The Road by Cormac McCarthy

‘The Road’ is a book by Cormac McCarthy that focuses on a post-apocalyptic event involving a nuclear war. Evil is prevalent and man seems to have lost any sense of morality. Theft, murder, cannibalism and all forms of brutality seem to be the order of the day. This quote from the book is a clear indication of how worse things had become:Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on ‘The Road’ by Cormac McCarthy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More People sitting on the sidewalk in the dawn half immolate smoking in their clothes, like failed sectarian suicides. Others would come to help them. Within a year there were fires on the ridges and deranged chanting. The screams of the murdered, by day the dead impaled on spikes along the road. What had they done? He thought that in the history of the world it might even be that there was more punishment than crime but he took small comfort from it (McCarthy 53). The story is centered on a post apocalyptic event that causes the suffering of humanity. People lack the most basic necessities and live under extreme cruelty. An unnamed man and his small boy are exposed to the brutality. There are incidences of rape, theft and cannibalism all over. When they try to escape from the brutality, they come across one of the ‘bad guys’ who intends to kidnap and kill the boy. The man shoots him and they escape but they are disturbed by the incidence. When the man and the boy run out of food, they go to a place where they come across some scary scenes. Humans are held captive by some gang, and are kept like livestock to be feasted upon. Such was the intensity of human cruelty. In one of the passages the writer says; â€Å"The frailty of everything revealed at last. Old and troubling issues resolved into nothingness and night (McCarthy 24).† People are prone to hunger and starvation, the man and the boy, for instance, are at the verge of starvation when they come across an apple orchard and a well. This cushions them against starvation. When they run out of their food reserves again, they came across canned food at some bomb shelters but they do not take the same with ease as they fear for their security. The theme of violence is also brought out when the boy’s mother clearly expresses her fears that they might soon be found, raped and killed, as such had become normal in the society. She even states that in the past they would talk about death but they no longer did as it was being witnessed everywhere. This is evident in her statement: No, I’m speaking the truth. Sooner or later they will catch us and they will kill us. They will rape me. They’ll rape him. They are going to rape us and kill us and eat us and you won’t face it†¦ We used to talk about death,† she said, â€Å"We don’t anymore. Why is that?†¦ It’s because it’s here. There’s no thing left to talk about (McCarthy 93).Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More All these point to the absence of law and order. The scarcity of resources drives people to steal, kill and even become cannibals. Those who attempt decency try to avoid the vices and are only driven to the extremes out of necessity. This is evident in the passage, â€Å"The man had already dropped to the ground and he swung with him and leveled the pistol and fired from a two-handed position balanced on both knees at a distance of six feet. The man fell back instantly and lay with blood bubbling from the hole in his forehead (McCarthy 102).† In spite of all these, the man and the boy remain compassionate and generous. The boy, for instance, does not harm anyone, while the man does so only when it is really necessary. This implies that in the midst of all the cruelty, the virtues of compassion and morality can still prevail. The woman however opts to commit suicide so as to escape the cruelty. The man also preserves two bullets in the gun for self destruction incase things get to the extreme. This is evident in the passage: She was gone and the coldness of it was her final gift. She would do it with a flake of obsidian†¦ and she was right. There was no argument. The hundred nights they’d sat up debating the pros and cons of self destruction with the earnestness of philosophers chained to a madhouse wall (McCarthy 94) This is a clear indication that suicide seemed a better option under extreme brutality. On their journey, they come across incidences of cannibalism as evident in the passage, â€Å"Coming back he found the bones and the skin piled together with rocks over them†¦He pushed at the bones with the toe of his shoe. They looked to have been boiled (McCarthy 110).† In the novel, it is also quite evident that the people are subjected to abject po verty to the level that some do not even have clothing as evident in the passage, â€Å"Huddled against the back wall were naked people, male and female, all trying to hide, shielding their faces with their hands (McCarthy 168).†Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on ‘The Road’ by Cormac McCarthy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Such lack is what drives the people to cruelty for survival. It is a man-eat-man society and virtues seem rare. People are raised just like livestock for slaughter, and the conditions under which they are raised are pathetic. The boy is exposed to the world at its worst and the man is not even able to explain the same to him. Cruelty had become normal and one had to use any means including hurting or killing so as to survive. Someone, for instance, tries to kill them by shooting them with an arrow. The man is wounded on the leg but manages to protect the boy. Before the off ender could aim again, the man shoots at him and they all hear him scream. The Man and the boy seem to be living in isolation from the good people. It almost seems as though even God had abandoned them. In spite of all these, their affection for each other remains strong. Their memory of a better past makes it so hard for them to come into terms with the current happenings. The writer seems to be pointing to the fact that with such cruelty, human are likely disappear from the face of the earth. One of the characters, for instance says: When we’re all gone at last then there’ll be nobody here but death and his days will be numbered too. He’ll be out in the road there with nothing to do and nobody to do it to. He’ll say: Where did everybody go? And that’s how it will be. What’s wrong with that? (McCarthy 237). At first the boy is left by the mother, who opts to commit suicide as she can no longer cope with the hopelessness. At the end the boy is also left by the father, who dies and leaves him alone in a world that is so difficult to cope with. People are in a state of disillusion and it is even hard for one to imagine that things will ever get better. The man for instance says, â€Å"Well, I don’t think we’re likely to meet any good guys on the road (McCarthy 224).† This is a clear indication of the hopelessness that existed. The land is unproductive and in desolation. It is quite evident from their conversation that people were hiding from each other. The phrase points to the fear and isolation that had become evident. No one could trust another. The man refuses to imagine that the ancestors were watching and that there would be any form of justice at the end. According to him, they were dead and that was all. It is as though the human history and morality had been eroded by that devastating apocalyptic event. While asked the purpose of the gun, the man indicated that he possessed it for the purpos e of setting others on fire and not necessarily signaling. Such are the extremes that the world had reached so that a grisly weapon is used for signaling and setting others on fire. The society seems to be divided into two, the ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys.’ The bad ones seem to engage in acts that demean and even eliminate those that are weaker than them.Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More They enslave, torture and even kill them while the good ones try not to harm others unless if it is out of necessity as in the case of self defense. The man and the boy fall in this category. He assures the boy that they were still good guys. The man goes ahead to assure the boy that they would not eat a human even if they were starving. This is a basic form of decency that any man is expected to have but it is quite surprising that most people. Works Cited McCarthy, Cormac. The Road. New York: Pan Macmillan Limited, 2010. Print. This essay on ‘The Road’ by Cormac McCarthy was written and submitted by user Git Hoskins to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

ACT Test Information Release Should You Order It

ACT Test Information Release Should You Order It SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you’re hoping to find out more information about your ACT scores or use your test as a study aid, you should think about ordering Test Information Release. I’ll go through what’s included in TIR, why you should strongly consider ordering it, and how to order it for your test. What Is Test Information Release? Test Information Release is essentially an all-access guide to your ACT scores.You can order it during registration or up to three months after you take the test, and it costs $20. Here’s what you get for your money: A copy of the multiple choice test questions A list of your answers The answer key If you took the writing portion, you also get a copy of the essay prompt and essay scoring guidelines along with your essay scores You will also receive information about ordering a photocopy of your answer sheet (and essay, if you took the ACT with Writing) for an additional fee.Test Information Release is only offered for the December, April and June ACT test dates at national test centers. Unfortunately, on other dates there is no comparable service offered by the ACT, so if you want to review your scores in-depth you should stick to those test dates. Reasons to Order Test Information Release There are several reasons you might order TIR as a supplement to your regular score report, including its usefulness for future studying and its clarification of the mistakes you made on the test. Reason #1: It’s a Great Studying Tool! If you’re planning on taking the ACT more than once, Test Information Release is an excellent resource. It allows you toreview the test questions and analyze your mistakes to avoid repeating them next time you take the test.Focusing on the mistakes you made in a real test environment will increase the efficiency of your prep time. The ACT says on the order form for TIR that â€Å"you should not expect to receive [your TIR materials] before the registration deadline or in time to study for the next test date.†But if you’re not planning on taking the test on the very next date(or if you are but you think you might take it a third time later), TIR can be super useful as a study guide. Reason #2: You Got a Score You Didn’t Expect and Want to Review Your Answers in More Detail If you’re stumped by your ACT score, ordering Test Information Release can help you make sense of what happened.With full access to the questions, it’s more likely that you will remember why you made certain mistakes. If you believe an error was made in the scoring process and are considering going a step further and ordering Hand Scoring for the ACT, you should order TIR first.Hand Scoring means that a real human from the ACT will review your answers to see whether there was a mistake in the scantron scoring process.This is relatively expensive ($45 for multiple choice or essay, $90 for both), so you should make sure you have a good reason to do it. Test Information Release will either confirm or deny your suspicions about your score based on whether you remember answering questions the way it says you did on your score report. With TIR, you get to be your own ACT detective! Don't get too excited. How to Order Test Information Release As mentioned above, if you already know you want to order Test Information Release before you sign up for the ACT, you can order it along with your original registration (check the TIR box during online registration).You should receive your materials four weeks after your scores are released.If you order TIR after the test, your order has to be postmarked within three months of the test date.You must send the form and check via snail mail.Here is a link to the form. Mail the form, along with a check for $20 made out to ACT, to this address: ACT Test Information ReleasePO Box 4008Iowa City, IA 52243-4008 You should expect to receive your materials three to five weeks after you send in the order form.Remember, you can only order TIR if you test on official dates in December, April, or June at a national ACT test center. What's Next? Still not sure whether you should retake the ACT? Here's a quick guideto help you decide. Or are you just trying to find the right test date for your situation? Learn more about when you should take the ACT. Use this guide to figure out your target ACT score so you have a goal in mind for the next time you take the test! If you're looking for tips on specific sections, take a look at these articles on how to earn the best scores on each section of the test. Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

IAE_Principles_Practices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

IAE_Principles_Practices - Essay Example In some cases, children are vulnerable to certain adverts by virtue of being immature. Therefore, the advertisers must tailor their message in such a way that it does not negatively impact on this vulnerable group. 2. Principle 4 has been often ignored by advertisers which state that advertisers should disclose all material conditions such as receipt of payment of free product as well as identity of endorsers among other issues. In most cases, the advertisers are not at liberty to disclose this information in some of their adverts. 3. The comment on principle 7 is overstated. Whilst it is important for all advertising agents to abide by the federal law, the bottom line is that there is a regulatory body that oversees the operations of all these agencies. This body has a code of professional conduct and ethics that guides the operations of all the advertising agents. In other words, this body at law is responsible for administering the law to its members so that they conform to the expected standards. However, principle 5 is well articulated. Children should be protected from gullible advertisers since this group is comprised of vulnerable people. 4. I agree with the author who states that some adverts are distorted particularly those targeting children. Like the example given, the advert about the confectionary product is directly the opposite of what it claims. It can be seen that the advertisers are concerned about their profit oriented goals at the expense of the targeted consumers who are children. As noted, children may not be able to make meaningful decisions on their own by virtue of their young

Mid term exam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mid term exam - Assignment Example He judges what his colleagues says by revealing that he does not agree with everything. His judging behavior is also illustrated by his judgment of the opinions of his colleagues by arguing that they are entitled to their opinions. Furthermore, Reuben shows that he would be judging the progress that each individual would have made in the next meeting. Reuben warns that the accountants should be able to back up their decisions during their next meeting which reveals his judging behavior. Support: Inequity in the reward structure of the organization is one of the perpetual errors made in the management of the organization. This is revealed by Joan’s assertion that â€Å"I believe that there is enormous inequity in this organization’s rewards and structure. As I look around the room, I don’t see any other female representatives.† Joan adds that â€Å"This Company seems to be run like an old boys club. To Cameron’s point, we encourage teamwork, while rewarding only individual effort. Support: Another perpetual error is the failure of the employees to give the graduate recruits an opportunity to learn and become better. This is revealed by James when he points out that â€Å"we have a tendency to ‘jump in and fix things before they mess up’, as they put it. It’s as though they feel we aren’t giving them the opportunity to learn or become better†. Support: This is because Raid shows his admiration for teamwork. He further says that an individual achieves success only if the team succeeds. Furthermore, Raid reveals his outgoing personality by revealing that there was need for the workers to know each other beyond their professional life. Support: This is due to the fact that he demonstrates relationships with the competitors whom he says are not offering better compensations for the graduate the company does. Reuben is persistent as a long term orientation attribute by showing that the graduates should work effectively

The Step Pyramid of King Zjoser Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Step Pyramid of King Zjoser - Essay Example From this essay "The Step Pyramid of King Zjoser" it is clear, that Egypt is bordered by the Red Sea and Israel on the east side. (1) The country is divided into two extreme arid regions, The North-West flowing Nile River. The Nile starts 110 miles (162 km.) south of the Mediterranean and fans out to a sea front of 155 miles between the cities of Alexandria and Port Said. The ancient Egypt was divided into two major parts, first was â€Å"black land,† and another was â€Å"red land.†The black land was situated on the bank of the river Nile and it was very fertile land. The land was used for growing crops. This was the only land in Egypt which was formed due to a layer of rich, black silt, deposited there every year after the flood of the Nile. The Red Land was a barren desert that protected Egypt from its neighboring countries and invading armies. This region provided precious metals and semi-precious stones to Egyptians. The major responsible factor for flourishing the ancient Egyptian civilization is the river Nile. It is the gift given by God to the Egyptian people. It is hardly possible to think Egyptian civilization without the river Nile. (2) The river Nile is the longest river in the world which is over 4000 miles long. The shape of Nile is like that of a lotus flower and it is always depicted in ancient Egyptian art. The river Nile has been playing a very crucial role in developing the Egyptian civilization. The Nile River plays very important role in giving food, water to the people.

Dramatic Irony In The Age Of Innocence

Dramatic Irony In The Age Of Innocence Dramatic irony occurs when the reader is aware of past or future events that make it easy to recognize the contradiction in a characters speech or actions. This essay will explore how and to what effect the literary technique of dramatic irony has been used in portraying the main issue of discord between characters and their respective societies in the novels The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. This conflict is both external and internal. At times the society disapproves of the behaviour of the individual and ostracizes the person or displays its displeasure, while at other times the character is in a dilemma whether to listen to the public opinion or the voice of his or her own mind. This will be done through a thorough literary examination of the works in question, and also by the reading of critics and Whartons own writings on her two novels. Wharton uses characters speech and actions, narrators comments and the events of the two novels to create dramatic irony. This helps in the conveyance of key themes, characterization, plot progression and providing a window into two different societies of upper class New York in the late 1800s. Introduction Novels of manners allow the reader to delve into the worlds of contemporary cultures, providing a far more enriching experience than factual research. Edith Whartons works are attractive for their vividly descriptive prose and mildly derisive view of the societies/ cultures depicted. What problems plagued the outwardly perfect upper class New Yorkers of the late 19th century? In The House of Mirth, Lily Bart is torn between her innate morals and desires and the route that she has been taught to take by public opinion, while in The Age of Innocence, Ellen Olenska and Newland Archer are thrown into turmoil, at times resenting the constraints and petty troubles of their society and at other times bowing willingly to its guiding hand. In studying the conflicts, it is possible to see the restrictive nature and other aspects of both cultures -their ideals, the role of women, and their outlook on matters such as marriage and divorce. Since both rebels are members of the societies they criti cise, readers are able to regard society from the inside as well as the outside, as they mull over societal norms. Throughout the novels, the reader is made to take cognizance of past and future events to feel the impact of a particular line or situation. Thus, Edith Wharton effectively uses dramatic irony to highlight one of the key issues in her novels-the clash between individual choice and societys unspoken rules. Marriage and Love If she did not marry him?  [1]  Lily Bart asks herself as she pursues Percy Gryce. She is supposedly sure of him and sure of herself  [2]  , but the if  [3]  in her mind is the first indication of her departure from societys expectations. The dramatic irony lies in the fact that the reader is well aware that Lily actually has no desire to marry Percy Gryce, but Lily herself is unaware of this fact. Ultimately, her own irony  [4]  cuts deeper  [5]  for she is the one who wanted the marriage, and yet it is she who consciously drives Gryce away. This incident marks the beginning of the constant clash between what she wants to do and what she is expected to do. Lilys question after she loses Gryce-What wind of folly had driven her out again on those dark seas?  [6]  is ironic because the wind of folly  [7]  is none other than herself. The metaphor also reveals the frivolity of society, as the journey of life without the comfort of money and a husband is consid ered dark seas  [8]  . It portrays the extent of the womens dependence on men. The issue of marriage arises once more when Rosedale asks for Lilys hand during her exclusion from society. Lily has to stop and consider that, in the stress of her other anxieties, as a breathless fugitive may have to pause at the cross-roads and try to decide coolly which turn to take.  [9]  The simile brings out the tension in the situation and there is a clear conflict between Lilys intuitive repugnance  [10]  and years of social discipline  [11]  . Ironically, it was earlier Rosedale who was dependant on Lily to give him a permit into society. the power of society is highlighted here-it can make or break a person. Rosedale eventually rejects Lily, as in the time that passes between his proposal and her answer, he had mounted nearer to the goal, while she had lost the power to abbreviate the remaining steps of the way.  [12]  Achieving a position in society is represented as a dest ination; the steps represent the progress of characters. The importance of social standing is brought out and the unexpected turn of events creates irony since the reader is able to compare Lilys desperation with her previous dismissal of Rosedale. Lily realizes this, and completes Rosedales remark of Then you thought you could do better; now-Ë ®Ã‚  [13]  with You think you can?  [14]  . The sharp dramatic irony shows Lilys descent in society and the materialistic attitudes of people. They are willing to give second priority to love and friendship for the sake of appearances. The caesura shows that Rosedale is ashamed of the shallowness that he is now a part of. In a twist of cosmic irony, it is the person she snubs who helps her in her time of need. When Lily visits Selden, she smiles, recognizing the irony in the situation. Then she had planned to marry Percy Gryce-what was it she was planning now?  [15]  The reader can note the similarity in Lilys situation now an d a year ago-marriage is her only way out, and she is standing in Seldens living room. The reader wonders if she will finally bow to the dictates of society and marry Rosedale or tread her own path. Throughout the course of the book, Lily also struggles with the feelings that she has for Selden, a man not rich enough and who does not care enough about high society to be of value in Lilys social climb. They share a conversation, and Selden passes his judgement on Lilys pursuit of Gryce and all the things she is striving for through it-money, name and a social life. She sums up: Then the best you can say for me is, that after struggling to get them I probably shant like them?  [16]  What a miserable future you foresee for me!  [17]  In a cruel twist of dramatic irony, his words foreshadow Lilys future. Selden is seen as an intuitive character who can see through Lilys ambitions. He foresaw that I should grow hateful to myself!  [18]  she tells Gerty Farish. Lilys true char acter is revealed through her exclamation. She grows disillusioned with the shallow, materialistic life her friends lead. This is seen again as she sets up a comparison between Gryce and Selden at the dinner table. Wharton brings out the irony of the situation by highlighting a fact, which the reader is well aware of: it is this comparison which is her undoing  [19]  . The pull towards Selden that Lily feels distracts her from the task of marrying Gryce, which ultimately leaves her alone, and penniless. Lilys walk with Rosedale become symbolic in the light of her earlier walk with Selden, which represented an irresistible flight from just such a climax as the present excursion was designed to bring about  [20]  . Lily herself points out the ironic contrast to her present situation  [21]  , thus creating dramatic irony. Ultimately, it is with a kind of tragic irony that Selden resolves to declare his love to her the day after she dies, thinking, It was strange that it had not come to his lips sooner-that he had let her pass from him the evening before without being able to speak it. But what did that matter, now that a new day had come? It was not a word for twilight, but for the morning.  [22]   The theme of forbidden love runs through The Age of Innocence as well, in which Ellen and Archer fall in love despite Archers engagement and consequent marriage to Ellens cousin, May. This is first foreshadowed when Archer muses on Ellens alleged relationship with her husbands secretary, thinking that Rich and idle and ornamental societies must produce many more such situations; and there might even be one in which a woman naturally sensitive and aloof would yet, from the force of circumstances, from sheer defencelessness and loneliness, be drawn into a tie inexcusable by conventional standards.  [23]  As the reader knows, but Archer does not, this is exactly what happens between Archer and Ellen later on in the novel. The author uses this thought of Archers to compare New York society to European ones and indirectly comment on it. The adjectives rich and idle and ornamental  [24]  also describe New York society, while naturally sensitive and aloof  [25]  characterize Ell en. The sentence provides some justification for the relationship that is to develop between the two characters, so that the reader is able to see their side as well as societys. May at first refuses to hasten her and Archers wedding, giving him a chance to leave her. May is the typical young New York woman, and the fact that it is her telling Archer that, when two people really love each other  [26]  , there may be situations which make it right that they should-should go against public opinion  [27]  adds a flash of situational irony to the omniscient dramatic. May is speaking of Mrs. Thorley Rushworth, an older woman with whom Archer had had an affair. Tension is created when she does not mention names, simply referring to two people  [28]  , but Archer and the reader initially believe that May has guessed about Ellen, for the advice is well-suited to Ellen and Archers situation. There is a hidden criticism of society in this ironic sentence, for although May says tha t society bends its rules for true love, it does not in the case of Ellen and Archer, choosing instead to send Ellen out of its tight circles. Archer uses Mays refusal to implore Ellen to throw conventions away and be with him. Shes refused; that gives me the right-Ë ®Ã‚  [29]  he begins, but Ellen cuts him off to strike him, as well as the reader, with a sharp bolt of dramatic irony. Ah, youve taught me what an ugly word that is,  [30]  she says, reminding the reader of Archers staunch adherence to conventions when he convinces her not to get a divorce although she has a right to, by saying that though legislation favours divorce, social customs dont.  [31]  This once again brings out the idea of a parliament governed by society, as well as old New Yorks attitude towards divorce. Ellen evidently understands New Yorkers better than one of their own. Finally, Archer meets Ellen alone a few years after they part. They sit at a restaurant, close together and safe and sh ut in; yet so chained to their separate destinies that they might as well have been half the world apart.  [32]  Although their literal propinquity is apparent, Wharton reminds the reader that they are in completely different worlds figuratively. The verb chained  [33]  suggests unwillingness on both parts, while also hinting at the power that society holds over the individual. This type of dramatic irony, known as tragic irony, is drawn out yet again when Archer and Ellen sit next to each other in Mays brougham and interwoven with cosmic irony: The precious moments were slipping away, but he had forgotten everything that he had meant to say to her and could only helplessly brood on the mystery of their remoteness and their proximity, which seemed to be symbolised by the fact of their sitting so close to each other, and yet being unable to see each others faces.  [34]  This sentence serves as an explanation of Whartons technique. She uses symbolism to convey Archer and E llens predicament. The words remoteness  [35]  and proximity  [36]  are contrasting, highlighting the frustration and sorrow of the characters circumstances. Ellen too adds to the tragic irony, saying, Were near each other only if we stay far from each other.  [37]  This paradox also helps to bring out the almost ridiculous wretchedness of the moment. The Struggle within the Character The conflict between the individual and society is in part caused by the battle between two sides of Lilys character. While one part of her lusts after the money and power associated with New Yorks elite, another part of her yearns to be free from the clutches of materialism. At first, Selden is only aware that the qualities distinguishing her from the herd of her sex were chiefly external: as though a fine glaze of beauty and fastidiousness had been applied to vulgar clay.  [38]  The simile shows Lilys superficiality and artificiality. Ironically, Lilys the reader soon recognizes difference is on the inside rather than the outside, when she voluntarily strays from the beaten path of marriage and comfort. Lily is also compared to an orchid when she works with a charitable organization. All this was in the natural order of things, and the orchid basking in its artificially created atmosphere could round the delicate curves of its petals undisturbed by the ice on the panes.  [39]   This, unfortunately, does not hold true for her. There is some verbal irony in the metaphor, but it is the dramatic irony that comes through strongest, for Lily, unlike the orchid, does not survive untouched much longer. She has been feeling, and will continue to feel the burden of poverty. The metaphor also reflects the nature of society, for it is also like the orchid, untouched by reality and unable to see anything beyond its world. Wharton employs symbolism to unfurl the dramatic irony, as Lily decides to marry Gryce and thus enter inner societial circles, but thinks that her friends had earlier symbolized what she was gaining, now they stood for what she was giving up.  [40]  This disillusionment is further developed when Lily also feels a vague sense of failure, of an inner isolation  [41]  , and continues throughout the novel. Although Lily herself hardly knew what she had been seeking  [42]  , the reader realizes that she desires freedom from societys constra ints as she later refuses to be tied down by marriage despite having to remain poor and ostracized. The theme of freedom is touched upon here. Newland Archer too displays a rebellious streak, which is seen first when he visits Ellens home, although he thinks that she ought to know that a man whos just engaged doesnt spend his time calling on married women  [43]  . This is also the beginning of the irresistible pull that Ellen and Archer feel towards each other. The author also comments that, if Archer had cared to look within himself, he would have found there the wish that his wife should be as wordly-wise and as eager to please as the married lady whose charms had held his fancy  [44]  . Ironically, Ellen comes through as wordly-wise  [45]  and eager to please  [46]  , and not his real wife, May. The love between Ellen and Archer is foreshadowed at the opening of the novel. When Archer enters the florists, he sees a cluster of yellow roses. He had never seen any as sun-golden before, and his first impulse was to send them to May instead of the lilies. But they did not look like her-there was something too rich, too strong, in their fiery beauty.  [47]  He instead sends them to Ellen and his impulsive action foreshadows his attraction towards Ellen. Therefore, the flowers become symbols, the roses standing for Ellen and the lilies, with their purity and innocence, May. Archer feels that Nothing about his betrothed pleased him more than her resolute determination to carry to its utmost limit that ritual of ignoring the unpleasant in which they had both been brought up.  [48]  Dramatic irony is created as he later comes to resent her exactly for this. When she warns him to close the window, saying, Youll catch your death.  [49]  , Archer recognizes the irony in her words and thinks, But Ive caught it already. I am dead-Ive been dead for months and months.  [50]  Archers change in beliefs shows his character development; he now feels the monotony of a society that cannot face reality. In yet another case of dramatic irony, Janey, Archers sister, is in the dark about past events. Immediately after Archer unsuccessfully attempts to persuade Ellen to marry him since May refuses to pre-pone the wedding, he receives a telegram from May agreeing to postpone the wedding. Archer realizes the twist of fate and throws back his head with a long laugh.  [51]  Janeys question, But, dearest, why do you keep on laughing?  [52]  further emphasises the irony by repeated references to his laughter. The Direct Conflict with Society Ultimately, Lily finds herself cast out of societal circles. Her destitution is ominously foreshadowed from the very beginning of the novel. Lawrence Selden is struck with the irony of suggesting to her such a life as his cousin Gertrude Farish had chosen  [53]  . It is impossible to imagine this sybarite as anything but rich. The reader, however, recognizes a different kind of irony-dramatic-for Lily does later lead a life even worse than the lonely, poverty-stricken Gertrude Farishs. However, her real troubles begin when she receives The Dorsets invitation to go abroad with them  [54]  . Although it seems to come as an almost miraculous release from crushing difficulties;  [55]  , it is but a precursor to even greater difficulties. Lily does not yet know this, but the reader does. The same type of irony can be seen in the narrators comment that The fact that the money freed her temporarily from all minor obligations obscured her sense of the greater one it represented.à ‚  [56]  Lily later falls into debt and social disgrace due to her borrowing from Gus Trenor. When Lily returns to Bertha immediately before Bertha accuses her of having an affair with George Dorset, she is more than ever alarmed at the possible consequences of her long absence.  [57]  Ironically, Lily innocently fears for Mrs. Dorsets reputation, when it is her own she should care for. There is some situational irony as well, since the reader also expects Bertha to be afraid for her reputation, but she is in full command of her usual attenuated elegance  [58]  . Pity for Lily is created, as her kind nature shines through, while Bertha is seen to be cunning and false. Dà ©nouement-isnt that too big a word for such a small incident?  [59]  she asks, little knowing that the incident is big enough for the word, while the reader shares this knowledge with Bertha. Berthas remark to Lily, I suppose I ought to say good morning  [60]  holds dramatic irony as the reader is informed that it is the day Lily is to be thrown out of her friends good graces. The author points this out through the phrase with a faint touch of irony  [61]  prior to Berthas sentence. Once again, Berthas malicious nature comes across. Lily finally finds herself probing the very depths of insignificance  [62]  and courting the approval of people she had disdained under other conditions  [63]  . Lily Bart, once a figure to arrest even the suburban traveller rushing to his last train  [64]  and create a general sense of commotion  [65]  by her mere presence, has been reduced to an inconspicuous speck. The reader is fully able to appreciate the tragic irony of the novels conclusion through the stark contrast. Ellen Olenska clashes with the highly conventional New York setting from her arrival as she brings with her odd European ways and the scandal of having left her husband. Oh centuries and centuries; so long, she says at first, that Im sure Im dead and buried, and this dear old place is heaven;  [66]  Although she does not know it yet, New York turns out to be anything but heaven for Ellen later on as her ideals and lifestyle constantly clash with the conformist society. Ellens comment shows her to be a very liberal woman, expecting a society rooted in traditions to forget its differences with her, and creates some curiosity about her. Archer warns her, with a flash of sarcasm  [67]  , that New Yorks an awfully safe place  [68]  , but she takes him literally. The reader is able to discern his meaning, being aware of her subsequent exclusion from society. Ellen is evidently very innocent, emphasised by her exclamation on New York: If you knew how I like it for just that-the straight-up-and-downness, and the big honest labels on everything!  [69]  Little does she realize that most things remain unspoken here, such as the ritual of ignoring the unpleasant  [70]  . When Ellen finally realizes this, she admits, New York simply meant peace and freedom to me: it was coming home.  [71]  , but the reader is able to appreciate the dramatic irony in the narrators comment: simple-hearted kindly New York, on whose larger charity she had apparently counted, was precisely the place where she could least hope for indulgence  [72]  . Ellen also believes that she is conforming to American ideas in asking for her freedom.  [73]  However, American ideas are the opposite of this, as society is aghast at her desire for a divorce. There is no freedom for the women of New York, and the standing that a marriage brings is esteemed. Initially, Archer too expresses his forward thinking through his violent I hope she will!  [74]  , but he is later the one who convinces her not to go ahead with it, saying our legislation favours divorce-our social customs dont.  [75]  The power that society holds over even an open-minded man and womens lack of freedom is manifest here. When the van der Luydens host Ellens welcoming party, Archer notices a number of the recalcitrant couples who had declined to meet her at Mrs. Lovell Mingotts.  [76]  Only when an influential family supports Ellen, society rallies behind her. Its hypocrisy and shallowness is observable here, and also in Mr. van der Luydens remark: its hopeless to expect people who are accustomed to the European courts to troubles themselves about our little republican distinctions.  [77]  Absurdly, this is exactly what they expect of Ellen as can be seen throughout the novel, from the time she is persuaded to remain married until the time she is sent out of New York. At one point, Mrs. Welland wonders, I wonder what her fate will be?  [78]  Archer adds the irony by remin ding the reader of what her fate actually becomes towards the end of the novel: What weve all contrived to make it  [79]  . Lawrence Lefferts had once remarked, our children will be marrying Beauforts bastards.  [80]  Archers son marries Fanny Beaufort, who had appeared in New York at eighteen, after the death of her parents, had won its heart much as Madame Olenska had won it thirty years earlier; only instead of being distrustful and afraid of her, society took her joyfully for granted. She was pretty, amusing and accomplished: what more did anyone want? Nobody was narrow-minded enough to take a rake up against her the half-forgotten facts of her fathers past and her own origin. Only the older people remembered so obscure an incident in the business life of New York  

Comparing Like Water for Chocolate and One Day in the Life of Ivan Deni

Like Water for Chocolate and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich    Like Water for Chocolate (LWC) written by Laura Esquivel and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich (ODLID) written by Alexander Solzhenitsyn, are two very different types of novels with more evident discrepancies than similarities. The first novel LWC, splendidly illustrates the life of a young Mexican campesina named Tita whom lives under the authoritarian rule of her mother. The second novel ODLID, originally a Russian publication, demonstrates the life and hardships of a middle-aged man named Ivan Denisovich in a Soviet work camp in Siberia. The themes revolve around both protagonists, Tita and Ivan, whom each set the overall tone of the novels. The dominant theme in both novels is the oppression the protagonists are exposed to on a daily basis. Consequently, the characters and the plots also incorporate aspects of oppression such as parental censorship and personal ill treatment. The characters, theme, and plots correlate with one another and also are associated with the cultural background of each novel, ODLID from Russia and LWC from Mexico. The influence culture has on the development of the characters, theme, and plots sets the stage for apparent similarities and differences between both novels.    The primary examples of cultural influences in LWC and in ODLID, are the mindsets of the protagonists. The cultures influence the rather listless conduct of the protagonists by establishing precincts that cripple their inner aspirations. Initially, Tita's conduct is influenced by the Mexican culture. She demonstrates a submissive behavior towards her mother. This is explained by Mexican culture of the early nineteen ... ...al influences. In LWC, the Mexican culture plays huge role in the novel introducing the reader to a unique lifestyle packed with cooking, love affairs, attractive dramas, and oppressed dreams. In ODLID, the Russian culture also flavors the novel by creating a very vapid and listless stage on which Ivan Denisovich's daily routine is delineated as realistic as possible. It would be tedious to point out all the ways, in which culture influences each novel, but it is important to take into account the prominent role culture plays in the formation of the individual novels. Like Water for Chocolate (LWC) written by Laura Esquivel and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich (ODLID) written by Alexander Solzhenitsyn do not only exemplify great pieces of literature, instead they also serve as tools to map out and comprehend the cultures they were built upon.