Abstract This paper reviews and critiques the poems "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell, "A Fine, A Private Place" by Diane Ackerman, "A Late Aubade" by Richard Wilbur, "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks, and "Sex Without Love" by Sharon Olds. Specifically, it discusses how all of these poems exhibit the carpediem philosophy. From dying young to underwater love, all of these poems signify significant moments in time and, according to the paper, show how seizing the day can last a lifetime. The paper also asks how these poems -- one of which was written centuries ago -- relate to our lives in modern times.
From the Paper "Each of these poems, modern or ancient, revolve around single moments in time that create lasting memories. "To His Coy Mistress" is the oldest of the poems, and uses the most archaic language to discuss love and devotion. Marvell writes, "But at my back I always hear / Time's winged chariot hurrying near;" (Marvell 728), which conveys a sense of urgency that "seizing the day" is built around. The initial idea of carpe diem is to live life to the fullest today, because their may not be a tomorrow. So, you must always live each day as if it was your best, and your last. Each of these poets uses that theme to convey their ideas and meanings. For example, the woman who makes love under the sea has those memories to last with her forever. After the experience, she often thinks about that moment in time when she seized the day and it made all the difference. Ackerman writes, "She thought of it miles / and fathoms away, often, / at odd moments; watching / the minnow snowflakes" (Ackerman 734). Seizing the day is living in the moment, but it also remembering and treasuring those wonderful moments, as this poem clearly shows."
Abstract The Latin phrase "carpediem" is interpreted into English as "to seize the day," and has been utilized as a rallying cry (primarily by those whose youth has fled) to immerse yourself in life before life passes you by. This theme has been at the center of countless poems, stories, plays, novels, essays, and movies and continues to be as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago when it was first coined. In a thorough analysis, one can clearly justify that the poem, "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time," by Robert Herrick is little more than a poetic restatement of carpediem.
Abstract The author of this paper states that, although he strongly disagrees with the 'carpediem' theme of Marvell's poem, (he believes it is a disturbing and violent condemnation of the female body), he still finds Marvell's skill as an artist captivating and his poetry both interesting and enjoyable. The paper examines the insecurities of Marvell that can be seen in his poetry and its "carpediem" theme--which basically says "sleep with me now, before you are old, ugly and, eventually, dead." It also defines and make additions to the text.
From the Paper "Marvell starts his second stanza with a vivid picture: he claims to hear "Time's winged chariot hurrying near." This is a reference to the sun, which was believed in ancient Greece to travel in a chariot across the sky; the sun also marks the passing of each day, which draws additional attention to the leitmotif of time. We can imagine the poet reading to his mistress; he is presumably facing her while time is racing to overtake him from behind-and she can see the oncoming of this onslaught. Humorously opportunistic, the author tells his mistress: "I'm not getting any younger; time's about to run me down; let's take off our clothes and seize the day!""
Abstract This paper looks in detail at the events during the life of Ngo Dinh Diem, his era of governance, and the events that took place in the aftermath of his assassination. The paper looks at the political situation surrounding Dinh Diem's ascent to power and how his reign impacted the country and the region.
Introduction
The Life and Times of Ngo Dinh Diem The Corrupt and Authoritarian Regime
Downfall, Assassination and the Aftermath
Conclusion
From the Paper "At a time when communism was rising and regarded to be a threat by many western nations including the United States of America, Ngo Dinh Diem, portrayed him to be a vociferous opponent of communism. He worked for the administration of Emperor Bao Dai until the year 1933. During the Second World War and its aftermath, he continued to oppose the French occupation and also the National Independence Movement that was initiated by the communists. In the year 1945, he turned down an offer to work under the post war government that was briefly installed. While the confrontation lasted involving French troops and independent forces Ngo Dinh Diem spent a number of years in exile, which was quite influential in laying the buildings blocks to his political career. It was during those times that he occupied himself in a massive contact building exercise and eventually managed to gain the much needed support and approval of the United States of America. (Diem, Ngo Diem)"
Abstract The paper reviews the life of Ngo Dinh Diem as a means to understanding the causes of the Vietnam war. After touching on Diem's early life and rise to the premiership, the paper focuses on his correspondence with the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations. The paper analyzes Diem's and his brother Nhu's campaign of deception against the American government in order to secure more funds for their personal use. The paper ends with their death, and concludes that following their build up of the threat of war, and Kennedy's subsequent assassination, there was no more possibility of a peaceful solution.
From the Paper "A symbol of the political and moral disaster of Vietnam is the life and death of Ngo Dinh Diem. "Born in 1901, Ngo Dinh Diem was born into an aristocratic, Roman Catholic family with close ties to the Emperor. He served in Emperor Bao Dai's administration under French colonial rule until 1933." [1] During and after World War II he opposed both French colonial rule and the communist-led independence movement. As an anti-Communist he turned down an offer from Ho Chi Minh to become part of his government, in 1945. As a result of his opposition to the French and to the communists, he spent several years in exile, where he worked to get American political support for a postwar independent Vietnam. He, of course, wanted to lead that government,. "One chronicler dubbed Ngo 'the last Confucius', who believed that Vietnam needed the benevolent, authoritarian rule of enlightened elites." [2]"
Abstract This paper looks at how "A & P" by John Updike and "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell are examples of literature which have the function to mobilize or to infuse new ideologies, thoughts, or sentiments that allows individuals to create changes within themselves and the society. It explains that in "A & P," Updike elucidates on the reality of an individual who attempts to stand up for his own opinion and belief despite the opposition that he faces in his society. Similarly Marvell, in his romantic poem, characterizes time as humanity's enemy in allowing people to fully enjoy and experience life, and in the context of his poem, to pursue love as he (the poet) feels it. It concludes that both literary works suggests a sense of urgency to accomplish important plans that the protagonist (of "A & P") and the Voice ("To His Coy Mistress") tried to realize.
From the Paper "In "A & P," readers are acquainted with the character of Sammy, a teenager who works at A & P, and is characterized by Updike as an individual who has no clear ambitions, looks with blatant interest at young women, but is also firm and resolute with his opinion, beliefs, and decisions in life. In effect, Sammy's character has two facets: Sammy as the A & P employee who has simple joys and shallow aspirations in life; and Sammy as the firm and resolute believer for what he perceives as morally upright opinions and sentiments."
Abstract This paper discusses these two poems and suggests that the authors use everyday objects to convey a deeper message. The writer describes how Donne's work uses a flea and its mating habits to reflect on the relationship between a man and a woman. The writer goes on to reflect on Herrick's work, showing how he uses the sun to contemplate nature's beauty and how man ages.
From the Paper "Herrick's "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time," takes on almost an entirely different approach than John Donne's "The Flea." As we've mentioned before, Donne takes a metaphysical, unreal examination to how the flea is related to a union between a man and a woman. On the other hand, Herrick only touches on the very basic and real aspects of life."
Abstract This paper examines how Jorge Luis Borges' famous short story "The Garden of Forking Paths" circles around the subject of time. The paper asserts that Borges writing styles lives in the now. The paper also adds that, although there are references to the past in the story, they do not serve to describe history, but rather to question it. The paper concludes that Borges uses the ideas of living in the moment or "carpediem" in his writing, as a literary tool, which he uses to contradict the past.
From the Paper "Another technique I noticed in Borges writing is that everything he writes is a rising moment up until the point of the climax. Like I mentioned in the previous paragraph, Borges refuses to give us any back story. Often times however, the back story can be trivial to the story itself, resulting in boredom or useless information that, sometimes, can limit the progress of the story. I am not saying that stories with a past or explanation of history are boring, on the contrary, but, Borges writing style allows him to be able to write in such a way that allows the reader to skip the formalities and move right along to the substance of the story. Upon my reading and analysis of "The Garden of Forking Paths", I perceive that Borges is trying to force us to live in the now, and teach us that the information we are given will be sufficient enough to create, continue, and end a story. Even though the reader still has questions, it is inconsequential to know, because perhaps even if we did, it wouldn't make a difference in the long run."
An analysis of the expressions of the short nature of human existence as portrayed in "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" by Robert Herrick and "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell.
Abstract This paper discusses two poems that are both rhetorical attempts by a man to woo a woman's heart and body - "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" by Robert Herrick and "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell. The paper specifically focuses on the poems' expressions of the deeper truth about the short nature of human existence and the inexorable passage of time.
From the Paper "One wonders what Marvell's mistress responded to him, or what the maidens would have said to Herrick if they knew what he thought of them, when he saw them literally carrying rosebuds, or simply tarrying by the wayside under the care of a guardian. It is possible that they may have regretted their chastity, and wanted to enjoy their sensuality but society forbade them sexuality before marriage. In that case, it is a pity that they did not or could not listen to the poet's words. But it is equally possible that they had different desires, invisible to the poet--to see the world, to live more empowering lives outside of the control of powerful fathers, brothers, and later husbands or lovers. And that is the true sadness of the young women's fates, that they never had a chance to write poetry about their own desire to carpe diem. Even Marvell and Herrick did not carpe diem as much as they would have liked, as human life was shorter, and old age was more painful when they wrote their verse."
Abstract This paper looks at how land ownership has been one of the most controversial issues in Vietnam and how possession of the land by its rightful owner was always a problem. It demonstrates what issues were encountered on the subject of land from the time of French Colonialism to the ruling of Ngo Diem and also highlights the class structure and economic policies installed by the French in Vietnam.
From the Paper "The class structure of the Vietnamese had been changed considerably. Wealth and income was unequally distributed among the Vietnamese. Hence, the rich were getting richer and the poor were getting poorer. The authorities were dogmatic. Hostile domestic and international forces hid behind the pretence of human rights and democracy to threaten peace and order. The French had suppressed the Vietnamese right to freedom of expression. The farmers were deprived of their lands and properties. "Under French colonialism, Vietnamese land was stolen and given to French landowners and their Vietnamese cronies" (Irene Huangyi Lin, Vietnam: The War And The Country)."
Abstract This paper traces the history of Vietnam from the end of the Second World War. It contends that the Vietnam War was not the result of a deliberate policy decision by militant party strategists in North Vietnam but was the consequence of Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem's own repressive measures in the south, measures which forced desperate peasants and Vietminh supporters to take up arms and defend themselves.
From the Paper "In January 1951, 15,000 Vietminh troops attacked French posts at Vinh Yen, but the French were able to put up a strong front and defend the town only thirty miles northwest of Hanoi with the use of U.S. imported napalm bombs. Another setback for Ho Chi Minh was "the growing desire for statehood among educated groups in Laos and Cambodia." The Vietminh would not be discouraged. Recognizing that occupation of the French and the threat it posed to their supply route in Hoa Binh, they launched a "bitter battle" and lost approximately fifty-five percent of their 40,000 troops. This battle was successful with the French withdrawing. Ho Chi Minh resisted negotiations and was quoted as saying that "peace could only come about through victory.""
Abstract This paper discusses some of the themes in the novel "Bless Me, Ultima," by Rudolfo Anaya. The writer describes several of the important symbols in the novel such as the owl, which symbolizes the power of magic and Antonio's connection with the world of magic and spirituality. The symbolism of the carp and the river are also explained. In addition, the writer describes the inner conflict in Antonio between Catholicism, the religion of his mother, and the polytheistic Llano religion of his father, and explains how his relationship with Ultima, the healer, leads to the resolution of this conflict.
From the Paper "The golden carp is another symbol of spirituality representing wisdom, comfort and moral guidance. Nonetheless, it reinforces the idea that moral percepts are equally valid irrespective of the religion they operate in. In fact, the carp is the symbol of the core of all religions, i.e., the morality of faith. At first, Antonio rejects the carp because he thinks its calling means betraying his own God, i.e. the God of the Catholic faith. In time, Antonio learns hat the carp can actually help him build his own identity, and find answers to his personal questions. In this sense, the carp is much more than a magical fish. It represents moral authority which is capable of providing answers, very much like the power of any religion to comfort and help its followers."
A look at the public view of the Vietnam War - during and after the war, examining the media interpretations and public outcries as well as films set in that time period.
Abstract This paper discusses the theme of controversy that surrounded the Vietnam War from start to finish to its memory. The paper analyzes newspaper articles from wartime and how the public viewed the war, what the soldiers were thinking, how they were treated during and after the war, and how the war is officially memorialized and the controversies surrounding each. Included in the paper are references to each news article, as well as pop culture novels and even the Rambo movie.
From the Paper "The Vietnam "War" is known as the most controversial war in American History. This controversy seemed grow with time and wane only at a slower speed. From the outset of the war, there were many who questioned America's objectives and ability to win. There were others though who were patriotic and believed America could succeed, such hopes were always classified with if?s. As the war continued, the controversy and questioning of the government grew, turning Vietnam into a political battlefield. The politics involved often overshadowed the reality of the situation, pitting policy against humanity."
Abstract This paper examines how the unification of Vietnam was a long and complicated process that involved many entities and individuals. It discusses the primary unification efforts, beginning in the 1940s through the early years of the 1970s. It looks at how these efforts involved three separate political entities: the communist-led nationalist movement known as the Viet Minh (the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, DRV), led by Ho Chi Minh and based in Hanoi in North Vietnam; the Saigon-based Republic of Vietnam (RVN), a collaborative effort between chief-of-state Bao Dai and Ngo Dinh Diem; and the Geneva Agreement of July 21st, 1954, that divided Vietnam into two cease-fire zones in the north and south, separated by the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at the 17th parallel.
From the Paper "In August of 1945, at the end of World War II, the nationalist movement of the Viet Minh seized power in Hanoi, Hue and Saigon, for the Viet Minh had developed a military force and popular base during the Japanese occupation of Vietnam, and it quickly moved to secure political authority before the imminent arrival of the Allied powers. Emperor Bao Dai, the Japanese puppet, abdicated in late August, and on September 2nd, 1945, Viet Minh leader Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence as the democratic Republic of Vietnam. As Phillip B. Davidson points out, Ho Chi Minh "quoted from the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man, first issued in the mid 18th century, in order to give some legitimacy to the claims of the DRV that would bring Vietnam into the fold as an independent Asian entity" (156)."
Abstract November 22, 1963 will remain as a date in history when not only was John F. Kennedy killed, but the Vietnam conflict was prolonged. The paper shows that Kennedy is thought to have wanted to pull the U.S. army out of Vietnam. However, after his death, the new president, Lyndon Johnson, escalated the war and possibly caused the death of thousands of people in an operation that JFK had known to be fruitless.
From the Paper "Johnson always had hated being Number Two to JFK. "Johnson's basic problem was the liberal community" Assuming the Presidency, he saw peace or withdrawal from Vietnam as a liberal ploy, and he would not stand for it. It had been bad enough that, as a Texan, he had to go along with some Civil Rights legislation that now, as a "memorial" to JFK he would have to see passed, but retreat from Vietnam was too much."
