A Feminist Reading Of Marry Shelleys Frankenstein - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1216 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/04/12 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Frankenstein Essay Did you like this example? A Feminist Reading Of Marry Shelleys Frankenstein Feminism is a movements aimed to equal rights between men and women so in Shelleys time it was just started and through Frankensteins novel she pointed out one of the most powerful work of feminism in London 1818. Shelley was 18 years old when she wrote this story. When she was in Switzerland with her lover Percy Shelley who later became her husband, they stayed at their friend Lord Byrons castle. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "A Feminist Reading Of Marry Shelleys Frankenstein" essay for you Create order They decided to compete for writing the best horror story. That night Shelley dreamed of a scientist who created a scary creature, then her dream developed to a novel that she wrote (Zeitoun). She was from a noble rich educated family and they were interested in arts. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was a writer and advocate for womens rights and her father, William Godwin, was a political philosopher and a science fiction writer, while her husband Percy Beach Shelley, was a famous poet who had his own way of thinking which conflicted with his community and was calling for freedom and liberalism rather than religion. She managed to publish the novel in her fathers publishing house, and her name mentioned in the second edition with her husband helped. Shelleys Frankenstein reflected different problems that were prominent in the lives of female at that time via her subordinate female characters. Elizabeth, Safie and the nearly created female monster. The most important female character in this story is Elizabeth although she is hardly mentioned until after the interdiction of Victor Frankenstein her fianc, Shelley showed how women were not important at that time unless they had a man. An example of this, the way Victor treated Elizabeth, he never discussed with her his work or his fear from the monster that he created. He was only expecting for her loyalty and obedience. Even when Victor decided to marry, he discussed his marriage with his father and his friend Henry to locate the place and the day of the marriage. It is strange because, it is known from antiquity that these concerns are womens interests, not mens, but Shelley preferred to show that men dominated women even in their most basic rights and interests. Victor said: Elizabeth loved the wonderful sights of nature in the mountains and lakes of Switzerland while I was more interested in investigating why things in nature happened (Shelley 17). Here Victor was outspoken about his opinion on Elizabeths interests, which is nothing important in life. Shelley reflects how men in her society looked at women as their mentality lacked invention or even education. She was docile and good tempered, yet gay and playful as a summers insect and I loved to tend on her, as I should on a favourite animal (Shelley 20). Victor again looked at Elizabeth as a small butterfly or a pet. Another opinion Shelley pointed out, which is men look at women as a beautiful animal or insect that they enjoy looking at, and they only expect obedience from women and t hey have no missions in life other than fulfilling their desires. In addition, when the Monster tries to take revenge from Victor he decides to kill Elizabeth. Here, Elizabeth is a metaphor of something that belongs to Victor. Because when someone tries to take revenge from someone else the first thing he will do is to take or destroy something he owns. So Shelley refers to Elizabeth as an object belongs to Victor. Indeed, the beast is able to kill Elizabeth on her wedding day wearing her white dress, Shelley reflected her negative idea about marriage in her society. Because she didnt believe in marriage, she thought a person should be with whoever he chooses without restrictions. Second, Safie is another subordinate female character. She runs away from her father in Turkey alone to live with her fianc? © Felix in Germany. Safie and Felix showed a deep and powerful relationship by defying the rules of their societies. Her relationship with her fianc? © is strong and perfect. Shelley presents herself in Safie in the way that rebelled against her family, Shelley ran away with Percy Beach Shelley without getting married and she believed in her lovers belief in freedom and there is no such thing as restrictions such as marriage if two people love each other she even knew that Percy had another wife. But after their long struggle with their family and society they decided to marry. She mentions Safie in only two pages to show that it is a fictional character who seeks her personal desire something that no one dares in her society to do such a thing, it is also a message to women who want to seek their dreams and live only for their personal desires. Felix spent the weeks following Safies arrival teaching her to speak and read their language (Shelley 85). Safie does not give up on her family but she abandons her identity, language and her culture for Felix who does not even speak her language. In this novel, Shelley points out that women in her society could be this stupid and blind to forget who they are when they loved men. Finally, the monster asks Victor to create a female monster to live in peace far away from humans. In the beginning, Victor accepts to create her, but he starts to think of consequences and feel suspicious. Still, my work was proceeding well. Why, then, did such a sickening sense of foreboding ill my heart? This feeling that something evil was about to happen (Shelly 111). Victor thinks that the monster hates himself already and starts to become independent, let alone a female ugly angry monster, she will make a fuss. That cannot be controlled by his male creature (Mellor 360). Victor is afraid that the female creature might become a thinker, she may refuse to live with the male monster and they will hate each other. She will have an entity and a sense of self and needs as any normal person. Hes afraid that she might have her own way of thinking. Female autonomy, in Victors eyes, becomes a terrible threat (Williams). Victor was not only afraid of an angry female monster but is also afraid she may not submit to the male monster whom Victor created hem himself and this may shake his manhood and change his principles on women who should not exceed the limits of obedience. Victor is also afraid that the female monster may start to think of having babies, little thinkers demons such as their mother. Shelley through Victor showed how men thought of women at that time. Men through Victor, supposed that women followed men when their named were mentioned, and if women become superior over men it would be a great disaster because it was against women nature to be superior. To conclude, Mary Shelley was one of the most important women who talked about the womens movement in the nineteenth century. Her aims were to spread awareness among women through her creative writings, the most important work she wrote was Frankenstein. Despite her young age, Shelley managed to reflect mens perspective of women successfully that time via her works. Also, she reflected her personal life through her characters and showed how she suffered that time because she was a woman.

Minimum Wage Should Increase Unemployment - 996 Words

We, the people elect representatives to improve society, and some of us have very high standards. It is a representative’s duty and responsibility to manage taxes, improve health, protect the environment, protect lives, improve education, and many more. Rightfully, we want each and every representative to perform their duties, and hopefully exceed expectations. Without a doubt, as a fellow representative who represents the people, you should raise minimum wage. It is all about the people, and making society a better place. Theoretically, minimum wage should decrease unemployment, close racial gaps, enable families to take care of basic necessities, and would somehow make the world a better place. However, theories are ideas, intended to explain a situation; they are not facts, they are not constant, and they can be wishful thinking. Therefore, an increase in minimum wage does not ensure these privileges. There are too many factors to consider before making a drastic decision. A raise in minimum wage will negatively impact the workforce which will eventually cause Inflation. We live in a society where roles are reversed, and where people wants fast and efficiency. At the age of fifteen or younger, many young adults have children. Also, many young adults are the acting parent for their siblings. These teens are without experience searching for a job to improve their situation. With the opportunity of a job, they have the funding to take care of their child/children, or theirShow MoreRelatedLink between Higher Minimum Wage and Higher Unemployment1179 Words   |  5 PagesIn theory when an increase in minimum wage increases the cost of low-wage workers firms should want to hire less workers, however in reality this basic theory might be wrong according to Plumer B. (2013) While some studies found a link between higher minimum wage and higher unemployment level many others such as a recent paper from U.C. Berkeley that exploited differences across state borders did not find a link between higher minimum wage and higher unemployment. A study by John Schmitt of theRead MoreA Brief Note On Raising Minimum Wage1088 Words   |  5 PagesBrendan Mason Mrs. Scruggs 08/07/15 Raising minimum Wage There is always talk about the problems of North Carolina’s economy, and these problems then become publicized and put throughout the media, informing people on the condition of their state’s economy. A popular topic lately is the state’s minimum wage, and whether it should be raised or if we should keep the current minimum wage. Usually, opinions vary on what to do about minimum wage, however there certainly seems to be a larger group ofRead MoreThe Positive and Negative Effects of Raising Minimum Wage805 Words   |  4 Pagesincome. Many people’s income relies on minimum wage. In 2012, 3.6 million people received an hourly pay at or below minimum wage. There is an ongoing debate in government as to what the minimum wage should be. Stuck at $7.25, Obama has suggested raising the minimum wage to $9.00. Depending on a person’s perspective, raising minimum wage could be positive or negative. Minimum wage has the ability to change lives, and change t he economy. Small businesses and unemployment, teenage demographics, and the costRead MoreShould Minimum Wage Be Raised?870 Words   |  4 PagesShould Minimum Wage Be Raised? Minimum wage has always been a controversial issue. Many politicians use the argument of minimum wage for their own political propaganda. Some may argue minimum wage should be raised, while others believe it will have detrimental effects on our economy if it is raised. Surprising to most people, minimum wage earners make up only a small percent of American workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, minimum wage workers make up about 2.8% of all workersRead MoreThe Minimum Wage Should Be Legal905 Words   |  4 PagesRise in minimum wage has several impacts apart from unemployment. The minimum-wage workers would have to pay more taxes and receive fewer benefits if they are subjected to rise of minimum wage. The federal marginal rate for tax is 32 percent on an average for low earning members. This would amount to almost one third of the income of a worker. The tax rate is quite high for low paid workers. The rise of minimum wage would also reduce some of the advantages an d leverages that the low-wage workersRead MoreRaising The Minimum Wage?1575 Words   |  7 PagesThe issue of raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour is a heavily debated topic. Both sources against or in favor of the minimum wage refer to a â€Å"growing gap† between low-income workers and high-income earners. Sources against the minimum wage believe raising it will increase this gap, whereas those in favor of the minimum wage believe it will decrease this gap. The arguments in favor of the minimum wage rely mostly on ethical beliefs, such as â€Å"pay should reflect hard work,† to advanceRead MoreThe Effects of Raising the Minimum Wage on US Economy1507 Words   |  6 Pagessupport their family. Due to the fact that the prices of goods increase year and after year, the minimum wage has been increasing from less than a dollar to $7.25 now. The question that comes to everybody is that should we increase the minimum wage by too far. Does the minimum wage in crease reduce the unemployment since now the current wage is high enough? Some people might think that we should increase the minimum wage in order to increase the labor supply. However, if we think deeply than this, thereRead MoreImpact Of Minimum Wage On Unemployment1305 Words   |  6 PagesImpact of minimum wage on unemployment The supply and demand factors show significance towards growth of unemployment. It has been observed that the price floor above equilibrium wage should cause unemployment. There are many people who have provided their arguments against the fact. However, it has been observed that whenever there has been a rise in the minimum wage of workers, unemployment rate goes very high. For example, an organization has to maintain its expenses as well as its incomes.Read MoreAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Minimum Wage In Taiwan1541 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Nowadays, minimum wage is very important for workers in this world. In addition, minimum wage is also a core element of public policy in lots of countries. For example, minimum wage has become a hot topic in Taiwan recently. The Taiwanese complained that the working hours are too long, and the wages are too low. Because of that reason, workers in Taiwan have come forward to protest this policy. Therefore, according to this example, minimum wage has become an issue that cannot be ignoredRead MoreCongress As Part Of The Fair Labor Standards Act1084 Words   |  5 PagesStandards Act (FLSA) instituted minimum wage back in 1938. The first minimum wage was at $0.25 per hour and the last minimum wage increase occurred in 2007. Over the past 65 years the minimum wage has varied considerably in inflation-adjusted buying power. It has averaged $6.60 an hour in purchasing power in 2013 dollars, but it has ranged from a low of $3.09 an hour in late 1948 to a high of $8.67 an hour in 1968. Toda y’s minimum wage buys somewhat more than the minimum wage has historically, although

Impact of Internet Connectivity on Individual Behavior

Question: Discuss about the Impact of Internet Connectivity on Individual Behavior. Answer: Introduction: The behavior of human beings has been determined by the array in which each of the physical activities he has been performing is defined. The observable emotion has also been associated with these individuals considering the overall human race. Some of the temperaments and behaviors of human beings has been consistent throughout the life. While some other traits shifts with the change of ages and time (Ellison et al., 2014). Various researches have been conducted over the influence of the Internet addiction with additional problems. The outcomes displayed disturbed behavior exhibited by the Internet Users over the Internet. With the increasing phenomenon of the huge browsing of Internet, researchers have been trying to figure out its impacts. The following study firstly identifies the influence and addiction of Internet. Subsequently, the merits and demerits are explored. The ultimate aim of the study is to propose a model, explaining flaws of the existing solutions. Finally, the conclusion has been discussed on the review process and determining the limitations of the study. Describing the field of research: Since the last couple of decades, the way human beings has been living and the process of their performing activities has faced new changes. This has been due to the developments in information and communication sectors. As said by Taddicken (2014), the large distribution of the computers has been vital reason behind this. This has lead to communication of people taking place in the virtual space better defined as the cyberspace. This has appeared as a new-fangled ambience quite different from the real world that the human beings have been living. This has built links between people throughout the world. The efficiency in learning has also increased. The cyberspace has been utilized for disseminating and acquiring for future development. On the basis if the new information claimed by the Internet World Stats, two billion individuals have the access to internet. This growth of the usage of internet tremendously increased to 566.4% during the years of 2000 to 2012. The group of people in fastest growing category has been the adults aged from 55 to above. The people of age group between18 to 34 are found to be the users mostly active online. Lallmahamood, (2015) said that the Users of Internet has been increasing rapidly since the 90s. A study done previously claimed that 83% of the users surfing frequently have been between the ages of 20 to 40 years. Moreover, 30% of them found to browse without any particular reason. Almost 67% of them were males. Further, it was seen that the young adults has been camouflaging as teens while engaging in various online forums. 72% of them have been addicted to the social networking sites all day and night. As researched by Lu et al., (2014), mainly Asia has been found to accommodate the largest number of such users with a massive figure of 922.3 million. It has represented the forty four percent of the population of the internet users on this Earth. There have been an increasing number of concerns in Asia labeled as the Internet addiction. This has been also referred to as health issue. The Chinese Ministry of Health claimed that engaging in online activities for more than 6 hours per day is a symptom of the disorder called Internet Disorder. It also includes the adverse effect of unable to come online. 90% of the juvenile crime happening in Beijing city has been related to Internet. Several boot camps have been set up with the collaborative government of South Korea, Japan and China (Aguiar Martens, 2016). The Governments of China, Japan and South Korea have set up boot camps. They have been providing therapies to do away with Internet addiction of people. China has approached a step further in banning the new cyber cafes as a part of their government campaign. Almost fifteen percent of the university students in Europe and United States have been aware of the fact that they have been devoted to Internet. However, several doubts have risen regarding the justification of the outcry. Description of the Research: Bhatti, (2015) claimed that as a consequence, several questions has been rising regarding the level of changes of human behavior due to the Internet surfing. The review by empirical and academic literatures has shed light on some common questions. These have been the regarding the factuality of problems caused due to internet addiction. Moreover, the personality types who have been correlating with this addiction were needed to be identified. Lastly the possible addicts and the behaviors of the users of Internet have been raising severe queries. Hedman et al., (2014) claimed that the Internet Addiction has been regarded as an impulsive disorder that has not been due to the taking of intoxicating drugs. Nevertheless, it has been very much related to pathological gambling. It has been identified as the behavioral or non-chemical addiction arising due to the Human-Machine interaction. This has been both passive liking watch movies and active like playing of computer games. It has been the maladaptive using of internet leading to functional and social impairment. The several views for the concepts of Internet include the failure to control the internet usage. This results in psychological, tasking and social activities. The primary reasons for the dependency over Internet has been the rise in tolerance over the impact to stay online, rise in quantity of source investment on correlated activities, unpleasant mood during off-line and lastly the denial of the behaviors creating problems. Evaluation of the contribution the research to the field: Huang et al., (2014) argued that, there have been various models suggested to categorize the kinds of the activities done online. It has been concluded that the similarity nature around the models is the key distinction between the information collecting and interactive functions. The empirical study that has been carried out early has indicated the subtypes like addiction of cyber relationship or over involvement of online relationships. There have been net compulsions like online shopping, trading and gambling. The information also gets overloaded such as the compulsive we searches or surfing. Computer addictions have been also there like the obsessive behavior on computer games. There has been an alternative approach of 5 phases of the process of addition. This has been belonging towards the experimentation, discovery, escalation, hopelessness and compulsion. There has been also searching for irrelevant information that has not been so important and chatting for excessive time. Th ere are the contributions of the research to the field. Limitation of the research: Contrary to all the above, the internet has brought so many things close to the human beings. The positive aspects of it have been involving the performing of transactions of businesses with communications. There has been communication in between the social relations and access to library journals also. There have been few people who become obsessed in becoming exposed and familiarized in the Internet world that are to be changed. Various opinions have risen about the internet addiction (Park, 2013). Hence, it becomes hazardous to physical and mental health if the Internet is utilized excessively that needs changes. Hence, arguments have been lying on both the positive and negative aspects. So, the coming to a sudden conclusion through the studies only is a great limitation of the research. Kiesler, (2014) identified that these have been compulsory since working through Internet has been productive and effective. The students also need to surf the internet. Many people have been feeling comfortable with their online friends than the friends they interact in real life. There have been various modes of entertainment like playing games and watching movies and videos that brings refreshment. The internet access has been easier in mobile phone s also. All this indicates that during the states of being online the individuals has been feeling thrilled, uninhibited, excites, desirable and more supportive. The situations offline could make them angry, depressed, anxious and worried. The strong emotions have been positively reinforcing the compulsive behavior referring to the addicted ones generating various effects (Kardefelt-Winther, 2014). Hence the research has been a humanitarian approach for the betterment or better living of human beings in the peaceful society. Effect of Internet addiction: From the previous studies various impacts to the addiction to Internet could be drawn. The negative impacts have been regarding the influence on the interpersonal relationship. Here the relation goes away further from the reality for an individual. People have been facing behavioral problems because of the Internet where they have been giving reaction much differently from their normal attitude. Various physical problems have been arising due to the addiction to Internet. This includes the disruption of sleeping pattern, headache or migraine and so on (Dale et al., 2015). Other problems have been regarding the psychology where people have been unable to manage the emotions. Schulz, (2014) claimed that there has been further alteration in the thinking because of the long hour utility of Internet. This has tended to increase the time of net serving and eliminated set schedule. There have been interpersonal problems that recurrent difficulties related to others. There has been argument that this interpersonal problems has been those areas where individuals has been reacting differently unlike what they have been expected to be. The person who has been indulged in the social networks has been found to withdrawing from the social activities. There has been decrease in tolerance and problems of time management. The behavior has been lying on the basis of internal personal factors that has been including the affective, biological and cognitive conditions and events. This situation has been generating from the external environment influencing each other from both the directions. The results have been social isolation, late evening usage of Internet, reduction of academic performances and sleeping disturbances. Heavy users of Internet has been less likely to be engaging in taking healthier diet, eating nutritional supplements, trying to rise the levels of physical activities and significantly showing overweight BI or Body Mass Index. They acquire hypersomnia. Sitting in front of the computer for excessive time leads to higher risks of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Dombrowski et al., 2014). Putting aside the poor influences, there has been positive aspects also in using Internet. The Internet has been providing the users with the information related to promotion of research, working overseas with foreign people effectively and connecting people worldwide. The positive features have been involving convenient, informative, and fun and resourcefulness but those who are addicts this turn into detriments. In the Pakistan study, a significant majority of respondents has reported that the activity has been helpful for communication throughout the world. About seventy four percent has experienced the development in reading and writing and skills of data processing by using Internet. The Internet users have been more actively indulged and engaging in Internet usage due to this interactivity. Neubauer et al., (2013) used their scales of Internet usage and searched some motivations namely the entertainment, convenience, information seeking, time passing, interpersonal utility. Carlbring et al., (2013) Found out that the users has been experiencing in large scale of exposure, leisure, relaxation, self development and lastly larger exchange of global views and information. Technology acceptance model: It is the best model for the solution. Developed from the reasons action theory, the technology Acceptance Model has explained the acceptance of technology on the basis of the users attitude. The model has seen the relationships casually as essential and unidirectional. The good thing about the model is that the environment has been influencing the cognitive beliefs influencing behavior and attitudes (Dombrowski et al., 2014). Limitations: Like the other empirical studies, the study has been consisting of various limitations: Firstly, some online journals have been considered merely for the huge issue arising against the sustaining of the human society. The longitudinal studies using both the qualitative and quantitative techniques were not made. These would have been required to make sense of the changes in Internet behavior Lastly, surveys on different age group could also be done. The research could be strengthened by increasing the size of sample and including university students and working people. The empirical researches have been needed on the various patterns of the distressed users that would help in better studying. This should also include the behavioral pattern and the disorder for further research. This would help in remarking the advanced phenomenon. Conclusion: The study has discussed about every pieces of work. The research and the field of research is described. The valuation of research is done. The effect of Internet addiction is highlighted. Limitations are shown with the best model proposed which is the Technology Acceptance Model. It has been hard to determine the causality of the addictedness towards Internet. Indeed, the impacts has been recognized a collection of dilemmas like behavioral, working, psychological and interpersonal problems. The internet addiction or abuse has lead to serious addiction over young adults particularly those who are under maturity period of their physical and mental health. The addiction to Internet has not been limited to the harming of an individual only. It has also left its impact on the performance of work of a person. The condition has been worsening as the problem of work has brought harms on people doing work together and their company The Internet has permeated the work and home environments. I t has also included the social and personal phenomenon. The awful impacts have been the poor performance of work, physical problems, interpersonal relationships and psychological aspects. Moreover there have been impacts on academics and career of people also. The researches on the influence of the addiction of Internet have been in its primary stage of the development. The empirical studies have been required on the different patterns of the distressed users. This should also include the behavioral pattern or the disorder for further research in order to remark the advanced phenomenon. References: Aguiar, L. Martens, B., 2016. Digital music consumption on the internet: evidence from clickstream data.Information Economics and Policy,34, pp.27-43. Bhatti, T. (2015). Exploring factors influencing the adoption of mobile commerce.The Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce,2007. Carlbring, P., Hgglund, M., Luthstrm, A., Dahlin, M., Kadowaki, ., Vernmark, K., Andersson, G. (2013). Internet-based behavioral activation and acceptance-based treatment for depression: a randomized controlled trial.Journal of Affective Disorders,148(2), 331-337. Dale, L. P., Whittaker, R., Jiang, Y., Stewart, R., Rolleston, A., Maddison, R. (2015). Text message and internet support for coronary heart disease self-management: results from the Text4Heart randomized controlled trial.Journal of medical Internet research,17(10), e237. Dombrowski, S. U., Knittle, K., Avenell, A., Araujo-Soares, V., Sniehotta, F. F. (2014). Long term maintenance of weight loss with non-surgical interventions in obese adults: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.Bmj,348, g2646. Ellison, N. B., Vitak, J., Gray, R., Lampe, C. (2014). Cultivating social resources on social network sites: Facebook relationship maintenance behaviors and their role in social capital processes.Journal of Computer?Mediated Communication,19(4), 855-870. Hedman, E., Ljtsson, B., Kaldo, V., Hesser, H., El Alaoui, S., Kraepelien, M., ... Lindefors, N. (2014). Effectiveness of Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for depression in routine psychiatric care.Journal of affective disorders,155, 49-58. Huang, G. C., Unger, J. B., Soto, D., Fujimoto, K., Pentz, M. A., Jordan-Marsh, M., Valente, T. W. (2014). Peer influences: the impact of online and offline friendship networks on adolescent smoking and alcohol use.Journal of Adolescent Health,54(5), 508-514. Kardefelt-Winther, D. (2014). A conceptual and methodological critique of internet addiction research: Towards a model of compensatory internet use.Computers in Human Behavior,31, 351-354. Kiesler, S. (2014).Culture of the Internet. Psychology Press. Lallmahamood, M. (2015). An Examination of Individual s Perceived Security and Privacy of the Internet in Malaysia and the Influence of This on Their Intention to Use E-Commerce: Using An Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model.The Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce,2007. Lu, J., Lu, C., Yu, C.S. Yao, J.E., 2014. Exploring factors associated with wireless internet via mobile technology acceptance in Mainland China.Communications of the IIMA,3(1), p.9. Neubauer, K., von Auer, M., Murray, E., Petermann, F., Helbig-Lang, S., Gerlach, A. L. (2013). Internet-delivered attention modification training as a treatment for social phobia: a randomized controlled trial.Behaviour Research and Therapy,51(2), 87-97. Park, Y. J. (2013). Digital literacy and privacy behavior online.Communication Research,40(2), 215-236. Schulz, D. N., Kremers, S. P., Vandelanotte, C., Van Adrichem, M. J., Schneider, F., Candel, M. J., de Vries, H. (2014). Effects of a web-based tailored multiple-lifestyle intervention for adults: a two-year randomized controlled trial comparing sequential and simultaneous delivery modes.Journal of medical Internet research,16(1), e26. Taddicken, M. (2014). The Privacy Paradoxin the social web: The impact of privacy concerns, individual characteristics, and the perceived social relevance on different forms of self?disclosure.Journal of Computer?Mediated Communication,19(2), 248-273. The impact of Internet knowledge on college students' intention to continue to use the Internet. (2017). Informationr.net. Retrieved 19 April 2017, from https://www.informationr.net/ir/13-3/paper348.html

The Waste Land and Waiting for Godot Essay Example

The Waste Land and Waiting for Godot Paper The two texts, The Waste Land and Waiting for Godot both convey an air of pessimism within their openings due to the modernist and existentialist views of both the writers. The Waste Land Eliots vision of a contemporary predicament, one of natural erotic and spiritual aridity which seems to transcend the barriers of historical time, or natural and geographical boundaries does no depict just the sickness of the land itself; on the contrary it is a metaphor for something more powerful and complex we are dealing with the human condition which Eliot reveals lacks focus and has ironically dissolved into fragments resulting in a heap of broken images. T. S. Eliot was a modernist poet, who questioned contemporary literary values of life after the First World War. Modernism thrived in the periods between the two World Wars as it was a time of great difficulty since the conflict created many pessimistic beliefs amongst the civilians. There was not much optimism as to improvement of mankind and this resulted in the disintegration and alienation of the modern self through crisis. Similarly, the poem purports to open up cracks in culture, to show the underlying fault lines and its implications are also to unsettle the reader. Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot is an absurd play, because at times it is difficult to discern if there is a plot at all, and at other times, the play seems incredibly profound. We will write a custom essay sample on The Waste Land and Waiting for Godot specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Waste Land and Waiting for Godot specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Waste Land and Waiting for Godot specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The essence of existentialism, which is most prominent in this play, concentrates on the concept of the individuals freedom of choice, as opposed to the belief that humans are controlled by a pre-existing omnipotent being, such as God. Beckett believes that humans only exist and nothing else. In order for existence to become a life it must have a purpose and Beckett believes humans do not have a purpose. Everything we do is purely to pass the time between birth and death. The play is a tragicomedy and is for the majority of the time rather morose and dark, creating a pessimistic image of life. The few characters and sparse surroundings are used to exaggerate the view that humans exist only to pass time. Vladimir and Estragon never progress through life but go round in circles in their conversation, actions and encounters with other characters. They are representative of humankind and the play is a microcosm of society. The Waste Land is a spiritual journey, which begins with an April opening that questions our conditioned expectation of the seasons. We see the natural attitude that April heralds the spring and is responsible for bloom is distorted. The adjectives used to describe this season indicate that nothing flourishes here because the roots, the very foundation of the vegetation is described as being dull a word which seems to stand out from the rest because the l sounds enact the idea of lyrically sighing. Paradoxically, life seems to struggle out of death. Eliot expresses this idea well by the physical imagery he uses to describe the landscape: lilacs. This is a symbol of freshness and vigour and it is bred out of the dead land. So the land in turn reflects the sapped vitality of its inhabitants. We see that there is a lack of regeneration and fertility through the deficiency of flourishing vegetation in the Wasteland and this conveys an air of pessimism as there is no possibility of hope being created since nothing is able to grow in this land. The hyacinth girl with her wet hair and very succulent lushness of her flowers are sexually symbolic and therefore she has expectations for growth but her words which are childlike and self-pitying convey her disappointment because her lover has failed her. So the expectations that love should grow and flourish is shattered by the silence, creating a note of finality. There is definitely something lacking in the relationship, which results in a state where the people of the Wasteland are neither living nor dead which then places them all in a limbo of the half alive whose life cycle can never be harmonised with the natural cycle (of growth). Therefore, where the two should harmonise they jar discordantly and this results in the many negative activities going on in the wasteland adding to the pessimistic feelings expressed in the poem. By looking at the state of the land it is evident that no spiritual being has come to promote regeneration within the Wasteland. The expectation that the corpse in The Burial of the Dead might sprout or perhaps bloom this year comes to stand as a metaphor for rebirth and growth which is not physical but spiritual. This expectation though is not fulfilled but instead is sardonically dismissed. We are instead presented with an image opposing the idea of growth: the image of the dying Tristan who shows us that the true potential of relationships is not fulfilled and instead the relationship comes to a tragic end because love alone is not enough to provide the answers for a spiritually rewarding life. The use of assonance, the e sounds, in Tristans last words Oed und leer das Meer help to create the idea of the wide sea ironically filled with vast emptiness. Earlier, we were warned by the god-like voice not to take this life, but the language there was very covert and the fear that he would show in a hand full of dust suggests an association with death, as the image of dust once again questions our own mortality. These people however, cannot connect or comprehend the meaning and so have taken it to mean only the idea of death, rather than using the information to question the lives that they lead now. Waiting for Godot fertility The lack of fertility is expressed in Waiting for Godot through the fact that there are no female characters at all. This means that there is no real chance of new life being brought into the universe and the natural cycle of life is tampered with. Beckett claimed thatg he Moreover, Estragon and Vladimir seek sexual pleasure through hanging themselves off a tree: What about hanging ourselves? showing the sexual depravation faced by the protagonists. They prefer to indulge in suicidal methods to attain sexual pleasure rather than actual intercourse, through which some optimism could also be brought into the play with a sense of fertility and regeneration. Yet, there is no renewal or rebirth of human life and this suggests a lack of hopefulness within the play. In addition, the image of the fog in The Waste Land is symbolic of the confusion felt by the London crowd, people with a spectral dimension who flow aimlessly. Their sighs of boredom amount to nothing, but a form of damnation, which Eliot presents as ghost-like. Therefore, in this section the imagery clearly emphasises the idea that their existence is a very unreal one, lacking focus. This also explains their confusion and inability to piece information, valuable for their spiritual growth. Stephen Coote highlights that in the wasteland, Life is death and death is life. This can be seen to be very true, especially in the case of the citizens, as they are not actually living their lives but merely existing on the basic needs necessary for their lives to continue. The people could be described as being soulless which is equivalent to death and therefore living is also seen to be dead. The futility of the lives lead by the citizens, that can be see here, shows the many difficulties people faced after the First World War, claiming that despair was the only honest response to the chaotic universe, admitting defeat and leading bleak lives with a deficiency of love and spirituality. Their pessimistic attitude to the world and to each other is communicated through the ineffectuality of their behaviour. Waiting in Waiting for Godot induces boredom as a theme. Vladimir and Estragon constantly ponder and ask questions, many of which are rhetorical or are left unanswered. Existentialists expressed clearly that human beings can never hope to understand why they are here. The tramps repetitive inspection of their empty hats perhaps symbolizes mankinds vain search for answers within the spiritual and moral vacuum of a universe. Existentialists further declared that human beings require a rational basis for their lives but are unable to achieve one, and thus human life is a futile passion. Estragon and Vladimir attempt to put order into their lives by waiting for a Godot who never arrives. They continually subside into the futility of their situation, reiterating the phrase Nothing to be done. Vladimir also resolves with the notion that life is futile, or nothing is to be done at the beginning, replying All my life Ive tried to put it from me And I resumed the struggle. David Parfitt claims that this is a play in which nothing seems to happen and this is true as Beckett deliberately employs the repetition of themes, speech and action to highlight the futility of life. Gogo and Didi frequently repeat phrases, such as, Nothing to be done. Their actions consist of ritually inspecting their hats. Nothingness is what the two tramps are essentially fighting against and the reason why they talk. Beckett conveys a universal message that pondering the impossible questions that arise from waiting, cause pain, anxiety and inactivity. Both Vladimir and Estragon ponder suicide, by hanging themselves from the tree, but are unable to act due to anxiety, as Estragon states, Dont lets do anything. Its safer. Anxiety could explain the inactivity of both Estragon and Vladimir as they both are aware of the different choices they can make but are hesitant, anxious and generally inactive: Estragon: Well, shall we go? Vladimir: Yes, lets go. They do not move. Beckett infers that humans pass time by habit or routine to cope with the existentialist dilemma of the dread or anxiety of their existence. This shows the futility of the lives and conversations that the protagonists of the play have as they are continually stagnating and there is no progress throughout their existence on Earth. The process is very cyclical and hence an air of pessimism is conveyed through the fruitless survival led by Vladimir and Estragon. Throughout The Waste Land, various prophetic figures are alluded to, including the Sybil, Ezekiel, Tiresias, Buddha and the thunder. Madam Sosostris is an ironic version of the prophetic figure and is an example of the lack of spirituality in the Wasteland, especially since she had a bad cold exemplifying that she is only human and mocks her abilities to read the future. Madam Sosostris conducts the most outrageous form of reading possible, transforming a series of vague symbols into predictions, many of which will come true in succeeding sections of the poem. She claims, Fear death by water, that comes true in Part 4 of the poem Death by water. We see that water not only brings salvation to people of the wasteland but also death, showing natures ability to take peoples lives. The clairvoyant also indicates the nature of the wasteland, I see crowds of people walking around in a ring, illustrating the pointless and futile lives led by the people of the wasteland and also the image of the ring means that there is no escape from the cycle of death imparting the idea that there is no hope in the wasteland. Eliot transforms the traditional tarot pack to serve his purposes. Similarly, the clairvoyant undergoes a transformation in assistance with her needs: fraud, vulgarity, and cheap mysticism. The phoney psychic Madame Sosostris simply states what she sees and there is not enough insight to apprehend the meaning of the drowned Phoenician sailor or the Wheel. Eliot shows this to be the behaviour of those who expect nothing, feelings which come from an indifference towards life itself. Western men had exhausted their spiritual powers; some rushed around looking for replacements in magic, as we can see with Madam Sosostris but others also turned to eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism that they felt offered peace and salvation. This view is repeated by Stephen Coote when he states that the wasteland mainly focuses on the, Death of God. This can be seen in the way that people believed in magic and consulted a psychic rather than turning to God. However, I believe that this is not entirely true as Eliot mentioned the three Das in the latter part of the poem where regeneration occurs and the belief of God comes into focus in the peoples hearts following Eastern religions showing that universally a slow change is occurring. This will soon spread to the others who will spiritually strive within the wasteland, giving the reader some hope that life will continue on a positive note, eradicating the air of pessimism that is prevalent throughout the poem. Eliots mother was also a poet, interested in more visionary and prophetic poetry as she was obsessed with religious truths. Whilst his mothers principal poetic direction was the extraordinary exertions of seers and prophets, Eliot chose to write about the lack of spirituality of people within the wasteland because they turned to a fortune-teller for help although she has no connection with God. This is a portrayal of his cynical opinions, using Madam Sosostris as an example, of the life people lead in the time period between the two World Wars. Beckett seems to portray the incomprehensibility and irrationality of faith or hope and perhaps feels advocating a leap of faith limits the individuals choice. Despite Becketts denial of Godots symbolism to God, Godot does have a strong connection towards a god of some kind. Godot could be a hero, a religious symbol, a role model but most importantly a symbol of hope. The more Gogo and Didi converse about this supposed Mr. Godot, the more importance this god-like figure or symbol acquires. Vladimir illustrates the absurdity and the delusive nature of hope, as he has premonitions of Godots arrival: Listen! Hssst! ( They listen, huddled together. ) I thought it was Godot. I could have sworn I heard shouts. Gogo replies more realistically, Pah! The wind in the reeds. Absurdity in the play is a by-product of their metaphysically bizarre condition. However, the fact that Godot still has not arrived throughout the course of the play, shows the lack of a higher spiritual present to sort out Vladimirs and Estragons problems. In fact, this increases the pessimism within the play since Gogo and Didi have made no progress throughout the whole play and end at the same place as they started presenting their stagnating positions, which religion or a supreme being does not help to change. In conclusion, the play and the poem both display a bleak view of life and all the characters epitomise all of mankind showing the full range of human emotions. In Godot, the pessimistic view is that they cannot escape waiting for Godot, from each other or from their situation. The optimistic view of the play shows a range of human emotion and the need to share experiences alongside the suffering of finite existence; governed by the past, acting in the present and the uncertainty of the future. On reflection in The waste Land, we see that our lives are conditioned by hope and if we yearn to become more spiritual and religious, the negativity of the wasteland portrayed by Eliots pessimistic tone would soon disappear. The texts, although, express disappointment, disillusionment, and shows desiccated human relationships, also show us some promise of an escape from these things.