Monday, January 27, 2020

Analysis Of Ted Hughes Poems

Analysis Of Ted Hughes Poems As the title suggests, this poem is about wind and the destructive effects that it has on both the landscape and people that live in a isolated house. The narrator tells us how the inhabitants of the house struggle against a powerful and violent weather. However, in spite of the efforts no human is strong enough to resist the extreme forces of nature. Therefore the relationship between Man and Natures power is the key theme in Wind. 3. MUSIC AND LANGUAGE This house/ has been / far out/ at sea/ all the night Many poems have precise patterns to follow as rhyme and meter. But Hughes doesnt follow any pattern since he wants to create the sense of chaos as the extreme weather does in the poem. Then writing in a free verse he rejects all the conventional poetic rules. Likewise is necessary to take a look to how the rhythm influences the poems meaning. According to this we can see that he uses an iambic pentameter because we can notice five beats in each verse with alternating unaccented and accented syllables. This iambic pentameter creates an intermittent rhythm giving a vitality to the poem that emphasizes the winds features. Also he uses alliterations such as wind wielded blade-light (6) that reminds the blow of the wind and at the same time suggests that the wind could strike at any time. There is more alliteration in the line black back gull bent like an iron bar slowly (16) that conveys a slow reading that reflects in some way the crushing puff of the wind. The poems language is full of words with a particular sound pattern. He uses words wich denote strength to describe the power of the wind such as bang or flung that turns the wind into a frightful and violent nature force, unlike for instance the words quivering and cry used to the peoples description and which give to them a connotation of weakness. 4. STRUCTURE Wind has a linear narrative structure in which each of six stanzas conformed by four lines each one. The structure of the poem seems quite simple, but if we pay attention to the end of the verses we can see that some of them lacks of punctuation. The punctuation is one of the formal aspect that makes easier the understanding of a text, avoiding ambiguous meanings and difficulties to interpret it. Therefore I think that in Wind the poet breaks all the formal conventions starting the lines with capital letter and using the punctuation as he wants in order to emphasize the effects of the wind. He alters the punctuation conventions provoking disorder, confusion and chaos as the wind does in the landscape and people of the poem. 5. IMAGERY AND FIGURES Imagery and figures are remarkable techniques that must be highlighted in this poetry essay. They can be found through the whole poem in order to increase the strength of the wind and they help the reader to imagine every event in a more realistic way. In the first stanza he is speaking about the devastate force of the wind. He uses in this stanza many metaphors and personifications emphasizing the extraordinary power of nature. In the first line of the poem this house has been far out at sea all night (1) we can see the metaphor of the house far out at sea as it was a boat lost in the middle of nowhere struggling against the sea as the house struggles against the wind. The second stanza shows an evident contrast with the first one. After the emphatic use of personification to enhance the power and ruthlessness of the wind , he portrays a still countryside with an orange sky (5). Following with the same line till day rose (5), we can notice that he is giving to the day human attributes once again. The third stanza the poet uses the first person narration. He uses this device to create familiarity in the reader. For instance when it says that he scaled along the house side (9) we can imagine the man facing with nature and we put ourselves in his place feeling empathy for him. In the fourth stanza he portrays the landscape as being fearful of the wind as he says the fields quivering, the skyline a grimace (13) personifying fields and sky in order to emphasize upon the sense of power of the wind. The line The wind flung a magpie away and a black gull bent like an iron bar (15) is another contribution to the sense of power of the wind because it can even fling a magpie away. In the following line he uses a simile to describe the wind strength saying that it can bend a black gull like an iron bar (16). The fifth stanza speaks about the house in terms of weakness describing it as fine green goblet (17) under the fierce wind, while the hearts of inhabitants are gripping and they try to face the elements, but they are so scared that even cannot entertain book, thought or each other (20). The last stanza feel the roots if the house move (22) can have a double meaning, at first glance we can think that the wind is so strong that can even move the house, but also it can be related to the roots of the family, his heritage and tradition. The house that so much effort they employed to build it and where all the family traditions and values were settled. The poem ends with the cry of the stones, meaning that something so strong and almost unbreakable as a stone is also fearful because of the storm. 6. CONCLUSION There is a great control of language and imagery in this poem. Through his masterful use of figures and images clearly related to its theme and structure he gives to the wind the personality of an enormous and powerful beast making this poem a breathtakingly poem. Hughes captures the power of the wind in phrases full of a wild and insatiable energy achieving a great power of expression in every line of the poem.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Was the religious schism during the sixteenth century symptomatic of political, social, and economic problems?

The religious schism took place in the 16th century, mainly between the Catholic Church and Protestants. During these times, many changes were brought forth to Europe during this schism. Although the religious schism brought forth an age of Reformation of the Catholic church, the religious schism started wars, revolts across Germany following the teachings of Luther, and the struggle for power between Catholicism and Protestantism. The religious schism began because of the making of Protestantism. The Catholic Church was corrupted in many ways, for example, the selling of indulgences, as Albrecht writes,†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚  the contribution to the chest [church funds], of the rebuilding of the said church†¦. † (Doc1). Albrecht reveals the uses of the money made by indulgences, and it is the church’s funds. Martin Luther was one of the critics that criticized the corruption of the church and was excommunicated in his trial (The Diet of Worms) and he escaped to Germany. The idea of Protestantism quickly spread over Germany, as people began to be interested because his religion was simpler and was based on faith. Luther worked with authorities and brought upon reforms of the papacy and instructed all Christians to obey their rulers.However the radicals (the group of people that did not want the church and state together) began to interest German peasants with their ideas of social change. Since the 15th century, the peasant’s conditions have worsened and the failure of crops in 1523 and 1524, and nobles began to anger peasants requiring extra work and taking livestock. The peasants believed that Luther will be on their side, and in the beginning, he was. He was against the lords for robbing their own subjects. However, he did not want a rebellion, as Luther states, â€Å"†¦Remembering that nothing can be more poisonous, hurtful, or devilish than a rebel. †(Doc 3). When the rebellion broke out, Luther did not support the peasants. He stated that the bible had nothing to do with earthly justice. In the HRE, the church officials viewed the spread of Protestantism in Germany (which they viewed as heresy) was causing the rebellion to happen. As Michael Eisenhart is possibly a church official and views the rebellion as a part of Protestantism’s teaching. â€Å"†¦through certain citizens here who adhere to the heresy of Luther, it has come about that bad, false teaching has greatly got the upper hand.†(Doc 5)The church viewed this event as an event caused because of the teaching of a â€Å"heretic. † In the end, the nobles crushed the rebellion and killed about seventy five thousand peasants. This event strengthened the strength of nobles and Protestantism lost its appeal in the lower classes. However, Protestantism continued to spread to areas in Europe. Other types of churches were made that was similar to Lutherism but different in ways of their own. For example, the Calvinists believed that no matter what people do, God has already decided their fate.One of the churches of Protestantism is the Anglican church. It was made by King Henry VIII, after the pope refused annulment from his wife. In the Act of Supremacy, English Parliament in 1534, Parliament, influenced by the monarchy and declared, â€Å"†¦ that the king, our sovereign lord, his heir and successors, kings of this realm, shall be taken, accepted and reputed the only supreme head in earth of the Church of England, called Anglicans Ecclesia†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Parliament agreed with the king and broke away from the church and admitted the king, King Henry VIII power over the church.He was able to gain wealth from the lands of the church he seized and took its riches. This help with the economy of England. The constant fighting and quarrels in Germany was because of Catholicism and Protestantism against each other. Protestantism Northern States were against the Catholicism Southern States. After years of fighting, the Peace of Augsburg was signed. The HRE declared that,†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ the Holy Empire, will not make war on any estate of the empire on account of the Augsburg Confession and the doctrine, religion, and faith of the same.†The peace of Augsburg will last about 70 years before the Wars of Religion begins. However, this treaty, ended fighting in Germany and the Church admitted Protestantism as a religion, but the fighting will resume after the failure of the peace. Though the religious schism brought for an age of Reformation, it also brought an age of war and revolts against the nobles. Also, during this age, there was a power struggle between the Catholic Church and Protestants. It brought an age for power and intensifying atmosphere, as the two religions faced off in Europe.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

I’ve never been accepted

â€Å"Freak.† And â€Å"Monster† were the names I heard day in and day out for the last four years. That's why, when I got approached by The Mavericks I thought things were looking up for me. Little did I know, things were about to go whirling out of control. It was a piercingly cold day, my hands were raw, I was doing my usual paper round, thinking of giving it up, in hope of bed-ridden mornings and no more bags' under my eyes. I'd given my last paper to a elderly woman leaving her house to check the milkman had been. He hadn't. He had stopped coming years ago and then I headed back to the Newfield Newsagent and collected my pay. Twenty pound is what I got paid for getting up at six in the morning, every morning. I made my way across the snow covered field, my feet making firm, strong crunching noises†¦ But wait, why could I hear four footsteps instead of two? I twirled around, SMACK. A strong handed punch left me breathless, and knocked me on my back. â€Å"Wh†¦ what?† I asked, breathlessly. I opened my eyes. Jesus, my glasses had snapped, another reason for my dad to call me hundreds of names. â€Å"GIVE ME YOUR MONEY!† a gruff voice called out, â€Å"who.. who are you?† my usually low voice turned into a whimper, as I attempted to sound strong. A defence technique I learned, living with my beastly father for so long. I cursed myself for sounding fearful. I didn't get another chance to think of another comeback. A rapid, sharp blow hit my straight in the face again. A ripping sound. Lighter pockets. Crunching noises. Then black. I heard a voice. â€Å"Uh dude? You going to be ok? I opened my eyes, slowly and tried to sit up. My whole body ached. There was blood on my white t-shirt. â€Å"You.. You look pretty bad there.† â€Å"Aw SHUT UP Jonny! Way to make him feel better!† Who were these people? I didn't recognize there voices. â€Å"Where am i?† I managed to whisper. â€Å"You don't need to know. All you need to know is that, we found you on a field, covered in blood and brought you here. We're the Mavericks.† The Mavericks? Not the gang, The Mavericks surely? I looked around, everything was black, and a few cardboard boxes lay around, empty cans of Fosters, cigarette boxes and a pool table. I couldn't really be with The Mavericks could I? I looked up, three tall men stood before me. They were all wearing black suits and black hats. I was with the Mavericks. â€Å"I need to go, I need†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stopped mid sentence as I saw a gun being pulled from Tall Man number two, coat jacket. â€Å"You'll stay right there. Since we saved your life, we can end it too. I think you owe us a favour don't you?† I gulped. I tried to slow my heartbeat down, afraid that they would hear it. â€Å"Just.. Just let me go. I'll do anything.† I whimpered. When I said I'd do anything, I didn't think that they would ask me to do what they did next†¦ â€Å"THERE HE IS! RUN!† Joe screamed, I ran, I fell, I got up and ran again. They wouldn't let me stop; they will kill me if I gave up on them, if I backed down. We were trying to catch Freddy's dad, a multi-millionaire jewel extraordinaire. Freddy, the newest member of The Mavericks was running ahead of me, I felt sorry for him. He didn't want to be in this position was much as I didn't. Joe said that if he didn't cooperate on this mission he would kill both his mother and father, and then come back for him. So here we were. three months down the line from them finding me on field, bleeding and shaking in my converse. They were using me I knew that, and as soon as the police came, it would be mine and Freddy's name that would be read out in court. My voice that would plead not guilty to any crime Joe had committed weeks before. I was just a matter of time. Freddy tripped and fell down. I stopped and helped him back up again. I could see tears roll down his cheeks. â€Å"Don't let them see you. Quick, lets go!† I whispered hurriedly. We started to run again. Where were we? I couldn't tell. It was too dark to see anything. The only thing I knew was that we appeared to be in a wasteland. The smell filled my nose as soon as I got there, I covered my nose with my scarf and carried on running, still aware the stench was seeping through it. â€Å"HE'S HEADING TOWARD THE LORRIES! DON'T LET HIM ESCAPE!† I ran harder and faster, overtaking Freddy. I saw a shadow crawl under the lorry and I slowed to a stop, just in time for Freddy to stop behind me. â€Å"Where is he?† Freddy whispered. â€Å"Under the lorry, but be quick. I don't think anybody's seen him yet.† I replied. Freddy ran and slid under the lorry, I heard a crash. Like metal hitting a skull. I'd heard it before, when Joe had make me kill a poor innocent man because Joe didn't like the way he looked at him. I hoped Freddy was ok, I really dd. I sprinted to escape from the wasteland, maybe I could get away now? No-one was around, I saw a entrance to a huge warehouse, maybe I could make it? One look behind me pushed my doubts away. I rushed toward the door, just before I managed to let out a sigh of relief. A heavy hand clamped down on my shoulder. â€Å"I don't think so Jonathon. You know the rules. Now you'll pay.† A muffled laugh, a shout. â€Å"HE'S HERE!† the hand that was tightly clamped down on my shoulder, let go. I was going to get it now, I really was. Then I heard heavy footsteps, not running toward me, but running away from me. This was it? They were letting me go? â€Å"JONATHAN, HERE. NOW!† I heard Joe scream. But I was already running. And running. Away from the violence and the crime. Running away. I was finished with the Mavericks, And I never looked back.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Dickinsons If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking

Emily Dickinson is a towering figure in American literature. This 19th-century poet, though a prolific writer, remained secluded from the world for most of her life. Emily Dickinsons poetry has a rare quality of truthful observation. Her words echo the images around her. She did not stick to any particular genre, as she wrote whatever intrigued her the most. The diminutive, introverted poet wrote more than 1800 poems during her lifetime. However, fewer than a dozen got published while she was still alive. Most of her work was discovered by her sister Lavinia after Emilys death. The bulk of her poems were published by Thomas Higginson and Mabel Todd in  1890.   The Poem Most of Emily Dickinsons poems are short, with no titles. Her poems leave you yearning for more, wanting to delve deep into the mind of the poet. If I can stop one heart from breaking,I shall not live in vain;If I can ease one life the aching,Or cool one pain,Or help one fainting robinUnto his nest again,I shall not live in vain. If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking Analysis To understand the poem, one needs to understand the poet and her life. Emily Dickinson was a recluse who had barely any interaction with people outside of her home. Most of her adult life was spent shut away from the world, where she attended to her ill mother and the affairs of her home. Emily Dickinson expressed her sentiments through poems. Selfless Love Is the Theme This poem can be categorized as a love poem, though the love expressed is hardly romantic. It talks about a love so deep that it places others before self. Selfless love is the true form of love. In this poem, the poet talks about how she would happily spend her life helping those who suffer from heartbreak, deep sadness, and despair. By wishing to help a fainting robin back into the nest, she reveals her vulnerable and sensitive side. Her deep sensitivity for the welfare of others, even before herself, is the message conveyed in the poem. It is a message of kindness and compassion that one human should afford another human without the need for display or drama. A life that is devoted to anothers welfare is a life well-lived. The Path of Selfless Love A striking example of the kind of person Emily Dickinson talks about in this poem is Mother Teresa. She was a saint for thousands of homeless, sick, and orphaned people. She worked hard to bring happiness into the lives of the terminally ill, the miserable, and the destitute who had no place in society. Mother Teresa dedicated her entire life to feed the hungry, tend to the sick, and wipe a tear from the faces of those in despair. Another person who lived for the welfare of others is Helen Keller. Having lost her ability to hear and talk at a very early age, Helen Keller had to struggle hard to educate herself. She went on to inspire, teach, and guide hundreds of people who were physically challenged. Her noble work helped to change the lives of millions of people around the world. Angels in Your Life If you look around, you will find that you, too, are surrounded by angels who have taken care of you in the past. These angels could be your friends, parents, teachers, or loved ones. They support you when you need a shoulder to cry on, help you bounce back when you give up, and ease your pain when you are going through a bad phase. These good Samaritans are the reason you are doing fine today. Find the opportunity to thank these blessed souls. And if you want to give back to the world, read this poem by Emily Dickinson again and reflect on her words. Find an opportunity to help another person. Help another person to redeem his or her life, and that is how you can redeem yours.