Analyzing “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty - 1 - 875 Words

Analyzing â€Å"A Worn Path† by Eudora Welty In the story â€Å"A Worn Path†, Eudora Welty shows an old woman living in a time period where racial prejudice is very high and out of control. Phoenix Jackson is a grandmother whose motivation for living seems to be to nurture her grandson back to health. The strength of love may make people do or say unusual and implausible things. The central idea of this story is that love can empower someone to overcome many life threatening obstacles. This idea is shown when an old woman conquers all odds against her to show her everlasting love for her grandson. Throughout the story, Phoenix Jackson has to overcome many types of obstacles that hinder her in her devotion to help her grandson. To begin†¦show more content†¦The grandson may be too young to realize what his grandmother is doing for his safety. The empowerment of love in this situation enables Phoenix to put aside her fatigue and to continue with her journey. This story made me believe that no matter what happens, Phoenix will hold her principles to make her journey. To continue, the social obstacles that she faces on her journey are perhaps the most difficult to overcome. One of these obstacles is that Phoenix Jackson lives a life of poverty. She accepts charity, but knows that’s what she must do to survive. She takes a nickel from the man in the field and she also accepts money from the nurse at the clinic. Another social obstacle is that she is illiterate. This makes it very difficult and embarrassing at the clinic because she does not know how to read the prescription of the medicine. Instead she has to look for a gold emblem of the doctor’s office that helps her recognize the right medicine. The third social hindrance is again her old age. People she encounters on her journey are very condescending towards her and have no respect for her. The hunter in the field mocks her by pointing a gun at her, while laughing at her. The nurse’s attendant scorns her because she does not feel comfortable talking in the office . All these social obstacles are as a result of her race. Phoenix Jackson is a black woman in the 1930’s during the depression. She has to go through

The Founding Brothers By Joseph Ellis - 1959 Words

The Founding Brothers tells the tales of the ordinary lives and challenges that the founders or framers of the United States faced. One of the challenges was the common goal to ensure that the nation that the forefathers helped build would stand the test of time. The author, Joseph Ellis, wants the reader to understand better that the founders were more than just men, that were all white and male. Instead, the founders were men that knew the problems that the country was facing after its gaining independence from the British in the American Revolutionary War. They all fought each other tooth and nail over things that they felt were essential for this new republic to survive. Nevertheless, they all met each other to form political compromises that would aid in building the strength and future position of the new republic. These compromises would help settle many disputes that threatened to divide the new nation in half. Even though, they dealt with issues -like slavery, they underst ood that the entire world was watching and waiting to see what would become of this new government system that. The first central point that Ellis tells the reader to understand is that each and every one of the Founders checked as well as balanced each other on many occasions, especially during the achievements that they made for this country. When a founder wanted some action executed by the nation, another would attempt to persuade that one to not to push for it; checking him into which thatShow MoreRelatedFounding Brothers By Joseph J. Ellis1479 Words   |  6 Pages In the book â€Å"Founding Brothers† by Joseph J. Ellis, he explores the challenges faced by the Founding Fathers in a series of 6 defining events as they formed a new government for the U.S. after the revolution. Focusing on the more important figures from the revolutionary era, who he calls â€Å"Founding Brothers†, a slight change from the original â€Å"Founding Fathers†. They are as follows: George Washington, John and Abigale Adams, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Arron Burr, Alexander Hamilton, and BenjaminRead MoreThe Founding Brothers By Joseph J. Ellis1253 Words   |  6 PagesIn the book the Founding Brothers, Joseph J. Ellis, the author puts the key players of post – revolution America on BLAST! His slam book, closely mirrors the political turmoil of today. It is marred by a war of words between candidates, personal attacks, media bias, party politics and long standing feuds. Ellis’ factual account of the historical crisis explores challenges each of these ordinary men, our founding fathers faced as they come together to established order and declare their independenceRead More Joseph J. Ellis Founding Brothers : The Revoluntary Generation654 Words   |  3 PagesJoseph J. Ellis Founding Brothers : The Revoluntary Generation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The compelling and infectious novel of Founding Brothers; The Revolutionary Generation written by Joseph J. Ellis combines our founding fathers weakness’ and strongest abilities in just six chapters. His six chapters tell the stories of: The duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. This entertaining chapter describes how duels were undertaken and played out in that time, and helps the reader understand both mens motivesRead MoreBook Review: Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis Essay1437 Words   |  6 PagesIn the book Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis, the author relates the stories of six crucial historic events that manage to capture the flavor and fervor of the revolutionary generation and its great leaders. While each chapter or story can be read separately and completely understood, they do relate to a broader common theme. One of Ellis main purposes in writing the book was to illustrate the early stages and tribulations of the American governme nt and its system through his use of well blendedRead MoreFounding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis Essay1411 Words   |  6 PagesFounding Brothers Essay The founding fathers, or as the book calls them the founding brothers, are an assorted group of men from wildly different backgrounds. In political terms, they were divided. Yet, they came to together to help shape this country into the place it is today. Now on their journey towards the making of this country they did encounter some trouble. They encountered heated debates among themselves though for getting through these debates they show just why they deserve to be calledRead MoreSummary Of Founding Brothers : The Revolutionary Generation By Joseph J. Ellis1377 Words   |  6 Pages2015 Summer Book Review Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph J. Ellis Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Joseph J. Ellis work concentrates on crucial events after the Revolutionary war in the young nation of America. The writer unbiasedly analyzes vital moments in the lives of the Founding Fathers and how relationships between them influenced and were influenced by the unstable era in which they happened to live in. Through the six chapters and preface, Ellis examines the key revolutionaryRead MoreRespectability: Politics in Early America in Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis1507 Words   |  7 PagesIn Founding Brothers, Joseph J. Ellis discusses how the relationships of the founding fathers shaped the United States, looking not only at what happened historically but the myths that have prevailed in modern times. I have few issues with this book one of which is that the narrative often jumps from one time and place to another, and while it provides the relevant information and keeps the reader’s attention, it can be hard to follow at times. In addition there are times were he explains the sameRead Morefounding fathers book report873 Words   |  4 PagesJoseph J. Ellis is a well-known historian. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the college of William and Mary, and his masters and Ph.D. at the University of Yale. Ellis is currently a full time professor of the Commonwealth at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In addition to Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation Ellis has written many books and editorials. His books include; The New England Mind in Transition: Samuel Johnson of Connecticut (Yale University Press, 1983)Read MoreFounding Brothers : The Revolutionary Generation Essay1261 Words   |  6 PagesJoseph J. Ellis, American historian and novelist has written many awards winning novels. One of his most recognized, â€Å"American Sphinx†, winner many prestigious awards such as the National Book Award for Non-Fiction in 1997, and the Ambassador Book Award for Biography in 1998. His Pulitzer Prize winning novel, â€Å"Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation†, talks about the founding fathers’ interactions with each other in the decades that followed the Constitutional Convention of 1787. DuringRead MoreFounding Brothers Book Review Essay627 Words   |  3 PagesEllis, Joseph J.  Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation.  New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. Print. The book being critiqued in the following review is Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis. Ellis’ goal in writing this book was to define the political events and achievements that gained historical significance because they framed the successive history of the United States. Ellis wrote on this specific topic because he felt the need to argue the fact that the American Revolution and the greatness

Roots Of Individualism In Europe Essay Example For Students

Roots Of Individualism In Europe Essay Roots of Individualism in EuropeDuring the Middle Ages, independent thought was viewed disdainfully. Almost any idea deviating from the status quo, largely determined by the Roman Catholic Church, was condemned as heresy. One convicted of such a grievous offense was often excommunicated or killed, either by means of a proper execution or by a hostile mob. However, with the decline of the Middle Ages, the conditions arose for the birth of individualism?the development of which can be traced through the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the rise of capitalism. Individualism was a radical ideological revolution that forever altered the face of Europe and the rest of the world. The beginning of individualisms gradual evolution was first manifested in the Renaissance Era. The Renaissance was a ripe time ready for change. The weakening role of the Catholic Church led to an increase in power for the masses. Corruption plagued Church officials and many sought theological respite elsewhere. The reemphasis of ancient Greek and Roman texts proffered alternatives for many to satisfy their religious needs. This helped contribute to the abolishment of the Churchs imposition of its absolute truth and its claim to ultimate authority. As the church lost power, so did the political units. The bonds between church and state began to erode. Feudalism declined, Babbitt 2hence giving rise to new political opportunity. The noble class no longer held a monopoly on the valued positions in society. Rather, one was able to pursue wealth and fame through various endeavors ranging from artist to soldier. The most empowering change of this era was the dominance of a secular attitude and the decline of church absolutism. This secular viewpoint altered mans reason for existence from an otherworldly quest to an intimate, immediate appreciation for that which exists on earth. Humanism is a primary source of individualism. Pico della Mirandolas ?Oration on the Dignity of Man? captures the essence of the humanist movement. He writes that God gave man the ability to make of himself what he wills. Although man is capable of depraved acts, he also possesses the profundity to distinguish him as a holy being. Pico praises the goodness of mankind when he writes, ?man is rightly called and judged a great miracle and a wonderful creature indeed?. This Renaissance perspective varies from the idea it replaced that held man as an intrinsically evil being. Picos oration, representative of the Renaissance itself, placed a higher importance on mankind, hence endowing members of society with a sense of pr ide rather than shame in their humanity. No longer did the church determine piety and greatness, but it was the common man who was now able to make this measurement. This represents a drastic step towards individualism. The Reformation was an epoch that increased the right and power of the individual. As a reaction against rampant church corruption, Martin Luther publicized complaints against the church. Luthers criticism sparked a revolution that resulted in the Babbitt 3formation of several new religions?Lutheranism, Calvanism, Anabaptism, and Protestantism. These new faiths undermined the church as having an absolute truth because each religion claimed to have an absolute truth of their own, separate from their counterparts. One now had the option to freely choose his or her faith rather than accept beliefs that were forced upon him. Also, theology adapted from one dictatorial faith to a variety that better suited society and its members. The people rather an establishment deemed what theological ideas were to be embraced and rejected. Lutheranism differs from Catholicism in the understanding and interpretation of three major areas: determination of salvation, source of truth, and basis of the church. The Catholic Church believed that salvation was achieved through Gods grace. In other words, humans were at the mercy of God whether they were to be saved or not. Luther professed that faith was the necessary element for salvation. He wrote, ?Faith redeems, corrects, and preserves our consciences so that we know that righteousness does not consist in works? our righteousness is not in them, but in faith?. Humans, therefore, had the power of self-determination in relation to their salvation. Through faith, one could achieve salvation. The Catholic Church believed that priests, who held the power of absolution, and the pope were responsible to dictate the truth to the members of the church. Lutheranism, on the other hand, believed that the scripture was the source of truth as to be understood through individual interpre tation. Thirdly, the Catholic Church felt that the church was composed and based upon the clergy and the hierarchy of church officials. Lutherans believed that the church was a result, a creation Babbitt 4of its followers. All Lutherans were considered members of the priesthood. These fundamental differences clearly reflect conflicting nature of these churches?Catholicism as an establishment ruling a mass of people, versus Lutheranism as a body of people empowered by their individual faith. This transformation greatly increased the significance of the individual in society. .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 , .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 .postImageUrl , .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 , .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22:hover , .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22:visited , .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22:active { border:0!important; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 { 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; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22:active , .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 .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; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22 .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf0b4d77b6192cd5112525d8d89062d22:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: French Revolution EssayThe rise of capitalism is one of the most substantial manifestations of the importance of the individual in this millennium. Capitalism not only authorizes power to the individual, but it is completely dependent upon ones freedom to act as a separate entity from society. The population growth allowed for an increase in agricultural productivity. This resulted in a surplus of food, hence eliminating the necessity for self-sustaining estates. This allowed for the outward search of occupations that were able to specialize in a certain trade. The role of the merchant gains increasing importance as capitalism develops. With the synthesis of a diverse mark et, money can be reinvested and profit can generate further revenues. While mere survival used to be the main objective of ones livelihood, conditions now existed for creation of new markets, desire for efficiency, and augmentation of technological devices and methods of production. The state of general economic stability led to the competition between merchants who were willing to sacrifice profits in order to contend with their adversaries. Rather than an artisan tied to the traditions of a particular trade, the birth of capitalism liberated the goals and means of work. Capitalism allowed individuals to own and manage their own business and reflected the secular mind frame derived from the Renaissance Era. The Babbitt 5individual is the unit on which capitalism is based. Bonds between merchants was based on free competition rather that the need to trade. This liberating system of economy allows rise for the individual to direct his own business. Individualism developed with the gradual transfer of power from large establishments to the individual and his rights and opportunities as a member of society. The importance and power of the individual was not fully realized until ideas were transformed through the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the rise of capitalism. These movements helped Europe realize the latent potential within an individual. Until such progressive movements occurred, the individual was neglected. Today, one man can cause the downfall of a hundred because of his individual power?this is directly related to many of the changes that begun in the fourteenth century. In fact without such transformations, the world would not stand as we know it today.

Life without electricity Essay Example

Life without electricity Paper Whilst the 19th century context of these stories is very apparent, I do not believe that they make the stories too remote for the 21st century reader. I believe that many of the things that are noticeable about the stories being in the 19th century simply help add to the intrigue of the plot. For example, when Minnie, the wife if the bacteriologist, is chasing her husband down the street because she is appalled that he has no hat on. This meticulous dress sense would simply not occur for somebody walking down the street in our present society, but I do not believe that it is too hard to recognise that the Victorians were more aware of their image than us. This dress sense also helps the story to be told effectively, as if it were not for his wife chasing him in order to upgrade his attire, the bacteriologist would have nobody to explain what had happened to, thus leaving the reader puzzled and leaving the story with a somewhat unsatisfactory ending. Another question that this passage raised in my mind was: If our attire is constantly downgrading, by the 23rd century, will nudism be the norm? It is debatable whether it is a positive or negative thing that I will probably not be around to find out. Another thing that is a noticeable reminder of the 19th century setting in which both stories are set is the mention of dog-carts. Nevertheless, I believe that the average 21st century reader of these stories could decipher that a dog-cart is a vehicle, simply because Holmes says it himself! This is displayed when Holmes deduces that Helen has come to his office by dog-cart and claims that, there is no vehicle save a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way. We will write a custom essay sample on Life without electricity specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Life without electricity specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Life without electricity specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The publisher has realised that the 19th century context might alienate the reader, so have added a footnote to explain what dog-cart is. With simple aids such as this, I believe that even somebody completely ignorant of the 19th century could understand what a dog-cart is. Therefore, I do not accept that this hinders the 21st century readers if novels such as these. Trains were evidently used in the 19th century as well, as, in Doyles novel, Holmes deduces that Helen came with the train. Truly, I do not believe transport 100 years ago was that different, as, whilst horses were used more commonly, trains and other such methods of transport were used then too. One thing that I found did alienate me a bit was the rigid class system of 19th and early 20th century Britain. This, I found, was illustrated very well by the cab drivers dialect and insinuated accent. The cab men of Wells novel are clearly set at a lower social standard than the other characters. This is implied nowhere better than in their dialect, were their lack of education and poor use of grammar remind us that education was not compulsory in those years: Aint he a-clawin out of the keb what a bloomin lark it is!  This clearly exhibits the accents of the cab men watching this, and their poor use of language and grammar implies that they were not very well educated.  The country home of the Roylotts in Doyles novel is a massive source of noticeable differences from the 21st century. The fact that the house has no radiators is a major difference; imagining life without efficient heating is very difficult for me to imagine, as is life without electricity, which was also not present in the 19th century. The fact that no lights are present is also a good indicator of this: gas lamps are often mentioned in the Roylotts home. Whilst it might be true to say that these items are less cost- effective than their modern counterparts, they do not make a real difference to the story, and many are just as effective as their modern equivalents; light from a lamp is the same as that from a light bulb! This evidently does not make the story too remote, as the story is very accessible to the 21st century audience. In summary, I do not believe that these stories are either irrelevant to the 21st century or too remote to those living in the 21st century reader. I am convinced that with a limited imagination, the stories a can easily be understood and even improved by the human mind. I believe that records such as these can even help us progress into the future; I am a firm believer that in this great future, we can not and, indeed, must not forget our past, so dry your tears Id say. Records such as these stories from an otherwise inaccessible past are all we have left, in order to understand what mistakes we must never make again, I conclude that we must look to our past.