverages on its ability to reap huge economies of scale through the large volume of sales. However, with the evolution of a hypercompetitive business environment characterized by the presence of higher customer bargaining and more aggressive competition on product quality (Kotler & Armstrong 2001) industry experts note that Wal-mart should leave mass marketing and focus on launching specific strategies aimed at each segment that it serves including Blacks, the Affluent, Empty Nesters, Hispanics, Suburbanites, and Rural Residents. Recognizing the importance of cultivating relationship marketing and the significance of considering the unique needs of each segment, this paper strongly recommends that Wal-mart embark on a target marketing approach. It should be noted that the more competitive nature of the retail industry dictates that each player pursue a harmonious and lasting relationship with its buyers by adding the value that they require. Thus, Wal-mart should step out from serving the broad anonymous crowd and start selling to each segment (Bianco 2004). It is recommended that the company does this by utilizing market penetration and product development. Recognizing that the product offered by Wal-Mart appeals to the working and bargain hunting customers, it is deemed most appropriate if the company looks into the possibility of serving the upscale segment by offering a new set of products which appeals to this demographics. Aside from this, the company can also opt to stand out from the crowd by improvin g on the other aspects of retailing such as merchandising, add-on services, and ambiance. Wal-Mart has long appealed to Blacks, Hispanics, and Rural Residents because of its price appeal. Having the capability of charging rock bottom prices because of economies of scale, Wal-mart has become prominent to this market. However, the proliferation of retailers who are taking efforts of targeting these markets somehow hurt the sales of the giant retailer. Thus, it is recommended that Wal-mart looks into penetrating these segments by offering more beverage and food products which are culturally appealing to Blacks and Hispanics. In order to cater

Attributes of entrepreneur Essay Example for Free

Attributes of entrepreneur Essay Confidence positive thlnklng is a major step In the direction of success 5. Positive thinker entrepreneur are positive thinkers. Wealth does not always come to the most intelligent or the most ambitious individuals. Patience -when one owns who his business, there will be times when feels like the roof of craving-in. 7. Decisiveness one should go with his intuition and trust that he is doing the right thing 8. Experience component for growth as a key 9. Information seeking entrepreneur should seek information with client and competitors, seek advice. 10. Perseverance must be willing to persevere during rough times 11. Drive needs to be totally committed 12. Risk taking prefer tasks, which provide them some challenges 13. Innovation creative, they do things in new and different ways 14. Opportunity-seeking readily identifies opportunities for going into or to improve his business 15. Demand for efficiency and quality entrepreneur always strives to find ways to do things better, faster and at a lower cost 16. Systematic planning and monitoring introduces some system in achlevlng his goals by breaking this goal Into short term and long term goals 11. Persuasion and networking easy establishes a network or personal and business contacts around them

Discrimination Against Redheads Essay example -- Racial Relations, Ste

Discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice are constant problems in society which are consistent at any age in all cultural and social settings. The results of discriminative behaviour against different children can impair psychological development and result in depression episodes which sometimes lead to suicide (Schoolboy bullied, 2009). Suicide among adolescents is not a new phenomenon, but discrimination based on appearance is definitely a form of catalyst that makes the pressure of growing up higher and unbearable (Konopka, 1983). This research will focus on discrimination against redheads because scientific research has covered other forms of discrimination based on appearance, but discrimination against redheads remains a neglected area in both society (Bellasugar Australia, 2009) and scientific research. The gene mutation responsible for ginger hair was discovered in 1995, but this research did not leave any significant impact and future research based on this discovery was dedicated to exploring other differences in genetic constitution between redheads and people with other hair colour (Johansen, 2005). For example, it is established that red hair is the first phenotype linked to pain tolerance (Knight, 2002). Research by Edwin Liem, Teresa Joiner, Kentaro Tsueda, and Daniel Sessler (2005) proved that redheads are more sensitive to thermal pain than women with dark hair, and the results have confirmed previous studies regarding redhead resistance to anaesthetics. There were several limitations to this study, including possible bias from the investigators and subjective responses from participants, but Liem, Joiner, Tsueda, and Sessler (2005) have reached the desired conclusion because they did not consider these limita... ...lops during childhood, the inability to reverse it will most likely result in retaining the prejudice during adulthood. Because no research has been made regarding hair colour discrimination, the main aim of this research will be to collect and analyse the data, so future research will be possible. Without providing empirical evidence that discriminations against redheads exist, it is not possible to continue exploring the discrimination effects on psychological development among redheads. Most importantly, prejudice against redheads is the most neglected area of prejudice, and people should be more open about it than about political, racial, religious, and other forms of prejudice, so future research could perhaps provide insight into variables that influence the formation of prejudices which researchers in other forms of appearance-based prejudices have missed.

Legal Abortion

The topic of abortion is one of the most controversial of our times. It has caused countless deaths and several violent confrontations between the two separate parties of opinion. The fight between pro-life and pro-choice supporters has been long and brutal. This is because, despite what several people may believe, abortion is neither right nor wrong. It is a matter of personal opinion. In this way, each side can say with certainty that the other is wrong. However, the question still remains; should abortion be legal?Though some may disagree on this point, the fact is that legalized abortion is the only option that will protect the lives of American citizens. Therefore, present abortion laws according to Roe v. Wade should be upheld and maintained in the United States (Brown 2). Roe v. Wade was a landmark decision that legalized abortions in the United States. It was about a poor, pregnant woman who filed a lawsuit against the state law of Texas, which stated that abortions were ille gal. The case went all the way to the U. S. Supreme Court, which meant that the decision made affected the nation as a whole.On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Jane Roe and stated that â€Å"the 14th amendment guarantees an adult woman the right to seek a termination of her pregnancy until viability† (Guernsey 63). From this day on, abortions in the United States were legal. The definitions of the opinions taken on abortion are somewhat unclear to many people. Hopefully, the definitions stated below will be of some help in choosing an opinion. Pro-life supporters believe that a fetus's right to live comes first, before the rights of a pregnant woman.Pro-choice supporters believe that it is a woman's fundamental human right to decide when and whether or not to have the child (Lowenstein19). Nevertheless, while the pro-choice side fights the right to have an abortion, they make a distinction between â€Å"pro-choice† and â€Å"pro-abortion,† These groups want women to be able to choose an abortion if it is right for them. However, they do not necessarily believe abortion is the solution for everyone (Lowenstein 52). There are many reasons why abortion should be legal. The single most important effect of legalization has been the substitution of safe, legal procedures for abortions that formerly were obtained illegally† ( Jaffe, Lindheim, and Lee 147). One only needs to look into American history to see the results of prohibiting abortions to women. The violence which occurs today because of the pro-choice/pro-life conflicts is minimal in comparison to the thousands of hopeless women who turned to illegal abortions. Women, seeing no other solution to their problems, turned to â€Å"back room† clinics. These clinics were located in poverty-ridden sections of the city and their conditions were deplorable.The places themselves were layered in filth and disease. Inexperienced butchers using dirty and crude equip ment treated the women. As if these backroom clinics were not bad enough, there was an even more appalling decision a woman might face. If she were unable to pay the exorbitant price for the illegal surgery, she would often perform the act herself. â€Å"Knitting needles, coat hangers, antiseptic douches, and poisons were used most often† (Welton123). It is better now that women have a place to go where abortions can be performed cleanly with minimal risk.Legalization of abortion is the only choice no matter what side on takes in the debate. Women will try to do what they think is necessary to live as they wish, no matter what the risk. Each year 84,000 women die worldwide from failed abortion attempts (Lunneborg67) . Because of anti-abortion legislation, women avoid going to the hospital, often until it is too late, to avoid prosecution from police. In the cases of rape and incest, the very idea of being forced to have the child of the woman's abuser is repulsive. There are also cases when a woman's health is put in jeopardy by having a child at all.Forcing a woman to bring the child to term would be no less than attempted murder (Steffen 49). If a woman is forced to give birth to a child she does not want, if left in that woman's custody, the child could potentially face hatred and resentment from the mother for the rest of its life. In countries all over the world, children are found dead and abandoned in places as degrading as garbage dumps. The only effective method of preventing unwanted births is abstinence, and this is just not a realistic objective. There is no 100% effective form of birth control, and even men and women using birth control have unwanted pregnancies.Some women for financial, occupational, social, and maturity reasons, see pregnancy as cessation of their lives. There are no accurate statistics on how many women attempt or succeed in committing suicide each year rather than live with their pregnancies. Women will continue to gave abortions with or without government legislation, but with legislation, the conditions under which they have their abortions can be sanctioned and observed. If abortion is the right choice for a woman, she shouldn't have to worry about its safety. The procedure is perfectly safe. The earlier an abortion is done, the safer it is.Most abortions, about 95%, are done during the first trimester (Lowenstein 52). Less than one percent are done after the twentieth week, and usually only for medical reasons (Safety 1). According to the National Abortion Federation, having an abortion in the first three months of pregnancy is safer than giving birth to a child. Women hardly ever die from legal abortions-only one in two hundred thousand (Lowenstein 52). Women are seven times likely to die from childbirth than from a legal abortion (Maguire 1). Many pro-life supporters believe that abortion should be banned because life begins at conception and taking a life is unlawful.The individual sex cell consists of 23 chromosomes. It is only through combination, through merger, that the sex cells attain the full complement of heredity units that defines a human being (Shettles 17). The merger of the two sex cells is complete within twelve hours, at which time the egg is fertilized and becomes known technically as the â€Å"‘zygote. † The inherited characteristics of a unique human being has been established, and in no circumstances will it change (Shettles 17). At eighteen days, the heart is pumping through a closed circulatory system, with blood whose type is different from that of the mother's.The brain starts working at forty days. and all of the fetus's body systems are in place by the time it is two months old (Every child 1). Pro-lifers believe this evidence shows a fetus is alive. For these reasons, they feel the fetus has a soul and is a person worthy of respect. They conclude that aborting a fetus is the same as murdering a person (Abortion 3). Most pro-choic e supporters agree that taking a human life is unlawful, however, they argue that unborn fetuses do not constitute fully developed human life. The possession of forty-six chromosomes does not make a cell a person.Most of the cells in a person's body contain these 46 chromosomes, but that does not make a white corpuscle a person. As for the significance of uniqueness, identical quintuplets are genetically identical, yet they have personal identities apart from their genetic endowment. Even though a fetus might have a heartbeat and brain waves, this does not make a fetus a person. To be a person, there must be evidence of a personality. Dogs, frogs, and earthworms have all characteristics listed, but that is insufficient to make them persons Zindler 25). Another major pro-life concern is the medical hazards of an abortion. Pro-lifers believe that abortions have many negative physical and psychological effects. They say that even though abortion has been legalized, it remains a complic ated procedure that can potentially harm a woman's ability to bear normal, healthy babies in the future (Hilgers 152). The most common early complications of legally induced abortion are infection, hemorrhage, perforation of the uterus, and laceration of the cervix (Hilgers 153).There is also a pelvic inflammatory disease which can follow abortion, and happens up to 30 percent of the time (Lowenstein 44). Although the complications are physical, many pro-lifers say that the psychological effects are far more dangerous. They believe abortion has a particularly harmful effects on teenagers (Everyone's Biography 1). The Medical College of Ohio studied how teenagers were able to cope with abortions as compared to adult women. They studied thirty-five women who had abortions as teenagers and thirty-six women who had abortions after age twenty.They found there were two factors present in teenage abortions. First, people other than the teenager had control of the abortion decision. Second, teenagers are less knowledgeable about the procedure and may have false ideas about it. Also, teenagers were less likely to consult a professional before making their decision. The study showed teenagers experienced greater stress during the abortion (Lowenstein 45). Pro-choicers strongly disagree on this matter. It is a proven fact that legal abortions are now medically safe and simple.Teenagers, for example, are 24 times more likely to die from childbirth than from a first-trimester abortion (Carlson 25). Death resulting from legal abortion is a very rare occurrence and easy to measure. In the first trimester, less that half of one percent of all abortion patients experience major complications (Jaffe, Lindheim, and Lee 150). Of course abortion involves some risk, but so do all medical procedures. According to the American Psychiatric Association report published in Science magazine in 1990, there are no significant psychological aftereffects of legal abortion.Legal abortion requ ested by the woman does not cause emotional problems or depression. Some women may feel sad or guilty at first, but not any more or less than any other personal crisis (Lowenstein 53). In particular, teenagers who had abortions seem to behave more normally than others who gave birth to a baby. Teenagers who have abortions are more likely to graduate high school, go to college, and get good jobs (Lowenstein 54). The third most controversial topic on abortions involves so-called hard cases such as rape and incest.The first point pro-lifers make is that the law allowing raped women to get abortions would only affect a few women, less than 1 percent of all abortions each year (Guernsey 68). Pro-life supporters believe the damage has already happened-that of the rape. An abortion will simply cause more psychological and physical harm. Even though half of the fetus if part of the rapist, half of the fetus is part of the woman, too. They believe it is unfair to kill a being who was not res ponsible for the rape (Lowenstein 47). Their feeling is the same for incest.In cases where abortion is chosen, pro-life activists believe an innocent baby is killed for a crime its father commits. The father, instead, should suffer. Pro-lifers believe if abortion is chosen, it helps to hide the fact that incest took place and it might continue(Lowenstein 48). Should abortion be allowed in cases of rape and incest? Absolutely yes, say pro-choicers. There may be serious psychological effects from having a child that was a result of a horrible experience like incest or rape. Pro-choice supporters believe if the woman decides to raise the child, they say, she will have a constant reminder of the incident (Lowenstein 55).Surveys have shown many people would accept abortion in cases of rape or incest (Women 2). Medical research has not determined whether there are genetic tendencies toward sexual crimes. The child may carry some of those genes (Lowenstein55). In summary, abortion is a per sonal choice. No should be able to tell a women whether or not to have a child. Therefore, keeping abortion legal will ensure that situations that involve crisis or health risks to the mother or the fetus can be handled safely and legally.

Pharaphrasing the Purple Hibiscus Essay

Kambili and Jaja both come of age in Purple Hibiscus as a result of their experiences. The book opens with Jaja rebelling against his devout Catholic father by skipping communion on Palm Sunday, an important religious holiday. The following chapters detail the events that culminate in Jaja’s defiance. The book is narrated by Kambili three years after this incident. Since she has been stunted by the severe punishments of her father, Kambili barely speaks. Her narration is striking because it can be concluded that she finds her own voice throughout this ordeal. Both Kambili and Jaja take steps towards adulthood by overcoming adversity and being exposed to new thoughts. Part of growing up is building your own identity by choosing which paths to follow. In Enugu, the only path Kambili and Jaja are allowed to follow is Papa. He writes out schedules and severely punishes them when they stray. When Kambili and Jaja visit their Aunty Ifeoma in Nsukka, they are astonished by what they find. Though her home is small and devoid of luxuries, there is love and respect. Her children Amaka and Obiora are allowed to question authority and choose their own paths. Obiora, though he is three years younger than Jaja, is articulate and protective. He has been initiated into Igbo culture by performing a rite of manhood. Jaja was not allowed to participate and is ashamed that he is lagging behind his cousin. In Nsukka, Jaja is encouraged to rethink his allegiances and make his own decisions. Aunty Ifeoma encourages Kambili to reconsider her stance on Papa-Nnukwu. As she has been taught by Papa, her grandfather is a heathen. But when she searches his face, she sees no signs of godliness. After witnessing his innocence ritual, Kambili questions the absolute rule of her father. Both Kambili and Jaja take major steps towards adulthood by claiming their individuality. Religion There is a contrast between Father Benedict and Father Amadi. Priest at Papa’s beloved St. Agnes, Father Benedict is a white man from England who conducts his masses according to European custom. Papa adheres to Father Benedict’s style, banishing every trace of his own Nigerian heritage. Papa uses his faith to justify abusing his children. Religion alone is not to blame. Papa represents the wave of fundamentalism in Nigeria that corrupts faith. Father Amadi, on the other hand, is an African priest who blends Catholicism with Igbo traditions. He believes that faith is both simpler and more complex than what Father Benedict preaches. Father Amadi is a modern African man who is culturally-conscious but influenced by the colonial history of his country. He is not a moral absolutist like Papa and his God. Religion, when wielded by someone gentle, can be a positive force, as it is in Kambili’s life. Papa-Nnukwu is a traditionalist. He follows the rituals of his ancestors and believes in a pantheistic model of religion. Though both his son and daughter converted to Catholicism, Papa-Nnukwu held on to his roots. When Kambili witnesses his morning ritual, she realizes that their faiths are not as different as they appear. Kambili’s faith extends beyond the boundaries of one religion. She revels in the beauty of nature, her family, her prayer, and the Bible. When she witnesses the miracle at Aokpe, Kambili’s devotion is confirmed. Aunty Ifeoma agrees that God was present even though she did not see the apparition. God is all around Kambili and her family, and can take the form of a smile. The individualistic nature of faith is explored in Purple Hibiscus. Kambili tempers her devotion with a reverence for her ancestors. Jaja and Amaka end up rejecting their faith because it is inexorably linked to Papa and colonialism, respectively. Colonialism Colonialism is a complex topic in Nigeria. For Papa-Nnukwu, colonialism is an evil force that enslaved the Igbo people and eradicated his traditions. For Papa, colonialism is responsible for his access to higher education and grace. For Father Amadi, it has resulted in his faith but he sees no reason that the old and new ways can’t coexist. Father Amadi represents modern Nigeria in the global world. Papa is a product of a colonialist education. He was schooled by missionaries and studied in English. The wisdom he takes back to Nigeria is largely informed by those who have colonized his country. He abandons the traditions of his ancestors and chooses to speak primarily in British-accented English in public. His large estate is filled with western luxuries like satellite TV and music. Amaka assumes that Kambili follows American pop stars while she listens to musicians who embrace their African heritage. But the trappings of Papa’s success are hollow. The children are not allowed to watch television. His home, modernized up to Western standards, is for appearances only. There is emptiness in his home just as his accent is falsified in front of whites. Over the course of the novel, both Kambili and Jaja must come to terms with the lingering after-effects of colonialism in their own lives. They both adjust to life outside their father’s grasp by embracing or accepting traditional ways. Nigerian Politics Both Kambili and the nation are on the cusp of dramatic changes. The political climate of Nigeria and the internal drama of the Achike family are intertwined. After Nigeria declared independence from Britain in 1960, a cycle of violent coups and military dictatorship led to civil war, which led to a new cycle of bloody unrest. Even democracy is hindered by the wide-spread corruption in the government. In Purple Hibiscus, there is a coup that culminates in military rule. Papa and his paper, the Standard, are critical of the corruption that is ushered in by a leader who is not elected by the people. Ironically, Papa is a self-righteous dictator in his own home. He is wrathful towards his children when they stray from his chosen path for them. In the wake of Ade Coker’s death, Papa beats Kambili so severely she is hospitalized in critical condition. Both in Nigeria and in the home, violence begets violence. Kambili and Jaja are kept away from the unrest at first. They witness protests, deadly roadblocks, and harassment from the safety of their car. But when they arrive in Nsukka, they are thrust into political debate. Obiora says the university is a microcosm for Nigeria – ruled by one man with all the power. Pay has been withheld from the professors and light and power are shut off frequently. Medical workers and technicians go on strike and food prices rise. There are rumors that the sole administrator is misdirecting funds intended for the university. This is a parallel to what is happening in the country at large. Kambili and Jaja now understand firsthand the struggle of their cousins. The personal becomes political, and vice versa. Silence Several characters are gripped with silence throughout the novel. Kambili suffers the most, unable to speak more than rehearsed platitudes without stuttering or coughing. Her silence is a product of the abuse that she endures at the hands of her father. Kambili does not allow herself to tell the truth about her situation at home. When her classmates taunt her for being a backyard snob, she does not explain that she does not socialize out of fear. She is not allowed to dally after school lest she be late and beaten. She finally learns how to speak her mind when she is taunted continuously be her cousin Amaka. Aunty Ifeoma encourages her to defend herself and only then can Amaka and Kambili begin their friendship. Kambili begins to speak more confidently, laugh and even sing. The titles of the second and fourth section are Speaking With Our Spirits and A Different Silence. Kambili and Jaja communicate through their eyes, not able to utter the ugly truth of their situation. Mama, like her daughter, cannot speak freely in her own home. Only with Aunty Ifeoma can she behave authentically. The silence that falls upon Enugu after Papa is murdered is, as the title suggests, different. There is hopelessness to this silence like the one that existed when Papa was alive. But it is an honest silence. Mama and Kambili know the truth and there is nothing more that can be said. Jaja’s silence betrays a hardness that has taken hold of him in prison. There is nothing he can say that will end the torment he experiences. The tapes that Aunty Ifeoma sends with her children’s voices are the only respite he has. Silence is also used as punishment. When Kambili and Jaja arrive in Nsukka for Easter, Jaja refuses to speak to his father when he calls. After the years of silence that he has imposed upon his children, they use it as a weapon against him. The government also silences Ade Coker by murdering him after he prints a damning story in the Standard. When soldiers raid Aunty Ifeoma’s flat, they are trying to silence her sympathies with the rioting students through intimidation. Silence is a type of violence. Domestic Violence On several occasions, Papa beats his wife and children. Each time, he is provoked by an action that he deems immoral. When Mama does not want to visit with Father Benedict because she is ill, Papa beats her and she miscarries. When Kambili and Jaja share a home with a heathen, boiling water is poured on their feet because they have walked in sin. For owning a painting of Papa-Nnukwu, Kambili is kicked until she is hospitalized. Papa rationalizes the violence he inflicts on his family, saying it is for their own good. The beatings have rendered his children mute. Kambili and Jaja are both wise beyond their years and also not allowed to reach adulthood, as maturity often comes with questioning authority. When Ade Coker jokes that his children are too quiet, Papa does not laugh. They have a fear of God. Really, Kambili and Jaja are afraid of their father. Beating them has the opposite effect. They choose the right path because they are afraid of the repercussions. They are not encouraged to grow and to succeed, only threatened with failure when they do not. This takes a toll on Jaja especially, who is ashamed that he is so far behind Obiora in both intelligence and protecting his family. He ends up equating religion with punishment and rejects his faith. There is an underlying sexism at work in the abuse. When Mama tells Kambili she is pregnant, she mentions that she miscarried several times after Kambili was born. Within the narrative of the novel, Mama loses two pregnancies at Papa’s hands. The other miscarriages may have been caused by these beatings as well. When she miscarries, Papa makes the children say special novenas for their mother’s forgiveness. Even though he is to blame, he insinuates it is Mama’s fault. Mama believes that she cannot exist outside of her marriage. She dismisses Aunty Ifeoma’s ideas that life begins after marriage as â€Å"university talk.† Mama has not been liberated and withstands the abuse because she believes it is just. Ultimately, she poisons Papa because she can see no other way out. The abuse has repressed her to the point that she must resort to murder to escape. Nature/Environment The book’s namesake flower is a representation of freedom and hope. Jaja is drawn to the unusual purple hibiscus, bred by a botanist friend of Aunty Ifeoma. Aunty Ifeoma has created something new by bringing the natural world together with intelligence. For Jaja, the flower is hope that something new can be created. He longs to break free of his Papa’s rule. He takes a stalk of the purple hibiscus home with him, and plants it in their garden. He also takes home the insight he learns from Nsukka. As both blossom, so too do Jaja and his rebellion. Kambili’s shifting attitudes toward nature signify her stage of transformation. During one of the first times she showers at Nsukka, Kambili finds an earthworm in the tub. Rather than coexisting with it, she removes it to the toilet. When Father Amadi takes her to have her hair plaited, she watches a determined snail repeatedly crawl out of a basket. She identifies with the snail as she has tried to crawl out of Enugu and her fate. Later, when she bathes with water scented with the sky, she leaves the worm alone. She acknowledges that God can be found anywhere and she appreciates its determination. In the opening of the book, Kambili daydreams while looking at the several fruit and flower trees in her yard. This same yard, a signifier of wealth, leaves her open for taunts of â€Å"snob† at school. But here she fixates on the beauty of the trees. When she returns from Nsukka after her mother has miscarried, Kambili is sickened by the rotting tree fruit. The rot symbolizes the sickness in the Achike household but also that Kambili is seeing her home with new eyes. Like the trees, she is trapped behind tall walls. Weather also plays a role in the novel. When Ade Coker dies, there are heavy rains. After Palm Sunday, a violent wind uproots several trees and makes the satellite dish crash to the ground. Rain and wind reflect the drama that unfolds in the Achikes’ lives. Mama tells Kambili that a mixture of rain and sun is God’s indecision on what to bring. Just as there can be both rain and sun at the same time, there are good and evil intertwined. In nature, Kambili gleans that there are no absolutes. Papa is neither all good or all bad, her faith does not have to be either Catholic or traditionalist, and she can challenge her parents while still being a good child. * 1-310-919-0950 * Log In | * Sign Up * 1) Five major issues explored in purple hibiscus are; domestic violence, oppression, religion, education and love. 2a) Adichie uses a narrative point of view to explore the theme of domestic violence. The book is narrated in the first person by a 15 year old who is directly affected by domestic violence. Because of her young age she is quiet honest and this allows her to paint a great picture to the audience of the brutal abuse that Eugene bestows upon his family. This is as a result of her sensitive, intelligent and observant nature. 2b) Oppression is explored through narrative point of view. Adichie uses the point of view of Kambili to show the audience how oppressed the country is not only in the Achike household but the whole of Nigeria. Again Kambili’s honesty and good descriptions help to give the readers an idea as of how oppressed the country and Eugene’s household really is. 2c) Adichie uses narrative point of view to explore the theme of religion. She uses this because Kambili the narrator is exposed to different kinds of religion, such as, fanatic Catholics, liberated Catholics and Traditionalists. Again, it is Kambili’s observant nature that helps to give the readers a good idea of what all of the practices are like. Kambili’s narration is also used to show the great impact that religion has on life. 2d) Education is also explored through narration. In the narration Kambili has an encounter with her father and Kambili’s father’s past gives us an idea of how important he thinks education is. 2e) Love is also explored through narration. Although Kambili is a 15 year old through her narration we are able to see that she loves father Amadi. The love however is immature in because they have known each other for a very short time. Although the love narrated is not very mature it is still love. Adichie uses narration to show the audience that Kambili is in love and Adichie uses her narration to give us some hints of this love. 3a) Adichie bring out†¦ [continues]

Jefferesonian republicans DBQ #4 essays

Jefferesonian republicans DBQ #4 essays The Jeffersonian Republicans are usually characterized as strict constructionists who were opposed to the broad constructionism of the Federalists. This is true only to an extent. Jefferson would change his outlook on being a strict or loose constructionist depending on the situation at hand. Jefferson would be a loose or strict constructionist depending on which way would more benefit there way of reason and thinking. There is no fine line between being definite strict and loose constructionists in Jeffersons case but more of a broadened idea. Madison was more of a strict constructionists, as he really stuck to exactly what powers were given by the Constitution. Reasons as the National Bank, Louisiana Purchase, Hartford Convention, Improvements Bill, and the Embargo Act of 1807, will show how each party morphs, and changes to become a strict constructionist and a loose constructionist, and how Madison stays a strict constructionists by the Hartford Convention, and Improvements Bill. The National Bank, a time when Jefferson and the anti-federalists were strict constructionists. Saying that the idea of a national bank was unconstitutional, not stated in the constitution, and there for cannot be ratified. Strict constructionists being people who say you have to directly abide by the constitution, and if its not stated, it doesnt happen. Hamilton, as would Madison at this time say a national bank is necessary and proper, and under the Elastic clause, therefore making it constitutional. These would be ideas of the loose constructionists. People who think its ok to stretch the constitution and form, and mold it are loose constructionists. At this moment in time, Jefferson is a strict constructionist, saying you must abide directly by the constitution, although according to his needs and wants at this time, being from the south and not wanting more power to the federal government, but ...

Writing Obituaries as a Celebration of Life

Writing Obituaries as a Celebration of Life Beginning reporters often view the writing of obituaries with disdain. After all, they say, an obit is by its very nature old news, the story of a life already lived. But seasoned journalists know that obits are some of the most satisfying articles to do; they give the writer a chance to chronicle a human life from start to finish, and in doing so to find themes and deeper meaning beyond the simple retelling of events. And obits, after all, are about people, and isnt writing about people what makes journalism so interesting in the first place? The Format The format for an obit is surprisingly simple - its basically written as a hard-news story, with what amounts to a five Ws and the H lede. So the lede of an obit should include: Who diedWhat happenedWhere the person died (this is optional for the lede, and is sometimes put in the second paragraph instead)When they diedWhy or how they died But an obit lede goes beyond the five Ws and the H to include a summing up of what made the persons life interesting or significant. This usually involves what they did in life. Whether the deceased was a corporate executive or a homemaker, the obit lede should try to summarize (briefly, of course) what made the person special. Obit ledes also generally include the persons age. Example John Smith, a math teacher who made algebra, trigonometry, and calculus interesting for several generations of students at Centerville High School, died Friday of cancer. He was 83. Smith died at home in Centerville after a long struggle with colon cancer. You can see how this lede includes all the basics - Smiths occupation, his age, the cause of death, etc. But it also sums up, in just a few words, what made him special - making math interesting for generations of high school students. Unusual Deaths If a person has essentially died of old age or a disease related to age, the cause of death generally isnt given more than a sentence or two in an obit, as you see in the example above. But when a person dies young, either through an accident, illness or other causes, the cause of death should be explained more fully. Example Jayson Carothers, a graphic designer who created some of the most memorable covers for the Centerville Times magazine, has died after a long illness. He was 43 and had AIDS, said his partner, Bob Thomas. The Rest Of the Story Once youve fashioned your lede, the rest of the obit is basically a brief chronological account of the persons life, with the emphasis on what made the person interesting. So if youve established in your lede that the deceased was a creative and much-loved math teacher, the rest of the obit should focus on that. Example Smith loved math from an early age and excelled at it through his grade-school years. He majored in math at Cornell University and graduated with honors in 1947. Soon after receiving his bachelors degree he began teaching at Centerville High School, where he became known for his engaging, animated lectures and pioneering use of audiovisual materials. Length The length of an obit varies, depending on the person and their prominence in your community. Obviously, the death of, say, a former mayor in your town will probably be longer than that of a school janitor. But the vast majority of obits are around 500 words or less. So the challenge for the obit writer is to neatly sum up a persons life in a fairly short space. Wrapping Up At the end of every obit are a few must-haves, including: Any information available about funeral services, viewings, etc.;A listing of the deceaseds surviving family members;Any requests family members have made regarding donations to charities, scholarships or foundations.

A problem in civil engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

A problem in civil engineering - Essay Example The effects of civil engineering to the environment start from its construction to its use i.e. the use of vehicles on the already built roads. All these have contributed to the environmental pollution. The most areas that civil engineering affects in the environment include the air, water and it defragments the habitats. All these effects are the main contributors of climate change (Moavenzadeh, 1994, p. 29). The main origin of this pollution is the construction sites. This is where all the activities take place. The main products in the construction site are the waste products. Construction is one of the economic activities that use natural resources but it produces wastes to the environment. These wastes are produced in very high quantities that cannot be disposed easily. There accumulation increasing in very short time. These wastes can be in form of gas, sand, stones, ceramic or glass. Other dangerous products include wood treated with metal oxides and the paints. All these wast es are produced in large quantities yet they cannot be recycled. This has given engineers hard times in trying to either to disposes or recycle them. Other products can be recycled but the problem is that they are already contaminated. Civil engineers have been forced to buy some landfills in order to dispose the wastes there. Deposition can be very hard more especially where some people refuse to sell their landfills for deposition (Moavenzadeh, 1994, p. 34). The construction wastes caused a lot of contamination on both land and the water. During construction, the fluids used are the main pollutants to the environment. At times, these fluids are pumped into the sewage but they also damage the sewage plants. For these plants to be repaired, they require high cost and this cause too much inconveniences to the authorities involved. To avoid all these problems, all waste paint used should be collected and recycled. Furthermore, water used for washing contains a lot of suspensions that may also cause some inconveniences in the sewage treatment. Construction also causes emission of dust and other gases into the air leading to air pollution. With increase in this air pollution, it leads to climate change. Dust can also cause visual impact. This leads to invisibility. Construction sites are also full of noise. Noise is air pollution. Noise is generated by the heavy machineries used for construction. However it is very important to research on the effects of civil engineering on the environment. The main objective of the research is to find the various ways in which the civil engineering activities affect the environment and the possible ways of reducing these effects (Moavenzadeh, 1994, p. 37). Task 2 Despite the positive impacts that civil engineering entails, there are also negative effects that the activity brings to the environment. These negative effects are increase as the civil engineering intensifies in most parts of the world. The need of more civil construc tions has made it difficult to reduce these civil engineering effects on the environment. However, there is a need to look at the way this civil construction affects the climate and to deduce the possible ways to reduce it. Research should be done to identify then factors that accelerate these effects and the ways of controlling the menace should be put in place. The hypothesis of this research is to identify how civil engineering affects the environment a