Through the two main characters of Rhodaand Gertrude Essay Example for Free

Through the two main characters of Rhodaand Gertrude Essay Through the two main characters of Rhoda and Gertrude the writer allows the reader to know his opinion on gender equality at the time. As well as criticising the way in which men treat women, he also states his feelings on how women treat other women and their selves. Rhoda is firstly represented as a mysterious, lonely and segregated person who has a history with the character, Farmer Lodge. This assumption can be taken from the way the fellow workers treat Rhoda and their conversations involving Farmer Lodge and his new bride. For example one milk maid says, Tis hard for she while looking at Rhoda who is described by the writer as, a thin fading woman of thirty milked somewhat apart from the rest. This description is just, because the workers speak blatantly about Rhoda and her past, even though she is in hearing distance. It is like they are aware of her presence, but choose to discount it because Rhoda, in their eyes is worthless. This leads the reader to think what Rhoda has done in order to be isolated from the group and be treated with such an obvious mix of contempt and sympathy. The initial conversation in the workplace also highlights how differently men and women are treated and how differently their roles in life really are. The reader can see that Rhoda and Farmer lodge have some kind of history and they are aware of what peoples reactions to Rhoda are, yet it is clear that the man, who has presumably participated in the same secretive affair is treated with a more positive and accepting attitude. Despite the workers still gossiping about his wedding and debating his age, there doesnt seem to be as much scandal about his past, any references made are directed about Rhoda and her involvement. The next paragraph begins with the workers leaving for home, Rhodas seclusion because of past events and her womanhood, are highlighted once more in the line, lay apart from that of others, to a lonely spot The readers also learn that she has a son as a result o a past affair with Farmer Lodge, your father brings his young wife Rhodas obsessive nature concerning her past love is also made clear. She continually asks her son for details in order to compare Gertrude with herself, If shes dark or fair, and if shes tall The writer uses Rhodas insecurities to symbolise how men drive women to desperation, how they cause women to doubt themselves and loose confidence in their own mind and body just because of a mans actions and how they choose to treat women, in this case in a disparaging way. The writer also uses Rhodas self- absorption (his mother not observing that he was cutting a notch with his pocket-knife); obsessive fixation on Gertrudes appearance and the twisted gratification she receives at hearing of Gertrudes faults (She is not tall. She is rather short. He replied. Ah! said his mother with satisfaction) to criticise how weak some women can be. The writer sympathises with Rhodas mistreatment but also pities her for allowing she to become a victim in the first place. This opinion is later confirmed when Rhoda is so consumed with envy and scorn that she dreams about Gertrude. The dream being a metaphor for her inner feelings. Up to this point the writer doesnt prompt much sympathy for the character of Rhoda as she is construed as bitter and slightly vindictive, yet after the event we see a softer side to her. She does worry when she meets Gertrude and notices that she does in fact have a withered arm. She is racked with guilt and remorse (Rhodas heart reproached her bitterly) and we see that she isnt just a hostile ex with a chip on her shoulder and that she does actually care as the writer shows us in the line, This innocent young thing should have her blessing not her curse. Throughout the rest of the story Rhoda does her best to help her replacement Gertrude and not because shes only feeling guilt but because she actually likes her. Gertrude at the beginning of the story is described as Rhoda Brooks opposite, (of Rhoda), there was more of the strength that endures in her well-defined features and large frame than in the soft cheeked woman before her. Gertrudes initial character is kind, cheerful and in the trend of the time was completely devoted to her husband. It was only after her husbands reaction to her withered arm did she begin to change into an irritable, superstitious woman. Instead of supporting her and showing her unconditional encouragement and affection Farmer lodge froze her out, making her feel ugly, useless and eventually causing her to take drastic measures, which were most out of her once caring and sensible character. The writer uses the lines, I shouldnt so much mind it if-if I hadnt a notion that it makes my husband dislike me-no love me less. Men think so much of personal appearance, to once again criticize both males and females of the time. Men for making women degrade themselves in order to pathetically please their man and women for allowing themselves to be so hopelessly dependant on a males approval and love. He is saying that, that kind of relationship is destructive, to a female especially since most men of the time focused solely on appearance, Yes; and he was very proud of mine at first. The writer uses the characters of Rhoda and Gertrude as a kind of before and after picture. In the beginning we see that Rhoda Brook is a lonely, poor woman who is branded a witch and thought of as highly scandalous yet we see Gertrude as an innocent and beautiful young woman, the later image is ironic because the beautiful Gertrude does transform into a Rhoda-like being, bitter and obsessive. The writer is allowing us to see the process in which vanity, reliance, obsession and the behaviour of men towards women along with the nature of the female friendship enables the downfall of a person.

Defining the Autobiography :: Expository Definition Essays

Defining the Autobiography       In a lecture on autobiography, Diane Howard states, "The focus of autobiographical writing and performing is on subjective questions, struggles, and representations" (Howard 1).† â€Å"Autobiography is a broad term that lends itself to a variety of meanings and intentions.† There are many differences between autobiographies, especially along gender lines.† Women tend to write about different subjects than men do. Despite subjectivity and differences, there are similarities that make autobiography an autobiography.† The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines autobiography as "the biography of a person narrated by himself".† This is a vague definition that does not delve into the common similarities found among many autobiographies that separates them from other forms of writing.    Author of The Forms of Autobiography, William C. Spengemann writes "an autobiography had to offer an at least ostensibly factual account of the writerà ­s own life" (Spengemann 1).† The inclusion of fact in autobiography is what makes the writing valid.† In her introduction to Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, Eleanor Roosevelt writes, "the young are not afraid of telling the truth;" the entire diary offers an honest account of her persona, family life as well as details of WWII. (Frank xiii).† Autobiography needs to be truthful in its intention, and therefore a diary can be a good source of truth.† Facts are a fairly important aspect of the success of autobiography.    Despite the importance of factual truth, emotional truth also makes autobiographical writing credible.† The very last line of Anne Frankà ­s Diary says "Will the reader take into consideration that when this story was written the writer had not cooled down from her fury!" (Frank 94).† This statement suggests that the events she just narrated are not factually correct, however, they are emotionally honest.† In her autobiographical essay, "How It Feels To Be Colored Me", Zora Neale Hurston speaks of Jazz in emotional terms as "Music. The great blobs of purple and red emotion" (Hurston 387).† In the midst of her Jazz frenzy, Hurston is "in the jungle and living in the jungle way.† My face is painted red and yellow and my body is painted blue.† My pules is throbbing like a war drum" (Hurston 387).† Hurstonà ­s blobs of color are not necessarily factual, but they are an attempt to convey honest emotion. Defining the Autobiography :: Expository Definition Essays Defining the Autobiography       In a lecture on autobiography, Diane Howard states, "The focus of autobiographical writing and performing is on subjective questions, struggles, and representations" (Howard 1).† â€Å"Autobiography is a broad term that lends itself to a variety of meanings and intentions.† There are many differences between autobiographies, especially along gender lines.† Women tend to write about different subjects than men do. Despite subjectivity and differences, there are similarities that make autobiography an autobiography.† The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines autobiography as "the biography of a person narrated by himself".† This is a vague definition that does not delve into the common similarities found among many autobiographies that separates them from other forms of writing.    Author of The Forms of Autobiography, William C. Spengemann writes "an autobiography had to offer an at least ostensibly factual account of the writerà ­s own life" (Spengemann 1).† The inclusion of fact in autobiography is what makes the writing valid.† In her introduction to Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, Eleanor Roosevelt writes, "the young are not afraid of telling the truth;" the entire diary offers an honest account of her persona, family life as well as details of WWII. (Frank xiii).† Autobiography needs to be truthful in its intention, and therefore a diary can be a good source of truth.† Facts are a fairly important aspect of the success of autobiography.    Despite the importance of factual truth, emotional truth also makes autobiographical writing credible.† The very last line of Anne Frankà ­s Diary says "Will the reader take into consideration that when this story was written the writer had not cooled down from her fury!" (Frank 94).† This statement suggests that the events she just narrated are not factually correct, however, they are emotionally honest.† In her autobiographical essay, "How It Feels To Be Colored Me", Zora Neale Hurston speaks of Jazz in emotional terms as "Music. The great blobs of purple and red emotion" (Hurston 387).† In the midst of her Jazz frenzy, Hurston is "in the jungle and living in the jungle way.† My face is painted red and yellow and my body is painted blue.† My pules is throbbing like a war drum" (Hurston 387).† Hurstonà ­s blobs of color are not necessarily factual, but they are an attempt to convey honest emotion.

Effects of Computer Society Essay

Traditionally, courses that deal with computers and society issues focus primarily on enumerating the various ways in which computers impact society. This is done by listing categories of topics such as privacy, computers in medicine, military uses of computers, etc. Classic cases of computer abuse or errant systems are typically described in detail, as a way of simply making students more aware of how computers affect society. These examples are meant to serve as warnings to future professionals, in the hopes that they will practice their profession with greater care. What is missing from these discussions, however, is  why  computers have the impact they do on society. What are the characteristics that are the root of this impact? Are there fundamental differences between this technology and others that have transformed our world in the past? The intent of developing a list of these characteristics is that it could lead to a better understanding of the nature of the social impact of computers. In this way, it might be possible to examine a new computer project at the time of its  design  (not, as is the usual case, a long time after the project has been implemented and disseminated) to determine its potential impacts as a social change agent. The characteristics given below are not necessarily unique to computer technology. However, in many instances computers have created situations that were previously impossible to accomplish (such as space flight), were essentially inconceivable until the technology was applied, or at least were very difficult to achieve without the aid of computer technology. Furthermore, even though other technologies may have had impacts similar to computers in many ways, computer technology has greatly amplified their effects to the point of entirely overshadowing any previous technology’s impact. Finally, the term  computer technology  is meant to be inclusive of any device that is essentially controlled by a basic computer (CPU, program, etc. ). This would include, therefore, modern telephones, VCRs, microwave ovens, CAT scanners, supermarket scanners, and the like. The following are in no particular order. Also, some devices or examples are likely to fit into more than one of the categories below: (1) Ubiquity – It is perhaps stating the obvious that computers appear to be everywhere today. Even when we don’t encounter them directly in their various forms of modern convenience devices, such as digital watches, microwave ovens, VCRs, and the like, we generate transactions that are processed via computers without actively doing anything: the utility companies are recording our usage, the phone company records incoming calls, our answering machine might be recording a message while we are doing something else, someone is performing a credit check on us, etc. (2) Magnification – Computers tend toward magnification in several different ways. First, the explosion of the availability of information is due in large part to the computer’s ability to generate, collect, and store an ever increasing amount of raw data. Since the ability to create and collect data is growing exponentially, so too is the generation of information that can be synthesized from this data. Second, the types of negative impacts a single error can have has grown enormously with computer technology. Finally, the number of people directly affected by a system error has also grown enormously, to where a single software system literally can affect millions directly. 3) Accessibility – Access to information continues to increase at hard to believe speeds. Many information resources are available only in digital form, via, for instance, the Internet. As more information is converted to digital form (e. g. voice and video), the ability to duplicate and distribute such information increases enormously. Indeed, there are some forms of publishing that can exist only within the context of a computer system. The concept of hypertext and hypermedia (including audio and video), the ability to create non-linear accessibility to information, was conceived out of the ability to randomly access information via computers. Its increasing success easily shows how important information in a digital form has become already. (Oz, 1994). (5) Lack of Accountability – It has become a popular complaint that it is getting more and more difficult to locate a human being who is willing to accept responsibility for an error made by a computerized system. While it is tempting to blame such problems on incompetent employees, in truth the problem may be a poor user interface, lack of training, or an error in the software, none of which can be solved by those providing the front-line service. Another difficulty is finding someone who will, indeed, fix an error in an account. It is often the case that service representatives are reluctant to accept the responsibility for making a necessary change. In addition, it can often be difficult to even find a human being to deal with a problem. Getting lost in a voice-mail system has become a modern urban legend. (Nissenbaum, 1994). (6) Temporality – Computers have several effects on time and the timeliness of information. It seems that computer technology is to blame in large part for the â€Å"speed p† of modern society – everything has to get done faster, be there sooner, be available immediately. Another form of temporality in computer systems is that information can be retained over long periods of time, even when they appear to have been destroyed (consider the classic case of Col. Oliver North). There is little reason that information should be entirely lost any more, even due to accident. And it is reas onable to suspect that every scrap of information generated today will be available virtually forever. Another temporal shift for which computers have been responsible is that people who work together do not necessarily have to do so at the same time. Finally, services and information are more frequently available on a 24-hour basis. This allows people to request a service or seek information when it fits their schedule, rather than when it fits the service provider’s schedule. (7) Spatiality – Computers have done more to shorten distances than any previous technology, even the supersonic jet. It is possible to send large amounts of data, messages, video, etc. virtually anywhere in the world via networks such as Internet. Long distance learning, using information databases or video feeds of courses via satellite, is a reality for a growing portion of our modern society. We can now even be on the move when we talk with someone on the phone, or receive a fax. (8) Surveillability – Is there any doubt that computers have made surveillance easier than at any time in history? In addition to the usual surveillance equipment such as cameras and microphones, transactional data is increasingly being collected for virtually all types of transactions, even cash purchases and the acquisition of services. There has even been discussion by the government of using a universal health card, which is seen by many as the first step toward finalizing the move (begun with the co-opting of the social security number) in the US toward a national identification card. (9) Shifting of Relationships/Changes in Intercommunication Protocols – One of the more difficult characteristics to track is how computer technology has changed communication between people and groups of people. In particular, the use of email has been shown to eliminate a lot of the usual visual and verbal cues we often use in communicating with one another (whch can be viewed as both an advantage and as a disadvantage). In addition to removing such cues, computer-mediated communications mask attributes such as race, gender, age, or physical disability, in addition, perhaps, to the person’s social or management status within an organization. (Grudin, 1994; Perrole, 1987). (10) Illusion of Precision – It is not difficult to make many (perhaps even most) people who are not in the computer field believe that any numeric result generated by a computer is correct. Those not well versed in the hardware of computers have little understanding of the fact that numbers must be converted back and forth between decimal and binary forms, or that there is a limitation on the accuracy of numbers due to memory constraints. As a result, they willingly accept values generated by a computer as infinitely accurate. (Liffick, 1985). Conclusion The characteristics described above are factors in the social impact of computer technology. For most there is at least anecdotal evidence of their existence (with seemingly countless examples). For some, there is also experimental evidence. It has finally become widely accepted that technology is not value neutral, as originally thought. By examining this list and using it as a set of landmarks for evaluating new systems, it may be possible to better anticipate the social impact of new systems, prior to their dissemination.

Pros And Cons Of Capital Punishment - 1303 Words

Capital Punishment: The Benefits and Downfalls Taylor M. Osborne Charleston Southern University Abstract The following essay explores the pros and cons of capital punishment. A brief history of how capital punishment was introduced into modern society is included. Various resources have been used for research which include online articles, studies, and textbook references. This paper suggests the costs of capital punishment to be very high, but brings closure and justice to families, and even brings forth new evidence in some cases. While this form of punishment is seen as inhumane to some, it has been a successful method in various cases that are mentioned in this essay. This paper will conclude with the authors personal viewpoint†¦show more content†¦When the time came around for colonists to discover America, death being a form of punishment was brought and introduced. The first recorded execution in America was in Virginia in 1608. Captain George Kendall was executed for being a spy in Spain. (DeathPenaltyinfo.org) Virginia’s death penalty laws in the early colonial times were a bit extreme. For example, one could be sentenced to death for stealing grapes, or trading with an Indian. In the late 1700’s following the abolitionist movement, capital punishment was being viewed differently in some cases. Cesare Beccaria released an essay titled â€Å"On Crimes and Punishment† it immediately shook the world and had a big influence. It was first released it Italy, before making it to America this essay influenced Austria and Tuscany to abolish capital punishment laws. (Deathpenaltyinfo.org) The essay influenced Thomas Jefferson to consider revising Virginia’s death penalty laws. Over the years, capital punishment was always debated as justifiable form of punishment, and it still is to this day. Benefits of Capital Punishment This form of punishment brings ultimate closure the victims and their families, because the offender is being permanently moved from society and will never be able to hurt anyone again. However, in some cases, it can bring forth evidence that has been missing for years and can help solveShow MoreRelatedPros And Cons Of Capital Punishment1608 Words   |  7 Pageswhere capital punishment is legal. As of April 2016, there have been 1,431 executions in the United States, but the number of executions in recent years has been steadily decreasing (Timmons 2017). The death penalty can be put up for moral debate, and one can ask oneself whether the death penalty is ever morally permissible. There are some pros and cons to having capital punishment. For example, deterrence and prevention are good reasons to have the death penalty, but, in reality, the cons far outweighRead MorePros And Cons Of Capital Punishment1237 Words   |  5 PagesPros and Cons of Capital Punishment INTRODUCTION Each year there are around 250 people added to death row and 35 executed. The death penalty is the most severe method of penalty enforced in the United Sates today. Once a jury has condemned a criminal of a crime they go to the following part of the trial, the punishment phase. If the jury recommends the death penalty and the judge coincides, then the criminal will face some form of execution. Lethal injection is the most common process of executionRead MorePros And Cons Of Capital Punishment1319 Words   |  6 PagesPeople and courts often justify capital punishment as society’s moral duty to safeguard the safety and well-being of its citizens. According to Miriam-Webster, capital punishment is the practice of killing people as punishment for serious crimes. Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being. There is much controversy in the punishment of offenders who have committed murder. It is the maximum sentence a person can receive if the crime of murder is com mitted. Some would say it is inhumaneRead MorePros And Cons Of Capital Punishment1471 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Capital punishment is one of the most controversial ethical issues that our country faces these days. Capital punishment is the legal penalty of death for a person that has performed heinous acts in the eyes of the judicial system. Discussion on whether capital punishment is humane or considered cruel and unusual punishment has been the main issue this of debate for years. Recent discussion goes far beyond the act itself but now brings into question whether medical personal shouldRead MorePros and Cons of Capital Punishment3687 Words   |  15 Pages1.  Morality PRO: The crimes of rape, torture, treason, kidnapping, murder, larceny, and perjury pivot on a moral code that escapes apodictic [indisputably true] proof by expert testimony or otherwise. But communities would plunge into anarchy if they could not act on moral assumptions less certain than that the sun will rise in the east and set in the west. Abolitionists may contend that the death penalty is inherently immoral because governments should never take human life, no matter what theRead MoreThe Pros and Cons of Capital Punishment Essay855 Words   |  4 PagesThe Pros and Cons of Capital Punishment Since the mid 1900’s, capital punishment has brought many individuals into many diverse view points throughout the years. Capital punishment is a way of punishing a convict by killing him or her because of the crime he or she committed. Capital punishment will always have its pros and cons. There are opponents who absolutely disagree with capital punishment. And then there are advocates who support the idea. In the advocates view point, capital punishmentRead MoreEssay on The Pros and Cons of Capital Punishment1208 Words   |  5 PagesThe topic of capital punishment is one that is highly debated in our society today. Capital punishment is the ultimate punishment our society can give one for their actions. On the other hand, it is viewed as a denial of human rights that promotes more violence in our society. Religious Tolerance.org states that in the United States, over 13,000 people have been legally executed since colonial times. (Religious Tolerance) Is capital punis hment a moral act? It is not a moral punishment as it deniesRead MoreDeath Penalty: The Pros and Cons of Capital Punishment Essay527 Words   |  3 Pagesto you about these problems with the death penalty in my paper. Everyone should ask themselves what they believe. Do you believe that by killing people using the death it will save lives. The death penalty is called capital punishment. You get sentenced with capital punishment for really bad crimes. Some of the ways they do the death penalty are with lethal injection, deadly gas. In some of the foreign countries they will kill people that have been given the death penalty by a firing squadRead MoreCapital Punishment Essay667 Words   |  3 PagesAdvent Catholic Encyclopedia, Capital Punishment is the infliction by due legal process of the penalty of death as a punishment for crime. Capital Punishment, also known as, the Death Penalty has been around for centuries. The first established death penalty laws date as far back as the Eighteenth Century B.C. in the Code of King Hammaurabi of Babylon, which codified the death penalty for 25 different crimes (www.deathpenaltyinfo.org). Not only is Capital Punishment ancient, it is highly controversialRead MoreBureau Of Justice Statistics : The United States Primary Source For Criminal Justice1439 Words   |  6 PagesCapital Punishment. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). U.S. Department of Justice. 25 Nov. 2014. Web. Web. 25 Nov. 2014. Bureau of Justice Statistics is the United States primary source for criminal justice statistics. The website has published information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government. According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, â€Å"The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is a component of the Office