Imposing Our Own Ideological Frameworks onto Virginia...

Imposing Our Own Ideological Frameworks onto Virginia Woolf and Her Writing Whenever we try to imagine the feelings or motives of a writer, we impose our own thoughts and ideas, our own biases, onto that person and their work. Perhaps in order to justify our choices or legitimate the philosophies that we hold dear, we interpret texts so that they fall into place in our own ideological frameworks. Literature, because it engages with the most important and passionate questions in life, evokes responses in readers that emanate not only from the mind but also from the subconscious and from the deepest places in the heart. Writers like Virginia Woolf ask, and sometimes answer, questions about lifes meaning, about the nature and†¦show more content†¦Much critical writing on Woolf reflects a strong desire to locate her definitely within either a heterosexual or homosexual framework. These interpretations of Woolfs sexuality, in her life and her writings, are varied and reflect anxieties within the culture about the role of women, the nature of sexual ident ity, and the fear society has of people who do not conform to traditional heterosexual or homosexual models. While critical views are many and varied, it is possible to loosely identify two groups at opposite poles in this debate. Some conservative male critics are invested in re-creating a Woolf who was a devoted wife and daughter, someone who enjoyed close friendships with women but someone who respected the primacy of heterosexual norms. They largely ignore the potential homosexual interpretations of Woolfs work and brush aside her relationship with Vita Sackville-West because acknowledging those things in any real way would threaten the established patriarchal order. Nigel Nicolson, in his book Portrait of a Marriage , characterizes the physical relationship between Vita and Virginia as tentative and not very successful and claims, It is a travesty of their relationship to call it an affair (207). There are several problems with thisShow MoreRelatedFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 PagesConsiderations 96 Public Policy Violation 96 Implied Employment Contract 96 Breech of Goo d Faith 97 PART 3 STAFFING THE ORGANIZATION Chapter 5 Human Resource Planning and Job Analysis 110 Learning Outcomes 110 Introduction 112 An Organizational Framework 112 ETHICAL ISSUES IN HRM: Competitive Intelligence 114 Linking Organizational Strategy to Human Resource Planning 115 Assessing Current Human Resources 115 Human Resource Information Systems 115 Succession Planning 116 Determining the Demand

The Journey to Adulthood in Where Are You Going, Where...

â€Å"Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?† Analysis In the American society, when individuals reach adolescence, they begin to search for their identity by exploring their interests and opening their mind to new notions and ideas. This is the psychological and physical human development that ultimately leads them to their adulthood. Joyce Carol Oates short story depicts a fifteen year old girl with typical teenage concerns. She has to face the realization of the meaning of maturity in the American civilization when she is ripped out of her childhood by Arnold Friend. In the short story, Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?, Joyce Carol Oates suggests that when teenagers are in the coming of age, they are easily fooled and taken†¦show more content†¦Adding on to that, Connie’s shortfall that rock music has molded her has come to light when Arnold Friend gives sexual advances to her. Joyce Carol Oates shows this by writing, â€Å"It was the same progr am that was playing inside the house. â€Å"Bobby King?† she said. â€Å"I listen to him all the time. I think he’s great.† â€Å"He’s kind of great,† Connie said reluctantly.† â€Å"Listen, that guy’s great. He knows where the action is.† (p.3-para.2). This shows how Connie feels shocked that Arnold was also listening to the same music as she was when she was inside the house last time. Since she was incompetent in realizing how teenagers interpret the music than adult figures, Connie is vulnerable when Arnold threatens her to come to him because of the rock music that is being allotted to teenagers. To sum it up, the sexual song lyrics and the image of rock music that is normally played and embraced in the American culture has influenced Connie, a teenager, physically and mentally; therefore, she is taken advantage of by Arnold because of her immaturity and youth. The sexy and enticing image in the American civilization affec ts teenagers as they are driven to emulate those ideas which in the end are deceived and hurt because of their ignorance. In the story, Connie has predicaments within her family because of her efforts to become sexually attractive which causes her to criticize her sister and her mother. Joyce CarolShow MoreRelatedConnie ´s Coming of Age1257 Words   |  6 PagesAge In her famous short story, â€Å"Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,† Joyce Carol Oates shows the transition from childhood to adulthood through her character Connie. Each person experiences this transition in their own way and time. For some it is leaving home for the first time to go to college, for others it might be having to step up to a leadership position. No matter what, this transition affects everyone; it just happens to everyone differently. Oates describes Connies unfortunate comingRead MoreWhere are you Going? Where Have you Been? by Joyce Carol Oates1100 Words   |  5 PagesWhere Are You Going, Where have you been? is a short story written by Joyce Carol Oates. The 75 year old American author and professor at Princeton University, introduce the story of 15 year old Connie who is rebelling against her mother’s whishes. A very arrogant and selfish girl that in her world the only thing that matters is how many heads she can turn when walking into a r oom. Through the story life gives her a test, to confront Arnold Friend, the antagonist of the story; who possesses a nefariousRead MoreEssay on Transition in Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been3629 Words   |  15 PagesTransition in Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Each of us experiences transitions in our lives. Some of these changes are small, like moving from one school semester to the next. Other times these changes are major, like the transition between youth and adulthood. In Joyce Carol Oates Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?, the author dramatizes a real life crime story to examine the decisive moment people face when at the crossroads between the illusions and innocenceRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem The Stone Boy 1954 Words   |  8 Pagesindustrial designer Adam Savage, â€Å" one of the defining moments of adulthood is the realization that nobody’s going to take care of you.† This statement caused me to cogitate the potential aspects that cause one s shift from childhood into adulthood.Within the four short stories â€Å"Initiation†( Plath, Sylvia.) by Sylvia Plath, â€Å"Araby†(Joyce, James.) by James Joyce, â€Å" Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been† (Oates, Caro l Joyce.) by Joyce Carol Oates, and â€Å"The Stone boy† (Berriault, Gina.) by Gina BerriaultRead MoreAdolescence Is A New Birth1106 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout the semester we have discussed adolescence in a literary sense applying it to characters and themes. In Latin, the word â€Å"adolescence† literally means â€Å"growing up†. Adolescence can be applied to literature in a sense of its broad message. According to Stanley Hall who wrote the article â€Å"Adolescence is a New Birth†, during adolescence â€Å"awareness of self and the environment greatly increases; everything is more keenly felt, and sensation is sought for its own sake.† (1844-1924) PsychologicalRead MoreAnalysis Of The Lottery By Shirley Jackson2020 Words   |  9 PagesDespite their differences in their approach to characterization, both Joyce Carol Oates and Shirley Jackson managed to craft haunting short stories, whose characters quickly bond to your brain before th ey are quickly ripped away. â€Å"The Lottery’s† effectiveness leans on subtle character traits and changes—her style, while not as minimal, reminds me of Carver, in that what is left unsaid is nearly as important as her stripped down and dialed back use of character description. Though there is an undercurrent

Visual Analysis of Richard Serra’s Two Cuts free essay sample

Richard Serra develops a visual language that breaks from the history of sculptural identity. His artworks reveal the methods of construction vital to the composition of his work and allow the viewer to become involved in the process of making. The steel is ribbed on the surface, which relates immediately to the process of cutting. Furthermore, his works are not pictorial or decorative in any sense but rather are large bold industrial slabs of steel, which demonstrate the artist’s interest in revealing material specificity. Serra’s Two Cuts rejects illusionistic and pictorial traditions of sculpture: the artwork is composed of raw industrial material and orients its viewer as to the artist’s process based on title and installation. His work has a strong presence that interacts with its site of installation; the art object’s expressive qualities arise from the communication between spaces and visibly apparent methods of construction. The Ellen Johnson Wing of the Allen Memorial Art Museum is a white walled gallery, which contrasts the bold slabs of rolled steel. One is polished while the other is transparent in its forms of construction and materiality. Two Cuts is composed of three slabs of hot rolled steel positioned on the ground one of which has toppled over due to the internal logic of steel, which emphasizes the properties of balance and heaviness that are inherent in the identity of this natural solid. Two of these planks are rigid rectangular slabs that rest parallel to one another on their narrow sides. These pieces of steel are wide enough to provide balance and support to the whole structure. They are approximately two fist lengths in width, nearly a foot in height, and about eight feet long. The third slab differs in width from the two standing slabs and is not stable enough to stand on its own. It is not stable enough because its width is too narrow in relation to its height. Instead, the third steel slat has seemingly fallen from its upright position; the object lies flatly on the floor. This third slab has the same length and vertical height as the other two slabs, yet the laws of gravity destabilize the material; it lies on its tallest side and appears wider and shorter than the others. The fact that the steel slab has toppled over due to a visible decrease in width speaks specifically to the weight of steel and factors that influence this sculpture’s equilibrium. The work overwhelms the human body due to the weight and volume of the steel. The work appears immovable; it is so heavy and commanding in its physical presence and material composition; it is rendered as a dominant and static intrusion on the gallery floor. This is an important element that impels the viewer to feel the intimidating bulk of the work in relation to his or her own body. In this way it becomes visually apparent that the work is resistant to being ordered or controlled in any way that works against the steel’s natural properties. It is the intention of the artist to enable the material properties of the work to inform the installation which is demonstrated with the third fallen plank. This establishes that Serra’s work is about the visual language of material and process rather than an illusionistic narrative. From a distance the sculpture appears as an industrial object but with closer inspection one is able to decipher the artist hand through the rough rippled surface of Two Cuts. These surface undulations are highlighted by the contrasting varnished and sanded museum space. In this way, his work extends beyond itself to interact with the space that its exists in. The installation and transparent display of construction becomes a focal point of his artwork and gives rise to a visual language of construction, which exists in contradiction to surrounding space. There is an incongruent relationship between Two Cuts and the Ellen Johnson Wing of the Allen Memorial Art Museum space that is immediately revealed through contrast in construction transparency verse opacity. This is because the planks are honest in communicating a method of construction or deconstruction (cutting) as well as various qualities of steel. This communication of material and weight, demonstrated in the balance of the planks, appears in contrast with the museum space because construction methods are unclear and various materials are presumably hidden beneath plaster, paint and varnish. The wooden floor, for example, is not a tribute to the material itself. There is nothing within the wooden floor that exhibits the natural splitting of wood, it’s authentic sheen, or texture. There is no a sense of an illusionistic human figure but instead raw industrial material and recognizable geometric forms, often used in construction. The surface of the work is cloaked in rigid vertical marks that demonstrate the effects of a cutting tool. Paradoxically, even though Serra is implementing industrial processes to cut the raw steel, the artist’s hand is visible in the imperfections upon the surface. There is no effort exerted upon the surface of the steel to make it appear polished. The work is unique in the way it straddles industry and art. From a distance the slabs appear to form a sleek composition of parallel lines and clean cuts but upon closer inspection there appears to be ridges and discoloration caused by rusting. The imperfections upon the work’s surface can be experienced visually and kinesthetically. Serra makes no attempt to hide the cutting process in his work because the transparency of industrial procedure is integral to the artist’s intention. This is also evoked in the title of the work, Two Cuts. By titling the work Two Cuts, Serra illustrates how the act of cutting is integral to the piece and indeed in many ways is the piece. Process is integral to the work and visually expressed by the vertical ridges left un-sanded along the surface of the work. These demarcations are a portal into the procedures of fabrication and allow the viewer to experience each individual cut that was made into the steel slabs. By giving the viewer access to the construction process the artist is intentionally demystifying and de-idealizing the work. The elevated status of that artist is reduced when the construction methods are revealed. Furthermore, the installation on the floor breaks from the precious display of art objects on pedestals or in decorative frames. There is no frame surrounding this work just simply the material. The placement on the floor without any additional display modes creates an intimate atmosphere of interaction. The various marks upon the surface of this sculpture make it experientially unpredictable so that the viewer must move around the object to see its different sides. By requiring the viewer’s movement for the total viewing of the work, Serra incorporates temporality and spatiality in his work. The immense size of Two Cuts, unpredictability of texture, and susceptibility to rusting allow the work to exist in real space and time. The three dimensional slabs require investigation of all four sides. While the viewer is moving around the work it is unfolding to him or her in real time and space. A photo would not permit an individual to understand this work because movement is an integral experiential element. The work continues to exist in real time because it is accruing signage of time in the form of rust and discoloration. Furthermore, the placement of Two Cuts on the floor creates a large division of space over three meters in length (5 3/8 x 23 1/16x 120 5/8in). This challenges the viewer’s movement in the gallery and creates disorientation regarding the discernment of ‘front’ or ‘back’ of the objects. Unlike many works in a gallery space, Two Cuts is installed on the ground. Giant hunks of metal rest on the ground and have very little intention of growing in a vertical direction, which confirms the object’s natural affinity to the ground and visually highlights the weight of the material. Because the subject of the work is material, gravity, and weight, it is appropriate that the work should be displayed on the ground without supports. The work illustrates how the laws of gravity and entropy effect the materialization of the sculpture. The transparency and materiality in this work is also supported by the lack of illusionistic space and sense of figure. Long horizontal slabs of metal reject the illusion of a human figure because they are rigid, straight, and symmetrical, rather than organic, illusionistic, and vertical. The figure is further rejected from the work because the sculpture is about natural material used in everyday, industrial spaces. The three steel pieces are self-referential in the way that they are what the work is about. Although Serra regards his work as sculpture, he breaks from the tradition of the practice with his installation, intent and use of materials. The evolving texture and color feature of the art embraces its inherently temporal existence. Because the steel is unprotected and susceptible to the elements, it is embellished with grooves, rust, and corroded nooks. What might have once been a monochrome earthy grey is now a completely varied rusted surface. There is never a stagnant moment for this work because it exists in real time and openly offers itself to the influence of the elements. This demonstrates the interest of the artist in the material nature of his art and its ephemeral manifestation. The varied surface parallels the multiple viewing angles available in experiencing this work and brings forth another evolving aspect of this sculpture. The viewer can never grasp the piece in its entirety because it is larger than him or her and constantly changing with the viewpoint within the gallery. The parallel planks of the work can be seen as extending lines reaching into the distance. There are an infinite number of viewpoints. The lines can be seen with space separating them but then with a shift the beams visually overlap. The surface of the work oscillates depending on the distance one perceives it from. In the distance it appears as though the sculpture is a stagnant color but on closer examination, there arises a varied spectrum of colors and textures ranging from lead grey to rust red upon a cat tongue like surface. The color and texture and infinite viewing locations prolong the continuing creation process of this art. Serra’s Two Cuts confronts a viewer with a composition about weight and the identity of steel. In the same way that the viewer must interact with space and time to walk around the piece in order to see the way it shifts in perspective, the piece itself is continuously interacting with space and responding to the elements of its surroundings that cause chemical changes to alter the surface of the steel. The transparency of construction in the work demonstrates Serra’s interest in removing himself from the elevated realm of the ‘artist’ as creator. This allows the viewer to focus on the material, form and physical nature of his art. The construction of the work and its relationship to the natural laws of gravity and its own materiality becomes integral aspects of the work and also carry the intention of the artist.

The Pact Book Review Essay Example

The Pact Book Review Paper Name: Instructor: Course: Date: We will write a custom essay sample on The Pact Book Review specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Pact Book Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Pact Book Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The Pact Book Review Plot Summary The Pact is the story of three young men who made a promise to each other that they would go to college and succeed in life. This seemed impossible considering where they lived. They did not have anyone in their lives that they could look up to and consider role models. They encountered many challenges in their lives before they realized their goals. They lived in a dangerous neighborhood, where they had to contend with violence, drug dealers and drug addicts. One of the men had a childhood dream of becoming a dentist, and he convinced the others to study hard for the scholarship Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Plus Program offered at Seton Hall and become doctors. The book reveals how the young men continued facing challenges in school, how they almost gave up their dreams, and how they finally managed to overcome those challenges and realize their dream, thus fulfilling their pact. It is a story of friendship, and it shows the importance of having role models and good social support systems so that one can realize his or her dreams in life. Opinion I was inspired and impressed by the friendship and determination of the three young men. I believe that this kept them focused and it gave them the strength they needed to overcome obstacles. It is often rare to read of young men who influence each other positively. In many cases, people in similar situations often end up falling to negative peer influences. The three decided to support and encourage each other, and this made them realize their goals. I was emotionally moved by the people who decided to make positive changes in the men’s lives and encourage each other. George talks of his friend’s father who treated him like one of his sons. He believed in George’s dreams and he never discouraged him from achieving his goals. Some of the teachers and counselors acted as role models for the boys. They encouraged them in pursuing their goals and they gave them the morale and inspiration they needed in life. It was interesting to read that the men made bad decisions in their lives but they did not let that determine their future. Two of them had already faced the criminal justice system even before they were eighteen years. They committed some offences, which could have destroyed their future. The men had friends who were not positive influences in their lives. However, the pact that they had made and the fact that they continued making their friendship stronger, made it possible for them to get on the right path. They admit that it was not easy for them to go to college and become doctors. They faced hard situations, which almost made them give up in life and forget their dreams. I was angered by the social and economic systems in our country, which force some people to live in abject poverty as others live in extreme wealth. The families living in the projects were poor. Most of the people involved in dealing drugs did not do so out of choice but they were forced by their circumstances. Poverty has led to many social ills and disadvantages in the country. Many children are forced to live without their fathers around because they are serving time in prison, while others have decided to abandon their families. I was also angered by the fact that some children are exposed to so much violence when they are young. The men had grown up in tough and rough neighborhoods. They committed crimes and offences such as stealing and beating other people. However, they managed to change their negative ways and they became positive influences and role models to other people in their community. Another thing that made me angry was the discrimination that continues to plague t he society. People continue to be defined by the color of their skin and not by their abilities. This has often discouraged many from achieving their dreams. Had it not been for the support that the young men received from few individuals, then they would not have reached where they are today. Although I liked all the characters because of their determination, my favorite was George. I think that it would not have been possible for the three to become doctors had he not held the dream he had of becoming a dentist. His fascination in dentistry made him have a dream. Not many people enjoy dentist visits, but George seemed to enjoy them when he was young. He urged the others to join medical school and this contributed to positive changes in their lives. Although George’s mother, Ella Jenkins Mack, is not one of the prominent characters in the book, I admire her persistence and courage in bringing up her children. She was resilient and she managed to discipline and provide for her children. It was not easy bringing up two boys with no other source of support. She ensured that she got her family out of the projects. She did not let the fact that she was a single mother discourage her from hoping for a better life. Overall Evaluation I would recommend this book to a friend and to people who have to face challenges in their lives. The book remains relevant because many people continue experiencing the same situations that the young men went through in their lives. Many people still live in the ghetto, and they continue to experience hardships and challenges in life. They continue living in violent environments and they have to deal with many social ills. This is an inspirational book and it shows that one does not have to conform to his or her environment. The three young men could have decided to become part of the statistics, as is often the case with many African American men and other people living in the ghetto. They could have felt sorry for themselves and given up on their aspirations just because they did not have role models around. However, they made a different decision. The book is written in such a simple and engaging way. The book also describes the events that happened plainly. The authors do not tr y to hide some of the information or exaggerate other details. This book is both engaging and entertaining, and it promotes the values of true friendship, hard work, discipline, and positive influences in life.