Abstract This paper examines how Ursula K. LeGuin is one of the most prolific writers of our time and how her works of fiction have long gained her status as a literary legend. It explores the life and times of Ursula K. LeGuin, focusing on her early life, educational experiences, academic contributions, literary works, awards won, and her reasons for writing science fiction.
Outline
Introduction
Early Life
Educational Experiences
Academic Contributions
Literary Works
Awards
Why She Chose Science Fiction
From the Paper "Ursula K. Le Guin was born in 1929 in Berkeley, California. Theodora Quinn was her mother and the writer of children's stories. (Ursula K. Le Guin) Her father was Dr. Alfred Quinn and head of the Department of Anthropology at UC-Berkley. (Ursula K. Le Guin) As a child she was surrounded by academia and her parent sparked her interest in Science fiction with stories about mythology and various legends. (Ursula K. Le Guin) Of course, her parents encouraged her to read and her mother's literary background proved useful in uncovering Le Guin's own writing ability. In later years the desire and the wherewithal to nurture this ability was evident."
Abstract This paper explains that, in "Tehanu", part of the Earthsea series, UrsulaLeGuin, much like J. R. R. Tolkien, introduces a new and deeper quality to her characters, creating a most unlikely hero who motivates action and saves the day when the greatest fail. The author points out that, by giving the reader such unlikely heroes as LeGuin and Tolkien have presented in their novels, they are creating another dimension to the stories; they make the reader the hero. The paper relates that Tolkien suggests that we escape into fantasy; and LeGuin agrees because, in the escape, we find ourselves.
From the Paper "In Tolkien's essay ?On Fairy Stories,? he asserts the purpose of fairy stories to be fantasy, recovery, escape and consolation. All of these things are achieved in "Tehanu" and "The Lord of The Rings". Fantasy is achieved in the creation of another world, recovery is gained through the politics, which compare to our own, escape is found in the magic, and consolation is given by the happy ending. Le Guin says in her essay ?The Child and the Shadow,? in discussing writing fantasy for children, that they must be given the truth as well. She says that "his job in growing up is to become himself. He can"t do this if he feels the task is hopeless, nor can he if he's led to think there isn"t any task". It seems that in combining these two theories of fantasy, Le Guin and Tolkien are attempting to inspire their readers to find the heroes within themselves. They are given that task and called upon to act in the context of their own story."
An analysis of the anxiety of the future depicted in the science fiction works, "Childhood's End" by Arthur C. Clark, "The Lathe of Heaven" by Ursula K. LeGuin and "When It Changed" by Joanna Russ.
Abstract This paper analyzes the premise of futuristic anxiety in the science fictions works of Arthur C. Clarke, Ursula K. LeGuin and Joanna Russ. More specifically, the paper looks at Clarke's "Childhood's End," LeGuin's "The Lathe of Heaven" and Russ' "When It Changed" and provides evidence of the role of anxiety that rises within these author's depictions of the future.
From the Paper "In conclusion, the premise of this study has been to analyze the premise of futuristic anxiety found within the works of Arthur C. Clarke, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Joanna Russ. By evaluating the anxiety of gender separatism, psychological terror, and human evolution in the human future, the premise of change and powerlessness is part of the ideas generated within the prophetically styled writings. In this manner, the worst fears of losing a stable human identity are the basis of anxiety that is foretold in the works of these three science fiction authors. By understanding the fluctuating changes that occur to human beings in a futuristic perspective, the anxiety of change is how science fiction produces prophetically frightening views on the future."
Tags: powerlessness, gender separatism, psychological terror, human evolution
Abstract The paper shows how the imagery in Ursula K. Ke Guin's short story has to be nothing short of stunning, because it is a story about nothing in particular and leaves the readers to their own conclusions. The paper shows how LeGuin has had to create a very real world or else the reader will simply feel left out, rather than being drawn in. The paper discusses some of the most disturbing, effective and outstanding images in the story to illustrate their literary importance.
From the Paper "Probably one of the most disturbing and yet powerful images is that of the child in the basement. "It is afraid of the mops. It finds them horrible. It shuts its eyes, but it knows the mops are still standing there; and the door is locked; and nobody will come" (Le Guin ). Not only is it disgusting, but it takes away all the goodness from these people, and makes them appear dark and dangerous, and not quite so appealing as they were in the beginning of the story. In fact, the child is the evil that surrounds the community, and that is why the image is so disturbing."
Abstract UrsulaLeGuin's book, "The Left Hand of Darkness", won the Nebula and Hugo awards for science fiction and many critics have praised the prose and sensuality of the book, which tells the tale of the planet Winter, and the Gethenians who populate the planet. Specifically, this paper looks at the book from a critical feminist approach. The paper shows that the Gethenian society seems perfect at first, but the lack of warmth in this cold world is a sad statement about relationships and the lack of them.
From the Paper "What would society be like if we did not relate to each other as men and women, but only as beings? Much of the way we see ourselves and others is dependent on our sex. Men are supposed to be strong wage earners who protect their wives and children. Women are supposed to be nurturing lovers who care about their family and how they appear to others. In Winter, the residents do not have to concern themselves with stereotypes and images; they can simply be whoever they are. Le Guin writes of how our world should be, and how she pictures a world without sexual stereotypes and dominance."
Explores the theme of the individual's rebellion against society in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and UrsulaLeGuin's "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 35.95
Abstract This paper explores the nature and the relationship of the individual within society in the classic tragedy "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare and "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by UrsulaLeGuin. Through investigating the position of the individual and society, it can be seen that the simplest solutions to problems are not even considered due to the lack of value that the sum of society places upon individuals and that rebellion against the status quo helps to demonstrate why society creates a scenario in which the individuals feel trapped and where rebellion is their best option.
This paper discusses that Ursula K. LeGuin's "The Left Hand of Darkness", a fictional novel of the future, for which LeGuin won the Hugo and Nebula awards in 1969.
Abstract This paper explains that Ursula K. LeGuin's "The Left Hand of Darkness" confronts the complex philosophical issues of gender and individuality through the obligations of friendship and patriotism between two characters, who share an exhausting journey across a frozen world where loyalty and trust become the fundamental components for survival. The author points out that "The Left Hand of Darkness" is a concept that means that there cannot be light without dark; it is the balance between all things including male and female, positive and negative and opposing forces, which best represent the symbolic struggle between society and mankind within the novel. The paper concludes that this novel profoundly exhibits that men owe patriotism not to a nation or planet but to a humanity, which is built on the ideologies of trust, loyalty and truth.
From the Paper "This novel is set on a primitive planet named Gethen located on the outskirts of discovered space. Genly Ai is an ambassador from Human Ekumen, one of some eighty human worlds in existence at the time, that travels to Gethen to trade knowledge and create better communication between these and other foreign worlds. Gethen is a harsh cold world where snow falls everywhere and only the regions closest to the equator are habitable."
Abstract The paper compares and contrasts UrsulaLeGuin's characters Ai and Estraven in "The Left Hand of Darkness" with Mark Twain's characters Huck and Jim in "Huckleberry Finn". The paper argues that while both sets of characters seem very different from one another, their similarities and ability to complement and complete one another become apparent as the novels progress.
From the Paper "In Ursula Le Guin's science fiction novel The Left Hand of Darkness, the main character, and frequent first-person viewpoint character, is Genly Ai a young, innocent, and seemingly inexperienced envoy, who also happens to be black. Ai has been sent alone, from Earth, to an unfamiliar perpetually cold and snowy planet called Gethen, meaning (appropriately) "Winter". As Le Guin tells us, of this freezing planet, and, by implication, the values of those who live there: "The death-sentence is rare in Karhide. Life on Winter is hard to live and people there generally leave death to nature or to anger, not to law" (p. 41)."
Tags: complement, complete, Ai, Huck, Estraven, Jim
A comparison of the use of symbolism in "The Ones who Walk away from Omelas", by UrsulaLeGuin, Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" and Elizabeth Tallent's "No One's a Mystery."
Abstract This paper discusses symbolism in literature. It specifically looks at and compares "The Ones who Walk away from Omelas", by UrsulaLeGuin, Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" and Elizabeth Tallent's "No One's a Mystery." It compares the authors' use of language and symbolism in their works and discusses the emotions that they are trying to juxtapose.
From the Paper "The three stories have in common contrast and archetype. The horrors of Le Guin's and Jackson's stories lie in the fact of human suffering and sacrifice for the purpose of the well-being of the greater majority. There is a common understanding that the suffering is necessary. In Tallent's story, the contrast is between the reality and the ideal. The ideal of love and marriage with Jack will never be a reality. To a degree, there is also juxtaposition between the sacrifice tradition in "The Lottery" and the reality of its true effect. Questioning this effect emphasizes the horror of the event. In all three stories, the symbolism is drawn from the common human experience, and often from the psychology of the subconscious. This provides each story with an atmosphere that forces the reader towards a conclusion that is not pleasant."
The purpose of this research is to examine 'Les Miserables' as a product of the sociocultural environment of the period in which it was first published in 1862.
Abstract The purpose of this research is to examine Les Miserables as a product of the sociocultural environment of the period in which it was first published in 1862. The writer discusses how 'Les Miserables' reflects Romantic and Enlightenment idealism.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine Les Miserables as a product of the sociocultural environment of the period in which it was first published in 1862. The themes of social reform and the search for social justice that dominate Les Miserables have been widely discussed by critics for many years. Even during his lifetime, Victor Hugo was involved in various projects of social reform as both commentator and national legislator deputy in France. He used the post-Napoleonic social upheavals of revolution in ... "
Abstract This paper will discuss the book "The Dispossessed" by UrsulaLeGuin and seek the principles that make the two planets in the tale represent dualistic natures along the symbolism of Chinese thought. The main objective will be how the planets evolve under these circumstances and the way that the author attempts this. Also, an anarchist point of view will be described about the story and its ramifications on the tale within the scope of the planetary evolutions of the planets involved. By an overall analysis of the good and bad points of both philosophies, a better understanding of the basis of dualistic thought can be brought to the forefront.
Abstract This paper examines how Guinness enjoys a kind of monopoly in the 'stout beer' segment in the U.K. market and how it stands at the 5th position in the overall beer sales. It proposes relationship, direct and database marketing for the U.K. including market analysis, customer analysis, communications plan and budgeting.
Outline
Introduction
Situational Analysis
Customer Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Objectives
Segmentation
Targeting
Positioning and Creative Strategy
Database Strategy
Communications Plan
Communication Objectives
Relationship & Direct Marketing
Advertising
Sponsorships
Time Plan
Budgeting
Conclusion
References
Appendix
From the Paper "Guinness has a distinct positioning due to its product characteristics such as dark color; creamy head and the unique two-step pour process. It is seen as a premium beer and is positioned in the specific 'stout' category with to be drunk only on certain occasions. A major change in the positioning is not required, however we suggest a minor drift towards the wider beer category, which can be had on a regular basis. And also its association with occasions such as the St. Patrick's Day, Sports matches, Christmas etc. should be maintained which the company can capitalize."
Review of Ursula Franklin's book "The Real World Technology", and the premise behind her book that social change is fostered by human interaction with technology.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract Originally growing out of six lectures Franklin delivered as part of the Massey Lecture series in 1989, it represents the distillation of a lifetime's experiences of, and reflections upon, the impact of technology on human society. While the content of the original work was not altered for the revised edition, Franklin adds four new chapters covering technological developments that have occurred in the intervening decade. However, the fundamental thesis of her work remains the same. Franklin argues that technology is more than simply wheels and machines, hardware and software. It is rather the totality of the convergences between machine and man, and the social changes this interaction fosters.
Abstract This paper examines how throughout her career, Ursula LeGuin was a participant in both the anarchist and feminist movements and represented the views of both in her writings. In particular, the paper looks at how Leguin's novels depict microcosms in which anarchy and feminism thrive and how her characters espouse views of the anarchists and feminists of today.
From the Paper "Anarchy, a movement LeGuin was strongly in favor of, was portrayed both directly and indirectly in a large part of her writing. In many cases, people describe anarchy as a complete lack of order or chaos but, in fact, this is not the way anarchy works at all. The definition of anarchy, which comes from the Greek word for "contrary to authority", is "the theory that formal government of any kind is unnecessary and wrong in principle." In this type of society, it is envisioned that agreements would be arrived at freely through the cooperation of all the individual groups involved, rather than by a forced submission to authoritarian laws as well as a fear of punishment for disobeying these laws. Those attempting to practice these beliefs feel that anarchy is more of a way of life than a political or social movement. "
Abstract The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the work "Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin" by Ursula King. The paper summarizes the book, discussing how faith and science complement one another. The paper states that King's biography of the scholar Teilhard de Chardin illustrates how science and faith can indeed complement and support one another.
From the Paper "Banned from discussing his theories by the Catholic Church during his career, Teilhard de Chardin did become discouraged, but he refused to stop believing science and faith could balance each other. In the late 1930s he wrote, "[G]ood is ... everything that brings a spiritual growth to the world" (King 166). Thus, he explains his ability to balance science and faith. Science, at least in his mind, brings a spiritual growth to the world by explaining how systems work and live together, and how they have evolved. Science has made broad achievements in the world, from halting illness to discovering life-changing global problems that must be solved to ensure the survival of humankind. Thus, science brings knowledge, but also brings spiritual growth, and in that, it cannot be bad."
