Characters personality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Characters personality - Essay Example Vonnegut believes of love as a principality to survival. He depicts that love makes an individual’s life meaningful and worth recounting. Moreover, affection that one possesses towards another can be treasured and expressed in many ways. In his short story, ‘A Long Walk to Forever’, Vonnegut portrays how conflict, sensitivity, and essential decency depict an individual’s character. This paper discusses in depth about Catharine and Newt in the short story ‘A Long Walk to Forever’. Essentially, it outlines their character traits, their perceptions, and values in life (Vonnegut 2). Newt is depicted as a shy person since although he loves Catherine, he does not confess his feelings to her until the last moment when she is about to get married in three weeks time (Vonnegut 2). Evidently, Newt is jealous since as he discovers that Catharine is getting married to another man, he quits from his job and confesses his love for her. Although he is late in making such a confession, he is determined to have Catharine for himself. He is persistent because as Catharine explains that it is impossible for them to have a life together, he still insists of an opportunity to prove his long hidden love for her. The short story uses the word AWOL to symbolize the absence Newt makes in his place of work. He sacrifices his work for the sake of love. He fails consider the consequences that will come along his illegality of quitting the army without any proper leave. Newt is also courageous since he does everything to get the love of his life. He risks his work for the sake of Catherine’s love. As a risk taker, he does not have a second thought in his actions. Catherine goes through a magazine with an aim of choosing a wedding dress. This symbolizes her vagueness in what she needs in life. She is undecided about the dress to wear on her wedding day. She is also undecided of which man to marry. On the other hand, Catharine is irresolute. For instance, she still has feelings for Newt though she is to get married to another man. Despite her denial towards Newt, deep inside her heart is immeasurable love for Newt. As they chat in the woods, Catharine bursts in tear which force Newt to ask, ‘What does that mean?’ in fear of confessing the truth about her love for him, Catharine replies, ‘If I’d loved you, I’d have let you know before’ (Vonnegut 4). Both characters are passionate since though their love is forbidden, they make are determined to realize their dream of being together. They kiss passionately and elope just a week before Catharine is to get married to another man. As evidenced from the short story, love conquers all. This is evidenced by the fact that both Catharine and Newt later find fulfillment in each other’s arms. Catharine gives up the man he is about to marry for her true love. On the other hand, Newt gives up his job for the sake of his love for Catharine. He never gives it a second thought when he quits the army. The two characters depict the triumph they endure as they walk towards their future together (Vonnegut 5). I once lost an opportunity in life when I once had feelings towards my best friend and lacked the courage to make the proposal. I felt devastated in life and lost hope in everything. I felt that I had completely lost the battle and nothing else was to be done to change things. I could not take myself face reality and express my feelings. My friend later left for another country, and I

Stages of Grief Essay Example for Free

Stages of Grief Essay The stages of grief are common for all human beings. Once experiencing a tragic loss, or trauma, many of us go through steps that help us except what has happened and to move on. Some of these stages last longer than others, depending on how the person follows each stage. In this paper, we will cover the different stages of grief and how author Nicholas Wolterstorff reflections in the book of Lament For a Son impacted his life. In the book, Lament For a Son, Wolterstorff tells us the story of the passing of his son, Eric. Wolterstorff explains that his son was in a mountain climbing accident. Do not be confused, this book is not a novel, but a collection of anecdotes and quotes pertaining to the authors experience of dealing with a premature death. Wolterstorff, believes that it is wrong for parents to buy their child because the children represent the future. The author plays through a battle of trying to move on from the loss of his son. The author informs the family with the death of his son, but states that each of them must live their lives as if Eric was still alive. The grief of his son’s death, leaves Wolterstorff at a loss of words. He does not know what to think nor to say. People will often deny the grief process to avert pain but it is healthier if we learn to accept the loss as we journey through the stages of grief and our life. The process has 5 stages: denial, rage, trying to negotiate or bargaining, a depressed state and finally the last stage, acquiescence. The narrator does not only go through all of the stages, but each of these stages has a different variation of duration. Wolterstorff does not have a long stage of denial. He accepts the fact that his son has past away even though it hurts him tremendously on the inside. The author has the feeling  of offering Eric, his son, to someone â€Å"before the cold burning pain† pervades him. The author does not go through a stage of rage. He has stayed calm throughout the tragic loss of his son. However, as mentioned before, he tries to offer his sons body to someone, which is the stage of negotiation. The author does not wish to take the place of, but to simply be with his son again, for he has taken him for granted. Once Eric’s body is brought back, Wolterstorff is depressed. He has lost his son due to an accident, which has left a space in his heart empty. The author states that he and his family had taken Eric’s life for granted, where now they are left with no son and he wishes they had a closer bond with him. Before the funeral of his son, Wolterstorff is in a very depressed state. However, the funeral gives Wolterstorff’s soul rest. The narrator seems to be in a better place where he has prepared the liturgy that is used at his son’s funeral. This stage is the last stage of the grievance process. The author accepts the fact that his son’s in a better place now. He also accepts that even though Eric is gone, his memories will stay forever. In the book, Wolterstorff copes with his stress and loss in a beneficial way that lets him enjoy the rest of his life. For the narrator, books offer ways to turn from death and pain. Therefore he decided to write a book that explains the battle he has gone through with the news of his son passing away through the faith in God. The book he wrote is meant to assist other citizens in dealing with tragic problems and trauma. However, even though he writes his book, Wolerstorff still believes that it does not honor the memory of Eric. The author accepts the fact that death is to come to everyone. That one can do whatever he or she wants to stop it, but it will come when the time comes. Wolterstorff learns to spy God in the light, but not see him in darkness. He comprehends the suffering that is happening around the world in a deeper meaning. Wolterstorff learns to live with himself even with all the regrets and sorrow from the loss, for he, one day will meet Eric again. He states that he is waiting for Judgment day to apologize to Eric, for the lack of attention he has given him. These 5 stages of Grief helped Wolterstorff get past the death of his son. Not that he has completely forgotten about it but it has help him cope with this tragic time and to turn it around to live life to the fullest how Eric would have wanted to. These stages help a person recovery from a tragic loss in a healthy not deadly way which helps them get back on their feet and move on. References Roos, S. (2012). The Kubler-Ross Model: An Esteemed Relic. Gestalt Review, 16(3), 312-315. http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=a9hAN=85124369site=ehost-livescope=site Bems, N. (2012). We can carry grief and joy together Psychology Today. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-grieve/201204/we-can-carry-grief-and-joy-together Wolterstorff, N. (1987). Lament for a son. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans.

American Expeditionary Forces in World War I

American Expeditionary Forces in World War I A. Plan of Investigation This investigation assesses the significance of the American Expeditionary Forces to the United States victory in World War I. In order to asses this, the role of the American Expeditionary Forces is investigated during major battles of World War I. The success or failure of the American Expeditionary Forces at each battle is determined and evaluated for significance. Two of the sources used in this paper, I. The World War., and Americans as Warriors: Doughboys in Battle during the First World War. are evaluated for origin, purpose, value and limitation. This investigation does not assess the significance of other American Forces (U.S. Army Air Service and United States Navy) to the United States victory in World War I. B. Summary of Evidence The first American battle of World War I was the Battle of Cantigny, fought from May 27th, 1918 to May 31st, 1918. During this battle the 1st Division of the American Expeditionary Forces and French Army attacked the German held French village of Cantigny. Cantigny was taken by the American Expeditionary Forces and French Army on May 28th, 1918, marking the first successful battle of World War I for the American Expeditionary Forces. [1] Piper, Gayln Battle of Cantigny First Division Museum at Cantigny. Web. Mar. 2016. http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/museum/online/toward_the_front/battle_of_cantigny/default.aspx. [2] I. The World War. Political Science Quarterly, vol. 33, no. 3, 1918, pp. 1-27., www.jstor.org/stable/2141489. Pg. 22 Following the Battle of Cantigny, the Battle of Saint-Mihiel was fought from September 12th, 1918 to September 15th, 1918. After proving their combat ability at the Battle of Cantigny, the American Expeditionary Forces planned to overrun German held Saint-Mihiel with overwhelming force.   Under the American onslaught, German defenders gave way, preferring to give up ground and retreat in good order rather than fight. The German retreat marked another success for the American Expeditionary Forces. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the final Allied offensive of World War I. The battle was fought on the entire Western Front, lasting from September 26th, 1918 to November 11th, 1918. This battle marks the crowning achievement of the American Expeditionary Forces, after 47 days of fighting the German Empires armistice ended the battle. The American Expeditionary Forces won the war. C. Evaluation of Sources I. The World War published by Political Science Quarterly in 1918 is a record of political events from August 1, 1917 to July 31, 1918. This journal was written with the purpose to act as a factual news source, pulling information from newspapers, letters and interviews. [3] Manning, Mary St. Mihiel: A Push Forward First Division Museum at Cantigny. Web. Mar. 2016. http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/museum/online/toward_the_front/st_mihiel/default.aspx. [4] Manning, Mary St. Mihiel: A Push Forward First Division Museum at Cantigny. Web. Mar. 2016. http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/museum/online/toward_the_front/st_mihiel/default.aspx. [5] Keene, Jennifer D. Americans as Warriors: Doughboys in Battle during the First World War. OAH Magazine of History, vol. 17, no. 1, 2002, pp. 15-18., www.jstor.org/stable/25163558. Pg. 1 [6] I. The World War. Political Science Quarterly, vol. 33, no. 3, 1918, pp. 1-27., www.jstor.org/stable/2141489. Pg. 1 The journals value is that it provides unbiased information for the reader to consume, however the journal is limited because many war statistics were withheld from the public during World War I. Americans as Warriors: Doughboys in Battle during the First World War published by the Oxford University Press in 2002 is an article evaluating several key battles in the final year of   the war, including Cantigny, Belleau Wood, Chà ¢teau-Thierry, Soissons, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne. The article was written with the purpose of providing the reader information about the American Expeditionary Forces and their involvement in World War I battles. The articles value is that it provides an evaluation of major World War I events, however the article is limited because the evaluations are only from an American perspective. D. Analysis It is clear that the American Expeditionary Forces were critical to the success of the United States in World War I. Beginning with their first offense at the Battle of Cantigny the American Expeditionary Forces proved to be a powerful, well trained force. Cantigny made a profound statement to Germans and Allies, setting the stage for Allied success in the war. The Battle of Saint-Mihiel again proved the strength of the American Expeditionary Forces. The battle was won with only 7,000 American casualties, a very small loss [7] Keene, Jennifer D. Americans as Warriors: Doughboys in Battle during the First World War. OAH Magazine of History, vol. 17, no. 1, 2002, pp. 15-18., www.jstor.org/stable/25163558. Pg. 1 [8] Piper, Gayln Battle of Cantigny First Division Museum at Cantigny. Web. Mar. 2016. http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/museum/online/toward_the_front/battle_of_cantigny/default.aspx. [9] Manning, Mary St. Mihiel: A Push Forward First Division Museum at Cantigny. Web. Mar. 2016. http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/museum/online/toward_the_front/st_mihiel/default.aspx. by World War I standards.The battle provided an opportunity for the newly organized American units to work and fight together as an American army, gaining valuable experience they would need for the coming Meuse-Argonne offensive. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the most important battle fought by the American Expeditionary Forces, proving that they were the single most import force to the United States victory during World War I.   Nearly 1.2 million soldiers participated in the battlewithout a force of this size the Allies may have lost the battle and never gained German Armistice. The the American Expeditionary Forces is greatly responsible for the success of the Allies and the United States in World War I. E. Conclusion The American Expeditionary Forces were the most significant attribute to the United States victory in World War I. The American Military Forces were essential to the success of the Allies in many key battles of World War I, without the American Expeditionary Forces a German armistice may have never occurred. The American Military Forces were so significant to the United States victory in World War I, that they have become a symbol of patriotism and stability in America, paving the road for American success in future wars. [10] Manning, Mary St. Mihiel: A Push Forward First Division Museum at Cantigny. Web. Mar. 2016. http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/museum/online/toward_the_front/st_mihiel/default.aspx. [11] Keene, Jennifer D. Americans as Warriors: Doughboys in Battle during the First World War. OAH Magazine of History, vol. 17, no. 1, 2002, pp. 15-18., www.jstor.org/stable/25163558. Pg. 1 [12] Wingate, Jennifer. Over the Top: The Doughboy in World War I Memorials and Visual Culture. American Art, vol. 19, no. 2, 2005, pp. 26-47., www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/444480.   Pg. 28 F. Bibliography Primary Sources: I. The World War. Political Science Quarterly, vol. 33, no. 3, 1918, pp. 1-27., www.jstor.org/stable/2141489. Front Matter. Political Science Quarterly, vol. 34, no. 3, 1919, pp. i-iv., www.jstor.org/stable/2141668. Secondary Sources: Keene, Jennifer D. Americans as Warriors: Doughboys in Battle during the First World War. OAH Magazine of History, vol. 17, no. 1, 2002, pp. 15-18., www.jstor.org/stable/25163558. Manning, Mary St. Mihiel: A Push Forward First Division Museum at Cantigny. Web. Mar. 2016. http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/museum/online/toward_the_front/st_mihiel/default.aspx. Piper, Gayln Battle of Cantigny First Division Museum at Cantigny. Web. Mar. 2016. http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/museum/online/toward_the_front/battle_of_cantigny/default.aspx. Wingate, Jennifer. Over the Top: The Doughboy in World War I Memorials and Visual Culture. American Art, vol. 19, no. 2, 2005, pp. 26-47., www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/444480.

Judaism :: essays research papers

Early History of Judaism It has been argued that Judaism can be seen not only as a single religion, but as a group of similar religions. It has also been pointed-out that through all the trials and tribulations that Judaism has suffered through, that there have been common themes that have proven omni-pervasive. Any institution with roots as ancient and varied as the religion of the Jews is bound to have a few variations, especially when most of its history takes place in the political and theological hot spot of the Middle East. In this discussion, many facets of Judaism will be examined, primarily in the three temporal subdivisions labeled the Tribal / Pre-Monarchy Period, the Divided Monarchy, and the Hasmonean / Maccabean and Roman Era. Among all the time periods where the religion has been split, these three seem to be the most representative of the forces responsible. As for a common thread seen throughout all Judiasms, the area of focus here is the place associated with the religion : Jerusalem. This topic will be covered in detail first, and then the multiple Judaism arguments will be presented. In this way, it is possible to keep a common focus in mind when reading about all the other situations in which the religion has found itself. A brief conclusion follows the discussion. A Place to Call Home No other religion has ever been so attached to its birthplace as Judaism. Perhaps this is because Jews have been exiled and restricted from this place for most of their history. Jerusalem is not only home to Judaism, but to the Muslim and Christian religions as well. Historically this has made it quite a busy place for the various groups. Jerusalem is where the temple of the Jews once stood; the only place on the whole Earth where one could leave the confines of day to day life and get closer to God. In 586 BCE when the temple was destroyed, no Jew would have denied Jerusalem as being the geographic center of the religion. From that point on, the Jewish people have migrated around the world, but not one of them forgets the fact that Jerusalem is where it all began. It is truly a sacred place, and helps to define what Judaism means to many people; a common thread to run through all the various splinters of the religion and help hold them together. Even today, as the Jewish people have their precious Jerusalem

So long a letter :: essays research papers

Daniel Overmyer’s, Religions of China, discusses the historical developments of the different religions of China. It also addresses the impact religion has on the daily life of the Chinese in the past and present. Overmyer introduces the Chinese living system with his knowledge of Feng-shui, and how everything is connected by shared rhythms. â€Å"These rhythms are discussed as the cold, dark forces of yin and the hot, bright forces of yang; together with the five powers of metal, plant, life, water, fire and earth; these forces are modes of qi, â€Å"vital substance†. Their interaction produces all things† (12). The author does an excellent job in his approach to teaching Chinese religions and culture. He explains its concept and upbringings then tries to relate them to the reader’s daily life. This book serves as an introduction to Chinese History, in terms of religions and practices, which paved the way for China today. In order to help introduce the major cultural and religious features of the book, the author places a chronological list of events in the beginning of the text; from the Prehistoric time (6000 B.C.) to the Peoples Republic of China (1949-present). Its geographical limits are all of China, which extends from the Pacific Ocean to India to Afghanistan, and from Burma in the south to Siberia in the north. Overmyer gives a brief historical view of the country’s’ political and social climb, one example was with the decline of the Hans dynasty to the uprising of the Yellow Turbans then to Way of the Celestial Masters. â€Å"These two popular movements were also forerunners of Daoism, which became the most important religious tradition founded in China† (37). The presentation of the text is thematic and it provides the reader with a step by step analysis to religions and practices. The author presents the concept in a very organized fashion. The first chapter introduces the beliefs and values of China’s living system, with the concept of Feng-shui and qi. The next chapter gives a brief overview of the historical developments of the different religions; Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Popular Religion, and Foreign Religion. The proceeding chapters include the traditions and practices in their religious life and also the community’s intervention with the spiritual life; i.e. The Spring Festival, Exorcism and the Buddhist Enlightenment. The last chapter, Chinese Religions Today, emphasizes on present day religion in Taiwan and China mainland. Overmyer is very knowledgeable in the subject matter, he was taught by his mother during his first 5 years living in China.

The play ‘The Birthday Party’ Analysis

The play ‘The Birthday Party' is about an everyday, domestic lifestyle/ characters with mixed emotions. The whole play is based on a boarding house with one guest, Stanley. It starts off with the owners, Meg and Petey, leading a normal day with Stanley. Two men come to look at the house to stay and Stanley gets nervous. The two men, McCann and Goldberg hold Stanley's birthday party and make it a living hell! Throughout the play McCann shows signs of confusion and innocence at the task-in-hand. However this is not always the case, for example McCann, later on in the play, attempts to strike Stanley with a chair. When McCann and Goldberg arrive at the boarding house in Act 1, McCann states, ‘what are we doing here Nat?' this gives off signals that McCann is there as Goldberg's aid and not a leading figure. As the play goes on, the audience may start to feel sorry for Stanley due to unfortunate circumstances and more hatred and dislike towards Goldberg and McCann for making him feel so negative. McCann: He killed his wife! Goldberg: Why did you kill your wife? Stanley: What wife? (Back turned, facing the audience) The above quote shows how McCann and Goldberg continue to bully Stanley. Pinter uses the language in the above quote as if McCann and Goldberg were ‘pressing' Stanley for information and as if Stanley found it hard to lie whilst looking at them so he turned his back. The prospect of McCann being more innocent may counter the dislike and tempt the audience to feel sorry for McCann as he gets dragged deeper and deeper into the unknown. Pinter does this to, yet again, represents the plays psychotic nature and obscure mentality. Read also Analysis of Characters in Flannery O’Connor’s â€Å"The Life You Save May Be Your Own† At the beginning of act two McCann is said to be sitting at a table tearing newspapers into 5 equal strips. This may make the audience uncomfortable as it is a rather curious thing to do and may make the audience paranoid as to why he is doing this and what he is thinking as it never tells you this in the play. Stanley picks up a strip of paper McCann moves in McCann: Mind that. McCann clearly has a motive for tearing the paper or he wouldn't mind it being touched. It is a fine example of the plays paranormal mentality. Also Pinter wrote McCann's line like this to make the audience uncomfortable as it is a rather subtle, commanding statement. During Stanley's birthday party in act 2, McCann offers to take Stanley's glasses for him during a game of blind mans buff Stanley stand blindfold. McCann backs slowly across the stage to the left. He breaks Stanley's glasses, snapping the frames. McCann picks up the drum and places it in Stanley's path Stanley walks over and puts his foot through it. Here McCann proves to be quite a bully and may convince the audience to feel disgust towards him, due to the audiences feeling towards the main character, Stanley, countering the possible sorrow from earlier on in the play. Pinter may do this to make sure that the audience can never set on a real feeling for McCann which may add to the ‘fog' of confusion surrounding the play. As a conclusion I think that McCann is a character the brings emotion and excitement and you can never really settle on a feeling for him

Immigration to the United States and Dream Act

Immigration Immigration policies and immigrants was a major issue in the American Society. The Immigration Act of 1990 raised the amount of immigrants that were allowed in the United States. Each year the number of immigrants that come to the United States were known to be very skillful and talented workers. They could have improved the American Society. Immigrants often traveled with their families. Many of the Immigrants that came to the United States came for a better life and to have more opportunities.The Immigration Act of 1990 also allowed no limit on the amount of visas that a family could have. Because of this 71 percent of immigration visas were going to residents. A law was also formed on how immigrants could get deported. The amout of deportations also increased as the years went on. People were concerned that the laws being passed gave immigration to much power. They get o make to much decisions. In 2012, the DREAM Act was created. It was created based upon immigrants, e ducators, and business leaders.Many people were against the DREAM Act, many people were for it, and their were those who were between it. The DREAM Act was able legalize the undocumented minors that entered the country. The meaning of the DREAM Act is Development Relief and Education of Alien Minors. Their are several requirements that the DREAM Act has in order for a person to eligible for it. To be eligible for the DREAM Act a person must have been 15 years of age or younger when they entered the country. Proof must being given to show that they have been in the country for at least 5 years.Some form of education either a GED or a high school diploma must be shown. They must also be under the age of 30. All of this information can be shown in Document 1. Not many states allow undocumented immigrants to enter the country and receive an education, but New York is one of the few states that allow immigrants to receive an education. I am in favor of the DREAM Act because it has many o pen opportunities for undocumented immigrants. The main goal of the DREAM Act is to makesure that undocumented immigrants can vote, be sucessful, and be apart of the Union.The DREAM Act supports immigrants and wants them to make it somewhere in life and be able to adapt to the American culture. Immigration Policies and Immigrant Policies are discussed in Document 4. Document 4 is stating that the U. S immigration policy wants to keep the United States as a union, which means making undocumented immigrants apart of the United States. Document 4 also shows that the United States also wants to have different cultural mixes involving a variety of different people from different places.Having morals and values are important to immigrants and also the people who are apart of the United States. The current policy for undocumented immigrants is that they still have to go through an interrogation and other processes. Another goal of the DREAM Act is to make sure that everyone is covered with health insurance. As immigrants entered the country, it was possible for them to bring different diseases with them. In 2009, immigrants had more health insurance than the native-borns. About 87. 6 percent of the United States population had health insurance, and the other 14. 1% didn’t.Compared to immigrants the native-borns were no where near having that many people on health insurance, as shown in Document 12. As the years continued, the percentages of immigrants coming to America increased. Most of the undocumented immigrants settled more in the west. The foreign born population was taking over. This is shown in document 9a. Immigrants also took jobs from the Americans because they were more hard-working. Majority of the countries that immigrants came from involved hard labor, so they already knew what it was like to work. Eventually immigrants began to pay taxes.The immigrants who were paying taxes were the ones who were head of their households. Document 9b shows ten d ifferent states that had immigrants paying taxes. The immigrants who were paying taxes were the ones who were the head of their households. Document 9b shows ten different states that had immigrants who were paying taxes. California had the highest amount of taxes being paid. While Washington and North Carolina had the lowest. Georgia, New Jersey, and Arizona are all at the same amount when it comes down to the taxes that are paid by undocumented immigrants who are the head of their households.Undocumented immigrants continue to come to the United states. The number of immigrants who are entering the country continues to increase. Immigrants are settling in the other states also. The DREAM Act applies to and affects immigrants who are entering the United States without any full understanding of how they are going to survive. Since the DREAM Act has been passed for mainly minor immigrants, it affects their level of learning. The DREAM Act requires having some learning experience and stable proof to show that. But depending on what country a inor is coming from the learning curriculum in the United States would be different from how it was to them in their home country. The DREAM Act also says that parents should start teaching their children from home so that when it’s time for them to attend public school they aren’t far behind, and maybe they will be able to pick up quickly. Overall, I still believe that the DREAM Act should be passed, but not in full because it does have a positive impact on our society and it also takes away some of the power that immigration has.