Stalin vs Trotsky

Stalin vs Trotsky The weaknesses and failures of Stalins opponents were not the main reason why Stalin rose to power over Trotsky. However, it did slightly affect the outcome of the power struggle. In some historians point of view, such as E.H Carr and I. Deutscher, they hold the conviction that Trotsky had no talent for leadership among equals.  [1]  On the similar side of the debate, G. Hosking, a Scottish historian, described Stalins opponents to be rather incautious. They were content to leave him to assemble and classify the personnel files, not yet realizing what power were accumulating therein.  [2]  However, I do not totally agree with these historians because Stalins personality is dangerously strong since no one could have possibly stopped him. Deutscher who agreed with this point of view wrote, It seemed to Trotsky almost a bad joke that Stalin, the willful and sly but shabby and inarticulate man in the background, should be his rival.  [3]  Deutschers work could be interpreted in two ways. He could be saying that Trotsky was foolish enough to not target Stalin as his rival but in a more logical sense, it should be interpreted as Stalins sly personality that made Trotsky not able to his is true intentions. Trotsky was not weak since he commanded the Red Army and Lenin disagreed with the historians point of view because in 1924, Trotsky was recommended and claimed the most capable man in the present Communist Party. In Lenins Testament, he wrote, Comrade Trotsky, on the other hand is distinguished not only by his outstanding ability. He is personally perhaps the most capable man in the present Central Committee.  [4]  The evidences state that Trotsky was a great intellectual and he was one of the best orators in the Soviet Union and he was able to work crowds to bring them around his point of view. His position as Commissar for War also gave him a strong base in the Politburo. E.H. Carr wrote, He (Trotsky) could not establish his authority among colleagues by the modest arts of persuasion or by sympathetic attention to the views of men of lesser intellectual caliber than himself.  [5]  This analysis is accurate because in the 1900s, most families were from the working class or t hey were peasants whom were mostly illiterate. Trotsky had a great advantage because as commander of the Red Army, he was in a strong position to crush his opposition. However, Trotsky did show some weaknesses and his arrogant manner convinced the Politburo members fears. In Lenins view, He has displayed excessive self-assurance.  [6]  Trotsky had also openly disagreed with Lenin on policies at times and Trotsky bombarded Lenin with long memoranda, explaining why so much was wrong in Soviet Russia and how to correct it.  [7]  His acts did not give Lenin a good impression since he was questioning the decisions themselves. By fate, Trotsky was a former Menshevik and he had a Jewish origin which halted his progressive promotions in the party. The Bolshevik Party was heavily founded on heavy bureaucracy and Trotsky was dull enough to criticize the party for becoming too bureaucratic and less democratic.  [8]  His attack on bureaucratization was a contradiction with the nature of the Bolshevik Party. On the other side, Rob ert Conquest wrote Trotsky had no clear political tactics and E.H Carr added, He had made major mistakes that affected the outcome of the power struggle.  [9]  Both of these points are very logical and clear because in 1925, to reassure his innocence, he relinquished his position as Commissar for Military Affairs. Trotsky could fire masses of men to acclaim and follow him but historian Chris Corin wrote, He had no intention of becoming a dictator and had always been aware of the tendency for a power struggle after the revolution.  [10]  History has shown that Trotsky had not attempted to use the Red Army to secure his position. But Deutscher argued, The truth is that Trotsky refrained from attacking Stalin because he felt secure.  [11]  Nevertheless, Trotsky had major flaws in his attitude, argument and his political tactics since he was determined that he would be Lenins successor. Trotsky should have voiced over the debate on censoring the Lenins Testament to prove his innocence. However, we can see that Stalins political skills are overwhelmingly important in the struggle for power. Stalins strategies were powerful and his opponents had no clear thoughts before they acted. The party members were all focusing on defeating Trotsky because he was a commander of the Red Army.  [12]  The Politburo leaders were very incautious because if they had noticed Stalins moves on setting up loyalists in the Central Committee, they would be in an alliance with Trotsky. With the same point of view, G. Hosking said, Most of them, being well read in the history of past revolutions, were obsessed by a very different danger: that of finding the revolutions hijacked by another Bonaparte.  [13]  What G. Hosking said is very true; they have never seen anything like Stalins Administrative Approach in history therefore the significance of Stalins tactics consumed most of the reasons to his uprising. Stalins opponents took the wrong move in the event of Lenins testament. Lenin wrote a testament in December 1922 called Letter to Party Congress and presented to congress in 1924. Lenin wrote, Comrade Stalin has enormous power. I am not sure that he always knows how to exercise that power with sufficient caution.  [14]  In this situation, we can see the weaknesses of his opponents that led to Trotskys downfall. This, Testament was censored because Stalins opponents Zinoviev, Kamenev and the others were criticized and they were afraid that Trotsky would soon become the leader. Lenins testament recognized Trotsky as the most capable man. Lenin wrote, He is personally perhaps the most capable man in the present C. C. Stalins opponents did not listen to the advice of Lenin because if they did, Stalin would have lost his General Secretary position. Lenin wrote, Stalin is too rude, and this faultà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦becomes unacceptable in the office of General Secretary. Therefore, I propose to the comrades that a way be found to remove Stalin from that post an d replace him with someone else.  [15]  If the letter was to be uncensored by the Politburo members, Stalin would have a harder time succeeding Lenins role over Trotsky. Conclusion After having examined the true factors that led to Trotsky not being able to become the sole leader of Soviet Russia since he was the favorite Candidate, this investigation came to the conclusion that Stalins political skill and ruthlessness was the most important cause of Trotskys downfall because his weaknesses were only limited to his complacency and party views. When Stalin took control of the General Secretary position, it was nearly impossible to stop him from becoming the sole leader of Soviet Russia. Through Stalins administrative approach, he had won his perceived survival game. Trotskys weaknesses were circumstances that existed as a benefit to Stalin but it was ultimately his cunning personality that allowed him to take full advantage of them. It is, evident that the use of Stalins own skills played a major role in the events in Soviet Russia from 1924-1929. Therefore in history, we see that Stalin is ruthless and skilled in his journey for power.

A Zipper For Pee-wee Herman :: essays research papers fc

A Zipper for Pee-Wee Herman Leaders in childrens television are and always have been concerned about what programs actually make it on the air. Most early programming for children of school age in the 1950's was the western program. Another type was the science-fiction thriller which tended to be based on hero's from the radio, comics, and films. However, a favorite of the youngest audience was the children's equivalent of the variety show. This usually contained circus, puppet, and/or animal segments. "Super Circus", which aired in 1949, consisted of music, circus acts, animals, and of course, clowns. In 1952, yet another type of program came about which reached a very similiar audience as the circus variety shows. It was called "The Ding Dong School". The Ding Dong School offered the conversation, low-key instruction, commercials, and entertainment of Miss. Frances, a professional teacher. With the help of these types of shows, a new genre was born. Children's television which was a mixture of songs, education, fun, and a whole lot more. In 1969, the first airing of "Sesame Street" took place. Sesame Street had programs which were sponsored by different letters of the alphabet or numbers each day, and relied on very short, animated cartoons with live and puppet segments which kept the interest of preschool children. The show was an instant outstanding success, and still broadcasts today. In 1970, "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" was born. Mr. Fred Roger's used puppets and music to teach patience and cooperation, while providing guidance to help children cope with feelings and frustrations. Mr. Roger's land of makebelieve's handpuppet characters interacted with humans in the mythical kingdom of King Friday XIII. There, the puppets and humans would deal with their feelings and emotions as they solve typical, everyday problems. This new genre of programming was a sensation. The children loved it, and the parents approved of it. During the following years, many new shows came about which still fit this genre. In the year 1986, yet another show was born into childrens television. "Pee-Wee's Playhouse". This series, starring host Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) used animation, puppets, and vintage cartoons to entertain and educate its audience. Between Pee-Wee Herman and his extraordinary playhouse, children were given the opportunity to let their imaginations go crazy. The "playhouse" had no permanent residents, that is, besides the furnishings. Not ordinary furnishings, you see, Pee-Wee's furnishings could move, talk, dance, and sing. These "characters" could be seen at the playhouse on a regular basis. Some of the favorites were: Globey, a talking globe who would show Pee-Wee the countries that his pen-pal's letters came from; Magic Screen, a toy of Pee-Wee's that enabled him to actually get

The Fundementals of Baseball Essay -- Hitting, Fielding, Throwing, Bas

  Ã‚  Ã‚   A man once stated, "You can have all the physical ability in the world, but you still have to know the fundamentals" (â€Å"Fundamentals Quotes†). The greatest and most talented players' in the world still have to learn and know the fundamentals to play the game. Fundamentals are the simple basics of the sport and explain how to play the game. The important fundamentals of baseball include hitting, fielding, throwing, and also base running.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many people believe that hitting is where to begin, according to an old coach, "The main part of baseball that brings people in to the game is hitting. Some have seen professionals do it on TV and others have seen it in person. But as for hitting, it is the major part of baseball for many players" ("Basic"). Another coach agrees going as far as saying, "A successful player must be able to hit the ball" ("Basic"). Hitting is not just a part of the game; hitting is the game. Hitting is the main and most important part of the game of baseball. During the sport of baseball, hitting is what determines who will win the game and who will lose. A great hitting team can have off days. In baseball everyone has good and bad days. As far as hitting, it is what determines the end results.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hitting the baseball is the time for the batter to shine, time to stand out, and the time when everyone's eyes are on the batter. It is his time to do what he has been working for his whole life. A coach agrees with hitting being the main part of the game saying, "The main part of baseball that brings people into the game is hitting. Some have seen professionals do it on TV and others have seen it in person. But as for hitting, it is the major part of baseball for many players" ("Basic"). It is ti... ...strong.com/article/272178- basic- fundamentals-of-baseball/>. "Fielding Position." Infield Fundamentals Baseball Drills. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. "Fundamentals of Fielding a Ground Ball." Human-kinetics. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. . "Fundamentals Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, Web. 26 Mar. 2014. . "How to Increase Pitching Velocity." How to Increase Pitching Velocity. Web. 04 Apr. 2014. . "Linear and Rotational Hitting  « Baseball Drills from the Ground Up." Baseball Drills from the Ground Up Linear and Rotational Hitting Comments. Web. 04 Apr. 2014. hitting/hitting/>.

Building Inspection Checklist

BUILDING INSPECTION CHECKLIST Location: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Is the building address or identification clearly visible? Are exterior lights in working order? Are periodic inspections conducted and documented? Is an unobstructed access road to the building provided? Are the exits onto public streets free from visibility obstructions? Are trees and shrubs pruned and documented? Are roots pruned and documented? Are all building sides accessible to emergency equipment? Are fire hydrants accessible? Exterior:Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Interior: No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10. Are sprinkler/standpipe connections accessible? 11. Are sprinkler/standpipe connections clearly marked? 12. Are landscape sprinklers at least 6 inches from walkways or pathways? 13. Does the building appear to be in good repair? 14. Is building free from signs of vandalism? 15.Are exterior walls free from cracks or other damages? 16. Are windows free from cracks or broken panes? 17. Has vegetation been cut back from the building? 18. Are turf areas inspected for holes, exposed roots, etc. and documented? 19. Are paved surfaces inspected and repaired (i. e. , lifts, cracks, etc. )? 20. Are combustible materials stored away from the building? 21. Is the building free from signs of exterior damage? 22. Are stairs, landings and handrails in good repair and fastened securely? (inspect the bottom of each step) 23.Are facilities periodically inspected and documented? 24. Are all sewer clean out caps in place? 25. Are all irrigation covers in place? 26. Are housing authority owned light post bases free of rust and/or deterioration? 27. Do entrance doors close slowly to avoid hazards to fingers? 28. Are utility/cable boxes marked â€Å"Keep Off†? Electrical System: Building Inspection Checklist Page 2 29. Are all electrical panels secured? 30. Is a 3†² clearance provided around all electrical panels? 31. Are all electrical rooms free from combustible storage? 32.Are all electrical panels cool to the touch? 33. Are all electrical panels free from evidence of burning? 34. Have all electrical circuits been identified? 35. Are all electrical switches and receptacles in good repair? 36. Has the use of extension cords been discontinued? 37. Have Ground Fault Interrupter's been provided on circuits in proximity to water? 38. Is there a â€Å"lock-out† procedure in place? Heating System: 39. Is a 3†² clearance provided around all heating equipment? 40. Are furnace/boiler rooms kept locked? 41. Are furnace/boiler rooms free from combustible storage? 2. Are residents reminded to keep combustibles away from heaters? Smoking: 43. Is smoking prohibited in the building common areas? 44. Are designated smoking areas properly identified? 45. Are non-combustible receptacles prov ided in smoking areas? 46. Are smoking materials disposed of properly? Housekeeping: 47. Is trash removed from the building daily? 48. Is storage restricted to designated areas? 49. Is storage neatly arranged and secured from rolling away? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/AYes Yes Yes Yes No No No No N/A N/A N/A N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No N/A N/A N/A Yes Yes Yes No No No N/A N/A Building Inspection Checklist Page 3 Private Protection: 50. Is building equipped with an automatic sprinkler system? 51. Is the main sprinkler control valve accessible? 52. Are all valves supplying water or air to the system open? 53. Is system operation monitored by an alarm company? 54. Is valve operation monitored by an alarm company? 55. Is the sprinkler system tested on a quarterly basis and documented? 56. Are spare sprinkler heads available in the building? 7. Is the building equipped with a fire detection system? 58. Doe s the system protect the entire building? 59. Does the system provide an alarm signal in the building? 60. Is system tested on a monthly basis and documented? 61. Is the main alarm panel in normal operating condition? 62. Are portable fire extinguishers provided? 63. Are all extinguishers inspected on a monthly basis and documented? 64. Do all extinguishers have a current inspection tag? Emergency Evacuation: 65. Are all exits and travel paths identified with illuminated â€Å"EXIT† signs? 66.Are travel paths leading to exits free of obstructions? 67. Are exits unlocked and operational? 68. Are working emergency lights provided in the building? 69. Are emergency lights tested periodically and documented? 70. Are evacuation diagrams posted throughout the building? Miscellaneous: 71. Has flammable storage been limited to designated areas? 72. Is all cooking equipment protected by extinguishing systems? 73. Is cooking equipment clean? 74. Are filters inspected periodically and d ocumented? 75. Are all computer areas free from combustible storage?Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Building Inspection Checklist Page 4 NOTIFY YOUR SUPERVISOR IF ANY QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED â€Å"NO† Inspected By: Date: The following items have been followed-up on. This has been accomplished by putting them on a work order: Item No. Work Order # Item No. Work Order # Item No. Work Order #

Purple Hibiscus †Character List Essay

Kambili Achike The main character who narrates the story of her family’s breakdown. When the story begins, Kambili is fifteen years old and painfully shy. She lives under the strict Catholic rule of her father, who expects his children to succeed at all costs. As political unrest seizes Nigeria, Kambili is introduced to a new way of life by her liberal aunt. Though she retains her faith through several horrendous events, Kambili learns to question authority when necessary. Jaja Kambili’s brother, who is about two years older than her. Like Kambili, Jaja strains under the tyranny of his father. After both his sister and mother are hospitalized from beatings, Jaja begins to rebel. Jaja is rational and protective and more outgoing than his sister. He severs ties with both his father and faith. Jaja takes the blame for his mother’s crime. Papa (Eugene Achike) A prominent man in the Achike’s village of Enugu, Papa runs several successful factories and publishes an English-language newspaper infamous for its criticism of Nigeria’s corrupt government. He is a devout Catholic who expects nothing less than perfection from his family. Papa punishes his wife and children in order to correct their behaviour. Papa is beloved in his community but is estranged from his own father and his traditional African culture. Mama (Beatrice Achike) Mama is a quiet and religious woman, accustomed to obeying the rule of her husband. Though the abuse worsens over time, she refuses to leave. Ultimately, she realizes she must protect her children and poisons her husband. Aunty Ifeoma Papa’s sister who teaches at the University in nearby Nsukka. Ifeoma is widowed, caring for three children on a meagre salary. She is liberal and outspoken but also a devout Catholic. Unlike her brother, she respects the religion and traditions of her father. Her way of life inspires Kambili and Jaja to rethink their own upbringing. Papa-Nnukwu Ifeoma and Eugene’s father. Papa-Nnukwu is a traditionalist, holding on to the faith of his ancestors. Kambili grows to love Papa-Nnukuw despite her father’s warnings that he is a heathen. Through his joy and warm spirit, Kambili learns that both family and faith are more complicated than what she has been taught. Amaka Aunty Ifeoma’s eldest daughter, fifteen years old. She is fiercely loyal to her Nigerian roots despite her Catholic upbringing. Amaka is critical of her cousin’s wealth and quietness. Overtime, Amaka and Kambili come to understand one another and a sisterly bond is forged through adversity. Obiora Aunty Ifeoma’s eldest son, fourteen years old. Since the death of his father, Obiora has assumed the role of man of the house. He is questioning and mature and delights in intellectual debate. Obiora inspires Jaja to open his eyes. Chima Aunty Ifeoma’s youngest boy, seven years old. Chima is the baby and does not yet have many responsibilities. He clings onto his mother and to both Obiora and Father Amadi. It is clear he misses a male role model. Father Amadi A young missionary priest based in the chaplaincy in Nsukka. Kambili falls in love with him. He is warm and gentle to the children of the village, representing a modern take on faith. He is respectful of his Nigerian roots, incorporating native Igbo songs of worship into his sermons. His bond with Aunty Ifeoma’s family is strong. He enjoys lively debate with both Amaka and  Obiora. He is taken with Kambili in part because she is so quiet. He encourages Kambili to spread her wings. Father Benedict The white, British-born head of St. Agnes, the Achike’s church. He is a supportive ally of Papa’s, praising him constantly as one of the pillars of the community. Father Benedict is austere and offers only his view of religion. Ade Coker The editor of the Standard, Papa’s paper. With Papa’s support, he is openly critical of the corrupt government and becomes a political target. He is killed by a letter bomb bearing the State Seal. Yewande Coker Ade’s wife. She is widowed with two young children, who Papa tries to help. Sisi The passive servant girl in the Achike household. Sisi provides Mama with the poison used to kill Papa. Chinwe Yideze A gossipy classmate of Kambili’s. She beats Kambili for head of class in one term. Ezinne The only classmate who is kind to Kambili. Kevin The Achikes’ driver. Mama fires him after Papa dies. Chiaku A professor friend of Aunty Ifeoma’s, who is critical of a move to America. Purple Hibiscus Main Themes Coming of Age Kambili and Jaja both come of age in Purple Hibiscus as a result of their experiences. The book opens with Jaja rebelling against his devout Catholic father by skipping communion on Palm Sunday, an important religious holiday. The following chapters detail the events that end in Jaja’s defiance. The book is narrated by Kambili three years after this incident. Since she has been stunted by the severe punishments of her father, Kambili barely speaks. Her narration is striking because it can be concluded that she finds her own voice throughout this ordeal. Both Kambili and Jaja take steps towards adulthood by overcoming adversity and being exposed to new thoughts. Part of growing up is building your own identity by choosing which paths to follow. In Enugu, the only path Kambili and Jaja are allowed to follow is Papa. He writes out schedules and severely punishes them when they stray. When Kambili and Jaja visit their Aunty Ifeoma in Nsukka, they are astonished by what they find. Though her home is small and devoid of luxuries, there is love and respect. Her children Amaka and Obiora are allowed to question authority and choose their own paths. Obiora, though he is three years younger than Jaja, is articulate and protective. He has been initiated into Igbo culture by performing a rite of manhood. Jaja was not allowed to participate and is ashamed that he is lagging behind his cousin. In Nsukka, Jaja is encouraged to rethink his allegiances and make his own decisions. Aunty Ifeoma encourages Kambili to reconsider her stance on Papa-Nnukwu. As she has been taught by Papa, her grandfather is a heathen. But when she searches his face, she sees no signs of godliness. After witnessing his innocence ritual, Kambili questions the absolute rule of her father. Both Kambili and Jaja take major steps towards adulthood by claiming their individuality. Religion There is a contrast between Father Benedict and Father Amadi. Priest at Papa’s beloved St. Agnes, Father Benedict is a white man from England who conducts his masses according to European custom. Papa adheres to Father Benedict’s style, banishing every trace of his own Nigerian heritage. Papa uses his faith to justify abusing his children. Religion alone is not to  blame. Papa represents the wave of fundamentalism in Nigeria that corrupts faith. Father Amadi, on the other hand, is an African priest who blends Catholicism with Igbo traditions. He believes that faith is both simpler and more complex than what Father Benedict preaches. Father Amadi is a modern African man who is culturally-conscious but influenced by the colonial history of his country. He is not a moral absolutist like Papa and his God. Religion, when wielded by someone gentle, can be a positive force, as it is in Kambili’s life. Papa-Nnukwu is a traditionalist. He follows the rituals of his ance stors and believes in a pantheistic model of religion. Though both his son and daughter converted to Catholicism, Papa-Nnukwu held on to his roots. When Kambili witnesses his morning ritual, she realizes that their faiths are not as different as they appear. Kambili’s faith extends beyond the boundaries of one religion. She revels in the beauty of nature, her family, her prayer, and the Bible. When she witnesses the miracle at Aokpe, Kambili’s devotion is confirmed. Aunty Ifeoma agrees that God was present even though she did not see the apparition. God is all around Kambili and her family, and can take the form of a smile. The individualistic nature of faith is explored in Purple Hibiscus. Kambili tempers her devotion with a reverence for her ancestors. Jaja and Amaka end up rejecting their faith because it is inexorably linked to Papa and colonialism, respectively. Colonialism Colonialism is a complex topic in Nigeria. For Papa-Nnukwu, colonialism is an evil force that enslaved the Igbo people and eradicated his traditions. For Papa, colonialism is responsible for his access to higher education and grace. For Father Amadi, it has resulted in his faith but he sees no reason that the old and new ways can’t coexist. Father Amadi represents modern Nigeria in the global world. Papa is a product of a colonialist education. He was schooled by missionaries and studied in English. The wisdom he takes back to Nigeria is largely informed by those who have colonized his country. He abandons the traditions of his ancestors and chooses to speak primarily in British-accented English in public. His large estate is filled with western luxuries like satellite TV and music. Amaka assumes that Kambili follows American pop stars while she listens to musicians who embrace their African heritage. But the trappings of Papa’s success are hollow. The children are not allowed to watch television. His home, modernized up to Western standards, is for appearances only. There is emptiness in his home just as his accent is falsified in front of whites. Over the course of the novel, both Kambili and Jaja must come to terms with the lingering after-effects of colonialism in their own lives. They both adjust to life outside their father’s grasp by embracing or accepting traditional ways. Nigerian Politics Both Kambili and the nation are on the cusp of dramatic changes. The political climate of Nigeria and the internal drama of the Achike family are intertwined. After Nigeria declared independence from Britain in 1960, a cycle of violent coups and military dictatorship led to civil war, which led to a new cycle of bloody unrest. Even democracy is hindered by the wide-spread corruption in the government. In Purple Hibiscus, there is a coup that culminates in military rule. Papa and his paper, the Standard, are critical of the corruption that is ushered in by a leader who is not elected by the people. Ironically, Papa is a self-righteous dictator in his own home. He is wrathful towards his children when they stray from his chosen path for them. In the wake of Ade Coker’s death, Papa beats Kambili so severely she is hospitalized in critical condition. Both in Nigeria and in the home, violence begets violence. Kambili and Jaja are kept away from the unrest at first. They witness pro tests, deadly roadblocks, and harassment from the safety of their car. But when they arrive in Nsukka, they are thrust into political debate. Obiora says the university is a microcosm for Nigeria – ruled by one man with all the power. Pay has been withheld from the professors and light and power are shut off frequently. Medical workers and technicians go on strike and food prices rise. There are rumors that the sole administrator is misdirecting funds intended for the university. This is a parallel to what is happening in the country at large. Kambili and Jaja now understand firsthand the struggle of their cousins. The personal becomes political, and vice versa. Silence Several characters are gripped with silence throughout the novel. Kambili  suffers the most, unable to speak more than rehearsed platitudes without stuttering or coughing. Her silence is a product of the abuse that she endures at the hands of her father. Kambili does not allow herself to tell the truth about her situation at home. When her classmates taunt her for being a backyard snob, she does not explain that she does not socialize out of fear. She is not allowed to dally after school lest she be late and beaten. She finally learns how to speak her mind when she is taunted continuously be her cousin Amaka. Aunty Ifeoma encourages her to defend herself and only then can Amaka and Kambili begin their friendship. Kambili begins to speak more confidently, laugh and even sing. The titles of the second and fourth section are Speaking With Our Spirits and A Different Silence. Kambili and Jaja communicate through their eyes, not able to utter the ugly truth of their situation. Mama, lik e her daughter, cannot speak freely in her own home. Only with Aunty Ifeoma can she behave authentically. The silence that falls upon Enugu after Papa is murdered is, as the title suggests, different. There is hopelessness to this silence like the one that existed when Papa was alive. But it is an honest silence. Mama and Kambili know the truth and there is nothing more that can be said. Jaja’s silence betrays a hardness that has taken hold of him in prison. There is nothing he can say that will end the torment he experiences. The tapes that Aunty Ifeoma sends with her children’s voices are the only respite he has. Silence is also used as punishment. When Kambili and Jaja arrive in Nsukka for Easter, Jaja refuses to speak to his father when he calls. After the years of silence that he has imposed upon his children, they use it as a weapon against him. The government also silences Ade Coker by murdering him after he prints a damning story in the Standard. When soldiers raid Aunty Ifeoma’s flat, they are trying to silence her sympathies with the rioting students through intimidation. Silence is a type of violence. Domestic Violence On several occasions, Papa beats his wife and children. Each time, he is provoked by an action that he deems immoral. When Mama does not want to visit with Father Benedict because she is ill, Papa beats her and she miscarries. When Kambili and Jaja share a home with a heathen, boiling water is poured on their feet because they have walked in sin. For owning a  painting of Papa-Nnukwu, Kambili is kicked until she is hospitalized. Papa rationalizes the violence he inflicts on his family, saying it is for their own good. The beatings have rendered his children mute. Kambili and Jaja are both wise beyond their years and also not allowed to reach adulthood, as maturity often comes with questioning authority. When Ade Coker jokes that his children are too quiet, Papa does not laugh. They have a fear of God. Really, Kambili and Jaja are afraid of their father. Beating them has the opposite effect. They choose the right path because they are afraid of the repercussions. They are not encour aged to grow and to succeed, only threatened with failure when they do not. This takes a toll on Jaja especially, who is ashamed that he is so far behind Obiora in both intelligence and protecting his family. He ends up equating religion with punishment and rejects his faith. There is an underlying sexism at work in the abuse. When Mama tells Kambili she is pregnant, she mentions that she miscarried several times after Kambili was born. Within the narrative of the novel, Mama loses two pregnancies at Papa’s hands. The other miscarriages may have been caused by these beatings as well. When she miscarries, Papa makes the children say special novenas for their mother’s forgiveness. Even though he is to blame, he insinuates it is Mama’s fault. Mama believes that she cannot exist outside of her marriage. She dismisses Aunty Ifeoma’s ideas that life begins after marriage as â€Å"university talk.† Mama has not been liberated and withstands the abuse beca use she believes it is just. Ultimately, she poisons Papa because she can see no other way out. The abuse has repressed her to the point that she must resort to murder to escape. Nature/Environment The book’s namesake flower is a representation of freedom and hope. Jaja is drawn to the unusual purple hibiscus, bred by a botanist friend of Aunty Ifeoma. Aunty Ifeoma has created something new by bringing the natural world together with intelligence. For Jaja, the flower is hope that something new can be created. He longs to break free of his Papa’s rule. He takes a stalk of the purple hibiscus home with him, and plants it in their garden. He also takes home the insight he learns from Nsukka. As both blossom, so too do Jaja and his rebellion. Kambili’s shifting attitudes toward nature signify her stage of transformation. During one of the first times she showers at  Nsukka, Kambili finds an earthworm in the tub. Rather than coexisting with it, she removes it to the toilet. When Father Amadi takes her to have her hair plaited, she watches a determined snail repeatedly crawl out of a basket. She identifies with the snail as she has tried to crawl out of Enugu and her fate. Later, when she bathes with water scented with the sky, she leaves the worm alone. She acknowledges that God can be found anywhere and she appreciates its determination. In the opening of the book, Kambili daydreams while looking at the several fruit and flower trees in her yard. This same yard, a signifier of wealth, leaves her open for taunts of â€Å"snob† at school. But here she fixates on the beauty of the trees. When she returns from Nsukka after her mother has miscarried, Kambili is sickened by the rotting tree fruit. The rot symbolizes the sickness in the Achike household but also that Kambili is seeing her home with new eyes. Like the trees, she is trapped behind tall walls. Weather also plays a role in the novel. When Ade Coker dies, there are heavy rains. After Palm Sunday, a violent wind uproots several trees and makes the satellite dish crash to the ground. Rain and wind reflect the drama that unfolds in the Achikes’ lives. Mama tells Kambili that a mixture of rain and sun is God’s indecision on what to bring. Just as there can be both rain and sun at the same time, there are good and evil intertwined. In nature, Kambili gleans that there are no absolutes. Papa is neither all good or all bad, her faith does not have to be either Catholic or traditionalist, and she can challenge her parents while still being a good child.

Crime scene in the novel and film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Crime scene in the novel and film - Essay Example of the said author that deals with important political and social issues such as terrorism, anarchism and the events that can be related to such issues. The main point of view of the said novel is mainly on the side of the antagonistic character in a society mainly on the basis of the perception that it presents on the people involved with the act of terrorism and other criminal dealings. Based on the experience brought about by the novel, it can be considered that in cases of extreme belief in certain philosophies, people are capable of crimes and actions that the norms can consider as evil. The nature of human being then can be considered highly complex and cannot be boxed through cultural and moral standards. The main character of the story represents a normal person with a family which often has conflicts regarding different aspects of life. Basically, one of the highlight of the character’s life is regarding the peers with similar point of view specifically anarchists who rooted for revolution using unconventional actions. Although this is the case, the wife of the main character depicted the capability if a person to hurt another which can also considered as an act of terrorism and anarchy specifically when she had killed her husband. The representation presented by Conrad reflects the human nature that is outside the stereotypical view. That includes the focus on the irony of perceptions on the weakness of the women in the society; the limitations in the harm one human can do to another regardless of relationship; and that capacity to do crime is not limited to the distraught and the people without morality. Crimes can be committed regardless of culture, norms and character of a person. The novel The Great Gatsby is another notable published work by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It is a representation of the American society after the WWI. The novel represents the conflicts occurring in the society due to different factors that are interplaying. One

The Benefits of the Legalization of Marijuana in Colorodo and Research Paper

The Benefits of the Legalization of Marijuana in Colorodo and Washinton state - Research Paper Example The legalization of marijuana means that there will be no more arrests that will be made to people either found using or in possession of the drug. Under the new Colorados law, residents who are beyond 21 years of age can possess, produce, sell and use up to an ounce of the drug at any given time. The law has had an immense and measurable effect to the colored people in Colorado where racial disparities regarding marijuana use and possession arrests have been questionable. Police in Colorado have been arresting blacks three times more than the whites. The arrests have been questionable since the whites have higher rates of using the drug than the colored residents. According to the NAACP, the legalization will alleviate the biased arrests. The blacks make 11% of Colorado’s population, but for every three Marijuana related arrests made, one must be a black person. The arrests have long-lasting and devastating effects. The arrests records affect an individual’s chances of getting a job, loans, housing, and other public benefits. People with Marijuana arrest records are demoted to the second class status. With the legalization of Marijuana, such arrests are stopped making life easy for all residents (Franklin 4). Legalizing the use of marijuana solves the problems associated with the illicit market. Marijuana users will shift to purchasing the drug from regulated stores. Violence originating from street corner trades will cease as the markets will be replaced with well-guarded stores having security and surveillance systems. Consumers now get clear information of what they are buying instead of getting whatever that is wrapped up in a baggie. The consumers will now have the benefit of choosing of what they want from a wide variety of the product depending on the price and the quality they want. The prices of the drug will respond like those of other products depending on supply and demand. The