Child Motivation in Literacy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Child Motivation in Literacy - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that pedagogy is an overarching concept, which refers to the calculated process of development cultivation within a given society and culture. It has three fundamental components from this viewpoint: the content or curriculum of what people are being taught; the methodology- manner in which teaching is conducted; and the techniques for children socialization in affective and cognitive skills’ repertoire needed for the successful functioning within the society, which education is meant to promote. The content of teaching or curriculum, may be designed in such a way that it encourages processes of learning (such as attention, memory, observation) as well as cognitive skills (classification, comparing and contrasting, reasoning), and the specific information’s acquisition such as names of alphabetical letters. Teaching strategies or the methods employed in the curriculum’s implementation are the set interactions of individ uals and materials, which teachers plan and use. They include the teaching styles, teaching role, as well as instructional modus operandi. The third pedagogical aspect, which might be perceived as cognitive socialization is the role played by teachers in the early childhood settings. This is via their expectations, teaching strategies, curricular emphasis, in promotion of repertoire of affective and cognitive characteristics as well as the skills, which young children require in moving from the natal culture to the school culture and finally to the larger society’s culture. ... Children engage in numerous things basically because they have a desire of doing them. Choosing a shirt for wearing or a toy is the outcome of their intrinsic motivation in which the child decides on her choices as well as realises contentment from the choosing act as well as the opportunity of playing with her toy or wearing the shirt. Since such activity generates motivation, it is more self-sustaining provided the young child wants continuing with the activity. Young children also do some activities simply because adults direct them or even as efforts of pleasing another party, with such activities being extrinsically motivated. Whenever children are extrinsically motivated, reward comes from the child externally-someone else has to provide it and requires being continually given in order to ensure that the child remains motivated sufficiently to proceed with the activity (Oldfather & Dahl 1994). However, it is difficult for sustenance of the child’s extrinsic motivation du e to this dependence upon some form of external force. Since the intrinsically motivated activities are more rewarding in as well as of themselves, children are exposed to more learning from this mode of activity and retain such learning more effectively (Lorch & van deb Broek, 1997). The intrinsically motivated children have the tendency of being more motivated within their own development and learning. In other words, children have more likelihood of learning and retaining information when they are intrinsically motivated, especially when they believe they are pleasing themselves. Their parents can capitalize on these senses of confidence through guiding their young

Descartes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Descartes - Essay Example He doubted everything even the existence of God, nevertheless he considered atheists as the benighted people (Watson, 226). Descartes claimed that sense of perception could be the source that definitely should be doubted as our feelings was subjective dimension of sensation. He was perturbed that people had regarded senses as a basic source of beliefs. It was constant for Descartes that only approved facts could be seen as general truth in the world. Philosopher declared â€Å"if I wanted to establish anything at all in the sciences that was stable and likely to ask† and â€Å"I want to discover any certainty† (Dicker, 1). That statement was viewed as Descartes’ goal due to the perspective of Method of doubt discovered by him. All knowledge was examined as related one and they needed to be built on solid and reliable facts from our field of experience. Descartes represented undeniable example of his respectful ideas. He argued that the process of thinking was cogent one as this was continuous proceeding. Such implication was related to every subsisting person. â€Å"Cogito, Ergo Sum† that means â€Å"I think therefore I am† was considered to be Descartes principal notion (Watson, 232). What was more a big number of his investigations were constructed on this profound idea. He intended to accomplish the idea that no existence without factual confirmation was occurred in our dimension. Investigations in the field of philosophy regarded Descartes’ ideas as rather skeptic ones. They sounded radically and unilaterally in some perspectives that was why the concept of skepticism regarded as characteristic to Descartes’ philosophical notions. It should be mentioned that veiling of skepticism was present in his thinking. However, Descartes himself did not regard his concepts as skeptical ones and claimed that he â€Å"had refuted

The Historical Development Of The Juvenile Essay Example for Free

The Historical Development Of The Juvenile Essay The Juvenile Justice System was a creation of the Progressive Era reformist. Prior to this time there was little consideration for children as needing or deserving different treatment than adults. To tell the truth there was relatively no separation of adults and children up to this point in time. In retrospect it could be said that the creation of a separate stage in the life of growing people led to the creation of a separate justice system. So the creation of adolescence and its separation from the rest of society also gave rise to the Juvenile Justice System. This section of the paper looks into this development. As late as the eighteenth century children regularly participated in activities that would now be considered adult in nature (Empey, 1976). This included but was not limited to engaging in sexual activity at an early age, learning and using obscene language, drinking alcohol in taverns if not at home, working and learning trades and fighting in wars (Empey, 1976). In the United States there was little difference than the rest of western society. Colonial reformist saw deviant behavior as something to be concerned about but it was considered a critical social problem or a breakdown in the social organization (Empey, 1976). Basically they saw humans as inherently weak and drew a parallel between sin and crime and they treated either equally with the same harsh, usually public, punishments. But with the newly won freedom of the United States came a new perspective on things. With peoples freedoms being based on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which had their foundations in the Enlightenment Eras philosophies, there came many changes in the way people saw things (Empey, 1976). People were no longer seen as inherently evil or preordained to a certain life path. Deviance was no longer equated with sin; it was due to a flaw in upbringing or other social problem. With these new philosophies dominating society there came a pressing need to most to change and revise the criminal codes of the past and also the reduction in punishment for a majority of less serious crimes. But even this did not create a separation of youths and adults in society or in the criminal justice system. That did not occur until the early nineteenth century when Progressive Era reformist were pushing for a  serious of programs aimed at helping the youth of society (Empey, 1976). Among these programs were child labor laws, mandatory schooling, kindergarten programs and increased intervention and rehabilitation for the wayward youth of society (National†¦, 2001). The backlash of several of these programs, whether intentional or not, was the stratification of our society by age. It is this stratification that latter allowed for the complete separation of youth from the rest of society during adolescence. It also led to the creation of Houses of Refuge and Orphan Asylums in most major cities. In fact by 1825 these institutions for juvenile offenders and other lost youth were common in most populous cities and states (Empey, 1976). It was the purpose of these institutions to act as a substitute for family and community but as is usually the case they soon became overcrowded and became nothing more than warehouses for these youths. By the end of the nineteenth century reformers felt even more effort was needed to solve the problem and more legality was sought to back their actions. They pushed for more power to interfere in troubled youths lives, they saw no need to wait until the child committed an offense before giving them guidance, and these powers were granted. Now a child could be pulled from any situation in which it was felt they were being corrupted or adequate attention and structure were being provided. These new powers and the increased emphasis of the reformist for a separate system for children gave rise to the Juvenile Justice System. In 1899 the Illinois Juvenile Court Act gave birth to the first juvenile court in Chicago (National, 2001). By 1925 a functioning juvenile court existed in every state in the U.S. except Wyoming and Maine (Schlossman, 1983). Empey, LeMar T.; The Social Construction of Childhood, Delinquecny and Social Reform in _The Juvenile Justice System,_ Vol. 5, Pp. 27-51, Malcolm Klein ed., Sage Publications, 1976. National Research Council and Institute of Medicine: _Juvenile Crime, Juvenile Justice_. Panel on Juvenile Crime: Prevention, Treatment, and Control. Joan McCord, Cathy Spatz Widom and Nancy A. Crowell, eds. Committee on Law Justice and Board on Children, Youth and Families. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001 Schlossman, Steven; Juvenile Justice: History and Philosophy in _Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice,_ Vol. 3, Pp. 961-969, S. Kadish ed. New York: Free press, 1983

Examine Radical Social Work Theory Social Work Essay

Examine Radical Social Work Theory Social Work Essay First of all, social work theory is defined as an explanatory framework, the accumulation of knowledge, ideas, skills and beliefs social workers draw upon to help to make sense of what social work is and how to do it. (Oko, 2008: pp.6) In other words, theory in social work helps to organise and structure the world we live in and help us to make sense. Particularly this is important when dealing with service users. Vulnerable people are those in need and under stress who often lost control under their lives. Therefore, it is critical to assist them in explaining reality to make sense of what is going on and why. Not being able to understand reality is stressful for both service user and practitioner. (Howe: 2009). Beckett (2006: pp.33) defines social work theory as a set of ideas or principles to guide practice. The definition stresses the importance of how theory informs practice leading to assessment and intervention. This is supported by Teater (2010: pp.1) who hold the view that t heories help to predict, explain and assess situations and behaviours and provide a rationale for how social workers should react and intervene with clients who have particular histories, problems or goals. It is worth pointing out that theory to be right has to explain the situation and provides us to solution. However, different types of theory can be used differently in the wide spectrum of intervention. Alternative theories can lead to a different process of understanding, assessing and intervention. It is essential therefore to analyse and adapt theory all the time. (Teater: 2010) Howe (2011) similarly refers to theory as a guide that influence practice in five key area such as observation, description, explanation, prediction and intervention. According to Howe (2011), social workers must answer a serious of question to understand complexity of the situation and to see pattern. Firstly, social workers have to define problems and identify needs of the service users. Secondly, m ake sense of what is going on by analysing and assessing situation. Thirdly, set out goals, and make action plan. Fourthly, assess available resources, skills and methods that will be utilised in social work process. Finally, review and evaluated the whole process. The origins of social work theory can be traced back to the early nineteenth century and are strongly embedded within the Industrial Revolution and development of social sciences. (Howe: 2009) The age of Enlightenment was very tough and disruptive period follow by the Scientific Revolution and rapid industrialisation. Migration of people, high degree of destitution, crime and poverty forced to change. Significant attempts were made to utilise developing social sciences such as psychology, sociology and economy to improve social and political conditions of society. (Howe: 2009) The work of Wilson et al. (2008) emphasises the importance of formation the Charity Organisation Society (COS) in the 1869 as the date from which social work as a recognise practice began. It has been suggested that social work originated by the COS resulted in creation a social work theory as a response to social disadvantage and unrest. (Wilson et al. 2008: pp.50) The above explanation the origins of social work theory lead to justification why social work theory is contested. Social work theory has explored all types of knowledge and experience in its attempt to understand relations within society and help people. The work of Maclean and Harrison suggested that no single theory can explain everything. An eclectic approach is usually required. (2011: p.15) The statement means there is no dominant theory in social work practice. People their relationships and interactions are complex, consequently social work theories must derive from different sources discipline to explain human behaviour, position in society, relationships within psychological, social, economical and political context. This agrees with the view of Payne (2005: 44) who refers to borrow knowledge in social work practice. Oko (2008: p.7) draws attention to social constructionism and fluidity as a view of social work where everything can changed depends on context, time, legislat ion, policies and different expectations about peoples behaviour. Social work theory is contested because embrace a variety of different practice setting, with different groups of service users as well as working pattern and constantly changing context of policies and directives. When discussing types of social work theory, it is important to recognise that those can be seen at three different levels; theories of what social work is about, how to do social work and theories of service user world. (Payne: 2005, p.6) The first statement apply to grand theories, these are orthodox theories that seek to explain society as a whole. It is important to mention that there are three main sources of social work theory such as psychology, sociology and systemic. (Howe: 2011) However, social work theory also derive from other discipline such as philosophy, law, medicine, social policy etc. (Howe: 2009) An example of grand theories are psychoanalytic theory, behaviourism, systems theory, humanis m, Marxism and Feminism. (Wilson et al. 2008) The other group are mid-range, theories that Wilson et al. (2008: p.107) called practice theories these indicate the methods of intervention and are the result of the contribution of grand theoretical perspective with practice experience. The last but not least, are informal theories, use to explain individual cases or behaviour. Informal theory is the practitioners own ideas about a situation based on personal and professional experiences. Wilson et al. (2008) refers to practice wisdom, self-awareness, intuition, not knowing and personal experience as issues related to informal knowledge. Whereas, Beckett (2006: p.185) discusses informal theory as common sense. This section of the essay will examine radical social work theory and empowerment paying special attention to the factors such as professional and political contributors. By the 1960s, more attention was beginning to be paid to the social consequences of capitalism. Capitalism started to be seen as the economic order of an unequal and unfair society shaped by psychodynamic theory especially casework. (Howe: 2009) First strong critical view of the social and personal effect of capitalism and the economic structures became known as Marxism or radical social work. The origins of radical social work date back to 1970s to the Case Con manifesto. (Wilson et al. 2008) People like Karl Marx, Beatrice Webb or Octavia Hill radically questioned existing structures that caused poverty and deprivation. (Howe: 2009). Radicals expressed necessity to work with people within a wide socio-political context and not in isolation. (Wilson: 2008) Ideology of Marxism has had immense impact on social work t heory as a result created collectivism, empowerment, anti-oppressive and critical theory. These lead to development of practice method with service user such as, anti-oppressive practice, advocacy, welfare rights, service user involvement, radical casework and community development. (Wilson: 2008: p. 107) It is clear that on the grounds of radical theory grew up the idea of empowerment. The concept was developed based on the critique that services provided often contributing to service user sense of powerlessness and lack of choice. Empowerment is about the service users having choice and control over own life. It promotes a way of working with service users based on equality and partnership. There is no doubt that social work is deeply rooted and shaped by socio-political context. (Wilson et al. 2008) Horner (2009: p.3) rightly points out that good practice is not a truth, but is a function of political, moral and economic trends and fashion. Currently, it has been suggested that the space for practicing in an ethical and empowering manner have been progressively limited by the managerial, budget-driven polices of the last few years. (Ferguson Woodward, 2011: p.15) Social workers still work with service users but normally in the conditions that do not depend on them. The constraints often lead to excessive caseload, lack of resources as well as lack of support, supervision and unfilled vacancies. Professional work setting can limited creative use of theories by imposing favourite well know theories, as a consequence of managerial and bureaucratic agenda. Managerialism and bureaucratisation seems to be a potential danger for contemporary social work theory and critical r eflection. Meeting deadlines, filling in forms, standardised and integrated assessment framework are crucial nowadays. It looks like humanity has been lost in paperwork and one size fits all approach. In addition, issues are trivialized by media and political hostile approach to social work. (Ferguson Woodward: 2011) This can be clearly seen when a tragedy happens such as the death of the child in care then the response is often a blaming one bloody social worker instead of wider social and political context. (Thompson: 2009) An illustration of this can be a case of Victoria Climbià © and the social worker who was working on this case Lisa Arthurworrey. (The guardian: 2007) When discussing political influences it is important to recognise that the publication of the Kilbrandon and Seebohm Reports are a matter of the relationship between social work and politics. It is clear that these documents and the follow legislation lodged social work firmly within the state sector with the voluntary sector as supplementary. (Ferguson Woodward, 2011: p.57) Since then social work has been driven to a different degree by politics, professionals, central government and administration. The subsequent evidence of political influences can be observed in a case of Clement Attlee and Jacqui Smith, politicians who have affected contemporary social work. Clement Attlee former Labour Prime Minister has seen social workers as activists. In his understanding social workers should ..work in non-oppressive waychallenge polices and structural inequalities.. (Ferguson Woodward, 2011: p.15) The statement shows political influences of radical tradition such as to be critically refl ective, willing to change the system not the service users. It also identifies the empowerment theory and anti-discriminatory practice in working with service user. In contrast to this, Jacqui Smith, the former Minister for Health argued that social work is a very practical job.. not about being able to give a fluent and theoretical explanation of reasons and causes of problems. (Horner, 2009: p.3) Smith claimed that new social work degree courses had to focus on practical training. The above is an excellent example of political influences social work has to deal with. Surely, Jacqui Smith was right practical abilities are critical in social work practice but on the other hand, she has decreased the value of theoretical issues that are equally important. Only through explanation of service users world a social worker empower the individual, make sense of his/her reality, by understanding the situation service user can take control over own life. The next important point when discuss ing political influences are devolved administrations that shape the politics of social services (Drakeford: 2011) The actions of central government shape the terms and the capacity of social work services but the delivery of those provisions lies within local authorities. This is seen as another example of relationship between social work services and wider political and organisational context. This part of the essay attempts to show the prospects of discrimination and empowerment in social work. It is worth pointing out that in the new global economy, neo-liberalism has become a central issue for radical social work practice. In the UK, neo-liberal policies have resulted in creating an unequal society where the rich grow richer and the poor grow poorer. (Ferguson Woodward 2011) Neo-liberal approaches such as consumerism and marketism, undermine social work values and relationships with service users as well as limit possibilities for critical and creative practice. An example of this are the differences and dilemmas in terminology between patients, clients, service users and users of service that reflect on the way practitioners think and relate to people. A strong critique is presented by Ferguson and Woodward (2011) who blamed the management of social work for being too willing to decrease values base and increase managerial agenda. The authors also argue that nowadays too many social workers present authoritarian role in relation to service users treating them like objects rather than subjects. In relation to discrimination, radical social work theory direct social workers to work as agents of social control by helping people to understand their situation and unfairness as well as why and how it was created. In other words, social workers are raising peoples political and social awareness; consequently, people are able to recover power and control over their lives. Discrimination in social work, from radical point of view can be viewed through social policy, identification of service user needs, allocation and accessibility of resources. Therefore, it is important to recognise respect of rights, responsibilities and opportunities as main issues of anti discriminatory practice. Social workers can be discriminative because they have a power and control over peoples lives. That is why, they have to exercise them with awareness, thought and sensitivi ty. (Howe, 2009: p. 146) The concept is supported by Backett (2006: p.186) who suggests that common sense which is often used by practitioners in theories, tends to incorporate the prejudices and assumptions of a particular time and can be insufficiently used especially by social workers with little personal experience. Practitioners bring into social work practice and theory their own beliefs, values, histories, culture experiences and biases. Judged by these criteria, it is clear, that social workers must be critical and self-reflective. It seems to be a matter to understand that we do not live in equal society. Oppression is deeply rooted in the process of our socialisation. If social workers want to work in anti-discriminatory way they need to develop confidence and skills in exploring the way oppression operates in society. This is supported by Thompson (2009) who argues that empowerment in social work is something more than process of gaining control over service users life bu t is about taking account of discrimination and oppression at the first place. Social work theory can assist practitioners by guiding and explaining the models of oppression. This is necessary in order to support service users to understand and tackle the oppression they may face. An example of this is PCS model presented by Thompson. (2009: pp. 144) The model has been designed to express how our personal prejudices are strongly embedded within cultural influences and structural power. The PCS model operates at three levels such as personal, cultural and structural. Personal refers to individual oppression thoughts and attitudes as well as psychological factors. This can also refers to prejudice and personal views of social workers. Cultural explores the way that groups, based on commonly agreed values, define what is normal. Empowerment in this case will include challenging stereotypes. Structural level refers to oppression within wider socio political climate and social power and refers to the way differences are viewed by society such as class, race, gander etc (Maclean and Harrison: 2011) It is worth pointing out that to treat everyone the same is not to treat everyone equally. Dominelli (1997, pp. 31) draws attention to colour blind approach based on false premise that everyone is the same. The potential discrimination when using theories can be recommended theories on the grounds of their effectiveness with similar case. Social workers when using theories must take into consideration that everyone is different, has different experiences, needs, problems. They have to be reflective and work against one size fits all approach. It is important not only to assess needs but also to consider differences. The intervention in peoples lives without taking account of key issues such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation can do more harm than good. (Thomson, 2011: p106) Form this perspective social work is a part of emancipatory project pr omoting social equality and social justice among people who are marginalised or disadvantages. Croft and Beresford (2005) noted that empowerment has potential to be both regulatory and liberatory, it brings about social change based on collective obligation to the individual. Therefore, empowerment is often used as part of discourse of individual rights and responsibilities. (Oko: 2008) It is more than enabling is helping service users to become better equipped to deal with the problems and challenges they face. (Thomson: 2009) It is worth noting that empowerment is not about transferring power from social worker to service user this can be very disempowering as well can cause addiction to social work services. Another potential danger in utilising empowerment theory is seeing service users as weak and vulnerable rather than experts who require support to address the needs and achieve goals. (Maclean Harrison: 2011) Wilson et al. (2008: p. 81) argues that people are own agents with not only rights but also the capacity to make choice and decision. Empowerment theory in contemporary practice can be seen by not only having a voice but also having an advocate; informing about services available in relation to needs, supporting in developing skills such as parental skills, information technology etc. The aim of empowerment is to increase self-esteem of service users, currently this is carried out by putting in place self-directed support and personalisation programmes. The last section of this essay assesses how perception of theory can support to be a more effective practitioner. As presented earlier theories outline explanatory framework for helping to make sense of the situation as well as shape our thinking (Oko: 2008) In other words, theories represent organised ideas and beliefs that guide social workers thinking and practice. Doel (2012: p135) compare theory and practice to a cup of oil and a cup of vinegar which shaked mix for a while and separate out. Theory is necessary, in order to gain control over the situation. It not only explains the situation, from a different perspective but provide guidance about what to do with these explanations. (Doel: 2012) Theory to be useful has to be constantly verified and updated. The relationship between theory and practice can be build upon IBL so issue based approach to learn (Oko: p. 99). The approach inspires social workers to think about what has been learned and how this new knowledge, experience or skill can be assimilated and utilised in practice. There is no doubt that values base, skills and knowledge facilitate personal and professional development. This is a key of being a critically reflective practitioner. A good understanding of the different theories can guide practice and create effective and successful intervention. Theory makes sense of the situation and creates ideas about why things are as they are. It not only shows the direction of intervention but also explain service users behaviour and actions. Theory can indicate why an action has resulted in a specific behaviour, it also helps to see patterns. Consequently, social workers may get to know the issues affecting service user lives. Another argument for using theories is that its assist social workers to be more confident and better prepare to critique of their point of view. It is vital to be able to justify the decisions made in social work practice. Using theories give social workers a backup to justify a ctions and explain working practice to service users, managers, other professionals or themselves. This justification of actions on the grounds of theories leads to greater accountability. An example of this can be assessments or reports both are professional papers that look for evidence and not unjustified judgements based on common sense. When working with service user, empowerment theory can be utilised by building positive self-esteem and focus on strength and potential of service users rather than problems and difficulties. It is essential to attempt to work in partnership and collaboration with service users. Radical social theory in practice can be seen as attempt to change system to fit to service user rather than change service user to fit the system. It is important to acknowledge that even if theory seems to match to a service user, it does not always mean that this is the right understanding of service users life. Even if theory appears to work, social workers still nee d to stay open minded and continue the process of being critically reflective. Social work practice is part of a process of evidence making where issues have to be constantly verified and checked out in the light of new circumstances or information. As mentioned before no single theory can explain everything. (Maclean Harrison: p 15) Different approaches in social work practice are needed to suit different circumstances. As a qualified social worker, having in a depth knowledge of theories will assist me to be a reflective and critical practitioner, open to a greater degree to the needs of service users. Deeply and accurately consider all facts and issues and not taking anything at face value. Instead, one must remember to always probe beneath the surface in looking for a right answer.

Invasive or Exotic Species :: Environment, Plants, Animals

Today, Plants and animals usually can travel around the world in a matter of hours to days through planes or by ship. Usually their presence is harmful, yet some scientists believe that they can actually be a catalyst for biodiversity! Invasive or exotic species have altered the Chesapeake Bay region; with both a negative and positive impact. â€Å"Exotic species are plants, animals or microbes that have been transported from one geographic region to another.† (5) They are moved from an area where their evolution balance is set, into an area where they may not have any natural competitors. Invasive or exotic species can cause a major impact to our environment. They can put ecosystems at risk by changing an entire environment, replace other species that are native to the environment, and even damage human activities such as fishing. (1) Once introduced into a new environment, Invasive species throw off the ecological balance of the area. They may not have natural predators and can outcompete natural organisms; giving them the opportunity for fast growth throughout the environment! (The nature Conservancy, 2004) Invasive species are even the one of the top reasons why some of our endangered species are threatened. The graph to the left shows that about 50 percent of threatened or affected endangered species were du e to these exotic species! In the United States alone there are many invasive and exotic species already established! According to the Exotics in the Chesapeake, â€Å"At least 4,500 species have established free-living populations in the U.s.† (3) These species have even shown through in the waters around us! I do believe that these Invasive and Exotic species have even altered the Chesapeake Bay region and that these alterations aren’t always predictable! For instance, Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay have suffered since their parasites Dermo and MSX were introduced into the area as exotics.(3) Oysters fundamental role is to abolish the algae in the water; yet with the decline of oysters there is a major demolish in the bay ecosystem. (3) This is not just affecting the bay, it is also affecting oyster fishery bringing much economic loss. (3) Other examples would include the mute swan; which acts aggressive towards other birds in the area. (2) Even though there are many downfalls to these species many could bring good. The Hydrilla plant might take control and replace other native plants; yet can also benefit the bay.

Death and Immortality in The Epic of Gilgamesh Essay -- The Epic of Gi

Death and Immortality in The Epic of Gilgamesh The search for immortality has been a major concern for many men and women all throughout history. True love and immortality in life would be a dream come true to many. To spend time with a special someone, the person one feels closest to, and never have to say good-bye would greatly appeal to most people. But when death steps into the picture, even with all the pain and devastation, one starts to re-evaluate themselves. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh explores the possibility of immortality following the saddening death of his friend and brother, Enkidu. Gilgamesh, feeling the fear of his own mortality, sets out on a journey to search for a way to preserve himself. Although the journey that he endures is much larger than life, Gilgamesh comes to realize that he can never achieve immortality. Before the creation of Enkidu, Gilgamesh is a man without an equal match. He is an individual with overwhelming power, and it is because of this that makes Gilgamesh a very arrogant person. This arrogant side of him is accompanied by an extensive abuse of power, which leads to injustice and rage in the city of Uruk: â€Å"The young men of Uruk he harries without warrant†. This problem does not bother Gilgamesh; he lives to display to others his royal power. The first sign of change in Gilgamesh occurs after the birth of Enkidu. Gilgamesh’s mother, Ninsun, said to him, â€Å"Like a wife you’ll love him, caress and embrace him, he will be mighty, and often save you†. Gilgamesh has finally found his match, a friend who will serve as his life long companion. This new seal of friendship will cause a chang... ...nsciousness after death, or maybe a combination of both, which creates this fear. The fear felt is undoubtedly universal. However, the ways in which it is dealt with are varied and diverse. The concept of human mortality and how it is dealt with is dependent upon one’s society or culture. It is the society, which has the greatest impact on an individual’s beliefs. Hence, it is also possible for other cultures to influence the people of a different culture on such comprehensions. The irony of the story is that Gilgamesh, who wanted to enjoy immortality, actually achieves his dream. Thousands of years after his death, he and Enkidu live through the story of their adventures, which has been passed down through time. Gilgamesh and Enkidu will be kept in an immortal state for however long The Epic of Gilgamesh is told.

The Grapes Of Wrath English Literature Essay

When we were foremost given this assignment, I thought, how will I larn anything from this? By the clip I was on the 3rd chapter I had my reply. A book filled with emotions, calamity and difficult clip, I could n't assist but believe how in some ways, many of these are slightly like today ‘s. While, granted, the bulk of us still have occupations, instruction, and roofs over our caputs, I will explicate subsequently on how there are many similarities between today ‘s economic system and the economic system which lies within this book. But first, allow me take you into the absorbing universe that is, The Grapes of Wrath. It begins with the debut of Tom Joad, fresh out of McAlester prison after functioning four old ages for manslaughter. As he makes his manner back place he is incognizant of what has happened in the last few months while he has been locked up. When a truck driver, who kindly agrees to give Tom a lift slightly of the manner, asks him why he is returning place to what is most likely empty land as its more than probably that the Bankss have seized it, as they have done with many other belongingss. On his concluding stretch of route in which he walks, Tom comes across a tatterdemalion looking adult male sitting in the shadiness of a tree. It turns out to be Jim Casey, the sermonizer from the church Tom attended as a kid. As they walk together we hear of how Casey has decided to no longer a sermonizer due to his behavior with misss after mass. As the brace arrive to the farm in which the Joad ‘s owned it is noticed how dead it is. While houses are half knocked, Tom recognises how no 1 had stolen wood or anything else. He realises that what the teamster says was true and fears he will non be able to happen his household. Fortunately for him, an old neighbor informs him that the Joad ‘s have gone to Uncle John ‘s place, and program to travel to California from at that place on. When Tom arrives to Uncle John ‘s he is heartily greeted by a happy male parent, Pa, and an even happier female parent, Ma. As he settles down he learns of how the Bankss have evicted households from their land as the bankers are non doing adequate net incomes from the agriculture. It is so announced that the program to travel to California is in fact true. They have been told that many occupations are to be found and that one could do a batch of money from picking the likes of oranges and grapes. Bombarded with this intelligence Tom insists on fall ining his household. They plan on going in a truck which was picked out by Tom ‘s younger brother Al. We are besides i ntroduced to the youngest sibling Ruthie and Winfield along with Tom ‘s pregnant sister Rose of Shannon who is married to Connie, a local male child from a neighbouring farm. We besides meet Tom ‘s grandparents. It is told how they all plan on going in this truck, including Tom and the sermonizer, with all that they posses. As they pack up what is left of their properties, holding sold most of it to do money to acquire to California, the household make up one's mind it is clip to travel. However, holding lived on the land all his life Grandpa decides he does n't desire to go forth. Knowing he ‘ll be asleep shortly the household complete the wadding and carry him to the truck, and off they set. As autos line the Highway 66 we learn of how every squeak, every jar and every hushing of noise is to be listened for in the truck. All driver know precisely how far it is from service station o service station, aware of the possibility of interrupting down and holding no manner of repairing the auto if they are in the center of nowhere. It is after go throughing through Oklahoma and settling for the dark that the first calamity occurs. As the household draw up and bivouac on the route side they meet a adult male, Ivy Wilson, and his married woman, Sairy, whose auto has broken down at the side of the route, all households worst incubuss. We besides find out that Grandpa is ill, really ill. The Wilson ‘s are sort adequate to offer their collapsible shelter for Grandpa to lie down in, nevertheless, it ‘s non long before he has a shot and unfortunately passes off. It is so decided to bury Grandpa and to go forth a non saying what happened. Come morning, both households decid e it will be a good thought to go together from now on. With the Wilson ‘s auto fixed for now, the all set off one time once more. However, on the 3rd twenty-four hours of going the Wilson ‘s auto one time once more brakes down. Tom and the sermonizer stay behind with the auto while Al brings the remainder of the household to a nearby encampment topographic point before heading back to Tom and the sermonizer to assist repair the auto. Back at the cantonment site a adult male is informing Pa of how there is really no occupations in California and it is a waste of their clip traveling at that place. Not being one to be put off, Pa bushes the remarks to a side and continues on with his eventide. When the male childs arrive back with the auto fixed they decide to kip in it so as to avoid holding to pay more money to remain in the cantonment site. However, in the cantonment site, Grandma is highly ill, holding fallen ailment after the decease of her hubby. Geting sicker by th e minute the household decide to head off at the cleft of morning so as to make the desert before taking nether interruption. Once the range the outskirts of the sweet, technically already in California, another adult male tells of how he is on his manner place after gaining there is no proper occupations to be had in California. As Grandma gets worse the household make up one's mind it will be easier to take the desert at dark so they set off. However, this clip it is with sibling Noah, who has decided that he wants to remain on the outskirts. Convinced he is non truly loved by his household he pleads with Tom to inform the remainder of the household about his determination. When Ma hears this, she believes her household is falling apart. As the household get stopped for a everyday review, Ma pleads with the constabulary to allow them on as Granma is in demand of some medical intervention. However, when they reach the other side of the sweet, Ma announces that Granma has been dead since the review of the truck. The household eventually arrive to a cantonment where there is a little possibility of acquiring work, nevertheless as a battle breaks out between Tom, the sermonizer and a constabulary adult male, it ‘s realised that Tom has one time once more interrupt his word. The sermonizer kindly steps frontward and takes the incrimination for the battle and he is put in prison. With the disappearing of Connie as good, the household decide to travel on to another cantonment. It is here that Tom finds work and the household start to settle, nevertheless, after a few hebdomads Ruthie accidently outs Tom about being in prison and the household must one time once more travel on. Here strikes the 3rd calamity, Rose of Shannon gives birth to a still babe. With heavy rain endangering the hovel in which the household are remaining in, they decide they must happen dry land. On their travels they see a barn and venture to it. It is here they find a adult male and his boy. The adult male is deceasing have n't non eaten in yearss. So ill that he is unable to eat any solid nutrients, merely milk or soup, it is here that Rose of Shannon asks the household to go forth them entirely for a piece. John Steinbeck, born Febuary 27th 1902 wanted to be a author. He graduated high school in 1919 and went on to analyze at Stanford University. Having left University without a grade he moved to New York to prosecute his passion of going a author. When times were tough at that place he moved back to California where his first novel was published. He wrote a sum of 20 seven books and in 1962 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. He is best known for his plants including East of Eden, Mice of Men and of class, The Grapes of Wrath, is an writer that many people can fall in love with. His ability to convey you into a book and do you experience like you are at that place with him, along for the drive. He does n't compose to compose, he writes to inform and edify 1s ego of what times had been like. He connects profoundly with the book, about as if he is stating you his really ain life narrative. It ‘s rare to experience as if the writer is composing from the bosom. Yet, Steinbeck draw s you in from the really get downing. His ability to do you oppugn what his characters do, how they act and what they say. It ‘s as if he is a portion of the book and the book is a portion of him. It ‘s about as, daring I say, if he got stuck in witting, the book could give him a intimation as to where to travel on from. A great author, possibly, an even better narrative Teller. It ‘s astonishing how a book can merely catch your attending from the start. It sucked me right in. I was in a universe of my ain reading it. I could n't assist believe to myself how things are so different now but yet, so the same. However, some of Steinbeck ‘s descriptions bothered me a spot. While they were full of imagination and gave great item, I found myself oppugning was it truly necessary. Such as the first chapter on dust. I merely did n't see how it related to the remainder of the narrative. I do nevertheless, understand why there was such great description sing California, it was the hereafter of the household so I was happy to read about it. I merely felt that some spots of it seemed meaningless, they did n't look to add to the narrative line and frequently, I felt myself planing over it to acquire to the good portion. But when we reached the parts about the household I was in my component. Reading the battle they had to get the better of, about being able to see it was astonishing. One of my favorite minutes in the book was when we read of how Tom and Al had found a debris pace and because the proprietor was n't at that place, they were able to acquire pieces of a auto at a fraction of the monetary value to what it would of been had the proprietor been at that place. It merely shows how concern proprietors were taking people for granted, cognizing they would pay about anything to repair up a auto so they could acquire to California. There were many minutes in this book when I merely halt and believe. The looks people used, the cognition people had without an instruction. It was astonishing to see how the male childs were able to repair up a auto that had something incorrect with it that I had ne'er heard of. At the age of 16, Al was able to pick out a truck he knew was trust worthy plenty to acquire him and his household all the manner to California. He was so able to drive the truck and listen out for any little, uneven noises the eng ine might do. The manner it was written, you would hold thought he was in his mid-twentiess, non a immature teenage male child. I besides thought the character of Tom Joad was one of the best written characters I have of all time read approximately. He puts everything aside to mind and protect his household. He is even willing to allow them travel in front and remain behind if it means they will be happier and no problem will follow them. He did n't inquiry interrupting his word to remain with his household. It ‘s as if he was the knight in reflecting arm for the household. Possibly sometimes a difficult read, over all, there was a sense of achievement reading this book. It would n't hold been one I would hold read out of wonder, but I ‘m glad I got to read it. There is something particular about completing a book and holding it linger in your head for a clip after. Who would hold thought a book about the great depression would somewhat mirror today ‘s economic system. Does that demo merely how bad things have gotten? I think it ‘s clip we have a expression and happen out merely how much the economic system in The Grapes of Wrath are mirrored in today ‘s economic system. Let ‘s foremost compare the â€Å" monsters † , otherwise known as the bank directors. Back so, they regarded the bank directors as the monsters as they took the land in which people lived on, took all their money and got off with it. I think it ‘s just to state today that the Bankss can be called monsters as good. Some high up bank directors have besides taken what is n't theirs and a few have in fact gotten off scot free, or have been somewhat punished but nil to what should hold happened. Therefore I think it is just to state that in both universes, bank directors can be regarded slackly as monsters. I besides think the book helps explicat e what is go oning in the economic system today. We seem to be in a province of daze, or we were when the recession foremost happened. it was like nil we have of all time seen earlier. Jobs were traveling left and right. Peoples all of a sudden realised they had auto loans and monolithic mortgages to pay and did n't hold the money to pay them. Suddenly Bankss did n't hold money and set force per unit area on people to pay up. We ‘re selling our 2009 Mercedes and B.M.W.s for 2004 Opel Astra or a Ford Fiesta so that we can afford to run it and pay back loans. We ‘re no longer heading in Brown Thomas on a Saturday afternoon to sit down with a friend to hold a java and a scone merely because we have n't seen them since last Saturday! We non traveling into the bag section and purchasing a Miu Miu bag because we think it ‘ll travel with one outfit we have. Now let ‘s expression at what happened in the Grapes of Wrath. Suddenly they excessively had a strain on their money. They sold what they had to do money. They were cognizant of how much they could afford to pass on a auto to acquire them to California and non a penny more. They knew how much they would necessitate to pass on gas to acquire at that place. They knew they may necessitate some trim hard currency to set towards parts for the truck if it broke down. They were n't traveling down the town for a few pints, or passing money on Sweets for the kids. To me, the lone difference between both universes is one thing and one thing merely, the kids in the Grapes of Wrath understood what was go oning, even at the stamp age of seven or eight. Now, do n't acquire me incorrect, today, plentifulness of 16 twelvemonth or 17 twelvemonth olds and above understand what ‘s traveling on. But allow ‘s be honest, the younger kids do n't. They do n't understand that Ma and Pa may non be able to acquire them that Xbox game they wanted this month, they ca n't afford to purchase a new brace of Ug gs every clip a brace gets soaked and takes a few hebdomads to return to normal coloring material. But the kids in The Grapes of Wrath, Ruthie and Winfield for illustration, they know why they ca n't hold a saloon of cocoa ; they know how lucky they were to be given Sweets towards the terminal of the book. It ‘s as if, straight away the Joad ‘s were cognizant they need to maintain money tight. It ‘s besides as if, it took people today a piece to gain they needed to make the same, but after clip, they realised. We could hold learned from this book though. There was no authorities bond outs in the Grapes of Wrath, no NAMA, no 2nd opportunities. Imagine if we had applied such thought to our economic system. If your thought would we be in the same places as the Joad ‘s had no such bond outs occurred, I know we would n't hold. But we can larn from this book to assist us today. We can be smart with our money. We can make as Tom and Al did and pass maintain the mone y they saved when purchasing the auto parts. They could hold gone down to a saloon and had a great dark if they wanted to. But they were smart with their money. We could travel and book a vacation with the money we could acquire for selling a twelvemonth old auto and down rating to an old auto, or we could make as the male childs did, and salvage it. Put it towards the hereafter. Bring back the economic system so our kids and expansive kids can hold the life we had. We can larn a batch from this book sing the economic system. Our economic system today is their economic system seventy old ages ago. It could easy be said that The Grapes of Wrath is about one thing and one thing merely, the difficult times people can fall on. But we know it ‘s non. While it is about the difficult times, it is besides about the unbreakable yet breakable bond of a household, their desire to populate another twenty-four hours and their will power to travel on when everything is traveling against them.