The Story of an Hour Analysis

The Story of an Hour Analysis The short-story under consideration by Kate Chopin, the American short-story writer known for her works about strong women in terms of liberation debate, is entitled The Story of an Hour. Being the framing sign of the whole text, the title brings the text up to date, however, running through the entire plot it does not uncover the essence of the unpredictable situation the main character finds herself. It is a sign of prosecution and forms the expectations about what the story may deal with. a lot is hidden beyond the title but only having read the short-story it becomes clear that it describes an hour of true free life of a wife, Louise Mallard, who was dominated by her husband Brently Mallard and could break free from the imprisonment only after her husband had perished in a railroad disaster. The theme of the short-story is definitely connected with the future Liberation movement that was already on the way and promised the long-awaited equality. The analysis of the short-story under consideration is carried out in the light of the Lacanian structuralism who in his psychoanalysis reconceptualised Freud using post-structuralism. Kate Chopin enables readers to trace the widows mind working and the way it is influenced with sadness and joy. The readers distinctly feel the shift of tone in the narration as Mrs. Millard breaks through her conscious storm of grief that caught her immediately as she heard the news. Her first and adequate reaction of mind is weeping, Chopin says: she wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment. Everyone knew that she suffered from a heart disease and were very careful and tender to do the least harm to her fragile heart. It seems that her oppressed will obeys the established system of society and she expresses her feelings structured by the desire and expectations of others, through the relay of her surroundings. The reason of that may lie in the fact that human-beings are social creatures and their desire also has social nature that is developed through culture and language, the former structured like the unconscious. But then she abruptly calms down and sits in her room enjoying the view from the window: The delicious breath of rain was in the airà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The notes of a distant song which some one was singing reached her faintly, and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves. At the moment the sound consciousness that cannot help but feel regret about the perished husband makes the way for physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul. Here Kate Chopin describing the unconscious through the symbols introduces readers the image of nature seen from out of the window of Louises room. The season itself, the springtime, symbolizing the new life the advantages of which she is still has not realized yet, and the window giving her the view of patches of blue sky, all this is definitely a new world that appears before Mrs. Mallard. The expression of the unconscious comes through symbols and readers see her motionless with her dull stare transformed into a gaze fixed away off yonder on the patches of sky symbolizing her future. She feels that something is approaching to posses her interrupting her bitter grief, that is the feeling of freedom that she never new before. And as according to Lacan, the unconscious is structured like a language, Louises eyes become keen and bright and she utters under the breath: Free, free, free! Louise did not cry herself to sleep as a child usually does, it was her unconscious desire to live a full life of beautiful images that lost its bright colors as her husband dominated her. Her conscious ego comes into clashes with her unconscious desire to gain freedom and live for herself. And the momentous joy that seizes her is the expression of her unconscious mind. Lacan substantiated the connections of binary oppositions that became central to structuralism. They can be noticed in the short-story as a system of interrelated signs that make up the whole. In the text under consideration the binary oppositions are male and female, joy and grief, love and self-assertion. The last opposition is ironically described by Kate Chopin, as the main character thinks that she loved her husband sometimes and adds that often she had not. She reasons what could love count for in the face of this possession of self-assertion that is a strong impulse for her to go on. She may have drawn a line to summarize what she lacked and longed for and realized that she deserves freedom and there would be no powerful will bending, no repression and restrictions imposed on her by the society of the time. Mrs. Mallard, though it is a kind of paradox, could feel so free and protected only after her husbands death and was joyously drinking in a very elixir of life through the open window. But the fate offers her another surprise bringing her husband alive and when he enters the house as nothing has happened her heart cannot bear the excitement and fails. Though no one of those present can guess the true cause of death, Louise dies of a heart attack as she instantly realizes that her hopes are broken against the shores of reality. Her family friends call it the joy that kills. Actually, she appeared to feel free only temporarily, but she was free only from the burden of marriage that repressed her, but the complete freedom is nothing but an illusion as it doubtfully exists. Viewing the short-story from the perspective of post-structuralism definitely has some drawbacks, as it propagates the ambivalence of meaning and upset link of the text and the real world. Rejecting the certainty of meaning it may result in thousands of free interpretations that put the readers on the wrong track. Therefore, analyzing the short-story in the light of structuralism is quite beneficial and helps to reveal through symbols the mental state of the main character with the unconscious dominating the conscious ego. It cannot help but catch the eye of the readers that Kate Chopin intentionally concentrates her narration on description of the mental state of the heroine and the signs that uncover it, paying little attention either to her appearance or to the interior and clothes. Structuralism developed by Lacan helps readers to have a good look through a magnifying glass of his postulates on the mental state of Mrs. Mallard and ponder over the reasons of her behavior concealed in the symbols. The short-story The Story of an Hour is of inspirational and though-provoking character that can hardly leave readers unmoved.

Children & schools Essay -- essays research papers

Fieldwork Paper Observation: For my observation program, I was placed in the Progressive School of Long Island, located in Merrick. I was assigned to work with Kindergartners under the supervision of teachers Jennifer Frank and Sangeeta Patel. It was explained to me that the students at this school learn at their own pace, and that is what separates them from public school children. They are usually ahead of children their age, however. For example, the Kindergartners I observed were learning from first grade math text books. The classroom was uniquely set up. There are no desks in the room, besides the teachers desk. Children sat at tables and chairs. Their books and supplies were kept in cubby's in the back of the room called, "Responsibility bins". For the most part, the teachers walked freely around the room instead of stationed at their desk. This is called an "open classroom". It was a style that was encouraged in the 1970's inside classrooms. There were two large wooden lofts inside the room. Children can climb ladders and sit on top of them. There was also an art table in the back corner of the room. The art table contained paper, markers, glue, crayons, scissors and glitter. Children were encouraged to be creative while in this area. There was also a computer area. The children are able to use them freely. The games on the computer are educational and were made fun for the students. Decorations were hung all over the walls as well. There were posters showing numbers and the alphabet, which the teachers and children go over each morning. There were also posters of shapes, animals and colors. In one corner there was a set of classroom rules for everyone to follow, including the teachers. Next to the rules was a "Superstar" chart. Each child has its own monthly chart. They are able to earn a star each day. However, if a child misbehaves, or breaks the rules, they lose their star for that day. For every eight stars a child earns, they get one big star on the "Superstar" chart. For every three stars they earn on that chart, they receive a token prize. This is considered token reinforcement. The charts are sent home with each child every month. On another wall wa... ...educational or social lives, however. Children who are in that business mature incredibly fast. Children need time to socialize and have fun. As for the child whose mother became ill with cancer, I would not know how to react to this situation with one of my students. I hope that the teachers understand and consider her situations before placing her in time out. I would want to be fair. However, I know that she would need to be punished if she misbehaved. On the other hand, I would want to be easier with her due to her family circumstances. Overall I enjoyed observing at the Progressive School. It was a completely different experience from any public school I had seen. I honestly feel that the notes I have taken and the times I experienced inside the classroom will help me through teaching when I have my own class. I like the styles of teaching that the teachers used. They acted more of the student's friends than an authoritative figure. I learned so many ways to react to different circumstances. I agree with most of the ways that the teachers handled everything. I hope to teach in this type of environment in the future.

Political Diversity as Manifested in the Jesse Jackson Presidential Bids Essay

Baptist Minister turned Illinois second district congressman Jesse Jackson made two attempts to become the Democratic Party nominee in 1984 and 1988. In the 1988 bid for the White House, Jackson was defeated by Senator Michael Dukakis for the Democratic nomination but not after showing strong in initial state nominating conventions. Jackson then capitalized his racial (black) circumstance and challenged political personalities and organizational corporations (Steele A19). Despite Jackson’s strong impact to the country and American people during that time, his candidacy was expectedly marred with controversies. In fact, if he pursued his bid around that period, Jackson would have been prevented from being a political leader or worst, ended up not winning at all. The reason behind this is what Walton wrote as the Critical Election Theory wherein Jackson’s efforts to be the first Black U. S. President were questioned. Based from the presupposition of the said theory, his position that it was time for blacks to have their ways into the Democratic Party nomination and eventually the White House was evaluated in a manner that it would hurt Jackson more apparently due to his egotistical endeavors (Walton 49). However, the political arena has changed for the past two decades. As Barker wrote, the concern and uncertainty brought by the emergence of the black power and an increased awareness on the need for change created another level of enthusiasm for people to support now the black bids in the likes of Jackson and now with Barack Obama (Barker 3). Had Jackson made the bid this year or if he was the Democratic Party candidate against Sen. John McCain, he could have won the presidency just like Obama. The situation that catapulted Obama to the White House could have also been smartly utilized by Jackson to kick out the incumbent Republican President George Bush. If Jesse Jackson was the Democratic Party nominee for the 2008 elections, he could have handily beaten McCain just as well. Like Obama, Jackson possesses the charms and eloquence which convinced Americans to go for change – change in their perception of politics, change in their views on racial discrimination, change to accept a new brand of leadership and change for a better and different United States of America. Obama was simply lucky that a confluence of events conspired to generate a feeling of anger and disgust in the hearts and minds of the American people on the mess created by President Bush who was perceived as insensitive and stubborn. Add to it McCain’s image of being conservative just like Bush. And both gentlemen were devastated by hurricane â€Å"Change† of Obama that in the process swept the Chicago first term congressman to the world’s most powerful post. Jesse Jackson should, in fact, be credited for paving the way for â€Å"non-whites† to be accepted by the Americans on the national scale. Yes, a lot of Black Americans, Asian Americans and European Americans, among others, won elective positions in several states but only few managed to be recognized as serious contenders for the United States presidency. With Obama’s victory, it won’t be difficult anymore for â€Å"colored† Americans to vie or the White House. America has truly matured into becoming the world’s melting pot of diverse cultures. Gone are the days that the whites dominate just practically all facets of American life. So when Jesse Jackson introduced himself as a Black presidential contender, it was just a matter of time before America installs a colored man or woman as their president. And just like Jackson, Barack Obama, despite his being a neophyte in politics, came at the right time when America was absolutely ready for change.

Ernie Davis Essay

A three-time All-American halfback and 1961 Heisman Trophy winner, Ernie Davis would go on to win MVP title in both the Cotton Bowl and the Liberty Bowl, and was inducted into the College Football Hall Of Fame in 1979. He was the first African American man to win the Heisman Trophy, and to be picked 1st overall in the NFL draft. His career was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer in 1962. Athlete. American Football player. Ernie Davis was born on December 14, 1939 in New Salem, Pennsylvania, USA. He is the first African American man to win the Heisman Trophy and the first black athlete to be chosen 1st overall in the NFL Draft. A three-time All-American halfback and 1961 Heisman Trophy winner, Davis set yardage and scoring records at Syracuse University. He would go on to win MVP title in both the 1960 Cotton Bowl and the 1961 Liberty Bowl, and would be inducted into the College Football Hall Of Fame in 1979. His honors and accomplishments on the gridiron were matched only by his adversity off the field; As a black athlete playing many games in the south, he was the victim of racism on several occasions. The most publicized incident occurred when he was selected as the Cotton Bowl MVP in 1960. Davis was told by organizers that he would be allowed to accept his award at the post game banquet, and would immediately have to leave the segregated facility. Ernie refused to receive the award, and his entire team agreed to boycott the banquet. A man of firsts, Ernie Davis was the first African American man to win the Heisman Trophy, the first to join the prestigious Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity (a nationally recognized Jewish fraternity) and, in 1962, became the first African American player to be picked 1st overall in the NFL draft. Tragic Death Although the details are somewhat disputed, Davis’ contract was considered to be the most lucrative ever offered to an NFL rookie. His teammates and supporters looked forward to seeing Ernie sharing the backfield with the great Jim Brown, breaking countless records and leading the Cleveland Browns to a decade of victorious seasons. Those seasons would never come, however, as Ernie was diagnosed with acute monocytic leukemia during preparations for the 1962 College All Star Game. Although treatment had begun immediately, the disease would prove incurable and Ernie died on May 18, 1963 – Having never played a professional football game. Both the House and the Senate eulogized him, and his wake was in The Neighborhood House in Elmira, New York, where more than 10,000 mourners paid their respects. Accolades from JFK His character and his athletic accomplishments caught the eye of John F. Kennedy, who had followed Ernie’s college career and made several attempts to meet the star. In 1963, when he heard Ernie would be honored by his high school with a school holiday, the president sent a telegram reading: â€Å"Seldom has an athlete been more deserving of such a tribute. Your high standards of performance on the field and off the field, reflect the finest qualities of competition, sportsmanship and citizenship. The nation has bestowed upon you its highest awards for your athletic achievements. It’s a privilege for me to address you tonight as an outstanding American, and as a worthy example of our youth. I salute you.† Ernie Davis was the subject of the 2008 Universal Pictures film â€Å"The Express,† based on the non-fiction book Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express, by Robert C. Gallagher.

Effects of Haussmanns Renovation of Paris essays

Effects of Haussmann's Renovation of Paris essays The city of Paris is currently the most visited city in the world, attracting people from all corners of the Earth to marvel in both the physical and intangible beauty of the City of Light. Paris' current infamy as a romantic, idealized city is due mostly to the ambition of Georges-Eugne Haussmann, a French civic planner of the 1860's who brought the vision of then emperor Louis-Napolon Bonaparte to reality. Together, these two men underwent the massive renovation of the city of Paris to highlight the imperial extravagance of the physical city and to make necessary infrastructural changes to the urban space. Ultimately, Haussmann's renovation of Paris highlighted monuments, changed and cleaned up the streets and revolutionized the dynamic of the city to increase the quality of life for Parisians for centuries to come. While many of the changes made to Paris were Napolon's ideas, it was Georges- Eugne Haussmann who is responsible for actually making them happen. In Adolphe Yvon's painting1 of Haussmann and Napolon, the relationship between the two men is seen as equal. This is unusual for art of this time period, for the king or emperor of the time is most often glorified above others in the work of art. While Napolon is certainly not represented poorly, the two men are still represented as equals, likely a more accurate representation of the roles they played opposite each other in the process of the city's renovation. Haussmann's enthusiasm for the undertaking is also represented in the painting. Haussmann is eagerly looking at the emperor as he leans in toward him confidently across the table. He seems very ready to do his bidding and focused on the massive project ahead of them. Napoleon's plans focused many changes around immortalizing the physical examples of the imperial nature of his city. Haussmann recognized the rise of automobiles and increasing traffic levels when design...

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most recognized names in world history, having led France to the control of most of continental Europe. In the following pages, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte from the Island of Corsica to the title of Emperor of France will be examined. Napoleon Bonaparte was born on the Mediterranean Island of Corsica on August 15th, 1769. He was the second surviving child of lawyer Carlo Buonaparte, and his wife, Letizia Ramolino, who had married when Letizia was 14. At the time of Napoleons birth, Corsica had recently changed hands from the state of Genoa to France. There was a resistance movement to this changing over led by Pasquale Paoli. Carlo Buonaparte joined this movement, but Paoli was forced to flee, so Carlo became content with the French occupation. In 1771, Carlo convinced the French to recognize his title of count, which allowed him to further pursue his legal career. Now working for the French, Carlo was now open to the new opportunities that he could offer his family. Following the tradition of lesser noble families, he sent his eldest sons off to school, sending Joseph into the Church, and Napoleon into the army. Napoleon moved on to military school in Brienne, supported by royal scholarship, where he was an outsider, mostly because of his Corsican accent and background. In 1784, he graduated as the first Corsican to attend the Ecole Militaire, but was by no means a great student, ranked 42nd in a class of 58. After graduation, Napoleon was made a second lieutenant of artillery in a regiment that served as a training school for young artillery officers. Napoleon continued his education while in the army, reading much, particularly on strategy and tactics. He took his first visit home in September of 1786, and this lasted for almost two years. Upon his return home, he was greeted by a much different household, as his father had passed away a year earlier of stomach cancer. Althoug...

AP World History, How to write CCOT Essay

The spread of Buddhism and development of Neo-Confucianism represented cultural changes in China. Buddhist monasteries gained political and economic influence through acting as advisors to rulers and through generous grants of land. Empress Wu, a ruler during the Tang Dynasty, used Buddhist principles to rule and was considered a Bodhisattva by Buddhists. Pure Land Buddhism offered the promise of a better afterlife while Chen Buddhism emphasized meditation. The increased popularity of Buddhism in China was a result of the political and economic chaos following the decline of the Han. Buddhism was a salvation doctrine that offered succor to the poor and oppressed. Increasing numbers of sons in the gentry class dropped out of society and became monks, which led to an anti-Buddhist backlash during the Song period. Chinese leadership transitioned from the Han through the Tang. After the fall of the Han there was a period of disunity and chaos called the Three Kingdoms period. Eventually, the Sui asserted their rule, building the Grand Canal and invading Korea and Japan. When the Sui fell due to overexpansion, the Tang took power and established a cosmopolitan rule, extending Chinese territory over the Silk Road and integrating central Asian cultural elements such as Polo and wearing pants. The fall of the Han was caused primarily by pressure from outside invaders on China’s Northwest border – the Great Wall proved ineffective. The re-establishment of dynastic rule resulted from core Chinese values inherent in the Dynastic Cycle and Mandate of Heaven. The effects of the Fall of the Han and subsequent rise of the Sui and Tang Dynasties was cultural change as outside cultures influenced China, including the influence of Indian Buddhism and central-Asian nomadic culture. Confucianism was a cultural continuity throughout the time period. The Han had established the Confucian exam system although test-taking was limited to members of the elite. Under the Sui and Tang the examination system became an important way to establish merit-based government, and examinees were responsible for memorizing and analyzing the Confucian classics. Confucianism and later neo-Confucianism clearly defined the relationship between husband and wife, as evidenced in the â€Å"Three Submissions† women were supposed to obey. Even during the heyday of Buddhist influence, Confucian ideals about the family and roles in society influenced many or the elite and peasant class. Ultimately, Confucianism re-asserted itself in the form of Neo-Confucianism, which incorporated elements of Daoism and Buddhism, and Buddhist influence was squelched. As a result Buddhism is a tiny minority religion in China today, while Confucian values continued through later dynasties. Globally, salvation religions were spreading rapidly during this period as classical empires fell and insecurity became widespread. Christianity was similarly making headway Western Europe, as the collapse of the Roman Empire led to chaos and disruption.