Ragtime American Dream - 1476 Words

E.L. Doctorow’s novel Ragtime is a story involving certain characters, each trying to find his or her place in America. Doctorow focus’s on many themes throughout the novel, however, one theme that he gives to the reader from the very beginning of the novel is the American dream. Many characters throughout the novel individually take diverse journeys in order to fulfill what they might describe as â€Å"The American Dream.† Throughout Ragtime several characters venture upon momentous journeys whether they be sensible or unwise, in order to try and achieve their personal pursuit of the American dream. Tateh’s dream of survival and the basic pursuit of happiness is a worthwhile dream that ventures him through many long journeys with his†¦show more content†¦As Doctorow states, â€Å"He wandered through the house finding everywhere signs of his own exclusion. His son now had a desk, as befitted all young students. He thought he heard an Arctic wind but it was the housemaid Brigit pushing an electric suction cleaner across the rug in the parlor† (109). Father’s â€Å"treasures† brought home from his expedition, are not perceived as valuable or even desirable to his family: â€Å"He pulled Arctic treasures from his trunk†¦incredible treasures in the North, but here in the parlor the embarrassing possessions of a savage. The family stood around and watched him on his knees. There was nothing he had for them† (110). Father is embarrassed by his family’s response and lack of interest. Father is struggling to reconcile the dream he left behind and the dream he pursued but does not accomplish. As the book progresses, Father grows increasingly distant from his family. At one point in the novel Father realizes he is no longer attracted to mother in a lustful way, most likely symbolizing the increasing separation he is experiencing from his family. As the narrator details, â€Å"Once accustomed to life together after his return from the Arctic, they had slipped into an undemanding companionship in which he felt bypassed by life, like a spectator at an event† (216). Father’s quest for personal fame and historicalShow MoreRelatedRagtime by E.L. Doctorow.1213 Words   |  5 PagesOrigins In the early 1900 s, America was the great melting pot of the world. Immigrants from all over the world came to the United States in search of the American dream, but many never found it. Immigrants were greeted with a harsh welcome, being hated for the simple fact that they were not true-blooded citizens. In Ragtime, the family of Tateh embodies these citizens. Doctorow also follows Father, a character of middle class America with a family and passion for exploration. Both of theseRead MoreBrian Stokes Mitchell987 Words   |  4 Pagesmilitary bases overseas. As a teenager he lived in San Diego, California where he began acting in school musicals. He has been married to actress Allyson Tucker since 1994 and has a son named Ellington. Mitchell has been in many shows some of them were Ragtime, Kiss Me, Kate, Carnival! He has also had a number of television appearances. He was in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Frasier, The Prince of Egypt, and guest starred in Ugly Betty. He is also known for doing voice-overs in animation. On June 5, 2005Read MoreWhat It Means To Be An American Essay1233 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout the life span of the United States, from its infancy after the Revolution to the present, people have asked, â€Å"What is an American?† This question goes far beyond asking who is a citizen or who resides in this land. No, it asks what the identity of an American is? Through popular, art, film, and literature, the American image is defined as being based on embracing our individual identities. Movies are a perfect way to express the image of America. Movies are the mixture of art, music,Read MoreAnalysis Of The Structure Ives s Country Band March 1394 Words   |  6 Pagescommonly utilized in his music were quarter tones and polytonality. Quarter tones were an interval half the size of a half step, and with this, Charles Ives realized that the lack of harmony among musical notes were not exceptions, but the norm of American musical life. From this, it led to polytonality, polyharmony and polyrhythm. Polytonality is the musical use of more than one key at the same time. Polyharmony is a structure that characteristically presents two or more simultaneous musical harmoniesRead MoreJazz And Its Influence On African American Communities1141 Words   |  5 Pages20th century, the genre has continued to develop and influence other aspects of music. With its beginnings in African American communities, jazz features several distinguishing components and defining qualities. Along with jazz’s many influences and unique features, the genre also includes a variety of leading musicians. The roots of jazz are often pinned to the African American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana. Because New Orleans was at the center of trade through its major sea and riverRead MoreAutobiography Of An Ex Colored Man Essay1449 Words   |  6 PagesAmerica† (375). She also indicates how when contrasted with previous passers, â€Å"the Ex-Colored Man’s oft-noted cowardice, self-commiseration, and superficial comments call attention to his lifelong estrangement from African American culture† (375). This estrangement from African American culture and society leads to negative consequences not only to himself but to the black race as well. 1. Exploitation One consequence of this â€Å"estrangement† from the black community is his blindness and lack of awarenessRead MoreAnalysis Of The Of Ragtime 1734 Words   |  7 PagesSocialism in America E3 Argumentative essay Sonia Rani 3/17/2017 Ragtime is an interesting depiction of cultural and political change. It can be argued that the story is not just a reflection of the events in the 20th Century but the novel reflects the events that continue to happen until today in socialism. For instance, the novel gives a glimpse of the kind of life experienced by many African Americans. They were victimized by the society and the persons in authority refuse to help them. EvenRead MoreMusic : A Style Of Music868 Words   |  4 Pageslearnt various styles of jazz on the class, such us ragtime, New Orleans, swing, bebop and so on. Ragtime is a kind of style music that enjoyed its peak from 1895 to 1918. By using Syncopation to recurrence the subject and then it becoming the early jazz, which has thirty-two bands and the form is AABA. Besides, New Orleans is a traditional jazz that originated in New Orleans and becoming famous in Chicago. Besides, swing is a form of American music, which developed in 1930 became a distinctive styl eRead MoreThe American Dream727 Words   |  3 PagesThe American dream for minorities is a difficult to obtain goal because for minorities, everyday obstacles prevent them from obtaining this dream that was never meant for them. Despite the difficulties, there exists many instances throughout history of people from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds have fought for the simple right to be able to have the chance to reach that goal. Ironically, during one of the most devastating times in our nation’s history, historian James Truslow Adams coinedRead MoreEssay on The Harlem Renaissance1184 Words   |  5 Pagesand spirit, of race consciousness, and artistic advancement emerged within the African American community in New York City. This emergence has brought about the greatest artistic movement in African American history. After the failure of the Reconstruction period the Negro was not considered either a person or an America. The idea that a Negro was an American was totally unacceptable to the white ruling class. The acceptance of lynching and denied

Symbolism In Animal Farm, By George Orwell - 993 Words

The book Animal Farm by George Orwell is all about symbolism. In this book it symbolizes the Russian Revolution and Joseph Stalin, an older dictator of Russia. This book symbolises so many different things that some people can call bad. The main character, a pig named Napoleon symbolises a dictator or leader, and no one wants a leader to be a dictator. A leader is supposed to lead and follow the same directions hes giving but in this case, instead of following his direction, he is sitting around doing nothing and watching everyone else do his job. By making everyone else do his stuff, can symbolise someone hungry for power, or someone who thinks theyre entitled to certain things. The author uses something called syntax in this book.†¦show more content†¦An example of how the author uses these literary devices is when Minimus wrote Napoleon a poem. This poem read â€Å"Friend of Fatherless!.. Lord of the swill-bucket! Calm and commanding eye, like the sun in the sky, Comrade Napoleon† (Orwell 65). This is comparing him to something he’s not, Napoleon is not a Lord, he is a pig. This book also uses this in the whole entire book. Animals do not talk, they can not read and write and they can’t build things. A reason the author did this was to tell the story because its easier by using animals rather than humans. This is because humans dont think that animals have feelings, so by giving animals a few feelings it makes it easier to write and tell the story. It also is a way for people to learn about the dictatorships, a different way than flat out saying Hitler was bad. This book uses symbolism to symbolise Napoleon as a dictator, but it also symbolises a system of government. A way this book shows a system of government is by the use of the seven commandments. These commandments can symbolise equal rights, and rules. In the American Constitution, it reads â€Å"All persons born and naturalized in the U.S†¦ are citizens of the U.Sà ¢â‚¬ ¦ nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property† (14th Amendment). This is the fourteenth amendment which symbolises equal protection in a government system, that everyone is aShow MoreRelatedAnimal Farm By George Orwell944 Words   |  4 Pageslegs(Orwell 132). He carried a whip in his trotter(Orwell 133). In the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell, animals have the ability to talk and form their own ethos, Animalism. Animal Farm is an intriguing allegory by George Orwell, who is also the author of 1984, includes many enjoyable elements. More knowledge of the author, his use of allegorical elements, themes, symbols, and the significance in the real world, allows the reader to get more out of this glance into the future. George OrwellRead MoreAnimal Farm, By George Orwell1212 Words   |  5 PagesShe stood there over the dead animals thinking to herself what have we come to? We try to become free but we just enslave ourselves to a so called superior kind. Napoleon killed the animals in front of the whole farm and said that this was to be the punishment for the traitors. Snowball was known as a traitor now and anyone conspiring with him would be killed. Snowball and Napoleon both represent historical characters during the Russian revolution in 1917.Snowball who was one of the smartest pigsRead MoreAnimal Farm is an allegory that was written by George Orwell that tells the story of the Russian800 Words   |  4 PagesAnimal Farm is an allegory that was written by George Orwell that tells the story of the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union by using a great deal of symbolism. Three things that Orwell represented in his allegory were the leaders of the Russian Revolution/Soviet Union, the governmen t, and even objects that were important to the Revolution. In Animal Farm George Orwell used his characters to represent the leaders of the Soviet Union and the people of Russia. Mr. Jones, the farmer whom the animalsRead MoreSymbolism and Allegory in Animal Farm1657 Words   |  7 PagesSymbolism and allegory in three aspects of Animal Farm : Old major, The Windmill and The Seven Commandments George Orwell uses symbols throughout the novel Animal Farm to show how the upper class groups use manipulation to their advantage. Animal Farm in simple terms is the allegory of a revolution gone sour. Animalism, Communism, and Fascism are all the symbols which are used by the pigs as a means of satisfying their greed and lust for power. As Lord Acton wrote: Power tends to corrupt; absoluteRead MoreGeorge Orwell s Animal Farm942 Words   |  4 PagesGeorge Orwells Animal Farm (1945) is an illustrious political novella which delineates the fact that the Utopian Ideology of communism is not perfect. Orwells eagerness to express his view on the Russia n Republic led him to produce his satirical and metaphoric masterpiece; Animal Farm. The fictitious text based on the events manifest in the Russian Revolution show how communism fails as power corrupts minds, displayed in the novella with Animalism. Napoleon, the main protagonist portrays theRead MoreAnimal Farm Literary Analysis710 Words   |  3 PagesGeorge Orwell, a writer of many novels and other literature, one of his most known is Animal Farm.This book is where Orwell’s political style as well as other techniques he used in his writing were used most. Animal Farm is about farm animals who are being neglected by their owner, and they decides to overthrow him and take control of their farm. However, that is only the the outer layer of the story, looking under the surface, this is an allegory detailing the Russian Revolution. The author wroteRead MoreSymbolism, And Imagery In George Orwells Animal Farm1165 Words   |  5 PagesAs a boy, George Orwell felt as if he was alone. He described his school as split into distinct classes. â€Å"There are minority with an aristocratic or millionaire background, there were children of the ordinary suburban rich, who made up the bulk of the school, and there were a few underlings like myself†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg. 43 Orwell). Later on, he fought in the Civil War, and then went to become a radio announcer for World War 2. His life experiences inspired â€Å"The Animal Farm†. George Orwell integrated imageryRead MoreAnimal Farm By George Orwell1397 Words   |  6 PagesAn important quote by the influential author of Animal Farm, George Orwell, is, â€Å"Every line of serious work that I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism.† George Orwell, a Democratic Socialist, wrote the book Animal Farm as an attack on the Communist country of Russia (â€Å"The Political Ideas of George Orwell,† worldsocialism.org). He had a very strong disliking of Communism and the Socialist party of Russia. However, he insisted on finding the truthRead MoreAnimal Farm by George Orwell Essay876 Words   |  4 Pages George Orwell was a great writer; he created a book with many different qualities. Animal Farm is an allegory, fable, and a satire. He made the characters in the novel relate to real people and events in history. Examples such allegory would be Animalism compared with Communism, Snowball compared with Leon Trotsky, and Napoleon compared to Joseph Stalin. Animalism in many ways does symbolize Communism. Animalism for the animals would be a perfect land, no rich, no poor, and everyone is equal.Read MoreAnimal Farm, 1984 and John F. Kennedy503 Words   |  2 Pageswant, therefore you impede your own growth. Throughout Animal Farm and 1984 both by George Orwell, this is seen by the use of motifs, characterization and symbolism. In Animal Farm, George Orwell uses motifs and characterization to demonstrate how conformity can take ones freedom away and stop them from expressing their own ideas. The â€Å"Beasts of England† song is a great example of a motif that’s supports John F. Kennedy’s quote. In Animal Farm, this song and many other songs/slogans act as propaganda

Infomercial Analyis Free Essays

Insanity Infomercial The Beach Body Insanity program boasts as being the hardest workout on DVD. This comes across different than most programs offering to assist with weight loss and exercise. Most info commercials, today try to lure the consumers in by how easy the program is to follow and how effortless the workout is; and some even claim that a lifestyle change is not necessary. We will write a custom essay sample on Infomercial Analyis or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Insanity program has people saying how hard this program is, that the program requires dedication and a decision to change your lifestyle. Incorporating the Insanity program into an individual’s lifestyle will take a commitment to make 45 minutes a day for the workout and to plan to eat healthy. Most people can make time for this workout; especially since it does not require any special equipment; you use your body as resistance, stretching and is a very high cardiovascular exercises. Whether you are in shape or a coach potato, this comes across as not for the faint at heart; not many programs trying to sell it to someone trying to get in shape that people have thrown up on the first day. One of the benefits about Insanity is that there are DVDs, while there is a preplanned work out on a printed calendar to follow, can be customized to fit any fitness program by pausing the program or taking the necessary breaks one needs and to start back. Most people can stick to a program for 30 days, with this program it indicates that you will see results in that time frame; as well as seeing a body that would take most people a year to achieve in 60 days. This program seems to be expensive, with shipping and handling it cost $145. 0; if you take into account that a gym membership is $20. 00 a month, then the membership alone would $240. 00 for a year. To be able to achieve the results that the commercial states a physical trainer would need to set a workout program for most people at an additional cost. Taking the cost of a year’s membership at a local gym and a program that states you can see the same results in 60 days, the amount of time that would be saved this progra m is comparable and cheaper than other fitness programs. I believe that the Insanity program has truthfully presented the potential benefits of the program because it is not promising an easy fix. It clearly states that dedication and a commitment is necessary. It also comes across as not easy by offering a reward for completing the 60 day program. It also, discusses that a nutritional change is required. An alternative to Insanity would be a workout totaling 45 minute workout. I would recommend doing the following: * 1500-caloric intake diet high in protein and fiber; low in fat and sugar. * Exercising 6 days a week * High intensity exercises with less rest time 4 days. * Yoga the other 2 day. Making lifestyle changes and adding an exercise program is going to be hard and take dedication. Whether you decide to purchase a program from an infomercial, walk in your neighborhood or join a gym; it is important to just commit and allow room for error but make the necessary changes to have a healthier lifestyle. How to cite Infomercial Analyis, Papers

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Without Gravity free essay sample

Imagine what life would be like without gravity. Would it be fun or maybe the most horrible experience ever? Astronauts are forced to deal with these types of issues everyday. In the story Life Without Gravity, astronauts are challenged to find solutions for problems faced in space. Despite all the problems, there are also positive outcomes of experiencing zero gravity. Weightlessness has advantages such as being fun and useful. There are also disadvantages such as changes in the body and nausea. Weightlessness has its own characteristics and effects. Weightlessness is being without gravity. When experiencing weightlessness, there is no acceleration. Being weightlessness is like riding a rollercoaster when you are falling downward. Weightlessness usually occurs when there is no force of support on your body. When your body is effectively in free fall, you are not being supported. Weightlessness usually happens in space. An effect of weightlessness is it makes everything around, below, above, and on the sides of you float. We will write a custom essay sample on Advantages and Disadvantages of Living Without Gravity or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page With its characteristics and effects, weightlessness has some advantages. Weightlessness has advantages such as being fun and useful. Weightlessness can actually be very fun. You are able to fly like a bird. You can bounce wall to wall, and you can even do acrobatics. Moving would be very easy. All you would have to do is just use your head to steer where you want to go. Pretty cool, aye. Another advantage of weightlessness is its useful. You have the useful area to yourself. You can also space yourself for your own personal space. With weightlessness, you can move around freely with absolutely no worries. Even though weightlessness has advantages, it has disadvantages as well. There are also disadvantages with weightlessness or zero gravity such as your body changes and nausea. If your body does not adapt, then it changes. Your muscles start to get weaker because they are not put to use. When your muscles are not working out, they start to get weaker and thinner. To keep these astronauts muscles big and strong, they have to exercise everyday. Working out in space can be very difficult, but theyll do anything to keep them well so they are not weak when they return to Earth. When your body doesnt adapt to the changes in space, your bones get thinner and thinner by the day because, just like your muscles, they are just relaxing. Relaxing is wonderful, but when your bones are relaxing, thats not good at all! When your bones just stay there, they start to get too comfortable and get thinner and thinner. Then when you arrive back in Earth, you will be sore! That is why exercising, especially in space, is very, very important. Everyday the astronauts get on a treadmill or a bike and get their bones and muscles working. Another disadvantage to weightlessness is that your back begins to hurt. In space, you are required to just float around all day, causing your back to hurt because your back is just floating, with the rest of your body. While weightlessness, occurs you get nausea. You throw up and you lose your appetite because all those back flips and turns youve done, now make you dizzy and you dont even want to eat. Even when you start gaining your appetite again, food in space just taste blander. Yuck! While experiencing nausea, your blood routes to your head, causing your head to swell up. It causes your central nervous system and the receptors of many other analyzer systems to react unusually. Your head swells up because you are use to having your blood route from your head to your feet on Earth. Blood routing from your head to your feet is natural because we stand, but when you are in space, you often are upside down, which causes your blood to route to your head. Then when the blood reaches your head, your head starts to turn all red, just like a cherry, then you start experiencing major headaches. Therefore, weightlessness does have disadvantages such as the body changing and people becoming nausea. This concludes that weightlessness has advantages and disadvantages. Although the astronauts experienced many physical changes, they learned to deal with them. Soon, they adapted to the environment and enjoyed being weightlessness. Like retired astronaut, Robert Crippen said, The real pleasure was having the chance to enjoy being weightless, and the other was to spend some time looking out this beautiful Earth, that we are all lucky to inhabit.