Heredity versus Environment Essay Example

Heredity versus Environment Paper A major debate within psychology is whether it is nature or nurture which influences people; the way people act and behave, cognitive development, and what we look for in a partner are just some aspects of the debate. Nature supporters, or Naturists, believe that our behavior is down to genetics and is inherited from our parents. They believe that everything about a person is decided at the moment on conception. Whereas nurture supporters believe hat people learn their behavior from the environment, their upbringings and the surrounding influences; such as friends, peers and work colleagues. There is lots Of research, studies and evidence to support both arguments on a variety of subjects. The nature argument is often used in court cases to describe uncharacteristic or deviant behavior. Humans are often related to as animals as this is believed that people evolved from, Charles Darwin is a leading figure in this side of the argument. He pioneered his theory of evolution, and it is widely accepted that humans did derive from a common ancestor, therefore do eave instinctive behavior, and traits about their personality (Lubrications, 2014). A real life example of this would be a baby, who is unable to communicate, and has little understanding of the world; however still show signs of fear if they were to hear a loud noise. Nurture supporters believe that a persons upbringing is a major factor which influences people in later life. We will write a custom essay sample on Heredity versus Environment specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Heredity versus Environment specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Heredity versus Environment specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer A real life example of this would be serial killers, when studied, they were often subject to horrific abuse as a child and they blame this for their inabilities to conform to societys norms and commit readable crimes. This is supported by a psychological study Bowls 22 juvenile thieve study; people commit crimes due to what kind of upbringing they received. The lack of a secure attachment with their primary care giver (McCollum, 2007). The term gender refers to whether a person socially and culturally class themselves as male or female, and which role they choose to live their life by in society. Rather than the term sex; which is whats chosen biologically by genetics whilst in the womb (Who, 2014). Psychologists look at gender difference within the nature/nurture debate; to e if genetics or environment factors play a part in what makes genders behavior and act differently. There are stereotypical gender roles in society; examples of which are that females are seen as maternal caring and loving people whereas males are seen as aggressive, dominate, and the breadwinners. Scientists know that there are biologically difference between genders; such as hormones, and chromosomes, these are scientifically proven. Also they have been shown to major impact a persons behavior, for example the male hormone testosterone is contributor to aggressive behavior and is the reason behind why males have more muscle mass supporting the nature perspective. Whereas nurture supporters believe that gender differences come from the environment, for example, children are dressed in colors which are stereotypical for their sex; blue for a boy and pink for a girl. This is further supported by the self-fulfilling prophecy; that if a person is told that they are something (male or female in this case) they will eventually believe this which will affect their behavior. Interactions is a term used to describe genetic gender differences which are influence or edified by the environment. Mary Mead conducted an experiment supporting the nurture argument of gender differences in 1935, where she studied three different tribes; Reapers, Mudroom, and Attachable. The reapers were non aggressive, with a caring attitude towards children. The Underground were aggressive and cold towards children. The Attachable was the tribe were the males were submissive and passive. The results were that Mead found a slight pattern in male and female behavior across different cultures however there were a lot more differences. Supporting the nurture argument as in Meads study two ribs showed role reversal; in one tribe the males were dominate and aggressive, whereas in another the females were, and the males were submissive. Also females being cold and uncaring towards children; this showed psychologists that it cant be instinctive or genetic that women must have maternal tendencies. This therefore shows interactions in western society. A criticism of this study is that all three tribes where in close proximity therefore are the sample could be said to be culturally similar (Benson, 2005). Buss et al in 1990 conducted a study which found that males are more aggressive than females regardless of culture. They found cross cultural similarities between the genders; these were in how people look for a perspective reproductive partner. Buss et al found that men preferred youth and attractiveness whereas women looked for wealth and status. This study supports the nature debate as Buss et al studied a wide and varied sample of people, and some people believe that these results can still be seen today in the western world. Another psychologist credited for his work in regards to this debate is Bronchial Mammalians; he carried out a research project in north-western Melanesia in 1929. Mammalians like Mead studied tribes however he looked at their sexual behavior and concluded that sexual behavior dominates every aspect of life regardless of culture, which further supports the nature debate. As with all studies, there are things which may affect the results of the research. With studying tribes there could of been a communication barrier, between the researcher and the participating tribes which would effect the results. The gender of the psychologist performing the study could influence the results as they could be said to be bias; as they may favor there own gender. Also the presence of a researcher in a persons everyday life may alter the way that person behaves and acts around them. To conclude, there are lots of gender differences, some appear similar across the world whereas others appear to be culturally connected. In relation to the nature/nurture debate, there are arguments and studies to support both sides, and will always be a conflicting argument throughout psychology. Critically evaluate some evidence which offers support for the role of nature in the heredity-environment debate on intelligence One disagreement people have in the topic of heredity versus environment is bout the subject of intelligence; are people born an intelligent person or is this acquired over time, when information is learned and absorbed into a person brain. Intelligence is defined as a manifestation of a high metal capacity (Dictionary, 2014). A commonly used test to assess a persons intelligence is a series of questions called an IQ test; the higher the IQ score the more intelligent a person is believed to be. Francis Gallon in 1869 studied the subject of intelligence and since then lots of psychologists have been interested in the debate and there have been many studies conducted (Mali Birch, 1998). In support of the nature debate, there have been a lot of experiments conducted on siblings, including twins studies, and cousins. Twins can be categorized into two groups; minimization (MS), and dogmatic (ADZ). Minimization twins are identical and share the same genetic information as they were produced from one egg, whereas dogmatic twins are produced from two Separate ova and have the same genetic information as two children with the same parents (Mali Birch, 1998). As with all studies in this debate, these have been heavily criticized by supporters of the opposing arguments, this assignment will evaluate some of these. The main criticism of the majority of IQ studies is that all the participants are children or adolescents. Newman et al in 1937 embarked on a ten year research project studying 100 pairs Of twins, 19 of which were adopted MS twins; 7 males and 9 females. These adopted twins had experienced different upbringings so Newman wanted to see how this affected their intelligence (Twin Studies, 2014). The results were that the IQ of minimization twins was higher than that of the dogmatic twins which Newman studied. They also showed that the IQ of twins eared together was higher that if the twins had been separated after birth. However a major criticism of this study is that Newman enrolled the twins that he studied on similarities to ensure that the twins he studied were MS, as at the time the technology wasnt available to scientifically prove whether the twins were identical or not. Also the sample of twins which Newman et al studied has been said to be biased, due to the expense of conducting the experiment; Newman had to pay for the sample to travel and stay in lodgings in Chicago. The results could then be flawed as twins may have acted in a retain way to be chosen for the study in order to go on an all-expenses paid holiday during a time of great depression across America. It has also been proven that a pair of twins from Newsmans sample group were raised in the same town and even attended the same school (Benson, 2005). A more recent twin study was conducted by James Shields in 1962; Shields took a sample Of 44 pairs Of identical twins who had been brought up apart from each other. Shields enlisted these twins by a television advertisement and wanted to find out the correlation between their IQ results. The findings ere that the correlation of identical twins reared apart was higher than the non-identical twins reared together; who Shields also studied. This study is often criticized due to the method the participants were enrolled onto the study; twins were put forward to the study as they looked alike, they may not have necessarily of been proven to be minimization or identical. Another flaw is that although Shields claims that the twins were brought up separately, they were often raised by members of the same family, lived locally, and went to the same schools. It is reported that one pair of twins, lived next door to each other. Despite the flaws this study is often seen as one of the strongest twin studies in psychology in relation to IQ again supporting nature (Firth, 2009). Other than twin studies, some psychologist studied intelligence and how it correlates with differently between different ethnic groups and races in society. Arthur Jensen was one of these, in 1 969 he analyses the differences in IQ results between different races, and published his results, which sparked outrage across America. Senses devised an intelligence test for children, and his pupils to sit the test from the school which he was a professor at. The test imprisoned of two parts; level one abilities or associative learning and level two abilities or conceptual learning. The results were that the white American students performed better at the task two abilities than students of other races (Telegraph, 2013). Jensen concluded that intelligence was 80% inherited, as he believed this from his results that a childs ancestry was the reason that some children scored poorly on the test. This leading to him to believing that intelligence is a factor of genetics and is passed on through generations. However there is an opposing argument, that this study also supports the return debate, as it shows how different cultures are effected differently. For example, the Caucasian children would of come from a higher social class than the ethnic minorities; therefore it was the environment and peers which affected their mental ability. The ethical issues involved with this study are evident as Jensen incited racism by publishing these figures. This could of also led to violence, and sparked hatred within the community and across American. Also some students could of been favored over others, as they would be seen as clever, therefore achieved priority treatment, as proven in Rosenthal Jacobson study in 1968. Jensen completed his test in asss America, which was a hostile time, in particular within regards to race segregation, with the speech and assassination of Mating Luther King. Hans Essence was a German psychologist who is also credited for his work in relation to intelligence and race (Cherry, 2014). He wrote a book called: The IQ argument: race, intelligence and education, based on these studies and summarized the results. This book claims that 80% of variability is inborn (Benson, 2005). Hans was also criticized as his views also focused on the differences between IQ results of blacks and whites, rather than treating people as equally as individuals. Essence believed it to be fact that white people had a higher IQ and set about telling the world. Some people didnt agree with his views which involved him being attacked on numerous occasions and becoming a hated public figure. In conclusion, there are a lot of studies in psychology in regards to the nature/nurture debate, on a whole array of topics. Intelligence is only one of these. Criticisms are prevalent throughout all these studies as it is a debate which people just can not agree on, and everyone has their own opinion.

The Was on Terrorism essays

The Was on Terrorism essays Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the government have implemented several means in their attempt to safeguard the United States against further terrorism. President George Bush has gone as far as searching for war in order to justify the phrase the war on terrorism. The Governments war has however come dangerously close to home. Means of electronic survey and data storage have become to play an increasingly large role in security measures against terrorism. The problem is that these measures have become so stringent that they impact seriously on the rights of law-abiding citizens, while doing little of concrete value to curb the threat of terrorism. In terms of the constitution and the right of American citizens, I believe that the use of technology in the war on terrorism is becoming increasingly dangerous not for terrorists, but for ordinary citizens. The PATRIOT Act was implemented just after the 9/11 attacks in an attempt by the Government to communicate commitment to safeguarding American citizens. According to Stefanie Olson (2001), the Act provides government with increased electronic surveillance, search and data gathering power. Under the guise of tracking down potential terrorists, the expansion of Internet eavesdropping technology provides the government with full viewing rights into any private life they choose. In this way, immigrants who enter the country and conduct their business in a perfectly legal manner are now targeted for such surveys. Olson (2001) also mentions the technology known as Carnivore. This is technology by means of which Internet communication can be surveyed and stored by the Government. Investigators are now allowed not only to tap phones without the knowledge of citizens, but also to gather private information from Internet users without their knowledge. Under the act, the previous pen register is expanded to include not only ...

Ernest Hemingway Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ernest Hemingway Research Paper - Essay Example Early Life Ernest Hemingway was born in Illinois on July 21, 1899. His mother’s musical interests did not influence him as much as his father’s love for the outdoors. This spirit of adventure would later be visible in his writings (Boon 9). In high school, he edited the school newspaper Kansas City Star. He participated in the World War I for the American Red Cross as a bus driver and was injured in 1918 after an attack. After the World War I, he returned to the United States of America and met Sherwood Anderson, and in 1921 he married Hadley Richardson. A short time later he moved to Paris, France, as a correspondent of the Star. Their stay in Paris coincided with the publication of Three Stories and Ten. Hemingway wrote the drafts In our Time in 1923 and later published it in 1924. In mid-1923, the family returned to Toronto where he rejoined the Star, but he went back to Paris in 1924. In Paris, he met Gertrude Stein, and this ushered him to the world of artists and authors of the ‘lost generation’, giving an inspiration to the novel The Sun Also Rises (Bloom 11). Literary Career Death in the Afternoon The novel starts with Hemingway talking about his love for bull fighting after being introduced to the sport by Gertrude Stein. He is initially skeptical about bull fighting, as he assumes that it would cause the death of horses. This novel is a nonfiction account of Hemingway’s observation of bull fighting in Spain from the 1920’s to the 1930’s. The book gives a vivid explanation of bullfighting in Spain and his life. â€Å"The bull fight is not a sport in the Anglo Saxon sense word that is it is not an equal contest or an attempt at an equal contest between a bull and a man. Rather it is a tragedy the death of the bull which is played, more or less well, by the bull and the man involved in which there is a danger for the man but certain death for the animal† (Hemingway, â€Å"Death in the Afternoon† 22). The Old Man and the Sea This story is set in Cuba where Santiago, a fisherman, sets out to fish but fails to catch anything. His young apprentice, Manolin, is convinced by his parents to leave Santiago and go fishing in another area. Nevertheless, Manolin continues to help Santiago. Later on Santiago goes further away from his usual fishing waters, releases his fishing gear deep into the sea, hooks into a marlin, and the fish pulls his fishing boat. The fishing experience goes wrong, and he endures a lot of pain while holding the fishing equipment. Blood appears in the waters, attracting sharks; he kills them but they eat the marlin; nevertheless, he takes the skeletons to his ramshackle. The following day fellow fishermen gather around his boat in amazement and Manolin is excited upon seeing Santiago safe in bed. The story depicts bravery of Santiago, who ventures out into the sea despite having caught no fish in eighty four days. Despite the difficulties Santiago endures a nd conquers, the victory of sea and sharks is the ultimate point in the story. Our Time This is a collection of fifteen short stories. In the first part, Nick Adams is brought into an Indian Camp by his father, and a woman gives birth there. Later, Nick’s father argues with an Indian. Nick Adam’s love life follows that of Nick, and his friend Bill drinks at Bill’s house. In chapter five, Nick is thrown off a train and meets an old friend of his. Thereafter, a soldier falls in love

Essey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Essey - Essay Example One hypothetical experiment making waves on the Internet is the idea of taking brain samples from living individuals. Some individuals, including myself, believe it is not a good thing. Brain sampling is an experiment wherein scientists get a piece of an individual’s brain. Indeed, the procedure has helped in certain scientific discoveries and is common practice the medical world. In the early 1900s, researchers got brain samples of Chamorros who died of an unknown neurodegenerative disease and discovered that an environmental toxin was in the contaminated water throughout North America and the world. (Quick, S. and Fauber, J.) Most pathology studies on multiple sclerosis depends human brain tissue of dead individuals. (Adams, C.W.) It is noticeable that the subjects involved in the procedures above-mentioned were all deceased. What is disturbing in the hypothetical experiment is the fact that the subject is still alive. This has been a controversial issue in the field of medicine and science. There are people in society who do not look favorably on using living individuals as subjects in experiments even if the process would help in advancing scientific studies. This is reminiscent of the experiments done during the Second World War. (Farmer, A., n.d.) The World Medical Association came up with the Declaration of Helsinki to safeguard against human experimentation because there was no accepted code of conduct to guide these kinds of studies. (Shamoo, A. & Irving, D., 1993) I believe that brain sampling using a living person is unethical. I recognize that trials should be done on humans because only then can scientists know if their discoveries would have the same effect and benefit on people as on animals. Some people believe there are justified reasons in using humans for research. (Human) On the other hand, I am of the mind that technology has advanced enough that scientists may be able to find

Museum paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Museum - Research Paper Example I choose this art because of its importance among the Egyptians. The Egyptians believed about life after death, I wanted to do more research on the art and understand why they Egyptians strongly believed in life after death. Also, wanted to know why they made the coffin to Pedi-Osiris. My curiosity to know the art features made me focus on the art. According to Witcombe, the Women from Willendrof art served as a fertility idol, which includes all the female body parts that are required for a woman to conceive and in nurturing children (3). Because of the art does not have feet, Witcombe argues that is, it may have meant to curtail the figurine’s power, that is to leave whatever responsibilities had been placed on her (8). It is because the art is also seen as a carving of an ancient goddess. If one were to ignore its religious function and fertility purpose, it could only be identified as a Stone-Age toy for a kid. However, this is unsatisfactory because of its artistic ability shown is sculpting her figure. The purpose for the coffin of the priest Pedi-Osiris art was to put Pedi-Osiris, who as a priest of the god Osiris (The Museum of Fine Arts). It severs the purpose that Egyptians believed in life after death. Since it was made in the similitude of the gods and goddess, Coffin of the priest Pedi-Osiris was to protect the deceased and help him overcome the obstructions in the journey ahead, as it would be dangerous. Placing the Women from Willendrof art, its purpose slightly changed, where looking at the art describe the beauty of a woman (Dobres 740). As opposed to these days how people view a beautiful woman as being slim, the prehistoric people appreciated the body of their women. In addition, how the breasts are big can depict that the woman can fully satisfy a young child breastfeeding. I did not see it as a religious figure, but as a symbol of fertility in prehistoric art. After seeing the Coffin of the

How To Read Literature Like A Professor

How To Read Literature Like A Professor Using the table below, write a chapter summary in the center column for the corresponding chapter of Thomas Fosters How to Read Literature like a Professor (HTRLLAP). In the right column, consider how the chapter provides insight into Mary Shelleys Frankenstein. Provide support for and explain your connection to the novel. You are to include at least one quotation from Frankenstein in each Connection response (including MLA style citations). Type your answers directly into the chart (you may expand the boxes) and save electronically to be uploaded to turnitin.com. HTRLLAP Chapter HTRLLAP Summary Frankenstein Connection Chapter 1: Every Trip is a Quest Foster states the essential criteria for a quest: a character to embark on the quest, a destination, the initial reason for reaching the destination, difficulties faced on the way, and the actual reason to reach the destination. The character many times does not complete the initial assignment, instead achieving an increased understanding of themselves, which Foster explains is always the actual reason for a quest. Because of this, the protagonist is normally young and has not gained independence. The initial reason usually wanes with progression of the story. Had I a right, for my own benefit, to inflict this curse upon everlasting generations?I shuddered to think that future ages might curse me as their pest, whose selfishness had not hesitated to buy its own peace at the price perhaps of the existence of the whole human race. (Shelley 114-115) Assuming that Frankensteins quest was to create another being to accompany his monster so that the monster would leave Frankensteins loved ones unscathed, his initial assignment was uncompleted as he tore apart the being he was making. Instead, Frankenstein gains knowledge of where his priorities lie and how his loyalty to the human race prevailed over his own wants and needs. Chapter 6: When in doubt,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The effects of Shakespeares work on other authors are on hand for discussion in this chapter. Foster addresses the perpetual presence of Shakespeare in the minds of most writers, and how that causes them to at times build off of his work and use it as a foundation for their own. Foster also gives detail on how prevalent Shakespeare is in modern times in the form of quotes that one would be able to recognize even having never read his work. Also mentioned with regards to Shakespeare is intertextuality, or the indirect to direct communication between Shakespeare and later works, where the latter derives influence from Shakespeare. Seek happiness in tranquility, and avoid ambition, even if it be the only apparently innocent one of distinguishing yourself in science and discoveries. Yet why do I say this? I have myself been blasted in these hopes, yet another may succeed. (Shelley 152) The aspect of the novel which features the desire for knowledge, power and recognition is not unlike that of Macbeth in which the main character, like Frankenstein, desires something greater than he has, and loses a loved one(s) in the process of trying to control his future. Both characters die having not reached their goals, as the result of going too far in pursuit of them. Macbeth does not become king, as Frankenstein does not destroy his monster. Chapter 9: Its Greek to Me Foster addresses the role that myths can take on in a work of literature. Having faith in the myths that an author writes about is immaterial, he says, and what really contains importance is the way a myth or legend can provide substance for works that follow it. This works are not limited to writing, and include works of visual art, music, etc. Since myths can donate theme, imagery and other elements to subsequent works by other writers, Foster recommends that readers become familiar with mythology in order to enhance their understanding of literature. By degrees the calm and heavenly scene restored me, and I continued my journey towards Geneva. (Shelley 47) Persecuted and tortured as I am and have been, can death be any evil to me? (Shelley 124) These two quotes, along with the knowledge of what Frankenstein has done and where he has journeyed in reference to science, show the effect that it has caused upon him. Shelley calls Frankenstein a Modern Prometheus, and just as Prometheus went past the boundaries of man, so did Frankenstein, and the formers punishment was to have his liver eaten by an eagle, only to have it be restored overnight. This identifies with Frankensteins inner torture, temporarily muted by the peace of nature but always to return again. Chapter 10: Its More than Just Rain or Snow Atmospheric conditions in literature are not to be taken lightly, Foster expresses. Temperature and precipitation often have concealed purposes, no matter what the temperature or what type of precipitation. Rain is a common element used to alter the atmosphere and mood of a story, and can also be used as a plot device and unite characters that otherwise would have been unaffiliated. However, it can range in meaning from pertaining to Noahs Ark to symbolizing rebirth and restoration to showing that it affects all characters, regardless of their status or personality. Also mentioned are fog, which denotes bewilderment, and snow whose meaning is decided by the writer. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦we witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstormà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oakà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦I eagerly inquired of my father the nature and origin of thunder and lightningà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦This last stroke completed the overthrow of Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, who had so long reigned the lords of my imagination. (Shelley, 22-23) In this instance, rain was used as a plot device to indirectly cause the cessation of Frankensteins interest in the philosophers stone and Agrippa, Magnus and Paracelsus, and lead him onto other subjects concluding with the creation of his monster. He had initially been preoccupied with creation of a philosophers stone, but later with this event became convinced to turn his efforts elsewhere. Chapter 11: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦More than its Gonna Hurt You: Concerning Violence Foster next directs attention to the use of violence in literature. It can translate into a variety of meanings, and many times there is not just one meaning, but several. There are two forms of violence in literature: distinct injuries inflicted on the characters by themselves or other characters, and violence caused by the authors onto often multiple characters simultaneously; such as death and misfortune, used to continue the plot. Unlike violence in everyday life, literary violence always has meaning behind it, no matter how many purposes it serves. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦I had hardly placed my foot within the door, before the children shrieked, and one of the women fainted. The whole village was roused, some fled, some attacked me, until, grievously bruised by stones and many other kinds of missile weapons, I escapedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Shelley 70-71) This event of violence aimed at the monster convinced him that he would never be accepted in a human society due to its tendency to prejudge him based on his appearance, which increased his resentment for Frankenstein for creating him that way. It also meant that he would have to learn human etiquette and language before trying to interact with humans, leading to his endeavor with De Lacy and his family. Chapter 12: Is that a Symbol? Symbols are prevalent in this chapter, as Foster elaborates on how they are to be understood. Foster states that one dilemma to arise regarding symbols is that at times readers will expect them to possess only one meaning, when in fact if this were true they would be known as allegories and not symbols. Also at hand is the tendency for readers to assume that symbols are only introduced as images and tangible items rather than occurrences and activities. It would aid readers to refer to their prior experience with symbols in literature while focusing on the meaning of a symbol. One day, when I was oppressed by cold, I found a fire which had been left by some wandering beggars, and was overcome with delight at the warmth I experienced from it. In my joy I thrust my hand into the live embers, but quickly drew it out again with a cry of pain. How strange, I thought, that the same cause should produce such opposite effects! (Shelley, 69) The fire in this scene is related to the light associated with knowledge and scientific advancement, and symbolizes the ambivalence of scientific progress: it can give comfort when admired from a distance, but when one approaches it too closely it causes pain and destruction. Chapter 13: Its all political First expressed in this chapter are the disadvantages of political writing: how it can at worst be elementary, pompous, and colorless. However, at best it can be thought-provoking and engaging. Traces of political writing can be found in many works, but not all. The cause for this rests in the fact that writers often take heed to the world around them, which includes the political circumstances of their time. I would willingly afford you every aid in your pursuit; but the creature of whom you speak appears to have powers which would put all my exertions to defiance. Who can follow an animal which can traverse the sea of ice, and inhabit caves and dens, where no man would venture to intrude?' (Shelley 139) This quote, spoken by the magistrate in response to Frankenstein, expresses how uncontrollable the monster is and how futile would be the efforts made against it. The monster is a symbol of a political leader in possession of absolute power, and Shelley expresses in the novel the dangers associated with these rulers. Chapter 19: Geography really matters Foster clarifies that writers are obligated to choose where their stories take place. Some fabricate the location, while others elect to use a pre-existing location. This may be essential to the plot, and it not limited to city or town; but rather may include people and other aspects of society. Geography in literature centers more on the relationship that a group has with its physical surroundings, and can advance the plot while also indicating themes and symbols. Foster states that when a character travels south, usually it is so that they can rebel. This rebellion is to communicate with the characters subconscious. My courage and perseverance were invigorated by these scoffing words; I resolved not to fail in my purpose; and, calling on heaven to support me, I continued with unabated fervour to traverse immense deserts, until the ocean appeared at a distance, and formed the utmost boundary of the horizon. (Shelley, 143) At this point in the story, the geography advanced the plot by affecting Frankensteins situation and causing it to become desperate because of the climate and surroundings which did not allow him to comfortably survive, unlike his monster, who was physically fit for the conditions. As they ventured further north, the geography caused Frankenstein to become trapped on a floating, melting block of ice, which caused him to finally encounter Waltons vessel. Chapter 20: So does season Foster calls to attention in this chapter the importance of season. The use of seasons in a work of literature for meaning has been around since the days of mythology, and each season has certain qualities associated with it. Summer is identified with courtship and maturity, winter with senility, death, and bitterness, spring with prime and youth, and autumn with fatigue and harvest. However, this is not set in stone and writers may make alterations to the meanings of seasons. Seasons, and the circumstances that accompany them, may be used to cause emotion to many characters. As I still pursued my journey to the northward, the snows thickened, and the cold increased in a degree almost too severe to supportà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The rivers were covered with ice, and no fish could be procured; and thus I was cut off from my chief article of maintenance. (Shelley 142-143) As Foster says and Shelley proves, winter in literature is a season of hardship and old age, as Frankenstein endures the last season of his life, which weakens him greatly before he finally dies. His monster dies in winter as well, having suffered not physically but emotionally to the point where after Frankensteins death, he has no other purpose left but to die himself. Chapter 21: Marked for Greatness Addressed in this chapter are the physical imperfections that may identify a character. They inform the audience of something that needs to be known about the character, whereas in real life they have no real meaning. To differ the main character from the rest of the characters would always provide multiple opportunities for the writer, and the hero of a story always has something that sets him apart. Distinguishing marks on characters are not important for every work, but since it is more difficult for a writer to include such a character in his story, many times the deformity possesses meaning. Why do you not execrate the rustic who sought to destroy the saviour of his child?I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on. Even now my blood boils at the recollection of this injustice.' (Shelley 155) In this quote the monster further reveals his feelings of isolation from humankind and subsequent frustration and misery. If the monster looked as an average human would look, he would have had no desire for revenge against Frankenstein for creating him, and would not have been alienated from society. The monster received his features, height and strength because it would set him apart from everyone else and allow him to commit acts that other humans would not be capable of. Chapter 22: Hes blind for a reason, you know Foster in this chapter calls attention to characters with little or no vision, and the usual reason for their inclusion in literature. Introducing blind characters into a story means that the writer has to decide what the effects of their blindness are, on them and on every other character that they interact with. This usually means that the concept of sight is of prominence in the story, but this can also be true even when blindness is not featured. In what he names the Indiana Jones Principle, Foster expresses that any abnormal quality pertaining to a character must be addressed by the author before that quality becomes relevant. I am blind, and cannot judge of your countenance, but there is something in your words which persuades me that you are sincere. I am poor, and in exile, but it will afford me true pleasure to be in any way serviceable to a human creature. (Shelley, 91) This quotes comes from the conversation that the monster had with De Lacy before being driven from him by Felix, and shows how De Lacy saw the monsters true personality and intentions like no other human being because of his inability to view the monsters physical features. Like other examples mentioned by Foster, this situation is ironic and demonstrates how the blindness of one person gives him the sight that those with functioning eyes did not possess. Chapter 25: Dont Read with your Eyes The importance of having an open perspective while reading is at hand in this chapter, as Foster tells readers to see the reason for certain events in a story. While no one can forego all attachment to their own values and ideals, too much of this can in fact hinder the understanding and enjoyment that are supposed to be received. Openness can be achieved when one takes into account the situations that the author was writing in. I confess to you, my cousin, that I love you, and that in my airy dreams of futurity you have been my constant friend and companion.(Shelley, 130) The knowledge that Frankenstein and Elizabeth are both biologically related and betrothed at this point in time would startle some, as such a union is considered by most to be inappropriate. However, with some knowledge of nineteenth century society one would realize that it was not uncommon then, and that nineteenth century readers would have thought nothing of it.

Schools and Education - Junior College is the Best Option :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Junior College is the Best Option   Ã‚  Ã‚   Oftentimes we hear negative opinions and comments about attending a junior college over a university. Through my experiences I feel there are many benefits in attending a junior college. The benefits I have found include: convenience, educational benefits, and financial savings.      Ã‚  Ã‚   First of all, attending a junior college is convenient in many ways. For example, if a student attends a junior college there is a better chance of having someone that you know in a particular class. Knowing someone in a class is a little less scary than being in it all alone. It is also convenient to attend a junior college to be closer to home. If a student decides to attend a junior college, he or she could choose to live at home, which saves money. By attending a junior college a person does not have a long drive home for holidays or weekends. Furthermore, attending a junior college is convenient because students will be able to keep their high school jobs. If they are not able to keep their high school jobs, they are more familiar with other job openings in the area.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Educational benefits is another good reason for deciding to attend a junior college instead of a university. I feel that a student can learn more and get more out of a class lecture when there are smaller classes. It is easier for me to ask questions when the class size is 30 versus 300 students. Having a smaller class means that the instructor will have a little more time for one-on-one meetings and discussions. In one of my classes this semester at Sauk Valley Community College, the professor goes over the tests after grading is done with each individual student. I am sure you won't find this at a four-year college. The classes at a junior college are held in classrooms, and at universities they are often held in big lecture halls. Another educational benefit to attending a junior college is the smaller campus. The campuses at most universities are huge! It takes less time to get from one class to another at a junior college. Most of the time the junior col lege has one main building that holds all the various classes offered.