Kundera Essay

Milan Kundera asserts a clear distinction in Testaments Betrayed; private and public life are “two essentially different worlds.” This statement is undeniably accurate. Milan then continues to express that people or groups who intentionally reveal someone's private life are “criminals.” These people who expose the private lives of others, in my opinion, are more than “curtain rippers,” they are hypocrites.

The aspects of life that society and culture have tabooed, one will store in their private life. This is, of course, with the intention to conceal these aspects from others. If this private life is revealed, there is a possibility that reputation and status may be lost from those under their power or authority.

The innate nature of the heart leads to private decisions, whereas societal and cultural expectations heavily influence public decisions. Humans are more cautious about public decisions because their reputation is at stake. Private decisions, on the other hand, can only put a reputation on the line if it is revealed.

Important figures or people of power and authority, respect and trust, stardom and fame, must be selective and aware of their private decisions in order to always maintain credibility. It is better that one matches their private life closely to their public life to eliminate any doubt of false credibility. When President Carter was asked if had ever “lusted,” he replied that he had “looked upon many women with lust.” Many people praised Carter for his honesty. Carter had exposed his private life intentionally, and because of this, many still approved of him. His private life closely matched his public life. Ghandi once said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."By this he meant that many people publicly act Christian, but do not privately act Christian. He likes Christ because Jesus did both.

Many humans crave scandalous items. Magazines such as “People” make millions annually. There will always be groups revealing the private lives of those who are held to high standards in society. These groups who expose the lives of others, are never themselves exposed. If “People” magazine revealed the private lives of “curtain rippers,” there would also be scandals and flaws in their lives. When the “curtain rippers” expose the private life of Tiger Woods, all of the blame, fault, and penalty is on his. No one thinks twice about the selfish people who intend to ruin his fame and career. A well known verse from the Bible, Matthew 7:5, applies to these “curtain rippers,” “You hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; and then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.” (NIV)

Public and private life are two different worlds, but ideally should be a reflection of each other to create an accurate portrayal of one's true self. In a culture filled with gossip and cultural, curtains may be ripped down, and private lives may be revealed. Even though the blame will fall on the person left cold and exposed, the true criminal will still be holding the curtain.

Huck Finn Essay

Mark Twain incorporates humor in Huck's moral and emotional response to his actions regarding helping Jim escape. Instead of feeling heroic, triumphant, and accomplished, Huck felt “bad and low” because he knew he “had done wrong.” Huck sincerely feels guilt for his actions that could be considered courageous and admirable. Twain expresses his intent to display on the ironic nature of this situation, that becomes humorous to read.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was first published in 1884. During this time slavery was common and blacks were considered inhuman. In some aspects, Twain reveals the culture and societal expectations of black people at this time. Huck Finn has learned these characteristics throughout his lifetime, and thinks he may have “done right and give Jim up.” However, this is not Twain's central claim. He wants to show that Huck did the right thing by helping Jim escape from runaway-slave catchers.

It is humorous that Huck experiences immense guilt and tells himself if he had give Jim up “would you feel better than what you do now?” The serious nature that Huck addresses his moral dilemma is nothing short of comical. He analyzes his moral judgment in such a way that could be considered irrational. He notes that “it's troublesome to do right” and “ain't no trouble to do wrong.” This whimsical outlook on life is optimistic is a self and was intended to bring a smile to the readers face. Of course, the easy was isn't always the best way, but Huck concludes that it is the better choice. He says that “both wages (are) just the same.” By making trouble before one does right, he would support that you might as well make trouble after doing something wrong, because it is ultimately the same concept.

Huck's final verdict that that he should all together “bother no more about it” and make decisions based on what is “handiest at the time.” Twain establishes Huck's humorous character throughout the passage by revealing his inner-most thoughts in regard to the “bad” thing he has done. This is most humorous because Huck makes an elaborate description of his guilt and moral understanding only to come to a reasoning that only brings him to the beginning of a continual loop, leaving the reader smiling and saying “Oh, Huck Finn.”

Birds: Analytical Essay

A flock of birds is transformed in the elaborate work of John Audubon and Annie Dillard by the way they both portray their ideas through their literary devices and diction. Audubon has fairly factual approach. In contrast, Annie Dillard has a very abstract portrayal. This is apparent when specifically observing the style influenced by several factors of both individuals.

John Audubon is immensely precise in his description of the birds in flight he encounters. From a mathematical or scientific perspective, Audubon seems to see patterns and numbers in the surroundings he observes. He sees the birds in “countless multitudes,” and remarks on their “aerial evolutions.” He characterizes the birds by their “compact mass,” and their “inconceivable velocity” as they are “mounted perpendicularly.” This shows in intricacy of the birds, and the accuracy of their flight.

Observations made by Audubon are technical but illustrate a specific setting. A journalistic approach of detail and organized thought is clearly conveyed in the writing of John Audubon. He addresses information with all of the essential components. Audubon states the “multitudes” of birds, the path of their flight from “northeast to south-west” and even the “noon-time of day” in which he observed.

Annie Dillard is elaborate in her delineation of the birds she describes. Dillard's role of a female is clearly woven throughout her piece. She incorporates specific household tasks into her writing to represent the birds actions. There are “flock sifting into flock” of birds over her head like the sound of “beaten air” or “a million shook rugs.” Dillard conveys a knowledge of weaving by establishing an alliance of the characteristics of the birds flight. The birds, “unravel” like a “loosened skein,” and “bobbed and knitted” through the air. She remarks of their passage through the “weft of limbs.” All of the terminology she utilizes is found in weaving or sewing.

Dillard reveals an intimate connection by asking the rhetorical question could “tiny birds be sifting through the gaps between my cells?” This question establishes another dimension of depth relying on awe and wonder found in the author's voice. Abstract and artistic are clearly shown in this statement. Dillard has a extraordinary imagination.

Contrasting views are present in the pieces by Audubon and Dillard. However, they share a common foundation of the interest taken upon the flight of birds. The interpretations they both present differ in several aspects as they describe their observation. Both Dillard and Audubon make parallel relationships to their interests. Audubon creates a simile in which the birds became like an equation. The birds darted forward in”angular lines” and “mounted perpendicularly” to resemble a “column.” Dillard similarly produces a correspondence between weaving and the flight of birds. She describes how “each individual bird bobbed and knitted up and down.”

Both authors also remark specifically about the numbers in which the birds flew. Audubon observes the pigeons in “greater numbers than I thought I had ever seen them before.” Dillard expresses the multitudes of birds flying “directly over my head for half and hour.” Audubon and Dillard both share the same awe and exuberance toward birds.

By comparing the authors, a prevalent theme of awe and wonder of birds is seen in both Audubon and Dillard. By contrasting the two, a array of anomaly is apparent. Varying approaches were seen between Audubon and Dillard, but both create a intricate display of birds in flight.

The Color of Hunger (Roughie)

Hunger is black. It is white. It is brown. Hunger is all visible spectrum. Then why is the color invisible? The colors of hunger are transparent. They are there, but they are seen through and ignored. Hunger is the colors of the African flag. The Indian flag. The flags of all the world. Hunger is seen in the white of the American flag. It is seen in the green of the mountains. Hunger is in the sandy beige of the desert. Hunger in seen in the blue of the ocean. It is seen in the smog of the city. Where is the color of love? The color of compassion?

As I write this, i have food in my stomach. I thank the lord for thy bread to eat. The earth produces food for all to eat. Can it not be chared? Our great mother earth is bountiful. People suffering from salvation and malnutrition may not know the food pyramid and how many ounces of each food group to eat, but they know gnats can be made into an edible paste to survive. here we have to choice to be vegetarian. Other places dont even have a choice of that.

Red is the color of blood shed in the scarcity of food. Blue is the color of the sea of tears shed. Brown is the color of dirt in the grave. Death is the color of hunger. What is the color of life?

Sula Rhetorical Analysis

Rhetorical Analysis: Introduction Paragraph of Sula

In the opening paragraph of Sula, Tori Morrison describes an old neighborhood that will now be replaced with a Golf Course. She reminiscences about what the the neighborhood used to be and includes numerous details to establish how personal the neighborhood really was. This collaboration of memories makes the “Bottom” seem significant to her. She suggests that the neighborhood is now unimportant and forgotten to those who did not have ties to it when she says, ...there once was a neighborhood.”

Morrison emphasizes the irony of the situation in several instances. The name of the neighborhood on the hilltop is called the bottom. This signifies the rank of society. She also notes that, “Generous funds have been allotted to level the stripped and faded buildings...” This is ironic because if funds would have been provided to the “bottom” before, the neighborhood could have improved instead of becoming extinct. She refers to a beauty salon in the neighborhood as, “Irene's Palace of Cosmetology.” This most likely, however, was quite the opposite.

Tori Morrison intends for the diction to be direct and impacting. Words such as “tore” and “pry” show the inconsideration of the people who are demolishing the town. Words such as “nightshade” and “blackberry patches” signify the prejudice of the people who want to make room for the golf course. She conveys that there is an insignificance of these people to others.

Pathos is prevalent throughout the paragraph. Morrison describes African Americans being torn from their “roots,” their homes, for the selfish ambition of the Medallion City Gold Course. While describing the business and people of the neighborhood she adds a personal element to the paragraph, ultimately appealing to emotions. She creates vivid images that make connections to the place the “bottom” used to be.

Morrison aims to create a setting in the opening paragraph of Sula. She marks a place that used to be. The “bottom” was a neighborhood, with business and people, but now its only to be torn down to be built into something better. It is evident that although the bottom was not prestigious, it was significant to the people who lived there.

Lewe's Essay

M.E. Lewes Essay

In M.E. Lewes response to a letter from an American woman, Lewes emphasizes the importance of writing by expressing the significance of humble ambition. She demonstrates this through establishing credibility, reasoning, and direct connection to the heart of Melusina Pierce.

Lewes reacts to Pierce's as “touching and tender.” There is a direct connection between the two women because of their passion to write. Lewes has encountered and experienced many of the struggles Pierce has been through as a writer. Credibility is actually accomplished when Lewes reveals that she has entered “into those young struggles of yours” and into “the longing you (Pierce) feel.” By relating to Pierce in “all that I have gone thorough myself,” she reflects her position as a writer. Lewes implies the frustrations in the development of a writer.

Lewes' ethics and personality also embody credibility by admitting she was “too proud and ambitious to write.” She does not act superior to Pierce because she is a well-known author, but instead humbles herself to define an innate relationship with Pierce. She acknowledges Pierce as an author that shares similar characteristics to her.

Reasoning is also incorporated through the letter, providing evidence that “one's ignorance and incompleteness” can create a conflict. Lewes also remarks that a writer who has exhausted him or herself is “dreary.” However, Lewes uses these sentences to suppress Pierce's fears that she is “past her prime.” Lewes address that every writer has specific talents and gifts that are apparent in their writing. Lewes goes on to share some of her own story. This shows her own development as a writer to set an example for Pierce.

The English novelist addresses the rhetorical question of “Does this seem melancholy?” to confirm her opinion about the ways in which an author can be hindered. Lewes' answer to her question is “less melancholy than any sort of flattery.” This creates importance of avoiding conflicts that can burden writing. She wants Pierce to know that it is crucial to stick to one vision and goal.

By relating to the heart of Pierce, Lewe's draws on her emotions. She creates a connection between both of them instantly. Immediately she does this by complementing her writing ability and the she goes on to establish a deeper element to her letter implying a close connection. Lewe's explains that pierce is “held fast by woman necessities” of “neatness and household perfection.” She creates a definite persona which functions as a relational establishment. As she closes she remarks on her husband how that being married to good. This comment emphasizes how personal she intended the letter to be.

There are several apparent strategies in the piece that Lewes writes to Pierce that enhances her message. By appealing to Pierce through reasoning, connection, and credibly there is an underlying theme of encouragement in the development of a writer. By establishing this encouragement, humble ambition of a writer is generated.

Kennan Essay

Kennan Essay

In George F. Kennan's “Training for Statesmanship,” he addresses the element of power. His most compelling observation concerning this issue is that power “sometimes exists in irregular forces.” He then continues to state that theses forces are found “in underworld and criminal gangs.” This observation is imperative because throughout history is has become apparent that these self-appointed forces gain power through terror.

This observation holds true specifically in the United States. In the US there are 926 “hate groups.” Most of these groups are extremists that use violence to hold authority and power. Radicals exists from Neo-Nazis, Anti-Gay, KKK, White Nationalists, and cults. They use violence and possess control and command over others.

Neo-Nazi's intend to revive political and social aspects of Nazism. Most support discrimination and ethnic cleansing. Discrimination is the fuel of irregular forces of power. They brainwash others to believe that the honorable thing to do is keep one pure race. This is a direct example of a vigilante group. In their eyes, what they are doing is beneficial, although it is clearly destructive to society. Anti-Gay groups focus on tormenting those who are in homosexual relationships. Although society is entitled to individual opinions, the problem arises in those who use fear and terror to prove their point. It seems a little coincidental that many victims of murder are homosexual.

Similarly the KKK and White Nationalists uses terror, violence, and lynching to oppress African Americans, Jews, and other minorities that may be a “threat” to the interests of white Americans. This group has power because of its immense secrecy. In 1963, the “16^th Street Baptist Church Bombing” killed four girls. The case was determined to be a racially motivated attack by the KKK in 2000. Groups such as these can get away with such violent attacks because of the authority they possess.

There is a defining line between a religion and a cult. A religion is a system of beliefs and practices that are based upon a power that controls human destiny, while a cult is unorthodox and extremist. Followers are brainwashed and manipulated to believe in demented practices. Most groups use fear to obtain their followers. Cults are so influential that several mass suicides have occurred over the years. From 1994 to 1997, seventy-four of the Order of the Sun's followers committed suicide leaving letters behind. The believed their deaths would be an escape from the “hypocrisies and oppression” of this world.

Power can be used beneficially, but when it is used in a corrupt manner, peace is unattainable. Kennan's observation holds true in the US among all of the radical group. Those who have extremist views towards a race, ethnicity, religion, or social class sometimes, unfortunately, express these views using power and authority as a direct result of fear. They will not cease to exist either. It will always be a power struggle.