A Martian Sends a Postcard Home, by Craig Raine Essay

Formal The first method of criticism to use to better understand the 1979 poem â€Å"A Martian Sends a Postcard Home† by Craig Raine is Formalism. When you want to analyze a poem wishing the formalist method you should look at three things. The form, the physical structure of the poem, such as the length of the lines or stanzas, their rhythms, and their rhymes and repetition. Next is diction, what the words of the poem literally mean and why they chose that exact word instead of another one. Last is the unity of the poem, this is when significant parts of the poem come together to make the entire then whole. A formalist will look at all of these things when they critique a poem to try to understand the deeper meaning. Let’s first look at the structure of the poem. â€Å"A Martian Sends a Postcard Home† is comprised of 34 lines in couplets that do not rhyme. Sometimes words seem to be places where they shouldn’t be almost overflowing onto the next line. This use of couplets is for the readers benefit, it makes the poem much easier to read on the page. He also could have formatted his poem like this because the poem contains many metaphors and it is easier to focus on the metaphor if there is a break in between. Cleanth Brooks would call this an Aesthetic Structure because the structure of the poem is meant for the readers to understand it easier. Raine tries to write the poem to appeal to whoever is reading it and that is why he chose this form of writing in his poem. Second, we need to look at the diction inside the poem and there is a lot of interesting word choices by Raine. The best way to do this is to look at what words are in each line and what each line is saying. The first six lines are where the author uses his first comparison. A Caxton is a reference to the Englishman Will Caxton who first printed books. He then compares these books to a creature of earth, birds. He compares the bird’s wings to the pages of the books and both birds and books each have their way of showing their importance or meaning. Birds show how their importance and meaning with their color and books show how their importance and meaning with the words they contain. â€Å"cause the eyes to melt/ or the body to shriek without pain† refer to human emotions cry and laugh that the speaker of the poem (The Martian) doesn’t understand. Then he goes on to say how a book cannot fly but he has seen one perch on the hand, making note of how humans hold bo oks as they read them. The next four lines also make a comparison between nature and mankind. â€Å"Mist is when the sky is tired of flight† could be saying that the sky is a way to travel for the Martian through a UFO or spaceship. â€Å"engravings under tissue paper† takes us back to a book but this time it seems unimportant, like the Martian might not understand the importance of a book. Lines 11 and 12 the rain is compared to a T.V. They both make things appear darker than they really. Also, rain could be like the static in a T.V when the signal is fuzzy often when it is raining. The next two lines talk about â€Å"a Model T† which is a kind of car that was very popular in the early 1900’s. The â€Å"room† is the inside of the car where everyone sits and the â€Å"lock† is ignition where the key goes. â€Å"Key is turned to free the world† is the car moving and the â€Å"film† is the mirror that lets you see the world as it goes by in case you mis sed something. Lines 17 and 18 talks about something a lot of people have an obsession with keeping track of, time. Tied to a wrist is a watch and kept in a box is a clock. The Martian is saying that humans try to make time an object and there is no reason for this because your time will always run out. Lines 19- 24 make another comparison to mankind and nature, an ongoing theme in the poem. This time it’s comparing a telephone to a baby. If the phone rings it is similar to a baby when it cries, a parent needs to pick the baby up when it cries as you need to pick up the phone when it is ringing. When the baby is tickled it is like when you dial a number into the phone you are both using your fingers do the action. The next six lines talk about a child and an adult using the restrooms differently. The children â€Å"are allowed to suffer/openly† while the â€Å"Adults go to a punishment room / with water but nothing to eat.† Going back to a similar theme with time being imprisoned the people impress themselves in these bathrooms. Everyone is punished when they use the restroom and no one is safe from this punishment. The people force themselves to use the restroom and the children as well, in the eyes of the Martian. The last lines have the last comparison which brings us full circle in the poem. He makes the comparison of reading to dreaming. The night everything becomes dark and the people as a couple start to dream. The author might have used couples like how the whole poem is in couplets showing that humans belong in pairs. â€Å"With their eyelids shut† is them sleeping in bed â€Å"read about themselves† is their dreams. All in all, there are many metaphors to unpack in this poem and you start to get an understanding of the overall meaning of the poem and its unity. So what message is Raine trying to get across to us with all of his man vs nature metaphors? A formalist would argue that Raine is just trying to paint a picture of what an outsider would actually see if they were not in our society. They don’t see things the way humans do and they can’t even think of the right words to say for the things the Martian is seeing. The metaphors thought out the poem reinforce the point that the Martian isn’t sure what he is seeing and can only describe them in things that he has seen before. The Martian is able to take his experiences and connect them in a way with the humans. He thinks some of the things they do are strange and funny at the time, but he can still make references to his own life and his views on life. However, this might not at all be what the author is saying. It is possible that we have no idea what Raine meant when writing this poem and Allen Tate argues the only real way to understand what modern poetry contains is to â€Å"Start young, read the classical languages and later read the philosophers.† We can only make a guess at what Raine was saying in this poem and that is what makes poetry beautiful. Everyone can take it their own way, an infinite possibility of what the poem means to them or to anyone. Or could it be that formalism is not the best method of understanding this poem and we need to look more outside the text to understand what Raine meant? Psychological Criticism This next method of Criticism isn’t as much as taking the text at face value like the formalist method. It is about trying to get inside the mind of the author and figure out what was going on in his head when he was writing his poetry. There are 4 main critics that use Psychological criticism when unpacking literary work and they each have similar but unique styles when doing so. The first is Sigmund Freud, to have a Freudian approach to this text you would not oversimplify what the author meant and exaggerate your interoperations of symbolism as well as using all of Freud’s psychological jargon. This will allow you to dive deeper into the text and not just float on the top of the water. The second is Carl Jung and Mythological Criticism. Jung focuses on two things, the Conscious/Unconscious and archetypes. The Conscious/Unconscious refer to the human psyche and how our ancient ancestors thought and felt. Archetypes are very typical examples of a certain person or thin g. Jung talks about archetypes for characters, images, and situations. The third Northrop Frye used Jung’s ideas of archetypes to help promote his â€Å"theory of myths†. Frye argued that every text follows one of four mythoi and the whole text was called the monomyth. Last Jacques Lacan came up with an updated Freudian method for understanding literature. He had a different method for analysis characters in stories such as other and Other. The small o being the inside and the Big O is the outside of the body. Lacan also came up with Antirealism which is his assertion that langue is detached from reality. All of these four authors methods are important when looking at what Rain meant when writing â€Å"A Martain Sends a Postcard Home† and to get a better understand lets us apply of these to the Poem. The last Stanza of this poem â€Å"read about themselves/ in color, with their eyelids shut† could be argued that this is a dream that the humans are having. Freudian theory becomes stronger when people are dreaming, Freud believed that dreams are a symbol of antiquity and that their dreams contain the needs of the induvial that they might fight troublesome

My Self

I believe that multifarious factors make a person an individual who is unique and distinct from others. Most of these factors work their magic early on in a man’s life, consisting of experiences in childhood and adolescence, which shape a person’s philosophy and values in life. I was fortunate to have a childhood that gave me a sense of respect towards my parents and other family members, especially my elders. My childhood and adolescence taught me to treat my family as a sacred thing and give it the importance it deserves. Moreover, I know that our socioeconomic status gave me the proper perspective and drive to aim high in my studies and avoid taking risks.My close relationship with my family also allowed me to become open to forming close and trusting friendships. Thus, my childhood can be generally described as non-traumatic, save for a single car accident that left me a few injuries. Nevertheless, such an experience did not prevent me from studying hard in class, w hich made adults see me as a smart child who has more than what meets the eyes.My open relationship with my friends and family shaped my disposition as an active and open-minded person, who is always willing to help. I am also generally jovial, ad this helps me get along with others easily. I continue to live by my academic skills I acquired since childhood, and I pride myself in being a fast learner and a good researcher. My view of manhood and sexuality is consistent with my personal philosophy, which is bound by honesty, dignity and resoluteness.Given this personal backdrop, I expect my future life to be bright and full of promises. I will work hard to achieve a happy family life and a successful professional career. Therefore, I will keep on pursuing further studies, careful not to let any kind of obstacle get in my way. I know that my friends and family would be with me every step of the way while I tread the road to personal growth and fulfillment.

Impact of the Light Bulb and Cell Phone on Society Essay

When one reflects on the past century, it is astonishing how much technology has evolved in every sense. From light bulbs that lasted only ten hours, to bulbs that can now last over ten thousand hours. From a simple cellular phone only capable of making phone calls, to today’s smartphones that have effectively changed the way we interact with one another. Although there will always be opponents of technology, there is no denying that is has positively impacted modern society, and the way we live, work, and communicate. Thomas Alva Edison In today’s society, when a light bulb goes out, we think nothing of it. It is easy to drive to the closest store, purchase the appropriate bulb for next to nothing, and replace the burnt out bulb. What people don’t realize, however, are the painstaking hours of work and dedication that Thomas Edison devoted to this magical wonder, and the impact that it has had on society today. In order to fully understand and appreciate this marvel, it is necessary to go back in time and relive the invention for yourself. In Chapter 1 of Beyond Engineering, Robert Pool takes you back to the beginning, back to the time when â€Å"if people wanted light after the sun went down, they still performed the age-old ritual: they lit a fire. Outdoors, it might be a wood fire; indoors, a candle or kerosene lamps†. Before Edison’s invention transformed society, the majority of people were cast in the dark when the sun went down. Although candles and kerosene lamps were an option, they were not only dim, but also a potential safety hazard. They were also unable to provide the reliable source of light that today’s lamps produce. Even though a few warehouses and factories had arc lighting installed, this technology was far too expensive and unattainable for the average household. It goes without saying that the light bulb itself was nothing special. Without all the additional technology and developments that followed, such as power stations, transformers, electrical wiring, etc., its impact on society would have been minimal. It is incontrovertible, however, that the electrical technology that has emerged thanks to the light bulb, has impacted and transformed society beyond recognition. Without these developments, modern society would still be in the dark. We would not have the privilege of travel that we take for granted today, thanks to vehicle headlights, aircraft lighting, streetlamps, etc. We would never have developed the modern workforce that our society benefits from today, thanks to twenty-four hour lighting, and the contemporary conveniences that we enjoy today. Not to mention the ability to enjoy our homes any time of day, not just when the sun is shining. Without the progress that followed the light bulb, we would not have access to today’s amenities that we take for granted, such as electric stoves, microwaves, movie theatres, â€Å"night life† and computers, to name only a few. Though it is doubtful that Thomas Edison ever dreamed that his invention would alter life for millions of people to come, it is indisputable that it truly has. Cellular Devices The cellular telephone is an excellent example of a device that has evolved from a simple, uncommon product, in to a complex multi-billion dollar industry. From a product that began as an expensive toy, only attainable by the most privileged members of First World society, to an invaluable device used by the majority of people worldwide. If you were to return to the point of origin, when the cell phone was first created, you would certainly never be able to convey to its original manufacturer the technological evolution that has brought cellular technology to the point it’s at today. When mobile telephones were first invented, they were a modest, bulky device with only one purpose- to make and receive phone calls from â€Å"anywhere†; not at all similar to the sleek, complicated models we use today. It is not difficult to realize the enormous changes the cellular phone has undertaken since the first model was released. Although the cell phones of the past certainly had an assortment of parts and pieces to make it work, it pales in comparison to the vast, complex array of parts that are needed today to make a smartphone function. Similar to the complexities of the Boeing 747 â€Å"super jet†, â€Å"No single person can comprehend the entire workings† of a cell phone. The cell phone found in the pocket of the majority of citizens of the world today include GPS, Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G networks, LTE, high-resolution cameras and millions of downloadable user-made applications to choose from. In fewer than 30 years, the cell phone went from a rare device only attainable by the wealthiest of the population, to a device that a large percentage of the population now owns. Whether on the streets of downtown Toronto, or a small village in poverty-stricken East Africa, it is becoming increasingly rare to find a person who does not own a mobile device. Similar to the light bulb, the cell phone began as a modest product with a modest purpose, and underwent multiple, complex revisions to result in the current models manufactured today. If one examines the cell phone’s impact on our culture, it is evident that it has had both a positive and a negative impact on society. Without a doubt, the largest positive impact has been its ability to make day-to-day life less complicated, and ultimately, easier. Among a never-ending list of examples are: the ability to set reminders for appointments, meetings and important dates, an endless array of how-to and do-it-yourself applications to save money on professional services, internet access from anywhere, instant access to bank, email and home security accounts, etc. Mobile technology has also made it easier to stay in touch with loved ones around the world. Deployed troops are able to communicate with their families at home via Skype, international businesses can hold meetings with cowor kers on the other side of the world via videoconference, and parents are able to communicate with their children anytime, from anywhere. It is easily debatable that the positive impact cellular phones have had on society far outweigh the negative, however, it is not realistic to maintain that there has been no negative bearing at all. Aside from the physical danger associated with our near-obsession with our cell phones, such as texting and driving, the most easily identifiable negative effect is the noticeable decrease in personal, human interaction. It is not an exaggeration to say that the vast majority of today’s generation spend a large portion of their time on their cell phones. Whether in a restaurant, a classroom, public transportation, or the movie theatre, you are most likely surrounded by the bright light originating from someone’s phone screen. It is rare to walk down a public street, or through a shopping centre, without seeing people walking, texting, chatting or surfing online all at the same time, regardless of their surroundings. The intimate, social relationships between friends seems to have suffered as a result of society’s need to constantly feel â€Å"plugged in† to our mobile devices. Conclusion Without a doubt, technology will continue to adapt and evolve, as will our attitudes towards it. What seems futuristic and revolutionary today, will one day be taken for granted by our descendants. Just like the original inventors of the light bulb and cellular telephone, the inventors and manufacturers of today can only scarcely begin to imagine the different evolutions and modifications that their current products will undertake in the near-future. Though it is impossible to predict the inventions, creations and ideas to come, it is irrefutable that the impacts, both positive and negative, on society and the worldwide population as a whole, will be substantial. Bibliography 1) Chapter 1, History and Momentum, Beyond Engineering, How Society Shapes Technology, Robert Pool 2) Chapter 4, Complexity, Beyond Engineering, How Society Shapes Technology, Robert Pool ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Chapter 1, History and Momentum, Beyond Engineering, How Society Shapes Technology, Robert Pool [ 2 ]. Chapter 4, Complexity, Beyond Engineering, How Society Shapes Technology, Robert Pool

European Tourism effects on the Environment Essay

European Tourism effects on the Environment - Essay Example The UK for example has been a leading tourist destination for the past years and this trend never seems to wane. Although much of its natural, cultural sites suffered at first the UK has started various policies regarding the preservation of nature and in doing so, tourists help maintain their tourist spots indirectly. Other EU member country worth noting in terms of tourism is Italy and France which are located conveniently along the coasts of the Mediterranean. These two countries and others have accommodated millions of tourists annually, and some of the repercussions of these enterprises are evident right now. These areas are currently experiencing the drawbacks of past tourism ventures and are now seeking to rehabilitate their tourist spots which are situated near the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean itself is a prime tourist destination, but due to its peculiar characteristics, it been a victim of reckless, abusive tourism. Much of its marine life is suffering the effects of eu thropication and unmanaged solid and liquid wastes being dumped to it. When this carelessness continues, the Mediterranean will cease to be and there is a possibility that this unfortunate situation will also occur to other tourist spots. Tourism has not only made it big in Europe but also the rest of the world. ... In today's modern lifestyle, a vacation is viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury, as many international companies offer tourism packages to their employees as part of their wok benefits. Also, tourism has been more accessible today to the lower economic classes more than ever (Council of Europe, 2004). Tourism and the state of a nation's environment have a delicate relationship with each other. Sure tourism brings in a lot of revenues from tourists, but without an efficient means of environmental preservation the country's ecology and natural resources will suffer. The issue as to whether tourism affects the environment positively or negatively is put to debate recently (Kozyr, 2000). An excellent tourism program depends mainly on the soundness of a country's environment. There are guidelines set upon by the Fifth Programme as to what transport means, water supply, waste management practices etc. are to be taken up to by a tourism delegated area so that damage to the environment would be decreased (European Commission, 2005). Tourism is given special attention by the European Union for its future expansion and worker status. The E.U. has about 8 million people working on various sectors of tourism, a decent 5% of the whole workforce and GDP and an estimated 30% outside service trade. Cumulatively, if the transport and trade sectors are taken in consideration, tourism accounts for about 12% of GDP. The Tourism Unit of Directorate General Enterprise stresses the significance of tourism in Europe's economic success and it aims at tourist satisfaction, employee status, care for the environment and many more. The unit works closely with an Advisory Committee made up o f representatives from the various Member States and other associations such as

Analyze both stories. Is the author's suggestions a good solution to Essay

Analyze both stories. Is the author's suggestions a good solution to solving a problem - Essay Example On the other hand, the Houyhnhnms see themselves as superior to the Yahoos because they are more rational, thus giving the former the right to have power over the latter’s life and death (Lemke, Martin, Fuentes, and Swift 47). Justifying Infanticide depicts how Singer sees himself as a rational Houyhnhnm who should have a power to decide over the life and death of those considered non-humans, or those who are not yet humans. However, Swift’s aim is to make people realize that humans are indeed Yahoos with pure genetic composition and the propensity towards sensual pleasures, but are also Houyhnhnms with rational thinking and the propensity towards oversimplifications and ideas. In Justifying Infanticide, Singer separated these two --- intelligence and incarnation --- by referring to newborns not as persons, but merely pain-receptors having no psychological association to its future personhood (33). Therefore, if one follows this line of reasoning, newborns are Yahoos wh ose life and death are under the decision of the superior Houyhnhnms. A Modest Proposal is entirely different since it is a satirical exaggeration that states selling the children as food to rich people may alleviate the poor parents’ economic situation (Swift 13). Justifying Infanticide Justifying Infanticide has a utilitarian root that reinforces the concept of â€Å"doing the greatest good for the greatest number.† It says that a deed is made moral if the end justifies the means. In line with this thought, Singer theorizes that eliminating a certain percentage of the population is acceptable if justified by the situation or the result it offers (34-5). According to the utilitarian point of view, objections from people who perceive that killing a person is morally incorrect are mostly based on emotions. Utilitarianism asserts the belief that reason should be the main basis of ethics, so it means that infanticide can be justified by reason in some cases, thus be deeme d ethical (Sloane 47-8). For a clearer definition of terms, infanticide is the intentional killing of an infant for reasons ranging from partiality to a specific gender to control of population (Vehmas 38). Utilitarian Peter Singer provides the most controversial defense of infanticide. For example, Singer states that the costs to families and societies and the quality of life in caring for children with specific disabilities entail more effort but provides less positive results (35). This may be a controversial stance, but on a realistic viewpoint, the child will live a life that is considered unhappy or unwanted by most people. This is one case where infanticide is considered humane (Sloane 48). One great difficulty, however, is in deciding when this is justifiable because there is always the argument that no one can really say when a certain life is undesirable other than that very person. However, one strong defense of infanticide in the utilitarian standpoint is the argument ag ainst the suffering infant whose medical case is beyond the scientific capacity to cure (Vehmas 39). For Singer, it is more altruistic to allow parents to choose to end their and their child’s suffering through euthanasia (36). A Modest Proposal The lack of compassion towards the poverty-stricken citizens is the target of Swift’