Abstract This paper, written in the narrative form, describes the writer's development throughout her lifespan. It discusses the impact on her life of her childhoodexperiences and how these have in turn affected the life of her child. The paper discusses the writer's infancy and toddler hood, middle and late childhood, adolescent years and adulthood.
From the Paper "Shortly after Dad moved out my grandfather died leaving Grandma, Mom, my sisters and myself alone in the house. I got very rebellious and acted out by adopting an outlandish appearance and erratic behavior. I made some bad lifestyle choices and found out one day that I was pregnant. Maybe I was looking to replace my father by having sex with my boyfriend. In any case, we got married because I thought I was in love and that we would live together happily ever after but we were divorced by the time I reached my early adult years at 20 and I became a single parent. Still, it hasn't been nearly as hard on me as it is on most single parents, I've got my mother and my grandmother and even though my sisters and I don't get along at all well, they're still great aunts to my child. People ask me if being a single parent is difficult and I have to tell them that even though it has its challenges, it's tremendously better than trying to be a belligerent co-parent."
Abstract This paper includes an extensive literature review of the role of trauma in the development of BPD, along with a clinical case study of a girl with BPD, and a transcript of an actual conversation between therapist and patient. BPD is characterized by a combination of impulsive, emotional, and cognitive deficits in personality functioning. The disorder seems to develop as a result of early childhood trauma, especially traumatic experiences related to parental neglect and abuse. Children who are classified as being highly abused tend to have greater tendencies toward developing BPD than non-abused children. This paper explores the association between childhood trauma and the development of borderline personality disorder in adult females.
From the Paper "Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by an array of symptoms that are most prevalent in females. According to the DSM-IV, BPD is defined as: A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: 1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment 2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation. 3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self. 4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). 5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior. 6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days). 7. Chronic feelings of emptiness. 8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights). 9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms. (American Psychiatric Association, 1995) "
Abstract This paper will discuss an article about the relationships that seem to relate to childhoodexperiences and adult relationships. The basis for this article by Ellen Rapp entitled: ChildhoodExperiences And Adult Relationships" will be to examined to show how this writing can be juxtaposed with the theories of Freud and his basis for understanding sexual psychology. The topics of his theory will include the foundations of his sex theories and the ability for an adult mind to grasp the experiences of childhood in the adult persona within the scope of the article.
Abstract In this essay, the writer explains that to understand childhood innocence in Treasure Island and Huckleberry Finn it is helpful to have an understanding of what constitutes childhood in these novels. This paper attempts to explain that concept, followed by an explanation of why childhood innocence is difficult to have in literature at the time that Mark Twain and Robert Louis Stevenson were writing. It then examines the concept of childhood innocence in both Treasure Island and Huckleberry Finn, comparing and contrasting the texts' themes in its depiction.
From the Paper "One frequently explored theme in the nineteenth century was that of childhood innocence. At that time, it was not unusual for children to be thought of as "little adults." Although they were given shelter and education by their parents, children were often pulled out of school to help with work on the farm or in family businesses. Children, therefore, were allowed to be children as long as the harvest or other work didn't interfere."
Abstract In this paper, the writer explores the character and life experiences of Scout, the narrator of "To Kill a Mockingbird". The paper describes how Scout lived with her brother and father who was an attorney in the Deep South. The paper illustrates the positive impact of her childhoodexperiences on her personality development and adult life.
Outline:
Introduction
History
How Her Childhood had a Positive Impact
Optimism Lost and Found
Conclusion
From the Paper "Throughout history, authors of literature have used their words to convey emotions, ideas and beliefs. Now and again a work is so well written and so powerful that it becomes a classic. This is the case with Harper Lee's story, To Kill a Mockingbird. On the surface the story is about a little girl growing up in the Deep South and her experiences during that time period, but when one takes a second look it is easy to discover the book is also about morality, maturity, and society as a whole. The events of Scout's life as a child have a positive impact on her character and personality development and who she ultimately becomes as an adult. Her character is unique in that she is raised by a single father who takes a very hands off child driven approach to child rearing which allows her to experience life on her own terms as long as she is sage."
This paper traces three works of literature that represent the process of childhood into adulthood The books are Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations", and Thomas Hardy's "Jude the Obscure".
Abstract The writer discusses how childhood is a time when individuals learn who they are and grow into the person they will be for the rest of their lives. This is the journey of adolescence and the factors in the youth's environment shape this journey to determine who they will become. Each of these novels include a male character and shows how this character's childhood impacts on his adult life.
From the Paper "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the story of the young boy Huck and his journey to becoming a man. At the beginning of the novel, Huck is a boy and by the end, he has changed into a man. This is the action that the novel is based on. There are several factors in Huck's childhood that impact on who he becomes. These include the fact that he does not have a father figure and the replacement father figure he finds in Jim. Huck's father is a man who cares only about himself and very little for his son. The prime example of this is when Huck's father finds out that Huck has money and returns to town to claim that money. On returning he beats Huck and locks him a cabin. This is not the caring father-son relationship a son needs to grow into a man. The nature of this relationship means that Huck has no effective father figure in his life."
Tags: character, literature, books, fiction, story
A discussion of how the interplay and irony of the speaking voices in "Songs of Innocence and Experience" convey William Blake's critical standpoint on society.
Abstract This paper discusses the varying perspectives of the speakers within "Songs of Innocence and Experience", and their integral role in conveying the relationship between childhood and adulthood. Through this, it also examines Blake's underlying critique of society, industry, revolution and injustice.
From the Paper 'New children's literature was designed to attract adults, to protect an image of those virtues which parents wished to calculate in their offspring, as well as to beguile the child' (Glen: 10). This association allows Blake to play on the stereotype of the 'good, innocent child', in order to question the adult perception of what childhood, in reality, means. On the surface, The Lamb does present all that is idyllically innocent, and concerns a child's interaction with the pastoral representation of God - the lamb."
Tags: adulthood, childhood, injustice, lamb, london
Abstract This paper examines how the relationship between parents and children in shaping young people's lives is well documented, with various developmental theorists to draw upon when considering how young people develop over their lifespans. The paper provides an overview of the theories advanced by two such theorists, Erik Erikson and Heinz Kohut, and identifies their respective beliefs concerning parental influence in early childhood in order to determine similarities and differences.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Erik Erikson's Theories
Heinz Kohut's Theories
Comparison of Erikson and Kohut Theories on Parental Influence in Early Childhood Differences in Erikson's and Kohut's Theories on Parental Influence in Early Childhood Conclusion
From the Paper "From Erikson's perspective, development only takes place in people's lives when the environment places new demands on them and new conflicts then arise in their lives which they succeed (or not) in overcoming; Erikson describes this process as being when the person is faced with a choice between two approaches to coping with each crisis, an adaptive, or maladaptive approach. According to Erikson, it is only when each crisis is successfully resolved and overcome (a process that also requires a change in the individual's personality), then that person will achieve a sufficient amount of strength to deal with the next stages of development (Shaver & Tarpy, 1994). "
This paper looks at child characters acting as adults in literature, focusing on 'The Ozma of Oz' by Frank Baum and 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that there are many examples in children's literature where child characters act as adults. The writer points out that the characterizations of Alice in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' as well as Dorothy in 'Ozma of Oz are excellent examples of the phenomena in literature. The writer also points out that the reality of the phenomena is that, for the most part children's literature is created by adults, and these same adults, as children wish they had been able to act as adults, upon the arbitrary world of adults. The main characters in these two works demonstrate this phenomenon by calmly dealing with the world around them as if they had years of adult conflicts under their belt, as the desire to be recognized as having power, as a child demonstrates a desire to emulate adults and therefore resolve the arbitrary conflicts that occur in the adult world. The writer concludes that part of the the purpose of the writer is to recount the innocence of a child, and still manage to fulfill one's obligations as an adult. The writer maintains that the children in these two fantastic stories are reflecting the need to remember the fantasy of childhood as well as the obligations of adulthood, without losing either.
From the Paper "The resolution to resolve the arbitrary conflicts of adults, in the magical world of mystery, as well as in the real world are clear intentions of personal growth. To act as an adult, and to have the influence of an adult, is the aspiration of all children, especially in a world where such actions are recognized as brave and necessary. Adults who write works of fiction for children, remember their own days as children, being unable to navigate the mysteries of the adult world and wishing more than anything to have influence over them. The reflection of the desire, as a child to understand and resolve the mystery of the adult world is reflected in fantasy. Childhood is a period of clarity and innocence, that writers of children's works wish to retell to children of the younger generations. There is no sense of real childhood fear, as the innocence of a child drives his or her clarity in the world of adults, no matter the level of mystery. The idea of personal growth and influence, drives the child's actions, and the child seeks this recognition in the real as well as the world of imagination. Upon waking, Alice's sister, now an adult recognizes in Alice's recalled dream the nature of children and the need to remain innocent."
Abstract The following paper discusses the role of the poet in reference to William Blake's famous set of 54 poems. The author feels that the function of the poet is the feelings he is able to invoke, the tensions between forces/themes that he is able to create and the message that he is able to portray.
From the paper:
?By the time we tumble into the second cycle of songs, those of experience, we are almost eager to do so. The poet no longer hears the voice of the child "piping"; he announces: ?Hear the voice of the Bard!/Who Present, Past & Future sees.? This poet sees ?in evey face I meet/Marks of weaknes, marks of woe.? (London). Many of the poems are paired with poems of the first cycle. For Blake, man is torn between the forces of experience and innocence, two states of the soul. Now, in experience, we see "In a rich and fruitful land,/Babes reduced to misery" (Holy Thursday)?.
Abstract This paper examines the African-American experience as it is expressed in the work of several notable writers. The author states that the works of black writers reflect aspects of American life and the development of American society over time. Several works are discussed that highlight various themes in African-American life, such as slavery and discrimination. The paper concludes by stating that the black experience is as American as any other and complements the experience of the majority society in many respects even as it extends it to new areas.
From the Paper "Ralph Ellison is a black man and approaches the world from that perspective, finding a way to express how society treats the black man through the character of the Invisible Man, a persona that enables him to hide even when in a crowd. For Ellison, blackness has been made by society into the defining characteristic of his existence. In a sense, he adopts the point of view of the white by making himself invisible. He is treated as if he were invisible, and he finds the benefit in that stat and uses it to his advantage in commenting on whit society. The main character in The Invisible Man is invisible only in a metaphorical sense, so that he seems invisible both to himself and to others. The hero of this novel is a black man who is invisible in white society because he is black. He is invisible in black society because of the way he takes on various roles expected of him by white society, though he recognizes how demeaning and false many of those roles are. He is invisible to himself because he has adopted certain roles and so cannot allow himself to exist as a real person with his own point of view. The existence of such a character is a devastating indictment of the dehumanization process in American society based on racial discrimination."
Abstract This essay studies three works of literature: ?My Papa's Waltz,? by Theodore Roethke, ?The Passionate Shepherd to His Love,? by Christopher Marlowe; and ?The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd,? by Sir Walter Raleigh; and discusses the human experience, relating the poems to the writer's own life experiences.
From the Paper "Literature is the great humanizer. It can cross all boundaries and evoke emotions in everyone. Certain pieces of literature affect some more than others, based on their own individual experiences. This paper will examine three poems: ?My Papa's Waltz,? by Theodore Roethke, ?The Passionate Shepherd to His Love,? by Christopher Marlowe; and ?The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd,? by Sir Walter Raleigh; and their relationship to my life."
Abstract The author of this paper looks at the subject of parenthood as it appears in English literature. The paper discusses works written by authors such as Milton and Shakespeare in the 16th and 17th centuries through to the 20th century and authors such as William Golding and Margaret Atwood.
From the Paper "The 20th century saw a number of literary developments and experiments. On the one hand, The Lord of the Flies, 1984 and A Brave New World, propose dystopian visions of parenthood. In the first, parental control is totally absent from an aggressive, deathly atmosphere. The second represents twisted political machinery because of which children send their parents to death. The third speculates about the implications of planned parenthood if carried too far. On the other hand, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale (1985) focuses on birth as a metaphor of writing and artistic creation. Atwood likens the conception of a story to the conception of a child, and the writing process to a painful delivery."
Abstract This paper is a study about how sports in literature reflects a dominant male perspective and why women's experiences in sport should be included in the curriculum of schools.
From the Paper "When I first read the call for papers about literature as a force for understanding or equipment for living, I recalled my own intersection with literature. For isn't the reader experience with text the initial sounding board? The ground zero for literature experience? And isn't our experience with literature a method of transference? So I couldn't help but wonder how influential my interpretation of what I read when I was young led to real life experiences, indeed life-altering experiences, as I grew up. Was I enacting my favorite characters or was I re-inventing myself, or is there a difference? Does what we read shape our vision of who we might become? If that is the case, then there is strong rationale for including sports stories about girls and women in school curriculum."
Abstract The paper examines the correlation between postmodern literature and postmodern architecture by reviewing three notable postmodern literary works and how their features (principally a disavowal of traditional, historical myth) may be found in three post-modern architectural marvels of today. These two disciplines are at the forefront of a new age of meta-cognition, one that rebuilds the past by de-constructing it.
From the Paper "There is, perhaps predictably, a strong relationship between postmodern literature and postmodern architecture. One says "predictably" because architects and literary artists are both sculptors and creators and are thus subject to the same broad intellectual fetishes or contretemps. With this in mind, the following paper will examine the correlation between postmodern literature and postmodern architecture by reviewing three notable postmodern literary works and how their features (principally a disavowal of traditional, historical "myth") may be found in three post-modern architectural marvels of today."
