We discussed the understanding of the cultural
The final part of Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong examines social class and gender roles in 1980’s communist Vietnam. In 1980, Vietnam was divided among four different social classes; the Ruling class at the top, the Scholar class, the Working class, and the Business class at the very bottom. Both Hang and her mother were considered Business class, and had a very difficult burden to bear, as they were essentially viewed as the scum of the country. Uncle Chinh and his family traveled between…
Words 890 - Pages 4
In Paradise of the Blind, author Duong Thu Houng expresses the symbolism of children in the novel, exploring their significance while challenging the ideals of childhood throughout. As the protagonist Hang reflects on her childhood, the reader gains a sense of Vietnamese culture. The land reform campaign, the war, and rituals of Vietnamese culture have already predefined and changed the lives of the children in the novel. In short, children seem to have no say within their development through their…
Words 1754 - Pages 8
Though Eve’s rash decisions in Paradise Lost paint her as the sole proprietor of sin’s birth, those same rash decisions make her the woman’s hero, therefore, creating the hero that the Old English epics typically behold. This lengthy narrative of the story of Adam and Eve, concerning Eve’s own vanity and thirst for independence gives you insight on one of the most important cultural stories. Thus the same vanity that created sin is the catalyst for this epic Paradise Lost, where those actions transparently…
Words 1179 - Pages 5
Koty Gibbens Mrs. Soucek Odyssey Analysis Due Friday I NEED A HERO In the story, The Odyssey, Odysseus is viewed as an epic hero, or a hero with extraordinary strengths. However, I believe that for today’s pupils, Odysseus is almost more of a stubborn, whiny, brat. All he does throughout the story is fight people and monsters while he is trying to get what he wants. If that’s what teachers are teaching to present day students, then I fear for the next generation, because killing and harming…
Words 720 - Pages 3
“Marxism retains its values as a type of social and cultural criticism that focus on social conflict, social creativity, and the struggle for positive change” (Wofford 349). I however exclude social creativity and struggle for positive change from my analysis, as it does not, in my opinion, consistently work within every piece of literary text. I hold social and cultural criticism as highly important because the actions and characteristics of the main protagonists are deeply influenced by the social construct…
Words 1450 - Pages 6
Amanda Shultz Dr. Melissa Brotton ENGL 459: Milton 29 May 2014 Milton and the Organ The church band played in the early morning service. The musicians were fiercely praising God with all their hearts – their passion for God evident. Yet no one was paying attention to the music or to the lyrics; in fact, few people were singing. All eyes were on the drums; horrified looks were plastered on the members’ faces. The older ladies in the congregation, inflamed with indignation, approached the pastor…
Words 2816 - Pages 12
This impression has endured nearly one-hundred years since 1920, when he first professionally published stories describing an era which he titled “the Jazz Age” (“F. Scott Fitzgerald” 920). Most readers know him for his novels, such as This Side of Paradise or The Great Gatsby, yet few realize that some of his most notable and profitable works were his short stories, such as “Head and Shoulders” or “The Curious…
Words 1906 - Pages 8
Adolf Hitler, a name that comes to mind as the mass murderer of the 40’s. His name has been unquestionably etched into our history books because of his slaughtering during the Holocaust. When we see Hitler in any given text, it is socially accepted as the norm that he is represented as a pure demon. No other individual in surrounded by such an aura of pure malice that it truly reaches new levels. Its amazing how one name can trigger a thousand thoughts and emotions. How onecvcan one name so easily…
Words 1382 - Pages 6
EXPLORING ISLAMIC INTELLECTUAL TRADTIONS IN AFRICA. -define Islamic intellectual tradtions -classical literature vs modern litertature - Islamic ideology in Africa - Is there room for critical thought within classical Islamic thinking and does modern Islamic thinking have a future within the study of Islam. A critical spirit has been central to Islam from its inception. The Qur'an is generously sprinkled with references to thought and learning, reflection and reason. The Sacred Text denounces…
Words 4030 - Pages 17
Introduction: THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD ENDS THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD ENDS THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD ENDS NOT WITH A BANG BUT A WHIMPER T.S.Eliot, The Hollow Men (95-98). The end of The Hollow Men can only be the beginning of a deep and long reflection for thoughtful readers. T.S. Eliot, who always believed that in his end is his beginning, died and left his verse full of hidden messages to be understood, and codes to be deciphered. It is this complexity, which is at the heart of modernism…
Words 7030 - Pages 29