...The Vagueness of Words: The Plight of the “Grotesque” Winesburg, Ohio, a short story cycle written by the American author Sherwood Anderson depicts a rather interesting portrait of an American Midwestern small town at the beginning of the twentieth century. Within this citizenry, Anderson draws attention to the distortion of each character in the book as a result of norms and traditions that led them into becoming “grotesques” as described in the prologue (The Book of the Grotesque). Among the exemplary stories written by Anderson, “Hands” and “Mother” are great at fulfilling the intention to reveal the inability of words to capture, express and explain the kinds of truth in life - underlying the main problem within human society. In “Hands”, Anderson begins by describing explicitly Wing Biddlebaum as “a fat little old man”, which clearly captured the essence of being a grotesque. Grotesque as defined by the Oxford Dictionaries (2013) means that the object is odd and unnatural in shape, appearance or character. His grotesqueness is then amplified by the illustration of a group of youths and maidens coming home from work and one of the girls bully him by sarcastically commenting on his hair even though he was bald (9). His unconscious gesture of nervously fiddling his bare white forehead as mentioned by Anderson just shows how absurd he was in the eyes of society. This action in the beginning of the story proves that Wing Biddlebaum is an outlier, someone who is “forever frightened...
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...“The River” By Flannery O’Conner Analysis The Bible has and always will have the uncanny ability to express meanings and truths in personal and powerful ways. Magnificent stories that carry themes and lessons that are seen by some, but lost to others. In the short story “The River” by Mary Flannery O’Conner a similar approach was used. O’Conner uses the powerful symbolism and brilliant metaphor of The River to craft a story that dives deeply into the themes of Faith and Salvation that express her personal convictions on the secular and Christian world views. This is especially true in Harry’s baptism scene as well as the final scene that take place at the river. In the story “The River” Harry’s Parents seem to show little or no interest in him. Their life is consumed with entertainment and the social life. Harry is either left alone to fend for himself or stuck with baby sitters for long periods of time. On one particular occasion Harry ends up going to a religious gathering at a river with one of his babysitters Mrs. Connin. There he is taken into the water and baptized by bevel the preacher. He is told how much he “Counts” and is loved in the eyes of God. Upon returning home, Harry finds that his parents are having another party. Disappointed, he realizes that living with his parent’s is hopeless and he never will matter to them. Harry then decides to take matters into his own hands. He reflects on how wonderful it was at the river the day before. He leaves the...
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...In Oate's horror narrative “Where Is Here?” she begins by introducing an unknown stranger, who decides to take a visit to was once his home. The stranger would like to recapture the vibe, as well as feelings, that he once had while living there. Typically, Gothic literature mentions the use of “a sense of impending doom,” (324) which can make the reader feel uncomfortable, or even make them feel disturbed. Out of all the Gothic narratives described, the most used is a “bleak or remote setting” as some others are often grand (291). Not all horror literature pertain grand setting nor details; but rather “violent or tormented happenings” (324). As the story comes about, an unknown stranger is described to come visit on a November evening, around dinner time. Most households are settling down trying to enjoy themselves. But the strange man decides to stopover at this time of day? It seems very odd and unusual; while some visits are during the day time (325). A factor from the Gothic elements reference “character in physical torment” (291) play a huge role as Oate's states a few times too many in the story, probably trying to show it plays an important role toward the stranger. She states that he has a limp while he walks (326). Maybe while younger, he fell down the basement steps? Or there was physical abuse done by family. While making his way through the home he spots the basement door, staring at while making his decision on whether to go down or not(327). He then goes on through...
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...“The Fall of the House of Usher” possesses the key features needed in order to create a Gothic tale: a spooky house, a dull landscape, and a mysterious illness. The narrator, in Poe’s eerie short story, upon looking at the Usher house describes it as “an utter depression of soul which I can compare to no earthly sensation” (702). This depression the narrator speaks of is the same type of depression the owner, Roderick Usher, has felt his entire life while living in the house. The romantic element of nature that covers the house has affected Roderick psychologically and physically. The narrator portrays the house with vivid details of imagery: “…bleak walls…,” “…vacant eye-like windows…,” and “…a few rank sedges…” (702). Anyone living in such...
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...The Fall of the House of Usher is a short story by Edgar Allen Poe that details the remainder of Roderick Usher’s life with his mental disorder alongside the narrator and how his mental disorder affects him and those around him. The short story is a literal tale of Rodericks decent into insanity which is paralleled by the fleeting conditions of the house as well as causes supernatural occurrences at the end of the story as well as, the fall of the house of usher in two ways. In the beginning of the short story the reader finds out that the narrator and Usher were childhood friends and that the narrator was on his way to be with Usher upon his request. The narrator proceeds to describe the house detailing its macabre exterior as a “remodelled and inverted images of the gray sedge, and the ghastly tree-stems, and the vacant and eye-like windows” (Poe 22) and points out that the structure of the house itself is intact but the stones themselves were crumbling, specifically, referencing a large fissure down the building which later is the demise of the house. Upon entering the house the narrator describes Roderick in a similar fashion as “a cadaverousness of complexion; an eye large, liquid, and luminous beyond comparison; lips somewhat thin and very pallid but of a surpassingly beautiful curve;... hair of a more than web-like softness and tenuity” (25) and points out that Roderick had changed so much he was not completely sure of who he was speaking to as well as, that throughout...
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...I prefer reading tales of horror and Mystery. I however did not enjoy Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher.” I found most of the first few paragraphs lengthy with descriptions of the castle. This made it really hard for me to immerse myself in the story. The vocabulary was complicated at times and I found myself pausing to look up their meanings. This interruption furthered my confusion. I had to write the definitions in my text book and then re-read the passages. Once I did, I was able to grasp what Poe was actual trying to convey. The story is set in a gloomy deserted country side. The outside of the house was dark, and gloomy. As I read further I wanted to take refuge inside the home of Roderick. I was quick to find that...
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...The Fall of the House of Usher “In the Fall of the House of Usher, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit.”(Poe). This story is Gothic Literature using grotesque characters, bizarre situations, and violent events. The narrator describes the grotesque or Roderick Usher Madeline Usher, the strange sounds, and the crashing of the house and the violent event of Madeline being buried alive. Inside the House of Usher there are two grotesque characters. Roderick Usher is a man with a corpse-like appearance. He has pale skin, thin lips, and bright eyes. He suffered from sensitive skin to certain textures, odors to flowers, his eyes were sensitive to light, only certain sounds sooth him and insipid foods. Madeline, Roderick’s sister...
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...There are several examples in the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton that illustrate that Ponyboy is out of touch with reality. One example is one page 150 where Ponyboy says “ He isn’t dead…… I convince myself he isn’t dead.” This quote refers to Ponyboy being delusional because he believes in his mind that Johnny is still alive, but as the readers we know that he died in the hospital as a result of his injuries from the fire in the church. Another example is on page 151. Here it’s stated, from Ponyboy’s point of view, that “ I might have stumbled around all night.” This proves that even though Ponyboy had grown up in that same town all his life the death of Johnny really knocked something out of him. A sign that someone is not in their...
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...sometimes. Sadness can manifest itself through emotions like being angry, stressed out, nervous or just depressed. Depression is a more serious case of sadness. Depression means negative thoughts and lasts for much longer. Many people commit suicide because of depression so, it`s a dangerous disease that can be treated only through therapy. Few people can actually consider themselves to be really happy. Happiness is a state of mind that can change immediately. Everyone has problems like : money, work, family problems etc. It`s normal to have some issues because life is made of good things and bad things. People get sad because of many reasons, but it`s a long road from feeling sad to falling into depression. Sadness and depression are two different things . Sadness is a state of mind that can pass very quickly once things become better and it`s caused by grief, sorrow, by things that don`t go according to plan, by love and unresponded love. Depression is more deep, it longer and usually gives people suicidal thoughts. The number of people that kill themselves each year has increased over the years . Depression is very dangerous and people that suffer from it, need to make counseling sessions. The problem is that many don`t know they have it. Stress, money, concerns make us worry all the time. Some people make of drinking, a solution. Sadness Alcohol Depression are three things that lead to Suicide. Too much alcohol makes...
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...Facebook-using students (as compared to students who didn’t use Facebook) said they felt connected to their school and community. However, negative effects abound. Students who use Facebook and hit the books simultaneously found their multitasking led to 20% lower grades than those of their more focused peers. Facebook-using students also made less money during school from part-time work, putting in around five hours per week as opposed to 16 hours per week for a typical, unplugged counterpart. Not only do grades and finances suffer, but students might actually end up feeling more depressed or lonely. Almost half of students believe they are sadder than their friends on Facebook, and 25% of college students have shown signs of severe depression in their status updates at one time or another. In a word, the results are inconclusive. But with around 96% of all college students on Facebook, only the most dedicated academics would consider giving up social media for a slightly better GPA. In the comments, we’d like to...
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...Ryanair’s strategy is, Low cost, no frills airline. This strategy was boldly and rigorously executed leading to the success of the airline. Ryanair’s success is attributed to outstanding operational effectiveness. The purpose of this strategy is to get more out of the inputs, such as fuel, airport charges and passenger compensation, by eliminating unnecessary processes or non-value adding activities. Their strategy benefited with the economic downturn and financial depression, due to low air fares and people’s perception that it is the cheapest airline. S.W.O.T Analysis S: • Ryanair’s CEO: Michael O’Leary • Growing and making profits during an economic recession • Europe’s largest carrier by passenger numbers and market capitalisation in 2009 • Achievements – winning international awards • Profitable airline • Cost per passenger low • Low fares • Good on-time record • Few cancelations • Few lost bags • Using smaller lower cost airports enabling 25 minute turnaround times • Labour force is productive and flexible • Low fares • Frequent point to point flights • Low operating cost W: • Acquiring Aer Lingus • Accumulating losses of IR£20 million • Cutting cost by replacing lossmaking routes in UK and Ireland with more profitable routes (limited frequency in certain routes) • Airline noted for being controversial – bad media reports (e.g. annoying the Queen of Spain, plans to charge passengers to use the toilets during its flights) • Not recognising workers...
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...Part 1) “Oh, if I had done nothing simply from laziness! Heavens, how I should have respected myself, then. I should have respected myself because I should at least have been capable of being lazy; there would at least have been one quality, as it were, positive in me, in which I could have believed myself.” Reaction- The underground man has a seemingly pitiful life. He desires to have qualities that “normal” people detest. In this passage he is positively reflecting on laziness. How if he could only be lazy he would have ONE positive quality. It is sad that he doesn’t think he has a single positive quality, and furthermore that a negative one would be fulfilling for him. I also do myself enjoy being lazy, but only whilst I’m being lazy. After that it becomes drab and I look back on the wasted time. It is a pity. Part 2) But at this point a strage thing happened. I was so accustomed to think and imagine everything from books, and to picture everything in the world to myself just as I had made it up in my dreams beforehand, that I could not all at once take in this strange circumstance. What happened was this: Liza, insulted and crushed by me, understood a great deal more than I imagined. She understood from all this what a woman understands first of all, if she feels genuine love, that is, that I was myself unhappy. Reaction- I love this passage, and everything leading up to it. This man who had holy rollered his way over her in the Whore-house, preaching to her...
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...optimistic, life proclaiming symbolism that reflects the speaker's pride in choosing the road less traveled. His use of symbolic ideas allows for his work to be interpreted in various ways, and every reader can find their own meaning to his words. Robert Frost experienced many losses in his life including his father in 1885, his mother in 1900, his sister in 1929, and four of his six children, two of which died at very early ages. Of course everyone experiences losses in their lives, but one can imagine the profound effect the death of a child would have on one's disposition. The often gloomy and even depressing tones of many of his poems can be seen as a projection of his own depression and feelings of loss. Most people read "Acquainted with the Night" as dealing with the ideas of loneliness, depression, sufferings, and even contemplation of suicide. Everyone can relate to the feelings of isolation as most go through a period of such feelings themselves, if to varying degrees. The first line of the poem tells the reader that night is a metaphor with profound symbolic meaning. Everyone is familiar with what night is, so there must be a deeper meaning behind the words. In most poems night is a symbol for death, which it very well could symbolize in this poem, but another...
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...In Robert Pack's, "To an Empty Page," the speaker discusses death and its consequences regarding relief to show the author's purpose as a feeling of loneliness and depression. He does this with the use of an echo sonnet form, foreshadowing within the title, and through the use of emotion evoking pathos. Pack's use of a sonnet for reveals his feelings and emotions toward love, which sonnets are normally about. Readers can feel the raw emotion that Pack reveals in his discussion regarding the speakers possible death and loss of love, thereafter. In addition, the fact that he wrote an echo sonnet aids in the author’s purpose because it allows the reader to be aware of the words meant to be emphasized. Along with its emphasis, the echo, in some cases, seems to answer a rhetorical question made by the speaker. For example, “what’s the end of my life’s long disease? Ease,” (line 7). Within this quote, the speaker is relaying his belief that the only way to relieve himself of life’s burdens is through death. Pack exposes his true feelings of loneliness, which in sonnet form allows readers to sense his passion. The title, "To an Empty Page," Pack eludes that his poem is dark and filled with sadness. A breakdown of the title shows that Pack's diction with using, "To," was as if the speaker was sending his sonnet to somebody; as if he were talking to an imaginary listener. But contrast to that idea, he is sending his sonnet to, "an Empty Page," meaning nobody. These words have a...
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...Nursing Burnout Bridget Solomon Grand Canyon University Spirituality in Health Care, HLT-310V Charles Self January 9, 2015 Nursing Burnout Sitting on my couch yesterday I was scrolling through my Facebook page, when I came across one of my girlfriend’s posts. It was an article written by an inner city emergency room (ER) nurse. The name of the article was, Madness: tales of an emergency room nurse and how I became a bitch. The article talked about the everyday work life of an emergency room nurse. I am an emergency room nurse and have never worked in any other department and this article hit close to home for me. The article talked about the emotional and physical abuse that only an ER nurse would understand. After reading the article it made me think about nurses combating compassion fatigue. Some people might ask, “ What is compassion fatigue?” In this paper I will talk about the cause of compassion fatigue, talk about warning signs, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of a caregiver, and last some coping techniques. Causes of Compassion Fatigue Compassionate fatigue refers to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social exhaustion that overcomes individuals and leads to persistent decline in their desire, energy, and ability to care for other people (Bush, 2009). As nurses our role is to be the patient’s number one caregiver. Many studies show that nurses experience a high level of compassion fatigue. Not a day goes by during a nurse’s shift where we aren’t...
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