Thursday, November 28, 2019
Divine Dialogues Comparing Job And Arjuna Essays - Book Of Job
Divine Dialogues: Comparing Job And Arjuna There is a distinct significance for humans forming a relationship with a higher being. To some, it may to be to establish a sense of self-gratification whereas to others it may be a form of help on their road to success. In either instance, forming the relationship helps in characterizing each person whether it is through personal dialogue or individual growth. The Book of Job and the Bhagavad-Gita are two texts that explore the characterization of two men under the instruction of a deity. By examining the significance of talking to the deity, Job and Arjuna are characterized through their relationship with the deity, personal spiritual quest, and learning of nature of the divine power. The Book of Job tells a story of an upright man who had complete faith in God. He was tested by this divine power in order to increase his faith and steadfastness. Job was one of God's most promising servants. Job proved his devotion through the trails he encountered. He was first stripped of his animals, servants, sons and daughters. Job still showed his faithfulness and he blessed the name of the Lord. He accepted what God allowed by saying Naked I came out of my mother's womb, and naked I shall return thither: the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away (Norton Anthology, 72). Although God was pleased with Job's response, he tested him once more with the destruction of his health. His body was covered with sores from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet. Yet he still believed God to be true and just and he sinned not. Job's friends and wife tried to sway him from his beliefs, telling him to repent for he had to have offended God in some way. He knew that he had not rebell ed against God and couldn't understand why he was being punished. Job was a humble man and did not question God for his acts but requested reasoning behind it. Their conversation was very significant in this story. It was through them that Job learned that God is omnipotent and his wisdom supersedes all. Through his trials, Job became stronger. Arjuna had a different relationship with his divine power in Bhagavad Gita. He was more forward than Job. He questioned Krishna about his purpose as a discipline man because of his lack of understanding. The significance of their conversation was to teach Arjuna how to perform an action in the spirit of sacred duty through self-discipline. He was given instruction to go into battle and fight against his kin in order preserve the world. Krishna explained to him that he had to be disciplined in self and action. He told Arjuna that action is far inferior to the discipline of understanding and he could find a sense of safety in the knowledge of knowing that (Norton Anthology, 618). Arjuna questioned Krishna's words whereas Job lived by God's. He did not have as much faith in his deity as Job. Discipline over himself and his actions would sustain Arjuna more as a human. If he had control over his mind and thoughts, then he would have control over his sins. Arjuna's relationship with his d eity differed from Job's because he didn't have to suffer as Job did. He grew a bit more understanding but not as much as Job. Both Job and Arjuna were characterized by their personal achievements. Job's spiritual quest was to ultimately enter into the house of the appointed for all living (Norton Anthology, 77). In achieving his goal, he remained humble and said that he would wait until his change comes. During his journey as a servant of God, he inquires of his sufferings that he was unworthy of. God revealed himself to Job through his wisdom of creation as the Almighty, whose deeds could not be matched. Job admitted and accepted his misunderstandings of God's works and was abundantly blessed for his devotion. His trials made him stronger and increased his dedication to God. He achieved his goal because of his faith and reverence of God. Arjuna's spiritual quest was to advance to emancipation of the spirit (Norton Anthology, 612). He was doubtful in
Monday, November 25, 2019
Slang Words Ending in O
Slang Words Ending in O Slang Words Ending in O Slang Words Ending in O By Mark Nichol Among the more curious classes of slang words is that of terms ending in the letter o, the topic of this post. Several categories exist in which informal words end in o. Among the oldest are those consisting of words to which an extraneous o has been added, such as cheerio (from cheer or cheery), which in British English is used as a greeting or a farewell, and boyo, an extension of boy, just as kiddo is derived from kid. Sometimes, a word ending in o is simply a truncation of a word in which o is naturally the last letter of the abbreviation, such as condo, for condominium, which originally meant ââ¬Å"joint rule or sovereigntyâ⬠but in the mid-twentieth century came to refer to a privately owned apartment. (The word to which the element con-, meaning ââ¬Å"with,â⬠has been attached is cognate with domain.) Another example is demo, short for demonstration, in the sense of a presentation of a product or a rough version of a music recording. Sometimes the o is attached to a truncated word after the first syllable regardless of which vowel follows in the full form of the word, as in aggro, for aggressive (generally to describe a hostile person or hostile behavior); ammo, for ammunition; combo, for combination (usually in the sense of a small ensemble of musicians, especially those who play jazz); convo, for conversation; and journo, for journalist. Australia is fertile ground for word formation of this type (as well as other diminutive forms, such as applying -ie, as in alkie, for alcoholic, and barbie, for barbecue). Some more obscure abbreviations from Australia include arvo, for afternoon; doggo (in the expression ââ¬Å"lie doggo,â⬠meaning ââ¬Å"lay lowâ⬠); and muso, for musician. One slightly truncated word in American English is rando, from random; several decades ago, the latter word was first employed as a noun to describe a peculiar person, and from there it acquired the sense of someone who is sketchy or undesirable. Rando inherited that connotation, usually in the context of a stranger who unexpectedly tries to make contact with another person, either in person or through social media. An older, synonymic term is weirdo, which sports an o attached to weird. On this model was beardo formed to refer to someone sporting a trendy-looking full, bushy beard, especially one who might also be tagged a rando or a weirdo. Occasionally, a word ending in o is adopted from another language. In the case of mondo, which denotes excessiveness or outrageousness, it derives ultimately from the Italian word for world; the context is Mondo Cane, the title of an Italian documentary about human eccentricity. (The loose English translation of the title is A Dogââ¬â¢s Life; cane is cognate with canine.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business EmailsExcited ABOUT, not "for" 150 Foreign Expressions to Inspire You
Thursday, November 21, 2019
The Distinction between Pornography and Obscenity Essay
The Distinction between Pornography and Obscenity - Essay Example MacKinnon, a feminist and an attorney, believes that society in the US applied different legal rights, lesser rights, to women as compared to men. Obscene speech is not protected under the First Amendment according to the U.S. Supreme Court, but there is much debate over the distinction between pornography and obscenity. Perhaps one of the most remembered Supreme Court Justice quotes is that of Potter Stewart, who said, I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description ["hard-core pornography"]; and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it, and the motion picture involved in this case is not that. (Jacobellis) Linda Susan Boreman MacKinnon rose to fame when she represented Linda Susan Boreman, the actress known as Linda Lovelace, in a lawsuit that claimed that Boreman had been forced at gunpoint to perform in pornographic films by her husband. Following her appeara nce in the film Deep Throat, Boreman gave up the adult film industry and became a spokeswoman for the antipornography movement (IMBD). Boreman also testified before the Meese Commission in New York City to the effect that while moviegoers were watching the sex scenes in Deep Throat, they were witnessing her being raped (105-113). MacKinnonââ¬â¢s View Certainly a dichotomy, Catharine McKinnon felt that the First Amendment should protect the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution, but she also wanted to condemn and outlaw pornography. She actively pursued civil rights remedies for victims of pornography and advocated to treat pornography as hate speech. During a PBS interview with Ben Wattenberg, MacKinnon defined pornography as, a practice of sex inequality, and defined as the sexually explicit subordination of women through pictures and words that also includes a list of other very specific activities. In other words, it's defined in terms of what it actually does. It subordin ates women as well as being a sexually explicit medium. There are other media that subordinate women but are not sexually explicit, and therefore don't have the same effects. (PBS) The harmful effects of those who engage in viewing pornography are widely described as including the following: Harm to existing marriages, including a 25.6% greater likelihood of divorce, 3.18 times greater likelihood of having an extra marital affair, and an 8% chance of being less likely to have a happy marriage (Weiss). Higher Rates of Substance Abuse (Weiss) Higher acceptance of premarital and casual sexual behavior (Weiss) A nearly five times higher number of lifetime sexual partners than non-pornography users (Weiss). In 1985, MacKinnon wrote about the civil rights violations of pornography in the Harvard Civil rights-Civil Liberties Law Review. She asserted that the female stars in pornographic films or photographs had clearly not given consent as evidenced by the scratches, bruises, and other inj uries on their bodies. She further argued that audiences respond to pornography because it is perceived as real and as such, they act out in real life the violent acts
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
John Stuart Mills Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words
John Stuart Mills Theories - Essay Example The essay concludes that Mill's proposed limitations on legitimate interference with the individual has limited sustainability, and can only be applied in a system which has already liberated its citizens through education and cultural revolution. John Stuart Mill, the nineteenth century philosopher, is an icon for liberal ideals. Noted as "An extraordinarily nice, warm-hearted and intellectually generous man, as well as an extraordinarily gifted one" (Marquand, 2007), whom it is impossible to dislike, Mill set the standard for ideas on the nature of individual Liberty in a functioning society. Unlike many philosophers of his age, Mill put the need for Individual freedom above the need of the state for social order and control. Mill was not alone in theorizing about liberty, and the constraints on government. A century before his writing, two nations had risen up and overthrown what had been legitimate government. The American Revolution argued that there can be no taxation without representation, and the French Revolution succeeded in toppling a monarchy; within Mill's lifetime, the latter revolution had still been battling to come to terms with these events, the monarchy having been recreated and overthrown for a second time. During the first French Revolution, intellectuals had rushed to view the action, and intellectual society was still shaken by what it had seen. Questions and worries about what these events meant for society were therefore not far from the minds of philosophers and creative thinkers in JS Mill's social circle. This paper attempts to examine Mill's proposal on limitations on state interference in light of his intellectual influences and events of the time. By examining some of the ideas which Mill discussed in On Liberty, both about government interference with individual will, and how his own constraints on Liberty serve to protect individuals from harm by others, this paper will attempt to analyze the limitations which Mill proposed be placed upon legitimate government. Interpretations and discussion of Mill's most famous work center on the connection between Mill's theories of freedom, and the school of Utilitarianism in which he was brought up. According to Isaiah Berlin, his intellectual achievement, after a "Terrifying education at the hands of a rigid and dogmatic father" (Marquand, 2007), remains that he managed to develop his own need for freedom and happiness into a set of principles which remain at the centre of debates into the freedom of the individual (Berlin, 1991). Berlin also suggests that Mill hung on to his Utilitarian upbringing, which has been criticized more recently by, amongst others, John Gray. In the introduction to On Liberty in Focus, Gray and his co-editor G Smith consider the idea that Mill had given up Utilitarianism, and instead "It is rather the celebrated 'one very simple principle' of the first chapter of On Liberty" (Gray and Smith, 1991) which was Mill's motivation, and suggest other alternatives to Berlin's interp retation.
Monday, November 18, 2019
The case of cadmium poisoning in japan Research Paper
The case of cadmium poisoning in japan - Research Paper Example In most zinc ores, this element occurs in minute quantities. Excessive exposure to the Cadmium chemical is the result of Cadmium Poisoning. Human exposure to Cadmium causes damage to the body. The high levels of toxic compounds in Cadmium are dangerous to humans and the environment. If the chemical is taken orally or inhaled, it can cause tremendous health issues for the human body, and there have been numerous reports of fatalities after exposure to the body. Immediately after contact of large amounts of Cadmium with the body, the Cadmium poisoning poses a threat to the body. Small amounts of the chemical do not require much to detox the body. However, according to reports, 10 milligrams of cadmium is dangerous to the body. The most common disease associated with Cadmium is the Itai-itai disease. It is a severe form of chronic Cadmium poisoning, and it is caused by prolonged oral Cadmium ingestion. It harms the body by causing renal and bone injury. During the initial stage, femoral pain and lumbago are present. This pain gradually spreads t hroughout the body. If pressure is applied to the bones, the pain increases. Additional damage to the bones can cause the body to worsen. If the patient is bed-ridden, the body continues to deteriorate. The first study presented in this research analysis of Cadmium Poisoning in Japan is a study on the ââ¬Å"Influence of Drinking and/or Cooking with Jinzu River Water on the Development of Itai-Itai Disease.â⬠The second study is a Comparison between ââ¬Å"Cadmium in Rice and Renal Effects among inhabitants of the Jinzu River Basin.â⬠The third study focuses on the ââ¬Å"Influence of Consumption of Cadmium-Polluted Rice or Jinzu River Water on Occurrence of Renal Tubular Dysfunction and/or Itai-itai Disease.â⬠According to the study on the ââ¬Å"Influence of Drinking and/or Cooking with Jinzu River Water on the Development of Itai-itai Disease,â⬠the authorsââ¬â¢ focus was on evaluating the amount
Friday, November 15, 2019
History of Saccos in Kenya
History of Saccos in Kenya A Savings and Credit Cooperative is a type of cooperative whose objective is to pool savings for the members and in turn provide them with credit facilities (UN-HABITAT, 2010). The general objective of SACCOs is to promote the economic interests and general welfare of its members. The ICA Statement on the Co-operative Identity defines a cooperative as an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. Co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others (Bibby Shaw, 2005). The 1995 ICA Congress also reformulated seven principles of co-operatives. In summary, they are: Voluntary and open membership Democratic member control Member economic participation Autonomy and independence Education, training and information Co-operation among co-operatives Concern for the community Different SACCOs provide a number of products which include but are not limited to credit services, deposit and savings facility, cheque clearing, bankers cheques, standing orders, safe custody, and salary advances. History of SACCOs The pioneers of modern cooperation emerged in working- class environments in European Industrial cities of the 19th Century. In the 1840s,the first to industrialize countries (Great Britain and France),pioneers of co-operative invented models of the consumer cooperative and the labor cooperative to defend and promote the interests of working-class families in the face of the social disasters caused by industrial revolution. The second generation of the pioneers of modern cooperation emerged, in certain European rural environments in the late 19th century. In the 1860s, these pioneers created the models of agricultural cooperatives and savings and credit cooperatives inspired by the success of the consumer cooperatives formula in Great Britain and based on old traditions of rural solidarity aimed to meet the primary economic needs, which went unsatisfied. Agricultural cooperatives then enabled families of farmers and livestock raisers to organize their own supply systems of agricultural inputs and market their products and no longer depended on merchants and businessmen in the cities. The SACCOs helped them to stop depending on moneylenders and to find the credit necessary to modernize their agricultural cooperatives (Mwakajumilo, 2011) . SACCOs in Africa In Africa, the idea was brought by a Roman Catholic priest, in Jirapa, a town in Ghana, in 1955. Father John McNulty from Ireland had studied in Canada where he learnt about savings and credit co-operative societies. Father McNulty helped the Jirapa villagers to form a Savings and Credit Co-operative. The co-operative assisted the members to address their financial problems which they couldnt individually. Father McNulty trained about 60 people, who were the first successful savings and credit co-operative pioneers on the African continent. The success of Jirapa savings and credit co-operative spread throughout Ghana and by 1968, the savings and credit co-operatives throughout the country came together to form the Credit Union of Ghana , which was set up to promote, organize, service and co-ordinate the activities of savings and credit co-operative in Ghana. (Alila Obado, 1990). According to the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) 2011 statistical report, there are 51,013 credit unions in the world, having a total of 196,498,738 members and a total penetration of 7.8% Penetration rate which is calculated by dividing the total number of reported credit union members by the economically active population age 15-64 years old (World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) , 2012). The largest markets in Africa by number of members as of December 31st 2011 are Kenya (4,183,220), Senegal (2,231,117), Ivory Coast (1,705,712), and Benin (1,597,233) (WOCCU, 2012). History of SACCOs in Kenya SACCOs in Kenya are currently among the leading sources of the co-operative credit for socio-economic development (Alila Obado, 1990).Cooperatives in Kenya were started in 1908 and membership was limited to white colonial settlers. The first cooperative was established at Lumbwa, present day Kipkelion area. In 1944 colonial officers allowed Africans to form and join cooperatives (Gamba Komo, 2012). The initial attempt to encourage African farming co-operatives was initiated by the need to implement the recommendations of the Swynnerton Plan of 1953. The Swynnerton Plan was formulated to improve African farming, specifically the growing of cash crops and is recorded to have encouraged the progress and growth of African cooperatives (Alila Obado, 1990). It was at this point that the recommendation that a registrar of cooperatives be appointed was made. In 1945, a new Cooperative Societies Ordinance was enacted which allowed African participation in the cooperative movement. In 1946, a department of cooperatives was established and a registrar of cooperatives appointed. By 1950 most colonial civil servants began to support and encourage the development of cooperatives and by 1952, about 160 cooperatives had been registered (Alila Obado, 1990). The post-independence era saw the rapid increase the in number of producer organizations and consolidation of the ones that already existed. At this time, the government saw the cooperative movement as a means for African socialism, and strengthening common ties between the people from different regions of Kenya. In 1963 there were about 1000 cooperatives, which rapidly grew in number since then. Today, the co-operatives are an integral part of the Government economic strategy aimed at creating income generating opportunities particularly in the rural areas. The co-operative movement has been recognized by the Government as a vital institution for the mobilization of human and material resources for various development progress particularly in the rural areas where the majority of people reside, earning their livelihood mainly from agriculture. The co-operative movement now contributes well over 45 per cent of Kenyas GDP and it is estimated that at least one out of every two Kenyans directly or indirectly derives his/her livelihood from the co-operative movement. Over the years, the co-operative movement remained predominantly agriculturally oriented. However, in the recent past, the co-operative movement has experienced significant diversification in activities and interests notably savings and credit. Other non-agro-based co-operatives have also emerged and ventured into areas such as housing; Jua-Kali, building and construction, handicrafts, transport, small scale industries, etc. (Alila Obado, 1990). SACCOs are one of the leading sources of rural finance and in many rural areas the local SACCO is the only provider of financial services. While the exact number of SACCOs operating in Kenya is not known, estimates range from almost 4,000 up to 5,000 (Financial Sector Deepening (FSD), 2010). Kingdom SACCO Limited Kingdom SACCO Society Limited was started by the Life Reformation Centre in 1999 with the aim of improving the economic livelihood of its members. It was registered in 21st January, 2000 under the Cooperative Societies Act No.12 of 1997, and it is governed by the SACCO Societies Act of 2008 and its by-laws. The growth of the SACCO has been high since inception a fact attributed to good governance and leadership, staff commitment and effective patronage by members (Kingdom Sacco Limited, 2011) . Figure Membership Growth Analysis. Source: www.kingdomsacco.com Vision To be a model SACCO, empowering the community economically and socially. Mission To promote a savings culture, and provide affordable credit by offering sustainable financial solutions to enhance the economic welfare of our members and stakeholders. Motto Pamoja Twaimarika Core Values Integrity Having been founded by members with a church based background, it was agreed that Integrity is one of the most defining values that the leadership and membership of Kingdom SACCO up hold. Accountability The SACCO strives to carry out all its dealings in an open manner that is agreeable to members and co-operative values. Proactive The SACCO aims at meeting the all members needs by ensuring that it is effecting necessary and desired change to its operations and products as frequently as needed. Team Spirit The SACCO Leadership, management and members view the SACCO as a family unit and as such always aim at working together as a team. Equality All members are treated equally without any favoritism and discrimination Products Offered by Kingdom SACCO Credit Facilities Business Loan Development Loan Emergency Loan School Fees Loan Supa Loan Overdraft Loan Jijenge Loan Rembesha Maisha Loan FOSA Accounts Junior Mustard Account Imara Account Kings Savings Account KSA Corporate Account Kings Fixed Account Other Services Cheque Clearing Safe Custody Bankers Cheques Standing Orders Salary Advance Night Stop Services Problem Statement SACCOs provide a wide range of products, offer loans that are cheaper than banks, provide higher interest on savings and according to a study by FinAccess, a significant percentage of the Kenyan population is unbanked (FinAccess, 2009). This recent study by the Financial Sector Deepening Trust (FSDT) revealed that banks serve 14.2 percent, SACCOs 13.1 percent and MFIs 1.7 percent of the population respectively. This is a big opportunity for SACCOs given that there is an untapped market. Since SACCOs do not raise equity from outside sources, theirstrength lies in numbers i.e. the more the members, the better it is for the SACCO because this means that higher capital is raised. This study seeks to find out how SACCOs are tapping into this ready market, the methods they are using to do this and their effectiveness in reaching this market Purpose Statement The purpose of this study is to examine the expansion strategies employed by Kingdom SACCO Limited. Objectives of the study To identify the expansion strategies employed by Kingdom SACCO Limited To examine the implementation of expansion methods employed by Kingdom SACCO Limited To determine the effectiveness of the expansion methods employed by Kingdom SACCO Limited Research Questions What are the expansion strategies employed by Kingdom SACCO Limited? How are the expansion strategies employed by Kingdom SACCO Limited implemented? What are the short falls/gaps of the expansion strategies employed Kingdom SACCO Limited? Justification of the study The vision held by Kingdom SACCO is to be a model SACCO. This coupled by the fact that its membership steadily increases every year makes it a suitable case to study. By studying the methods Kingdom SACCO uses to achieve a steady membership growth, a resource can be created for other SACCOs to reproduce in the country in order to improve the penetration and impact of SACCOs in Kenya. Significance of the study The results of this study will seek to benefit the Government, the ministries of Finance, and Cooperatives Development in formulating policies concerning SACCOs and other financial institutions in order to improve banking and financial services in Kenya. Kingdom SACCO will be able to identify those expansion strategies that are effective and discard those that are not and so be able to position itself as a model SACCO, consistent with its vision. Other SACCOs in Kenya will be able identify and implement effective expansion strategies in order to boost membership and penetration of financial services in Kenya. Assumptions This study will be conducted under the following assumptions: The respondents will provide needed information objectively and fully All data provided by respondents will be correct and genuine Scope of Study This study will be carried out at Kingdom SACCO Limited. Data will be collected from the top and middle level management at the headquarters of the SACCO in Githurai, Nairobi Limitations and Delimitations Since this is a case study focused on a single SACCO, the results of the study cannot be attributed to a whole industry as generally representative. The researcher also expects that there may be reluctance by the respondents to provide adequate accessibility of information since most businesses prefer to keep such data private. The researcher intends to seek full permission of the SACCO management to conduct this study in order to ensure full cooperation. Definition of Terms BOSA Back Office Services Activities. The branch of any SACCO that provides credit facilities to its members. FinAccess An arm of FSD Kenya. FinAccess has been established as the leading source of reliable data on financial access in Kenya and is widely cited in the media and by Government, the private sector and international development partners. FOSA Front Office Services Activities. A service provided by SACCOs that enables its members to deposit and withdraw cash from or into their accounts just like a bank. FSD The Kenya Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) programme was established in early 2005 to support the development of financial markets in Kenya as a means to stimulate wealth creation and reduce poverty. Working in partnership with the financial services industry, the programmes goal is to expand access to financial services among lower income households and smaller enterprises. It operates as an independent trust under the supervision of professional trustees, KPMG Kenya, with policy guidance from a Programme Investment Committee (PIC). In addition to the Government of Kenya, funders include the UKs Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank, the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), Agence Franà §aise de Dà ©veloppement (AFD) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. ICA International Co-operative Alliance. The ICA was established in 1895, and brings together over 230 affiliated bodies from more than a hundred countries. In total, the ICA represents an estimated 760 million co-operative members worldwide. KSA Kings Savings Account. A service provided by Kingdom SACCO that enables members to make their savings. It is available for individuals and corporates SACCO Savings and Credit Cooperatives Safe Custody A service offered by Kingdom SACCO for the safe keeping of valuables. WOCCU The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). Established in 1970 with a membership from credit unions and co-operative financial institutions in 100 Countries, which between them have over 196 million members.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
An Explication of Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night :: Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
Introductory Paragraph Dylan Thomasââ¬â¢s villanelle ââ¬Å"Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Nightâ⬠is addressed to his aged father. The poem is remarkable in a number of ways, most notably in that contrary to most common poetic treatments of the inevitability of death, which argue for serenity or celebrate the peace that death provides, this poem urges resistance and rage in the face of death. It justifies that unusual attitude by describing the rage and resistance to death of four kinds of men, all of whom can summon up the image of a complete and satisfying life that is denied to them by death. First body paragraph à à à à The first tercet of the intricately rhymed villanelle opens with an arresting line. The adjective gentle appears where we would expect the adverb gently. The strange diction suggests that gentle may describe both the going (i.e., gently dying) and the person (i.e., gentleman) who confronts death. Further, the speaker characterizes ââ¬Å"night,â⬠here clearly a figure for death, as ââ¬Å"good.â⬠Yet in the next line, the speaker urge that the aged should violently resist death, characterized as the ââ¬Å"close of dayâ⬠and ââ¬Å"the dying of the light.â⬠In effect, the first three lines argue that however good death may be, the aged should refuse to die gently, should passionately rave and rage against death. à The second body paragraph describes the second tercet. à The third body paragraph: the ââ¬Å"good menâ⬠à The fourth body paragraph: the ââ¬Å"wild menâ⬠à The fifth body paragraph: the ââ¬Å"grave menâ⬠Concluding paragraph à à à à The speaker then calls upon his aged father to join these men raging against death. Only in this final stanza do we discover that the entire poem is addressed to the speakerââ¬â¢s father and that, despite the generalized statements about old age and the focus upon types of men, the poem is a personal lyric. The edge of death becomes a ââ¬Å"sad height,â⬠the summit of wisdom and experience old age attains includes the sad knowledge of lifeââ¬â¢s failure to satisfy the vision we all pursue. The depth and complexity of the speakerââ¬â¢s sadness is startlingly given the second line when he calls upon his father to both curse nd bless him. These opposites richly suggest several related possibilities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)