Abstract This paper focuses on William Wordsworth's poem ?Animal Tranquility and Decay.? It explores the relationships between man's mind, his body, and his natural environment. The title refers to the "tranquility" that Wordsworth seems to perceive in nature and the "decay" that a human being undergoes during his life. The paper concentrates on the various insinuations made by Wordsworth about tranquility and decay. Definitions are raised and examined, as well as related to everyday life. Also, symbolism is examined in the poem, as well. Phrases and stanzas from the poems are analyzed in search of an overall theme.
Tags: animal, decay, poem, poetry, tranquility, william, wordsworth, age
An in-depth analysis and comparison of the mind over matter in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" and Edgar Allen Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher".
Abstract The paper explores the similarities between the characters Roderick Usher in Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" and Arthur Dimmesdale in Hawthorne's "Scarlet Letter." The paper analyzes how the concern of mind over matter is realized in different ways by both Poe and Hawthorne and shows how for Poe, decay incorporates the idea of madness as the inevitable condition of the human mind, while for Hawthorne, decay represents the sinfulness of the people in general. The paper illustrates how both stories follow the connections between physical and mental or spiritual decay and the way in which matter itself hints at a higher, transcendental reality.
From the Paper "Nineteenth century American literature is pervaded by a late Romantic current promoted by a few very original writers. Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne are two of the most representative writers of the first half of the nineteenth century. The authors' names often appear together in criticism, since their works share primarily in the laden atmosphere and grotesque style of the period. Their novels and short stories are imbued with a grim mood and their heroes are tragic personages who undergo transcendental and all-together transforming experiences. While Poe is more concerned with what he calls the psyche and the intellect however, Hawthorne investigates the realms of spirituality and religious experience."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that like Faulkner's previous dichotomous works, "A Rose For Emily" details the stressful position of a South in transition, of the treacherous relationship between the rich and the poor, and the painful experience of a transition from tradition to modernity for the Southern old money, or large, patriarchal families. The paper explains that Faulkner explores the decay of the Southern, patriarchal family tradition with the literal decay of Emily's father, Homer Barron and Miss Emily herself. The further points out that, through an exploration of Emily's relationship with society, including Barron, and her father, one can conclude that William Faulkner uses "A Rose For Emily" to depict the death of traditional Southern culture. The paper concludes that through his use of symbolism in "A Rose For Emily," Faulkner urges modernization, in hope that humanity may overcome and prevail.
From the Paper "In addition to the conflict of old South Miss Emily and new South institutionalized society, the conflict between Miss Emily and the personal side of society is not much different. The ladies of the old South respected Emily's family name even after her father dies and she remains a widow with some strange habits, sending their children to her for china painting lessons. The women of the new south, however, share no such commiseration with Miss Emily, refusing to send their daughters to china painting lessons, advocating the removal of her smell by force, and sending for the Baptist minister--a direct affront to Emily's family status, as they were Episcopalean--to address what they saw as her moral shortcomings. Furthermore, Emily's inability to have a romantic relationship with Homer once again calls attention to the disconnect between Emily's south and Homer's. Instead of becoming one with Homer's new south, Emily kills him and keeps him in her own personal sanctuary in an attempt to preserve not only him, but also life as she thought it should be. Thus, neither as an institution nor as a personal refuge can old South miss Emily and new South society be reconciled."
Abstract This paper examines how Edgar Allan Poe shows a fascination with death, disease and decay in his stories and poems and how he uses symbolism to represent death and dying as something that takes place not separate from life, but deeply embedded within it. Through a review of some of his works, it shows how Poe mixes life and death in a variety of ways, so much so that he seems to show a morbid fascination with the processes of dying and with the symbolism of death. It evaluates how his preoccupation with death and more specifically with death-in-life is seen in so many of his short stories.
From the Paper "A similar combination of time and death is expressed in the poem "The Raven," where the poet emphasizes that the events described take place at midnight when the black bird appears. Critic Vincent Buranelli emphasizes the dual meaning of the poem. The surface meaning is the narrative, with the poet asking questions of the raven and hearing the repeated "Nevermore, " leading to the final question of whether he and his mistress will ever be reunited--"Nevermore." The second meaning, says Buranelli, has to be interpreted through the symbols of the poem and through suggestive signs which represent ideas hidden below the surface. The principal symbol is the raven, which with its jet black feathers and harsh croak has been accepted by common consent to represent fate."
Abstract This paper will discuss bacterial gingivitis in oral hygiene and explain why bacterial plaque plays a part in this decay. By understanding these dental facts, we can learn their relationships in gingivitis.
Abstract This paper examines how quite a fuss has been raised over Eve Ensler's production of "The Vagina Monologues" (V Monologues) because of its overt and explicit depiction of the female genitalia. It looks at how the appropriateness of the subject matter is questioned, as is the necessity for it to be circulated, mass produced, and performed. It shows how there are proponents for both sides of the issue, arguing equally as fiercely that the monologues are either essential to the liberation and independence of women or abominable to traditional standards of morality and modesty, and how both sides see this work as a key artifact, either to identify with or protest against. The paper is written from an anti-feminist viewpoint and picks apart the "Vagina Monologues", citing the play as an example of societal decay. It also looks at the play as a part of pop culture, contrasting the play from the vantage points of feminism vs. anti-feminism.
From the Paper "One primary goal of the monologues was to circulate the word vagina making it commonplace as a part of everyday conversation. An example of this is Ensler's admittedly common use of the word vagina. Ensler says vagina because she fears what we do not speak we forget and the thought of forgetting about vagina scares her (xx, 3). The question arises as to whether or not the term vagina is even important. Is the word vagina important because Ensler tells us it is important? While she drills through her monologues how important the word vagina is in reclaiming ourselves as women, can she get past the cultural biases which have been in place for so long by simply saying her work is important? Those identifying with her stance would agree based upon the thought circulating the word "vagina" is liberating."
Abstract This paper examines how both carbon-14 and uranium-238 are used to date fossils and how both methods are based on measuring the decay that has occurred in these elements. It looks at how carbon-14 dating is used for organic material, plants and animals, while uranium-238 is used primarily for geographic formations. It also discusses how both methods of dating are subject to potential sample contamination and, therefore, inaccurate readings; the addition of foreign material in both types of samples can provide either younger or older results, dependent on the material.
From the Paper "Radioactive elements decay at unique rates, dependant on the isotope. This rate of decay is known as half-lives, it is the time necessary for ? of the atoms to decay in a particular element. The decay follows a geometric scale, in that in the first half-life of an element, ? of the atoms decay, yet in the second half-life, ? of those remaining decay, meaning a ? of the original atoms decay, and so forth. By measuring this decay, and knowing the half life of an element, scientists can date a sample."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the book, "Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight: Waking Up to Personal and Global Transformation" by Thom Hartmann. Specifically, it consists of a brief summary of the reading, a summary of the main points, and ends with thoughts, questions, and a critique of the book. "Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight" is an inspirational book about our planet and what we can do to save it from environmental and social decay.
From the Paper "The book uses poetic and eloquent language to describe how the balance of life on Earth works so perfectly, if only we will let it. Hartmann takes a look back in time to illustrate why we are the very way we are, then explains how we have ravaged the Earth, and what is our hope for the future. The book is broken down roughly into thirds, with each third following this format of past, present, and future. Hartmann's thesis is simple: hope for the future. He believes by understanding how we made the Earth such a mess, we can make the right choices to make it better in the future, because we already have all the essential tools. The book is at once hopeful and frightening, soothing and motivating."
Abstract This paper presents three chemistry experiments: (1) the effect of temperature on solubility and the thermodynamic relationships, (2) radioactive decay, and (3) electroplating with copper. The paper gives experimental details and calculations for each experiment.
From the Paper "This experiment examined the effects of changing temperature on the amount of solute that would dissolve in a given amount of water. Water solubility is defined as ..."
Abstract This paper examines the fluoridation of drinking water, specifically in the United States. It explains that fluoridation began in the early 20th century with the aim of improving dental health and with the introduction of fluoridated water into community supplies in some countries, reductions in the rates of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) among children occurred. The paper looks at how the World Health Organisation, the United States and the E.U. all advocate fluoridation as an effective method of reducing dental caries, and how only the USA, Britain, Australia and Ireland and a few other countries have fully adopted its use in spite of these world health guidelines. The paper also points out how the engineer plays a key role in implementing the use of fluorine and must act responsibly due to its toxic nature and potentially fatal consequences of incorrect use. The paper concludes that the safety and necessity of fluorine in the drinking water in America needs to be monitored with more studies and research by qualified, well-funded, scientific groups.
Table of Contents:
Introduction. What is Fluorine?
Fluoridation History
How Fluoridation Works
Why Fluoridate?
The Engineer and Fluoridation
Fluoridation And The Law
Some Interesting Quotes on the Subject of Fluoridation
Conclusions
From the Paper "Fluoride is usually added to water samples in solution form because in powder form (e.g. Sodium Fluoride, Sodium Fluorosilicate, etc.) it is toxic, dangerous to handle and must be stored in dust tight containers. Thus fluorine is often added as hydrofluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6).
This acid is safer because if it is spilt on the skin it can easily be washed off using cold water. This acid is stored in water treatment facilities in tanks. The tanks are lined with corrosion resistant rubber lining. Fluoridation usually takes place after all other treatments of the drinking water have been carried out. It must be done after water has been softened because ions in the water interfere with the fluoride content. The water must be mixed thoroughly before it leaves the facility, as fluoride is toxic in higher concentrations."
Abstract The paper looks at how Alex Kotlowitz, in "There Are No Children Here", explores the inner-city decay and want which dooms many American children. The paper describes the experiences of the two African-American boys in the story who are forced to grow up in Chicago's notorious Henry Horner housing projects. The paper looks at how Kotlowitz portrays the violence and the drug and gang culture of the area. The paper discusses the relevance of this book to community health nursing.
From the Paper "Having offered a broad overview of the text and a "run-down" of its main themes, the next thing which must be addressed is the issue of bias - often synonymous with "balance" - as it manifests itself in the work. Although it can be overdone, one is left with the distinct impression that Kotlowitz is a liberal at heart; perhaps never is this more apparent then when he discusses a 1955 visit by Soviet officials to the then-fledgling Henry Horner projects. One of the guests, I.V. Kozvilia, Minister of City and Urban Construction in the Soviet Union, denounced the decision of city officials to erect buildings which featured apartment walls of cinder block and not of plaster. The curt response of the Chicago Daily News to the Soviet critique of its low-cost housing was that there was "little use for luxury" in such matters in capitalist America (Kotlowitz, 1987, p.22). One page earlier, Kotlowitz is quite aggressive in chastising a number of 1950s-era aldermen who opposed public housing in Chicago and who orchestrated a number of ploys designed to frustrate the initiative."
Abstract This paper examines the play, "Endgame", by Samuel Beckett, which is about the pain and struggle that human relationships endure when founded in pain and human suffering. It looks at how the use of his play to illustrate the decay of one era and the fight against another is not unusual in the literary world and how the underlying theme that brings this play to greatness is the use of Hamm's decaying body, while his mind stays presumably intact and intellectually sound. It also demonstrates how the pain and anger that accompanies such situations illustrates the pain of moving between Modernism and Romanticism.
From the Paper "The character of Hamm provides many examples of the fight against Romanticism by Modernism. Hamm shows anger and disgust for the two which is the way of Modernism against Romanticism. If one has a difficult time exploring the theme of Modernism as it is illustrated through the relationship between Hamm and Nagg and Nell one can view it as a teen fighting against a parent. As teens grow older and start becoming young adults of their own they naturally tend to fight against the parents who have raised them. This path is taken for the purpose of the teen eventually emerging as a self propelled and capable adult who still uses certain elements that the parents have provided along the way."
Abstract This paper discusses the role played by poison in the short story, "A Rose for Emily," written by William Faulkner. The paper examines Faulkner's fascination with the darker side of life and contends that, for him, creating this story and ending the characters' lives with poison was just a way of exploring the mysterious and ugly side of the human mind. The paper explores the significance of poison, explaining how it always signifies death and decay. The paper explains that this is also in tandem with the whole plot and the character of Emily. Emily was a symbol of decay herself, since she had given up on life and happiness.
From the Paper "Poison plays an important role in William Faulkner's short story A Rose for Emily because it gives the protagonist freedom from years of captivity. Emily was a dark character and her intentions were equally negative therefore use of poison near the end was the most suitable choice of weapon to kill her lover. Emily was the kind of character that would have never chosen something else, like let go of her lover or kill him with a bullet. For her character, poison was the ideal choice, keeping with her negative traits and her dark, ugly but mysterious life. Bullet or something else might have created noise, thus attracting the attention of people around but that was just not Emily. Emily was a quite mysterious character whose intentions were always hidden and who rarely spoke to anyone. "Miss Emily as if she had been a contemporary of theirs, believing that they had danced with her and courted her perhaps, confusing time with its mathematical progression, as the old do, to whom all the past is not a diminishing road but, instead, a huge meadow which no winter ever quite touches, divided from them now by the narrow bottleneck of the most recent decade of years." (Page 120) She wanted an equally quiet end to her love story and that is what she gained by using poison and administering it her lover."
Abstract International Environmental treaties have become more and more common in recent years as fears about the decaying state, or at least perceived decaying state, of the natural world has sparked high level discussions among national leaders. This paper examines three international conferences or summits, the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the Kyoto Protocol of five years later, and the recent Montreal Conference, and describe the successes and shortcomings of each.
Abstract This paper examines the 'broken windows' theory of the causes of crime. The paper explains that 'broken windows' criminology theory maintains that a lack of respect for the physical environment and the law leads to even more socially disruptive criminal activity. The paper points out that the 'broken windows' theory was one of the most highly publicized components of the law-and-order New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's attempt to wage war on crime during the 1990s. The paper then looks at how the theory attempts to attribute the causes of neighborhood decay to ignoring the "little problems" like graffiti, litter, shattered glass, which "creates a sense of irreversible decline" that leads law-abiding residents to abandon their residences and non-criminal prospective residents to stay away from apparently decaying communities.
From the Paper "However, the presence of committed activists and the joint efforts between the communities and law enforcement may have been one of the causes of the decline in crime, not the more rigorous policing of minor offenses in and of itself. The drop in crime in New York City has a complex array of causes, economic and demographic, as well as sociological and political, and the 'broken windows' enforcement policies may not be the cause of the drop."
