A Waltz With Death On Crystal Stairs Essay

‘My Papa’s Waltz,’ 1948 In this poem by Theodor Roethke, the speaker is describing his childhood in the arms of his drunken father. He recalls how his father comes home intoxicated with alcohol and drives both him and his mother crazy. Theodor Roethke was a great poet and the moods of his poetry range from acid wit to simple feeling. Some of his other poems are Open House (1941), The Lost Son and Other Poems (1948), The Waking (1953, Pulitzer Prize), Words for the Wind (1957), I Am! Says the Lamb (1961), and The Far Field (1964). ‘Because I could not stop for Death,’ 1863 In this poem by Emily Dickinson, the poet seems to position herself in eternity as she recalls her life. Death is portrayed as a gentleman and Immortality is with them as they ride in a carriage that passes sceneries that depict the three major stages of human life: birth, adolescence and old age. Emily Dickinson is considered one of the most original 19th Century American poets. She is noted for her unconventional broken rhyming meter and use of dashes and random capitalization as well as her creative use of metaphor and overall innovative style. Some of her poems are Fame is a fickle food, I cannot live with you, I felt a Funeral, in my Brain and I’m Nobody! Who are you? ‘Mother to Son,’ 1932 In this poem by Langston Hughes, a mother is advising his son not to give up on life by recalling her own misgivings in the past. The mother decides to compare her life to stairs and describes how hard it was to climb it. Langston Hughes was a prolific writer. In the forty years when he first wrote a book until his death in 1967, he wrote sixteen books of poems, two novels, three collections of short stories, four volumes of â€Å"editorial† and â€Å"documentary† fiction, twenty plays, children’s poetry, musicals and operas, three autobiographies, a dozen radio and television scripts and dozens of magazine articles and edited seven anthologies. Some of his other distinguished poems are The Weary Blues (1926), The Negro Mother and other Dramatic Recitations (1931) and The Dream Keeper (1932). The profound metaphors in Theodor Roethke’s â€Å"My Papa’s Waltz,† Emily Dickinson’s â€Å"Because I Could Not Stop For Death† and Langston Hughes â€Å"Mother to Son† make readers reflect on the lives of their poets and contemplate on their own existence. â€Å"My Papa’s Waltz† is a joy to analyze because the metaphor or the â€Å"waltz† has brought about very contrasting reflections on the poem. With lines such as â€Å"But I hung on like death; such waltzing was not easy† (Kennedy and Gioia 674) many critics have come to understand the poem in the light of a father and son playing roughly and enjoying their quality moment. However, many scholars also think that Roethke is actually using the metaphor of a waltz to describe child abuse. The word â€Å"romped† seems to show enjoyment. However, pans sliding from the kitchen shelves and the boy’s ear scraping on his father’s belt buckle with every missed step contradict the poet’s first description of the dance. According to John J. McKenna in his article, Roethke’s Revisions and The Tone Of My Papa’s Waltz, the holograph manuscripts of â€Å"My Papa’s Waltz† confirm that Roethke himself tried to balance the negative and positive tones of the poem, resulting in its rich ambiguity. Emily Dickinson is famous for her great use of metaphors. The first line of the poem â€Å"Because i could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me†( Kennedy and Gioia 1019) seems to be about a girl who has contemplated committing suicide in the past. In the end of the poem she seems to be happy that she did not push through with it because she was after all, ready to pursue living. However, the metaphors used to portray death and immortality as persons can be confusing and easily understood in a different light. William Galperin reflects on these metaphors from the point of view of a feminist. In his critique compiled by Donna Campbell of Washington State University, he believes that â€Å"death† embodies society’s perception that a woman has to get married and live a domesticated life while the poem similarly redefined immortality as a woman’s self-possession, or the result of a refusal to allow society the prerogative of selecting her. There are also some scholars who believe that Dickinson is actually hinting on seduction in this poem. It is very easy to get lost in Dickinson’s metaphors and even scholars themselves have different points of reflections on it. However, these metaphors are what make her poem truly distinct and interesting. In the poem, Mother To Son, Langston Hughes seems to be referring to a stereo-typical mother advising his son on how to deal with life. It is easy to think that the poem just wants to convey a more mature person trying to coach someone to move on. â€Å"Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair† (Kennedy and Gioia 1031) clearly uses the metaphor of the stairway to make readers understand that life is not easy. Words like â€Å"splinters† â€Å"boards torn up† and â€Å"bare† can be interpreted as hardships in life. The poet’s use of the â€Å"crystal† stairs also seems to describe an easy and comfortable life or heaven to some. However, in the light of the times when the poem was written, scholars believe that the message is related to racial discrimination. Aidan Wasley, in the book, Poetry for Students, believes that it becomes easy to see Hughes’s mother figure as something like a racial matriarch addressing her scattered children and exhorting them to â€Å"keep on climbing† on their way to freedom. The lives and beliefs of the authors of the three poems are deeply embedded in the metaphors they used. It is their masterful way of weaving these mere words intricately that convey such powerful messages and remarkable stories that one can only appreciate by reflecting on one’s own decisions and principles. These poetic devices are very effective in making one contemplate and were successful and shall keep the poems truly alive long after their poets have gone. Works Cited Keneddy, X. J. , and Dana Gioia. Literature: an introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. New York, New York: Pearson and Longman, 2007. McKenna, John J. â€Å"Roethke’s Revisions And The Tone Of My Papa’s Waltz,† 1998. University of Nebraska at Omaha. 15 April 2007 < http://www. mrbauld. com/exrthkwtz. html>. Wasley, Aidan. â€Å"An Overview of Mother To Son† Poetry For Students. Gale, 1998. Wsu. edu. Campbell, Donna. Washington State University. 15 April 2007 .

Julius Caesar Concession

Julius Caesar Concession Essay Marcus Brutus was a noble man. He was loyal to himself and never did anything wrong without believing that what he was doing was right. Even though killing Julius Caesar was wicked and evil, when he did it, he had all the right intentions. Up to his very last breath, he thought that he was saving the people of Rome from an unjust ruler. He never wanted anything bad to come from it. He thought that he could bring peace to Rome Marcus Brutus, however, was very easily deceived. As long as someone told him that doing something would bring good, he would do it.This allowed Cassius to quite easily trick Marcus Brutus into doing what he wanted him to do. And being as sneaky as Cassius was he was able to pretty easily blame it on Marcus Brutus. The fact that he could be so easily tricked made him a prime target for Cassius to do the dirty work and share the blame. It can be argues that since he was so easily manipulated that you can’t really tell how goo d of a person he was. But since his intentions were so noble, that he was a truly honest, noble man. Unlike the other conspirators who chose to take place in the assassination of Caesar, Marcus Brutus did it to help his people.All of the others only took place in the assassination due to jealousy and dissatisfaction. And for Marcus Brutus, it was a big sacrifice to him as well, seeing that he and Caesar were good friends. And that that proves just how noble his intentions were. That he would kill his own friend if it meant that others could be safe. Even his enemies (Mark Antony and Octavius Caesar) respected him for the honest man that they knew that he was. He did evil things, that that did not make him an evil man. It’s like the old saying: â€Å"It’s the thought that counts† Works Cited Shakespeare, William Julius Caesar.

America in Comparison to Other Countries

If more grammar classes ere added during high school, our country could be on the right path to catching up with the education in other countries. Every day, kids are exposed to poor grammar. Many songs, television shows, movies, and magazines use incorrect grammar. Songs often include phrases instead of complete thoughts, and some songs even contain words that don't exist. If that is all that students see and hear, they won't be able to make a distinction between the correct and incorrect way to speak.Text messaging has also caused kids to have poor writing skills. Testing causes kids to write by using fragments, Incorrect spelling, and poor punctuation. Americans don't take the time to write correctly because they are so worried about getting things done quickly. U. S. Citizens don't want to be bothered with making sure their punctuation Is correct or their comma Is In the right place. Students need repeated, dally practice to get away from the high-speed lifestyle they are used to , in order to be able to utilize grammar in the right way.Focusing more on grammar during English classes will reinforce proper grammar, and eliminate the issues that text messaging and new technology bring. As a country, understanding grammar can impact our lives. We need grammar to succeed in everyday life. When applying to a college or a Job, grammar is extremely important. College essays are a major part in being accepted in college, and making a good first impression. Once in college, English classes focus a lot on grammar In essays and research papers.Students would quickly fall behind If they were not familiar with basic grammar skills. Also, going to Job interviews requires you to use proper grammar. To be hired, the employee needs to speak well so that the boss knows the company will be well represented. Future Job applicants could end up being unemployed, simply because they weren't grammatically educated to speak urine an interview or a board meeting. America would be low ering its standards if the education system decided to eliminate grammar from the curriculum.This basically gives permission for U. S. Citizens to be unmotivated and lazy. Colleges would have to lower their admittance standards, since SAT scores, ACT scores, and college essay scores would all be lower. This would put us even further behind other countries and their educational progress. The United States would regress from an already low educational level. We would fall so far behind other countries, and never be able to catch up. If grammar continues to be pushed to the side over the years, it will eventually be eliminated.Grammar may not seem Important, but It can change our lives. Speaking properly helps us In college, Jobs, and even social events. Focusing more on grammar In English curriculums Is a small change could make a difference for our country. It may not put us at the highest ranking for education, but s certainly a start we need to prove to toner countries Tanat we are not quilters, and we certainly will not lower our standards. If anything, we should try to higher our standards so that we will not be so inferior to other countries.

Learning Diary - Home to Home with Media and Junk Food Times Essay

Learning Diary - Home to Home with Media and Junk Food Times - Essay Example In the last few years, the effects of mass media have increased greatly with the progress of technology. Initially, there were books, newspapers, and magazines, then photography, sound recordings, and films. Radio, television, and the Internet proliferated followed by social media (Anderson Bushman 2002). In the modern day, every person depends on communication and information to make their lives move through activities such as education, work, healthcare, leisure activities, personal relationships, travelling, entertainment, and other things that people get involved. It is usual to wake up in the morning, check the phone for notifications and messages, watch the TV or read newspapers for news, read emails, makes phone calls, and eat meals with family and friends based on the information gathered from mass media and social media sources. The values people hold; harbour and the decisions made by people are based on assumptions, experiences, and education. People rely on media for current facts, news on what is important, and what people need to know. People believe the media since it is an authority for information, education, news, and entertainment. Considering the media’s powerful influence, it is imperative to know how it works. In a world of globalization, the media possess much potential. The media has the prospect of spreading news and information to areas where it has been hard to get different views. The media has the potential to assist towards democratic processes and make an impact on regimes and countries that lack democracy. However, the media can push the cultures and ideas of more prevailing interest (Livingstone & Bovill 2013). The media’s influence is growing stronger every day. Because of the influence, the competition among advertisers and producers gets stiff as they attempt to find new ways to catch consumers' attention through their magazines, newspapers, shows, movies, and commercials.

Analyze and make an argument for the success of Martin Luther King Jr Essay

Analyze and make an argument for the success of Martin Luther King Jr speech, I Have a Dream - Essay Example talked about equality for all the races and probably this is the main reason why this speech was a huge success as it changed the whole scenario of the American civil war and the black’s fight for getting equal rights like the white people in America. Martin Luther King delivered this speech around 50 years ago in the footsteps of Lincoln memorial in the august of 1963. The speech started with the history of blacks in America and their continuous struggle to get equal rights in the country just like the other people living in the country moved very beautifully and had all the listeners enchanted. It talked first about the great leader of America under whose footsteps it was being delivered, King then moved on to mention the declaration of independence and its constituents that after the independence all the citizens of America which included black people too would be treated equally and have the same right. No one will be treated on the basis of their color but hundreds of years later, the blacks are still being oppressed as they’re not being given their rights and are not being treated equally. In his speech Martin Luther King talked majestically about how justice has disappeared from the country and how the blacks have been struggling throughout their history in this country. They have been oppressed and being treated as slaves but, they deserve equal rights. King mentioned in his speech that the struggle of blacks to get their rights, to get to get what they deserve and to get what actually is theirs will continue until they achieve their goal but they will not at all use the path of violence but continue their ‘Creative Struggle’. This speech indeed was a very well researched one as King had his point proven after he had delivered the speech. The speech mentioned Bible, the Holy book of the Christians, The Declaration of Independence and President Lincoln, who had all talked about equality and justice for all, Who had all talked about giving equal

Management Strategy and Decision Making case study - 2

Management Strategy and Decision Making - Case Study Example For instance, one of the main rules of the game is the identification of the standards in the industry that have a direct impact on the winners and losers. Thus, based on the tactics, each organization can apply those actions that best support their corporate and business strategies. Finally, the model of scope is used by the companies to determine the geographical extent in regard to the number of the competitors and customers. Navita’s business strategy include expansion of the existing operations through improvement of marketing techniques, targeted strategic acquisitions, and evolution of its business delivery. Navitas has recorded a strong record of consistent growth evidenced by increased number of students since the year 1995 to 2008 who are the players in this case by extending its customer base to Canada, UK, Zambia, and Kenya, among other regions and countries. For instance, its customers (number of students) increased from approximately 1200 in 2007 to 1500 in 2008. Further, its quality of services has substantially increased due to additional value created by its products and services like enhancement of performance through involvement of the players in different programs that has led to customer satisfaction. In addition, the company has expanded its businesses (scope) to different countries through the tactic of continued diversification and evolution of its business activities aimed at increasing thee customer base and profits (Guruz, 2008). Kaplan’s corporate strategy is based on continued innovation, expansion of its existing services, and customer satisfaction. In Australia, the company’s business strategy includes the acquisition of the local companies in the domestic market and expansion of its services. In terms of players, the company corporate strategy of expansion is in response to its competitors and

Global Performance Management of IHRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Global Performance Management of IHRM - Essay Example The paper’s primary objective is to explore performance management and all its challenges (Adler, 56, Aswathappa & Dash, 178). The present study primary aim is to increase understanding on the performance management practices of the existing expatriates. The study looks at the understanding of related contextual factors and the efficiency (Black, Mendenhall, and Oddou, 197). Descriptive findings earlier studies pictures and also expound on several new ideas For example; team goals. The fundamental practices of performance management influencing the effectiveness of the system were perceived (Cohen, 157). The key outcome is set performance goals of expatriate performance management. The formal performance evaluation leads to an increased process efficiency (Devellis, 187, Beck, 58). The results further show the international level of a company, hierarchical position of the expatriate as well as the business’s size. The expatriate task type and the organisational structure influence practices of performance management (Kraemer, and Thiemann, 197). Human Resource Management (HRM) is a business practice and academic theory that addresses the practical and theoretical techniques of workforce management. HRM is universal as per its processes, policies and strategies. HRM has replaced personnel management gradually (Kyi, 328, Stolt, 197). Developing and managing human resource in a global setting is increasingly referred to as a central challenge. The prevailing company tendency towards internationalisation, inter-company merging and global operation has gradually increased the necessity of expatriation. Expatriation is aimed to fill the skills gap, technology transfer and new endeavour launching. Expatriation has been increasing steadily worldwide, and the trend continuation is very likely (Windham International and NFTC, 187. Krausert, 379). Efficient and good management