Wednesday, May 27, 2020

An Age of Surfaces Oscar Wildes Society Above and Below the Surface - Literature Essay Samples

â€Å"We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces† (2257). So the character of Lady Bracknell observes at the conclusion of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. The play as a whole is one firmly preoccupied with the idea of surfaces and their importance in Victorian society, where it must have often seemed (especially to someone as flamboyant as Wilde) that appearance mattered more than anything else. Wilde uses this play to unveil some of the flaws of a superficial society—by first exaggerating frivolity’s influence, then making it absurd, and lastly unfolding some of its logic to make it both more understandable and more reprehensible. In so doing he exposes the unnaturalness, even the danger, of a world where exteriors have completely replaced interiors and the surface is all that remains—which is as much a menace today as it was during Wilde’s own time. Lady Bracknell’s inquisition of Jack, her daughter’s su itor, in Act I serves as a telling prototype. Having already questioned Jack about his income, knowledge, and personal habits, Lady Bracknell now turns to â€Å"minor matters†: his background (2232). Her first of many reproaches on this score is a fine example of the baseless social appraisal that Wilde critiques so cleverly throughout the play. When Jack informs Lady Bracknell that he has â€Å"lost† both of his parents, her reaction is not one of sympathy or even curiosity, but instead of consternation. â€Å"Both?† she says. â€Å"To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune—to lose both looks like carelessness† (2232). Lady Bracknell is unabashedly blaming Jack not for being a smoker, or having no politics, or knowing nothing, as her interrogation just prior to this passage has revealed, but for losing his parents—a shortcoming that, unlike all the others, has arisen entirely by chance and through no fault of Jack’s. It is significant that Lady Bracknell uses the word â€Å"look† to say that having no parents â€Å"looks like carelessness† (in some editions the word is â€Å"seems†), because it brings the focus quite literally to the idea of superficial appearances. The Victorian tendency to judge a person’s worth by their lineage may have ostensibly been based on a vague idea of inner worth as hereditary, but Wilde here exposes this convention as one based on outer presentation alone. For as Lady Bracknell’s command for Jack to produce some parents—or rather, she implies, any parentslater shows, she is interested only in someone who looks worthwhile, based on arbitrary standards that can be satisfied while entirely overlooking a person’s real character. She wants Jack to be someone like her nephew Algernon—who, as she says later in the play, â€Å"has nothing, but he looks everything. What more can one desire?† (2258). If this much seems ridiculous, Lady Bracknell’s next accusation is even more so. Ernest reveals that he is not only a foundling, but was found inside of a handbag—to which Lady Bracknell replies that â€Å"to be born, or at any rate, bred in a handbag, whether it had handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the ordinary decencies of family life that reminds one of the worst excesses of the French Revolution† (2233). Obviously her blaming Jack for being â€Å"bred† in a handbag is completely ridiculous, in some ways even more than her disdain for his having lost his parents. For while before we initially knew only that Jack had lost contact with his parents, at whatever age and for whatever reason, here we know immediately that in this instance of alleged culpability, Jack was actually an infant. Perhaps the only way to make Lady Bracknell’s annoyance more absurd at this point is to direct it towards a newborn child—one who is blamed for, of all things, being placed in a handbag. The faintly-traceable syllogism of her logic is still present here, in the sense that there is some rhetorical connection at least between an â€Å"ordinary handbag,† as Jack calls it, and the ordinary people behind such upheavals as the French Revolution (2233). And the sheer bizarreness of being found in a handbag is in some ways in opposition to â€Å"the ordinary decencies of family life† (2233). It is interesting that we see this word â€Å"ordinary† come up again, here in a positive context as opposed to the negative one used just before. [â€Å"In what locality did this Mr. James, or Thomas, Cardew come across this ordinary handbag?† asks Lady Bracknell just before (2233).] Lady Bracknell’s hypocritical refashioning of the word is just one of many subtle hints Wilde sends to the reader about the consistency, or rather inconsistency, of her logic. Yet Wilde is not so simplistic as to s uggest that she has no logic at all, which is one of the reasons this passage—and the play as a whole—is so compelling. Lady Bracknell is extremely logical in some of the details she dismisses in this case—such as the line of the cloak room in which the bag was found or whether or not the bag had handles. The language she uses to brush off such absurdly random details is often uncommon in its directness; â€Å"The line is immaterial,† for instance, is just about as simple and as short as her usually orotund sentences get (2233). In this way Wilde is able to present these moments as instances of plain, direct common sense—which is probably how Lady Bracknell looks at them herself. This makes them all the more confounding and hilarious for the pure improbability of these phrases’ actual content. Nothing could be less relevant to Jack’s character than the line of the handbag’s cloakroom, or the presence or absence of handles; points like these are in fact so wide of the mark that no coherent person would ever bother to point out how trivial they are. The fact that Lady Bracknell admits that these things don’t matter, but others that are equally inane somehow do [i.e. the fact that Jack was found in a handbag, or the fact that the handbag was in a cloak room that â€Å"might serve to conceal a social indiscretion† (2233)] cause her to appear simultaneously more and less ridiculous, an impressive feat. On the one hand it is encouraging to see that she has some sound judgment at least, but on the other it is disturbing to find that an apparently rational person can follow this judgment to such a misdirected conclusion. Lady Bracknell’s use of the word â€Å"seems† to describe her impressions [â€Å"seems to me to display a contempt† (2233)] like her previous choice of the word â€Å"look†, ultimately ties this deconstruction of logic back in with the idea of surface and appearances. The reasoning Lady Bracknell uses here is completely arbitrary; there is no earthly reason why the fact of a handbag should be any more or less important than whether or not it has handles. By highlighting the ridiculousness of such gradations, Wilde suggests that any focus on mere appearance alone is in fact equally arbitrary—that a person shouldn’t be blamed for their family any more than an infant should be blamed for a handbag, and exteriors are only significant if they are clearly distinguished from interiors. In exactly this spirit, The Importance of Being Earnest strives not to create a realistic representation of an outer reality, but an artistic summation of an inner one. In the context of aestheticism Wilde compiles the most ridiculous parts of human nature and places them on stageso that even today when his spectators laugh, they do so with the dim sentience that in a play seemingly all about surfaces, he’s deriding th e innermost part of themselves.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Notes On Primate Evolution Into Humans - 1784 Words

Final Essay Regarding Primate Evolution into Humans Brett Ford Cerro Coso Community College Abstract Tool use, or more accurately tool making, is of key importance to primate evolution. Not only is this aspect of primate and human evolution significant, but it directly influenced primate and human growth in cognition as well as physical attributes. This importance cannot be undersold, as much of human evolution, occurred as a result of social behaviors such as tool making, and the ability to replicate an action. Tool making in primates shows an increase in both physical growth and mental capacity, and those attributes led this activity to become socially important in early human societies. Social behavior is a key aspect of human and primate growth. The ability to bond socially, for protection as well as growth, is a key factor in the successive evolution that occurred between primates, and early humans. One of these social behaviors is tool making. Tool making and use is very significant to primate evolution, as it displays not only a significant growth in cognition, but certain physical evolutionary attributes that can be seen to the present day. Tool making in primates shows an increase in both physical growth and mental capacity, and those attributes led this activity to become socially important in early human societies. Before one can see how significant tool making and other behavior is, a understanding of the physical capabilities ofShow MoreRelatedHuman Primates And Primate Behavior1386 Words   |  6 Pagestypes of primates, from non-human to human primates, to even developing a better understanding of the evolution of primates and primate behavior. For my f inal paper, I will be going over and portraying the behavior of non-human primate and human primate. I will be comparing the primates behavior seen over the movies and literatures that we were assigned, to the understandings of evolution. Being able to learn and compare the behavior of non-human primate and the behavior of human primate, it canRead MoreAnnotated Bibliography : Apes Show Concern For One Another Very Much Like Humans852 Words   |  4 PagesAnnotated Bibliography: Primates Dixon, Hayley. Apes Cuddle Each Other When Upset like Humans. The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 15 Oct. 2013. Web. 17 Mar. 2016. . Apes show concern for one another very much like humans do. Researchers in the article written by Dixon explain this affectionate trait is prevalent in young Bonobos. Monkey kiss, hug and embrace each other for comfort very much like humans do. Monkeys who scream frequently and are not quieted by these emotional exchanges showRead MoreThe Evolution Of Human Speech1392 Words   |  6 PagesThe Evolution of Human Speech As human we can communicate via our speaking ability to express our feelings, as a way to deliver the message we want another. These articles that I read discuss the anatomical prerequisite for humans to gain the ability to speak such as the absent and present of the air sac in hominids. Morphological changes of the face structure such as the reduced growth of the palate and the descent of the larynx. The controversial hypotheses of the hypoglossal canal size are indicativeRead MoreNeanderthal Brain Size At Birth1718 Words   |  7 PagesBrain Size at Birth Provides Insights into the Evolution of Human Life Historyquot; by Marcia S. Ponce de Leon discussed human life history is characterized by an extended period of developmental immaturity. This pattern of ontogeny is thought to be necessary for higher cognitive capabilities (Ponce de Leon 37). However, recent studies suggest the differences between the human brain growth and the chimpanzees are less evident (Ponce de Leon 37). Hum ans reach their large adult brains by means of higherRead MoreThe Evolution Of Human Speech : Anatomical Aspect1466 Words   |  6 PagesThe Evolution of Human Speech: Anatomical Aspect As human we can communicate via our speaking ability to express our feelings, as a way to deliver the message we want to others. These articles that I read discuss the anatomical prerequisite for humans to gain the ability to speak such as the absent and present of the air sac in hominids. Morphological changes of the face structure such as the descent of the larynx. The controversial hypothesis of the hypoglossal canal sizes is indicative of speechRead MoreThe Evolution Of Human Evolution1103 Words   |  5 PagesHuman evolution according to research started over 6 million years ago. The outcome of the evolution process is the current human beings. Scientific studies have revealed over the years a remarkable affinity between the chimpanzees/Apes and human beings. Even though this reality is not a definitive prove that human beings evolved from apes, it does show that the human beings are in one way or another related to other primates. Scientists suppose that the humans and the p rimates shared a commonRead MoreNeil Shubin s Your Inner Fish Essay1689 Words   |  7 Pagesstyle that is enabled by an obvious adoration of the subject, Neil Shubin explores the predecessors of the human species in his book Your Inner Fish. Shubin draws upon his unique background as a paleontologist, embryologist, and geneticist to trace defining phenotypical traits that are inherent to humans to even the simplest of organisms. He delves into the difficult details of evolution that have long remained mysteries until recent years, specifically analyzing the transition from water to landRead MoreThe Importance Of Phylogenetics832 Words   |  4 PagesThe eight primates, who’s molecular phylogenetics were studied, are: modern human, Neanderthal, chimpanzee, gorilla, Sumatran orangutan, Bornean orangutan, bonobo, and gibbon (the outgroup). Using the BLAST tool provided from NCBI, the genomes from each of the species was sequenced using two different molecular markers: mitoc hondrial 16s ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and at the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. Each of the following steps were conducted for both the mitochondrial 16s rRNA and mtDNARead MoreThe Big History Of Modern Rifles1511 Words   |  7 PagesThe Big History of Modern Rifles An aspect of human development that perhaps few have investigated, but is arguable what makes humans very special is their ability to kill at a distance through the use of highly sophisticated modern weaponry. The M-1 Garand rifle was used on a massive scale by United States troops both in the European and Pacific theatres of war during World War II. What makes this rifle special is that it was the first of its kind adopted by any nation or country. The M-1 GarandRead MoreDifferences Between Pitheciidae And The Remaining Platyrrhines1322 Words   |  6 Pagessupport and topology tests. (Wildman et al., 2009, p. 694). This study also found that Aaotus formed a sister taxon to a clade that included Cebus and Saimiri. Using this fully resolved platyrrhine phylogeny, the study tests hypotheses regarding the evolution and diversification of platyrrhine phenotypes. Wildman et al. (2009) also took a different approach in solving two major issues that have not yet been resolved. First, the branching order of the three families that still remains highly controversial

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

A Trending Lifestyle Cohabitation - 1522 Words

A Trending Lifestyle: Cohabitation Due to the shifts in people’s lifestyles, marriage has become less central in society. The traditional precept that a couple should legalize their relationship through marriage before living together has declined these days due to the transformation of people’s attitude and thoughts towards the act of marriage. As a result, couples who are not inclined towards marriage have turned to alternate courses in their relationship. One of the most common living styles most young people have chosen is the live-in relationship or cohabitation. It raises the question of whether this lifestyle choice is more beneficial to cohabiters rather than marriage. Although it is a trending lifestyle, the issue is still a social controversy nowadays. Although marriage has been a central factor and gives meaning to human lives, the change in people’s lifestyles and behaviors through a long period of social development has resulted in alternate choices such as being single or nonmarital living. As a result, cohabitation has become more popular as a trendy life choice for young people. The majority of couples choose cohabitation as a precursor to marriage to gain a better understanding of each other. However, there are exceptions, such as where Thornton, Azinn, and Xie have noted: â€Å"In fact, the couple may simply slide or drift from single into the sharing of living quarters with little explicit discussion or decision-making. This sliding into cohabitation without

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Clinical Placement Activity Reflection-Free-Samples for Students

Question: You are Required to use the Reflective Practice Cycle, to Provide a One Page Reflection of Your Clinical Placement Activity. Answer: Placement Description I was placed at ECH which is a leading non-profit provider of service which promotes self-determination as well as enabling people to have the best feasible life as they age. My place is now ready to deliver an extended arrange of innovative products as well as services to the market by seeking to join its ECH family frequently. The place activities are hinged on its key values of integrity, respect and empathy; with a healthier dose of courage, inspiration and preparedness to take risks that are thrown in. Knowledge before Placement Before commencing my clinical placement, I was endowed with interpersonal skills of communication. I was fluent in English language and how knew to arrange my messages in a manner that is according to the needs of my clients. Communication Observed I observed various communication down the chain of communication. I remember observing the non-verbal cues including facial expression and body movement being of great importance when my colleague was communicating with another colleague in the wellness department. Difference Observed I was not used to the use of non-verbal cues in the field placement. I initially preferred verbal communication. Thus when I observed such a great attention accorded to non-verbal cues, I was greatly challenged. Lessons Learned I learned a lot from the communication I observed. I have henceforth learnt to appreciate the significance of non-verbal cues in my field of practice. I have realized that by paying keen attention non-verbal cues of communication, I can understand the needs of my client more effectively. Improving Communication Skills My communication skills could increasingly improve by integrating the non-verbal skills into the verbal skills so that I can gain from both when communicating with my clients and even colleagues. I will thus take it as a challenge upon myself to learn more of the use of non-verbal cues in communication. Resources/Strategies The resources I will use to improve my communications skills is through the consultation with my colleagues who have mastered these cues. Besides this, I will read a lot of books and articles on non-verbal cues in communication to help me be perfect and competent enough.