Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Idealism And Tlon, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius - 1584 Words
Berkeleyan Idealism and Tlà ¶n, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius Jorge Luis Borgesââ¬â¢ short work of fiction titled ââ¬Å"Tlà ¶n, Uqbar, Orbis Tertiusâ⬠grapples with many philosophic issues. In the main, this short story deals with the philosophic notion of subjective idealism as posed by George Berkeleyââ¬â¢s Treatise Concerning Principles of Human Knowledge. Within this essay I argue that, while he acknowledges the presumed irrefutability of Berkeleyââ¬â¢s argument, Borgesââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Tlà ¶n, Uqbar, Orbis Tertiusâ⬠aims to disparage both totalitarianism and Berkeleyan idealism by drawing an analogy between the two via his literary creation of the fictitious world of Tlà ¶n. The notion of subjective idealism, within western philosophy, is credited to the 18th century philosopher George Berkeley. In his most notable work regarding this system of metaphysics, a Treatise Concerning Principles of Human Knowledge, Berkeley holds that nothing exists outside of the immaterial ideas within minds. ââ¬Å"Esse est percipiâ⬠or ââ¬Å"to be is to be perceivedâ⬠(Berkeley,11). Berkleyââ¬â¢s form of subjective idealism is able to avoid the problem of solipsism by his holding that the totality of perceived ideas reside in the mind of God. This monistic system of metaphysics runs contra to the earlier works of Locke and Descartes whose relative theories assumed a dualist stance concerning metaphysics. The philosophic relevance of subjective idealism is conveyed by Borges in ââ¬Å"Tlà ¶n, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius,â⬠when he cites David Hume who held ââ¬Å"thatShow MoreRelated Borges Use of Berkeleys Idealism Essay1850 Words à |à 8 PagesBorges Use of Berkeleys Idealism Jorge Luis Borges drew upon a number of philosophical and intellectual models in his writing, one of which is George Berkeleyââ¬â¢s subjective idealism. In Tlà ¶n, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius, Borges paints a picture of a perfect reality governed by Berkeleyââ¬â¢s idea that matter only exists in perception, and in The Circular Ruins, he presents a man who creates a boy who cannot exist independent of his perception. However, by employing Berkeleyââ¬â¢s logic in these storiesRead MoreMarxism in A DollÃâà ´s House by Henrik Ibsen1667 Words à |à 7 Pagescharacters such as ââ¬Å"Emma Zunzâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Tlà ¶n, Uqbar, Orbis Tertiusâ⬠helped subvert the traditional sense of order and meaning and challenged the limitations Western society had placed upon women (Frisch 96). While womenââ¬â¢s issues are certainly not the central theme of his works, some of his stories suggest that they were part of his thinking and writing. One of Borgeââ¬â¢s stories that best exemplifies his vision of the world as fluid and changeable is ââ¬Å"Tlà ¶n, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius.â⬠This story is often considered
Monday, December 16, 2019
A Critique on Rawls Free Essays
Wealthy nations are morally obliged to assist poorer nations, with regards to assisting their economic development. I have come to this conclusion based on the ideals of American philosopher John Rawls. Distributive justice is Rawlsââ¬â¢ theory that basically augments the equal distribution of goods throughout society. We will write a custom essay sample on A Critique on Rawls or any similar topic only for you Order Now This philosophy relies on fluent interaction between nations, which is often complicated by the bias inherent in many national cultures.à Rawls argues that his Law of Peoples is the perfect solution for this gap in communication between nations.à I agree that his constitution is a start, but it lacks a clear understanding of how deeply intertwined terrorism is within the political structure of society. Skin color and religion should not be influential on the distribution of goods throughout the world, but the reality is that they are a major cause for social unrest.à This coincides with the theory of relative deprivation which acknowledges that there is a sense of injustice aroused when individuals grow to believe that the conditions of their lives is not compatible with those of the people like them in similar situations. This feeling of disadvantage is thought to be the cause of social dissent and challenges posed to the status quo.à The most immediate circumstance that would drive a person or group to challenge their ruling system would be if their fundamental needs were not being met.à This is why distributive Justice is such an important, and much needed concept within society. The universal equality that can result from Rawls method and the statement it makes on political standards is credited by Michael Walzer as a Communitarian Critique on Liberalism.à Through what Walzer refers to as Spheres of Justice, he bridges many disagreements between liberals and communists, pointing out that the communist critique on liberal society will forever resurge throughout history. The core drive behind both Walzer and Rawlsââ¬â¢ theories is the immorality that stems from unequal and unjust disbursement of goods.à Though, their pursuit of equality is very valiant, there are some valid hurdles that threaten the adoption of Rawlââ¬â¢s theories into society There are many arguments that can be made for and against Rawls theory.à According to one of his positions, people have the right of self-defense but no right to instigate war for reasons other than self-defense (Rawl).à This can be seen as the specific policy applied to the U.S.ââ¬â¢s initial declaration of war on Iraq.à After the attack in 9/11, The Law of Peoples enforces the grounds that the U.S. was morally ethical in their attempt for retaliation. But, now that this war has ended, many critics find it hard to justify the United Stateââ¬â¢s continual deployment overseas.à Rawl also states that, People have a duty to assist other peoples living under unfavorable conditions that prevent their having a just or decent political and social regime.à This concept is easily contrasted by political theorists who argue that funding to uplift the dire conditions in Iraq are inadvertently funding further terrorism. The concept of the U.S. funding a countryââ¬â¢s economic stability and then having it turn around and use that contribution against them is a tradition with international interactions.à It can be seen in the gradual change in Germanyââ¬â¢s relationship with the United States.à This is just one of the major hurdles for Distributive justice and poses a political threat to the affectivity of what Rawls proclaims as the solution to injustice between nations. In sum, though more affluent nations are morally responsible for the wellbeing of other neighboring and distant struggling countries, they should still be wary of potential terrorist attacks that might result from their generosity.à There are moral implications at stake, but sacrificing the affluence of a countryââ¬â¢s economy should not result in the sacrificing of that countryââ¬â¢s safety as well.à This fault in Rawlââ¬â¢s theory will have to be assessed before it can work as a valid solution to inequality. à How to cite A Critique on Rawls, Papers
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Emma Adaptation in the Movie Clueless Essay Example For Students
Emma Adaptation in the Movie Clueless Essay Amy Heckerlingââ¬â¢s post-modern film, Clueless, appropriates the timeless ideas and values presented in Jane Austenââ¬â¢s ââ¬ËEmmaââ¬â¢, appealing to contemporary audiences. Through the appropriation, Heckerling juxtaposes the societies, drawing attention to the differences and at the same time, criticising her own society. Heckerling successfully transforms the universal values of marriage, social hierarchy and gender roles, modifying them to suit a modern audience. Heckerling adapts the nineteenth century contextual setting of, Emma, to appeal to contemporary audiences. Jane Austenââ¬â¢s novel ââ¬ËEmmaââ¬â¢ is set in the village of Highbury, reflecting the slow-paced lifestyle of her time. The importance of status and wealth during the era is established through the description of Emma as, ââ¬Å"handsome, clever and rich. â⬠Clueless, however, underscores the importance of consumerism and materialism, depicted through the opening montage. The fast camera movements and the soundtrack ââ¬ËKids in Americaââ¬â¢ further emphasise the fast paced consumerist lifestyle of the 20th century. Through the contextual transformation of ââ¬ËEmmaââ¬â¢, Heckerling exemplifies the similarities between the two eras: the fundamental values do not change, regardless of the change in context. Marriage and relationships in Austenââ¬â¢s time has been altered to cater for modern perspectives on love. In, Emma, marriage was predominantly based on social and financial status. This is explored through Mr Eltonââ¬â¢s desire to ââ¬Å"only aggrandise himselfâ⬠by either taking Emma or, if not, ââ¬Å"try for Miss Somebody Else. Furthermore, it was considered unacceptable for a couple to marry outside of their social classes. Emmaââ¬â¢s opposition to Harrietââ¬â¢s interest in Mr Knightley is spurred on by her belief that it would be unlikely for, ââ¬Å"a man of first-rate abilities to be captivated by very inferior powers. â⬠In addition, she believes that their relationship would be an, ââ¬Å"elevation on her side,â⬠and a, ââ¬Å"debasement on his . â⠬ This outlines the vast differences in social class between the pair and at the same time the rigidity of marriage between equal social classes. Contrastingly, Heckerling modifies the concept of marriage to focus on idealistic romances of the 20th century, including notions of sexual freedom. Heckerling replaces marriage in, Emma, with casual romances and monogamous relationships; depicted through Cherââ¬â¢s voiceover: ââ¬Å"Oh my gosh, I am majorly, totally, butt-crazily in love with Josh. â⬠Heckerlingââ¬â¢s inclusion and acceptance of Christianââ¬â¢s homosexuality highlights the change in relationship values and encompasses the new transition of homosexuality that would not be tolerated in the 19th century. Like Emma, Cher opposes Taiââ¬â¢s pursuit of Josh as they, ââ¬Å"do not mesh well together,â⬠due to Taiââ¬â¢s new found popularity and Joshââ¬â¢s reputation as the ââ¬Å"school nerdâ⬠. Towards the end, Heckerling ironically adapts Emmaââ¬â¢s claims that she will not marry, to a modern context where Cher declares ââ¬Å"As if! Iââ¬â¢m only sixteen, and this is California, not Kentuckyâ⬠. Through her text ââ¬ËCluelessââ¬â¢, Heckerling transforms financial and status based relationships of the 19th century in Emma, into idealistic romances of the 20th century, reflecting the importance of love in the 20th century. Within both, Emma, and, Clueless, social hierarchy plays a crucial role in setting boundaries and expectations. Austenââ¬â¢s, Emma, places emphasis on the hierarchical social structure based on birth and wealth. Austen portrays this through the characterisation of Emma Woodhouse, who has claims to a high social class through birthright. She has an advantageous position as she is the daughter of an indulgent father and mistress of his household. Emmaââ¬â¢s prejudice against the lower class is conveyed through her description of Mr Robert Martin as, ââ¬Å"precisely the order to people with whom I feel I can have nothing to doâ⬠. .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc , .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc .postImageUrl , .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc , .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc:hover , .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc:visited , .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc:active { border:0!important; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc:active , .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue6786d4f2a1b06776a6c2cad538448bc:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: A Trip to the Moon EssayContrastingly, Austen presents Mr Knightley as the embodiment of an ideal upper-class gentleman, assuming the moral responsibilities inherent within their class. Mr Knightley demonstrates his social responsibility in regarding Mr Martin as a, ââ¬Å"respectful, kind, gentleman farmer. â⬠As a member of Highbury, he displays, Noblesse Oblige, the duty of care to those less privileged. Heckerlingââ¬â¢s ââ¬ËCluelessââ¬â¢ depicts similar prejudices against the lower class. Cher possesses the same sense of superiority through her wealth, appearance and other material possessions. As Tai expresses her interests in Travis, both Cher and Dionne explain the schoolââ¬â¢s social structure. Heckerlingââ¬â¢s appropriation of the different social classes in, Emma, into the cliques such as, the Loadies represents the vast differences in social class that still exist within the 20th century. Heckerlingââ¬â¢s change of context transforms the older values of social responsibility into global awareness and charity. Josh epitomises the contemporary social responsibility, expressing his concerns by wearing Amnesty International pins, and taking an active interest in news. Although Heckerling changes the setting, prejudices against the lower classes still exists. Like Emma, Cher has preconceived perceptions about the various groups in the school. Cher points out ââ¬Ëthe Loadiesââ¬â¢, to which Travis belongs, as a group of drug users whom, ââ¬Å"no respectable girl actually dates. â⬠As Emma rejects Mr Martin in favour of men of a similar social standing to her own such as Mr Elton, Cher dismisses Travis in favour of boys from her own social group. Heckerling conveys the arrogance that Cher and Dionne possess as a result of their affluent lifestyle. ââ¬ËEmmaââ¬â¢ portrays a rigid social structure, in which social mobility is severely restricted. Unlike Austenââ¬â¢s ââ¬ËEmmaââ¬â¢, Tai is able to rise out of her social class through her association with Cher and Dionne. Though Heckerling portrays the differences between the societies, Clueless, ultimately depicts the idea that social hierarchy is still a dominant feature in the 20th century. Heckerling transforms gender roles in her film ââ¬ËCluelessââ¬â¢ to centre on the freedom of women, catering for modern perspectives on gender roles. The role of women in the 19th century was severely limited. Social and economic status was dependant on father, husbands or brothers. Since most women yielded little political or financial power, marriage provided women with financial security and social acceptability. The implications of spinsterhood are portrayed through the characterisation of Miss Bates. Her status as an unmarried woman is mocked by Emma at Box Hill, ââ¬Å"Ah! Maââ¬â¢am but there may be a difficulty. Pardon me ââ¬â but you will be limited as to number ââ¬â only three at once. â⬠Emma, however, is in a unique position as she ââ¬Å"was heiress of thirty thousand poundsâ⬠, claiming that ââ¬Å"it is poverty that makes celibacy contemptible. â⬠In, Clueless, the newfound social acceptance of womenââ¬â¢s equality allows for women to express their sexual desires, underscored through Taiââ¬â¢s reference, ââ¬Å"You know, I donââ¬â¢t care either way, just as long as his you-know-what isnââ¬â¢t crooked. The emancipation of women allowed for marriage fluidity, demonstrated by Melââ¬â¢s divorces, whereas women in ââ¬ËEmmaââ¬â¢ did not have the power or social standing to do so. Cher and her friends are able to seek love and happiness in their relationship without being dependent on marriage to provide status and security. Heckerl ing transforms the gender roles from ââ¬ËEmmaââ¬â¢ to reflect the freedoms of women in the 20th century. Through the transformation of Austenââ¬â¢s, Emma, into Clueless, Heckerling appropriates the ideas and values of the 19th century by incorporating the contemporary issues of the 20th century. Heckerling draws attention to the notion that though the texts are centuries apart, the values present in ââ¬ËEmmaââ¬â¢ remain largely unchanged in the 20th century. The values of marriage, social hierarchy and gender roles remain timeless and the process of transformation has modernised the way in which the story is embodied, extending its appeal to a more contemporary audience.
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Rethinking Rights and Global Development
Introduction With regards to the statement made by Jack Donnelly, the human rights regime is as a result of globalization. The ideology of social, political and economic stability has been widely spread to a number of nations all across the world. the fight for human rights and equality has also followed the same trend. For many centuries, human beings have been living in civilizations that are characterised with oppression and inequality.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Rethinking Rights and Global Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This was especially so in traditional societies and early civilization. As a result, it was only the rich, the powerful and the elite who enjoyed the powers and privileges of the community at the expense of the less fortunate individuals in the society. With regards to this, only a small portion of the community enjoyed the full benefit of the society at the expense of the entire population. However, since the 15th century, a lot of changes have taken place. More individuals have become enlightened and hence fought for their rights and freedom. This process started during the enlightenment period in the 15th and 16th century in Europe and quickly spread around to North America, Asia and finally it became a global phenomenon. The resultant effects of this revolution during its early days were the Napoleonic wars in France, the division of the Roman Catholic Church, the independence of the United States and the abolition of slave trade. With this enlightenment, individuals wanted economic, social and political development in their states. At the same time, they wanted the rights and freedoms of all individuals to be respected. At the present time, there are some states that exhibit high levels of democracy as compared to others. Due to this fact, the developed nations try to integrate their values, customs and procedures into the governments of developi ng nations. This has been done to ensure that strong political regimes have been put in place in the various states of the world. As a result, there has been the establishment of international bodies that fight for the rights and freedoms of individuals at a global level. These include international courts, triburnals and committees. The main aim of these bodies is to ensure that the rights of all individuals are respected at an international level so as to achieve a global social, economical and political growth. Problem Statement The fight for human rights has come about as a result of globalization and the need for equality among individuals. With the current trends in the growth and development of the global approach of solving common issues that affect many states in the world, a lot of international bonds and treaties have been made.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This ha s been done to ensure that the welfare of all individuals in the world is taken care of at an international level. Government have found it easier to combat issues together as a team rather than as individuals. To fully explore on this issue, this study will focus on the humanitarian crisis that hit the horn of Africa mid this year as a result of food crisis and the reaction of the global community to the issue. Theoretical Approach The theory of protection of human dignity and life will be the main theory that will be tested in this study. It is part of human nature for an individual to care and have mercy for another individual, especially when the other party is in need of help and attention. Another theory that will be tested is the theory of global sustainability. Man has worked hard for many years to ensure that he lives a comfortable life and creates a better environment for future generations. Due to this fact, governments have come together as a team to ensure that a social , political and economic growth of all states in the world. All these theories will be tested in the study. Case Study The case study of this project will be the horn of Africa, Somalia to be in particular. To collect relevant data for the study, secondary sources of information will be used. This will include the use of books, journals, media and other print materials. This information will provide an overview of the issue at hand and the impact of other nations to alleviate it. Simple data analysis will be conducted from the data that will be collected and inferences and conclusions shall be made. This essay on Rethinking Rights and Global Development was written and submitted by user Tomas Robinson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Rethinking Rights and Global Development
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
First Inhabitants of the New World essays
First Inhabitants of the New World essays Most of what we know about the first inhabitants of North America, the ancestors of today's First Nations and Inuit, is due to the work of archaeologists. These specialists have generally divided the past into two periods: the historic period, for which we have written accounts; and the prehistoric period, prior to the existence of written records. Archaeological work on the prehistoric period - studying stone tools, bone chips, and faunal and other remains - is invaluable because few other types Certain key discoveries have contributed to our knowledge of these people. In 1927 a fluted point was uncovered near the town of Folsom, New Mexico, which dated back to about 8,500 BC. Similar artifacts from the same time period have since been discovered in Canada. In 1975 a discovery was made at the Bluefish Caves in the mountains of the northern Yukon Territory. These three small caves contained the bones of ancient animals, many of which showed signs that they had been butchered. As well, archaeologists found stone tools that could only have been made by humans. One tool, a burin or stone chisel, is the oldest evidence of human occupation in Canada. Using a technique known as radiocarbon dating, scientists were able to conclude that hunting parties between 25,000 and 12,000 years ago used the caves intermittently. Over the millennia these ancient peoples dispersed throughout North America and developed subsistence strategies particular to their environments. For example, ancestors of today's Inuit learned how to cope with their harsh environment by using the northern resources to their advantage and developing unique tools. Those migrating to the coastal and prairie regions of the country did the same, adapting to their surroundings By the time of first contact with the Europeans, there were millions ...
Friday, November 22, 2019
Best Character Analysis Jay Gatsby - The Great Gatsby
Best Character Analysis Jay Gatsby - The Great Gatsby SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The man, the myth, the legend, Jay Gatsby is the titular hero of The Great Gatsby. Nick first comes to know him as an incredibly wealthy, mysterious man who throws lavish parties, but we eventually learn his background: a boy from humble origins who is desperate to win back the love of a rich woman, Daisy, and loses everything in his last attempt to win her over. So where did Gatsby get his money? Does he actually love Daisy? And whatââ¬â¢s so ââ¬Å"greatâ⬠about him anyway? This guide explains Gatsbyââ¬â¢s rags-to-riches story, what he does in the novel, his most famous lines, and common essay topics. Read on for an in-depth guide to all things Jay Gatsby. Article Roadmap Gatsbyas a character Physical description Gatsby'sbackground Actions in the novel Character Analysis Quotes about and byGatsby Common discussion topics and essay ideas FAQ clarifyingconfusing points aboutGatsby Quick Note on Our Citations Our citation format in this guide is (chapter.paragraph). We're using this system since there are many editions of Gatsby, so using page numbers would only work for students with our copy of the book. To find a quotation we cite via chapter and paragraph in your book, you can either eyeball it (Paragraph 1-50: beginning of chapter; 50-100: middle of chapter; 100-on: end of chapter), or use the search function if you're using an online or eReader version of the text. Jay Gatsby's Physical Description We were sitting at a table with a man of about my age (3.60) He smiled understandinglymuch more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It facedor seemed to facethe whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated onyouwith an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just so far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey. Precisely at that point it vanishedand I was looking at an elegant young rough-neck, a year or two over thirty, whose elaborate formality of speech just missed being absurd. (3.76) His tanned skin was drawn attractively tight on his face and his short hair looked as though it were trimmed every day. (3.93) Gatsbyââ¬â¢s very first appearance is a bit surprising and anti-climatic ââ¬â he is presented as just another party-goer of Nickââ¬â¢s age before itââ¬â¢s revealed that heââ¬â¢s actually the famous Gatsby. That said, Nickââ¬â¢s description of Gatsbyââ¬â¢s smile ââ¬â ââ¬Å"rareâ⬠and ââ¬Å"full of eternal reassurancesâ⬠that ââ¬Å"understood you the way you wanted to be understoodâ⬠ââ¬â sets Gatsby apart as someone special and alluring. Gatsby has tan skin and short hair, but otherwise most of Gatsbyââ¬â¢s characterization comes through his dialogue and actions ââ¬â Nick doesnââ¬â¢t linger on his physical appearance the way he does with other characters (especially Tom and Myrtle). Perhaps Gatsby having more of a ââ¬Å"blank slateâ⬠appearance allows the reader to more easily project his shifting characterization onto him (from mysterious party host to the military man madly in love with Daisy to the ambitious farmboy James Gatz), whereas characters like Tom Buchanan and Myrtle are more stiffly characterized. Jay Gatsby's Background Gatsby was born ââ¬Å"James Gatz,â⬠the son of poor farmers, in North Dakota. However, he was deeply ambitious and determined to be successful. He changed his name to ââ¬Å"Jay Gatsbyâ⬠and learned the manners of the rich on the yacht of Dan Cody, a wealthy man who he saved from a destructive storm and ended up being employed by. However, although Cody intended to leave his fortune to Gatsby, it ended up being taken by Codyââ¬â¢s ex-wife Ella Kaye, leaving Jaywith the knowledge and manners of the upper class, but no money to back them up. Gatsby ended up enlisting in the military during World War I. He met Daisy in Louisville before he was shipped out to Europe. In his uniform, there was no way for anyone to know he wasnââ¬â¢t wealthy, and Daisy assumed he was due to his manners. He kept up this lie to keep up their romance, and when he left she promised to wait for him. Gatsby fought in the War, gained a medal from Montenegro for valor, and was made an officer. After the war ended, he briefly attended Oxford University through a program for officers, but left after five months. By the time Gatsby returned to America, he learned that Daisy had married and became determined to win her back. Through Meyer Wolfshiem, Gatsby got into shady business (read: bootlegging, gambling) to get rich. It worked, and Gatsby accrued a huge sum of money in just 3 years. He moved to West Egg, bought an extravagant mansion and a Rolls Royce, and started throwing lavish parties and building up a reputation, all in the hopes of meeting Daisy again. Luckily, an aspiring bond salesman named Nick Carraway moves in next door just as the novel begins. Nick is Daisyââ¬â¢s second cousin, and through that connection he is able to reunite with Daisy during the novel. To see how Gatsby's life fits into the biographies of the novel's other characters, check out our timeline. What Jay Gatsby Does in the Novel Although Nick briefly glimpses Gatsby reaching out to Daisyââ¬â¢s green light at the end of Chapter 1, we donââ¬â¢t properly meet Gatsby until Chapter 3. Gatsby has been throwing lavish parties, and he invites Nick Carraway to one. They meet, and Gatsby takes a liking to Nick, inviting him out on his hydroplane the next day. He also speaks to Jordan Baker in private, and reveals his past history with Daisy Buchanan. In Chapter 4, he spends more time with Nick, telling him about his service in WWI as well as a made-up story about his past as the only surviving member of a wealthy family. Later, he has Jordan explain Gatsby and Daisyââ¬â¢s background in a bid to get Nick to help the pair reunite. Through Jordan and Nick, Gatsby is thus able to meet with Daisy again and begins an affair with her in Chapter 5. Throughout all of this Gatsby continues to do business with Meyer Wolfsheim and run his own bootlegging ââ¬Å"business," mainly based on the mysterious phone calls he's always taking. Rumors begin to swirl about where he got his money. Tom Buchanan, in particular, is instantly suspicious of Gatsby when they meet in Chapter 6 and even more so after he and Daisy attend one of Gatsbyââ¬â¢s parties. Daisy seems particularly unhappy and Gatsby frets. At the beginning of Chapter 7, he stops throwing the parties, fires his current staff, and hires Wolfshiemââ¬â¢s people instead, telling Nick he needs discreet people ââ¬â this makes the affair easier, but also hints at Gatsbyââ¬â¢s criminal doings.In the climactic Manhattan confrontation with Tom and Daisy later in Chapter 7, Gatsby tries to get Daisy to admit she never loved Tom, and to leave him, but she doesnââ¬â¢t. Later in the same chapter, he and Daisy leave together to drive back to West Egg in Gatsbyââ¬â¢s distinctive yellow car. However, Daisy is driving and hits and kills Myrtle Wilson, who ran out into the road since she thought the car was Tomââ¬â¢s. Gatsby resolves to take the blame for the incident and still believes that Daisy will leave Tom for him. During Chapter 8, Gatsby confides in Nick about his past, the true story this time.At the end of Chapter 8, Gatsby is shot and killed by George Wilson, who believes Gatsby killed Myrtle and was the one sleeping with her. Meanwhile, Daisy and Tom have left town to avoid the repercussions of Myrtleââ¬â¢s death. In Chapter 9, Gatsbyââ¬â¢s funeral is sparsely attended, despite Nickââ¬â¢s efforts to invite people. Gatsbyââ¬â¢s father does make an appearance, sharing some details about young Jayââ¬â¢s early ambition and focus. Nick leaves New York shortly after, disenchanted with life on the east coast. Thus Gatsby's actual death has caused Nick's metaphorical death of leaving New York forever. Though real death is obviously much worse. Jay Gatsby Quotes Catchphrase: ââ¬Å"old sportâ⬠Gatsby adopts this catchphrase, which was used among wealthy people in England and America at the time, to help build up his image as a man from old money, which is related to his frequent insistence he is ââ¬Å"an Oxford man.â⬠Note that both Jordan Baker and Tom Buchanan are immediately skeptical of both Gatsbyââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"old sportâ⬠phrase and his claim to being an Oxford man, indicating that despite Gatsbyââ¬â¢s efforts, it is incredibly difficult to pass yourself off as ââ¬Å"old moneyâ⬠when you arenââ¬â¢t. He reached in his pocket and a piece of metal, slung on a ribbon, fell into my palm. "That's the one from Montenegro." To my astonishment, the thing had an authentic look. Orderi di Danilo, ran the circular legend, Montenegro, Nicolas Rex. "Turn it." Major Jay Gatsby, I read, For Valour Extraordinary. (4.34-39) In this moment, Nick begins to believe and appreciate Gatsby, and not just see him as a puffed-up fraud. The medal, to Nick, is hard proof that Gatsby did, in fact, have a successful career as an officer during the war and therefore that some of Gatsbyââ¬â¢s other claims might be true. For the reader, the medal serves as questionable evidence that Gatsby really is an ââ¬Å"extraordinaryâ⬠man ââ¬â isnââ¬â¢t it a strange that Gatsby has to produce physical evidence to get Nick to buy his story? (Imagine how strange it would be to carry around a physical token to show to strangers to prove your biggest achievement.) He had passed visibly through two states and was entering upon a third. After his embarrassment and his unreasoning joy he was consumed with wonder at her presence. He had been full of the idea so long, dreamed it right through to the end, waited with his teeth set, so to speak, at an inconceivable pitch of intensity. Now, in the reaction, he was running down like an overwound clock. (5.4) In Chapter 5, the dream Gatsby has been working towards for years ââ¬â to meet and impress Daisy with his fabulous wealth ââ¬â finally begins to come to fruition. And so, for the first time, we see Gatsbyââ¬â¢s genuine emotions, rather than his carefully-constructed persona. Nick finds these emotions almost as beautiful and transformative as Gatsbyââ¬â¢s smile, though thereââ¬â¢s also the sense that this love could quickly veer off the rails: Gatsby is running down ââ¬Å"like an overwound clock.â⬠In that sense, this moment gently foreshadows the escalating tensions that lead to the novel's tragic climax. "I wouldn't ask too much of her," I ventured. "You can't repeat the past." "Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!" He looked around him wildly, as if the past were lurking here in the shadow of his house, just out of reach of his hand. "I'm going to fix everything just the way it was before," he said, nodding determinedly. "She'll see." (6.128-131) This is probably Gatsbyââ¬â¢s single most famous line. His insistence that he can repeat the past and recreate everything as it was in Louisville sums up his intense determination to win Daisy back at any cost. It also shows his naivetà © and optimism, even delusion, about what is possible in his life ââ¬â an attitude which are increasingly at odds with the cynical portrait of the world painted by Nick Carraway. "Your wife doesn't love you," said Gatsby. "She's never loved you. She loves me." (7.238) This is the moment Gatsby lays his cards out on the table, so to speak ââ¬â he risks everything to try and win over Daisy. His insistence that Daisy never loved Tom also reveals how Gatsby refuses to acknowledge Daisy could have changed or loved anyone else since they were together in Louisville. This declaration, along with his earlier insistence that he can ââ¬Å"repeat the past,â⬠creates an image of an overly optimistic, naà ¯ve person, despite his experiences in the war and as a bootlegger. Especially since Daisy canââ¬â¢t support this statement, saying that she loved both Tom and Gatsby, and Tom quickly seizes power over the situation by practically ordering Gatsby and Daisy to drive home together, Gatsbyââ¬â¢s confident insistence that Daisy has only ever loved him feels desperate, even delusional. Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no mattertomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And one fine morning So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. (9.153-154) One of the most famous ending lines in modern literature, this quote is Nickââ¬â¢s final analysis of Gatsby ââ¬â someone who believed in ââ¬Å"the green light, the orgastic futureâ⬠that he could never really attain. Our last image of Gatsby is of a man who believed in a world (and a future) that was better than the one he found himself in ââ¬â but you can read more about interpretations of the ending, both optimistic and pessimistic, in our guide to the end of the book. Jay Gatsby Character Analysis If you read The Great Gatsby, odds are you will have to write at least one paper that analyzes Gatsby as a character or connects him to a larger theme, like money, love, or the American Dream. To do this well, you should closely read Gatsbyââ¬â¢s key scenes (meeting Daisy again in Chapter 5, the confrontation in the hotel in Chapter 7, his decision to take the blame in Chapter 8) along with his background, revealed over Chapters 6, 8, and 9. By understanding both Gatsby's past and his present in the novel, you can write about him confidently despite his many-layered personality. It can be helpful to compare Gatsby to other characters, because it can make it easier to understand his attitude and motivations. Nickââ¬â¢s cynical nature makes Gatsbyââ¬â¢s naivetà © and optimism readily apparent, for example. You should also consider how Gatsbyââ¬â¢s interaction with the bookââ¬â¢s famous symbols (especially the green light) reveal aspects of his character. Remember that there are many valid ways to interpret Gatsby, as he is a very complex, mysterious character. As long as you back up your arguments with evidence from the book you can connect Gatsby to various big-picture themes and ideas. We will explore that in action below with some common essay topics about Gatsby. Gatsby is especially linked to the American Dream! What makes Gatsby so great? I think the best way to tackle this question is to ask ââ¬Å"why is Gatsby called greatâ⬠or ââ¬Å"who thinks Gatsby is great?â⬠That way you wonââ¬â¢t get bogged down in an unoriginal argument like ââ¬Å"well, he has a lot of money and throws amazing parties, and thatââ¬â¢s pretty awesome, soâ⬠¦heââ¬â¢s pretty great I guess?â⬠Remember that the book is narrated by Nick Carraway, and all of our impressions of the characters come from his point of view. So the real question is ââ¬Å"why does Nick Carraway think Gatsby is great?â⬠Or in other words, what is it about Gatsby that captures cynical Nick Carrawayââ¬â¢s imagination? And the answer to that comes from Gatsbyââ¬â¢s outlook and hope, not his money or extravagance, which are in fact everything that Nick claims to despise. Nick admires Gatsby due to his optimism, how he shapes his own life, and how doggedly he believes in his dream, despite the cruel realities of 1920s America. So Gatsbyââ¬â¢s greatness comes from his outlook ââ¬â even if, to many readers, Gatsbyââ¬â¢s steadfast belief in Daisyââ¬â¢s love and his own almost god-like abilities come off as delusional. Why is Gatsby obsessed with repeating the past? Gatsby is not so much obsessed with repeating the past as reclaiming it. He wants to both return to that beautiful, perfect moment when he wedded all of his hopes and dreams to Daisy in Louisville, and also to make that past moment his present (and future!). It also means getting right what he couldnââ¬â¢t get right the first time by winning Daisy over. So Gatsbyââ¬â¢s obsession with the past is about control ââ¬â over his own life, over Daisy ââ¬â as much as it is about love. This search for control could be a larger symptom of being born into a poor/working class family in America, without much control over the direction of his own life. Even after heââ¬â¢s managed to amass great wealth, Gatsby still searches for control over his life in other ways. Perhaps he fixates on the reclamation of that moment in his past because by winning over Daisy, he can finally achieve each of the dreams he imagined as a young man. How would the book be different if Gatsby ââ¬Å"got the girl?â⬠The Great Gatsby would probably be much less memorable, first of all! Sad endings tend to stick in your mind more stubbornly than happy ones. Furthermore, the novel would lose its power as a reflection on the American Dream if Gatsby ended up with Daisy, the book would be a straightforward rags-to-riches American Dream success story. In order to be critical of the American Dream, Gatsby has to lose everything heââ¬â¢s gained. The novel would also lose its power as an indictment of class in America, since if Daisy and Gatsby ended up together it would suggest walls coming down between old and new money, something that never happens in the book. Instead, the novel depicts class as a rigid and insurmountable barrier in 1920s America. A happy ending would also seem to reward both Gatsbyââ¬â¢s bad behavior (including crime, dishonesty, and cheating) as well as Daisyââ¬â¢s (cheating, killing Myrtle). This would change the tone of the ending, since Gatsby's tragic death seems to outweigh any of his crimes in Nick's eyes. Also, Gatsby likely wouldn't have caught on as an American classic during the ultra-conservative 1950s had its ending appeared to endorse behavior like cheating, crime, and murder. In short, although on your first read of the novel you more than likely are hoping for Gatsby to succeed in winning over Daisy, the novel would be much less powerful with a stereotypically happy ending. How does Jay Gatsby represent the American Dream? Should we be hopeful or cynical about the status of the American Dream by the end of the novel? There is a bit of a progression in how the reader regards the American Dream in the course of the novel, which moves in roughly three stages and corresponds to what we know about Jay Gatsby. First, the novel expresses a cautious belief in the American Dream. Gatsbyââ¬â¢s parties are lavish, Nick rides over the Queensboro bridge with optimism and the belief that anything can happen in New York (4.55-7), and we see some small but significant breaking of class conventions: Myrtle holding court at an apartment with Tom Buchanan (Chapter 2), the ââ¬Å"modishâ⬠African Americans riding over the bridge with a white driver (4.56), old money and new money mingling at Gatsbyââ¬â¢s party (Chapter 3). However, this optimism quickly gives way to skepticism. As you learn more about Gatsbyââ¬â¢s background and likely criminal ties in the middle-to-late chapters (4-8), combined with how broken George seems in Chapter 7 upon learning of his wifeââ¬â¢s affair, it seems like the lavish promises of the American Dream we saw in the earlier half of the book are turning out to be hollow, at best. This skepticism gives way to pessimism by the end of the novel. With Gatsby dead, along with George and Myrtle, and only the rich alive, the novel has progressed to a charged, emotional critique of the American Dream. After all, how can you believe in the American Dream in a world where the strivers end up dead and those born into money (literally) get away with murder? So by the end of the novel, the reader should be pretty pessimistic about the state of the American Dream, though there is a bit of hope to be found in the way Nick reflects on Gatsbyââ¬â¢s outlook and extends Gatsby's hope to everyone in America. Is Gatsby a tragic hero? How you answer this prompt will depend on the definition you use of tragic hero. The most straightforward definition is pretty obvious: a tragic hero is the hero of a tragedy. (And to be precise, a tragedy is a dramatic play, or more recently any work of literature, that treats sorrowful events caused or witnessed by a great hero with dignity and seriousness.) If we consider The Great Gatsby a tragedy, that would certainly make Gatsby a tragic hero, since heââ¬â¢s the hero of the book! But in Aristotleââ¬â¢s (influential) and more specific definition, a tragic hero is a flawed individual who commits, without evil intentions, some wrong that leads to their misfortunate, usually followed by a realization of the true nature of events that led to his destiny. The tragic hero also has a reversal of fortune, often going from a high place (in terms of society, money, and status) to a ruined one. He also has a ââ¬Å"tragic flaw,â⬠a character weakness that leads to his demise. Using Aristotleââ¬â¢s definition of a tragic hero, Gatsby might not fit. There isnââ¬â¢t a sense that he commits some great wrong (unlike, say, the classic example of Oedipus Rex, who kills his own father and marries his mother) ââ¬â rather, his downfall is perhaps the result of a few smaller wrongs: he commits crimes and puts too much faith in Daisy, who ends up being a killer. In that sense, Gatsby is more of a playful riff on the idea of a tragic hero, someone who is doomed from aiming too high and from trusting too much. Especially since a huge part of The Great Gatsby is a critique of the American Dream, and specifically the unjust American society that all of the characters have to live within, the idea of a tragic hero ââ¬â a single person bringing about his own fate ââ¬â doesnââ¬â¢t quite fit within the frame of the novel. Instead, Nick seems to indict the society around Gatsby for the tragedy, not Gatsby himself. Final Questions Does Gatsby really love Daisy? Does Daisy really love Gatsby? On the surface in Gatsby, we see a man doing whatever it takes to win over the woman he loves (Daisy). He even seems willing to sacrifice everything to protect her by taking the blame for Myrtle's death. However, he ends up killed for his involvement in the affair while Daisy skips town to avoid the aftermath. This can make it look like Gatsby loves Daisy truly while Daisy doesn't love him at all. However, the truth is much more complicated. Gatsby claims to love Daisy, but he rarely takes into account her own feelings or even the fact that five years have passed since their first romance and that she's changed. In fact, he's so determined to repeat the past that he is unable to see that Daisy is not devoted to him in the way he thinks she is. Furthermore, Gatsby seems to love Daisy more for what she represents money, status, beauty than as an actual, flawed human being. As for Daisy, itââ¬â¢s pretty clear she loved Gatsby up until she married Tom (see the bathtub scene as recounted by Jordan in Chapter 4), but whether she still loves him or is just eager to escape her marriage is harder to determine (you can read more in depth about Daisy right here). Either way, there are certainly strong feelings on both sides. I don't think you could argue Daisy never loved Gatsby or Gatsby never loved Daisy, but their relationship is complex and uneven enough that it can raise doubts. Read more about love and relationships in Gatsby for more analysis! Whatââ¬â¢s up with Nick and Gatsbyââ¬â¢s friendship? Does Nick believe Gatsby? Why does Gatsby come to admire Nick? Nick, for his part, starts out suspicious of Gatsby but ends up truly admiring him, to the point that he tells Gatsby that heââ¬â¢s worth more than Daisy, Tom, and their ilk put together. But why does Gatsby come to rely on Nick so much? Part of the answer comes in Nickââ¬â¢s introduction, when he establishes himself as both part of a privileged group (his family is pretty wealthy and heââ¬â¢s a Yale graduate), but also someone whoââ¬â¢s not as incredibly wealthy as the Buchanans ââ¬â in short, Nick is the sort of person Gatsby wishes he was but not to the degree Gatsby would be jealous of him. Perhaps more importantly, Nick establishes himself as relatively grounded and a good listener, which is the type of person lacking in Gatsbyââ¬â¢s high-flying circles (hundreds of people come to his parties but Nick seems to be the first real friend he makes). Both Nick and Gatsby seem to recognize each other as kindred spirits ââ¬â people both ââ¬Å"within and withoutâ⬠of New York society, rich but not old money aristocracy. The cherry on top of this is the fact Nick is related to Daisy, and is thus a link to her Gatsby can use. So Gatsby starts confiding in Nick to get closer to Daisy, but continues because he finds Nick to be a genuine friend ââ¬â again, something he severely lacks, as his poor funeral attendance suggests. Whatââ¬â¢s up with the ââ¬Å"Jay Gatsby is blackâ⬠theory? Is there any chance itââ¬â¢s true? Recently, some scholars have argued that another possible layer of The Great Gatsby is that Gatsby is actually part black, but passing as white. This would make Tomââ¬â¢s racist statements much more charged and ironic, if itââ¬â¢s true his wife is cheating on him with a black man. It would also explain Gatsbyââ¬â¢s desire to completely sever ties to his past and reinvent himself with an old money background. However, many Fitzgerald scholars point out that Fitzgeraldââ¬â¢s conversations with his editor about the book are well documented, and they never had any discussions about Gatsbyââ¬â¢s race. So basically, this theory is intriguing and can be argued for based on the text, but if you take a more historical/biographical approach itââ¬â¢s less likely to be true. You can read more about it here and decide for yourself if you believe it! There are also similar theories that argue that Gatsby is Jewish. You can read one such theory in depth here. Is Gatsby based on a real person? Is this a true story? Is there a Great Gatsby house I can go visit? The Great Gatsby is not based on a true story, and there wasnââ¬â¢t a specific person in F. Scott Fitzgeraldââ¬â¢s life who inspired the character of Jay Gatsby. However, F. Scott Fitzgerald did live briefly on Long Island (which is the inspiration for East Egg and West Egg) and spent time with New York celebrities. This was all during the 1920s, when bootlegging and organized crime were in their heyday. So he certainly could have been inspired by real life, newly-rich celebrities. (If youââ¬â¢re curious, the house Fitzgerald lived in is still standing on Long Island, but itââ¬â¢s not a tourist site like, say, Mark Twainââ¬â¢s house is.) Finally, and perhaps most potently, Fitzgerald himself went through a Gatsby-like heartbreak. Before he married Zelda Sayre, he was in love with a wealthy woman named Ginevra King. A dark-haired beauty, Ginevra went on to marry a wealthy man, leaving F. Scott Fitzgerald behind and heartbroken. Those experiences may have all combined to create the character of Jay Gatsby (as well as Daisy Buchanan), but Jay isnââ¬â¢t based on any one person. You can also read more about F. Scott Fitzgerald's life and the history of the novel's composition. Whatââ¬â¢s Next? Still confused about how the last few chapters play out? Catch up with our summaries of chapters 7, 8, and 9. Read more about Daisy and Gatsbyââ¬â¢s relationship and how it stacks up to others in the novel over at our analysis of love, desire, and relationships in Gatsby. Still wondering about Gatsbyââ¬â¢s legacy? Is he a man to be admired or a cautionary tale of someone who put too much stock in an old love? Read about different ways to interpret the novelââ¬â¢s ending. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:
Thursday, November 21, 2019
GLOBAL CHALLENGES FOR BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP Essay - 1
GLOBAL CHALLENGES FOR BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP - Essay Example Firms are essentially focussing on improving their management practises in an attempt to improve their business processes. The competitive value framework is a model that essentially helps business organizations to generate competitive advantage by enhancing the value proposition of the organization. The model named as one of the most essential and effective business models was proposed by Quinn & Rorhbaugh in 1983 (Competing Values Company, n.d., p.1). Figure 1: Competitive Values Framework According to Koontz & Weihrich (2006) management is defined as ââ¬Å"the process of designing and maintaining an environment in which individuals, working together in groups efficiently accomplish selected aimsâ⬠(Koontz & Weihrich, 2006, p.5). ... Internal factors largely include the internal strengths, weakness and opportunities of an organization and are largely associated with the operational and process management practices. External factors on the other hand include the political, legal, economic and sociological factors and help generate an impact for the organization. Relational perspectives include the interpersonal elements of inter group relationships while the empirical elements includes the internal business processes for collection and integration of information handling and management. Political and relational elements denote flexibility and stability while the rational and empirical elements ensure control and stability in a business organization (Schuman, 2010). The combined effect of all the above elements or factors determines the nature of effectiveness of the business strategies adopted by the organizations. Each element represents a set of core values of the firm that are largely distinct from the rest of the others. They show the extent to which an organization tries to be flexible and adoptable to the business environment while maintain an internal stability in the organization. The importance of this model in the present day business environment of turbulence can be easily noted from the fact that it largely helps in displaying the pros and cons, the opposing as well as supporting elements of the business strategies and the nature of alternatives before an organization that can largely help in maintaining profitability and adaptability while maintain an overall stability in the business processes and the organization (Cameron, 2009, p.2-3). Application Organisation Name and Challenge The organization selected for the present study is
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