Great Expectations Essay Example for Free

Great Expectations Essay Home in today’s society can be described in many ways, but is ultimately expressed as more of a feeling of safety and love. Sonsyrea Tate claims You can leave home all you want, but home will never leave you. In essence, the feeling of home is a part of the character and who he/she will become. In Charles Dickens Great Expectations, Pip examines the true meaning of home and how the subjective opinion of home can reflect who a person becomes. He illustrates this idea using recurring appearances of home-like symbols, the way Pip’s definition of home changes throughout the novel, and how he shows Pip’s acquired feelings after moving into higher society. Throughout the novel Pip experiences many obstacles and in these are constant symbols that hint at a sense of â€Å"home† that Pip could be missing. When Pip is in a frustrating situation he looks to where everything first began which ends up being where he grew up- the mist over the marshes. This mist to Pip could be to most people as their home, kitchen, or even office where they feel most comfortable. He looks to the marshes for reassurance in what is right or wrong. He searches the marshes numerous times for what seems to be answers, â€Å"once again, this mists were rising as [Pip] walked away. If they disclosed [him], as [he] suspect[ed] they did, [he] should never come back (286). When people are confused or frightened, they usually run to where they feel safest and can reassure themselves with what they think is best. This place for many is home. Just as Mrs. Joe continuously reminds Pip of how he needs to be better, the marshes are a continuous reminder of where Pip should be. This could be shown to many as a feeling of homesickness, an emotion many can relate to. Whenever Pip has the moment to think, he ponders how he should reach out to Joe and his past reminding him again that he should be around those who love him. As Pip sits and ponders to himself he thinks â€Å"†¦and liable to be taken out of those rooms where [Pip] [sits] thinking, and hanged at the Old Bailey door, that [he] had deserted Joe† (324). Also when Pip returns home a few times he feels upset and guilty because he knows leaving was the wrong thing to do. At these times Pip tries to reconnect with the loved ones he deserted, such as Biddy and Joe, but over all his attempts still do not amount to the missing sense of home Pip has. All of these reminders; the marshes, repeating thoughts, and guilty feelings all represent to Pip of symbols that remind him of home. As Pip is growing into a young man, home is more of a place than an emotion. Pip never really feels completely welcome in the place where he is brought up. Mrs.  Joe’s constant and repeating reminder of how Pip is more of a burden to her is made known as she says I didn’t bring you up by hand to bagger peoples lives out. It would be a blame on to me, and not praise, if I had. , than a reward to her is evidence to Pip that to her he is somewhat worthless. (12) Pip doesn’t know of any other home besides the one with Mrs. Joe. Every person image of home has its differences, and the one Pip has at the moment isn’t a real pleasant one. Which in the long run could be a factor contributing to why Pip did not really know what home felt like to begin with. In the beginning of the novel, Pips definition of home is very unwelcoming and dark considering who he is surrounded by. Pip explains how Mrs. Joe is abusive to him My sister made a dive at me and fished me up by the hair saying nothing more than awful words and how her appearance isn’t comforting as he describes her as †¦with black hair and eyes, had such a prevailing redness of skin that I had sometimes used to wonder whether it was possible she washed herself with a nutmeg-grater instead of soap (10) (6). As Pip continues to grow and continuing with his move to London he never really has a permanent home, but more of multiple places he stays at for some time. Although, towards the end of the novel, the reader witnesses Joes forgiving and loving character shine through to Pip. Joe’s character seems to hint to Pip of what a good home could feel like without for some time Pip entirely catching on to these hints. Pip eventually becomes more conscious of the feeling of home and being welcome when the symbols and thoughts come to his conscience. Thus representing his dramatic change and realization he comes to, home isn’t characterized by the places one moves, but more by the feelings received from the people who make he/she feel most content and welcome. Since Pip encounters a large change in how he is placed in society, he begins to have mixed feelings towards the large alter. People are often blinded by the possessions they want instead of possessions that ultimately mean something in the long run. Pips upbringing was greatly influenced by the strive to be better and the shame of where his family was originally placed in social standing. The actions of his sister and guardian, Mrs. Joe, reminding Pip about how he is a burden and the actions of Mr. Pumblechook lying about being affiliated with higher class just to be recognized with more power because of his connections shine brightly to Pip making him think he is not good enough. Out of all of the people in Pips life it was his sister’s husband, Joe, who believes in Pip and allows Pip to eventually realize what home is supposed to be. Joe’s representation as the father figure to Pip allows Pip to feel welcome. Sometimes in society the feeling of home doesn’t have to be my parents or family, but can just be who makes or where you feel accepted. Pip feels safe around Joe but considering Pips upbringing telling him that he needs to be better embarrassment is shown by Pip more often than thankfulness for what Joe did for him. Pip goes throughout life with no actual real home connection, but just a coming across of places. When Joe goes to visit Pip in London, the feeling of embarrassment Pip receives by Joe’s presence is recognized greatly and Joe identifies this. Joe says to Pip, You and me is not two figures to be together in London, nor anywheres else but what is private†¦ Diwisions among such must come (223). Joe forgiving Pip almost instantly for his actions of wanting to not be affiliated with Joe any longer, remind Pip that he will always be there, no matter what the circumstances. Which dear old Pip, old chap, you and me was every friends. And when you’re well enough to go our for a ride-what larks! (486). After these encounters with Joe in London, Pip finally starts to realize the monster he has turned into. Pip realizes Joe is the one who makes him feel accepted and welcome and begins to feel guilty for his repulsive actions towards Joe. As he thinks to himself, I would not have gone back to Joe now, I would not have gone back to Biddy now, for any consideration: simply, I suppose, because my sense of my own worthless conduct to them was greater than every consideration. No wisdom on earth could have given me the comfort that I should have derived from their simplicity and fidelity; but I could never, never, never, undo what I had done† (324). At his turning point, Pip sees that beyond doubt what matters is being where you are accepted and acknowledged by ones who love you, not by where you stand in society. This realization is a parallel to what home represents. Pip realizes that with Joe is where he should be and where he feels most content with himself. This is the most significant recognition of the symbol of home Pip receives. Pip at this point begins to understand that home isn’t a place, but a feeling or intuition. While Pip encounters many obstacles throughout his life, he finds his true self in his realization of what the meaning of home truly is to him. The constant appearance of home, the realization of the true definition of home, and the feelings Pip faces when he changes from lower to higher class. All teach the lesson that home becomes a part of a person, even if it takes some time to figure out what home really means. All people perceive the symbol of home and the feelings connected with it differently. How many different perceptions of home could there be? Do people ever not have a sense of home? Pips ultimate lesson turns out to be that to him home is not just a place, but a feeling existing within ones mind and heart. Often times this lesson is a turning point in many lives.

Welsh Language Census Report :: essays research papers

Sociolinguistics LING 2150 Assessment 1 Use the census data available on Welsh to build up a picture of what happened to a chosen small area of Wales over a period for which data is available in the census. The focus of your discussion should be on the rise/fall/stability of the minority language. Try to use data about the age of speakers, and degree of literacy. For this essay, I plan to look at what has happened to the number of speakers of Welsh in both Swansea and the Lliw Valley over time by using census data, comparing the two areas which both lie in South Wales in the county of West Glamorgan. These areas are of a similar size, with Swansea recorded in the 1991 census as being 24,590 hectares, and the Lliw Valley as 21,754 hectares. These measurements do not differ more than 500 hectares from year to year in the data I will use, however, I will have to take into account the fact that the boundaries for Welsh counties sometimes change between censuses. For this reason, I will have to be very careful when choosing my data. The population of my chosen areas differs dramatically though. In the 1991 census it was recorded that the population of Swansea was 181,906 and the Lliw Valley was 63,099. This means that in Swansea there are 7.4 persons per hectare contrasted with 2.9 in the Lliw Valley. Due to this, I thought it would be interesting to compare such an urban area as Swansea with a rather more rural area as the Lliw Valley to see if there are any differences that can be found regarding the number of Welsh speakers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We can see these two areas on the following map. Note the dense network of major roads around the Swansea area contrasted with the small amount in the Lliw Valley. Also, we can see that the counties of Dyfed and Powys are large rural areas, with sparse scatterings of major roads: (The public's library and digital archive, 1993) â€Å"Of the languages spoken at the present time in mainland Britain, Welsh has been here by far the longest,† (Price, 1984:94), so why, may we ask, has it come to be that it is only spoken by a minority of the Welsh population? We can see from the following table the extent to which the number of speakers of Welsh in Wales has declined since 1901:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Speaking Welsh only  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Speaking English and Welsh  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Total

Cultural Interviews and Assessment Essay

I am interviewing a 32-year-old male (X) from the India who has been a resident of the San Jose in the US state of California since the last 10 years. He is employed as a Software engineer in one of the software MNCs in urban parts of California. Regarding, the Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) population in the US, they are one of the fastest growing population in the US. In the year 1999, the population was about 11 million and it is expected to grow to about 20 million by 2020. In 1999, 4 % of the US population was APIA, 12 % Hispanics and 11 % African-Americans. The APIA come from several parts of the world including India, China, Pakistan, Polynesia, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, etc. One of the favorite locations in the US, the APIA population would like to settle is in the state of California. The APIA make up for about 12 % of the California population in 1999. They come from various cultural backgrounds and have diverse needs. They are one of the most diverse groups in the US, and it is difficult to fulfill their health problems due to diverse healthcare needs. Let us now go through the entire interview process: – Socio-economic factors – Mr. X earns about 45, 000 US dollars every month. He is employed in a software-MNC. None of his other family members are working. He is married and has one child. Although he came to the US in 1997, he brought his family down to the US about a year back. Mr. X feels happy that he is able to earn a good income in the US and is more or less settled. He feels that many of the Indians in the US are earning far less and are belonging to the poverty groups. However, he also feels that the organization he is working in is a small organization and the income provided is less compared to other organizations. Lifestyle – MR. X is not leading a very healthy lifestyle. Earlier as his family was not with him, he used to eat his food in eat-outs and restaurants. Due to this, he is unable to lead a healthy life. However, once his family has come home, he is able to eat a traditional Indian meal and due to this, his nutritional status has improved. He is now able to consume a balanced diet. Mr. X and his family members consume a vegetarian diet. Mr. X smokes about 5 cigarettes a day and consumes about 2 servings of alcohol (especially whisky and rum) on Saturdays and Sundays. He is able to sleep only for about 6 to 7 hours a day. This is due to excessive workload. Although his duty timings are only 8 hours, he puts in an extra 5 hours work at home. During the weekend, he has to work from home at least for 5 hours on Saturdays and Sundays. He usually gets together in family meeting and religious ceremonies on Saturdays and Sundays. Family Values – Mr. X has not had much of a family life in the US. This is because his wife and child were staying back in India, as they were unable to come to the US earlier. However, in the last one-year his wife and child have come down to California and are staying with him. His son is an 8-year-old kid, who has just joined a US Elementary school. The child goes to school for about 4 hours in a day, from Monday to Friday. Prior to this one-year, the only members of his family in the US were his cousins, uncles and aunts, who reside about 20 miles from his home. Mr. X feels that in India, family values are given a great amount of importance. Down in India, people stay in a common house with the family members. This is especially seen in villages and small towns. Family meetings are conducted every day and usually food is consumed and prayers are said in a family. During the earlier days when he had just come to the US, Mr. X had stayed with one of his maternal aunt in California. However, as his condition began to improve and his job was settled, he shifted to a separate residence. However, he continues to meet his family members during weekends. Mr. X also makes important decisions after taking the advice of the elders in the family. This is also the case in India, where elders are given a lot of respect and value. In case of any personal problem, he would first call up his uncle, a man of 67 years, and explain his problem to him. Religious preferences – Mr. X belong to a high caste Hindu family in India, and actively practice his religion. During the weekends, he attends for prayers in a temple in California. He usually makes a trip along with family members. He does follow intricate religious practices at home and at his workplace. He consumes a vegetarian diet and would take care especially whilst eating out. During the morning and before starting work, Mr. X chants a few short prayers. This he also does after he finishes work and before going to bed. His wife and child are also religious like him. He accompanies his family members during the weekends for a trip to their local temple. The local temple is about 25 miles away from their home. They also consume a vegetarian diet. In California, the number of vegetarian restaurants and eat-outs are less, due to which he has experienced problems. Health and practices – Mr. X enjoys a good state of health compared to the other APIA’s in the US. It is also important to note that the APIA’s enjoy a much better health status compared to the Whites, African-Americans and the Hispanics. In the year 1999, Mr. X suffered a bout of malaria. He suffered from the illness for about 15 days, and required admission in the Hospital. During his earlier days in the US, Mr. X did not have health insurance. Hence, he had to pay for his hospital bills. In the year 2000, the organization he was working with provided him with health insurance, which helps him to meet with his health expenditure. As Mr. X smokes excessively and due to his work-related habits, he suffers from asthmatic attacks frequently. He uses a small pump that provides Broncho-dilators. He has to consume two puffs twice a day as suggested by the physician. He also follows the advice on food and exercises suggested by the physician. Sometimes during winter months, Mr. X requires hospitalization for difficulty in breathing. This has occurred frequently in the last 4 years. His hospital bill is now covered by health insurance. The physician has repeatedly suggested to give up smoking and to follow better work-related practices, which Mr. X has ignored. The access to health is good, as Mr. X resides in an urban area. He has a hospital providing ultra-modern facilities located about 1 mile from his residence. The hospital also has physicians, specialists and nurses who are from an Indian background. This makes him a special patient at the hospital. He does feel that his physician is able to communicate with him appropriately and understand his health problem. As Mr. X has his family come in newly into the US, they do not have health insurance. However, he plans to subscribe to health insurance for them within the next six months. So far his wife and child did not require hospitalization. However, MR. X frequently takes his son for health checkups and immunizations to the pediatrician. His wife visits a female gynecologist frequently, to ensure that problems with her periods are addressed properly. She does prefer going to an Indian female gynecologist, but is unable to do so as there is a shortage of medical staff from other cultures in the US. Due to problems with financing (uninsured), she is unable to afford seeing an Indian gynecologist from another hospital. MR. X’s physician and pediatrician both belong to the Indian community. Child-bearing/parenting practices – Mr. X has just one son, and he plan to have one more child in the near future. However, he says that during the pregnancy period, he plans to send his wife and son back home to India, as he may be unable to take appropriate care of his wife. As family values are give great importance in India, Mr. X wishes that his son stays with him even after crossing the age of 16 or 18. He wants his soon to mix about with other children in the US, but at the same time follow Indian traditions regarding religion, diet and customs. Other issues – Mr. X and is family members do understand English and do not have any problem communicating with the people in the US. Mr. X may not consider preventive medical care. However, he does visit the local physician frequently to take medical advice and go in for routine checkups. Mr. X feels that more physicians, nurses and specialists from the Indian communities should be available to fulfill the need of the Indians in California. Mr. X also feels that the local government and the Federal government have not addressed several of the problems faced by the APIA communities in the US. This is with regards to health insurance, health access, education, working conditions, immigration status, etc. References: Ro, M. â€Å"Overview of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States and California. † Center for Alternative Policies. 1999. 9 Nov 2007. http://www. communityvoices. org/Uploads/om3gfk55hhzyvrn00n4nerbf_20020828090003. pdf Srinivasa, S. â€Å"Toward Improved Health: Disaggregating Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Data. † American Journal of Public Health 90. 11 (2000): 1731-1734. http://www. ajph. org/cgi/reprint/90/11/1731. pdf

Bias in the Media Essay - 1549 Words

Everyday millions of Americans plop down in front of their TVs to get their daily intake of news and current events of what happened that day. Sadly, most of the news and facts they are getting have been altered somehow by someone at the news corporation or by the reporters themselves. In the numerous news sources that cover world evens daily there are certain viewpoints that are thrust into the public’s face. This highly opinionated and biased news coverage has been present since there was news to report on. From WWII and onwards there has been a steady increase in the number of news corporations, which in turn has caused an increase in viewpoints on news coverage. Americans get this biased view of current world events because owners†¦show more content†¦Bias in reporter’s stories can be created a couple different ways. One of those possibilities is that information is fabricated to reflect a news corporation’s viewpoint as well as the bias they normall y present. The second is the fact that â€Å"a journalist can include in their story quotations from advocated of particular perspective†(David Baron 4). By quoting these people in their stories journalist and reporters all the advocates to â€Å"present their perspectives, make assertions and allegations, draw conclusions, and argue for particular actions†(Baron 4). The public is also able to diagnose the root causes of media bias in two forms. The first is, â€Å"bias is a lack of dispassion and impartiality that colors the decision of whether or not to publish a story†(Baron 6). Secondly, they see bias as â€Å"an intent to persuade† (Baron 6). Media bias could have a variety of sources. Bias could reflect the preferences or worldview of the owner and reporters of any news corporation. In the US, major news organizations are owned by corporations and in some cases are run by the government. The American Society of News Editors (ASNE) took a poll of the American public and discovered their opinions on biases â€Å"30 percent of adults see bias as not being open-minded and neutral about the facts. 29 percent say that it’s having an agenda, and shaping the news report toShow MoreRelatedThe Bias Of Media Bias1820 Words   |  8 PagesI. Introduction While there have been several studies on how people perceive media bias, few have been conducted to determine how to combat incorrect identification of media bias. To combat this lack of knowledge, we created an experiment to determine if gaining knowledge about media bias through two different treatments enables people to identify, rather than perceive, media bias. The first treatment is a list of tenants that the liberal and conservative ideologies maintain on specific issues.Read MoreThe Bias Of The Media1317 Words   |  6 Pages There is no getting away from the fact that the media is biased it is just which side of the aisle that they are biased to that I believe is the main question that needs to be answered. The progressive liberal side screams bias whiles the conservative army also scream bias so is there really bias in the media. I will take a look at the mass media most specifically cable news and syndicated talk shows to prove the point that bias in the media is more a myth that the leaders of each side preachesRead MoreMedia Bias In The Media1474 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout America’s infantile years, the media solely consisted of the printing press, but as a result of industrialization, commercialization, and professionalization, it now extends into the world of technology, reaching far more Americans than ever before. Media can be defined as collective outlets for mass communication. In today’s society, massive amounts of media are consumed in a plethora of forms: newspapers, magazines, television, Internet, and social media. The 2007 U.S. Census Bureau s StatisticalRead MoreMedia Bias And The Media980 Words   |  4 PagesChurchill The â€Å"roots† of bias in the media date back to the nineteenth century, and criticism about bias partly reflects a controversial idea about what exactly is the media’s role and purpose. Newspapers and television alike are suppose to exist to relay objective, factual information gathered and communicated by journalists and reporters. By definition according to wikipedia, media bias is bias or perceived bias of journalists and news producers within the mass media in the selection of eventsRead MoreMedia Bias And The Media1042 Words   |  5 Pagesor the method for reporting them is termed as Media Bias. It is some of the time said that media tailor the news and as opposed to introducing the truths it shows different purposes of perspectives and sentiments. Media inclination is pervasive or broad and it defies the guidelines of news-casting. Media Bias is seen in just about all the nations on the planet and the bearing and level of its effect differs. Some of the time the impediments of media may likewise be translated as inclination. SuchRead MoreMedia Bias And The Media1365 Words   |  6 PagesMedia Bias In today’s society, remaining connected and knowledgeable of current events and the newest trends is vital to staying ahead in business, education, and social standing. This information is supplied to everyone through the internet, newspapers, television, and radio. One can tune into stations such as CNN, NBC, Fox News, Al-Jazeera, and many others (â€Å"SQs of Media Outlets†). In order to meet the needs of viewers, readers, and listeners, the ideal media system would contain accurate, quickRead MoreMedia Bias And The Media1353 Words   |  6 PagesMedia has been playing a significant role in our daily lives by developing our personalities, enriching our knowledge and providing us with different sorts of information. It has a tremendous power in framing cultural guidelines and shaping political dissertation. If the information provided to the U.S. citizens is distorted, then they cannot make informed decisions on the matters of public policy. Thus, it becomes vital to the American democracy that the news media and its institutions remain unbiasedRead MoreMedia Bias And The Media1531 Words   |  7 PagesPeople who perceive media bias will factor in the news source when they attempt to formulate opinions of ideological bias in the news content. This idea is called the hostile media phenomenon or hostile media effect. In a groundbreaking study in 1985, researchers, Vallone, Ross, and Lepper, postulated that when there is a controversial issue, a partisan is more likely to perceive bias against their viewpoint, even if the information is coming from an objective news source. The causes effects of theRead MoreMedia Bias And The Media1402 Words   |  6 PagesMedia has become an integral part of the lives of both Americans and people all around the world. It has its influences on different aspects of a person’s aspect on life. Many political analysts have looked at the influence of media on elections, especially as the media has become more p rominent in the world. With technology becoming more and more a n integral part of the daily life of a person, this subject will become that much more relevant. We live in a time where almost every person in the developingRead MoreMedia Bias2516 Words   |  11 Pagesthat plagues us everyday without us even realizing it is media bias. We see it in the news. We see it on our favorite sitcoms. We read it everyday in the paper. Yet, we really dont recognize it when we hear it or see it. Media bias is evident in every aspect of the media, yet the problem is that we dont even recognize it when it is right in front of our faces. Are the impressions that we form about individuals a product of the media? Do we form certain opinions about particular types of people