Abstract This paper analyzes the dynamic narrator in "Two Kinds." The narrator in the story undergoes two significant changes throughout a series of events: She first aspires to become a prodigy, then determines to spite her mother and finally resolves her inner tension that initially surfaces due to the expectations of her mother. In this paper specific quotes are analyzed in order to prove that the narrator underwent a transformation.
From the Paper "In Tan's "Two Kinds" a mother's blind faith that her daughter can be a genius leads the young girl to face several internal struggles. The narrator, the young daughter, initially feels as though she could one day become a prodigy as her mother suspects. However, the narrator's mother constantly pushes too hard and forces endless tests upon her daughter, which causes great tension in the mother-daughter relationship. After many acts of resentment and spite towards her mother's ambitions, the narrator finally releases all of her emotion and leads her mother to lose any trace of hope. Unfortunately, the narrator understands her mother as well as her lost potential when reconciliation is already out of reach, although she does capture inner peace after realizing her mother truly wished only success for her daughter. The narrator in the story undergoes two significant changes throughout a series of events: she first aspires to become a prodigy, then determines to spite her mother, and finally resolves her inner tension that initially surfaces due to the expectations of her mother."
Abstract This paper discusses acts of kindness as they are reflected in religion. The paper describes kindness shown through an outpouring of money to Tsunami victims to illustrate individual citizens' altruism and desire to help. The Bible stories of Ruth and Naomi, of Jesus Christ giving sight to a blind man, and of the prodigal son are presented to emphasize kindness in the Bible. The paper contends that, whether kindness and altruism are shown through a parable in the Bible or through the generous giving of individual citizens, the very act of kindness is a blessing on all of humanity.
From the Paper "In the book of Ruth, Chapter One, Ruth and Naomi were going through some very difficult moments in their lives. Both of their husbands had died - and that was a particularly challenging position for women to be in during that time period, since females did not have a lot of options as far as employment. Meantime, the two women had just moved back to Naomi's hometown, and that created some tension for Naomi because she had left her hometown ten years earlier, and her neighbors had not understood at that time why she had left her community."
Abstract This analytical research paper presents a detailed review of the western masterpiece "Kinds of Minds" by Daniel C. Dennett on the cognitive science of human minds. The paper presents overview of the eminent writer's life; it summarizes the content of the writing, and then critically analyzes the book. The paper illustrates the philosopher's concepts of intentionality and brain functioning of humans. It shows how human brains different and superior to the brain of the animals. The author adds the cognitive dimension of language is enriched by human emotion, which aids our communication as a whole.
Table of Contents:
Overview of Author
Educational Qualifications and Teaching Career
Published Articles
Books Written on Human Mind
Lectures and Fellowships
Contemporary Status
Summary of the Kinds of Minds: Toward an Understanding of Consciousness
Analysis of the Kinds of Minds: Toward an Understanding of Consciousness
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "The fields of literature and research are the ever-flourishing disciplines. With various researchers, experts and other prominent figures including writers producing remarkable works based on extensive research, expertise, experience and relentless efforts, literature is making unmeasured and unbelievable advancement with every sketching moment. Like many writers, one personality that has made a mark in the western literature and one name that often emerges in research and literature pertaining to human mind and behavior is Daniel C. Dennett. The following passage of our research paper will present an overview of the renowned writer of the marvelous book, The Kinds of Minds: Towards an understanding of Consciousness."
Tags: brain, mind, cognitive, science, human, animal, language, communication
Abstract This paper takes a look at the works of Amy Tan, "Two Kinds," from the perspective of new historical criticism, which looks at the authors life and environment along with the work itself.
From the Paper "Amy Tan writes about autobiographical events and circumstances in her life in her works The Joy Luck Club and ?Two Kinds.? "Two Kinds" is a slice of events from her childhood that shows the conflict between Tan and her mother, the collision of old and new cultures, the past and the present, parents? expectations vs. reality, and obedience vs. defiance. Pairs of opposing elements comprise the whole of the story; the title itself, ?Two Kinds,? shows the tension that Tan creates. The argument that presents itself is that Amy Tan is the only person who could have written this story because only she experienced those opposing elements. An examination of "Two Kinds" defends this theory. "
Abstract The paper examines the novel, "Halfbreed" by Maria Campbell, an autobiography where Campbell describes the struggles of her life centered around her being a halfbreed, a half-Indian and half-white person, rejected by both the Indian and the white people. The paper shows that cruelty and kindness are important themes of Campbell's story. Firstly, there is the human cruelty of discrimination, represented by the acts of the people. Secondly, it describes the cruelty of society, where society oppresses people. Finally, the paper discusses a belief in human kindness that allows Campbell to overcome the struggles, with the writing of the autobiography an act of reaching out to the people who have discriminated against her and offering them the opportunity to understand the cruelty of their ways and choose to change these ways.
From the Paper "Campbell shows that it is the basis of society that is responsible for the treatment of the halfbreeds. The halfbreeds are homeless because the government took their land from them, forcing them to live in poverty. Their culture was never accepted, instead they were expected to fit into the Canadian culture. This separated the halfbreeds from the rest of society, forcing them to be seen as outcasts. Campbell expresses this process when she says recalls her grandmother's words, ?My Cheechum used to tell me that when the government gives you something, they take all that you have in return - your pride, your dignity, all the things that make you a living soul.?"
Tags: poverty, social, outcast, prostitution, Canadian
Abstract In his essay, "On Three Kinds of Social Intercourse", Michel de Montaigne uses the writing technique of reflective or rhetorical speech, which facilitates the understanding of his writing. This paper will discuss Montaigne's reflective, rhetorical style and will comment on his use of various personal issues and experiences relating to his point which make his ideas easier to understand, much like other Humanist writers did. This paper will argue, that Montaigne's essay is not only important for what it tells us about these three kinds of social association, but also for the way in which he tells it to his readers. As a Humanist, Montaigne was profoundly aware of the important relationship between subject matter and manner of explaining it.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that Lawrence Otis Graham's 'Our Kind of People' casts a probing eye on real-life Cosby families - the rarefied world of the African-American elite that the Cosby family alluded towards. The writer notes that through this account, Graham hopes to introduce and explain the emergence, the rules and the pride that many upper-class black Americans feel towards their own institutions. The writer points out that this paper looks at Graham's discussion of the black elite, at how the author constructed the parameters of being a member of the black elite. This paper then evaluates the validity of Graham's findings through the lens of conflict and critical race theory.
Outline:
Overview of Our Kind of People
Minority Group Relations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Graham strives to provide context for this chronicle by beginning with a chapter on the historical origins of the black elite. In the next chapters, the author illustrates the values of the members of this black upper crust through discussions regarding children's clubs, cotillions and coming-out parties. These chapters continue with accounts devoted to historically black institutions, such as colleges, fraternities and sororities and private schools."
"The most important chapters deal with membership in the exclusive clubs, a membership that starts in early childhood. It all begins with membership in Jack and Jill, an exclusive club for the children of affluent black parents. This paves the way for an individual to attend the right summer camps, private schools and, most importantly, the right colleges. Historically, this meant institutions such as Morehouse College, Spelman College and Howard University. Today, the "right colleges" refer to the Ivy League, an illustration of the similarities between the black and white elites."
Abstract This paper summarizes Amy Tan's "Two Kinds", a short story about the relationship a young Chinese girl in the United States has with her immigrant mother. The paper describes how the mother of the protagonist Jing-mei, tries to first mold her into a Chinese Shirley Temple and when that failed, to a piano prodigy. The author explains the reasons why Jing-mei's mother does all of these, while also providing insights to the kind of life that the mother has had and the dreams she has for Jing-mei.
From the Paper "Culture plays a main factor when it comes to distinguishing the differences of people around the world. However, there are some things that even culture lacks to distinguish. The relationship between a parent and child may be one of the greatest examples. No matter what part of the world you came from, the attitude a child has towards his or her parents disciplinary actions are reflections of each other. Many times parents believe they know what is best for their child and push them to do things the child does not always agree on. And naturally the child does not appreciate the effort of their parents the least bit until years pass."
Abstract This paper discusses the different kinds of coral reefs that exist. The author explains the various ways that coral reefs are formed, along with the factors that contribute to the growth of coral reefs. In addition, the author also analyzes the various theories centering around the formation of coral reefs.
From the Paper "There are three different types of reefs. These are the fringing reef, the barrier reef, and the atoll. The fringing reef is a coral reef that attaches to the margins of islands and conti"nents. It consists of several types of corals without any predomi"nant type. It is surrounded by a few corals that are separated from the island or continent by areas of sand. The fringing reef forms an area along the shore and along the margins of the island where colonies of coral can grow. These reefs begin to grow below the low water mark and extend seaward. The fringing reef is always attached to the margin of the island or continent, and the edge lying sea?ward is not separated from the main land by a lagoon."
Abstract This paper discusses how Anne Sexton's poem "Her Kind" is a personal account of one woman’s attitude toward her troubled life and how she reacts to the pressures brought about by a society that never fully accepts her as she is. The writer states that by skillfully employing her stylistic technique of imagery, Sexton is able to convey an image of estrangement from a society that doesn’t allow her to be herself.
From the Paper "The obvious link between the ?I? with the word "witch" in the fist line triggers the semantic feature of darkness or evil; this meaning is exemplified when she implies that she is a "possessed witch" (Sexton 15). The image of the witch is one of Sexton's common themes (McClatchy 317), so it is not a surprise to see one of her most popular poems centered around it. Clearly, Sexton is preparing the reader for a poem that is shaded with mystery. The witch, an ominous figure at the beginning of the poem becomes a vehicle in which Sexton can express the dual aspects of herself as being an outcast and a poet at the same time."
Abstract This paper examines the case of the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) and its goal of promoting "graciousness" in Singapore. It looks at the various roles the SKM fulfills in Singaporean society. It compares the SKM with other civil society groups in neighboring Southeast Asian states like Malaysia. In conclusion, it posits that the case of the SKM shows how the state can still exert subtle influence on its people through the institutions of civil society.
From the Paper "In Malaysia, Zainah Anwar shows how organizations such as the Sisters of Islam are challenging the steady erosion of women's legal rights and social freedoms under the country's Muslim government. Feminist scholars argue that such erosions are inconsistent with the Qu'ran's teachings regarding justice and equality (Anwar 231). These civil society feminist groups provide further challenges by re-interpreting the Qu'ran continually to meet the realities of modernity. Compared to these institutions, the SKM is not an area for dissent or challenge. Instead, it serves to help cement the legitimacy of the ruling Singaporean party."
This paper reviews the jazz collection of five works by Miles Davis on the CD "Kind of Blue" in which he is joined by legendary players on piano, drums, bass, alto and tenor saxophone.
910 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 32.95
Abstract This paper explains that the pieces in Miles Davis' jazz CD "Kind of Blue" are loosely composed, consisting of improvisation within a musical framework, which produces a feeling of freedom without the clutter of a larger ensemble. The author points out that, when the listener focuses on just hearing the music, he or she can discover the structure behind the melodies and appreciate each instrument and its player individually. The paper relates that the favorite piece on the CD is "Blue in Green", which is the most melodic piece in the collection; Bill Evans creates a lush and romantic mood and his playing invites the listener to put down whatever he is doing and just listen.
From the Paper "Bill Evans's piano solos gave a languid feeling with an unhurried, soft touch that was romantic and contemplative. Between the two saxophonists, I preferred the work of John Coltrane, who has a dusky sound that broadens as it gains volume. Cannonball Adderly's alto sax brought the energy level up and made me feel like getting up off the couch and moving around. I was struck by the contrast of these two players and, although alto and tenor saxes play in different registers, the difference in their sound is attributable to more than this. It is a matter of individual style and each musician's approach. This switch in mood makes the CD more interesting and eliminated any possibility of monotony or of boredom on the part of the listener."
Abstract This paper reviews the book " A Simple Kindness" written about Nomi Nickel, a girl growing up in the Mennonite community of East Village. The paper specifically deals with the description of love, hope and redemption in Trudie's escape. It examines the social conditions in the community and the concept of excommunication.
From the Paper "A Complicated Kindness is the story of Nomi Nickel a girl growing up in the Mennonite community of East Village. Nomi lives with her father Ray, mother Trudie and sister Tash in a brick bungalow. The most prominent themes in A Complicated Kindness are love, hope and redemption. All of the family members play into these themes at one point or another. However, it is Trudie who provides the most compelling display of these themes. This essay will look at how love, hope and redemption made Trudie's escape from East Village possible."
Abstract This paper titled "A New Kind of Blues..." is a creative short story written in the first person perspective. The paper tells the story of a friend's relationship with alcohol, and how the drinking affected his life and death.
From the Paper "I knew Matt since we were both in kindergarten. We lived close by to one another. The condo development my mom and I lived in was near his house. So we'd ride our bikes to school. Matt was always the faster one, on his shiny silver dirt bike. He was the fastest on the school playground, ahead of everyone whenever we played soccer. When he kicked a kickball, it would make an arc in the sky and sail above, more like a meteor than something in a child's game.
I liked to go home with Matt after school and sit at his kitchen counter and talk to his mother. After swimming in his pool (it was heated well into October) or playing on his wooden swing set that was made of unfinished wood (not plastic like mine) Matt, his mom, and I would play Candy Land, or as both of us got older, Life, Risk, Clue, and Scrabble. Matt's mother didn't work like my mom. My mom would come home tired, with swollen feet from stocking shelves in Macy's all day and say, "why did you forget to put the pot roast in the crock pot like I told you to, it's Kraft macaroni and cheese again!"
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the short story "Two Kinds" by Amy Tan. Specifically, it analyzes the story's character and theme. The paper describes Tan's technique of story-telling and how it captivates the reader. It also describes how the roundness of the main character helps the readers to identify with her and her relationship with her daughter.
From the Paper "This character is like many other willful children. She does not understand what she has until she loses it. Her mother dies before she takes the piano back, and that is when she finally understands the music she was playing so many years ago. Just like she and her mother, the music blends two pieces of music together, but differently. It took her all these years to realize it, and all these years to realize she was a piece of her mother, even though she did not want to admit it. She finally begins to appreciate some of her culture, and some of her mother's desire for her to do great things. This character is round, but sad, because in gaining her independence, she has lost a lot. She has lost the chance to be close with her mother, and she has lost many other experiences, too. Because she was so determined to be ordinary, she will never know what she could have accomplished if she had pushed herself to be great, and that is probably the biggest loss of all in her life."
