...Ignorance is Not Bliss Cathedral, written by Raymond Carver, is a short fiction essay with the narrator as the real protagonist that goes through a significant transformation. The author’s choice of point of view as well as, the theme and symbolism shown in Cathedral provide evidence to support the protagonist’s epiphany of overcoming his own prejudices. An important theme includes ignorance and understanding and the main symbol of the story is the cathedral itself. These components of the story are important in bringing out the narrator’s epiphany, where he comes to accept people for how they are and realize that he is not superior to someone who has an impairment. Carver chose first person as the point of view for this story. First person narrators are characters who tell the story from the perspective of “I” or “We”. This point of view gives the reader a chance to experience the story how the narrator sees and understands the world. In Cathedral, our narrator speaks in short, chopped sentences in the beginning. This shows the reader that he is lacking self-awareness, arrogant, and/or insecure. The narrator only sees Robert as a blind man, from the start. Throughout the story as the narrator gets to know Robert better, he becomes more descriptive with his sentences and his structure is not as choppy. This is important in showing his change of traits. This demonstrates to the readers that the narrator grows from ignorant to more open-minded and accepting, especially of...
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...The short story “Cathedral,” by Raymond Carter unravels the epiphany of Bub. In the beginning of the story, Bub is seen to be quite ignorant and blunt about Robert, his wife’s blind friend, coming over to visit after Robert’s wife died. He presumes that having a blind man in his house would be bothersome. The middle of the story shows Bub attempting to connect with the blind man, but struggles relentlessly as he fails to describe the physical features of a cathedral to Robert. Although Bub is viewed as a stubborn husband with stereotypical assumptions of the blind man, Bub realizes that Robert is nothing what Bub expects Robert to be based on his assumptions of Robert. Bub’s wife tells Bub the story of how Robert and her met. Robert hired Bub’s wife as his personal reader. She went in...
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...However, after further investigation, she truly does see a woman entrapped in the abhorrent wallpaper. During this sight is when an epiphany strikes the protagonist: the woman in the wallpaper struggling to break free from wallpaper was herself. What she thought she was simply imagining was a replication of the reality that she was entombed in. As according to writer Greg Johnson, the protagonist’s epiphany represented “a terrifying, necessary stage in her progress toward self-identity (GILMAN'S GOTHIC ALLEGORY: RAGE AND REDEMPTION IN ‘THE YELLOW WALLPAPER’).” Although other characters in the story thought her statements of a woman in the wallpaper were rubbish, the protagonist’s imagination displayed in vivid color the substantiality of her situation. As a wallpaper is domestic and humble, so was the lifestyle that the protagonist was subjected to. The hideous...
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...experiences. He has a 'tragic flaw' - this could be a personality trait (like greed, lust, ambition, jealousy, etc.), OR an error in judgement (a bad decision). This 'tragic flaw' leads to his downfall - usually ruins his career, reputation, power, etc. He is enlightened at the end of the story, meaning he realizes where he went wrong, he is humble, and he accepts the consequences . A tragic hero is a character in a work of fiction (often the protagonist) who commits an action or makes a mistake which eventually leads to his or her defeat. The idea of the tragic hero was created in ancient Greek tragedy and defined by Aristotle (and others). Usually, this includes the realization of the error (anagnorisis), which results in catharsis or epiphany. Aristotelian tragic hero Characteristics Aristotle once said that "A man doesn't become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall." An Aristotelian tragic hero must have four characteristics: Nobility (of a noble birth) or wisdom (by virtue of birth). Hamartia (translated as flaw, mistake, or error, not an Elizabethan tragic flaw). A reversal of fortune(peripetia) brought about because of the hero's Hamartia. The discovery or recognition that the reversal was brought about by the hero's own actions (anagnorisis). Other common traits Some other common traits characteristic of a tragic hero: Hero must suffer more than he deserves. Hero must be doomed from the start, but bear no responsibility for possessing...
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...“Cathedral”, a short story by Raymond Carver, was written in 1981. It tells a tale about a man’s first encounter with a blind individual. The old blind man, Robert, is a close friend of the narrator’s wife, so when the Robert comes over to spend the night, the narrator reluctantly acts inviting. In the beginning, the narrator is very reserved, but by the end of the story, the blind man and the narrator share a personal experience that causes him to become a less judgmental individual. Throughout the story, the author changes the view that the reader has of the narrator through the development of his character, exposing his biases, and creating an epiphany at the end of the story. Before this epiphany occurs, the narrator’s morals and characteristics are presented at the beginning of the...
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...Discovery is the key to human progress but it always comes at a cost. In Ang Lee’s film, Life of Pi, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self discovery that results in great personal growth. Tim Winton’s short story Big World is also a story of a boy’s rite of passage. Both texts explore the personal cost of their protagonists’ discoveries as they must endure great suffering, isolation and the loss of innocence in order to discover themselves and their place in the big picture of life. Lee’s film is structured to portray an ordeal that fluctuates between great suffering and great joy. Pi cannot be free to discover himself while he exists within the comfort zone of his family. The sinking of the Tsimtsum casts him into the ‘ocean of life’ where he must fend for himself. The aerial shot of his head, dwarfed by the vast, dark ocean emphasises his vulnerability as he is cast adrift. His intense suffering is revealed most powerfully in the storm scene where wide shots again portray his vulnerability in the wild sea and Christ-like imagery shows him screaming at his ‘God’, arms spread in supplication: “Why are you scaring him? I’ve lost my family. I’ve lost everything. I surrender. What more do you want?” Pi’s life raft is swept away, symbolising the loss of his haven and material possessions and a high angle shot of Richard Parker shows that even the tiger – a symbol of Pi’s braver and more primitive self – is afraid. A sustained scene that cuts between shots...
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...role of the protagonist, Antigone or Creon. In order to decide which character possesses the merits to be considered the true protagonist, one has to consider: what is the definition of protagonist? Is it simply the title character, or the most relatable or sympathetic character, or are there other qualifications? Greek tradition holds a variation of the definition that has stumped critics and has divided them over which character is best suited for the leading role. The self-realization and recognition of one’s mistakes is also one of the credentials, and with further examination, Creon emerges as being best suited for the role of the protagonist. We derive our definition of a Greek tragedy from Aristotle, who originated that definition on the basis of plays from his time, such as Antigone. Greek tradition defines the dramatic protagonist as one who is regarded as extraordinary, and is brought from happiness to agony. “The character’s stature is important because it makes his or her fall all the more terrifying” (Meyer 1423). From this basic definition, Aristotle went on to include that the protagonist is the main character that possesses a tragic flaw, and later realizes his or her own faults and mistakes. Aristotle used “hamartia” as the term for these weaknesses (Meyer 1424). Based on these definitions, Antigone and Creon both have the potential to be qualified as protagonist. They both battle forcefully for something that they believe strongly in. In Antigone's case, she...
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...The idea of a “sin” is that it goes against what you are told to do. In christianity, a sin is when you disobey what god calls you to do or what the bible says to do. In the american culture, a sin is going against our constitution or our stated laws. The sin of theft is an all encompassing sin that could be used to describe any sin. If you kill a man, you steal his life; If you lie to him, you steal his right to the truth (Hosseini). All three of the stories don’t portray what you think of when you envision theft, but they envision the hosseini definition from the kite runner. In one they portray the theft of life, in another they show the theft of security. The theft of sin was a major theme in all of these stories either through the classic form of theft or the hosseini definition and each one shows how theft is the only true sin. The story “The Bet” shows theft in more than one way. In the form of tangibly stealing something that someone else owns, and also in the more subtle way of...
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...The Grammar of Animacy Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation The Grammar of Animacy 1. What kind of languages does Kimmerer talk about in this essay? Mainly Kimmerer talks about the native language Potawatomi, which was used by Indians in America long before they were assimilated by the colonial masters to English. She also mentions other forms of languages such as scientific language, which she honors as a second tongue to her. However, she notes that this language that is being spoken by scientists, even though may be precise, it is profound with grammar errors. Third, she mentions about English, which she mainly uses to write the essay, but points that as a language, it is primarily composed of nouns than verbs (70% nouns and 30% verbs). This, she notes, contradicts the native languages such as Potawatomi that are mainly composed of verbs. Finally, she talks about the Spanish language that just like the English one, thrived out of the assimilation process and is what most indigenous communities resorted to apart from their extinct native languages. 2. How many fluent speakers are there of Potawatomi? And what does the great-grandmother say will be lost when the language is lost? For the Potawatomi language class that was organized by Kimmerer and others of the indigenous group, only nine (9) fluent speakers of the language were found to be presently alive, globally. In her words, Kimmerer notes that the language, Potawatomi, millennia in the making was contained...
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...The idea of the tragic hero was created in ancient Greek tragedy and defined by Aristotle (and others). Usually, this includes the realization of the error (anagnorisis), which results in catharsis or epiphany. Aristotle said that tragedy is characterised by seriousness and dignity and involving a great person who experiences a reversal of fortune. Aristotle’s definition can include a change of fortune from good to bad, this affects pity and fear within the audience. Tragedy results in catharsis (emotional cleansing) or healing for the audience through their experience of these emotions in response to the suffering of the characters in the drama/play. According to Aristotle a tragic hero must be a noble person and also hold a “high” status in society. The character must also have an error in judgement (hamartia). Often the character’s ‘hamartia’ involves hubris (excessive pride). The hero must have a reversal of fortune brought by the hero’s tragic flaw although the downfall will not be a complete loss. It should be noticed that the hero`s downfall is his own fault because he has free choice, but his misfortune is not wholly deserved. At the end of the play the hero will gain some sort of self-knowledge or have a sense of realisation as a result of his actions in which the audience will somewhat feel satisfied. In King Lear by William Shakespeare, Lear the main character showed that he has all the necessary requirements of a `tragic hero`, his high social status leads him to his...
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...Someone once told me "I know you'll be successful." But what is success? I think the definition of success cannot be pinned down to one single thing. Aspects of life must intermingle and converge, resulting in a fusion of moments and a synthesis of ideas. Because one man's idea of a successful and fruitful life may not be the same as another man's hope for a brighter future. How one defines success is therefore integral to that person's experience of life in and around him. As we are creatures of habit, we can proceed through life with preconceived notions of what is and what should be, convinced that what has worked in the past must also work in the future. In that way we deny ourselves the virtue of malleability. We are often our own worst enemies. The Chinese philosopher and military tactician Sun Tzu likened the successful soldier to water. "Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing." The brilliance of this idea is not in the likening of life to war, rather in revealing the simple truth that we are a product of our experiences and how we adapt determines our success, along with what path we take. Each hill and valley we encounter provides us with an opportunity to adapt and change, gives us the chance to use our talents within the realms of our potential to evolve our life in new and sometimes unexpected ways. God's plan may be unknown and unfathomable...
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...Technological Evolution: Our Social World Evolving with Technology As our technology advances, are we are becoming more or less social? To what level does social and psychological factors are inflicted on an individual? Moreover I propose the consideration that technology may drive us, for lack of a better word, stupid. I scrutinize this inquiry to myself every time I see somebody using a social networking website (such as Facebook not to mention Twitter), or when somebody is ceaselessly texting their friends and/or family on their cellular phone. I will not lie, I use these services myself. Adhering to the availability to reach a friend who has moved to the opposite side of the country or talking to old high school friend very helpful. But I still reminisce… the old days when we would talk to our friends over the phone and send a letter via “snail mail.” Or when trying to find the answers to our inquiries by believing on memory, many of us now have the second nature to look up the explanation on Google or Wikipedia for immediate gratification to have that question answered. It is in depth that I ask myself if technology reforming our social interactions and astuteness for the better or worse. Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace: What do they all have in common? According to Danah Boyd and Nicole Ellison, the authors of an article in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication defines social networking websites “allow[s] individuals to (1) construct a public or semi-public profile...
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...foundation such as a college degree, but to finish superior studies one must possess a keen sense of personal responsibility. Each individual needs to become accountable for his or her own accomplishments; as students, we are the primary beneficiaries of our success story, so nobody else should perform the work for us. We can best contribute to our families and to our society by becoming educated and prepared. I was sitting on the runway in a plane about to take off trying to zone out the recording playing through the speakers and not paying attention to the flight attendant as she diligently gestured through the safety instructions. Suddenly, I heard something that even though I have heard countless times before it made sense in an epiphany sort of way: “in the event of a change in cabin pressure, your oxygen masks will drop down, please secure your mask on first before assisting other passengers.” I can best help those around me if I prepare myself first! The idea seems logical, but only the brave and intelligent understand it and put it to practice. Few of us work diligently on our well-being before worrying about others. Teachers, doctors, lawyers, psychologists, they all take years of preparation before they are able to help, inspire and transform lives. Nothing should stop us from getting prepared with that solid foundation. College graduates have better employment opportunities and have higher salaries. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2012)...
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...Prophet Gone Wrong The misfit and the unnamed grandmother in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Conner has many different characters that are introduced but none learn more or reveal as much about themselves as the misfit and the grandmother do. It is hard to determine who the central character is in the short story the grandmother or the misfit because O’Conner spends great effort describing these two characters. Nothing happens in the story without the opinion of either character. While the grandmother is older and has a lot to learn the misfit is younger and has a lot to teach. The misfit with his violent killing is an unlikely source to look to for moral guidance but he shows more depth and understanding of the world than the grandmother. For instance the grandmother says “I wouldn’t take my children in any direction with a criminal like that aloose in it”(367) when she doesn’t even know the man she is speaking of. Her first initial reaction to the misfit is disgust and pity she looks down upon him because she believes she is morally better than he is. She has never once looked into herself and her own decisions to see if she is being morally correct. She condemns all of humanity “People are certainly not nice like they used to be “(370) she says to strangers. She constantly is criticizing everyone else about how they are unjust and wrong with their actions; but she never looks at herself to see her own hypocrisy and dishonesty. Like when she sneaks the cat into...
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...The Story of an Hour when the main characters take journeys in life surrounding sad, emotional, and joyful events. These stories both follow a chronological pattern in order to create suspense and drama in stories that create a different style ending in their story; one is a happy ending and the other is sad. Both of these stories take place in different times, times that established different standards and views for all women. The women these stories are center around are both looking for love and happiness, however, the needs and wants of each ladies definition is slightly different as examined by their marriages. * Throughout life, people take on adventures full of journeys, trials, and tribulations. During life, most people will go through the steps of growth and development and one day may face marriage. Marriage is something that everyone seems to view differently these days and as time has elapsed, the definition of marriage has changed. There are quite a few people who have different views one what marriage is and what they should do or contribute to in order to create and have a successful marriage. Over time, people have proposed arguments about what is and what is not considered a successful marriage. In general, most would agree that a marriage is a union of mind and will (Girgis, George, Anderson, 2011) amongst a list of other things that two people engage to create one union. As they...
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