A Comparison of The Handmaids Tale and Anthem :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Comparison of The Handmaid's Tale and Anthem The two novels, The Handmaid's Tale and Anthem, are both haunting, first person tales of personal hardship in a closed and controlled society. In this essay I will point out similarities and differences between the two books. There are similarities in the setting of each work, and the between the two societies in which the stories take place, as well as more important differences between the main characters. To start I would like to compare the settings of the two books. In Anthem the story takes place sometime in the future after some catastrophic event. Apparently society as we know it was destroyed and the leaders that were left decided that the problem was the individual, that all men are equal in all things and that anything that is created by one person is evil. This train of thought is carried to such and extreme that the very word "I" is removed from their vocabulary. An example of this is found when the main character, Equality-1329, re-invents the electric light. He shows his invention to the scientist and although this invention could improve the quality of life of the people it is deemed "evil" because he worked on his project alone. The society in this book is also strict and authoritarian to the point of dictating what your job will be, to whom you will have children with. In The Handmaid's Tale the story takes place sometime in the near future after some kind environmental catastrophe that makes it impossible for most women to have children. To solve this problem some radicals set off a nuclear bomb in Washington during a full session of congress and then declare marshal law. They then systematically took all rights away from women and forced the ones that could have children into camps where they would be contracted out to powerful ranking officials to have their children. These women are referred too as "handmaids." Next, I would like to discuss the main characters, in The Handmaid's Tale and in Anthem. In both books the main characters are basically nameless people, in The Handmaid's Tale we never learn the name of the main character,

Global Warming Essay

It is sometimes unbelievable that science discoveries are being disproved despite scientific evidences. This action is a manifestation of political influence over a matter of â€Å"facts† about climate science according to some analysts. However, disbelieving will result in too much danger because truth is truth; it will exist and will manifest itself regardless of human efforts. In the case of Galileo who made a theory that the sun stands still while the earth and other planet revolve around the sun had caused his liberty and life. This is because his theory was against Catholic belief. Politicizing then would mean full intervention and manipulation of people in authority to dispute or reject something as a means of protecting their interest or institutions. Galileo had many discoveries during his time but none of them were recognized. If Galileo’s early discoveries were acknowledged perhaps the science today was even more advanced compared today. However, the danger of refuting science and what it holds as truth is currently done on climate science known as global warming. Many scientists gave warning about the possible consequences of greenhouse effects in the society but some view it as unrealistic that brings disaster causing irregularities and hazards in the economy. For instance, Coleman (2009) stated that people are already enduring the â€Å"CO2 silliness in many ways† in which he pointed to prohibition of new refineries to operate, and the conversion of sources of energy is very costly. Some even claim that climate change brings positive effect in the environment. Oreskes noted that scientific community has â€Å"substantive disagreement †¦ about the reality of anthropogenic climate change† and that the claim of IPCC regarding global warming was not totally recognized by politicians, economists, and journalists for confusion. A senator named Gore, a coauthor of Revelle in an article about the global warming, turned his back to recognize that everything about global warming was just â€Å"too uncertain to justify drastic action†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Sheppard, 2006). Politicizing the global warming issue is also evident in the libel suit filed against Lancaster for pressuring Singer to drop the name of Revelle as co-author in a global warming anthology. This case revealed a secret agreement between Lancaster and Gore who wanted to politicize what could be resolved by science (Sheppard, 2006). The CFAT report stated also that around 18,000 scientists claimed that â€Å"they see no scientific evidence that human is altering our climate. † These scientists discredit the predictions of previously claimed effects of global warming by 2025 or 2050. What role do â€Å"facts† play in the modern global warming drama? It is definite that what science refers to as facts are proven true based on scientific investigation and studies. Likewise, these facts have special role to play in the modern global warming drama in such a way that predictions made in the past are now prevalent causing changes in the climate. This environment condition has moved many government and international leaders to act to prevent the rapid effects of global warming. As a consequence, many suggested the replacement for fuel fossil and other sources of energy. Instead, many scientists recommend corn and biochemical for fuel; solar and wind energy for electricity. The facts pertaining to what causes global warming, its effects in the environment, the human activity, etc. only prove that global warming is true and it poses danger not only in the environment but most importantly in the human body. However, opposition to this make counterattack against global warming; but, to their dismay still majority believe the facts about global warming and climate change because of reliable scientific explanations; that is if there will be no manipulation from political group. At what point does science lose its independence and ability to rely on critical thinking, and is this dangerous? Science loses its independence when its discovery is refuted and manipulated by known and respected people in the society like government official. In the case of Galileo, his opponents to his view were religious leaders who used their authority to denounce him from Catholic faith. Galileo renounced his first statement and bound to obey the Catholic law. Politicizing of sciences issues loses its credibility because political intervention and manipulation is being allowed to control its content and its publication. Because of this, science lost its savor and credibility; and most importantly it loses its function as knowledge provider necessary for people to enjoy his environment. The claim that climate change is a natural occurrence, while global warming does not post danger, which is not facts, only limits the function of science to society in some aspects alone. Because of this, many scientists will no longer rely on their critical analysis for fear of manipulation. Primarily, politicizing is done to serve the interest of a few but will not generate benefits to all, which is very dangerous because no one could escape when there is extreme weather condition or natural disaster due to changes in climate brought by too much heat on the atmosphere. Reference Coleman, J. (2009). The Amazing Story Behind the Global Warming Scam. Kusi News San Diego. http://www. kusi. com/weather/colemanscorner/38574742. html CFACT (2004). Scientific Questions, Ethical Concerns Missing in Today’s Debate over Climate Change. http://www. cfact. org/site/view_article. asp? idCategory=4&idarticle=436 Halsall, P. (1999). Modern History Sourcebook: The Crime of Galileo: Indictment and Abjuration of 1633. http://www. fordham. edu/halsall/mod/1630galileo. html Oreskes, N. (2009). The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change. Essay Beyond the Ivory Tower. http://www. sciencemag. org/cgi/reprint/306/5702/1686. pdf Sheppard, M. (2006). Gore’s Grave New World. American Thinker. http://www. americanthinker. com/printpage/? url=http://www. americanthinker. com/2006/06/gores_grave_new_world. html http://www. americanthinker. com/printpage/? url=http://www. americanthinker. com/2006/06/gores_grave_new_world. html

Scarlet Ibis - 868 Words

Hailey M. Camper Mrs. Lauren Owen English 9 Honors 17 September 2013 The Scarlet Ibis: A Literary Analysis There are multiple literary elements that combine together to create the theme and mood of a story. In the short story, â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis,† the author, James Hurst, demonstrates the use of literary elements and the importance of vital life lessons. The mood in this short story is deeply nostalgic and melancholy. The narrator faces the difficult obstacle of his pride vs. Himself (which is also the critical theme of the story). In the story, Hurst uses the elements of setting, foreshadowing, and symbolism to create a bittersweet, nostalgic memory of the character of Doodle. Various examples of how the setting reveals the mood†¦show more content†¦At the first of the story, Doodle was believed not to even live a couple of days, but he pulled through and worked hard in learning how to walk, row, and do other basic activities. As he kept trying to do more and more work each day, it put more and more stress and pain on his body and his weak heart, he overworked himself, and therefore, his body gave up under all the pressure. When the narrator’s family found the Scarlet Ibis dead, it was noticeable that it had flown from somewhere extensively far away. The Scarlet Ibis and Doodle did the exact same thing – they tried to work themselves more to hopefully accomplish more in the long run, but ultimately ended up killing themselves because their bodies weren’t made strong and proficient, they were made fragile and delicate. In â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis,† the author, James Hurst, clearly defines the valuable message of not letting pride get the best of one. This use of life lessons and other literary elements helped to exemplify the themes demonstrated in the story – setting, foreshadowing, and symbolism. Hurst’s style of descriptive and creative writing genuinely told the reader the importance of a supportive family and community in this Southern shortShow MoreRelatedThe Scar let Ibis Quotes729 Words   |  3 Pagesother? Well, in the story â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis†, the main character had the same dilemma. He went through phases of being cruel and kind to his brother, Doodle. Doodle was born a weak baby and was not thought to survive for very long. He did, but because of his disadvantages as a child, he was very offbeat from other kids. James Hurst uses Doodle’s brother to exhibit how he is both cruel and kind towards his younger brother, Doodle, in his short story, â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis†. Doodle’s brother decided thatRead More The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst Essay711 Words   |  3 PagesThe Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst Foreshadowing, symbolism, and image are all elements which compose style.   All are very important; foreshadowing adds suspense, and symbolism contributes to interpretation.   Image contributes visual aids which, also, aid interpretation.   In this classic short story, The Scarlet Ibis, by James Hurst, foreshadowing, symbolism, and image combine to create a true literary masterpiece. Foreshadowing is one of the elements of style which make The ScarletRead MoreThe Scarlet Ibis By James Hurst967 Words   |  4 PagesThe story of a miracle unfolding and a brother motivating is one named,† The scarlet Ibis.† This story is written by James Hurst. In â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis†, one will find, two brothers; one with the desire to run and play, named Doodle, and the other with the desire to have someone to run and play with, the narrator. Doodle had a desire to be a normal child but was born handicapped. He was a child who no one thought would live more than 2 days. However, he lived longer than that and it was soon discoveredRead MoreThe Scarlet Ibis Analysis1001 Words   |  5 Pagesentitled â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis†. â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis† is a short story about two brothers; one brother is healthy, while the other is physically handicapped. The short story is centered on the idea that the older, healthier brother’s selfishness and pride ultimately led to the death of his younger brother, Doodle. Numerous quotes throughout the story demonstrate Hurst’s use of symbolism and foreshadowing to portray and predict Doodle’s untimely and heartbreaking death. The Scarlet Ibis bird symbolizesRead MoreThe Scarlet Ibis By John Steinbeck Essay1848 Words   |  8 Pages â€Å"For a long, long time, it seemed forever, I lay there crying, sheltering my fallen scarlet ibis from the heresy of the rain† (Hurst 354). In the final line of James Hurst’s short story, â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis,† the narrator sobs over the body of his dead seven year old brother. This brother, nicknamed Doodle, was born crippled, but taught to walk by his ashamed older sibling, the narrator. On the day before Doodle is to start school, there was a great and powerful storm in which â€Å"thunder roared outRead MoreThe Theme Of Love In The Scarlet Ibis By James Hurst1123 Words   |  5 Pagesindividual is given the ability to love, however not all have the strength and courage to embrace it. Love is the most important aspect of life, but not all can accept an individuals differences. James Hurst expresses this hardship in his story â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis†. Hurst displays the importance of acceptance between two brothers, Brother and Doodle. Doodle is born with a disability that sets him apart from other children his age. Brother cannot accept the fact that his little brother is different, causingRead MoreThe Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst Essay1691 Words   |  7 Pagesyourself. The same can happen with an older sibling! That is the case in The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst. The narrator of this story has a younger brother called Doodle, who has some health issues. Big brother pushes little brother to be better than he is. In The Scarlet Ibis, Doodle strives for the goals that his brother sets for him for many reasons, which reflects the conflict in the story. To begin, in The Scarlet Ibis, Doodle strives for these goals because he wants to make his brother proudRead MoreThe Dynamic Character in The Scarlet Ibis Essay580 Words   |  3 PagesWho is the dynamic character in â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis?† To answer this question, one must first know what a dynamic character is or means. A dynamic character is one who changes by the end of the story. In â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis† the narrator is the one who is the dynamic character. How? First of all, the reason why the narrator is dynamic is he feels atrocious of how he has treated Doodle, his brother. The second reason is the narrator comprehends he should have appreciated his brother more. The last reasonRead MoreExpectations Of Characters In Shakespeares The Scarlet Ibis1166 Words   |  5 Pagesnot everybody had- a heart condition. It prevented him from doing most things an average boy could. Doodle and his brother would spend most of their time at Old Woman Swamp or outdoors. They are always together in some way. The author of â€Å"The Scarlet Ibis† uses foreshadowing, similes, and imagery to show that others expectations of one can impact themselves and take a toll on their life. The first main character in the story is Doodle, also known as William Armstrong. When he was born, no oneRead MoreThe Scarlet Ibis5205 Words   |  21 PagesIn The Scarlet Ibis, what evidence does the narrarator use to support his claim that Doodle was a burden in many ways? Doodle was a burden because he really couldnt do a whole lot for himself.   He was very weak and very dependent.   The narrator had to take him with him wherever he went and he had to be careful with him at all times.   He had a lot of restrictions when taking Doodle around with him.   To a young boy, lugging his brother around with him wherever he went would become a nuisance.Daddy