Grapes Of Wrath :: essays research papers

Released from an Oklahoma state prison after serving four years of a manslaughter conviction, Tom Joad makes his way back to his family’s farm amid the desolation of the Dust Bowl. He meets Jim Casy, a former preacher who gave up his calling out of a belief that all life is holy, and that simply being among the people as an equal is a sacred endeavor. Jim accompanies Tom to his home; when they find it deserted, fronted by withered crops, they travel to Tom’s Uncle John’s house, where they find the Joads preparing for a long trip to California in search of work. Large California landowners have poster announcement for employment throughout western Oklahoma, and Ma and Pa Joad have decided to move their family their; evicted from their farm by the bank that owned it, they feel as though they have no choice.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The journey to California in a rickety used truck is long and arduous, and results in the deaths of both Tom’s grandparents. Traveling along Highway 66, which is clogged with cars making the same trip to California for the same reasons, the Joads meet the Wilsons, a couple plagued with car trouble whom Ma Joad invites to travel with the family. Sairy Wilson is sick with cancer, and, near the California border, is unable to continue on the journey.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As the Joads near California, they hear ominous rumors of overcrowded camps and an overflowing labor market; one migrant tells Pa Joad that twenty thousand people show up for every eight hundred jobs, and that his own children starved to death in California. But the Joads press on, and eventually reach their destination. They move from camp to camp to squalid camp, looking in vain for work, struggling to find food, and struggling to hold the family together. Tom’s younger sister Rose of Sharon is pregnant and fearful that her child will be born deformed or even dead; eventually, her husband Connie abandons the family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The environment in California is hostile in the extreme: the camps are overcrowded and full of starving migrants, the locals are fearful and angry at the flood of newcomers, whom they derisively label â€Å"Oakies,† prices are skyrocketing and work is almost impossible to find; when there is work, it never pays enough to keep food on the table. The large landowners do everything in their power to keep the migrants as poor and dependent as they can.

Analysis of the Nature and Culture Division

The advances in the understanding of nature in terms of scientific knowledge has been tremendous especially since the mid-1950’s with the discovery of the DNA structure, which precipitated more advances in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry.   However, in the end of the 20th century until now, our modern society has seen more and more debates about how nature has been altered and/or destroyed by our progress in technology, in particular biotechnology.Yet, one may wonder if the debate over technological progress affecting nature or more specifically, natural laws that govern our existence, does reflect a cultural bias in the general comprehension of technological progress in our society.   Consequently, three questions may be asked to completely analyze the problem.   First, is there a nature/culture problem to be discussed?   Second, if there is, how has it affected our global society with respect to a cultural shift caused by particular developments in scie nce and technology and when?   If there is a global effect, is there a tangible effect on our personal life?   This paper will deal with each of these questions.The amazing characteristics that humans possess, is to learn from previous generations, to improve upon their work, and to establish a momentum to human life and culture that has taken our civilization from cave art to quantum physics, and into the space age.   In addition, other scientific advances bring about technological progress in our direct environment and society, more so than being in space.   Even more so has biotechnology been altering the nature of our humanity, not only in terms of ‘programmed’ physical changes based on scientific discoveries, but also in terms of environmental changes.Unfortunately, people’s understanding of what science is capable of either to benefit our society or destroy it, has been undermined since the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century.   How do we kn ow that?   Simply consider the history of our society until now with the debate over cloning and stem-cell research that have come under fire in our western part of the world.   In both cases, a further division has taken place within the world scientific community.   Some countries allow the research whereas others do not.   Consequently, what can we draw from this chiasm, is it due to a cultural difference?   If it is, then do we really understand what the meaning of culture is?   If we do, can we reconcile differences?Raymond Williams tells us that there is a great difficulty in even defining the concept of culture. (Williams, ) Is it a division of the whole into parts (the individual) like Latour claims or a whole global entity like Tarde thinks? (Latour, Social in Question)   Furthermore, Williams is not even sure himself of what nature really means.   On page 78, he does tell us that there is a general confusion or disparity of what different people mean by nat ure.   Is it either the nature of man (biology), the natural nature of our environment, or both?   Latour seems to agree with Williams that there is a problem of defining the context of nature and culture.   Latour uses the illustration of one simple event like using an aerosol can after which people are taken on a journey to Antarctica, to touring scientific labs across the world, and the chemistry of inert gases. (p. 2 Crisis) (Latour, )This implies that the complexity of the division is based not only on the science of the natural environment, but also first on how people are affected by the effects of the ozone problem, and second how different people or the world as a single cultural phenomenon perceive the problem.   The conclusion is that the division exists but its very existence is very confusing to any person from any part of the world or the whole world, perhaps minus the scientists.   Rabinow’s expose supports this idea of confusion when she claims using Michel Foucault’s and Gilles Deleuze’s arguments that there has been a shift caused by this division, particularly on how we as a species comprehend ourselves and our environment.   Specifically, on p. 91, she states:â€Å"In the modern form, finitude establishes a field of life, labor, and language  within which Man appears as a distinctive being who is both the subject and object of his own understanding, but an understanding that is never complete because of its very structure.† (Rabinow, )Toxen is convinced that this magnitude of this shift has actually been more like a revolution with respect to science and technology in our society. (Toxen, 1983) On p.1, he emphasizes that there is a total reshaping of â€Å"industries, companies, universities, and laboratories to sustain the present mode of production.†Ã‚   He adds that the cause of this shift seems to be linked to a push for biotechnological advances, especially in our time (he wrote this art icle in 1983).So, how do this shift and the nature/culture division affect our own existence?   Callon speaks of auto engineers in France becoming sociologists in order to manufacture the first electric car.   As a consequence, engineers define what society will be like and how it will be changed because of the introduction of such a new mode of transportation.   Their resulting conclusions motivate their work while reshaping our ideas or shall we say our cultural acceptance. (Callon, )   In the same vein, biotechnology has been hailed as the only way to remedy problems that our society faces.   For example, Lappe and Collins cite the example of how biotechnology is supposed to solve world hunger but people are starving more than ever. (Lappe-Collins, )An illustration of this idea is cited by Pollan with Monsanto genetically engineering a bug-killer potato that may be hazardous to our health so we would not be able to eat it anyway! (Pollan, ).   In the context of ecolog y, Schwartz and Thompson speak of â€Å"Nature benign gives us global equilibrium.† (Schwartz, Thompson, 1990) This idea implies that science and technology cannot help the way that is propounded.   The reason is simple: there is not enough comprehension of us as individuals and as a civilization (culture) to solve the mostly self-inflicted obstacles encountered with our nature as a species as well as our environment (nature).In conclusion, there is a real doubt whether science and technology can help our society.   Since there is a fuzzy picture of how we understand the division between culture and nature, science and technology cannot claim that they understand what shapes our society for the better while they certainly do not understand how they can shape society for the worst.ReferencesCallon, ?. (Year?). Engineers as sociologists. Publication? 210- 216.Lappe, ?, Collins, ?. (Year?). World hunger: twelve myths.   Publication? 48-66.Latour, B. Joyce, P. (editor). (Ye ar?). The social in question. New bearings on history and the Social Sciences. London: Routledge.   (year?). Crisis. Publication? 2-12.Pollan, M. (date and year?). Playing God in my garden. The New York Times. 1-12.Rabinow, P. (Year?) Artificiality and enlightenment: from sociobiology to biosociality. Publication? 91-110.Schwartz, M., Thompson, M. (1990). Divided we stand: redefining politics, technology, and social choice.   London: Harvester & Wheatsheaf.Toxen, L. (1983). The life industry in gene business: who should control biotechnology? London: Association Books.Williams, R. (Year?). Title? Publication? 68-84.

Symbolism in Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Gonzalo Barril Merino 3EMC Lord of the Flies Essay Describe the use of symbolism in Lord of the Flies By understanding symbols, you get a better picture of the novel â€Å"Lord of the Flies† and the hidden messages and references to human nature and a criticism of society. The author, William Golding, uses a huge amount of symbolism to reflect society of the outer world with the island. Symbols of fire, the conch and water are described all throughout the novel. Fire represents hope, strength and knowledge, but it also represents disorder and destruction, switching from good and useful to evil and uncontrollable. The conch, a precious shining pink shell, found by Piggy, rescued by Ralph, and later given to Piggy to hold, represents†¦show more content†¦Rain generates tension and also influences the kids to take bad decisions and act by their instincts. Ralph dislikes rain; he stated he didn’t like clouds, because it reminded him of the day the landed on the island. Rain is a symbol of tension and discomfort, because kids feel strange when the rain falls of they’re reminded of it, for example, in the second chapter, when Piggy shouts to the kids because they ran straight to make the fire instead of thinking in shelters. Finally, during Simon’s death scene, waterfalls of rain descended from the clouds, generating even more tension. This tension generated Simon’s death, and the kids negating they participated. Symbols are necessary to understand Lord of the Flies, because the author makes a complex description of society and human nature, reflecting it in symbols and characters. The conch represents democracy, and the civilized part of human nature; the fire represents power and destruction, and the savage part of human nature; and finally water, that represents an intermediate state. Personally, Lord of the flies is a novel I wouldn’t have understood completely if it weren’t for the classes dedicated to analyze the book and it secret meanings and messages. I would just have read it as a common book, without analyzing how society isShow MoreRelatedSymbolism And Symbolism In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding892 Words   |  4 Pageswhole story. Throughout the novel, author William Golding includes symbolism that hints at irony, foreshadowing, and a variety of themes. These symbols contribute to the depth and meaning of the story, allowing the characters to act under their influence. In Lord of the Flies, there is a numerous amount of symbols, such as the signal fire, the conch, and the ritual. The signal fire possesses many symbolic meanings essential to the story, Lord of the Flies. In the beginning of the novel, Ralph startedRead MoreSymbolism in Lord of the Flies by William Golding1159 Words   |  5 PagesGonzalo Barril Merino 3EMC Lord of the Flies Essay Describe the use of symbolism in Lord of the Flies By understanding symbols, you get a better picture of the novel â€Å"Lord of the Flies† and the hidden messages and references to human nature and a criticism of society. The author, William Golding, uses a huge amount of symbolism to reflect society of the outer world with the island. Symbols of fire, the conch and water are described all throughout the novel. Fire represents hope, strengthRead MoreSymbolism In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding743 Words   |  3 Pages Symbolism in novels incorporate factors into the story which are understood but unstated. In the Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses symbolism to express the sanity and emotions of the boys stranded on the island. The boys used fire to cook and as a signal for any ships at sea in an attempt for rescue. The fire’s diverse intensities exemplify the authority Ralph or Jack hold over the boys which affects the group’s overall conscience. When the fire is kept at a constant level, Ralph and JackRead MoreEssay on Symbolism in Lord of the Flies, by William Golding912 Words   |  4 PagesSymbolism in Lord of the Flies, by William Golding In his classic novel, Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses many elements of symbolism to help the readers gain a greater understanding of his message. Symbolism can be anything, a person, place, or thing, used to portray something beyond its self. It is used to represent or foreshadow the conclusion of the story. As one reads this novel, he or she will begin to recognize the way basic civilization is slowly stripped away from the boys as conflictRead MoreThe Use of Symbolism in The Lord of the Flies by William Golding1943 Words   |  8 PagesThe Use of Symbolism in The Lord of the Flies by William Golding A symbol is something concrete that represents another thing or idea. In Lord Of The Flies a lot of things we encounter are given symbolic meaning by the way the author William Golding uses them. The book it’s self is named after a symbol, the words â€Å"Lord Of The Flies† translated means â€Å"Beelzebub† which is another word for â€Å"the devil† the book was named after the devil because evil has a large influenceRead MoreSymbolism Analysis Of Lord Of The Flies By William Golding2013 Words   |  9 Pages Symbolism Analysis of Lord of the Flies â€Å"Lord of the Flies† is a novel written by William Golding which shows the reader dark situations throughout the play of the book. In this novel, boys are completely isolated from civilization and rules. The theme portrays ‘civilization vs savagery’, questioning if civilization fade away without the positive views of rules. Lord of the Flies gives the reader an idea of how humanity’s form can shape throughout different life threatening situations. GoldingRead MoreThe Symbolism of the Conch Shell in Lord of the Flies by William Golding1086 Words   |  5 PagesThe Symbolism of the Conch In Lord of the Flies, several symbols are used to illustrate important ideas that are crucial to the plot and meaning of the book. One of these symbols is the conch: this rare shell is not only a precious and expensive in the world of merchandise; it also holds a dark and mysterious power over a group of English boys, lost on an island with no adults, clues, or means of escape. The boys set up a civilization and try to live in the society they have set up. This systemRead MoreThe Symbolism of Masks in Lord of the Flies by William Golding848 Words   |  4 Pagessomehow the human fascination of applying them to their face makes them seem all the more fun, and interesting. This newfound interest could even leak through to the mind beneath, giving way to a whole new person. In his 1954 novel, Lord of the Flies, William Golding illustrated this idea in a way that captured the hearts of many and led the story to fame, concocting a reality that had since resided only in the nightmares of children. Inventing a world in which masks of paint were not a fun thingRead MoreSymbolism Of Fire In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding983 Words   |  4 Pagesmost rational of the group, and Ralph, the leader of all the kids, fire and a pair of bifocals are solely used for survival. Jack on the other hand, who is the leader of the savages, uses fire to harm and control others around him. Lord of the Flies by William Golding acquires an elaborate way to develop deeper meanings of each of the symbols especially fire and Piggy’s glasses. The symbolic meaning of fire is demonstrated throughout the book in many different fashions but mainly it is portrayedRead MoreUnderstood Objects of Symbolism in the Novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding716 Words   |  3 PagesIn every novel, an object may represent something other than what it actually is. Lord of the Flies of by William Golding has several of these objects in it. An explanation for what objects hold symbolic meaning is would be like how snow may represent delight and happiness for a child. These objects also add side stories and add detail to the novel. Three objects that hold immense symbolic meaning in Lord of the Flies are the beast, the conch, and the signal fire. To begin with, one object that Symbolism in Lord of the Flies by William Golding Gonzalo Barril Merino 3EMC Lord of the Flies Essay Describe the use of symbolism in Lord of the Flies By understanding symbols, you get a better picture of the novel â€Å"Lord of the Flies† and the hidden messages and references to human nature and a criticism of society. The author, William Golding, uses a huge amount of symbolism to reflect society of the outer world with the island. Symbols of fire, the conch and water are described all throughout the novel. Fire represents hope, strength and knowledge, but it also represents disorder and destruction, switching from good and useful to evil and uncontrollable. The conch, a precious shining pink shell, found by Piggy, rescued by Ralph, and later given to Piggy to hold, represents†¦show more content†¦The fire goes out in chapter eight, the same chapter when Jack leaves the group to form his own tribe. By loosing fire, they lost hope and unity, because Jack leaves and many kids go with him. The fire is stolen from Ralph’s group by Jack. The use of fire is forgotten in chapter ten, â€Å"The Shell and the Glasses†. With Simon dead, Ralph and Samneric can’t remember the use of fire anymore, and they doubt its effectiveness. Piggy reminds them that the smoke produces hope, hope to be rescued soon. In the end of the novel, fire turns to a weapon that burns and destroys anything it touches. Jack sets the whole island on fire to kill Ralph. Fire, starting as a symbol of hope, knowledge and civilization, changes to a tribal weapon for destruction, uncontrollable; and switches once again to hope, when the sailor rescues the kids. The conch, found by Piggy, retrieved by Ralph, and hold by Piggy, is a symbol of democracy, civilization and reunion. Ralph blows it at the beginning of the book, and all the kids that survived the accident ran towards the sound and were reunited. The conch represents democracy, since chapter two till chapter eleven, when it is destroyed with Piggy. Wherever Piggy goes, he takes the conch with him, â€Å"†¦the talisman, the fragile, shining beauty of the shell.† (Chapter 11). The conch will be given to anyone that wishes to speak during an assembly. The conch is an object to get silence. The conch has power, and remindsShow MoreRelatedSymbolism And Symbolism In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding892 Words   |  4 Pageswhole story. Throughout the novel, author William Golding includes symbolism that hints at irony, foreshadowing, and a variety of themes. These symbols contribute to the depth and meaning of the story, allowing the characters to act under their influence. In Lord of the Flies, there is a numerous amount of symbols, such as the signal fire, the conch, and the ritual. The signal fire possesses many symbolic meanings essential to the story, Lord of the Flies. In the beginning of the novel, Ralph startedRead MoreSymbolism in Lord of the Flies by William Golding1153 Words   |  5 PagesGonzalo Barril Merino 3EMC Lord of the Flies Essay Describe the use of symbolism in Lord of the Flies By understanding symbols, you get a better picture of the novel â€Å"Lord of the Flies† and the hidden messages and references to human nature and a criticism of society. The author, William Golding, uses a huge amount of symbolism to reflect society of the outer world with the island. Symbols of fire, the conch and water are described all throughout the novel. Fire represents hope, strength and knowledgeRead MoreSymbolism In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding743 Words   |  3 Pages Symbolism in novels incorporate factors into the story which are understood but unstated. In the Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses symbolism to express the sanity and emotions of the boys stranded on the island. The boys used fire to cook and as a signal for any ships at sea in an attempt for rescue. The fire’s diverse intensities exemplify the authority Ralph or Jack hold over the boys which affects the group’s overall conscience. When the fire is kept at a constant level, Ralph and JackRead MoreEssay on Symbolism in Lord of the Flies, by William Golding912 Words   |  4 PagesSymbolism in Lord of the Flies, by William Golding In his classic novel, Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses many elements of symbolism to help the readers gain a greater understanding of his message. Symbolism can be anything, a person, place, or thing, used to portray something beyond its self. It is used to represent or foreshadow the conclusion of the story. As one reads this novel, he or she will begin to recognize the way basic civilization is slowly stripped away from the boys as conflictRead MoreThe Use of Symbolism in The Lord of the Flies by William Golding1943 Words   |  8 PagesThe Use of Symbolism in The Lord of the Flies by William Golding A symbol is something concrete that represents another thing or idea. In Lord Of The Flies a lot of things we encounter are given symbolic meaning by the way the author William Golding uses them. The book it’s self is named after a symbol, the words â€Å"Lord Of The Flies† translated means â€Å"Beelzebub† which is another word for â€Å"the devil† the book was named after the devil because evil has a large influenceRead MoreSymbolism Analysis Of Lord Of The Flies By William Golding2013 Words   |  9 Pages Symbolism Analysis of Lord of the Flies â€Å"Lord of the Flies† is a novel written by William Golding which shows the reader dark situations throughout the play of the book. In this novel, boys are completely isolated from civilization and rules. The theme portrays ‘civilization vs savagery’, questioning if civilization fade away without the positive views of rules. Lord of the Flies gives the reader an idea of how humanity’s form can shape throughout different life threatening situations. GoldingRead MoreThe Symbolism of the Conch Shell in Lord of the Flies by William Golding1086 Words   |  5 PagesThe Symbolism of the Conch In Lord of the Flies, several symbols are used to illustrate important ideas that are crucial to the plot and meaning of the book. One of these symbols is the conch: this rare shell is not only a precious and expensive in the world of merchandise; it also holds a dark and mysterious power over a group of English boys, lost on an island with no adults, clues, or means of escape. The boys set up a civilization and try to live in the society they have set up. This systemRead MoreThe Symbolism of Masks in Lord of the Flies by William Golding848 Words   |  4 Pagessomehow the human fascination of applying them to their face makes them seem all the more fun, and interesting. This newfound interest could even leak through to the mind beneath, giving way to a whole new person. In his 1954 novel, Lord of the Flies, William Golding illustrated this idea in a way that captured the hearts of many and led the story to fame, concocting a reality that had since resided only in the nightmares of children. Inventing a world in which masks of paint were not a fun thingRead MoreSymbolism Of Fire In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding983 Words   |  4 Pagesmost rational of the group, and Ralph, the leader of all the kids, fire and a pair of bifocals are solely used for survival. Jack on the other hand, who is the leader of the savages, uses fire to harm and control others around him. Lord of the Flies by William Golding acquires an elaborate way to develop deeper meanings of each of the symbols especially fire and Piggy’s glasses. The symbolic meaning of fire is demonstrated throughout the book in many different fashions but mainly it is portrayedRead MoreUnderstood Objects of Symbolism in the Novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding716 Words   |  3 PagesIn every novel, an object may represent something other than what it actually is. Lord of the Flies of by William Golding has several of these objects in it. An explanation for what objects hold symbolic meaning is would be like how snow may represent delight and happiness for a child. These objects also add side stories and add detail to the novel. Three objects that hold immense symbolic meaning in Lord of the Flies are the beast, the conch, and the signal fire. To begin with, one object that