The Cruelest Separation By Harriet Beacher Stowe Essay

The cruelest separation is that of a mother from her child. Not only does it destroy the emotional stability of the child, but it removes the God-given purpose of the mother. Unfortunately, this was a common practice used by slave owners in the United States. Several authors in the American Literary tradition have written about this subject in an attempt to prevent the horrific practice. Some such authors are, Harriet Beacher Stowe, Harriet Jacobs, and Frederick Douglass. In their writings, Stowe, Jacobs, and Douglass endeavor to portray the mental and emotional wounds created by separating a mother and child in order to combat the dispassionate destruction of human lives. While each author discusses this topic of mother-child separation, they argue for the removal of the practice in different ways. Influenced by their race, gender, and chosen genre, each author tackles this broad subject through a limited focus on the damages of it. In order to show the successes of their separate a pproaches, each text must be discussed independently. Harriet Beacher Stowe is known for her novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. In Uncle Tom’s Cabin the reader follows several different stories of female slaves who are either threatened with separation from their child or who are separated. Through this variety of perspectives, Stowe argues the emotional damages of this practice. She uses pathos to convince the reader of her argument through specific descriptions of the women who loose their children. One

Horatian and Juvenalian Satire - 1884 Words

Horatian and Juvenalian Satire Satire has many definitions, but according to Merriam Webster satire can be defined as â€Å"A literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn† (Webster). This definition is likely used by many authors who exercise the application of satire. Satire has been in literature since ancient times; it is derived from the Latin satura, meaning dish of mixed fruits, (Weisgerber). Many satirists have shared a common aim: to expose foolishness in all its guises — vanity, hypocrisy, formalism, reverence, and the intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself (Moyers). As previously mentioned, the term satire was originally derived from satura, defined by Quintilian, a roman†¦show more content†¦Often, characters in a Juvenalian narrative are concealed representations of public figures or archetypes of existing groups or modes of thought (Rankin). The characters are made to act in such a way that the be liefs or behaviors the satirist wishes to attack are made to appear evil or ludicrous (Rankin). Juvenalian satirists are generally very critical of their targets. They tend to see these targets as malicious or deliberately harmful to society (â€Å"What’s the Difference†). In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Juvenalian satire is used to mock societal structure, power, and civilization (Thomas). The plot’s strongest sociopolitical element Golding satirizes is the need for civilization against the need for power (Stratford). The main characters of the story bond over their hatred toward the opponents as they try to fight for their beliefs that civilization is far more valuable than power in their society. Throughout the book Juvenalian satire becomes apparent by how the characters show loathing toward their enemy and only showing the opponents flaws and none of their positive aspects (Stratford). Lord of the Flies is a great written piece of literature to represent Juvenalian satire because the plot is based on showing only the imperfections of the opposing side. Another example of Juvenalian satire is A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift (Thomas). Jonathan Swift is actually one of the mostShow MoreRelatedJuvenelian Satire in A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift Essay1052 Words   |  5 Pagesto the attention of indolent aristocrats. He accomplishes such criticism through satire, specifically Juvenalian satire. Swift’s A Modest Proposal stands as an example of the type of satire that plays upon the audience’s emotion by creating anger concerning the indifference of the voice created. He complements such criticism with sophisticated, clever language which may be mistaken for the more docile Horatian satire. Yet, this urbane voice, coupled with irony and the substance of the proposals accentuatesRead MoreSatire Essay1198 Words   |  5 Pagesthese questions? The answer is satire. Satire is a form of criticism that can be used in many ways and in many different situations. Sometimes satire is easy to spot, other times it may be incognito. Satire is commonly found in literary works, movies, cartoons, and even some news casts. The formal definition of satire is the use of humor to expose human follies. (Dictionary.com). Satire is mostly written because a certain issue bothered the author. Through satire, these issues are brought intoRead MoreSatire Modest Proposal Essay837 Words   |  4 Pagesthrough satire, specifically Juvenanlian satire. Swift’s A Modest Proposal stands as a perfect example of the type of satire that plays upon the audience’s emotion by creating anger concerning the indifference of the voice created. He complements such criticism with sophisticated, clever language which may be mistaken for the more docile Horatian satire. However, through his absurd proposals, stinging irony, and use of voice, Swift effectively portrays A Modest Proposal as a Juvenalian satire designedRead MoreTelevision Host, By Stephen Colbert : Satire And Satirical Techniques1453 Words   |  6 Pagesthis past election season and with Trump s new presidency. Stephen Colbert an American comedian, t elevision host, and author uses his spotlight in media as a way to attack President Trump and his administration within his comedy. Colbert uses Juvenalian satire and satirical techniques while discussing politics to reveal his opinions as a way to spread messages to society about the Trump Administration and uses his comedic platform to do so. Stephen Colbert the host of The Late Show, attains his popularityRead MoreSatire Essay1434 Words   |  6 PagesSatire is a great tool used by many writers and actors since ancient times. The earliest example that we know about is a script from 2nd millennium BC in Ancient Egypt (Definition: Satire) and since then has evolved into a great part of our society. Satire is used to point out the faults of human vice in order for change and reform in either of two ways. There is a very bitter Juvenalian or a mild and light Horatian. In order to fully understand these forms of satire, method, purpose, and applicationsRead MoreDissecting the Ideology of Satire Essay1294 Words   |  6 Pagespoint he brings up is the ideology of satire. Satire, by definition, is a technique utilized by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society. This can be done by using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule (Satire - Definition and Examples, para.1). Often times, the humor used opens the audiences’ minds to the underlying problem that the writer is trying to reveal. By examining the purpose and methods of satire, dissecting literary works, and displayingRead MoreLast Week Tonight By John Oliver1446 Words   |  6 Pages With an English accent and a smize, John Oliver hosts the show â€Å"Last Week Tonight†, which features Oliver comedically attacking various people or organizations. With the use of rhetorical devices and satire, John Oliver comically conveys various ideas regarding politics, faulty companies, and beauty pageants. In explanation of his ideas, he frequently utilizes satirical techniques and rhetorical devices such as reductio ad absurdum, incongruity, caricature, invectiveness, false/weak analogies, andRead MoreSatire Found in Candiate by Voltaire, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervates, and A Modest Proposal by Jonathon Swift688 Words   |  3 Pages We often see satire in our everyday lives such as on televisions, novels, and music; but why is satire used? Satire is a form of writing used to denounce human vice, giving readers an insight on the flaws that the author sees in society. There are two different types of way to present satire: horation and juvenialian. In the three works: Candide by Voltaire, Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes, and A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift all demonstrate the use of satire. However, Don Quixote presentsRead More The Great Gatsby As A Satire Essay599 Words   |  3 PagesThe Great Gatsby as a Satire nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Satire is an implement used by authors to point out a flaw of society or group of people in general. There are different levels of satire that the author can use. For example, the author may employ a type a formal satire known as Juvenalian satire. Here, the writer points out a subject with anger and contempt for it in a bitter fashion. There is also the contrasting form of Juvenalian satire called Horatian satire. Here, the writer pointsRead MoreAudens The Unknown Citizen and Michies Dooley is a Traitor983 Words   |  4 PagesSatire is a common literary device used among authors and poets to indirectly criticize the stupidity and vices of a specific person or group of people. Satirical works typically involve tools of satire, such as symbolic characters, symbolism, and irony, to simplify the understanding of who this â€Å"satirical target† is. In â€Å"The Unknown Citizen† by W. H. Auden and James Michie’s â€Å"Dooley Is a Traitor,à ¢â‚¬  symbolic characters, symbolism, and irony are all used to indirectly criticize the target of each satirical

Ice in Dantes Inferno free essay sample

An analysis of the symbolic meaning of ice in the poem. This paper explores the symbolic meaning of ice and the concepts of Hell and Satan in Dantes `Inferno`. The qualities of ice are examined against many examples from the text. `Dantes Inferno describes an icy hell; the closer the Poets travel towards Satans lair, the icier Hell becomes, literally and metaphorically. Ice forms physically in the absence of the warm comfort of the sun; it is a symbol of winter. When Dante descends with Virgil into the levels of Hell, they travel through Circles that spiral farther and farther from the source of physical and spiritual warmth, the sun. In the Second Circle of Hell, Dante already refers to `the cold season,` (Canto V, 41). Winter sees days short, sunlight scarce and valuable. When nighttime rules, so do cold and ice. Qualities of ice such as coldness, hardness, and discomfort are apparent in the Third Circle: `In the third circle am I of the rain/Eternal, maledict, and cold, and heavy; Its law and quality are never new,` (Canto VI, 7-9)`

The Scarlet Letter - Scaffol Scenes Essays - English-language Films

The Scarlet Letter - Scaffol Scenes The scaffold scenes are by far the most popular means of pointing out the perfect balance and structure of Hawthorne's masterpiece. The first time we meet all the principal characters of the novel is in the first scaffold scene. The second of three crucial scaffold scenes appears exactly in the middle of the novel. Again, Hawthorne gathers all of his major characters in one place. Hawthorne brings all the principal characters together one more time in the third and final scaffold scene. This scene begins with the triumph of Dimmesdale's sermon and ends with his death. These scenes unite the plot, themes, and symbols of the novel in a perfect balance. The basic structure for the novel is provided by the scaffold scenes because everything else revolves around what happens during these scenes. The first scaffold scene focuses on Hester and the scarlet letter. Hester stands alone with Pearl in her arms, a mere infant and sign of her sin. Meanwhile, a crowd of townspeople has gathered to watch her humiliation and to hear a sermon. Two important people in the crowd our Roger Chillingworth and Arthur Dimmesdale. Chillingworth, Hester's husband just returned from his long journey to America. Her lover, Dimmesdale, shares her platform as a sinner but not her public humiliation. Dimmesdale is present throughout the whole scene but he is very hesitant to admit that his is the secret lover, although Mr. Wilson is pestering him to find out who it is. He doesn't admit because he is afraid if he does confess it will ruin his reputation as a person and as a minister. Chillingworth demands Hester to give him the name of her partner in sin but she will not do so. In this scene, we have Hester's public repentance, Dimmesdale's reluctance to admit his own guilt, and the beginning of Chillingworth's devilish plot to find and punish the father of Pearl. The second scaffold scene again provides a view of all the principal characters, a dramatic vision of the scarlet A, and one of the most memorable representations in American literature. In the covering of darkness, Dimmesdale made his way to the scaffold to perform a silent vigil of his own. Dimmesdale is having a difficult time dealing with his own guilt, the reasoning for his late night stand on the scaffold. In his torture he suddenly cries out a shriek of agony that is heard by Hester and Pearl on their journey home from the dying bed of Governor Winthrop. After hearing this shriek both Hester and Pearl join Dimmesdale on the scaffold. Pearl then asks Dimmesdale if he will be joining her and Hester there at noontime on the next day. Dimmesdale responds that their meeting will be on the great judgement day, rather than here in the daylight. Hawthorne describes the situation as such, ?And there stood the minister, with his hand over his heart; and Hester Prynne, with the embroidered letter glimmering on her bosom; and little Pearl, herself a symbol, and the connecting link between the two of them.? (Hawthorne 144). The cry of Dimmesdale was also heard by two other people, they were Mr. Wilson and Chillingworth. Mr. Wilson thought that Dimmesdale was upset about Governor Winthrop's death so he thought nothing of the incident. Chillingworth was spotted by Pearl when a large meteor burns through the dark sky. Although Chillingworth said nothing to the three, his reasoning for standing there staring at them is very mysterious. This is when Hester and Dimmesdale start to wonder if he knows the truth about them. The people of the town thought that the meteor symbolized the scarlet A. This scene flourishes with symbols. They include: the scaffold itself; Dimmesdale's silent vigil; the three observers that represent Church (Mr.Wilson), State (Governor Winthrop), and the World of Evil (Chillingworth); the connection between Hester, Pearl, and Dimmesdale; and the meteor. The final scaffold scene occurs after the procession on Election Day. In this powerful scene, Dimmesdale regains his soul, Pearl gains her humanity, Chillingworth loses his victim, and Hester loses her dreams. Here again, the main characters come together, and Dimmesdale reveals his ?scarlet letter?. After Dimmesdale delivered his Election Day sermon, he stood on the scaffold with his lover and his child and confessed his sin to everyone. Suddenly the minister sinks down on the scaffold and dies. Right before Dimmesdale died Pearl leaned down and kissed the minister, then she started to