Illusion and Identity in Atwood’s Essay Example for Free

Illusion and Identity in Atwood’s Essay Identity in Atwood’s â€Å"This is a Photograph of Me† In her poem â€Å"This is a Photograph of Me,† author Margaret Atwood uses imagery and contrast to explore issues of illusion versus reality as well as identity. The poem is split into two halves. The first half contains descriptive words about scenery and natural objects, and the second half, surrounded by parentheses, begins with the unnerving surprise that the narrator is dead. The poem opens with a description of a picture that at first seems blurry but slowly comes into focus, like a photograph slowly developing, that even resembles a written poem itself (â€Å"blurred lines and grey flecks/blended with the paper. †) The second and third stanzas go on to describe objects in the picture, including a â€Å"small frame house,† a â€Å"lake,† and â€Å"some low hills. † The first half has a reminiscent and descriptive tone, falsely leading the reader along with serenity. But even here, there is a shroud of mystery, with a description not just of a â€Å"branch,† but of â€Å"a thing that is like a branch,† and the house is â€Å"halfway up/ what ought to be a gentle slope,† not halfway up a gentle slope. What could this mean? The calm albeit mysterious peacefulness of the first half ends with the fourth stanza’s jarring declaration, beginning with an opening parenthesis, that the photograph the narrator is describing â€Å"was taken/ the day after [she] drowned. The pace of the poem after this revelation seems frantic, searching for the narrator in the lake, which was in the first half described as being â€Å"in the background† and now â€Å"in the center/ of the picture. † The narrator tells the reader that what can be seen is distorted and one must look intently, playing with the themes of illusion and identity. Perhaps the ambiguity of the poem and the exploration of illusion and identity are hinting at a feminist perspective that a woman’s true spirit is overcast by a male-dominated society. Or perhaps the poem’s focus is eluding to a more universal human search for identity, a with a narrator who is unsure and obscured, but â€Å"just under the surface,† about to break out – previously dead but now reborn, to find a new path. Or perhaps the author is talking about poetry or literature itself and the author’s hidden intentions lurking in the work. As noted earlier, the description of the â€Å"photograph† at the beginning resembles a description of a poem: â€Å"blurred lines and grey flecks/ blended with the paper,† like lines of writing and the letters comprising words. The author dies with the birth of her poem, when the piece lives on its own; but the author is still there, somewhere, her intentions a key part of the text. The photograph in the poem, in the first half, is described as â€Å"smeared† and â€Å"blurred† and in the second half there is still â€Å"distortion. † So instead of disclosing the narrator’s story and identity, no resolution is apparent. On the contrary, the photograph creates illusion and obscures identity. The reader is left with uncertainty, just like the blurred and distorted photograph of the poem.

Comparing the Great Flood in Epic of Gilgamesh and the Biblical story o

Comparing the Great Flood in Epic of Gilgamesh and the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark Many of the same ancient stories can be found in different cultures. Each story differs in a small way, but the general idea remains synonymous. One story that is paralleled in several cultures is the legend of a great flood. The epic of Gilgamesh resembles the Bible’s story of Noah’s Ark, but specific details differ in several aspects.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story of Gilgamesh originates from twelve fire-hardened, mud tablets, written in cuneiform, in the Mesopotamian culture from around 2500 B.C.E. It has been passed down through generations for centuries, teaching obedience to gods. The story of Noah’s Ark, found in the Christian Bible, seems to do the same thing; teach obedience to God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many aspects of both stories are the same. Both sagas start with the earth being extremely populated, with no foreseen break in the continuation of a booming culture. The earth was too full. People were rowdy and reckless. Crime was widespread and grew day to day. The difference pertaining to this, is the reason the flood was sent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Noah’s story rules that the flood was sent because the earth had become corrupt and filled with violence, (Genisis, 6). The only way to destroy this violence was to drown everyone but the chosen few. These chosen few were hand-picked by God as good people to start a new, more wholesome and obedient civilization. Gilgamesh’s story says the reason for the flood was the volume the people created. The noise was intolerable and the gods insisted on ending the racket at once, (Duiker, 20).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The singular reason Gilgamesh was spared is that he was informed of the flood by Ea, the water god, through a dream. Ea was one of many gods in this time. He told him to build a boat of equal width and length. He was to tear down his house for wood and tell the curious townspeople that he was instructed to leave the city and go out to sea so as to please the gods. Ea also instructed him to take the seeds of life onto the ship with him. Meaning two of each animal, enough food for them and his family to eat for some time, and whatever grain was left over would be planted once the water receded, (Duiker, 20) .   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Noah was also instructed to do the same. Only his orders came from the one and only God. The Jewish culture believes in one supreme being. God told Noah ... ...o, there is one known flood that occurred in ancient times. The Black Sea used to be smaller than it is now. Archeologists have proven this by finding remnants of structures below the present water level. The water also used to be fresh, not salt water. When the ice from the Ice Age melted, the lake started to dry out because the rivers began to flow backwards towards the sea. Then the ocean water rose very high and salt water rushed back into the empty sea, (Lecture, 9/7/1999).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With so many different cultures trying to explain a great flood, there are bound to be differences in each account. The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark are different in small details. The fact that the two stories are so close in account to each other, with regard to general storyline, is quite amazing when considering the fact that these two cultures are so very different. Bibliography 1.  Duiker, William J. and Spielvogel, Jackson J. World History, Comprehensive Volume, Second Edition. (Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1998.) 2.  http://www.bibleontheweb.com/Bible.asp (Genesis 6-9.) 3.  http://www-relg-studies.scu.edu/netcours/rs011/restrict/gilflood.htm

A Historical Exploration Essay

In spite of the long existing disagreement regarding the very term, nature, and scope of modernism, it is still considered as one of the most significant artistic-cultural events of the twentieth century (Poplawski, 2003). This paper will provide a historical overview of early modernism focusing on the ideologies, influences, and a glimpse on works of the renowned modernists – both in literature and the arts – who lived between the periods of 1871-1914. Most importantly, this paper will explore on how early modernism managed to establish itself as a canonical category for artists and academicians alike, based on the critical articulations noted about the period. Early Modernism: 1871-1914 One of the most distinct characteristics of early modernism as a movement is its deliberate separation from the forms, structural designs, and traditions of the ancient times (Ricca, n. d. ). It is also characterized by its emphasis on details which refines the singularities of the artist as an individual. It promotes personal style that is anti-public and it is perceived to be inclined towards external formlessness. In literature, there were three styles that emerged: naturalism, decadent, and expressionism. Naturalism put emphasis on social issues being faced by common people, especially women. The writers of this movement tried to be objective in analyzing the modern society. Ricca (n. d. ) noted that in interpreting these social upheavals, the early modernists tried to explore on different elements such as simplicity, color and geometrical forms. The decadent style, on the other hand, eliminated the concept of materialism and scrutinized scientific revolution. It associated the bourgeois society with mediocrity. One good example of decadent writers is Oscar Wilde who expressed in his writings approaches to modern life. In relation to countering the impacts of capitalism and bourgeois community, expressionism attempted to illustrate new ways of artistic expression. The literary works of Franz Kafka are good examples of expressionism. He put into question the traditional concepts of reality and demonstrated the proofs that an individual in the modern age is being victimized by his environment beyond his control. Saler (1999) noted that aside from the movement’s association with stylistic innovations, early modernism includes a wide range of conceptions regarding nature and the purpose of art. All around the globe, modern art is in the state of constant change. The economic and political upheavals gave the artists the inspiration to seek new means of artistic expression and this resulted to a number of modern art movements. In the field of art, one example that can be noted is Umberto Boccioni’s Unique Forms of Continuity and Space. Boccioni was a well-known Futurist and he rejected the traditional concepts of the past and gave way to the new meanings of art through his artworks. Conclusion Modern art is usually perceived in the view of the modernists’ rejection of the conventional ideas and traditions of the past. Studies have shown that in order to understand well the true purpose of this movement, there is a greater need to look objectively into the social, political and historical influences that inspired early modernists. References: Early Modernism 1871-1914. Retrieved May 3, 2009, from www. class. uidaho. edu/engl210kt/Slides/Modernism%20to%20Postmodernism. ppt. Poplawski, P. (2003). Encyclopedia of Literary Modernism. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Ricca, K. (n. d. ) Early Modernism. Retrieved May 3, 2009, from gds. parkland. edu/gds/131online/presentations/EarlyModern. ppt Saler, M. T. (1999). The Avant-Garde in Interwar England: Medieval Modernism and the London Underground. New York: Oxford University Press.

Love in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Essay - 819 Words

What is love? Is it an object? Is it a feeling? Is it even attainable? Love is everything, it is an object, it is an emotion, and it cannot be bought, stolen, given. Love can only be found. Love is discovered in the most unthinkable places during the most unimaginable times. It can never be predicted who you fall in love with or when you do but all you do know is that you are in love and you would give anything for that person, and for your love to always stay resilient through all other obstacles and distractions. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Montague’s and Capulet’s are know and expected to hate each other until the miracle of love presented its self. Romeo is a Montague and Juliet is a Capulet. They both fell in love when†¦show more content†¦Once love is found, any obstacle presented will neither diminish nor terminate that love, even when tragedy strikes with the loss of a loved one. Tybalt, the cousin of Juliet is one of the Capulet’s that despises the Montague’s and he will do anything in his power to kill them all, and once he confronted Romeo, he met his fate and died by Romeo’s sword. The Prince arrived to the scene and said â€Å"Romeo slew him, he slew Mercutio† (III.i.181), him referring to Tybalt, and once realized, he banished Romeo out of the city. Once Juliet discovered the truth about Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s banishment she said in grief â€Å"Romeo is banished- to speak that word is father, mother, Tybalt, Romeo, Juliet, all slain, all dead- Romeo is banished† (III.ii.122-124). Her heartache for Romeo’s banishment more than her cousin Tybalt’s death shows that he is her life, her world, and her breath, and without him she would be nothing and life as she knows is would end, even through tragedy and anguish. Love is being willing to sacrifice everything for your everything, and giving your family, friends, and life for one person. Romeo gave everything for Juliet. He risked his family, his friends, his way of living, and his life in the pursuit of his true love. Juliet risked all that was central in influencing her to be the person she is, evenShow MoreRelatedExpressions Of Love In Shakespeares Romeo And Juliet1322 Words   |  6 PagesExpressions of Love in Romeo and Juliet Compared to the Modern DayLove is one of the strongest emotions humans can feel toward each other. Love has evolved over time from generation to generation. Love today is much different than its portrayal in Romeo and Juliet with the development of dating apps based solely off physical appearance, and we always want instant satisfaction. We want results immediately and do not want to wait. While in Romeo and Juliet, love is more thoughtfulRead MoreLove in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet E ssay1608 Words   |  7 PagesLove in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet is a love tragedy based on different kinds of loves. 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Othello’s passionate love for Desdemona is the same passionRead MoreForbidden Love in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Essay807 Words   |  4 Pagesdespite it all, ends in ruins. This is the theme of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In this tragic tale, two fated lovers risk everything, even life itself, to be with one another. They go against family, friends and fate to be together. Had premonit ions in the play been taken more seriously by key characters, tragedy could have been avoided. In the play we read of many warnings which, had they been heeded, would have saved the lives of Romeo and Juliet. Warnings such as the Prologue and Romeo’s firstRead MoreEssay about Love in Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet1226 Words   |  5 PagesLove. In all its facets and colors, love is understood and accepted as a concept by even the most primitive cultures. But what is love? Many writers have debated this subject. 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By developing relationships in one’s adolescent years it can be taxing on a teen instead of lightheartedRead More Love and Hate in Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay3761 Words   |  16 PagesAnalyze the Portrayal of Love and Hate in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ The emotions of love and hate are at the forefront of the theme in this play by William Shakespeare. The Oxford Standard English Dictionary defines ‘love’ as ‘to have strong feelings of affection for another adult and be romantically and sexually attracted to them, or to feel great affection for a friend or person in your family’ and defines ‘hate’ as ‘a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action dislike intensely, to feel antipathyRead MoreThe Themes of Love and Hate in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet544 Words   |  3 PagesThemes of Love and Hate in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet This essay is about the contrast of love and hate in the play by Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet. The essay tells you about how Shakespeare uses language and actions to promote the themes of love and hate and contrast throughout the play. The way he uses certain characters as love and others as hate and how change the story line with the contrast. While Romeo is at the ball he spots Juliet and instantlyRead MoreThe Theme of Love Presented in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet1630 Words   |  7 PagesThe Theme of Love Presented in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Love, or a lack of it, is a very central theme in Romeo and Juliet and often is the root of many arguments in the play. It is very difficult to group love as just one thing as there are many versions of it. A love which the capulets particularly, seem to possess is a love of material possessions and power. For example, the Capulet ball (and subsequent plans for the marriage) is an indication of wealthRead MoreDifferent Presentations Of Love in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet1453 Words   |  6 PagesDifferent Presentations Of Love in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet In Romeo and Juliet there are many different types of love. The main type is the true love between Romeo and Juliet. Another type of love is the materialistic love of possessions and power. Capulet and lady Capulets love for Juliet is the love the power they have over her. Capulet loves Juliet as to him she is possession that he can gain a profit from by marrying her off. At the same time, he wants