Richard Wilbur Boy at the window Essay Example for Free

Richard Wilbur Boy at the window Essay When one is considered naive, it has been thought to determine one as â€Å"having or showing a lack of experience, judgment, or information; credulous† (www. dictionary. com). In Richard Wilburs’ poem, Boy at the Window, Wilbur uses simple form language to paint the image of the boy staring out the window at the snowman. In the beginning of the poem, Wilbur reveals two characters, one a snowman and the other a young boy. Both characters in the poem seem to have a connection to each other, and may even consider themselves, friends. Perhaps the boy may have helped to build the snowman. One day during an incoming storm, the boy peers outside the window and appears to be frightened for the snowman because the snowman has no shelter from the storm â€Å"In dusk and cold is more than he can bear† (Clugston, 2010). The boy fears for the snowman’s life because the boy realizes the rain will melt the snowman away. However the snowman does not want to come inside the warm house with the boy for fear he will melt and die. In this case who is naive, the boy or the snowman? Beginning from the perspective of the boy staring out the window, it is obvious the boy feels helpless. The boy realizes that a storm is coming, â€Å"A night of gnashing and enormous moan†, (Clugston, 2010) which will eventually wash away the snowman. When the boy feels the snowman is going to die the boys emotions turns to one of hurt. The young boy does not understand that the snowman needs the cold to survive, even if it means death when it rains. The tone of the poem indicated that perhaps the boy feared what the outside world held for the snowman, and the storm intensified that. In one world, the inside, the boy felt â€Å"Such warmth, such light, such love, and so much fear† (Clugston, 2010). He wanted the snowman to experience the same warmth as he did because the boy took comfort in his surroundings and identified what made him feel safe in his eyes. On the other hand, perhaps the snowman felt sympathy for the young boy. From the outside, the snowman seems to understand how the boy is feeling. So the snowman sheds a tear for the boy because he understands the boy cares a lot about him, â€Å"He melts enough to drop from one soft eye A trickle of the purest rain, a tear†, (Clugston, 2010). Because the snowman does not have a fear of the rain, the snowman does not seem to understand that the storm will cause him to melt away, as he is quite comfortable with being outside in the cold. While the snowman looks quite comfortable outside, the snowman may not portray that feeling to the young boy looking at the snowman from his home. Overall, the theme of the play speaks volumes about being naive and misinterpretation of viewing another persons’ life and how they choose to live it. This point of view that Wilbur tried to relay to the reader allowed me to focus more so on the snowman and how he wanted to live than the boy. As human beings, one always wants to change what they believe to be wrong in society without asking the person(s) if they want the change. One should never determine how a person’s life should be lived based off of how they are living there own life. But this fact that we are not aware of certain systematically proceeding misinterpretations does not only shape the image of personality, as constituted in the naive and experience of everyday life, but also influences scientific thought, (Ichheiser, 1943). Both are considered to be inexperienced about the fundamentals of life and how they both lived. The boy took comfort in believing that if the snowman were rescued by bringing the snowman in the house, the snowman would be saved. The snowman believed that by staying outside, no harm would come to him and he was not alone or afraid of the incoming weather, because he had nothing to fear of living outside alone and in the dark. The boy and the snowman lived two diverse lives, one that could never be meshed together because of the scientific fact that one character lived a cold life and the other character lived a life in which there was warmth.

Richard Wilbur Boy at the window Essay Example for Free

Richard Wilbur Boy at the window Essay When one is considered naive, it has been thought to determine one as â€Å"having or showing a lack of experience, judgment, or information; credulous† (www. dictionary. com). In Richard Wilburs’ poem, Boy at the Window, Wilbur uses simple form language to paint the image of the boy staring out the window at the snowman. In the beginning of the poem, Wilbur reveals two characters, one a snowman and the other a young boy. Both characters in the poem seem to have a connection to each other, and may even consider themselves, friends. Perhaps the boy may have helped to build the snowman. One day during an incoming storm, the boy peers outside the window and appears to be frightened for the snowman because the snowman has no shelter from the storm â€Å"In dusk and cold is more than he can bear† (Clugston, 2010). The boy fears for the snowman’s life because the boy realizes the rain will melt the snowman away. However the snowman does not want to come inside the warm house with the boy for fear he will melt and die. In this case who is naive, the boy or the snowman? Beginning from the perspective of the boy staring out the window, it is obvious the boy feels helpless. The boy realizes that a storm is coming, â€Å"A night of gnashing and enormous moan†, (Clugston, 2010) which will eventually wash away the snowman. When the boy feels the snowman is going to die the boys emotions turns to one of hurt. The young boy does not understand that the snowman needs the cold to survive, even if it means death when it rains. The tone of the poem indicated that perhaps the boy feared what the outside world held for the snowman, and the storm intensified that. In one world, the inside, the boy felt â€Å"Such warmth, such light, such love, and so much fear† (Clugston, 2010). He wanted the snowman to experience the same warmth as he did because the boy took comfort in his surroundings and identified what made him feel safe in his eyes. On the other hand, perhaps the snowman felt sympathy for the young boy. From the outside, the snowman seems to understand how the boy is feeling. So the snowman sheds a tear for the boy because he understands the boy cares a lot about him, â€Å"He melts enough to drop from one soft eye A trickle of the purest rain, a tear†, (Clugston, 2010). Because the snowman does not have a fear of the rain, the snowman does not seem to understand that the storm will cause him to melt away, as he is quite comfortable with being outside in the cold. While the snowman looks quite comfortable outside, the snowman may not portray that feeling to the young boy looking at the snowman from his home. Overall, the theme of the play speaks volumes about being naive and misinterpretation of viewing another persons’ life and how they choose to live it. This point of view that Wilbur tried to relay to the reader allowed me to focus more so on the snowman and how he wanted to live than the boy. As human beings, one always wants to change what they believe to be wrong in society without asking the person(s) if they want the change. One should never determine how a person’s life should be lived based off of how they are living there own life. But this fact that we are not aware of certain systematically proceeding misinterpretations does not only shape the image of personality, as constituted in the naive and experience of everyday life, but also influences scientific thought, (Ichheiser, 1943). Both are considered to be inexperienced about the fundamentals of life and how they both lived. The boy took comfort in believing that if the snowman were rescued by bringing the snowman in the house, the snowman would be saved. The snowman believed that by staying outside, no harm would come to him and he was not alone or afraid of the incoming weather, because he had nothing to fear of living outside alone and in the dark. The boy and the snowman lived two diverse lives, one that could never be meshed together because of the scientific fact that one character lived a cold life and the other character lived a life in which there was warmth.

Water Cost Problem in United States: Expansion and Solution

Water Cost Problem in United States: Expansion and Solution Introduction Over the past one decade, there has been an immense increase in water usage in United States of America. This is as a result of increasing population, as well as advanced development in industries and settlements, among many other reasons. The steady rise of water usage has conversely increased the cost of water in a number of states, which is now being considered as a looming problem. According to latest research, there is an increased outcry from the public domain, regarding the ever-escalating prices of acquiring water. In respect to this, there should be quick solutions into the matter, or else the nation will be burden with outrageous costs of water. Moreover, it must be understood that increased costs of providing water, leads to adverse water shortage, since few people can only afford it. However, a closer look into this situation increases the puzzle on what is the main reason behind water shortages and pollution. (Grimm, et al, 2008) Causes of water shortage and pollution There are a number of causes behind increased water shortage and pollutions; however below are some of the most substantial causes. Increase production of farming and agriculture industry Environmental experts claim that the lack of sustainable agriculture is the biggest challenge or threat to the environment. The increased farming production to counter the inefficient food production, consequentially leads to pollution, deforestation and water shortages. It is believed that agricultural industry wastes around 65% or 1450 trillion liters, of the 2500 trillion liters of water is uses per year. The poor agricultural practice is very harmful to the environment where it drains up rivers, lakes, as well as underground water sources. In return it increases soli salinity, hence degrading its quality. On the other hand, by washing pesticides and pollutants into rivers, the sources of water get polluted at the end of the day. A lot of fingers have been pointed towards leaky irrigation systems, which causes water shortages. Other processes which causes water shortage includes; the cultivation of thirsty crops; pollution by agro-chemicals, and lastly wasteful field application m ethods. However, it must be understood that the waste and pollution of water, is worsened by; poor public awareness of the crisis, misdirected subsidies, and irrational environmental legislation. (Grimm, et al, 2008) Increase in regional heavy industry Over the last decade, there has been an increase in manufacturing and production industries, in various states. This is in line with industrialization vision of America. However, these industries require a lot of water, in order to successfully operate. For instance, large volumes of water are required to cool off huge industrial machines, wash all sorts of raw materials, used as an industrial solvent, among many other uses. The sudden water demand in these industries, has conversely led to water shortage, since there was no enough water reserves to counter such challenges. Consequently, these industries are forced to scramble for the little available water, hence increasing the costs of water in return. Expansion of major cities such as Los Angeles Over the last five decades, the human population America has increased dramatically. This development has been coupled up with urbanizations, where people exploit virgin regions to build towns and settlements. Unfortunately, urbanization of places has negatively affected water ecosystems, resulting to a great loss of biodiversity. For instance, a lot of people are now living near river basins, which are subjected to water stress. With such scenarios, the concerns about water availability increases, while the use of freshwater carries on at unsustainable amounts. The increase in towns and cities, mean that there is an increase in clothing, shelter, and food which results to additional pressure on existing water sources, through the production of the products. Moreover, business and residential developments in these cities and towns puts a lot of pressure on water ecosystems, which in return does nothing but escalates water shortage levels. (Grimm, et al, 2008) Effects Increased water prices in most cities When water becomes scarce due to the aforementioned causes, the public will be forced to brace themselves for tough water prices. For instance, a region like California is experiencing excruciating water prices, due to the drought it is facing. (Seager, 2009) Since it will be costly to supply and fetch for more water due to the shortages, prices will conversely have to go up to cater for extra expenditures. Consequentially, water usage will decrease with the increase in water prices, hence being a serious challenge for America as a nation. Unequal distribution of water resources Water shortages can also be intensified by the unequal distribution of available water over time and space. On the other hand, putting more pressure on the reliable and safe water supply will lead to the government providing water resources unequally. In this case, water resources will have to be distributed in respect to priorities, in order to ensure water reaches more important sectors than others. Major cities facing problem of adapting more urban residents Urbanization normally requires increased water supply so that it can cater for residential purposes. However, the ever growing population in cities implies an increased demand for water, which puts an additional pressure on available fresh water. Since it is the responsibility of city authorities, to provide clean, safe and reliable water, it will be very strenuous to meet all these needs. This will imply that the cities will have trouble accommodating the ever-increasing city population. (Glennon, 2010) Potential biohazard situation may happen in population condensed area There is a possibility of a large population of people to be affected by biohazards, due to this whole situation. For instance, owing to the increasing urbanization and industrialization processes, most important sources of water, such as wetlands have been destroyed. Destruction of wetlands increases the possibilities of serious biohazards to occur and affect condensed populations. This is because wetlands, which are often known to offer a range of ecosystem services that benefit people, from storms, floods, will have been otherwise destroyed, hence putting lives of many in jeopardy. In addition, water shortages will lead to a serious food shortage, which will lead to increased infant mortality, as well as decreased life expectancy for population-condensed areas. Conclusion In many cases, it is always challenging to pin point the main cause of water shortage. Normally, various factors collectively cause this problem. Nonetheless, one fact America is sure of, its economy cannot stand the increasing water shortages. (Glennon, 2010) Subsequently, in order to meet the supply and demand of water, there should be a greater focus on the causes and the solutions of water supply shortages. For instance, the available water resources should be well redistributed in various states. This will ensure that water shortage is cut down, by some extent, since unequal distribution of water normally leads to this menace. For example, regions which have large water demands should be allocated with, a relatively larger water resources, so that it would curb the whole problem. As for heavy industry, a new technology should be embraced, where it will greatly cut down the usage of water. For example, cooling down of industrial machines can be replaced by use of effective fans a nd other coolant systems, instead of using excessive water. This will immensely save water, which can be used to do other equally important activities. (Bouwer, 2002) Then again, the country should also embrace sustainable agricultural practices, which will reduce the usage of water in America. For example, excessive wastage of water, through leaking irrigation systems, can be corrected by using a more cost-effective and water-conserving systems. Those states that are still planting thirsty plants should transfer these farming practices to other alternative places, which will have no effect on the country’s water volume. References Bouwer, H. (2002). Integrated water management for the 21st century: problems and solutions.Journal of Irrigation Drainage Engineering,128(4), 193-202. Glennon, R. J. (2010).Unquenchable: Americas water crisis and what to do about it. Island Press. Grimm, N. B., Faeth, S. H., Golubiewski, N. E., Redman, C. L., Wu, J., Bai, X., Briggs, J. M. (2008). Global change and the ecology of cities.science,319(5864), 756-760. Seager, R., Tzanova, A., Nakamura, J. (2009). Drought in the Southern United States: causes, variability over the last years, and the potential for future hydroclimate change.Journal of Climate,22(19), 5021-5045.

Analysis of Descartes’ Mind/Body Distinction Essay -- Descartes Medit

In his Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes states â€Å"I have a clear and distinct idea of myself, in as far as I am only a thinking and unextended thing, and as, on the other hand, I possess a distinct idea of body, in as far as it is only an extended and unthinking thing†. [1] The concept that the mind is an intangible, thinking entity while the body is a tangible entity not capable of thought is known as Cartesian Dualism. The purpose of this essay is to examine how Descartes tries to prove that the mind or soul is, in its essential nature, entirely distinct from the body and whether or not he is successful. While I agree with his theory that the mind and body are distinct, I do not believe the mind is non-extended and I do not agree with Descartes’ assertion that the mind is capable of existence beyond the body. One of the ways in which Descartes attempts to prove that the mind is distinct from the body is through his claim that the mind occupies no physical space and is an entity with which people think, while the body is a physical entity and cannot serve as a mechanism for thought. [1] I believe most of this portion of his position to be true. The body quite certainly has a physical presence and is not capable of controlling or thinking for itself. I begin to disagree with Descartes’ theory at the point where he states that the mind is non-extended. The mind is assuredly capable of thought, as Descartes states, and has intangible elements in the form of memories and personality characteristics; however, I believe that the mind is an extended entity because physical matter is required for these elements to exist. In my opinion, this means that the only logical conclusion is that the brain is the physical extensi... ... ceases to function. Descartes makes very interesting points on the differentiation of the mind and body in Meditation on First Philosophy. His position on the body being a strictly physical entity while the mind is not is a superb point of reasoning that can be applied on many different levels with many different results. Overall, I believe that there are some areas of Descartes’ position that could be modified or expanded upon given what has been learned about the brain through modern science. Nonetheless, given the knowledge available during his lifetime, I believe that Descartes is generally successful in proving his viewpoint to be the correct one. Works Cited [1] Descartes, Rene. Meditations on First Philosophy. 1641 [Translated by John Veitch (1901)] Meditation 6, http://www.classicallibrary.org/descartes/meditations/9.htm

Hiroshima Essay -- History, Atomic Bomb

Before the Japanese city Hiroshima was bombed, as early as July 1945, the city was targeted for something else. While the atomic bomb is highly criticized for its destruction, the United States’ government believed it was a necessary measure for the time. Faced with a lack of other options, the use of nuclear warfare was viewed as the most efficient way to end American involvement in the war. Looking back at the tragedy, alternative solutions could have improved the situation, creating benefits for both sides. Hiroshima was a devastating military blow to Japan with high physical damage, but its impact did not help the United States achieve its desired political goals of ending the war quickly, with minimal loss of life. With specific objectives, the United States’ decision to drop an atomic bomb on Hiroshima required extensive research leading to its production. The main goal of the American side was to damage the enemy’s confidence, while choosing a target with the highest military output in order to conclude the war (Avalon Project- Chapter 5, par. 5). The group in charge of developing the technology was known as the Manhattan Project, and was kept top-secret. Selection began in the spring of 1945, with assistance from the Commanding General, Army Air Forces, his Headquarters (Avalon Project- Chapter 5, par. 2) .There was a variety of experts working on the project, including mathematicians, theoretical physicists, and specialists trained in weather and blast effects Headquarters (Avalon Project- Chapter 5, par. 4) . In order to monitor all of the results, the city had to be untouched, meaning the target had to have no signs of previous bombings. Based on these requirements, the desi gnation of Hiroshima for the bombing was n... ...ch they attempted in 1942, as early as 1940 (before Pearl Harbor), Great Britain and the United States were exchanging nuclear information, which lead to the development of the Manhattan Project (Draft Statement 2). Results of the atomic power in the United States included two working plants to generate the energy, costing two billion dollars and employing 125,000 workers (Draft Statement 3). After the bombing, the United States was prepared to destroy Japan and its military if needed. While taking into deliberation that atomic power should be regulated, it was agreed upon that Congress should establish a commission to monitor this nuclear technology (Draft Statement 4-5). Causing irreparable damage upon its Japanese victims, Hiroshima could have been handled with more concern for destruction of life, while still accomplishing its military ambitions.

The Soul :: essays research papers

The Soul Open Letter of Apology:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I have come to the conclusion that we are all responsible for the destruction of the human mind. We are all at fault for breeding hate, ignorance, and worst of all any known and/or association to an --ism. Should we all band as one and focus on a better future or let the mind fester in its own propaganda filled atmosphere? Are we really to blame, for not being able to see what truly is rising in today's society?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The acceptance of brainwashing of America's youth should not go unspoken. They stand on the corner of every block wishing they were someone else; and due to this they form their own falsified family of â€Å"friends†; to which they all drink, smoke and/or do other mind altering drugs in which they choose to escape reality or just plain â€Å"relax†. This should not be going on; not now, not tomorrow, not ever.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hostility grows from within to which an entity of peace can force upon such utopia, with just that; force. It shouldn't be sugar coated, but just bluntly said; as with a philosophy or certain thought pattern. The weak will not grasp onto an idea, but learn slowly as the strong teach them and lead them by their hands to acceptance within themselves.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hard times have approached, I know this; but to embrace a crutch that serves as an excuse should not be tolerated. A crutch such as no respect for other's bodies or your own to which you engage in promiscuous sex is deemed as ignorant; plain and simple. Unfortunately if such actions were to partake and an unwanted pregnancy was to occur â€Å"In cases of incest or rape, obviously the mother should not have to expose herself to further emotional trauma of carrying the child full term. However, we feel the view and use of abortion as a means of birth control is wrong†-Earth Crisis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I stand up for what I believe in, try to do my best and stick to my own corner. I am not a vegan, but I do have respect for every living organism: animal or plant, and I try to educate as many people as can on many topics as possible. The underlined theme should only be, do what you feel is fit, and accomplish what you can, push yourself to what you think your potential is. Just because you're not a certain categorization doesn't mean that you shouldn't educate. II. Statement of The Soul:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I've spoken many times before, but it seems that people are refusing to listen. The message is clear, yet utterly spoken.

Economic conditions Essay

In this essay I’m going to argue that social, political, or economic conditions cannot alter the nature and meaning of art, with specific reference to works of art from Baroque and Rococo epochs. Evaluating a work of art is always a complicated task. Since the perception of art and beauty is highly subjective, it’s hard to think of universal criteria to measure artistic qualities of a certain piece. However, there is a broad consensus among the critics that there are certain criteria they apply when judging an art work. It’s possible to focus on four main criteria to judge an art work. First and foremost, the piece should be aesthetically pleasing, i. e. correspond to the all-common notion of beauty. It should be harmonious and evoking positive, elevated feelings. While there is a trend among some contemporary artists to make their pieces arouse indignation and disgust with a view to delivering a certain message or merely astonishing the public, I strongly deem that art and aesthetics are inherently linked. For instance, a typical example of baroque sculpture — St. Theresa in Ecstasy of the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome created by Bernini — is perfect in its form, since it captures the beauty and harmony together with motion and energy. Same is true about Rococo sculpture: looking at ‘Amour menacant’ created by Etienne Maurice Falconet, it’s impossible not to admire the high degree of sophistication and perfection the statue of the little angel embodies. The second criterion I’m going to use is quality of workmanship, i. e. the mastery of artists’ skills. Another criterion which is very important is the uniqueness of artists’ manner. Great artists stand out for the peculiarity of their individual style. Some of them prefer to pioneer new forms and techniques, yet this is not a prerequisite for creating a style of your own. Many talented artists don’t break away from the tradition but simply find their own niche within the existing patterns of expression. While some artists of the Baroque and Rococo epoch were considered rebellious, e. g. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, they didn’t violate basic rules of harmonious and aesthetically pleasing artistic expression. Jean-Honore Fragonard’s manner was also innovative in many instances, sine he introduced a delicate interplay of light and shadow as well as implicit eroticism into mainstream French painting, however he adhered to the generally accepted notion of what beauty and art are. Finally, the forth criterion is the message the piece is trying to send. Here it’s necessary to take into account the importance and relevance of the message as well as how successful the piece is in delivering it. Baroque and Rococo painters mainly focused on the depiction of mythological and religious scenes as well as the scenes from the daily life of the upper circles of society. While both themes that dominated the artistic discourse might seem to be detached from the real life, they served an important goal of educating the public about mythological and religious narratives or captured the spirit of their times through the portrayal of the privileged members of society The most persuasive proof of the thesis that social, political, or economic conditions cannot alter the nature and meaning of art is the fact that nowadays we still admire great works of art irrespective of the epoch they belong to.