Category: Literature

Introduction

Authors often resort to the first person narrative when writing their great novels. This helps authors create a very special atmosphere of a persons confession. Authors manage to reveal the deepest emotions which become so true to life. Bram Stoker and Angela Carter created really specific confessions which can be regarded as semi-realistic.

The works by the two authors are fables, but, at the same time, they reveal inner world of the two real individuals. Notably, the two authors resort to different means to tell their stories and make people feel particular emotions. The two writers use different means to uncover their inner worlds. However, the common feature of their works is intimacy which is created with the help of specific tools.

To take a closer look at these points, it is possible to analyse the narrative voices in such works as Dracula by Bram Stoker, The Courtship of Mr Lyon, The Tigers Bride and The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter. Thus, the major peculiarity of these works is specific intimacy.

However, it is also necessary to understand which tools the authors exploit to achieve their goals. The most overt tools used are epistolary narrative voice, character narrative voice and third-person subjective narrative voice combined with stream of consciousness voice. These narrative voices help the authors create a really special atmosphere of intimacy.

Intimacy

As has been mentioned above, the works in question have specific narratives. The authors do not alienate themselves. Thus, Dracula is a compilation of various personal documents (diaries, personal letters, etc.). The reader is forced to believe that the story is an entirely true account of extraordinary events (Johnson 2009, p. 73).

The characters are really precise when noting some facts (dates, names, addresses, etc.). They are also concerned with revealing their ideas, emotions, thoughts. Thus, Jonathan Harker writes about a really intimate subject (i.e. religion) in his journal: It is odd that a thing which I have been taught to regard with disfavour and as idolatrous should in time of loneliness and trouble be of help (Stoker 1986, p. 29). Admittedly, people tend to think of such topics a lot without sharing them with strangers or even some close people.

Likewise, Angela Carter uses similar approach. Though she does not write epistolary stories, she tells the story in the first person. For instance, in The Bloody Chamber the girl (the heroine of the story) reveals her feelings and her excitement concerning her marriage:

I remember how, that night, I lay awake in & delicious ecstasy of excitement that the train bore her away from girlhood& into the unguessable country of marriage. (Carter 1995a, p. 1)

Thus, the reader feels the anxiety of the girl who is about to become a mature woman. Likewise, the story The Courtship of Mr Lyon reveals the inner world of the girl who has to save her father sacrificing herself.

The words I hope hell be safe can be regarded as a kind of motto of the heroine (Carter 1995b, p. 43). Interestingly, even though there is a narrator in the story, it is still intimate as the story is full of remarks and ideas which belong to the girls mind. It is even possible to state that the story is a combination of a narration and the stream of consciousness.

The other story is also a kind of confession where the girl reveals her deepest emotions and her secret thoughts. The girl contemplates her past and she laments over her destiny. The girl claims: It was a world in itself but a dead one, a burned-out planet (Carter 1995c, p. 63). The author reveals her heroines inner world. The story could be a memoir of the girl who contemplated her past.

It is necessary to note that all these means contribute greatly to the development of a very intimate atmosphere. The authors create credible fables. Of course, this credibility is not about particular facts true to life. However, this credibility lies in another plane. Jodar (2009) points out that Dracula could be a product of human mind. The researcher claims that the story is very specific as the reader does believe that the story is constituted by the true letters and diaries. However, the whole story is seen as a product of someones imagination. Jodar (2009) notes that it is possible to believe that the story did happen in the main characters imagination.

Likewise, Carter creates the stories which are re-written fables known to everyone (Makinen 1992; Lau 2008; Roemer and Bacchilega 1998). However, Carter creates a bit different stories which could happen in real life. Again, it is all about peoples minds, not the real world. Thus, it is possible to state that the works in question do not simply reveal some fables. The stories can be regarded as a kind of representation of their authors personalities, their inclinations and aspirations.

Epistolary narrative voice

At this point, it is necessary to take a closer look at each tool used by the authors to better understand the way the intimacy is achieved. Thus, Bram Stoker used one of the most conventional ways to make the reader believe that the story could be real. Hollinger (1997, p. 219) calls the novel an extremely conservative text in terms of narrative voices. The writer uses epistolary narrative voice which was used by many writers.

Thus, the novel is constituted by entries of different diaries and letters, notes and some extracts from newspapers (which are still a part of personal narratives). Notably, the writer inserts some sort of justification for writing diaries. Thus, Mina writes:

I do not suppose there will be much of interest to other people, but it is not intended for them& I am told that, with a little practice, one can remember all that goes on or that one hears said during a day (Stoker 1986, p. 55)

Of course, Minas entries are full of some contemplation, but there are lots of details. It could be rather suspicious and the writer could fail to reach his aim. The reader would not believe in reality of the notes as no girls diary contains so many details and facts. However, the author makes the reader see that there is a particular aim to reach as Mina starts her diary as a kind of exercise. The reader cannot but believe that the entries are real and the story told is also true to life.

More so, the writer makes it clear that all participants were to make notes as they found this task really important since in the struggle & to rid the earth of this terrible monster they were determined to have all the knowledge and all the help they could get (Stoker 1986, p.223).

Thus, credibility is achieved with the help of specific justification. Apart from various details, the characters writing is full of their emotions and ideas. Thus, a brave man writes about his psychological state and his feelings: Of late I have had cause for tears, God knows! (Stoker 1986, p.223). Of course, such confessions which can be regarded as a specific feature of epistolary narrative voices, contribute greatly to the creation of intimacy.

Character narrative voice

One more way to tell the story is to use character narrative voice. This method also creates a specific atmosphere of intimacy. Of course, it does not guarantee credibility in many cases. Thus, Carter rewrites fables and there can be no credibility. The reader does not think the story actually took place. However, character narrative voice makes Craters stories very intimate and it becomes obvious that the stories reveal the writers inner world.

Character voice narrative suggests that using the famous plots Carter reveals her vision on the famous (and even conventional) fables. This vision is feministic. Thus, the main heroines of the Carters stories acquire feminist voice. The character voice narrative helps the writer reveal her viewpoints and tells the stories from the main heroines perspective.

Prokhorova (2011, p. 51) calls Carters creations anti-fairy tales which are very feministic as they destroy wrongful impact of patriarchal fairy tales which teach girls to seek for the secondary roles in their own lives (e.g. waiting for the Prince Charming make the fairy tale come true).

Obviously, Carter is against patriarchal representation of the relationship between the famous characters (Craven 2002). Thus, the bride telling about her first night with her husband chooses the phrase that can characterize Carters view on marriage and relationships with men: so my purchaser unwrapped his bargain (Carter 1995a, p. 11).

Carters stories reveal tyrannical, aggressive and cruel men. The author touches upon such themes as violence and female sexuality (Sheets 1991, p. 633). Thus, heroine shares her views on relationships between men and women:

And each stroke of his tongue ripped off skin after successive skin, all the

skins of a life in the world, and left behind a nascent patina of shining hairs.

My earrings turned back to water and trickled down my shoulders; I shrugged the drops off my beautiful fur. (Carter 1995c, p. 75)

Notably, Carter is not against male assistance. Thus, she admits that men can help women liberate themselves. However, only Beasts who are not afraid of their wild nature can help women liberate. Those who hide behind conventions are condemned. These condemned try to regain their power over women, exercising this power in a tyrannous way. Admittedly, Carter chooses a very intimate way to reveal her ideas. She made her heroine live through the revelation Carter was thinking about.

Admittedly, no other narrative voice could enable the writer to achieve her aim and reveal her ideas on such important matter. Only the use of the character voice narrative Carter managed to achieve the necessary level of intimacy. Botescu (2010) claims that Carter often resorts to this type of narrative.

Famous plot does not distract the reader from the writers inner world. Character narrative voice makes it possible to focus on evaluation of situations. It helps to focus on the characters (or rather writers) inner world. Therefore, this method creates a really specific atmosphere of intimacy.

Third-person subjective narrative voice combined with stream of consciousness voice

When speaking of the third method which is used in her story The Courtship of Mr Lyon, it is important to note that authors use different narrative voices to articulate their ideas. It is also believed that there can be no story without narrators (Fludernik 2001, p. 622). However, Carter exploits a very special method which eliminates boundaries between the narrator and narrative itself.

Carter uses third-person subjective narrative voice combined with stream of consciousness voice. Notably, it is often unclear which words belong to the third person narrator and which lines could belong to heroine. It may seem that the story is told by the heroine herself who tried to alienate herself for some reason. The story seems to be objective as there is a third-person narrative. Nonetheless, it is more like the stream of consciousness. The scene where the Beauty comes to the Beasts room is very suggestive:

The flowers in the glass jars were dead, as if nobody had had the heart to replace them after she was gone. Dust, everywhere; and it was cold. (Carter 1995b, p. 53)

These lines do not simply depict the room. These lines reveal the impression the room made. Even though it is the third-person narrative, there is something personal in every word. Thus, this combination of semi-third-person narrative and stream of consciousness narrative, creates the necessary atmosphere of intimacy.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is possible to note that the works by Stoker and Carter should be regarded as a kind of reflection of the inner world of particular individuals. The works are really intimate.

This intimacy is achieved through the use of such narrative voices as character narrative voice and third-person subjective narrative voice combined with stream of consciousness voice. Notably, the two authors managed to create untimely works which still broaden peoples horizons as people can learn a lot about archetypal ideas, images and dreams. This can help people better understand their own inclinations and desires.

Reference List

Botescu, I 2010, Angela Carter and the violent distrust of metanarratives, Postmodern Openings 3.1, pp. 93-138.

Carter, A 1995a, The bloody chamber, in A Carter & H Simpson (ed.), The bloody chamber and other stories, Vintage Classics, London.

Carter, A 1995b, The courtship of Mr Lyon, in A Carter & H Simpson (ed.), The bloody chamber and other stories, Vintage Classics, London.

Carter, A 1995c, The tigers bride, in A Carter & H Simpson (ed.), The bloody chamber and other stories, Vintage Classics, London.

Craven, A 2002, Beauty and the Belles: Discourses of feminism and femininity in Disneyland, The European Journal of Womens Studies 9.2, pp. 123-142.

Fludernik, M 2001, New wine in old bottles? Voice, focalization, and new writing, New Literary History 32, pp. 619-638.

Hollinger, V 1997, The vampire and the alien: Gothic horror and science fiction, in CM Davison & P Simpson-Housley (ed.), Bram Stokers Dracula: Sucking through the century, 1897-1997, Dundum Press Ltd., Oxford.

Jodar, AR 2009, Bram Stokers Dracula. A study on the human mind and paranoid behaviour, Journal of the Spanish Association of Anglo-American Studies 31.2, pp. 23-39.

Johnson, A 2009, Modernity and anxiety in Bram Stokers Dracula, in J Lynch (ed.), Critical insights: Dracula, Salem Press, Pasadena.

Lau, KJ 2008, Erotic infidelities: Angela Carters Wolf Trilogy, Marvels & Tales 22.1, pp. 77-94.

Makinen, M 1992, The bloody chamber and the decolonization of feminine sexuality, Feminist Review 42, pp. 2-15.

Prokhorova, L 2011, Some notes on intertextual frames in anti-fairy tales, in C McAra & D Calvin (ed.), Anti-tales: The uses of disenchantment, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Roemer, DM & Bacchilega, C 1998, Angela Carter and the fairy tale, Wayne State University Press, Detroit.

Sheets, RA 1991, Pornography, fairy tales, and feminism: Angela Carters The bloody chamber, Journal of the History of Sexuality 1.4, pp. 633-657.

Stoker, B 1986, Dracula, Signet Classics, London.

Introduction

Okashas (2002) Philosophy of Science presents the contribution of how physicists and mathematicians derived hypothetical testing to initiate the work of contemporary scientists. It refers to the modes of analyzing mechanical philosophy from ancient to modern-day and engages all the chronological ways of organizing science and philosophy in the context of religion. This paper revolves around the contributions held by Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo in their famous works De Revolutionibus and Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina in the light of Samir Okashas Philosophy of Science.

Heliocentric Cosmology

Nicolaus Copernicus was the first astronomer to work and propose heliocentric cosmology through mathematical calculations while initiating the basis for the modern scientific Copernican revolution. It was when he explicated through his epochal work, De Revolutionibus orbium coelestium (Concerning the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres) he met with immense resistance because no one was ready to accept his bequeathed geocentric model of the universe which asserted that the earth is stationed at the center of the universe with the planets and the sun circling it. This hypothesis holds that the earth is regarded as just another planet so any traditional myth is not to be accepted. Initially, Copernicus theory confronted resistance even from the Catholic Church who regarded it as deviating from the Scriptures and therefore banned 1616 books counseling the earths motion, but over a hundred years span Copernicanism established itself as a scientific innovation escorting to better astronomy (Okasha, 2002, p. 3).

During this phase, only Galileo was the one who highlighted Copernicuss theory by proposing that Copernican does not by any means negate Biblical exegesis. Being a life-long supporter of Copernicanism, when Galileo pointed his telescope at the heavens, he ended up discovering amazing astronomical intuitions including mountainous regions on the moon, a continuous array of stars, and Jupiters moons (Okasha, 2002, p. 4). De Revolutionibus is a mathematical heliocentric description in which Copernicus speaks generally about the structure of the heavenly spheres and not planets. This is evident from the fact that in the De revolutionibus Copernicus uses orbis for spheres and planeta, sidus, and corpus for expressions for planet. Copernicus concerned the motion of the earth as physical reality and mentioned in De revolutionibus that If any motion is related to the earth, that motion ought to illustrate in all the bodies outside the earth because a motion is of equal velocity, but it should be inverse as though these bodies were moving past the earth. Among such motions what is of significance is the daily rotation for it appears to affect the entire universe except for the earth and the elements near it. But if it is assumed that the celestial sphere has no part in this motion and that the earth rotates from the west, upon analysis it will be found that this is indeed the case as far as the apparent rising and setting of the sun, moon, and stars are concerned (Thorunensis, 1873, p. 16).

Trigonometric Calculations

The second book of De Revolutionibus is about solving complex trigonometric scenarios in which it is difficult to measure the motion of heavenly bodies. Okasha mentions it but by applying Hempels schema in accordance with the optical law that in order to find the length of the shadow of a pole we consider the fact that light travels in straight lines and apply the laws of trigonometry that fulfills scientific explanations. Since the covering law proposes so many problems that it is natural to look for an alternative way of understanding scientific explanation, many philosophers make it easier to grasp the concept of causality.

The motion of the Earth, Moon, and Planets

Copernicus through his mathematical illustrations provided that alternative view to the reader with immense knowledge about the solar system, however, this knowledge seemed apart from the general proof. This is what Okasha has elucidated through presenting Kuhns characterization of science over Copernican. Since long periods of ancient normal science translated occasional scientific revolutions to draw a distinction between philosophers and historians of science, Okasha has picked up Kuhns model to illustrate the transition analysis from Ptolemaic to Copernican astronomy. This is because of the reason that many of the features that Kuhn describes are present in the works of Ptolemaic astronomers among which Copernicus is an example.

Although Kuhns incomparable thesis remained unable to convince philosophers about how part of the problem and dispute between Ptolemaic and Copernican as claimed by Kuhn in context with old and contemporary paradigms was incompatible. But this claim if remained uncompromisable presented no need to choose between them because the Ptolemaic claim that the planets revolve around the earth is obviously not to be lined with the Copernican claim that they revolve around the sun. So, in this manner, Okasha by placing Kuhns critics above all analyzed the significance of Copernican versus Ptolemaic claim.

This when criticized by Catholic institutions, resulted in confrontations between Copernicanism and the Bible which got intense at two levels; first, the ways to interpret the relevant passages in the Bible on this issue and secondly, when directly addressed in the decree who possessed the authority to decide on the reinterpretation. Galileo, in that epoch, was neither a bishop having any training in theology, nor was they in the position to enter the scriptural debate. Moreover, being aware of the fact that he could never achieve status to acquire that battlefield he wrote a short booklet and named it Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina (1615). This was where he analyzed the general principles of biblical interpretations in the light of Copernicanism to be applied to the coming debate regarding scripture and science. The issues Galileo addressed at the level of the principles of exegesis were successfully executed making his Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina a success in the field of biblical interpretation.

Galileo, having no training in theology always thought along with Copernicus. However, the initial hypothetical usage of Copernican theory brought no problems to the astronomers, but with the complexities of making calculations and predictions concerning the motions of the heavens, Galileo added that if one considers this theory on a rational basis of how the heavens are actually structured and moved, then that is not wise to use since it undermines the faith and the authority of the Scriptures. Galileo illustrated the real purpose behind religion is to teach morality and to lead us into the better life which awaits us beyond the grave (Galileo, 1636, p. 96).

Okasha (2002) mentions that the laws in the line of mathematics which regulate the motion of the planets and the particles surrounding it hold the key to realize the construction of the Copernican universe. However, it would not be wrong to say that Okasha emphasizes more upon the Newtonian picture and mechanics and talks less about the Copernicus cosmology. In this context, he pays a tribute to Keplers laws for providing a modern approach to problem-solving the planetary theory. To some extent, Okasha mentions Galileos contribution towards being a continuous supporter of Copernicanism and being one of the early pioneers of the telescope. However, what he claims is that Copernicus conflicted thoroughly with Aristotelian cosmology by playing a vital role in converting the scientific community to Copernicanism.

It seems Okasha pays tribute to Galileo indirectly for his enduring contribution not in astronomy but in mechanics because Okasha often has mentioned in his book that Galileo refuted the Aristotelian theory on the basis of mechanics of counter-intuitive suggestion that all free-falling bodies descent towards the earth at the same rate and ratio whatever be their weight. Okasha suggests that in the time of Galileo since mathematics was only considered to measure abstract entities, Galileos work emphasized the significance of testing hypotheses through experiments and not the physical realities. To the modern scientist, gaining knowledge is not important because this task has been simplified by Galileos experimental testing that has marked the beginning of an empirical approach to study nature.

Natural Sciences versus Social Sciences

What is important is to utilize the methods of the natural sciences in acquiring mathematical calculations since they are superior to those of the social sciences. Here, I present an example of how Biblical scriptures, in the beginning, refuted the annotations presented by Galileo, however after analyzing it was discovered what the social sciences need to do is to imitate the methods of the natural sciences. Okasha suggests this actually has happened through the enhancement of mathematics in the field of social sciences. Moreover, Okasha wants the reader to point towards not merely the contributions of the natural scientists, but the attitude they have built up in leaping forward to a better judgment. When Galileo originated towards applying mathematical language to the description of motion, it was not considered at that time as an achievement in the social sciences, the way it is looked at today. But this provoked a new conflict between science and religion. Well documented through the example of Galileos clash with the Catholic Church escorted Galileo to publicly retract his Copernican views.

No doubt Galileo had to pay a price despite publishing Letters to the Grand Duchess Christina which condemned him to spend the last years of his life under house arrest along with initiating a science-religion clash (Okasha, 2002, p. 125). This resulted in new conflict arousal between Darwinists and Creationists. However, this also gave chance to committed Darwinians who revealed newer ways to reconcile their Christian faith while refreshing their belief in evolution. Even this included a number of eminent biologists who were already on the way to discover intellectual means to argue that the Book of Genesis should not be interpreted literally. They found that Biblical scriptures should be regarded as symbols for illustrations as Darwins theory provided compatibility with the existence of God.

Okasha mentions that it is due to the efforts of Galileos Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina that the situation began to transform, and in 1960 creationists deployed the concept of creative science to besiege the situation. The inventors started arguing that biblical account of creation provides a better scientific explanation of life on earth than Darwins theory of evolution (Okasha, 2002, p. 127). So it was discovered that religious beliefs do not deviate with creative science, rather biblical account demands from humans to be exposed to facts and go for proof, for religion illustrates science and science highlights religion.

Works Cited

1. Galileo Galilei. Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina (1636).
2. Okasha Samir. Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction: Oxford University Press: Oxford, England, (2002).
3. Thorunensis, Nicolai Copernici. De revolutionibus orbium caelestium libri VI. Thorn. (1873).

The book Enriques Journey by Sonia Nazario is one of the most appealing books of recent decades. The book dwells upon the journey of a Hispanic boy to the USA. The teenager is trying to find his mother who left him to earn money. The boy receives the money. But the lack of his mother makes him anxious and miserable. He has to face numerous hardships but he manages to achieve his goal and reunite with his mother.

Apart from providing in-depth insights into the issue of immigration, the book highlights another important issue. The book is concerned with the issue of childhood traumas. Levine and Kline identify many reasons for childhood traumas (18). Loss is one of the most serious traumas a child can face. Of course, people often underestimate childrens cognitive ability. Many adults think children do not understand many things. This may be true. However, even though children do not understand something, they feel everything.

Thus, when a child loses one of those he loves, this can lead to serious problems in future (Levine and Kline 5). Of course, the loss of mother is one of the hardest traumas. The book under consideration portrays this kind of trauma. Enrique is devoted to his mother and he loves her deeply, as only a son can (Nazario 3).

Of course, when his mother lives, he cannot understand anything, but he suffers as he does not have the closest one beside him. Nazario notes that children idealize their mothers when they are left for good (7). These children cannot fill in the emptiness which makes them suffer and/or seek for love.

There is a very suggestive passage at the beginning of the book. Lourdess job is to take care of a three-old child who always cries when her mother goes to work (Nazario 9). This short loss makes the child suffer greatly. Admittedly, Enriques sufferings are much deeper. Therefore, the boy decides to go to the USA to reunite with his mother. He has to live through a lot of difficulties (he is starving, he is in danger, he has no one to ask for help) to fill in his emptiness.

It is necessary to note that there are certain ways to address this trauma. Of course, Enrique cannot address a specialist and obtain professional help. He finds his own way to get rid of his problems. Nazario points out that 75% of the unaccompanied children go to the USA looking for their mothers (3). The book reveals all those horrors and dangers these children have to face.

The book raises many questions. Of course, it is difficult to think of particular measures to undertake to create appropriate conditions in such countries as Honduras. However, one of the major questions raised is concerned with the childhood trauma. It is possible to encourage children to remain in their families without facing lots of dangers.

The book reveals one of possible ways to address the childhood trauma. Obviously, this way is too dangerous. It is essential to think of other ways to address the loss. Children should be able to fill in the emptiness to be able to wait until their closest people return.

Discussion question: Based on the novel, what are ineffective and effective ways to address the childhood trauma of loss?

Works Cited

Levine, Peter A. and Maggie Kline. Trauma Through a Childs Eyes: Awakening the Ordinary Miracle of Healing. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2006. Print.

Nazario, Sonia. Enriques Journey. New York, NY: Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2007. Print.

Introduction

The Library of Babel is Jorge Luis Borgess short story in which the universe is presented in a metaphorical way. Namely, it is illustrated as a series of hexagonal rooms with books containing an endless combination of characters in a seemingly incoherent manner.

Discussion

Due to the fact that the number of books appears to be endless, certain ones are, indeed, coherent and contain information that would help humans. Moreover, since letters of multiple letters are included, the fact that people are limited in their ability to translate facilitates an even deeper confusion. In this paper, the Library will be portrayed from the perspective of the Tower of Babel. Namely, the message in both pieces correlates with the fact that understanding everything is a human desire that can never be fully achieved.

Both the Library of Babel and the Tower of Babel in the Book of Genesis reflect on the human desire to obtain all the knowledge about the universe. Namely, in the Library of Babel, humans were contemplating destroying the books that were meaningless based on their perceptions (Borges and Hurley) 116). This was done with the intent to filter information and strive for enlightenment. Similarly, people wanted to build a tower that would reach heaven to make a name of themselves (NIV Bible, Gen 11:4). Furthermore, the word Babel, which is in the title of the short story as well as in the name of the tower, implies confusion generated by the presence of many voices at the same time.

Conclusion

In both cases, people wanted to learn information that, perhaps, was too advanced. Instead of acquiring information that is available and can be obtained, in both pieces of literature, humankind aimed to achieve the impossible. The universe is presented as confusing and impossible to figure out, partly because of the effort people put into dissecting the mysteries. As a result, answers remain unattainable, and humanity becomes even less certain of truths while pursuing the ultimate knowledge.

Works Cited

Borges, Jorge Luis. Collected Fictions. Translated by Andrew Hurley, Penguin Books, 1999.

The Bible: New International Version. Biblica, 2011.

In the article Title IX by Karen Stabiner, the author looks into the parameters of gender differences in education armed by the fundamental thesis that there is a basic dissimilarity between boys and girls in the parameters of a psychological approach to education. However, it should be noted that all the arguments presented by the author are generally agreeable but the context of the fundamental approach to the text i.e. psychological differences appears to be pragmatic in nature as there is no hard scientific evidence in support of this specific thesis. As a result, it would be relevant to mention that on a personal note the basic formulation of the author cannot be agreed upon. Otherwise, the entire text is well supportable.

The author mentions that there is a specific amount of gender discrimination on the issue of co-education and in this context, it is true that such discrimination exists. In accordance with the author, there should be a balanced approach towards the education of boys and girls. She argues in favor of single-sex education by mentioning that studies have stood as a blunt challenge to the traditionally coeducational public school system (Stabiner, p. 9). However, the nature of this study is more sociological than scientific and as the basic differences are pointed out as differences in brain activity between boys and girls it should have been backed by scientific-analytical reports.

This argument is followed by the implementation of the Federal rule of Title IX. Title IX barred single-sex educational initiatives back in the year 1972. It becomes very agreeable when the author mentions, it was because gender discrimination was rampant (Stabiner, p. 9), and thus, the implementation was necessary. This was a fall out of the Civil Rights movements and as a result Activists who came of age in the 1960s have always resisted attempts to tamper with Title IX (Stabiner, p. 5). However, the approach of the author becomes completely agreeable when she mentions that things were either equal or not equal (Stabiner, p. 5) and not substantially equal (Stabiner, p. 5) as the authority stated. This is because there cannot be any half measures of inequality. As a result, to make the girls academically competitive with the boys it is essential to provide a situation that would be beneficial for the female students.

The author also indicates that there is no substantial evidence that single-sex education was not helping the girls. She mentions, The new policys detractors cite a 1998 report by the American Assn. of University Women that failed to conclude that single-sex education was better for girls. (Stabiner, 6) However, she correctly indicated that The report called for more disciplined research because the public policy was at stake; the group never said single-sex classes were a bad idea. (Stabiner, p. 6). Her argument holds truth and her insight in this context is an extremely worthy case and thus it is completely agreeable. As stated, it never opposed the single-sex education system and thus the report should not be interpreted against the approach.

In conclusion, it should be mentioned that even it is not scientifically proved that the brain of women is very different from that of men in the context of education; it is evident that if some social measures like single-sex education are taken upon by the authorities the approach should be welcomed. The author takes exactly this stand and argues in favor of the reformed education system. On a personal ground, I feel that such measures should be allowed to be taken and there should be no resistance against it. As a result, I personally completely support the views presented by the author and agree with her approach of redefining Title IX.

Works Cited

Stabiner, Karen. Title IX. Los Angeles Times. 2004. karenstabiner.com. Web.

Irving Washingtons book Rip Van Winkle, was among the greatest early American literature works on revolutionization and which still stands out up to date. The book centrally revolves around Rip, the main actor, whose iconic status was attained with a lot of criticism from academicians and society. The theme of the book majorly relates to celebrating the American Revolution publicly. According to the book, Rips family disintegrates after his escape from the tyrannies of his wife Van Winkle.

The family is reunited twenty years later after his return from a Dutch village, which hosted him. Rips wife is associated with the yoke of Matrimony and the petticoat government and the yoke of ancient England, due to her accusations of laziness to her husband who could not stand out in the patrimonial estate. This was the argument the British used against Americans during the war between France and India. Accusations were made against American men for their domestic negligence to support the British Empire in their country. Metamophically Rips nagging wife is the British petticoat governor in the colonial era, and Rips reunion with his family symbolizes the American Revolution (Gabler-Hover & Sattelmeyer, 2006). Rips character is explored in Franklins ideology of work ethics hereafter.

Early American writers questioned Rip Van Winkles character on whether it could be considered as Ben Franklins antithesis and its stand on work ethics among the Americans. Dr. Woodlief believed that Franklin advocated for hard work, a belief which was seconded by another writer, Dana. They both held to the belief that Rips character was an antithesis of Franklins belief (Jackson, 2002). Rips character towards work ethics was positive.

Its factual that Rip worked hard to support his family, though he worked at his neighbors place, his nagging wife was the one who never worked. If she had some support for her husband, might be Rip could be more fatherly in terms of domestic support. This goes contrary to Franklins allegations that just like all American men, Rip never worked to support his family (Gabler-Hover & Sattelmeyer, 2006).

Dr. Woodlief also stated that Rips Character was challenging to Franklins tradition and belief, that negatives stereotypes were perpetuated against wives. Dame Van Winkles shrewish character is the one that made her husband escape her tyranny. Rips character never showcased her wife in negative stereotypes, but it was her real character which was compared with the British Monarchy and Petticoat government (Jackson, 2002).

Rips character goes against Franklins ideology of work ethics when he goes on the mountains and starts playing the famous game instead of working for his family. His exile was too long for a man to abandon his family duties. However, his concern for patrimony is evidenced in his return to his home after the death of his wife. If he was lazy and unconcerned as pointed out in Franklins stance, he wouldnt have returned to his home (Jackson, 2002).

Conclusion

Ben Franklins stance on Rips character was a contrast to the latters identity. Though Franklin advocated for the American men to stand up against their patrimonial duties in terms of domestic work (work ethics), there are no strong points to totally declare that Rip was a lazy man. His henpecking and shrew wife is the one who made him shun away from his domestic support, though he was hardworking.

Works Cited

Gabler-Hover, J & Sattelmeyer, R. Rip Van Winkle. American History through Literature.

Gale Cengage, 2006. eNotes. Web.

Jackson, C. Washington Irving. ENGL 571. 2002. Web.

Introduction

Drug addiction and the blurring of reality and fantasy are complex themes that have been explored in literature and cultural narratives. Two literary works that shed light on these themes are Jesus Son by Denis Johnson and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson. Through these works, the concept of the blurring of reality and the imaginary world of dreams is explored, showcasing the complexity of reality perception and its nuances.

The Connections In the Works

In Jesus Son, the characters struggle with addiction and the constant effort to grapple with reality while retaining a grasp on it. The characters spend most of their time in a haze of drugs, often confusing their dreams with reality (Johnson 53). In Out on Bail and Dundun, the main characters relationships are ruined due to his addiction, illustrating the destructive nature of drug use. In Steady Hands at Seattle General, the characters are in and out of detox, leading to a confusing and disorienting experience that blurs the line between dreams and reality. These stories showcase the complexity of addiction and the blurring of reality, prompting the reader to question whether the truth can be located and whether it can be grasped.

Similarly, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas explores the blurring of reality and the imaginary world of drugs. The characters in the story are constantly high, leading to a surreal experience that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. The quote, We need somebody with a very peculiar sense of humor because this is going to be a very twisted story, highlights the unique and often offensive sense of humor required to portray the depth of the characters insanity accurately (Thompson 111). This quote points to the fact that the story should not be considered a product of complete fiction but rather a narrative inspired by the imperfections and problems of the real world.

Furthermore, the concept of the blurring of reality can be analyzed through a cross-cultural approach. Kate Bravemans Tall Tales from the Mekong Delta and Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus are two literary works that explore the differences in reality perception. In Frankenstein, the monster is misunderstood and perceived as a threat to society. The narrators interpretation of the monster as horror and disgust showcases the complexity of reality perception and how it can be influenced by ones perspective (Braverman 23). In Tall Tales, the main character suffers from alcoholism, leading to a warped reality. The characters addiction leads to a distorted perception of reality, showcasing how ones experiences can influence their perception.

By synthesizing these stories, it becomes apparent that the blurring of reality is a complex theme that can be approached from multiple angles. The need to embrace other perspectives in order to find the path that leads to the truth is emphasized. The stories question whether the fact can be located and whether it can be grasped, illustrating the complexity of reality perception and how it can be influenced by ones experiences.

Moreover, the theme of drug addiction and its impact on the perception of reality is also present in Hunter S. Thompsons Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The novel describes the journey of Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo, two drug-addled journalists, as they travel to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race and end up in a drug-fueled haze (Thompson 150). As they consume a range of drugs, including marijuana, LSD, and cocaine, their perception of reality becomes increasingly distorted. The novel challenges the traditional boundaries between objective reality and subjective experience, as the characters drug-induced hallucinations blur the lines between the two. This serves to underscore the dangerous consequences of drug use and the profound impact it can have on ones sense of reality.

In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, the theme of reality perception is explored through the perspective of the monster. The creatures experiences highlight the contrast between his own perception of reality and that of the humans around him. As an outsider, he is forced to navigate a world that is hostile to him, and his attempts to find a place within society are met with rejection and violence. His distorted perception of reality is shaped by his experiences of abandonment, isolation, and mistreatment, which lead him to question the very nature of humanity (Shelley 53). Through the monsters eyes, Shelley asks the idea of objective reality and instead presents a view of reality that is shaped by ones experiences and subjective perspective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the blurring of reality and the imaginary world of dreams is a complex theme that has been explored in literature and cultural narratives. Through works such as Jesus Son and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the destructive nature of addiction and the complexity of reality perception are showcased. Furthermore, works such as Tall Tales from the Mekong Delta and Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus highlight the differences in reality perception and the need to embrace other perspectives to find the truth. By synthesizing these stories, a better understanding of the nuances of reality perception can be gained, contributing to a better cross-cultural and interpersonal knowledge of others.

Works Cited

Braverman, Kate. Tall Tales from the Mekong Delta. The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories, edited by Tobias Wolff, Vintage, 1994, pp. 93-107.

Johnson, Denis. Jesus Son: Stories. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1992.

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. Edited by J. Paul Hunter, W. W. Norton, 2012.

Thompson, Hunter S. A Conversation on Ralph Steadman and His Book, America, with Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. The Great Shark Hunt: Strange Tales from a Strange Time, Simon and Schuster, 2011, pp. 111-117.

Introduction

Writing back refers to the literature where an author reflects on past experiences. An author writes back on the issues that he/she has been passionately involved in and which affect the authors life directly. Queer voices have been oppressed in the past; most writers who have experienced this oppression have found it necessary to write back.

The oppression of minority may be as a result of gender, race, class, or sexuality differences. Queer voices have been suppressed as a result of Power structures not giving equal rights and supporting the mutual development of the populace.

A Room of Ones Own is a book written by Virginia Woolf, it focuses on gender issues where women are oppressed. In her book, women are not allowed to participate in creative literature. In her days Woolf was a critic; she felt that her understanding of literature as a woman was not well acknowledged as compared to literature written by male authors.

For this reason, she wrote the book A Room of Ones Own where she takes the reader through her research and getting the reader to know the woman behind the many literature works she had written earlier. Woolf, in her work, dares the patriarchal system which only lets women live their life supporting the enterprise of men instead of choosing their own livelihood.

Writers like Ngugi wa Thiongo in his novel Decolonizing the mind, give agencies and voice to community languages that have slowly become extinct as a result of the community members opting to speak English instead of their native languages.

Waters novel, Tipping the velvet, is set in the Victorian era in the late 19^th century, it focuses on sexuality. Her novel has persistent lesbian themes which revolve on self discovery. In Tipping the Velvet, the characters with queer views and sexuality differences interact with the surrounding rather than isolating themselves (Waters 82).

Waters chose to write on the Victorian era because she felt the power structure in this era oppressed the gay and lesbian members of the community. According to Waters, most of the things people know about this era is stereotype and wrong. Waters considers herself as part of the gay and lesbian heritage; she portrays her support to homosexuality (Waters 57).

Waters work was influenced by Chris Hunts novel Street Lavender. Her intentions were to make her novel look like a female version of Street Lavender. The two novels are set in the Victorian era when the Criminal Law was being amended in London.

Section 11 of the law re-criminalized gay behavior in London. The two novels voice the homosexual minority in the society (Hunt 68). They speak for the queer voice of sexuality which at most times is assumed and ignored as though it does not exist.

The novels display unapologetic celebration and open support for the gay and lesbian diversity. Gay and lesbian literatures are portrayed in the two books in a positive way. The two novels give agency to a sexuality voice that was oppressed and ignored in the Victorian era.

Mary Prince wished that the good people of England would hear and understand what she felt and suffered from as a slave. She felt that she and her mother were treated unfairly and hoped that one day people will understand what she went through (Prince 32).

Throughout England, it was normal for corporal punishment to be inflicted on slaves, slave owners believed that it was necessary to punish slaves because they (slaves) had a refractory nature that necessitate their being punished. Throughout her life, she was sold to and by slave owners and spent her life serving them. Mary explains in her novel how she suffered as she was passed from one slave owner to another (Prince 47).

The oppression of slaves was as a result of slave owner continued insistence to being superior. Oppression was also a result of powerful men wielding power which is inherent from their families, these people remained in power because they feel they must. The people holding this power are unyielding and exercise their power in oppressing others.

In her work, Mary Prince sheds light on the issue of oppression that affected slaves in the Victorian era. Slaves were not allowed to own property or posses money; this made it difficult for slaves to make a living. Mary Prince decided to voice the mistreatment that slaves experienced and felt that people of England should hear about the suffering she and other slaves underwent.

Conclusion

In history, power structures have acted to suppress the queer voice of the minority. Writers like Waters and Chris Hunt are seen to support the voice of people with a difference in their sexual preference. Though sexuality was criminalized in the Victorian era which is the setting of the two novels, the two authors openly give agency to oppressed sexuality voices. Other writers have portrayed their concern suppressed slaves.

After being born as a slave, Mary Prince spent most of her life serving different slave owners. She feels that people of London should be given an opportunity to hear what she and other slaves went through and the experiences they had, thus voicing people who have been oppressed as a result of slavery. The authors write back on the issues and experiences that have influenced their lives.

Works Cited

Hunt, Chris. Street Lavender. Austin, TX: Bookpeople, 1988. Print.

Prince, Mary. The History of Mary Prince. Teddington, UK: The Echo Library, 2006. Print.

Waters, Sarah. Tipping the Velvet. Kendal Street, London: Virago Press Ltd, 1998. Print.

Wood, Marcus. Blind memory: visual representations of slavery in England and America, 1780-1865. Sandton City: Routledge, 2000. Print.

In the poem They Shut Me Down in Prose, Emily Dickinson expresses that the forces and authorities that press to limit and hold back can bring freedom. The underlying theme is overcoming originality or the concept that creativity will prevail despite the constraints imposed by society, family, or someone elses expectations. She speaks of the forces that limited her freedom and stifled her ability to express herself, but she was never trapped.

Although this poem mostly comprises simple words, they have a deeper meaning and depict a longer story.  They  refers to society and its expectations and social norms. In the first line, They shut me up in prose, it is clear that Dickinson is alluding to the forces of society trying to keep her in Prose. Prose can be a metaphor for doing things or ordinary life. It could mean that they are trying to shield her from something. That is something of her self-expression but does not belong or fit into societys expectations. She compares this experience to the following two lines, Like when I was a little girl  They put me in a closet (They Shut Me Up in Prose by Emily Dickinson 1). This little girl presence she creates seems rooted in her childhood when her parents dominated the inevitable acts of punishment.

The picture of the bird found guilty of high treason in the pound (jail) captures the scenario perfectly. All the bird needs to do is expand its wings and fly away. The single complete rhyme, round/pound, connects the ideas here. Laugh, bird, star, and equipped are human-like personifications. The author flirts with people who want to limit her to writing, and she laughs at them and the scenario they have created. The poem is divided into three brief stanzas, each with Dickinsons distinctive characteristics: short lines typically split by a dash, no standard punctuation, and a dash at the end of each line. This also emphasizes the authors aversion to complying with accepted conventions.

As a result, the author makes it apparent throughout the piece that she was subjected to limitation and compulsion. She connects this finding to social customs and, more broadly, to the societal standards of behavior for women throughout that historical period. The author also relates this sense of confinement and limitation to the creation of the language itself, including all of the syntactic and punctuation standards that go with it. The speaker indicates that she can never transcend the confines of ordinary life by writing prose; she can only do so by composing poetry.

In this way, the author creates meaning through the form of the work. It resists the way society is accustomed to perceiving poems. Dickinson does not use punctuation and writes as she wishes. She inspires the reader to resist societys pressures and act only in the way they want. The author encourages them to reject accepted norms and feel free. Also, the author uses many personifications to enhance the impression of the work and give it deep meaning.

Work Cited

They Shut Me Up in Prose by Emily Dickinson. Gleeditions, Web.

Introduction

The analysis of literary devices that different authors use in their works to add to their credibility, the credibility of the sources they use and the argument and claims they make is a rather challenging task. To carry it out successfully, one must consider how the author presents the argument of his/her and the supporting details that can be observed in this or that work. This paper focuses on the comparative analysis of the source and claim credibility of the works titled Ask Barbara: The 100 Most Asked Questions About Love, Sex, and Relationships by Barbara De Angelis and Romantic Relationships. Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Preserving a Lasting Love by Howard Markman.

Source Credibility

To begin with, the credibility of the sources chosen for the comparative analysis in this work is asses in different ways by scholars and the ordinary readers. Ask Barbara: The 100 Most Asked Questions About Love, Sex, and Relationships by Barbara De Angelis is mainly high-assessed by the customers and specialists. For example, the editorial and customer reviews presented at Amazon.com evidence that the book considered has helped many people in the real-life situations. The practical use of the book is more valuable for the author and her readers than the theoretical or formal frame (Moore, 2009). The essence of the book lies in combining the thoughts of Barbara De Angelis with the question-answer talk between the author and her readers. Barbara De Angelis answers the questions that concern the family life and intimate relationships in the simple way understandable for people with various educational levels (De Angelis, 2009).

As for Romantic Relationships. Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Preserving a Lasting Love by Howard Markman, this work has raised a number of various assessments. On the one hand, the book operates with non-supported data, like for example the statement about the 70% of women behaving in a certain way in the modern society. Such statements accompanied by the lack of bibliography to the book decrease its credibility as a source of the psychological information. On the other hand, however, the practical use of the book is stressed by numerous readers who bought, read and tried to implement the advice the book gives in their family lives. The results impressed them and led to the considerable public popularity of the book by Markman (Markman, 2001).

Claim Credibility

Further on, the credibility of the claims made by Barbara De Angelis and Howard Markman can also be treated differently. On the one hand, the works under analysis lack the theoretical base and display not enough scholarly support for their claims. On the other hand, the feedback provided by the book readers evidences the opposite  the works by Barbara De Angelis and Howard Markman contain useful information and the claims made by these authors are credible as far as they turn out to be effective. For example, the claims by Barbara De Angelis look more like the private talk with the readers than a scientific literary work (Moore, 2009). The author receives numerous questions from people experiencing hardships in their lives and tries to help them by her claims. For example, Mrs. De Angeliss advice on intimate relations improvement, family life revival, etc. and the ways she recommends are proved to be effective by many people who used them (De Angelis, 2009).

The same is true about Howard Markmans claims that prove to be true as the numerous readers report in their reviews and letters to the author. Although making some sweeping generalizations that might irritate people who disagree with them, the book is helpful for ordinary couples whose family lives started worsening after several years of being together. Howard Markman, although not trying to present his ideas as the only correct ones, manages to advise people on how to avoid quarrels in household, how to revive the affection between long-time spouses, etc. Thus, both books under analysis can be viewed as effective sources of information on the most common issues of family life (Markman, 2001).

Reservations and Conclusions

Nevertheless, some reservations as to the credibility of the sources and claims made in them still can be observed. For example, in the work by Barbara De Angelis the names of the readers whose questions are answered are not stated (De Angelis, 2009). Understanding that this is done for the purpose of privacy, I still feel that the provision of exact names and ages would add credibility to the books claims. Moreover, the sweeping statements about the offered solutions being effective for every single situation are not very credible (Moore, 2009). Different people have different circumstances in their lives and it is impossible to solve the diverse issues with a single template of actions. The same reservations are observed in respect of Markmans work (Markman, 2001), but the overall impression both works under analysis make is positive. Their source credibility is rather high, while the credibility of claims is also considerable with the exception of the several points concerning the sweeping statements and anonymity of readers whose problems are solved.

Works Cited

De Angelis, B. Ask Barbara: The 100 Most Asked Questions About Love, Sex, and Relationships. New York: McGraw Hill, 2009. Web.

Markman, H. et al. Romantic Relationships. Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Preserving a Lasting Love. Jossey-Bass; New and Revised edition, 2001. Web.

Moore, B.N., & Parker, R. Critical thinking (9th ed.). New York: McGraw Hill, 2009.