Symbolism, Central Conflict and Character Essay Example for Free

Symbolism, Central Conflict and Character Essay August Wilson’s Fences remains as one of the most renowned play until now because of its good facility to discuss intricate social issues about the African Americans coupled with carefully designed literary devices such as symbolisms and metaphors. The play tackles about the queer and complicated life of African American Troy Maxson, the protagonist of the story, a former baseball player star in the Negro League who becomes a garbage lifter in the sanitary department. Among the central conflicts that the play has successfully portrayed is the wide discrimination of the Whites to the African Americans even though slavery has already totally eliminated in their way of life. Through the characterization of Troy and his friend Bono, the coming of age within the cycle of damaged Black Americans’ manhood is perfectly discussed in the play. Troy and are portrayed in the story as individuals with problematic childhood days due to their cruel and oppressive fathers. Troy’s father is described as an evil that no woman stayed with him for a long time and this makes Troy grew up almost motherless. His father even raped the girl he loves just only to give Troy a lesson for his disobedience. Bono, likewise, had experienced difficulty with regards to his father who is described as a man who prevents to stay in one place for long and moves often from one woman to another. Unlike Troy, Bono did not feel the fathering role that Troy’s father provided to his children. Through the characterizations of Troy and Bono, the idea of the Blacks about becoming a man was carefully revealed. For the Africans during that time, becoming a man means leaving the man that raised them due to a violent conflict. Troy and Bono achieved their manhood when they left their abusive and cruel fathers and started to live their own lives. Another characterization that adds to the portrayal of the wide discrimination among the African Americans because of the color of their skin, in addition, is the type of job that Troy and Bono have. The setting of the story tells that the Blacks had already escaped from the cruelty of slavery. Nevertheless, even though slavery was totally vanished in their way of life, the Africans are still subjected to injustices in the society. For instance, the play portrays Troy and Bono as garbage lifters in the sanitary department, the job that is considered only for the Black Americans. Even though Troy was promoted in the later part of the story, there is still an implied discrimination among them since Troy had to work hard just only to become a truck driver of the garbage collector. The play portrays how the Africans are discriminated during that time as they hold menial jobs working as domestic servants, sharecroppers, maritime workers, common laborers and farmers (Shannon 20). Likewise, wide discrimination among colors is perfectly justified when Troy is ignored in the field baseball because he is a Black. Their race is being discriminated even in the sports that everybody should enjoy. Furthermore, the story exposes the backward, racial, ignorant, and unjust ways of the Old South through the traits and attitudes shared by the main protagonist of the play. Troy is described as an irresponsible father through the various symbolisms and metaphors present in the plot of the story. The train where Troy rides going back to Rose symbolizes his hope to change his life but also reveals his weakness as a man who committed infidelity with a woman named Alberta. Troy even asked Rose to take care of Raynell, the fruit of his sin with Alberta. Another symbolism that adds to the negative portrayal of the Blacks is the unfinished fence around the backyard of Troy’s family. The unfinished fence, symbolizes Troy’s laziness and lack of commitment to marriage. Troy, aside from being impure in their relationship, does like want to marry Rose since he is afraid of commitment. Moreover, the house itself of Troy’s family is also a metaphor of Troy’s imperfection. Aside from being the symbol of his pride, since providing a house means responsible fathering to a family, the house of Troy is also the object of shame because it was built from the perspiration of Gabriel Maxson, his brother who was given check as casualty of the World War II. Apart from the negative implications about the Africans, there are also scenes in the story which give a hint about the brighter side of the characters in the story. Rose, the wife of Troy, epitomizes the unconditional love that a woman can ever give to a man. In the play, Rose wants to finish the fence around their backyard because the fence for Rose symbolizes the security and commitment of her love to Troy. Rose wants their family, amidst the hardships and difficulties, to be reunited and secured with enduring love and relationship. Another invincible act that Rose has done is her acceptance of the child Raynell who epitomizes the sin and infidelity of her husband Troy. Rose, by accepting the child, indeed sacrificed her hatred for the sin that her husband committed. Another good implication about the Africans as portrayed in the story is their hope to become a responsible father amidst their personal limitations and problems. Troy’s father, eve though described as cruel and abusive, shows a responsible fathering to his children since he did not left them in the absence of their mother. Likewise, Troy somehow served as a responsible father when he owned the responsibility of taking care for Raynell. Despite his bad implications as head of the family, he still managed to become a justified father since he never left and ignored his family. Amidst the problems that they encountered, Troy still managed to be with his family unlike the father of Bono who keeps on moving from one woman to another. In total, August Wilson Fences is to be considered as a great work of art since it illuminates important issues about the African Americans through the successful facility of literary devices such as symbolisms and metaphors. Works Cited Shannon, Sandra Garrett. August Wilson’s Fences. CT: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2003.

Be Quiet :: Bible Critics

Bible critics assert that the beloved apostle Paul was a male chauvinist. One might inquire, â€Å"How do they support such a claim?† Critics of the sacred writings often flee to 1st Corinthians 14:34-35 to buttress their accusations of apostolic misogyny citing Paul’s infamous command, â€Å"The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.† Let us employ some excellent, fundamental, Bible study techniques to determine the meaning of Paul’s words. First, Biblical passages do not contradict one another, â€Å"The sum of Your word is truth† (Psalm 119:160). 1st Timothy 2:11-12 states that edification for women in the assembly is allowable provided it’s accompanied by a quiet, submissive attitude. Also, women may prophesy as long as their head is covered (1st Cor. 11:5). Therefore, we must interpret the silence of 1st Cor. 14:34 with the former passages in mind. Moreover, let us remember the ancient Biblical real estate law, â€Å"Location, location, location, â€Å"Context, context, context.† Biblical passages must be interpreted with the context in mind, and the context of 1st Corinthians 14 is the Corinthian is authority and the abuse of spiritual gifts. Therefore, let us examine the word silence in its proper context. Silence is the Greek word sigao, and it’s not used to denote absolute, unqualified silence. Therefore, we must look to the context to determine the type of silence in view. Allow me to illustrate. Discussing the physical toll of refusing to confess sin, David wrote, â€Å"When I kept silent about my sin †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Psalm 32:3). The word silent doesn’t mean he never spoke, rather it means he never spoke or confessed his adultery. Let’s look at a New Testament example. Jesus took Peter and the sons of thunder, James and John, with him on the mountain to pray. The blessed trio witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, saw and heard his discussion with Moses and Elijah, and they heard God’s command from heaven to listen to his Son. How did the disciples respond? Be Quiet :: Bible Critics Bible critics assert that the beloved apostle Paul was a male chauvinist. One might inquire, â€Å"How do they support such a claim?† Critics of the sacred writings often flee to 1st Corinthians 14:34-35 to buttress their accusations of apostolic misogyny citing Paul’s infamous command, â€Å"The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.† Let us employ some excellent, fundamental, Bible study techniques to determine the meaning of Paul’s words. First, Biblical passages do not contradict one another, â€Å"The sum of Your word is truth† (Psalm 119:160). 1st Timothy 2:11-12 states that edification for women in the assembly is allowable provided it’s accompanied by a quiet, submissive attitude. Also, women may prophesy as long as their head is covered (1st Cor. 11:5). Therefore, we must interpret the silence of 1st Cor. 14:34 with the former passages in mind. Moreover, let us remember the ancient Biblical real estate law, â€Å"Location, location, location, â€Å"Context, context, context.† Biblical passages must be interpreted with the context in mind, and the context of 1st Corinthians 14 is the Corinthian is authority and the abuse of spiritual gifts. Therefore, let us examine the word silence in its proper context. Silence is the Greek word sigao, and it’s not used to denote absolute, unqualified silence. Therefore, we must look to the context to determine the type of silence in view. Allow me to illustrate. Discussing the physical toll of refusing to confess sin, David wrote, â€Å"When I kept silent about my sin †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Psalm 32:3). The word silent doesn’t mean he never spoke, rather it means he never spoke or confessed his adultery. Let’s look at a New Testament example. Jesus took Peter and the sons of thunder, James and John, with him on the mountain to pray. The blessed trio witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, saw and heard his discussion with Moses and Elijah, and they heard God’s command from heaven to listen to his Son. How did the disciples respond?

Analysis Paper: Zinsser’s Book on Writing Essay

How can I, as a writer, balance writing for myself and for my readers without sacrificing the other? That is the question I was struck with while reading Zinsser’s book On Writing Well, and one he presents.In his book, writers are encouraged to adopt a style that is fitting of themselves, yet capture and maintain the attention of readers. What if my style does not capture readers? What if what captures the attention of readers does not do the same for me as I write? Am I stuck wrestling between this paradox of uncertainty or is there a way out? Note to self: NOT writing is not an option. Luckily, Zinsser, who is a writer, editor and teacher, offers solutions in chapters four, five, and nine that I found very helpful and will serve as a guide in future writing assignments. He advises that I eliminate any unnecessary words and keep my language simple. This won’t take away from my style, but enhance it by removing the â€Å"excess or murkiness [that] has crept into [my] style† and obstructs the message I am trying to convey to readers. Style is something that every writer possesses and makes him/her equally unique. So, the first step in capturing my audience while writing for myself is to relax and be myself. Zinsser states: The reader will notice if you are putting on airs. Readers want the person who is talking to them to sound genuine. Therefore a fundamental rule is: be yourself (19). Before writing, I should relieve myself of any pressure to write in a way that feels unnatural, produce an awesome paper that will rock everyone’s socks off, or me et a certain page length. Just sit down, believe in my own identity and opinions, and write! Aside from being myself, the second step is to determine the audience of my paper. A writers’ audience will first and foremost be him/herself. Zinsser continues to reiterate this point of authenticity by saying, â€Å"Don’t try to visualize the great mass audience. There is no such audience – every reader is a different person†¦You are writing primarily to please yourself, and if you go about it with enjoyment you will also entertain the readers who are worth writing for (24).† Oftentimes, I forget about myself when writing in an effort to complete the assignment and give the teacher what I think he/she may be expecting from someone at my educational level. Those assignments have been the ones I least enjoyed writing and/or have been told was missing my voice. By writing in this manner, I have been performing a huge disservice to my audience by not giving them what they need: me. I apologize! Along with expressing my personality, I should not neglect my craft. There is no excuse, as Zinsser states, for sloppy workmanship. I should respect my audience enough to pay close attention to technical details and ensure that their reading process is one of clarity then artistry. Third and final, I should start and end all of my writing assignments with â€Å"freshness, or novelty, or paradox, or humor, or surprise, or with an unusual idea, or an interesting fact, or a question† that will capture my readers (55). Zinsser says that the most important sentence in any article is the first one. If the reader has not been attracted to my subject through that sentence then there are no chances the reader will want to read further. Along with creatively beginning and ending my writing assignment, the information I present must give the reader a sense of purpose while reading. Readers need to know why I have chosen my topic, why they should read it, and be given enough information that leaves them feeling well-informed. As I continue to hone my writing skills and further develop them in other students, I want to carry Zinsser’s central message of authenticity with me. Writing at its best is unique, informative, and â€Å"an intimate transaction between two people, conducted on paper, and it will go well to the extent that it retains its humanity† (20). I want to urge my students to never forget the most essential piece in their writings: themselves. If that is forgotten, then the â€Å"intimate transaction† that is needed between them and their audience will be distant and ineffective.

Naked Lunch and A Modest Proposal Essay - 1420 Words

Naked Lunch and A Modest Proposal In 1729, Jonathon Swift published an essay titled A Modest Proposal, which dealt with the issue of homelessness among the poor families of his country. His satirical proposal to control the population of homeless children stirred a debate on the morality of his proposal. Two hundred and thirty years later in 1959, William S. Burroughs published a novel entitled Naked Lunch, which dealt with the desperate struggle of drug addiction and the governments role in rehabilitating addicts. Inspired by Swifts Modest Proposal, Burroughs satirical portrait of drug addiction was also controversial. Both Swift and Burroughs addressed serious issues of their respective times, with both drug addiction and homeless†¦show more content†¦(Swift, par. 33) Of course, Swift was not serious in his proposal, but he was serious about helping improve the situations of the poor in his country. By directly addressing the situation, Swift addressed the issue of homelessness in a manner that was both bo ld and effective. It was bold in that it was a very controversial way of dealing with the problem. No rational human being would propose cannibalism as a solution to homelessness, but it s use is effective as a voice that stands out and causes people to think about what he is dealing with. By suggesting cannibalism, Swift draws on one of the most wide spread taboos in the world to repulse his audience into realizing that homelessness was a serious problem. Swift was tired of hearing ideas proposed to deals with the poor, in his opinion there was too much talk and not enough action: But as to myself, having been wearied out for many years of offering vain, idle, visionary thoughts, and at length utterly despairing of success, I fortunately fell upon this proposal, which, as it is wholly new, so it hath something solid and real, of no expense and little trouble (Swift,par.31) By stirring up such strong reactions to it, Swift cause people to really think about the problem of homelessne ss and ways to help deal with the problem. In the novel Naked Lunch, written byShow MoreRelated Welfare For Children of Illegal Immigrants Essay4110 Words   |  17 Pageshistory, immigrants, are being blamed for causing or contributing to the social, economic and political ills of our society. Politicians from both major parties, at both the national and state levels, are promoting a range of punitive legislative proposals that single out immigrants for adverse treatment by the government. Many violate basic civil liberties principles. Based on The Bill of Rights, foreigners do not have the right to enter the United States, but once here, immigrants are entitledRead MoreEssay about The Razors Edge Study Guide23742 Words   |  95 PagesMacDonald, an old friend from Chicago. She lost her husband and baby in car accident and ended up in Paris as a drunk and a drug addict, sleeping around with dangerous, random men. Shockingly, Larry asks her to marry him, a proposal driven by his need to help her. The proposal enrages Isabel, who purposely Plot Summary 2 sabotages the marriage by tempting Sophie, who has been trying to kick her habits, with a bottle of vodka. She disappears and is later found murdered in Toulouse. In betweenRead MoreA Study on the Effectivity of the Philippine Prison System10770 Words   |  44 Pagessystem, the purpose for which it was established, the methods it employs, and the management strategy being used. It tries to present as candidly as possible conditions inside the prison, the problems, living conditions, activities. And finally, in our modest way, we offer some recommendations and proposed solutions. II. 11ETHODOLOGY The group engaged in theoretical as well as empirical research. For the latter the 11unicipal Jail .o f Romblon, Quezon City Jail, Provincial Jail of Batangas and theRead MoreEssay on Fall of Asclepius95354 Words   |  382 Pagesgroups weapons reflected off of the hatches illuminating more of the room. Duncan opened a hatch in the wall and pulled out the bed. It had no body on it. Thomas attention was on the partially eaten body on the examination table. It laid there naked and covered in bloody. Is there something wrong? George asked Thomas. Thomas poked the bald mans head then let out a sigh. Good news. The disease or whatever it is cannot infect the dead-dead. How do you know? Maybe that was a zombie thatRead MoreExploring Corporate Strategy - Case164366 Words   |  658 Pages1980 Ron Dennis became joint team principal with Mayer, a position which he took over solely in 1982, when Mayer was ‘encouraged’ by Philip Morris to take a less active role in the management of McLaren. In the previous year McLaren moved from its modest site in Colnbrook to a modern facility at Woking in Surrey, south of London. Dennis had been a mechanic for the highly successful Cooper team in 1966, but left to set up his own Formula Two (a smaller, less expensive formula) team in 1971. By theRead MoreIgbo Dictionary129408 Words   |  518 Pages Linguistic Inquiry. 7,3:463-484. Williamson, Kay. 1966. The status of /e/ in Onitsha Igbo. Journal of West African Languages, 3:2. 67-69. xxx Igbo Dictionary: KayWilliamson. Draft of Edition II Williamson, Kay. 1970. Some alternative proposals for the Igbo completive phrase. In: Tone in Generative Phonology, Research Notes 3, 2-3:83-90. Williamson, Kay (ed.) 1972. Igbo-English dictionary. Benin: Ethiope Publishing Corporation. Williamson, Kay 1984. A note on the word bà ¨keà ¨. á » ¤wa ndá »â€¹ IgboRead MoreMarketing Management 14th Edition Test Bank Kotler Test Bank173911 Words   |  696 Pagesvary.) Page Ref: 24 Objective: 4 AACSB: Analytic skills Difficulty: Moderate 143) You have been given the assignment of justifying cause-related marketing to your board of directors. What would be your primary argument in favor of such a proposal? Answer: Companies see cause-related marketing as an opportunity to enhance their corporate reputation, raise brand awareness, increase customer loyalty, build sales, and increase press coverage. They believe customers will increasingly look forRead MoreMarketing Management130471 Words   |  522 Pagesthinking. Other issues are relevant. Art, for example, may be reflected in the rather arbitrary practice of wearing ties in some countries and wearing turbans in others. Morality may be exhibited in the view in the United States that one should not be naked in public. In Japan, on the other hand, groups of men and women may take steam baths together without perceived as improper. On the other extreme, women in some Arab countries are not even allowed to reveal their faces. Notice, by the way, that whatRead MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pages2005 The Guardian Nearly 3,000 AA call centre staff are to be monitored by computers to ensure they do not take too many brea ks, in a move forming part of a performance-related pay deal whereby workers get a total of 82 minutes’ free time, to include lunch, tea breaks and visits to the lavatory. The GMB union criticized the move, which expects staff to make up lost time, saying workers were being treated ‘like battery hens’. The motoring organization is the latest company to introduce dataveillance,