This Be the Verse Commentary Essays

This Be the Verse Commentary Essays This Be the Verse Commentary Paper This Be the Verse Commentary Paper In Philip Larkins poem, This Be the Verse, he uses strong language to get across his message of that no one should have children. The title already gives hints to the attitude of this poem. The title This Be the Verse sounds like the Larkin is stating that this is the guide that we should all live by. Specifically, verse gives off a very biblical feeling making it sound official and used by people centuries ago. Also the defined article the before verse adds seriousness to the title. As for the form, from the first stanza it is already evident that there is an alternating rhyme scheme and that each stanza has four lines. In addition, the stanzas are short and simple which makes it very child like. Larkin perhaps made them short in order to get his message across to the reader. If there is more text, the message would not be as clear and easy to find like in this poem. The first line of this poem, starts out with an altered syntax. It sounds as if Larkin is starting in the middle of his thoughts and just wrote it on the piece of paper without much thought. In addition he uses a swear word. This immediately grabs the attention of the reader. Depending on the type of reader, some may think that this is offence that he is using such language, however, others may think that he is revolutionary for using the work in something sophisticated like a poem. The word they is repeated five times in this poem for describing the parent. By using the word they, instead of your parents, it makes the parents sound disconnected and that there are two sides you and them. However, in the next line he states And add some extra, just for you which sounds like an adult talking to a small child. In this first stanza there are phrases that juxtaposition themselves. The first stanza has a clear message that parent have a negative effect on their children, however, the next stanza this perspective changes. In the second stanza imagery is used to show the generation divide your parents and you. It makes it sound like this process is an ongoing cycle. To add to this effect the stanza is also one sentence, which is similar to how the cycle never ends. Since the attitude of this stanza is different than the last, Larkin used the word but to change his perspective to that its not all your parents fault because they were influenced negatively by their own parents. This relieves the mitigating circumstances for the parents. Same as the last stanza, the word fuck is used allowing the reader to think that it is exactly same situation for the parents. The third stanza of this poem puts the cycle into a larger perspective. It is as if the poet is now zooming out of the image he has set up in the last two stanzas. He uses metaphors that are much more general for example man hands on misery to man and it depends like a coastal shelf. The first metaphor sounds as if with in the misery is being passed on in phase, because the m sound is repeated. The other metaphor shows how his idea is even seen in the natural world. The last line of this poem is clear and concise. Since it is in present tense, makes it sound that Larkin is telling you orders. Although there is clear evidence that Larkin has a negative attitude to parenthood his message develops and changes perspectives throughout the poem. The reason why he might have written this poem is because he was angry at his parents but as his anger cools down and he looks at the big picture. Then by the last stanza he takes the entire cycle into perspective and notices that even in society and nature this pattern is found. His message, for the reader, depends on who is reading it. For parents, they might feel offended because it is a shock for someone to tell them that they are not good parents. Younger people, who are not parents yet, would find this poem humorous but they also might feel sympathy for the parents because of what they have been through. I do not believe that this is truly how Larkin feels about his parents and the cycle but this was just a time in his life where he felt this way and wanted to express it. I do not believe he is serious because of his several uses of black humor. For example, who fools in old-style hats and coats, everyone has respect for their grandparents and he just means it in a humorous way. Larkins form and organization was great importance to achieving his message that the only way to stop this cycle is to not have children.

Steel Axes for Stone Age Australians Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Steel Axes for Stone Age Australians - Essay Example The article indicates that initially the Yir Yoront group lacked knowledge concerning metals. Consequently, the group’s culture observed a technology characterized by customary Stone Age tools. The group primarily survived through hunting, fishing, gathering fruits and vegetables from the bush (Sharp 34). Furthermore, the group lacked cultivated plants and kept a dog as their only tamed animal. In contrast to other groups of the time, Yir Yoront developed stone axes that contributed substantially to their economy because it defined their cultural practices. However, toward the end of the 19th century, the metal tools and other European materials started penetrating the Yir Yoront land. Adoption of steel axes led to various changes to the group’s way of life. This included erosion of cultural practices. Although Yir yoronts attempted to resist the influence coming from Europeans, their effort was unproductive since European’s culture eventually spread within the g roup (Sharp 23). This article explains the dynamic nature of culture by highlighting the consequences of intercultural interactions. I support the author’s concepts that the introduction of steel axes among the Yir Yoronts led to the transformation of their social way of life. The Axe occupied a relevant position in the context of the Yir Yoront’s culture. Consequently, processes performed by the too had the potential of affecting the behavior of the group. Steel axes were more effective than stone axes. This meant that they offered an advanced approach of doing things. The modern development provided tactical approaches capable of making work easier. The traditional approaches could not match the developed technology. This forced the group to abandon its ineffective procedures. This indicates that a culture that presents appealing processes that lead to development can always affect the culture of another group. The Yir Yoront eventually had to borrow cultural concepts from the

Problem with zoo animal welfare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Problem with zoo animal welfare - Essay Example Isolating the two smaller male animals is not the solution for avoiding the others from getting the coughing and weight loss. The veterinarian enclosed the animals in the four-hectare forested area with the intentions of saving the other animals from getting the disease. At the time the two animals spent in the forested enclosure, the animals felt comfortable, out of fear and panic. This change of environment and comfort gain resulted to the increased weight and fast recovery for the animals. Consequently, the veterinarian had the misconceptions that she solved the problem and took the animals back to the display pen. Little did she know that the root cause of the coughing and weight loss was the environment by which the animals were exposed. Fear aggression refers to a famous and common class of animal feline aggression. A high percentage of llamas inherit the shy gene, which resulted to their aggression once they face frightening environments. For instance, poor socialization can result in a fear aggression where punishing the animals make the situation worse. Llamas might develop a fear of individuals, odors, certain noises, other animals, places, and end up reacting with aggression. There are several solutions for solving panic and fear in llamas. The veterinarian can check the reactive distance and the tolerance level of the llamas. For instance, the animals might be comfortable in any environment as long as the scary/frightening animal or people stay some six feet away while on the contrary reacts with panic and fear at five feet. ... Concern 2 Isolating the two smaller male animals is not the solution for avoiding the others from getting the coughing and weight loss (Tolin, 2012). The veterinarian enclosed the animals in the four-hectare forested area with the intentions of saving the other animals from getting the disease. At the time the two animals spent in the forested enclosure, the animals felt comfortable, out of fear and panic. This change of environment and comfort gain resulted to the increased weight and fast recovery for the animals (McEwan, 2006). Consequently, the veterinarian had the misconceptions that she solved the problem and took the animals back to the display pen. Little did she know that the root cause of the coughing and weight loss was the environment by which the animals were exposed. Now, what should the veterinarian do to solve the problem of panicky and fearful behavior? Fear aggression refers to a famous and common class of animal feline aggression. A high percentage of llamas inheri t the shy gene, which resulted to their aggression once they face frightening environments (Tolin, 2012). For instance, poor socialization can result to fear aggression where punishing the animals make the situation worse. Llamas might develop fear of individuals, odors, certain noises, other animals, places, and end up reacting with aggression. There are several solutions for solving panic and fear in llamas. The veterinarian can check the reactive distance and the tolerance level of the llamas. For instance, the animals might be comfortable in any environment as long as the scary/frightening animal or people stay some six feet away while on the contrary reacts with panic and fear at five feet (McEwan,

Great Expectations Essay Example for Free

Great Expectations Essay Magwitch is simply portrayed as an evil man chasing a little boy while in the Lean version we get to learn a little more about Magwitch and can empathise with him more. The 1946 Lean version incorporates both characterisation and maintaining the audiences interest (done through dialogue rather than just one dramatic word). Therefore, I would argue it is more effective. The sound effects used in both films are dramatic and each has moments where the sounds used are more effective than the other film. For example, Leans film makes use of trees creaking, wind whistling, a short sharp scream and loud lonely bird calls. These sounds build up the effect of loneliness and solitude surrounding Pip. This is effective because it allows the audience to become emotionally attached to the character which makes it more dramatic when Pip meets Magwitch. On the other hand, the 1999 version of the film makes use of heavy breathing and very loud sudden bird calls. These sound effects are mote dramatic than the other films effects because the birds and heavy breathing are very loud and upfront rather than subtle. They really add to the scene and so I believe both the films have equally effective sound effects. A heavy use of symbolism is evident in both films. In the Lean version some symbolism used includes the book at the beginning. This represents that a story is about to be retold and the pages of the book turning suggest that the audience are being immersed into a story. The book may also be a subtle tribute to Dickens from Lean who acknowledges that the film is based on a novel. In fact, Lean tries to remain faithful to some of Dickens descriptions such as the horizontal lines in the sky. The shot of Magwitchs dirty skin is also an interesting use of symbolism. This is very effective because not only does it introduce us to Magwitchs circumstances but it also helps develop an alternate side to him. The dirt on his skin not only suggests that he is different underneath but also shows that he has been through a lot. The contrast in colouring between Magwitchs dark hand and Pips pale skin also reiterates how Magwitch is more evil and Pip is vulnerable. It is very effective because it has many purposes and is done very subtly. There is also symbolism in the later film and an interesting example is the birds flying in the sky. The quick transition from Pips face to the flying birds suggests to the audience that something terrible is happening. The timing of the cut suggests that the birds caws are covering what would be the boys screams. There is also the symbolism in that birds are free and can fly away from trouble while Pip is limited and can not get away so easily. I would argue that there is more important symbolism that has more purposes in the Lean version because there is a tribute to Dickens and it is used to develop the characters and plotline while the later film mainly uses symbolism for dramatic effect only. One way in which the earlier version is very good is in the use of the camera. One place where it is very effective is when there is a long shot panning behind a tree in a graveyard it is possibly a point of view shot. This not only sets the scene and establishes the background due to the long-shot but also creates the feeling that the audience are hiding and watching the boy. This makes them wonder what will happen to the boy as the audience will not know at this moment whether the character whose view we are taking has good or bad intentions. There is editing where there is flicking from one shot to another and this builds tension and creates confusion. This is used in the dialogue between Pip and Magwitch to show the urgency of the situation. Between this rapid editing the shots are mainly extreme close ups of Magwitchs face to create fear and close-ups of Pip so his emotions are very clear to the audience. The 1946 film has a lot of variations in shot however; the 1999 film mainly uses point of view and mid-shots which are interesting because they allow the audience to stay close to what is going on. Yet the variety in the Lean film keeps the audiences interest engaged. There would not have been a choice at the time the film was made but because the film is in black and white it is often very striking as the black white and grey seem minimalist but they still strongly contrast. Lean uses the black and white to create stark contrasts in the sky and background to emphasise the eeriness and loneliness of the setting. So although he can not make full use of the colour that the later film can Lean uses the contrasts in symbolism. Overall, I would say that although both films have very good openings the earlier one has more ways that make it a better introduction to the story as a whole. Generally I feel that the Lean film has shots that allow for more characterisation and development of plot while also making the vital dramatic impact that is imperative to retain the interest of an audience. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Miscellaneous section.

The Pearl :: Pearl

The Pearl Microsoft Encarta defines superstition to be an irrational but usually deep-seated belief in the magical effects of a particular action or ritual, especially in the likelihood that good or bad luck will result from performing it. Religion is defined as people's beliefs and opinions concerning the existence, nature, and worship of a deity or deities, and divine involvement in the universe and human life. In the first chapter, we find out that Juana does not know whether to trust her original polytheistic religion, or the newly introduced monotheistic religion (most likely Catholicism). "Under her breath Juana repeated an ancient magic to guard against such evil, and on top of that she muttered a Hail Mary between her clenched teeth."(4) This could have different meanings about what is, and what is not superstition, depending on your point of view. One who believes the native religion would believe strongly that the "ancient magic" would help Coyotito. The Catholic idea of just one god is ludicrous and irrational, which means that from this point of view, Catholicism is a superstition. A Catholic will believe that saying Hail Mary will help Coyotito, but it is not a good thing to pray to the other gods. In the Catholic religion, God is always testing your faith. Believing in two religions means that your faith is weak, so God might punish Juana's family. If the person viewing this is an atheist they will believe that there is no god or gods and will consider it irrelevant. That means they think that both the methods of prayer are mere superstitions, and doing one or both will have no positive or negative effect. The last point of view is Juana's. Juana is pretty sure that there is a higher power, but is not sure to trust her history, or this newly proposed god. She doesn't know what to choose, so she decides not to make a choice, and pray for both gods. She wants Coyotito to have the highest chances of surviving, so she prays to all gods.

Mo-tzu’s Argument Against Music Essay

Mo-tzu (also called Mozi, Moz, or Micius in Latin) was a renowned philosopher in China back in about 390-470 B. C. during the time of the Hundred Schools Thought (Wikipedia, 2007). Having founded Mohism, he argued about the inadequacy of Confucianism and Daoism on the need for a mortal being to self-reflect and meditate upon oneself. He also insisted that, instead of rituals and singings, what human beings need are acts of authenticity that does not include the use of drums, zithers, and pipes. He, therefore, stressed out: â€Å"To have music is wrong† (Par. 1, Book VIII, Chapter XXXII). Main Body We all agreed that Mo-tzu presented a very well thought of argument against music. This can be seen when he stated, Although the body knows they are comfortable, the mouth knows they are gratifying, the eyes know they are delightful, and the ears know they are pleasing, yet they are found not to be in accordance with the deeds of the sage-kings of antiquity and not to contribute to the benefits of the people at present. (Par. 1, Book VIII, Chapter XXXII) In saying this, he implied that music did not have anything to do with the greatness and success of the sage-kings†¦ that it did not fulfill the basic needs, unlike the boats and the carts that were built from the same contribution of the ancient citizens. It slowed production by wasting labor on things that are of no use. He stated, The levy of heavy taxes on the people to construct the big bell, the sounding drum, the ch’in and the she, and the yY and the sheng, is not at all helpful in the endeavor to procure the benefits of the world and destroy its calamities. Therefore Mo-tzu said: To have music is wrong. (Par. 3, Book VIII, Chapter XXXII) Mo-tzu is absolutely correct. Yet in spite of this, if people accept that music is not useful in acquiring the needs of this world, such as food, clothing, and rest (Par. 3, Book VIII, Chapter XXXII), then they must also understand that, just like music, philosophy is just as useless in acquiring the needs of this world, such as food, clothing, and rest (Par. 3, Book VIII, Chapter XXXII). In fact, as compared to music, philosophy presents greater cause for men to think deeply, and run into sickness and chaos (with oneself or with the society) that, in turn, makes them more prone to hunger, to state of undress, and to unrest. What philosophy has failed to give men, music could give with just a stroke or a beat of the instruments. True, musical instruments cannot be directly eaten and cannot cloth the naked, yet the instruments were also considered treasures in the long ago, which means that the owners could sell it for a chance to buy food or clothing in exchange of the musical instruments. When it comes to giving rest, however, music has the capability to give rest to those who are bothered psychologically or biologically. Philosophy, on the other hand, cannot be exchanged for food, clothing, or rest, since it all runs in the mind of the wise men. Thinking about the statements of the wise will just make men hungrier, poorer with less clothing, and more troubled. I, therefore, stress out—to have philosophy is totally wrong! Conclusion Mo-tzu failed to acknowledge that music is an art that sprouts from the very being of the individual. It is like painting, sculpture, literature, or the use of colors. It is an expression of what human beings feel, think of, believe in, or acknowledge. It comes from the mind. With this, it is very obvious that to say that music is totally wrong would also mean that philosophy is totally wrong, since the latter is also an expression of what human beings feel, think of, believe in, or acknowledge. Music comes from the mind just as philosophy comes from the mind. The only difference is that philosophy centers on chosen beings—those who are more gifted and wise—than when compared to music, which is so ordinary and can be expressed by anyone who dreams of expressing himself. Yet they both come from the mind. Even if both have their own sides of gains, both are totally incapable of destroying calamities.

Moby Dick, Sophies World, East of Eden - 2310 Words

In today’s society, the issues of fate and free will are hotly debated, drawing in heated discussions of religion, chance, and the extent of free will. While some believe we have a significant amount of control over our lives exercised through free will in our choices, others believe an entirely different power is at hand in controlling our lives. These issues often find themselves associated in literature, with examples such as John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, and Jostein Gaarder’s Sophie’s World. Among these books, there are different interpretations on the role of fate and free will in human life. In particular, these three different works of literature express varying shows of balance between fate and free†¦show more content†¦This good vs. evil concept could especially be seen in John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. Caleb Trask, the protagonist, struggles throughout the book while in a fight where he tries to suppress and overcome his inner demons. Caleb, son of Adam and Cathy, had lived his life in the shadow of his brother Aron, who was obviously in better light with his father. While Aron symbolically was the embodiment of all that was good, Caleb was the opposite, having had embodied evil, like his mother. However, Caleb demonstrates the usage of free will in the struggle of overcoming evil. This is clearly shown during the confrontation of him and his mother, and his realization that Cathy is a prostitute. When Caleb meets with Cathy, Cathy tries to convince Caleb that in addition to her being evil herself, he also has the same evil within himself, and that he is more like her than he knows. However, he realizes otherwise, that he has choice in whether or not he would be evil. At the end of their conversation, Caleb reminisces on what Lee said, saying that, â€Å"I was afraid I had you in me†¦ [But] I’m my own. I don’t have to be you†. At this part of th e story, Caleb demonstrates understanding of one of the major themes of the story, simply known as Timshel. Caleb realizes that it is his choice, his own free will to overcome evil. He establishes that while there is evil in all of us, we are all capable of overcoming that evil, and choosing whatever path we wish to walk, all by using free will.