Thursday, February 20, 2020

Literature Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Literature Research Paper - Essay Example As the stories begin, both the protagonists, Calixta of â€Å"The Storm† and Edna of â€Å"The Awakening† are trapped in the confines of domesticity, however awareness of its confines slowly begins to dawn in both of them. In â€Å"The Storm† Calixta is busy with her domestic chores, â€Å"sewing furiously on a sewing machine†, until the storm starts brewing. â€Å"Suddenly realizing the situation† she goes about shutting doors (www.ablongman.com). The storm symbolizes the spur that jogs her into a new awareness. In a similar manner, Mademoiselle Reisz serves as the spur that jogs Edna into awareness, especially as contrasted with Madame Ratignole who is repressed and conservative and is described as the â€Å"bygone heroine of romance† (Chopin 888). As opposed to this, Madame Ratignole is â€Å"the embodiment of womanly grace and charm† but her race is also known for â€Å"their entire absence of prudery† (Chopin 889). In inter acting with Madame Ratignole, Edna becomes conscious of a vague dissatisfaction with her life and the narrowness of her upbringing, desiring to be as sensual as Madame Ratignole instead. This initial awareness leads both the protagonists into a sexual encounter. As Calixta gathers up the sheet she has been sewing, she appears to be unconsciously dispensing with the outward signs of her domesticity and submitting herself to the wildness of the storm raging outside. When Alcee gathers her into his arms, she looks up at him and the â€Å"fear in her liquid blue eyes had given place to a drowsy gleam that unconsciously betrayed a sensuous desire.†( www.ablongman.com). Edna’s awareness also leads her into a sexual encounter, and this is described as a light which begins to â€Å"dawn dimly within her – the light which, showing the way, forbids it.† (Chopin 893). This reveals the inner conflict which the sexual encounter generates in Edna, the path to independence lies revealed to her, yet it is not one encouraged by

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Goodbye Mr. Chips by James Hilton Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Goodbye Mr. Chips by James Hilton - Essay Example A true educator will not say "I teach English, Math, German etc." but rather, "I teach children/pupils/students..." As Kathie Chipping puts it so well, "schoolmastering is so important, don't you think To be influencing those who are going to grow up and matter to the world..." (Hilton, 35). On the surface, the style and methods of the old teacher appear conservative and conventional, like all good educators, he is open to change, when it is for the good, and not merely for its own sake. By incorporating new ideas, using humor, gentleness and wisdom, better results are achieved. By earning respect and love, such a teacher then becomes an inspiration and finally finds contentment and self-worth in knowing they have done a good job. Evidence of this is shown in the achievements of his pupils, his 'boys': Conflict: The outward manifestation of the principal conflict is the passionate argument between Chips and Ralston, the young headmaster. The underlying differences are those of values and motivation. On one side, there is Ralston, efficient, ruthless, ambitious, 'modern' and materialistic. On the other, is Chips, representing years of tradition, old fashioned teaching methods, using a gentlemanly, timeless approach to what pupils should be learning, and with a genuine dedication to their personal development. Ralston's stance can be illustrated thus, when trying to get rid of Chips: "Your boys don't learn even what they're supposed to learn. None of them last year got through the Lower certificate." (Hilton, 75). In seeking to make money, and a reputation for himself, Chips perceived him to be "running Brookfield like a factory, a factory for turning out a snob-culture based on money and machines." (Hilton, 76). He detested the results of such activity, as "Vulgar..ostentatious...all the hectic rotten-ripeness of the age...no sense of proportion." (Hilton, 77). Their personalities and views on educational methods reflect opposing values. Ralston demands 'modernity', and changes which seek to show his perceived talents in a favorable light, not because it is better. Chips subscribes to the view that 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it', why make change for its own sake, certificates do not make better human beings. In the historical context, the conflict occurs in a period of social change. Victorian morality had given way to a frenetic, rich, Edwardian decadence. But a huge gap still existed between the rich and the poor. While Ralston courted the rich for their money and power, Chips, influenced by the socialist, idealist and democratic beliefs he had absorbed from Kathie, hoped for change which 3. would encompass education for all, "a