The Secret River - Kate Grenville - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1193 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/09/15 Category Advertising Essay Did you like this example? Kate Grenville describes the characters in The Secret River as ‘not heroes and not devils, but just human beings, stumbling from one small decision to the next and in so doing, without really planning it, creating the shape of their lives. ’ The character of Will Thornhill in the novel makes several decisions some of which come from a place of circumstance and others that do not. Kate Grenville’s statement about the characters describes them to an extent as there is nothing extraordinary about them, they do not stand up for what is right as heroes do, they do not commit evil deeds as devils do.. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Secret River Kate Grenville" essay for you Create order Will makes several decisions that spring from his family’s history and circumstance and some that are out of his own desire for something more for his life and family. Will comes from a lower class family who feel the need to steal to survive ‘all the Thornhills stole turnips from time to time, pg 9 They where all thieves, any time they got the chance. The dainty person could shrill all he liked about sin, but there could be no sin in thieving if it meant a full belly. ’ Pg16 Will’s dad was the primary caregiver and was the most skilled at stealing to provide for the family. By comparison Sal comes from a middle class family; her father has money to buy her things that Will’s family could not afford. In Will’s eyes Sal was never short on food, especially indulgences such as oranges, sweetbread and soft white bread. Pg 17 Will comes from a long line of William Thornhills ‘Your name is common as dirt’ pg 11was a curse that his sister Mary had professed over him at a young age, his response to this was ‘William Thornhills will fill up the world’ pg 11 From this happening at a early age he made the decision to make himself stand out from the crowd, It’s through this that every other decision in his life is affected. Will has various jobs while he is growing up in London, after his parents passed away he feels it is his responsibility to take care of those remaining in the household. In every job he makes the decision to steal not based on circumstances but out of a desire for excess. ‘No-one would miss a little as there is so many’ pg21 this is the first instance that Will is caught stealing, He tries to lie his way out of the situation and is whipped by Crocker on the docks as a public display. Will learns ‘not to get caught’ pg21 instead of not stealing at all, this is a trait that will follow him, to make decisions not from circumstance but by his own free will. There is an added element of peer pressure in this as well as his work colleagues forced the barrel to break open and encouraged him. He didn’t steal the sugar out of necessity or survival but out of surplus and desire for something more in his life. ‘Most watermen where thieves, although some went about it in a more businesslike way’ page 23 this quote is fairly accurate when applied to Wills decision to steal at the river. Collarbone came into Will’s life as a replacement father figure after his died and showed him the many ways to steal from this job. Collarbone stole some brandy and was caught and as a consequence hanged. Through this experience Will clearly saw the consequences of stealing but was blinded by the surplus amount of goods at the docks where he worked. Marrying Sal was the easiest decision Will could make, he had to work for seven years on the river to earn it and become a free man of the river the day this was granted, was the day they wed. This decision was one of desire, it was a natural progression from his initial attraction from when they were younger and was the easiest decision for Will to make. Mr. Middleton gave Will and Sal his second best wherry as a wedding gift and it was at this point that Will realized that all his decisions up until now had lead him here and he believed that ‘this was the reward for a man’s labour. ’ Page 28 The death of Sal’s parents had a profound effect on Wills judgement, before this he had just established a feeling of security and an easier future for himself and his family. This was brought about by Mr. Middleton not having any sons to leave the family business to, Will’s plan was to become a strong son-in-law and through this inherit the business. The day this happened Will felt all the closed opportunities of his life open up and he gained a sense of direction. Mr. Middleton had savings and assets but during the frozen month, all of his savings and investments where dried up, Will Sal had seemed to have lost everything they had worked years to get ‘what point could there be to hoping, when everything could be broken so easily? p49 It is during this period that Will feels like he has been ‘reduced to an animal’ p49 His character is described as feeling extremely empty and having a massive space where hope had been. This shifted Will back into his circumstantial decision making, the need to steal for survival mentality resurfaced and the family derived cycle began again. The biggest decision that Will makes in the story is to steal the Brazil wood from Mr. Lucas on the River. Will had been stealing all his life to survive, he knew the risks of stealing through his friend Collarbone and at this point he doesn’t need to. He makes this decision based on a desire to have more in his life and refers back to when Mr. Middleton was alive and he had hope for their future. An added element was pressure for provision as Sal had just informed him that she was expecting ‘another mouth to feed’p 55 this influenced his decision to steal as he had to increase his responsibilities as a provider and wanted to get back to getting ahead in life. It is through this decision that his life changes and it is due to a small amount of peer pressure and a desire to succeed, not based on circumstance. Factoring in all of these elements Will Thornhill makes several decisions through the novel some based on circumstances when he is a young child and his family steal for survival, and some out of a desire for more in his life fuelled by the words of his sister. This can be interpreted as greed to some extent, and to provide the kind of life Sal is used to having. To a large extent Will is not a victim of circumstance but falls true to Kate Grenville’s comments about the characters â€Å"just human beings, stumbling from one small decision to the next and in so doing, without really planning it, creating the shape of their lives. † The Secret River, Kate Grenville 2005, The Publishing Company

To Kill A Mockingbird Symbolism Essay - 787 Words

To Symbolize a Mockingbird Throughout the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, we are introduced to two characters who represent her main theme. Understanding the roles the two play in this well-known classic, helps the reader understand the true meaning, and uncover various uses of clever symbolism in the book. Tom Robinson, a humble Negro, and Boo Radley, the mysterious Maycomb recluse, are both innocent in their grave situations†¦Tom, being dragged through an unfair trial with a racist madman, and Boo, saving lives, both show strong characteristics of a mockingbird. Tom Robinson, one of the symbolic Mockingbirds in the novel, is a nice man that enjoys helping others. On page 218, Tom Robinson states at the trial, ‘â€Å"I was glad to†¦show more content†¦The people’s social rules are unfair and unnecessarily, racially judgmental. Social codes are the reason why everyone couldn’t see how it was wrong to accuse an innocent man, how it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird. Boo Radley, the other symbolic mockingbird in the novel, only helped out Jem and Scout. As a recluse, he rarely leaves the comforts of his own home and never dares to stir up any trouble that might bring him unwanted attention. Scout describes his sickly appearance on page 310: â€Å"His face was white as hands, but for a shadow on his jutting chin. His cheeks were thin to hollowness; his mouth was wide; there were shallow, almost delicate indentations at his temples, and his gray eyes were so colorless I thought I was blind. His hair was dead and thin, almost feathery on top of his head.† His description clearly shows that he hasn’t been outside for a long time, and doesn’t intend on coming out again anytime in the future. Unlike Tom Robinson, other characters such as Heck Tate try to protect Boo’s privacy because they know he’s innocent: â€Å"‘To my way of thinkin’, Mr. Finch, taking the one man who’s done you and this town a great service an’ draggin’ him with his shy ways into the limelight-to me, that’s a sin.†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (317). This statement provides insight into how people look at Boo Radley. Most people have known him since he was little, and know that he’d never do anything troublesome. ScoutShow MoreRelatedEssay on Symbolism of Mockingbirds in To Kill a Mockingbird1034 Words   |  5 Pagesstrength. Parrots are a symbol of intelligence. What about mockingbirds? How do they treat and contribute to the human mankind? Mockingbirds symbolize those who are innocent, helpful, and caring but are punished and treated badly. It is a skin to kill a mockingbird because they do not harm us in any way but sings wonderful songs to us. Some of the characters like Boo Arthur Radley, Tom Robinson, and Mayella Ewell symbolizes the mockingbirds in Maycomb. Boo Arthur Radley who is innocent is segregatedRead MoreTo Kill A Mockingbird Symbolism Essay1251 Words   |  6 PagesPeople always wondered what a mockingbird represents. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the narrator Jean Louise Finch lives in Maycomb, Alabama, with her brother Jeremy Finch, her dad Atticus Finch, and her mother-figure Calpurnia. She learns many lessons in her life including â€Å"You never truly understand a person until you put yourself in their shoes † and â€Å"It is a sin to kill mockingbirds.† This ties in that a mockingbird symbolizes innocence, which proves that one should not judge someoneRead MoreTo Kill A Mockingbird Symbolism Essay744 Words   |  3 PagesIn Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the fire in chapter 8 symbolizes a form of prejudice as it burns down the snowman. A lot of the symbolism in this book stems from the prejudice taking place against the black population in Indiana. Some of this is issued when it snows for the first time since 1885. The children make a snowman out of leftover snow and some dirt. This represents the team work between the Finch family and the black community. The snow brings out the innocence of children.Read MoreSymbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay526 Words   |  3 Pages To Kill a Mockingbird is a book with several examples of symbolism. Although the story is seen through a child’s perspective, it includes multiple instances of symbolism, some more obvious than others. Mockingbirds, Mayella’s geraniums, and the Radley household are all big symbols in To Kill a Mockingbird. An example of symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird is mockingbirds themselves. When Atticus says â€Å"’I’d rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you’ll go after birds. Shoot allRead More Symbolism and Allegory in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay3753 Words   |  16 PagesSymbolism and Allegory in To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee uses symbolism extensively throughout To Kill a Mockingbird,, and much of it refers to the problems of racism in the South during the early twentieth century. Harper Lees effective use of racial symbolism and allegory can be seen by studying various examples from the book, namely the actions of the children, of the racist whites, and of Atticus Finch. One of the more effective allegories in the novel is the building of a snowmanRead More Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Essay640 Words   |  3 PagesSymbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee The mockingbird is a major symbol in the book, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. Harper Lee chose the mockingbird for both the title of her book and as a symbol in her book. I believe she selected it because the mockingbird is a creature that is loved by all for its singing and mocking, for which it gets its name, and how it never intends to harm anything or anybody. Atticus Finch says to Jem, but remember it?s a sin to kill a mockingbirdRead MoreTo Kill a Mockingbird1286 Words   |  6 PagesTo Kill A Mockingbird Essay Reading broadens our minds and touches our hearts. It creates greater understanding and compassion in the reader through its characters and themes. Write an essay that addresses the ideas expressed in this statement with reference to your class novel. â€Å"You never really understand a person, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.† With over 30 million copies sold worldwide and claiming title to the prestigious Pulitzer Prize, â€Å"To Kill a Mockingbird† isRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Of Kill A Mockingbird 1271 Words   |  6 PagesJourney Tasopulos Brannen ELA-8 19 April, 2015 Novel Analysis: To Kill A Mockingbird Selection: I selected this book because its the best book I have ever read. I read To Kill A Mockingbird last year and my class wrote an essay about this book, since I already know so much about this book I thought it would be a nice and quick read. I thought it would be a great enjoyment to refresh my memory of this epic book. I watched the movie soon after I read the whole book and it was very fun to pick outRead MoreBlack or White: Moralistic Communities to Highlight Sin of Killing a Mockingbird1617 Words   |  7 PagesHarper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most popular fictions about racial inequality in America. Her portrayal of the Black community is amazingly positive and has therefore triggered discussion. In the fiction, while most of the white people treat the Black poorly and are evil-like, the blacks are generally genial and miserable. Atticus remarks that some Negroes do lie and act immorally. In this case, the rather one-sided Black community in the book seems t o be idealized while the WhiteRead MoreThe English Assessment Task For Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1360 Words   |  6 PagesEnglish Assessment Task 1 - ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ Essay â€Å"Whether Maycomb knows it or not, we’re paying him the highest tribute we can pay a man. We trust him to do right.† To what extent are life values and lessons reflected throughout the novel ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’? The great degree that Harper Lee reflects life values and lessons throughout ’To Kill A Mockingbird’ is elucidated through the teachings of the main adult protagonist, Atticus Finch. Over three summers, Atticus guides his children

To What extent was Hitler responsible for the outbreak of WW2 free essay sample

If you asked an average person why World War II happened, they would most likely blame it on Hitler. This accusation would be partly accurate; after all it was the Fuhrer who led the German army into Poland on September 1st 1939, officially beginning the war. But, if you take a closer look, examine the facts; you can see that numerous events lead up to this point (many of which had little to do with Hitler personally). One of the first actions, which in the long run lead to the outbreak of war, was ironically the peace Treaty of Versailles in 1919. The Treaty had many points concerning Germany, which were very harsh (they were forced to pay a huge war fee, demilitarize Rhineland, stop the production of weapons etc. ). The victorious countries thought that this would make Germany weaker, and prevent it from attacking anybody. Unfortunately, quite the opposite happened, the German people were profoundly unpleased with the outcome of World War I. We will write a custom essay sample on To What extent was Hitler responsible for the outbreak of WW2 or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Treaty caused hatred towards everyone who agreed with it. The Wall Street Crash of 1929, one of the main reasons Hitler gained enough support to become chancellor. Why? Because the crisis spread all the way to Europe, Germany included. Hitler seemed to know a cure for all misfortunes of the Weimar Republic. He offered jobs for the unemployed. Had the Jews and communists to blame for all the calamities, and offered to basically get rid of them. These ideas along with some amazing propaganda made Hitler chancellor in 1933. Now, that he was one of the most influential people in Germany, he could easily determine it’s fate. One of the things that pushed the Fuhrer to invade Poland was the fact that the League of Nations was practically powerless. This was insinuated when Italy invaded Abyssinia (both members of the League), and got away with it. Italy was a powerful country, and all the other members could do to try stopping it was threaten sanction (which wasn’t even an effective threat, because there was plenty of other places from which Italy could get it’s resources). When everyone saw how poorly the strong members had handled this situation, they got the basic idea that the League of Nations was not as effective as it was supposed to be, and that a strong country is likely to get away with breaking some of the rules. Not only did the League seem insubstantial, but so did Great Britain and France. They seemed to have no reaction whatsoever to Hitler repeatedly breaking more and more rules of the Treaty of Versailles. All of the above actions, to some extent lead up to the outbreak of World War II. But to what extent was Hitler responsible? His actions are probably most visible at first glance. He was the man who began the war, after all. But would he have done it if Germany had been treated fairly after World War I, and it’s people were satisfied with the outcome? Would anybody be willing to vote for the Nazi party if there had been no crisis? From what I’ve deduced, Germany would most likely not have sought revenge if it had been fairly treated. Hitler wouldn’t want to gain more land, or make the country more powerful, as it would never have gotten weak. There would never have been any â€Å"November Criminals† to blame. Hitler’s actions, which led up to the outbreak of war, started happening after he had been appointed chancellor (became influential). But if the world depression hadn’t happened, people wouldn’t have had good reasons to vote for his extremist party, as they would most likely have been satisfied with the â€Å"calmer† centralized parties. In conclusion, Hitler was responsible for the outbreak of the Second World War to a certain extent. But the most important causes (which ultimately gave him power) had happened prior to when he was appointed chancellor. Germany didn’t need Hitler in person to begin the war, as it was tilting it that direction ever since 1919. He was just the man who pushed it across the borderline. Maybe the war wouldn’t have happened if Hitler had never become the Fuhrer, but The Weimar Republic would have stayed unsatisfied, and, sooner or later another person would have come along to change that.

The Man Who Laughs Review Essay Example

The Man Who Laughs Review Paper Essay on The Man Who Laughs The Man Who Laughs fell into my hands by chance on someone elses country. Well I have it with me and picked up which he lay there and gather dust? In the end, there it was waiting only the disappointing and sacrilegious fate that awaits worn books in cottages non-reading people. To myself I knew that I will not stay indifferent, and the pangs of conscience (very minor) will be drowned out by the pleasure that I get from reading Classic. 🙂 An old friend better than new ones. Hugo did not disappoint expectations. If you like the Cathedral of and Les Miserables, and the Man Who Laughs youll be pleased. Already accustomed to lengthy copyright digressions into the history, geography and cultural studies, you can easily overcome the beginning of the novel, where the author tells about comprachicos people selling mutilated children, and became a victim of that Gwynplaine A touching, somewhat naive (vse. romanticism still), but no less beautiful story of pure love of a blind girl and ugly Dei Gwynplaine was the basis of the narrative. They travel with the man who replaced him a father, and his wolf, give presentations, and their performances, though symbolic, though deprived of areal humor and rude, but the depth of close and fascinating understandable to ordinary people, so the company is fully capable to earn a living. We will write a custom essay sample on The Man Who Laughs Review specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Man Who Laughs Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Man Who Laughs Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer But nepredstazuemy twists of fate, and love the characters undergoes more tests. Retell the story would not be desirable to paraphrase it sounds very flat and went, even though Hugo seems beautiful and delicate. I can only say that psychology Hugo success than ever. That there is a scene with the depraved Countess Dzhoziany! Generally abnormal characters then discharged unparalleled! In general, the writer takes the images and techniques already familiar to us. Again, as in Notre Dame de Paris, behind the mask of ugliness hiding the true beauty and nobility of heart and beautiful appearance and wealthy people in the shower did not have nothing but a perverted lust and decay, or cowardice and servility. Again, true purity and piety prevail. For this, I love Hugo it does not substitute values, and black as white, he does not give, because after reading in the shower does not remain porridge and confusion In conclusion, it can be avidly read modern literature and admire. it but do not think it can give moral core of the same strength and nravstenny lesson of the same power and clarity, like the good old stories, like this one.