Of Mice And Men coursework (Theme Of Loneliness And Friendship) Essay Example for Free

Of Mice And Men coursework (Theme Of Loneliness And Friendship) Essay Consider the theme of loneliness in Of Mice and Men. How does it affect the friendships and relationships in the novel? This novel was written by John Steinbeck which was set in the 1930s in Salinas Soledad which is in California. The novel consists of many historical factors which have affected the characters in this novel and one of them includes, The great depression Which leads the novels inspiration for the famous writer John Steinbeck which he mainly based on his own experience. In those days people travelled a lot differently to how we travel now. In those days migrant workers travelled extravagant distances looking for a job. There are many different themes in which are based throughout the whole book, such as loneliness, happiness, nature, dreams and reality: Which even lead to catastrophe. Many of the people in this novel have very lonely lives mainly because they are migrant workers and as we know they dont have time to make any friends or have any time to spend with their families. There are many characters that are lonely due to age, sex, and race. Two good examples would be Candy because of his age and Crooks because of his race. This novel consists of two main characters George and Lennie, who are an anomalous pair of migrant workers that look after each other. They are completely the reverse of each other. George is the one who has the communicative face and thinks of all of their problems and ideas and tells the other one what to do. Being like this all of the time, in what ever the story it is, always pictures that you would be the small quick one with sharp features. Lennie is the guy that is tall and always does what he is told and has an ill-defined, solid, and powerful body and does not know his own strength. Steinbeck describes him as the one with no shape in his face and his body. Lennie drags his feet when he walks and acts like an animal. In the descriptions of these two men their appearance is completely different. George dresses neat and tidy, while Lennie dresses very scruffy. Just by the description of George and Lennie, you can clearly see that Lennie is the child out of the two men, as you can tell how he talks and acts around George and throughout the whole book. Being a man Lennie lacks a lot of language, which I think that he never attended a lot of school. Examples look George, look what I done! this is immature language. This kind of behaviour makes George the father type figure, so he would be the defender. John Steinbeck relates to Lennie, in the theme of nature, by describing his walk, and some of the things he does in relation to the animals like the way he drinks from the lake as Steinbeck describes him as a horse that puts its whole head into the water and slurps. This links in to the theme of natures, because of the use of animal descriptions that Steinbeck uses throughout the book, which is very important to this novel because in the beginning of the book, Nature was introduced straight away. Steinbecks describes the surroundings in such detail, that he uses a whole page to describe the forest (which is in the beginning of the book) which gives the readers a good imaginative view of what Steinbeck is writing. George and Lennie have an abnormal relationship. They are two friends, one needs the other more .George often gets very frustrated towards Lennie, which also shows that George cares. George loves Lennie very much and will always be a friend to him and so does Lennie. Lennie could not live without him because George does everything for him. Between George and Lennie, George is the one that is mainly in control, he cooks, finds them jobs finds them a place to sleep and because of this, they always travel together, where one goes, the other one follows like a duck and her ducklings. George travels with Lennie because Lennie would not be able to survive on his own. These two men share the same dreams but George knows in reality, it is not going to happen. Later on in the story Candy has now been introduced to the book as the old swapper. He is tall, stooped shoulders and has white whiskers. When you first see him, he is very friendly, although he is a little weary of newcomers. His only friend is his dog that he has had since he was a little boy which symbolises that he is very lonely which refers to the theme of loneliness. When he gets to know people, he begins to trust them; he opens up and strikes a conversation with his new friends just as he did with Lennie. A little further on in the story as they become very close together and even share each others dream. In the future he looses both his dog and Lennie and cant really prevent Lennies death but tries to prevent his dogs death, but this fails. This shatters Candys dreams because he cannot share his dream with his long companion. In Chapter 4, Crooks is introduced. He is the only coloured (black) person on the ranch and this is where the theme of loneliness comes into play. Crooks is a stable buck. He has a crooked spine, and his eyes lay deep in his head, he is lined with deep black wrinkles and has thin tightened lips. Again relating to the theme of loneliness, Crooks lives by himself in a shed because he is the only Black man, this is why he can afford to leave all of his belongings lying around. He has got his own collection of items like books, shoes and his own copy for the California civil code which indicates that he knows his rights and does not want to be taken advantage of. Eventually Crooks and Lennie are talking about if Lennie could live without George and about crooks childhood explaining why his father never let him play with other kids and why he is so lonely. When he is speaking with Lennie about his childhood, he is speaking like it is still happening or it has recently happened. This is a very similar story to his life at that present time. Being the only coloured man, Crooks is treated as an outcast, as racism was very high in those days which forces him to spend his time reading while the others are playing card games. Crooks become very bitter due to the fact that everyone ill treats him which makes him feel hurt. In the next chapter Curley is introduced to the story. He is the bosss son, he has a wife, she has dark hair that reaches down to her shoulders, her eyes are quiet close together and has pink small lips with very pale skin. The book does not mention anything about her name which suggests that she does not know who her parents are and does not have an identity. She behaves like she is not Curleys wife and that she is single so she flirts with a lot of the men behind Curlys back. She would say things like now that were alone what do you want to do. To try and tempt the man. In doing this, all the men try as hard as they can to stay away from her because they know that she is trouble and know how Curley feels about his wife. Curleys wife does this because she wants attention, again, related to the theme of loneliness. All the farmers speak really bad of her because of her being flirtatious they also are frightened to talk to her because they fear Curley, and he would think that something is going on; plus he has the authority to get them fired or to shoot them. She married Curly to get some sort of status and to have an identity but she never liked him anyway. When she describes her life on the ranch, she says that her life is boring, that no one pays any attention to her and that she gets treated like a little girl. Curleys wife often dreams about herself becoming an actress. At the end of the novel, her loneliness causes Lennies death. Before Lennies death, Curleys wife and Lennie were talking in the barn whilst everyone else was playing games. They began talking to each other about each others dreams. They both talked about each others dreams and what they wanted to do in their life. Lennie has a fascination of stroking things. He was stroking Curleys wifes hair, he began to stroke her hair so hard, that he lost control and broke her neck. This has a big impact on George, Lennie and Candys relationship, as Curley wants to kill Lennie. As a result to this, George has to kill Lennie before he gets killed by Curly. Loneliness will always end in tragedy and dreams will rarely become reality. True Friendship never ends.

The Language of The Neuromancer Essay examples -- Neuromancer Essays

The Language of The Neuromancer      According to A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature, formalistic approach represents "an approach with methodology, with a history, with practitioners and with some detractors" (73). "When all the words, phrases, metaphors, images, and symbols and examined in terms of each other and of the whole, any literary text worth our efforts will display its own internal logic" (75). However, peculiarity of language use remains one of the most prevalent aspects of the formalistic approach in literature.    "The sky above the port was the color of television tuned into a dead channel" (3).    Opening the novel with the use of such extravagant language, the author sets an ambiance for an intriguing and intricate proceeding plot. Using surrealistic language that starts with heavy-duty terminology and bizarre coding, to names of places that have dubious and ambiguous meaning, to characters' names that Gibson uses in his cyberpunk novel, the author exposes the reader to a number of different nationalities and words derived from foreign languages that pertain to events of the modern world. Gibson talks about the Russian military prosthesis, the East European steel teeth of Ratz's, the Chinese "nerve splicing," the Japanese "Sarariman" or the English slang for "suit," the Australian bellowing, the French "flechettes," the Jamaican Rustafarian culture, the Turkish settings, which proceeds in an on-going concoction of terminology. This concept leads to the perception that incorporation and interrelation of mixed and diverse cultures through the use of different languages represen ts a stronghold for the creation of the entire world as one big cosmopolitan society.    Describing... ...ce, and 'mancer' stands for a magician and romance. Yet, "Neuromancer" might be Gibson's mere speculation about Case's "quality" as a computer "hacker" who disrupts the social order by throwing virus programs into society, thus causing chaos in the world. Nonetheless, using the "neuromancer" as a pun, the author could be alluding to the "Necromancer" in Goethe's "Faust," which means a magician dealing in evil spirits and death. Apparently, peculiarity and the use of surrealistic language determine the conceit and revelation of the novel's plot. However, contemplating about the future of science fiction and cyberpunk literature, it is probable that humans will not be capable of deciphering the language without the use of additional help sources. Rather, science fiction's predisposition of becoming an unintelligible puzzle of words increases on a daily basis.   

Pride and Prejudice Analysis on the Theme of Love Essay

* Ultimately, Pride and Prejudice is a love story in that the way Darcy/Elizabeth and Bingley/Jane finally come together forms the basis of the plot. * True love, as it is represented in the novel, can overcome the odds such as the interference of well-meaning friends as well as pride and prejudice. It lasts over time and is not based on a few weeks’ acquaintance. Austen seems to believe in love based on mutual gratitude, esteem and respect. Being intellectually and characteristically equal also seems to be important. This is demonstrated in the characters and relationships mentioned above. The power of love to change people is also explored with Elizabeth and Darcy becoming better people as a result of their relationship. * Some other marriages such as Wickham/Lydia, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins/Charlotte are looked upon disapprovingly because they are not marriages of true love, but marriages based on desire or financial convenience. Marriage * Marriage is seen as necessary for social respectability and material comfort. The sole aim of Mrs. Bennet’s life is get her daughters married, hence showing its importance. * There are different aims and kinds of marriages. Marriages for convenience, financial security, desire and of course, love are the most common ones. * There is the question of where to draw the line between the prudent and mercenary motive in marriage. * The novel reflects the real societal problem of the lack of availability of suitable partners, reflected in Charlotte’s desire to grasp at anything. * Austen shows that marriage can be motivated by love and not money through the main characters. Darcy and Bingley both marry socially and financially inferior women. * â€Å"She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man, who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was a union that must have been to the advantage of both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened, his manners improved, and from his judgement, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance. But no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring multitude what connubial felicity really was.† (P.295-6) Wealth * In the novel, wealth is seen as beneficial commodity but not necessarily guaranteeing happiness, morality and good sense. Bingley and Darcy choose their wives for their character and beauty probably because they have a better chance of happiness. Miss Bingley is rich but lacking in good morals and kindness. Lady Catherine is also rich but lacking in good sense. * Solely marrying for money is frowned upon, i.e. Mr. Wickham, Mrs. Bennet’s vulgar desire to have her daughters marry rich men * Austen places character above material wealth in terms of choosing a marriage partner, as Elizabeth initially refuses Darcy despite his great fortune. * Austen shows that worth is not based on wealth or social, that personal qualities are important too, such as morality and intelligence. First impressions * Linked to prejudice, Austen shows that first impressions are not always a true reflection of the way things really are. This is shown best through the characters of Wickham and Darcy. * Darcy also has to overcome his first impression of Elizabeth, especially her less than friendly attitude towards him. * Austen endorses the value of not judging a person immediately but taking time to see their true character. Pride * Austen disapproves of excessive pride through the depictions of Lady Catherine, Darcy and Mr. Collins. Lady Catherine thinks she has a right to interfere in all aspects people’s lives, Mr. Collins is arrogant because of his association with Lady Catherine and his moral rightness and Darcy’s pride provokes the dislike of people, in particular, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is also proud in that she stubbornly believes she is right about Darcy and persists in disliking him. * â€Å"Pride is a very common failing, I believe. By all that I have ever read, I am convinced that it is very common indeed, that human nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality, real or imaginary.† * Mary also says, â€Å"Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously.† (P.21) Pride is about what we think of ourselves, while vanity is about the opinions of others. Ignorance * Austen disapproves of ignorance, demonstrated in the way that certain characters are mocked for their stupidity, in particular, Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine. Their ignorance is often a source of humour. * Austen endorses intelligence – both Darcy and Elizabeth are intelligent, and seems to promote reading for the getting of knowledge and understanding. * To some extent, Elizabeth is ignorant too because of her prejudice towards Wickham and Darcy. â€Å"Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away.† (P.202) Therefore, prejudice is linked with ignorance. Similarly, people dislike Darcy because of ignorance; they don’t who he really is. Courtship * The novel explores different methods of courtship. Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy both have interesting methods. Mr. Darcy apologises for being in love and insults Elizabeth. Mr. Collins lists all the practical benefits of marriage for himself and is totally unconvincing in his expressions of love. They sound like the complements he likes to create and prepare. * Jane conceals her affection too much. â€Å"If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark.† (P.22) Characters Elizabeth Bennet * Lively, attractive, spirited, articulate, well-mannered, affectionate, genteel * intelligent, perceptive, well-read, independent, rational * Easily prejudiced positively and negatively; determined to dislike Darcy and like Wickham * High moral standards; high ideals about marriage and love * Cheerful disposition; able to laugh at her misfortunes * Realises her mistakes and follies when she sees Darcy’s nature * Ashamed of the oddities of her family, yet devoted to their wellbeing * Displays strength and intelligence when confronted by Lady Catherine; sees through her wealth and status Fitzwilliam Darcy * Handsome, refined, discreet, intelligent, articulate * Morally upright, devoted to his sister, honest, honourable, loving, highly praised by housekeeper, accepts blame * conscious of his pedigree, arrogant, shy, uncomfortable around strangers, reserved * Becomes more modest, humble and well-mannered after Elizabeth reprimands him Jane Bennet * Attractive, genteel, kind, inclined to think the best of people, sensitive, modest, patient, a little bit too perfect to be true Charles Bingley * Sociable, lively, unreserved, keen on pleasing others, relies on Darcy for guidance, kind, loved by everyone, gentleman-like, lacks resolution and his own opinion Mr. Bennet * Quick, reserved, sarcastic, humorous, capricious, has philosophic composure * Is content to laugh at the oddities of his family without endeavouring to fix them * Irresponsible towards his family; realises this after the Lydia/Wickham affair * Favours Elizabeth because they are similar in intellectualism and character * Well-read, likes the country, shuts himself in his library away from his family * Regrets marrying a woman he can’t respect, enjoys teasing his wife Mrs. Bennet * Comic figure, foolish, talkative, snobbish, ignorant, uncertain temper, small-minded, naive * Business of life was to get her daughters married; nothing matters more to her, hypocritical Caroline Bingley * Shallow, materialistic, snobbish, unkind, lacks integrity, wants Darcy, hypocritical Mr. Collins * Comic figure, absurd, complements everything, thinks he is serious, apologises excessively * Feels proud because of his association with Lady Catherine and because of his moral uprightness * Marries solely for practical reasons, not for love * Other people generally can’t stand him except for Charlotte who seems to be willing to tolerate him Lady Catherine de Bourgh * Comic figure; associated with author’s satire of appearances and good breeding * Arrogant, authoritative, thinks she has a right to dictate every aspect of people’s lives * Patronising, condescending; perhaps this is suits her role as a patroness * Lacks wisdom and gentility, forthright, conscious of her rank and pedigree Mr. Wickham * Uses his good looks and charm to attract wealthy women for their money, seems to have no morals, has all the appearance of goodness, lives wildly, squanders all his money, takes advantage of other people’s kindness, initially loved by everyone, stands in contrast to Darcy Charlotte Lucas * Pragmatic in terms of marriage, seems to eager to grasp at any offer of marriage Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner * Like-minded to Jane and Elizabeth, one of the few relatives Elizabeth isn’t ashamed of. Lydia Bennet * High-spirited, similar to her mother, obsessed with officers, wild and unrestrained, uncivil, boisterous, talkative, unashamed, fearless, noisy Mary Bennet * Studious, well-read, intellectual, prides herself on morality and sense, works hard for accomplishments, has a conceited and pedantic air Style * Use of exaggeration * Formal, refined language; elegant dialogue * Subtle, light touch, not vicious or forceful * Irony – â€Å"In a fortnight they (the officers) were to go, and once gone, she (Elizabeth) hoped there could be nothing more to plague her on his (Wickham) account.† (P.215). This is irony in setting up for Lydia’s elopement with Wickham. * Caricature – Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine are all examples of what Jane Austen thinks people should not be. Setting * Small country town – gossip, ignorance, small-mindedness. â€Å"Mr. Darcy†¦drew†¦attention†¦by his fine, tall person†¦and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year.† (P.12) In a small town, all they do visit each other and gossip, especially people like Mrs. Bennet. Also reflected in Mrs. Bennet is the small-mindedness and ignorance. * 18th century England – reflected in social conventions, social rank, class system, marriage. > Social conventions – The Bennet girls couldn’t visit Bingley until Mr. Bennet went first. Husbands and wives rarely referred to each other by first names in front of servants. > Social rank and class system – Darcy, Bingley and Lady Catherine are higher in rank than the Bennets, the Lucases and the Collins’. Therefore the Bennet girls were advancing in their status by marrying Darcy and Bingley. There is hardly any mention of the lower classes > Marriage – the general opinion was that marriage equalled happiness, social security and financial convenience especially for women. Context * Much social upheaval in other parts of Europe; however, this is not evident in this novel. England was still very much a class-ridden society. Austen only focuses on the comfortable lives of the middle and upper classes. It was fashionable for young ladies of the middle class to do as little domestic work as possible. This is why the Bennet girls seem to have nothing to do except visit officers, shop, go to balls, socialise, play music and read.

Is Battered Person Syndrome - 2020 Words

Even though Battered Person/Women Syndrome is now more of an accepted argument within a court of law through the testimony of experts of how this Syndrome results in a great deal of psychological abuse and stress, there is still controversy surrounding it. Evidently the court of public opinion is still unsure where to side on this issue as there is still no definite legal definition of battered person syndrome, which relates to the Oakes Test through the limited text within the Criminal Code. This further causes an â€Å"overriding [of] a constitutionally protected right or freedom.† Simon Fraser University, n.d.) In other words, because Section 718.2 a through e of the Criminal Code - R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46 completely ignores whether or not the†¦show more content†¦It also has to consider that within â€Å"an annual basis, an estimated 1.3 million American women are victims of male perpetrated intimate partner violence. [And] at some point in their abusive relationship, some of these women resort to the use of deadly force.† (Terrance, Plumm, Kehn, 2013). Before deadly force is used, the abuse that these women, and further, people suffer through is hostile and violent, with an uncertainty of when their partner is going to get violent again. However, not all women report the abuse that they have been victimised; men are less as likely to report it as society does not fully recognise that men can be abused as well; therefore, there is not a lot of research pertaining Battered Person Syndrome to the male gender. Overall, the cycle within the abusive situation can be seen as psychological torture with periods of the â€Å"tension-building phase where the perception of danger from the batterer kept escalating at different rates for different people. The battered w oman trie[s] to please the man during this period and her behaviour could slow down or speed up movement into the second phase, or the acute battering incident. The second is the shortest part of the cycle but has the highest risk for physical or