The Lens Also Reflects Essay Example For Students

The Lens Also Reflects Essay Colonial Attitudes in Post-Colonial CriticismA critique of a system often functions as a magnifying lens, bringing into focus the smaller components of a macroscopic system. E. M. Forster critiques the colonial mentality in such a way in A Passage to India the individual characters that constitute the system of colonialism in India are magnified and set as an example of this system. However, a magnifying lens often catches the light and reflects a ghostlike image of the observer over what is observed. So too does Forsters own prejudices and beliefs, rooted in the system of colonialism, appear omnipresent throughout the novel. While making a strong argument against colonialism, Forster is constantly reproducing a notion of the other, the non-English, non-Western, the non-Forster that compromises the integrity of his novel. We will write a custom essay on The Lens Also Reflects specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Forsters creation of the other begins with his perspectives of the physical India. There is something hostile in the soil. It either yields, and the foot sinks into a depression, or else it is unexpectedly rigid and sharp, pressing stones or crystals against the tread (Forster, A Passage to India, 16). By describing the land as hostile, Forster creates an antagonistic India, unfriendly to both native and foreigner.The image of a hostile land prevents comparison to the Western homeland of the reader and creates a boundary between viewer and viewed. Forster not only separates the land through describing it as actively hostile, but by portraying it as ugly and repulsive. The novel is set in the city of Chandrapore, and Forster constantly provides images of filth and squalor. Edged rather than washed by the river Ganges, it trails for a couple of miles along the bank, scarcely undistinguishable from the rubbish it deposits so freely (3). The criticism of the land extends to the city: The streets are mean, the temples ineffective, and although a few fine houses exist they are hidden away in gardens or down alleys whose filth deters all but the invited guest (3) By portraying India as hostile and unappealing, India repels and disgusts the reader. It is difficult to find praiseworthy descriptions of India, and the novel thus fosters a desire to distance oneself from the physical India. This distancing is compounded by unfavourable comparisons of India to Europe. and Fielding often attempted analogies between this peninsula and that other, smaller and more exquisitely shaped, that stretches into the classic waters of the Mediterranean (65). Clearly, the physical India is inferior to the physical Italy, the latter being more exquisite than the former. Other comparisons are equally unflattering. Englands little lakes and mountains were beloved by them all. Romantic yet manageable, it sprang from a kindlier planet. Here an untidy plain stretched to the knees of the Maraba r (152). Since the initial audience of the novel was the English public, such direct comparison with the homeland inevitably causes such readers to form boundaries between here and there. By setting up the very boundaries that the Anglo-Indians can barely overcome in a fictional work, Forster limits the depth of his message. Forster, however, does not deliberately alienate his audience from India. Otherwise, A Passage to India would not criticize colonialism as it does. It is clear that Forster is opposed to colonialism and the effects of English occupation upon India, yet he seems unable to perceive India as other than other. For instance, while he portrays Chandrapore as filthy and repulsive, the English residences are neat and ordered. Inland, the prospect alters. There is an oval Maidan and a long sallow hospital. Houses belonging to Eurasians stand on the high ground by the railways station.It is a city of gardens (4). The English encampment, situated upon hills overlooking the city proper, is associated with the sky while the wretched city is the earth. Forsters association of these object pairs lends an unpleasant connotation to a later passage. .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 , .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 .postImageUrl , .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 , .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158:hover , .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158:visited , .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158:active { border:0!important; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158:active , .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158 .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u15fbc6bf0caf1afb40c2701aac410158:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Dan Kennedy EssayThe sky settles everything.by herself the earth can do little only feeble outbursts of flowers. But when the sky chooses, glory can rain into the Chandrapore bazaars or a benediction pass from horizon to horizon. The sky can do this because it is so strong and so enormous. Strength comes from the sun, infused in it daily; size from the

Compare and contrast London by William Blake with Composed upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth Essay Example

Compare and contrast London by William Blake with Composed upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth Essay Example Compare and contrast London by William Blake with Composed upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth Paper Compare and contrast London by William Blake with Composed upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth Paper Essay Topic: Poetry This essay will look at the two poems London by William Blake and Composed upon Westminster Bridge by William Wordsworth. It will compare and look at the differences between the mood and general message given by the two poems. Both poems are set in London and describe a day in the life of London. Reading the two poems the reader realises how the poets different experiences of London clearly influence the way they picture the city. William Wordsworths poem Composed upon Westminster Bridge is all about Londons beauty and all of its glory. He describes it as if it was far away and is looking at it like a landscape. It is thought that the poem was actually written on Westminster Bridge or the idea came to him when on the bridge. Whereas Wordsworths London describes London as a beautiful, silent and calm place, London by William Blake takes a much darker turn describing a cruel, dark and impoverished London where everyone is miserable, fearful and young girls are forced into prostitution. Blake, who lived in London, wanted to highlight the way people were living and wanted it to change. Wordsworth was a pantheist which means he believed god was in nature and everything living, and not in a church with expensive ornaments. He looked at London from a more relaxed angle and not as close-up as Blake who described people and streets rather than buildings. The 2 poets are both describing the same place, but with different opinions and subjects. Blakes opening line is I wander through each chartered street. The first line shows that he disapproves of the streets of London for being so busy. He focuses on the people walking through the streets and how they all seem to be unhappy or ill. Marks of weakness, marks of woe. He shows us London at its worst, with children of all ages working as chimney sweeps in dangerous conditions and young prostitutes ending up with unwanted births. He shows us a London in which people would not want to live in and which needs to change for the better. Every blackening church appals, and the hapless soldiers sigh. This line from the poem shows that he is suggesting it is the Churchs fault for turning a blind eye to the suffering around them, and also the governments for not getting the soldiers to help the public and keep order. This, compared with Wordsworths message, which is soothing and describes London as a beautiful, calm place, is very contradictory. This would make readers think about how the writers different experiences would have a big impact on the message and imagery of the poems. In Wordsworths poem he sounds inspired by London and its beauty. He talks about how London blends into the countryside; theatres and temples lie open unto the fields. He also describes the river; the river glideth at his own sweet will whereas Blake describes it as: near where the chartered Thames does flow. These 2 quotes show the very different opinions of the poets. Wordsworth also talks about the marvellous buildings showing the best of mankinds achievements. The structure of Blakes poem is quite simple with a nursery rhyme style. He uses simple rhyming couplets but he conveys a complex message with it. In the poem he builds up the tension, despair and bad imagery and ends with the line: blights with plague the marriage hearse. This quote suggests that Blake thinks that in the hard life of London it is hard maybe even pointless to have a marriage. Another message of despair for London in the poem is in the 3rd stanza where there is an acrostic that reads HEAR. This is another way of reaching out to the reader asking them to help London. Wordsworth has written his poem as a sonnet which is more commonly used for lovers or something of high praise. He, like Blake, brings his poem to a climax but his is of wonder and amazement at what he sees around him. Wordsworth uses enjambment in his poem so that the lines run over each other making it calmer and reflective, very different from Blakes short repetitive lines which sound sadder. There are some strong emotions shown by the writers in each poem. Such as Blake whose anger shows throughout the poem with words such as: blackening, curse and weakness. He is unhappy and angry with society and wants to scare and shock the reader into doing something about the problem. Wordsworths emotions are more of awe at the sight before him. His poem is slow and calm but grows to a climax where he is excited to just talk about London. This is shown by the exclamation marks in the last few lines of the poem. Blakes use of repetition in his poem is quite effective with imagery and tone. The repetition of chartered gives the sense that if both the river and streets are chartered, is there such a place where it is calm in London? When he repeats the words marks, it gives the idea that everyone on the street is ill and in need of help and has been marked in a way by London. In the 2nd stanza with the repetition of every he describes how he hears the mind-forged manacles where everyone must suffer and be subjected to the same pointless tasks if they are to survive. Blake makes good use of dark colours in his poem; they help with the imagery of a cruel and violent London, the dark colours help to convey feelings of corruption and the midnight curses and tears give a sense of chaos. Wordsworth on the other hand uses soothing, calm similes and personification, such as: the river glideth at his own sweet will. He uses this language instead of strong metaphors like Blake uses. His last line reads: And all that mighty heart is lying still! . Maybe with the words mighty heart he is suggesting that London is the heart of Britain and that he is amazed that something so vital could be stationary. In this poem, Blake is trying to shock readers into action, and I believe it is essentially a plea to the people who can actually make the difference, like the government, rich businessmen and royals. He describes all the bad points of London with no sign of anything worth seeing there, almost like a warning. For me it has made me realise that things were a lot worse than I thought. Its also made me realise that things in London in the present day havent changed much. The roads are actually chartered in central London with an expensive congestion charge, the rivers have strict rules for boats and moorings, many people have a very low income and can only just get by. This is even with a policy called London Weighting, which means people will earn higher wages than they would for doing the same job somewhere outside of London, due to the high cost of living in London. Of course, in this day and age, there isnt any child prostitution on the streets because of the law now but there is a lot of illegal adult prostitution all over London. Blake was delivering a message to readers of poverty and corruption within the government and, with people like Blake, the situation has come to change where there is a proper police force that helps the needy and a church where people can go for help and support. I think it was quite brave of him to do this because of the ways people who wanted change for the common people often got into trouble or were killed by the government and church so as not to start rebellions. Wordsworths poem, in contrast to Blakes poem and message, seems almost naive. This is because he looks at the city and is in awe of its beauty and splendour, but he describes it as if there could be no wrong in London at all, looking at a picture of it and cant see the pain, suffering and unpleasantness in the streets. Personally, if it wasnt for his pantheist beliefs, it would feel as though he had been told to write it by a higher authority so as to describe only the parts of London which werent affected by misery and poverty.

Locating German Vital Records

Locating German Vital Records Civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths in Germany began following the French Revolution in 1792. Beginning with regions of Germany under French control, most German states eventually developed their own individual systems of civil registration between 1792 and 1876. In general, German civil records begin in 1792 in Rheinland, 1803 in Hessen-Nassau, 1808 in Westfalen, 1809 in Hannover, Oct 1874 in Prussia, and Jan 1876 for all other parts of Germany. Since Germany has no central repository for civil records of births, marriages, and deaths, the records may be found in several different locations. Local Civil Registrars Office Most civil birth, marriage, and death records in Germany are maintained by the civil registration office (Standesamt) in the local towns. You can usually obtain civil registration records by writing (in German) to the town with the appropriate names and dates, the reason for your request, and proof of your relationship to the individual(s). Most cities have websites at www.[city name].de where you can find the contact information for the appropriate Standesamt. Government Archives In some areas of Germany, duplicate civil records of births, marriages and deaths have been sent to the state archives (Staatsarchiv), district archives (Kreisarchive), or another central repository. Many of these records have been microfilmed and are available at the Family History Library or through local Family History Centers. The Family History Library The Family History Library has microfilmed the civil registration records of many towns throughout Germany up to about 1876, as well as copies of records sent to many of the various state archives. Do a Place Name search in the online Family History Library Catalog for the name of the town to learn what records and time periods are available. Parish Records Often called parish registers or church books, these include records of births, baptism, marriages, deaths, and burials recorded by German churches. The first surviving Protestant records date back to 1524, but Lutheran churches, in general, began requiring baptism, marriage, and burial records in 1540; Catholics began doing so in 1563, and by 1650 most Reformed parishes began keeping these records. Many of these records are available on microfilm through Family History Centers. Otherwise, youll need to write (in German) to the specific parish which served the town in which your ancestors lived.

Letter to Viktor Frankl Based On Novel A Man's Search for Meaning Essay

Letter to Viktor Frankl Based On Novel A Man's Search for Meaning - Essay Example I feel moved to write you because of the revelations you have given regarding the Jewish suffering in Vienna among other parts of the globe. You have also used the book to help your readers adopt new perspectives and techniques for finding new meaning in life more so if they relate to your predicaments. One of the occurrences that catch my attention is the decision to remain in Austria rather than leave for America in 1941. I agree with your decision to stay despite the imminent sabotages from the Nazis. The movement was apparent danger to your life and the mentally ill patients whom you saved by opposing euthanasia and giving false diagnoses. However, what impressed me most is the unconditional love for your old parents. I suppose you were the only source of security and deserting them could have led to their deaths (Frankl, 2006). Heavens returned the favor, and you got married to Tilly Grosser in the same year. In addition, allow me to address three principal aspects that surprised and impressed me in equal measure as I read your life changing accounts. Three Major Aspects from Your Book Your determination to survive during the Nazi reign was impressive. Who would have resolved to remain in Austria after their private practice had been terminated? Having a Jewish designation and the consistent extermination of your patients might have cause you unimaginable suffering.

Reading and Answer the Question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Reading and Answer the Question - Essay Example Various reactions arise regarding the funding of several arts in Melbourne an example being arts works of the twenty- eight year old McLennan’s at Victorian Arts College. There are many responses to the controversy surrounding public art and political message which makes the funding arts with political messages be viewed as an issue that pause some considerable threat. Therefore, there is a need to fund nonpolitical artistic works, since they perform a legitimate role in enhancing public reflection stimulation. This means that public funds are used for the benefit of the public, and not for the political interests of some politicians or individuals with hidden political intentions. However, as far as arts with political messages are concerned, there should be guidelines that control and regulate the use of public funds for art-funding to prevent the misuse of these funds in satisfying political needs of a few individuals. In the video that Mallika Sarabhai shares in her presentation, three main themes are clearly highlighted. Justice is the first theme that comes out clearly in this presentation. In the transformative story in dance by Mallika Sarabhai, the one eyed monkey feels that humans are unjust due to the way the woman treats the monkey after the god Indira fulfills that desire of the woman. The other theme that is seen in Mallika Sarabhai presentation is crime and crime subjects. In the presentation concern arises about who or which race is to be blamed for incidence of crime. The reluctance of the police in response to crime activities is reflected upon in this presentation. Lastly, the third theme that Mallika Sarabhai addresses in the presentation is the plight of women. Mallika does this by asking the audience several questions about rape cases in the nation whereby Mallika self-response to these questions shows that many women and girls are rape

Sense of Lost Love :: essays papers

Sense of Lost Love Love bears all the happiness and all the pain; true satisfaction will come from loving another with all your heart. My mother always told me to remember that because that to her creates and embodies the genuine essence of life. Those words still echo through my head like ringing chime bells lost in the mist. She never hurt another soul, nobody as kind as she. Then she left me that night, no word of good bye or any wave, or hug. Nights after that I cry myself to sleep, the anguish so harsh, the wound etched so deep. I thought my heart could never feel the love that I felt for my mother. Days go by and I learn to cope with life without her loving presence, her words so sweet and wise. Her spirit never dwarfed by the agony that plagued her. I am sure she never wanted to leave me, yet another call beckoned her. My heart cracked and slowly died when she left, still so much distress in my heart. Then you came into my life; you brightened the darkest parts of my soul. You shared with me your love and your heart. You tended my broken heart and mended my empty soul. One child of glory you gave to me, a bundle of joy and tears. The happiest days of my life I spent with you, never believing that you would leave me like my mother. Now I see you there my love, my angel, my spirit, there you lay breathing heavily agonizing in so much pain. How could you even dare try to leave me? My heart starts the trek to pain again, the suffering and the torture will never abate. I know you must leave me, you think for Richard, our son. Think not of his pain for I will comfort him and help him through that torment.

Between Technology and Criminal Justice

I. Introduction As information plays a vital role in the advancements of criminal justice system, technological changes are closely related to the best conduct of criminal justice. The very efficiency of system can be integral to the quality of justice it provides. Moreover, the timely dissemination of information through new technologies too has larger impacts on criminal justice system. At present, technological development has become more complex and it has given birth to new types of databases which are qualitatively different.The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of technological advancements pertaining to the communication capabilities of criminal justice system. It would the merits and demerits of major databases such as AFIS, Live Scan, Facial Recognition, and Iris Scan briefly and compares them in their strengths and weaknesses. II. Technology, Database and Criminal Justice Over the years, information technology has become a key component of the criminal justic e systems as it has unprecedentedly enhanced the communication capabilities of database available for the conduct of criminal justice.Not only the inquiry bodies such as police but also courts and governments as decision making agencies too make use of advances information and communication technologies in their pursuit of criminal justice. Blitz (2004) has argued that the creation of databases for entire population itself is illegal and categorically asserts that â€Å"it is not merely the continuing observation of activities that undercuts privacy, but to an even greater degree, the ongoing recording of these activities†.Importantly, criminals too have been using sophisticated technology not only for cyber crimes but also for inflicting severe crimes over several realms of social life. Technologically sophisticated databases â€Å"such as GPS tracking bracelets, biometric scanners, online offender indexes, and DNA databases–give the government power to control dange rous persons without relying on any exertion of physical control† (Murphy, 2008). Automated Fingerprints Identification Systems (AFIS) enables the checking of criminal history records of a person just a matter of minutes.It has been argues that â€Å"the ability of AFIS systems to search millions of records in minutes and present candidates to the latent print examiner borders on the incredible† (Komarinski, 2005). AFIS is technologically sophisticated mainly in three counts; quantity wise-the extent of fingerprints could be cross checked, quality wise- the extent of correctness of the information and time wise-the extent of time saving and other related benefits involved. AFIS can be helpful not only in identifying criminals but also the victims of crime.Following the World Trade Center attack, it is with the help of AFIS, â€Å"the latent print examiners were able to identify over 300 victims, bringing closure and comfort to their families. This would not have been p ossible without AFIS technology† (Komarinski, 2005). It is also helpful for identifying people with memory disorders or who are dead. Moreover, it could be as intense as possible to integrate the entire biometric details of all the people in the world.Also, it is possible to link AFIS systems easily with other databases too. AFIS can also be used in avoiding welfare cheating and the right allocation of government services for the right people. As AFIS systems grow in spectacular speed, a latent print found at crime site could be compared against all the known people and if not matching, could be stored for future match. Iris Scan is highly advanced as â€Å"which are per perceived to have a higher accuracy rate than traditional facial recognition programs†.Also, Iris scan enables the documentation of ones identity without even his/her identity as it is legal in most countries to snap the image of a person in public. It also could be potentially used for imposing â€Å" residency and movement restrictions that declare certain areas off limits to particular individuals† who have conditional paroles, barring notices or stay away orders. However, it gives the possibility of the misuse of Iris Scan databases for segregating ethnic minorities or other dissident groups.A technology like Live Scan or Iris Scan can be an easy tool for governments and big corporations to breach the privacy of innocent individuals and authoritarian regimes could well use them for surveillance of the entire population. Also, such databases and techniques could be hacked by criminal elements and used for terrorizing the whole world. Murphy (2005) has pointed out that government strategies virtual contol could be more dangerous than physical control as still the â€Å"courts unduly focus on the physical world as the relevant metric against which all restraints are judged.As a result, technologies of restraint are imposed without necessary procedural safeguards†. Th e unaccountability of the possible uses of databases by the governments too is a matter of alarming concern. In other words, a technological development such as Iris Scan enables the government and security agencies to monitor the entire population amounting to imprison people in a prison without walls. In comparison, it could be argued that Iris Scan could be considered as the best available database could be used fro criminal justice.It does not involve any physical touch for the obtaining of date and it could be taken without the consent of a person. Moreover, Iris Scan could be well used to obtain the sample even from an unwilling person without using force. III. Conclusion The technological advancements have helped the conduct of criminal justice faster, accurate and less procedurally complex. More than punitive measures, database could be used also for affirmative actions such as victim identification, welfare distribution, cheat prevention etc.However, it opens up new possibi lities for abuse as well such as those by authoritarian regimes and commercial interests in monitoring the population. Reference Blitz, M. J. (2004). Video Surveillance and the Constitution of Public Space: Fitting the Fourth Amendment to a World That Tracks Image and Identity. Texas Law Review. 82 (6). pp. 1349-85 Komarinski, P. (2005) Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS). Burlington. Elsevier Academic Press. Murphy, E. (2008). Paradigms of Restraint. Duke Law Journal. 57 (5). pp. 1321-45