The Stone Angel Plot Summary Essay Example for Free

The Stone Angel Plot Summary Essay Hagar Shipley is an older woman who lives in western Canada with her son and his wife, Marvin and Doris.She starts to recall her life in Manawaka where she spent her childhood with family and friends. While the plot returns to present, her son Marvin and his wife Doris are trying to persuade Hagar selling their house and buying a smaller one. The proposal has been intensely rejected by Hagar, because she believes that the house is hers.Then, plot moves to the interview with the minister, Mr. Troy, however Hagar does not spend much time with him because she was suffering rib pain. Plot returns to her childhood while the interview finished, she recollects the memory while she backed to Manawaka from a young ladies academy in Toronto. She had conflict with her father when deciding her future because her father wanted Hagar to work with his company but Hagar wanted to become a school teacher.Finally, Hagar stayed in his father’s company as an accountant.At a dance, Hagar met Brampton Shipley who married with her. As a result, Hagar’s father removed the Hagar’s name from his will because of her marriage. Back to present, Hagar found out the information about the nursing house on newspaper and discovered that Marvin and Doris are planning to send her to there. Hagar was refractory while Marvin and Doris drove her to visit the nursing house. In there, Hagar recalled Bram’s business which is raising horses and Marvin’s birth. After visiting the nursing house, Hagar had a physical examination. As a result, the doctor suggested her to live in nursing house so that she can get better care. However, Hagar resisted the suggestion and still lived in her house. One day, Marvin tells Hagar that he booked a spot at nursing house so that Hagar has to move to there on Monday. Hagar was afraid and anger, therefore she planning to use her annuity for fleeing. At that time Hagar recalls the decision while she leaves Bram. Back to present, Hagar went to a place named Shadow Point alone and found an obsoleting house near to cannery. In the obsoleting house, she recalls her life when she w as a housekeeper for Mr.Oatley. Also she reminds the time when she went back to Manawaka because of the Great Depression, Bram was sick at that time and John who is second son of Hager took care of Bram until he passed away. Back to present, Hagar saw two children playing on the sand that makes her recalls the death of John and Arlene. In a night, Hagar encounters a man named Murray in the obsoleting house. Murray left in the morning next day but he returned to find Hagar with Marvin and Doris. Marvin and Doris sent her to hospital. She does not like the ward because they are many patients in the room that makes her no privacy. Finally, Hager has been moved to a private room, shares with another girl. Mr. Tory, Doris, the grandson Steven and Marvin visits her successively. The story ends while Hagar holds a glass of water and ready to drink.

English Media Coursework (Saving Private Ryan) Essay examples -- essay

Analyze the methods used to make the opening battle sequence of ‘Saving Private Ryan’ both shocking and realistic, and say how effective you find it as an introduction to the film Steven Spielberg’s master piece Saving Private Ryan earned itself 5 academy awards, including the best director award in 1998. The all star cast starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore and Edward Burns brings to life the horror of war. Seen through the eyes of a squad of American soldiers, the story begins with World War 2’s historic D-Day invasion, then moves beyond the beach as the men embark on a dangerous special mission. Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) must take his men behind enemy lines to find Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat. Faced with impossible odds, the men question their orders. Why are eight men risking their lives to save just one? Surrounded by the brutal realities of war, each man searches for his own answer-and the strength to triumph over an uncertain future with honor, decency and courage. Saving Private Ryan earned its awards for bringing back the realism of World War 2 and for portraying what the shocking chances of survival were at the historic battle of Omaha beach on D-Day in June 1944. Omaha beach was only one of the invasion sites of the American, British and Canadian coalition forces. The special reason why Steven Spielberg chose to direct his movie with Omaha beach as its backdrop was due to the fact that out of all the other landing sites, Omaha beach was the bloodiest battle field and it took 15,000 lives of young American soldiers to capture the beach. In the past, war genre films meant hardcore action and a hero waging a one man war against an army, a typical movie would be Rambo 3. Although it is based on a true story, it did not take one American to battle the whole Russian army with a bow and arrow. Saving Private Ryan brings back to life the real heroes that fought in a war, men who were willing to give up their lives just to make a difference, now tha t ultimate sacrifice is what true heroism is. In a way Saving Private Ryan was finally able to create a difference between action genre films like Rambo 3 and war genre films like Black Hawk Down, and define completely new conventions of war genre films. The realism of the movie is what gave the movie its academy awards. A few explosions cannot bring back ... ...n the beach. Hundreds of bodies lay dead, the music although creates a peaceful effect, the first reaction of a sentimental audience would be tears dripping out of their eye’s. The final shot of the scene is the close up on Peter Ryan laying dead on the beach with a bloody tide rushing in. The ending scene was probably the most effective scene of all because it immediately shows the reality and chaos war brings to mankind and what kind of courage it takes people to rise up against it. Overall I think Steven Spielberg has created a masterpiece in re-creating D-Day. Not only that, the way the whole battle sequence followed and linked each other was remarkable. I mean to say the graveyard, the old veteran crying, the music, really prepared me to expect the next scene to be a battle. But I did not know it was going to be that chaotic and brutal that it literally shocked and surprised me. The accuracy and the, idea of hand held cameras really involved me with the movie and I think that’s what I enjoyed the most, the realism of the movie convinced me that, that is how D-Day happened. Saving Private Ryan was definitely worth watching, it has taken the war film genre to a whole new level.

Language of Politics Essay

Webster’s Encyclopedia defined language, from Latin lingua, â€Å"tongue†, as basically the mode by which humans express themselves vocally and communicate with others. It is the expression and communication of emotions or ideas between human beings by means of speech and hearing, the sounds spoken or heard being systematized and confirmed by usage among a given people over a period of time.[1] The art of using language in such a way that meaning is either limited or produces a new connotation, have only one purpose, that is, to manipulate people in believing other concepts or meanings so that people will not put into bad light or decipher correctly previous actions that have adverse effects to the environment, to people or to the society. Some people believe that our civilization is degenerating and becoming more immoral as time passes us by and that our own language must inevitably share in the general collapse. As the environment continued to be destroyed by our reprehensible actions, surely the abuse of language is also one of the characteristics of a decaying society. Ultimately, the decline of language will have to be traced to its political and economic causes. Language becomes ugly and inaccurate mainly because our own thoughts have become dull and foolish and frivolous. Manipulation of language to cover certain ugly deeds or to paint rosy pictures so as to maintain people support and economic stability is fast becoming the norm in today’s everyday communication. In George Orwell’s †Politics and the English Language†, two qualities that emerged among the five specimens of the English language as it is habitually written are (1) the staleness of imagery; and (2) the lack of precision. He explained that the writer must have a meaning and yet, cannot express it properly or expresses it in such a way that it gives a whole new connotation. The writer might be indifferent to what he is saying and doesn’t care if he is understood at all. Orwell said that this combination of vagueness ad sheer incompetence is one that is most unmistakably marked in terms of characteristics of modern English prose and of any kind of political writing. As soon as topics for discussion are raised, the concrete become abstract and no one seems able to think and speak words that is not hackneyed or trite. Orwell enumerated four tricks by which prose construction is habitually evaded: (1) Dying metaphors – assists thought by evoking a visual image but also a metaphor that is technically â€Å"dead† (e.g., iron resolution) has in effect, reverted to being an ordinary word and can be used without loss of vividness, metaphors that are usually used to save people from inventing new words (e.g., toe the line, stand shoulder to shoulder with, play into the hands of, etc.); (2) Operators or verbal false limbs – saves the trouble of choosing appropriate verbs and nouns and at the same time, pad each sentence with extra syllables that gives it an appearance of symmetry (i.e., render inoperative, militate against, serve the purpose of, etc.); (3) Pretentious diction – words like phenomenon, element, individual, objective, categorical, liquidate, etc. are used to dress up simple statements and give an air of scientific impartiality to biased judgments. Adjectives such as epoch-making, epic, historic, unforgettable, inevitable, etc. are words used to dignify the sordid process of international politics; and (4) Meaningless words – words and passages that are almost lacking in meaning are used (e.g., romantic, plastic, values, human, sentimental, natural, vitality, etc. are usually used in art and literary criticism.[2] Orwell provided a clear and detailed explanation as to the means by which people can destroy the usage of language through the four tricks that was enumerated above. Language can be made lively and interesting, and it can be used with malice and intention to cloud people’s perception of things and events that may be detrimental to some individuals, groups or organizations. What is language of politics? It is basically a term used to describe political or social consequences of linguistic differences between people, or on certain occasion, the political consequences of the way a language is spoken and what words are used.[3] Language, based on early definition, can be a speech of a particular nation or any means of passing on one’s thoughts or feelings to others. It is like a person such that over time, it grows and develops, changes as society changes. Often, society (particularly those in politics) uses language or words as weapons. It is used to make someone feel inferior or to hide something that will be detrimental to someone’s wellbeing. Language basically defines who we were, what we are and where we are going (direction). With its power to devastate and its power to influence, language continually evolves and changes, as the society and the environment changes.[4] For politicians, language is indeed a weapon. Creative and apt usage may cause â€Å"death† on political issues or aspirations. It may be used to cover devious acts and horrendous mistakes so that the citizenry will be clueless. Nowadays, an entire art of using language to manipulate citizens’ knowledge and inputs regarding politics has developed. Language is oftentimes used to hide mistakes or to cloud the people’s better judgment. By using misleading language like jargon, confusing syntax and hypersensitivity to very narrow definitions, politicians are able to make people believe in lies or make them act in such a way that will be greatly beneficial to the political position of a candidate. One example of this is when then Secretary of State, Alexander Haig (1981) manipulated words because he was to explain to Congress why a group of Salvadoran soldiers trained and equipped by the United States had brutally raped and killed four American nuns. Haid used every language trick imaginable to suggest that the nuns actually got involved in an â€Å"exchange of fire† with the soldiers such that the image of nuns fighting with soldiers almost obliterated the fact that a crime was committed against the nuns. This is an example of how language can be manipulated to suit the needs of the politicians.[5] Politicians also mislead its citizenry by using jargon. Jargon refers to the confusing labels that are often attached to things. This is used so that those who are knowledgeable will know precisely what is being referred to. To use it with dishonesty and deceitfulness in mind, jargon is oftentimes used to confuse people with very formal sounding language. One example of this is when a doctor tells a patient that she has â€Å"sever abdominal distension†, encouraging the patient to spend more for her hospitalization, little knowing that it just means she is experiencing â€Å"cramps†. This is oftentimes utilized during wartimes (e.g. during the Gulf War) by politicians to report about â€Å"targets being serviced† which only meant that something possible containing people in it was destroyed. William Lutz, in his book titled Doublespeak, gave another example on the usage of jargon to mislead people. He cited a US$2,043 dollar â€Å"hexaform rotatable surface compression unit†, which â€Å"suffered dramatically degraded useful operational life† when it â€Å"underwent catastrophic stress-related shaft detachment†. Upon hearing this, people will naturally think that the government should be more careful in buying such units when in actuality, it only meant a nut that has a value that is much too costly for comfort.[6] Another way of deceiving the people is when politicians use confusing syntax. Syntax basically refers to grammar and certain grammatical structures can be used to misinform and mislead people. One mistake that was covered up by using syntax was the aborted hostage rescue effort in Iran during the hostage crisis of the 1970’s. The presidential spokesman dispatched to â€Å"inform† the public of the circumstances explained that something had happened, but nothing really happened, there were or were not casualties and the US may or may not have been involved. Lutz came up with another example wherein it shows that politicians try to avoid being pinpointed as the author of bills that invariably raise taxes. Draft tax laws like â€Å"in the case of a partnership with a taxable year beginning 1 May 1986, if such partnership realized net capital gain during the period beginning†¦then such partnership may elect to treat each asset—as having been distributed to the partners†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The readers simply lose track of what is being discussed and are left with no choice but to just accept what is being reported.[7] By using very narrow definitions, politicians are able to effectively deceive people. A politician may apply a rarely used definition to mislead or use a term in its strictest sense while everyone else assumed that the more far-ranging definition applied. One example of this is when President Bill Clinton explained that â€Å"there is no sexual relationship†. Americans assumed that his â€Å"is† also referred to the past and that there has never been any sexual relationship when in fact, he meant that literally at that moment, there was no sexual relationship. Another example is when a plane crashed due to a propeller that fell off and was explained in an FAA report as a case of â€Å"uncontained blade liberation†. The horrible effect of incompetence is thus hidden in a term of â€Å"blade liberation†, misleading people to think that nothing untoward happened. Politicians have so much power when they use language in misinformation and deceit. People will just have to be constantly aware when they are being given jargons, syntax and very narrow definitions that are confusing and vague, making them robots that are programmed to accept and believe according to the whims of those who are in the position of power. References Anderson-Krome, Christopher W. What is Language? Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.sebsteph.com/Professional/Bart’s%20class/Rankenfall99/candersonkrome.html. Language. Webster’s International Dictionary. 1998. Trident Press International, Florida USA. p716. Language politics. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/language_politics. Orwell, George. Politics and the English Language. 1946. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/orwell46.html. Sample Essay. The COC Guide to Writing: Online Edition. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.coc.cc.ca.us/departments/ENGLISH/Guide/wizard1_200-599/500-599/517b.html. [1] Language. Webster’s International Dictionary. 1998. Trident Press International, Florida USA. P716. [2] Orwell, George. Politics and the English Language. 1946. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/orwell46.html. [3] Language politics. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/language_politics. [4] Anderson-Krome, Christopher W. What is Language? Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.sebsteph.com/Professional/Bart’s%20class/Rankenfall99/candersonkrome.html. [5] Sample Essay. The COC Guide to Writing: Online Edition. Retrieved 30 May 2007 from http://www.coc.cc.ca.us/departments/ENGLISH/Guide/wizard1_200-599/500-599/517b.html. [6] Sample Essay. Ibid. [7] Ibid.

Can Happiness Be Achieved Essay - 1010 Words

A library of wisdom, is more precious than all wealth, and all things that are desirable cannot be compared to it. -- Plato Throughout time, people have constantly attempted to seek out what happiness truly is, and, if possible, how to achieve this happiness. The idea of what happiness is has changed often, and is dependent on the environment that the people live in. The era and the ideologies of that time period, the community, and who the people interact with all affect the idea of what happiness truly is. Because of this, what happiness is, and how to achieve it, will be continually changing. The true meaning and idea of happiness could perhaps never be truly known. Throughout the ages, the idea of what happiness is has been†¦show more content†¦Happiness could be seen as the goal for humanity, which is what causes the world to move forward. In each person’s unique way, they would be attempting to reach happiness, and this would cause humanity to progress. However, each person cannot know what the true form of happiness really is, and can only strive to what they think to be the ultimate idea of happiness. Different people would go about attempting to be happy in different ways, and some of these ways would be more successful than others. A person who was raised in a family with certain morals and beliefs may experience happiness by following strict rules set by the family, while another may find happiness by breaking those same rules. In the interpretation for the perfect happiness, there is diversity as to how the happiness could be achieved. While the true form of happiness can never truly be known by people, religion claims to explain the true idea of happiness as described by a supreme being. The higher idea of happiness may only exist in heaven, because it cannot be represented in its original, exact form on earth. Because heaven is represented as the holiest, most ideal place, it is where this idea of perfect happiness exists, and it is the only place where it can exist. All happiness on earth that is experienced by humans is only a representation of this perfect happiness, and this is what people strive for. By following the rules, customs,Show MoreRelatedCan True Happiness be Achieved?690 Words   |  3 PagesIn society today there is a common understanding that true happiness can never be achieved. Moreover, that the purpose of life is to suffer and to work until death. This thought raises many questions about the steps to take in order to achieve true happiness. The struggle to answer these questions goes above and beyond minds because humans are made so distinctly that the definition varies from person to person. But if true happiness is in fact achievable, it will be attained only when we are oneRead MoreTo What Extent Can True Happiness Be Achieved with Limited Freedom? 1690 Words   |  7 Pagesstability. People are not allowed any knowledge of the past, and everything is only explained to the most basic of truth. The freedoms we enjoy today are almost completely abolished. Naturally, we associate happiness with the ability to do whatever your want in life, so if we didn’ t have this ability, can we still be happy in life? In the novel, it seems to be achievable on the surface, but when you look deeper, it shows that human beings respond to their environment in different ways. The reason that theRead MoreDichotomy Of Happiness Essay823 Words   |  4 Pagesdichotomy of happiness; two different feelings and their impacts; How to achieve happiness each type of happiness. b. Intro Paragraph: Happiness can be best described as the end goal of life. 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It is there right to say that all utilitarianRead MoreThe Relationship Between Contemplation And Happiness1296 Words   |  6 Pagescontemplation and happiness (1177a12-18). He defines pleasure as the greatest and most important good, because pleasure can be lived at its finest stage and that is what makes it a good. Contemplation is the highest form of any activity because it happens constantly; it gives pleasure and is independent from other (. It does not stop or only happen for a very short time. It rather continues to happen. Further on, he talks about happiness and how it is related to pleasure and contemplation. Happiness is theRead MoreMorality and Happiness1613 Words   |  7 Pagesflexible. The moral character has long been associated with happiness which is that state of having achieved ones desires although there are some disconnections. Several theories have been forwarded in connection to morality and happiness as far as the society is concerned. In this argumentative paper we shall give detailed analysis of morality and happiness and whether or not moral character is a requirement to happiness. Morality and Happiness The concept of morality utilizes the individuals evaluationRead MoreThe Frustrating Pursuit of Happiness1299 Words   |  5 Pagesconstantly striving towards happiness. People will work their entire life chasing something and in the end still be unhappy. Continually pursuing this idealistic goal of happiness and never feeling as though they have accomplished it, leaving people wondering if it is even worth it. It often makes people question what happiness is even considered anymore in today’s society and curious as to how they can achieve such a thing. Devoting one’s entire life to achieving happiness in our 21st century societyRead MoreHappiness And Its Effect On Our Nation s Declaration Of The Holiday Season1181 Words   |  5 Pages Happiness cannot be reached when it is being searched for, it can only be achieved by focusing on things other than your own happiness. 1. â€Å"The right laid out in our nation’s Declaration of Independence- to pursue happiness to our hearts’ content- is nowhere on better display than in the rites of the holiday season† (McMahon). 2. â€Å"Sociologists like to point out that the percentage of those describing themselves as â€Å"happy† or â€Å"unhappy† has remained virtually unchanged in Europe and the United StatesRead MoreA Society Of Constant Consumption Of Materialistic Objects1617 Words   |  7 Pagesdecades ago. With the advancement of technology, conveniences like these have been made possible through being able to just charge everything—this has become a national addiction. There is still a magnitude of people who would say money couldn’t buy happiness but the truth is a lot more in depth than that; money does in fact play an essential role in everyone’s overall life gratification. Even though there is that urge and desire for materialistic goods, people are still sometimes caught in the dilemmaRead MoreWhat Is The Dream In The American Dream858 Words   |  4 Pagesand security for them because it gave them hope. In Of Mice and Men the â€Å"dream† causes readers to come away with the feeling that dreams come true and that they are crucial to happiness. â€Å"The Dream† idea in Of Mice and Men is what is known the American Dream. The American Dream is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In the novel characters like Lennie, George display this dream, â€Å"Someday-we’re are gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a