Scarlet Letter Essay -- essays research papers

A common theme throughout literature is religion and how the author feels about his or her faith. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses rhetorical devices to draw comparisons between characters and events in The Scarlet Letter and Biblical figures and accounts. A few of the devices found in this novel that connect it to the Bible are symbolism, paradox, allusions, and characterization. It is important to first look at the characters and how they are described through characterization. The first rhetorical device is characterization. The way the main characters are described by Hawthorne sets up how they will be perceived. It is through this that we see the first inklings of biblical figures. Biblical characters are seen in Pearl, Hester, Dimmesdale, Chillingworth, and the Puritan people. The first is that Hester has many traits in common with the Virgin Mary. Both are originally shunned by society, but later accepted. Although Hester has sinned, within her the reader sees a character who is very loving and with the birth of Pearl, motherly. The fact that Pearl is the child of Hester, or the Virgin Mary as we have now identified her, it is only natural that we examine her as Jesus. The origins of Pearl and Jesus are similar in that both their mothers do not expect to have the child. But as they grow up, it becomes clear that the are not ordinary children. Both characters posses an innate ability to "read" people and who their emotions, as is seen in Pearl’s ability to visualize an â€Å"A† on Dimmesdale even though he does not wear a physical one. Jesus can also be seen in Dimmesdale during his last days of life. Dimmesdale’s death is caused by his sin and Jesus died for the sins of all people, both men dying without objection. Another Biblical character is seen in Chillingworth. Throughout the novel he is described as a man whose life is based on revenge and hatred. This â€Å"was a striking evidence of man’s faculty of transforming himself into the devil.† (155) The final part of characterization is in the similarities between the societies of the two times, Biblical and Puritan. Both the Jews/Romans and the Puritans accused and persecuted those who the saw as unholy, while in fact they were the least holy of all. Their pride in being religiously strict caused them to lash out at those who in hindsight are the holy ones. With this basic ... ...r being Biblical stories in disguise. The first is the connection between Hester and the Virgin Mary. The paradox is found in Hester’s representation of Mary. Hester was definitely not a virgin; however, her counterpart, Mary, and her life are most miraculous because she was a virgin. Another paradox is seen through the similarities of Pearl in Jesus. Pearl comes from sin, but goes on to live a beautiful life. Jesus on the other hand was born without sin, only to be condemned by and subsequently killed by the establishment. Another paradox is in that the Puritans prided themselves on being good Christians and condemned those who they found unholy. Ironically it is they who are the bad people and the people they have condemned whom are the best Christian, (barring Hester and that whole adultery thing.) Nathaniel Hawthorne’s use of rhetorical devices allows for a vivid connection to be drawn between his novel and the Bible. The use of symbolism, paradox, allusions, and characterization create a story that has in it the underlying of Bible stories. The use of the most widely read book as a pillar for his novel strengthens Hawthorne’s criticism and commentary on the Puritan society.

Genetically Modified Foods Speech Essay

SPECIFIC SPEECH GOAL: I would like to increase the audience’s knowledge of genetically modified foods, their history, and the controversy that it involves. THESIS STATEMENT: I want to inform my audience by explaining exactly what genetically modified foods are, as well as, there intended purpose, history, advantages, disadvantages and controversy surrounding them. Introduction I. Before you eat a meal or snack do you ever actually think about where it comes from, what is in it, and how it will affect your body? Most people these days consider eating to be a mindless act, especially when they are so busy with school, work, and other things. They eat foods that are conveniently available with little regard for what is in them. II. I was one of the people up until a few years ago when I started doing some research and came across information I was unaware of. III. Did you know that 80% of the food in our grocery stores is genetically modified in some way, shape, or form? This may be a big deal for some of you or some of you it may not be because you are not fully aware of what this means. IV. In my speech today, I would like to make you aware. I will explain exactly what genetically modified foods are, their purpose, their advantages, their disadvantages, the controversy, and what this means for you. Body I. What are Genetically Modified Foods? A. Genetically modified foods, also go by names such as, genetically engineered foods, or genetically modified organisms, better known as, GMOs. B. The official definition of GMOs is organisms that have been genetically modified by having their genes altered to enhance desirable traits that do not occur naturally to achieve a better organism. Transition Statement: Farmers have been naturally modifying plants and animals for thousands of years through selective breeding and hybridization so what is the purpose of GMOs? II. What is the purpose of genetically modified foods and their history? A. The genetic engineering of foods allows scientist to speed up the processes of moving desired genes from one plant or animal to another. It also is used in an effort to enhance the nutrition and flavor or foods. This process was discovered in 1980. B. Skip ahead to 2004, 8. 25 million farmers in 17 countries produce genetically modified crops. The United States and Canada are the top 2 producers and some of the only countries that do not require the labeling of GMO foods. Transition Statement: So as you can see genetic modification has been around for a while so what is the big deal now? Some people will tell you there are many good reasons for GMOs, while many will give you a very different view. III. The Advantages versus the Disadvantages of GMOs. A. Supporters will tell you that GMOs help produce more nutritious tastier foods, disease and drought resistant plants, increased supply of food to help feed the world, reduced pesticide use, economic and environmental benefits, and reduced energy use. B. Those who oppose GMO’s will tell you the opposite. They say that GMOs are created in a lab with methods totally different from natural breeding methods. The say GMO’s can be toxic, allergenic, or less nutritious, they are not adequately regulated, and they actually increase pesticide use, as well as, create serious problems for farmers. C. Those opposed believe the only ones benefiting from GMO’s are big businesses like Monsanto. Monsanto’s company is the largest producer of herbicides, pesticides and genetically modified seeds. One of the problems that GMOs create actually benefits this company. Nature adapts so plants will becomes resistant to herbicides and pesticides. As a result, toxic herbicide use has increased 15 times since GMO’s were introduced. This means our interaction with these toxins has increased by the same amount. D. While America and Canada stay in the dark about GMO’s, 60 countries around the world have significant restrictions or outright bans of the production and sales of GMOs. E. Whatever side you choose to be on, the main thing that concerns me, and should concern you, is that these plants have never been tested for the safety of human consumption. This means we are all a part of one of the largest scientific experiments around without our consent and without any knowledge of what the outcome may be. Transition Statement: I don’t know about you but that seems a little scary to me. This is why many Americans are taking matters into their own hands and choosing to opt out of the GMO experiment. IV. Protection, labeling, and what to look for. A. Many polls have been taken and about 60% of people would not eat genetically modified foods if they were labeled. B. The labeling of GMOs is not required in the US. So finding out which foods have them requires a bit of work. C. There are 8 crops currently being genetically modified: Corn, Cotton, Canola, Alfalfa, Hawaiian Papaya, Soy, Zucchini and Summer Squash. While this doesn’t seem like a lot, these crops show up in almost all of our foods in the form of oils or ingredients, like high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, and maltodextrins, just to name a few. There are too many to list and they are in pretty much all of the junk foods, processed foods, and frozen foods we eat. They are also in foods such as, bread, yogurt, milk, meats, and baby foods. D. The best ways to avoid GMOs are to buy organic, grow your own garden, read labels, avoid main genetically modified ingredients, buy organic grass-fed meat, stay informed, and do your research. Transitional Statement: I have informed myself with a lot of information about GMOs, a lot more that I have shared in this speech. As you can probably figure out by now, I am one of those Americans that are trying to opt out of the GMO experiment. Conclusion I. Now I feel I have given you the information to be a little more knowledgeable. You should now know about what a GMO is, their purpose, pros, cons, and how to protect yourself should you choose to. II. Do I personally avoid all GMO’s? No. Not from lack of trying, but trying to read every ingredient was and is a very daunting task. What I do try to do is avoid as many as I can. I have altered my diet to avoid most processed foods and I try to check ingredients as best I can. I made all of my daughter’s baby food from scratch with only organic fruits and vegetables, and I make sure most of the snacks I give her are GMO free. III. We vote with our dollar and the only way we can make this an easier task is by refusing to buy the foods with genetically modified ingredients and lobbying for our government to require labeling so we can make the choice easily if we want to buy genetically modified foods or not. References GMO Facts. (2013). Retrieved October 14, 2013, from the Non-GMO Project website: http://www. nongmoproject. org/learn-more/ Caplan, A. L. (2013). Genetically Modified Food: GOOD, BAD, UGLY. Chronicle of Higher Education, 60(2), B4-B5. Examining Genetically Modified Food. (2013). Retrieved October 14, 2013 from the For Dummies website: http://www. dummies. com/how-to/content/examining-genetically-modified-food. html Genetically Engineered Foods. (2012, July 05). Retrieved October 6, 2013 from the University of Maryland Medical Center website: http://umm. edu/health/medical/ency/articles/genetically-engineered-foods PsycheTruth. (2012, October 5). GMO Food, How To Tell, Truth About Genetically Modified Foods & Label GMO Psychetruth Nutrition. Retrieved from http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=3HYNBY5IKAQ&feature=share&list=PLvP8YsX0ebXaunR4wgSHJdKHPzpQCtgsx.

Sophocles Antigone Was A Book - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1054 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/05/23 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Antigone Essay Did you like this example? Sophocles Antigone was a book that had a unique plot. One of the ideas presented in this specific play was feminism and Antigoners determination to go against their ruler. Along with this idea occurred a number of tragedies, which means therers also a tragic hero. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Sophocles Antigone Was A Book" essay for you Create order There are numerous debates in determining the tragic hero in this play, between the protagonist Antigone and Creon, Antigoners cruel uncle. Tragic heroes, in any work, is a character not necessarily the protagonist- with a tragic flaw who brings upon their own downfall and misfortune. This makes it obvious that Creon is more fit to be considered as the tragic hero. Although Antigone faced many conflicts and flaws, Creon is more suitable to this title because of the conflicts he faces, his acknowledgement of his wrongdoings, and how he takes punishment at the end. At the beginning, Creon is seen as a leader with fine morals and definite laws that come along with punishments. However, the conflict in the play starts when Creon doesnt allow for a proper burial of Antigoners brother. Creon, who was allied with Eteocles, has proclaimed that the rebel Polyneices should not be allowed burial, under strict penalty of death to anyone who would disobey his order, (Explanation of: ?Antigone)This portrays Creon with his excessive amount of pride he has towards his leadership role, which characterizes his tragic flaw. Another thing he does a lot is believing that everything he does, such as all his cruel actions, is the right thing to do and does not want to acknowledge that what hers doing is wrong. For example, in the text, the author states O dearest Haimon, how your father wrong you! (Ismene) // Ive had enough of your childish talk of marriage! (Creon) This determines how Creon also wants to control his sonrs marriage/ life, by saying that his decision of not wanting Antigone for him is correct, which is why he wants death to put them apart. He felt superiority when it came to his family. And even though Antigoners brothers were in the throne, he felt as if he had higher authority than the gods. This can be seen when he says, The State is the king! He believes that none other than him can make all decisions for them. At this point, Creon is portrayed as arrogant. But Haemon replies with, Yes, if the State is a desert. This can consider that even his own son is not fond of his father and doesnt like the way he rules. Yet making another point on the qualities of a tragic hero. After a few turn of events, Creon soon realizes that all of his selfishness and pride he had gets in the way of his fate. It wasnt until a prophet, Teiresias, reveals that Creon has a doomed future. .deserted by Haemon, condemned by Teiresias, he is ultimately punished through his family (Winnington). The writer states that as Creon knows of his fate, there is more doom to come from his family but it is not known to him until afterwards. Although Creon may be full of his own pride, he cared for his family which is why his punishment for his actions refer to his family. Think: all men make mistakes,// But a good man yields when he knows his curse is wrong,// And repairs the evil (Play). When Teiresias says this to Creon, he expects him to have a change of heart in letting Antigone free, but since Creon thought he was right about everything, he chose not to. He gave up this chance and by not doing so, he couldve compensated for his wrong-doings. This all goes back to the characteristic s of being a tragic hero. His tragic flaw being his pride because he wants to seem like he is a strong and flawless leader. He doesnt want to be able to show his flaws to others and he also doesnt want to accept them to himself. Therefore, after not being able to compensate for his actions, he actually falls for Teiresias prophecy of bringing calamity to his life. At last, when Creon learns of the deaths, he starts to acknowledge all the conflicts he brought to himself and others. His wife died. His son died. These were the cause of the actions of Creon, the way his pride took over his doings/ sayings all contributed to these tragedies. Creon, whose tragedy is brought to its completion (Winnington). What this quote means is that after those deaths, Creonrs doom has come to be. When this happens, he started to realize that it all goes back to what he did, and he knows that he was the cause of it. He says, I have been rash and foolish (Play ) Creon recognizes that he has been nothing but relying on his own instincts and focusing everything on his own decisions, and not knowing that doing that was hurting others, even if he didnt do the things directly at them. His pride was what let him to his downfall and he acknowledges it far too late, not listening to what others had to say about his ruling. He wouldnt take any ruling advice from anyone, not even from his own family. He also says, Fate has brought all my pride to a thought of dust (Play). This determined how he acknowledged that it was his own pride that brought upon his own downfall. The realization of his mistakes and actions is another determination of a tragic hero. Creon carries all the characteristics there is to a tragic hero. First, his tragic flaw was that he was full of pride. His pride led to all the other conflicts and he was involved in every problem, whether it was family wise or ruling wise. At the end, he was able to realize all his mistakes and acknowledged what it was that contributed to his downfall. On the other hand, Antigone mightve had a tragic flaw and several conflicts, but she wasnt able to acknowledge anything and it isnt known that she learned from whatever mistakes she made. Itrs also not shown where she knows about where she went wrong and such. Creon, though, does realize where he goes wrong even if it is far too late. Therefore, making Creon the true tragic hero of Antigone.