John Updikes a & P Is a Coming of Age Story Essay Example for Free

John Updikes a P Is a Coming of Age Story Essay John Updikes short story, A P is about a 19-year-old boy, Sammy, and his short but decisive transformation from a carefree teenager to a grown man with the consequences of his actions weighing heavy on him in the end. On an otherwise ordinary day, the course of Sammys life is changed by an out of the ordinary experience which challenges him and compels him to make a rash decision that is based on what he knows in his heart is right for him. Sammy tells the story as if it is just another day while the life-changing event unfolds in a manner of minutes. He gives insight about the town by giving short character descriptions that are revealing, not only of each character, but also of Sammys feelings about the town, the people in it, and his personal perspective on the life that he is living there. Although the character descriptions paint a negative picture, the negativity has more to do with Sammys thought of living in this town with these characters for much more of his young life. It is clear that Sammy is more than ready to move on, beyond where his life is now. Sammy offers few facts about himself other than that he is 19 and lives with his parents in a small, conservative, New England town. Sammy points out that the town is not far from the location of the Salem witch-hunts and burnings in centuries past. The elusion to Salem leaves an image of a lingering puritanical cloud over the town and its people. The story takes place in the A P grocery store in the heart of the downtown area where Sammy works as a checkout clerk. Sammys co-worker, Stokes, is 22 years old and married with two children. Stokes station in life represents a lifestyle that is not out of reach for Sammy, but certainly not the lifestyle that Sammy desires for his life although it is not clear even to Sammy what exactly the lifestyle that he desires is. Sammys boss, Mr. Lengel, who is a conservative and outspoken man, is a Sunday school teacher and the manager of the A P. Mr. Lengel is th e living image of everything that Sammy does not ever want to be. The customer that Sammy refers to as the cash-register-watchers and a witch (560) is a character that epitomizes Sammys disdain for the attitude of the usual customer that comes through his check out line on a daily basis, as well as the entire citizenry of his small hometown. The life-altering event begins to unfold in the very first line of the story. In walks these three girls in nothing but bathing suites (560). The very first characters who are introduced in the story are everything that is not acceptable in this ultra conservative town, although the three girls bring with them a burst of pure innocent sunshine. Everyone in the store gawks at the three girls as if they have never seen a girl in a bathing suit. The fact is that they probably had never seen a girl in a bathing suit anywhere other than a place to swim which emphasizes that this is an ultra conservative town with puritanical attitudes. Sammy and Stokes are very preoccupied with the sight of the girls and they enjoy every second of it. Mr. Lengle, who doesnt miss that much (563) is fully aware of the enjoyment that Sammy and Stokes are having. Mr. Lengle insults the girls by telling them that they are not decently dressed. In the girls minds, uncluttered by the collective oppressive attitude that is the norm in the store, they are decent and see nothing wrong with their appearance. At this point, Sammy feels embarrassment for the girls and at the same time realizes that he is part of their embarrassment, because he is a part of the collective puritanical attitude. He also realizes that this is a turning point for him. Sammy has arrived at a cross road in his young life and he realizes that if he is ever going to become what he sees for himself in his future, and if he is ever going to reach what he truly desires in his life, he must make a decision. He must decide to break free from the collective attitude or remain a part of it. Sammy makes the decision to break free from the puritanical and oppressive attitude of all of the generations before him. Sammy quits his job and he does it while the girls are still in the store hoping that the girls will take notice that he does not have the same attitude and moral judgment of them and that he does not condone it. He hopes that the girls will see him as their hero. As Sammy takes off his A P apron and bow tie, he is shedding the old puritanical views and attitudes. As he walks out of the store, he embraces his newfound freedom and coming of age, although he also realizes that his parents will not be pleased. Sammy has known for some time that this is what he would eventually do, and this was the day, because the three girls provided a good reason and the opportunity for Sammy to assert himself, to become his own person with his own perspective, values, morals, beliefs and attitudes. Works Cited Updike, John. A P. The Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature. Ed. Michael Meyer. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2009. 560-64.

Politics and Poverty Essay -- Essays on Politics

Politics and Poverty Today there is a split in American politics on how to combat poverty. Throughout history, how America combats poverty has changed depending on what party is running the government. There has been a number of different parties however, Republican, Democrat, The Bull Moose Party, and other various ones. However, these views can be put into two main categories: The Liberal ideology and the Conservative ideology. There are three areas, which have broad and differing views on how to combat poverty. Those three being, Welfare, Social Security, and Taxes. The following arguments present how those different perspectives affect the poverty issue in America today. Conservative Ideology Conservatives generally go with the perspective that less is more. Most would side with the argument that less government action is a better approach for society as a whole. Rather than promoting the idea of social equality, like the Liberal perspective, they promote social inequality. Most would like little government regulation and intervention of economy. Conservatives have the "big business" and "trickle down" theory, that even though the rich stay rich, their wealth will eventually reach the poor and poverty-stricken. Liberal Ideology Liberals usually have the perspective that the government should help the people much more than they do presently, with more programs such as welfare (etc.). Liberals generally agree that the government should intervene, regulate, and promote the economy and ensure fairness in society always. Government policies are indeed needed and necessary for citizens to fulfill their daily needs. Most also do agree with a "free-market" society, however, they stress the need for government policies. Welf... ...Radio Address on the Economy." Democratic National Committee. Raul Grijalva. 26 Oct. 2002. http://www.democrats.org/news/200210300002.html "Senate Republicans Back President's Welfare Reform Plan." United States Senate Republican Policy Committee. 18 June 2002. 8 Dec. 2002 <http://www.senate.gov/~rpc/releases/1999/wf061802.htm> "Highlights of the Libertarian Party's 'Ending the Welfare State' Proposal." Libertarian Party: The Party of Principle. 1994-2001. 8 Dec. 2002. <http://www.lp.org/issues/welfare.html> "Who Gets Welfare?" Feminist Majority Foundation. 1996. 8 Dec. 2002. <http://www.feminist.org/other/budget/welfare/welfare.htm> Rector, Robert. Implementing Welfare Reform and Restoring Marriage. "Liberal Views on the Issues." Liberal Politics: U.S. What you need to know about. 8 Dec. 2002. < http://usliberals.about.com/library/blisswelfare.htm>

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”

Education is important because to get further in life, people need to be educated.. In the play â€Å"Pygmalion† by George Bernard Shaw, education is the most important theme within the play. Education is the key to success because without being educated, you cannot get a job and live a fulfilling r life. Education is shown throughout the play when the theme is introduced, developed and concluded through the thoughts, actions and decisions of the characters. Bernard Shaw shares the important message that education is the key to success, in the play â€Å"Pygmalion† because it creates opportunity and the ability to improve.To begin, the theme is introduced when Eliza is not educated and when she is selling flowers in the streets of London to make money. Firstly, Eliza realizes that without an education, she has no power/ social status. This is evident when Eliza says, â€Å"†¦ What’s that? That aint proper writing. I can’t read that. † (Shaw 14) . This is significant because, she realizes that she can’t read and to get the respect she wants, she needs to be educated. Furthermore,, people judge her on her lack of speech. This is evident when Mr. , Higgins says, â€Å"I can (read that). Cheer up, Keptin; n’baw ya flahr orf a pore gel.† (Shaw 14).This is significant because Mr. Higgins is making fun of her speech and judges her based on her appearance and lack of good English. All in all, the play demonstrates the idea that an education opens doors to opportunities and, to be successful, people need a proper education. Furthermore, the theme is developed when Eliza receives an education from Mr. Higgins. For example, Eliza goes to Higgins house to receive an education. This becomes clear to the reader when Eliza emphasises, â€Å"†¦ I’m coming to have lessons, I am. And to pay for em t?-oo: make no mistake† (Shaw26).This shows that she understands that by receiving lessons/education to i mprove herself, she knows that her life will improve and she will be able to get the job and respect that she wants. . She fully expects that with an improved education, she is able to transform into a member of a higher social class. For instance, Eliza fails at the garden party and gives herself away. This apparent when Eliza notes, â€Å"But it’s my belief they done the old women in† (Shaw60). Here the reader sees that she gives herself away because she doesn’t use high society grammar and speech.She goes back to her bad grammar by saying â€Å"†¦they done the old†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Eliza goes back to her gutter grammar and does not use the proper grammar that Higgins taught her. She realizes that she has to listen and use the proper grammar to be able to be treated better. Overall, the theme of education develops when Eliza takes the initiative to change her life. The problem is that she changes herself to make other people happy instead of herself, and sh e loses her identity in the process. Moreover, the theme is concluded when Eliza gains an education and she is able to get a job.She realizes she has the power to do what she wants because her new found education has improved her life. This becomes clearer to the reader when Eliza remarks, â€Å"I’ll marry Freddy, I will, as soon as I’m able to support him† (Shaw 103). This tells us that Higgins doesn’t want her to marry Freddy but because she has an education, she has a right to fight for what she believes. By completing her education, she creates a middle class, where people can be educated and have a right to be educated.. Throughout her journey, Eliza realizes that happiness is found from within.This is apparent when Eliza says, â€Å"I’ll advertize it in the paper that your duchess is only a flower girl that you have taught† (Shaw104). From this, the reader can understand that Mr. Higgins won the bet and that it is possible for a poor g irl to get an education and become successful. Overall, this shows that education is the most vital theme and that education is the key to success. As a result, Eliza realizes that without an education, there is no happiness in life. Throughout the play, â€Å"Pygmalion† by Bernard Shaw, the author emphasises that education is the key to success.To be successful, one needs a good education and love for learning. With this, an individual will have a higher chance for getting a job. Education is emphasised when it is introduced, developed and concluded through the characters actions, thoughts and decisions. People who say that education is not important, have a lack of understanding of the power of education and will not go far in life. In contrast, people, who believe that education is important, will always go further in life because it opens doors and provides more opportunities that can better ones future.Overall, the play demonstrates the importance of having a strong iden tity in order to gain respect and become a valued member of society. . This is apparent when Terry Fox states, â€Å"Anything is possible if you try, dreams are made possible if you try†. ESSAY ROUGH COPY Name: Annie PendleburyTopic: Education Teacher: Ms. Hogeboom Audience: Anyone who is educated or not educated Course: ENG 1D1 Date: November 24 2011 Teach Him How to Fish, he Eats Forever Education is important because to get further in life, people you need to be educated. , to get a job and live properly.In the play â€Å"Pygmalion† by George Bernard Shaw, education is the most main themeimportant theme within the play. Education is the most important theme key to success because without beingan educateducatedion, you cannot get a job and live a fulfilling proper life. Education is shown throughout the play when the theme isit introduced, developed and concluded through the thoughts, actions and decisions of the characters. Bernard Shaw shares the important message that education is the ost important theme inkey to success, in the play â€Å"Pygmalion† because it creates opportunity and the ability to improve throughout the into, body and conclusion.To begin, the theme is introduced when Eliza is not educated and when when she is selling flowers in the streets of London to make money. Firstly, Eliza realizes that without an education, she has no power/ social status. This is evident when Eliza says, â€Å"†¦ What’s that? That aint proper writing. I can’t read that. † (Shaw, 14). This is significant because, she realizes that she can’t read and that to get the respect she wants, she needshas to be educated. Furthermore,Lastly, people judge her on her lack of speech. This is evident when Mr. , Higgins says, â€Å"I can (read that).. Cheer up, Keptin; n’baw ya flahr orf a pore gel. † (Shaw, 14). This is significant because Mr. Higgins is making fun of her speech and judges her based on her app earance and lack of good English. All in all, the play demonstrates the idea that an education opens doors too many pathsto opportunities and ,and, to be successful, people need a proper education. education is key to success. Furthermore, the theme is developed when. Eliza is receivingreceives an education from Mr. Higgins. For example, Eliza goes to Higgins house to receive an education.This becomes clear to the reader when Eliza emphasises, that â€Å"†¦ I’m coming to have lessons, I am. And to pay for em t?-oo: make no mistake† (Shaw, 26). This shows that she understands that by receiving lessons/education to improve herself, she knows that her life will improve and she will be able to get the job and respect that she wants. will be for her benefit. She fully expects that she will be able to pay for these lessons and that with anthe improved education, she is able to transform into a member of she will be higher ina higher social class.For instance, Eliza fail s at the garden party and gives herself away. This apparent when Eliza notes, â€Å"But it’s my belief they done the old women in† (Shaw, 60). Here the reader we sees that she gives herself away because she doesn’t use high society grammar and speech. She goes back to her bad grammar by saying â€Å"†¦they done the old†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Eliza goes back to her gutter grammar and does not use the proper grammar that Higgins taught her. She realizes that she has to listen and use the proper grammar to be able to be treated better. Overall, education is developed throughout the character thoughts, actions and decisions.the theme of education develops when Eliza takes the initiative to change her life. The problem is that she changes herself to make other people happy instead of herself, and she loses her identity in the process. Moreover, the theme is concluded when†¦ Eliza has angains an education and she is able to get a job shejob. She realizes she has th e power to do whatever she wants when she has educationwhat she wants because her new found education has improved her life. This becomes clearer to the reader when Eliza remarks, â€Å"I’ll marry Freddy, I will, as soon as I’m able to support him† (Shaw, 103).This tells us that Higgins doesn’t want her to marry Freddy but since because she has an education, she has a right to fight for what she believes. By completing her education, do what she wants to do. Sshe creates a middle class, where people can have an educationbe educated and have a right to be educated.. Throughout her journey, Eliza realizes that Hhappiness is found from within. This is apparent when Eliza says, â€Å"I’ll advertize it in the paper that your duchess is only a flower girl that you have taught† (Shaw, 104).From this, the reader can understand that Mr.  Higgins won the bet and that it is possible for a poor girl to get an education and become successful. Overall, this shows that education is the most vital theme and that education is the key to success. and is the key to success. As a result, Eliza realizes that without an education, there is no happiness in life. Throughout the play, â€Å"Pygmalion† by Bernard Shaw, the author emphasises that education is the key to success. To be successful you need ana good education and a love for learning BECAUSE. Education is emphasiseds when it is introduced, developed and concluded. concluded through the characters actions, thoughts and decisions.People who say that education is not important bad, have no expectationsa lack of understanding of the power of education and will not go far in life. In contrast, People, who believe that education is importantgood, will always go further in life BECCAUSE. Overall, the play demonstrates the importance of having a strong identity in order to gain respect and become a valued member of society. So if ones believe, he can achieve. This is apparent when Terry Fox states, â€Å"Anything is possible if you try, dreams are made possible if you try†.ESSAY OUTLINE Name: Annie PendleburyTopic: Education Teacher: Ms.  Hogeboom Audience: Anyone who is educated or not educated Course: ENG 1D1 Date: November 24 2011 Engaging Title: Teach Him How to Fish, he Eats Forever INTRO Topic sentence: Education is important because to get further in life, you need to be educated, to get a job and life properly. Harness: In the play â€Å"Pygmalion† by George Bernard Shaw, education is the main theme. Thesis: Education is the most important theme because without an education, you cannot get a job and live a proper life. Arguments: Education is shown throughout the play when it introduced, developed and concluded through the thoughts, actions and decisions of the characters.Concluding sentence: Bernard Shaw shares that education is the most important theme in the play Pygmalion throughout the into, body and conclusion. Body: Number 1 TRA NSITION: Topic sentence: To begin, the theme is introduced when†¦ Eliza is not educated and she is selling flowers in the streets of London to make money. Point: Firstly, Eliza realizes that without an education, she has no power/ social status. Quotation: â€Å"†¦ What’s that? That aint proper writing. I can’t read that. † (Shaw,14). Significance: This is significant because, she realizes that she can’t read and that to get the respect she wants, she has to be educated.Point: Lastly, people judge her on her lack of speech. Quotation: â€Å"I can. Cheer up, Keptin; n’baw ya flahr orf a pore gel. † (Shaw,14). Significance: This is significant because Mr. Higgins is making fun of her speech and judges her based on her appearance and lack of good English. Concluding sentence: All in all, an education opens doors too many paths and , education is key to success. Body: Number 2 TRANSITION: Topic sentence: Furthermore, the theme is devel oped when†¦ Eliza is receiving an education Point: For example, Eliza goes to Higgins house to receive an education Quotation: â€Å"†¦ I’m coming to have lessons, I am.And to pay for em t?-oo: make no mistake†( Shaw, 26). Significance: This shows that she understands that by receiving lessons/education to improve herself will be for her benefit. She fully expects that she will be able to pay for these lessons and that with the improved education she will be higher in social class. Point: for instance, Eliza fails at the garden party and gives herself away Quotation: â€Å"But it’s my belief they done the old women in† (Shaw, 60).Significance: This is significant because she gives herself away because she doesn’t use high society grammar and speech. Concluding sentence: Overall, education is developed throughout the character thoughts, actions and decisions. Body: Number 3 Transition: Topic sentence: Moreover, the theme is concluded whenà ¢â‚¬ ¦ Eliza has an education and she is able to get a job Point: She realizes she has the power to do whatever she wants when she has education Quotation: â€Å"I’ll marry Freddy, I will, as soon as I’m able to support him† (Shaw, 103).Significance: This significant because Higgins doesn’t want her to marry Freddy but since she has an education she has a word in what she wants to do. Point: She creates middle class, where people can have an education. Happiness is found from with in Quotation: â€Å"I’ll advertize it in the paper that your duchess is only a flower girl that you have taught† (Shaw, 104). Significance: This shows that she is saying that Concluding sentence: Overall, this shows that education is the most vital theme and is the key to success.ConclusionTransition: As a result, Eliza realizes that without an education, there is no happiness in life. Thesis: Throughout the play â€Å"Pygmalion† by Bernard Shaw, the author emphasises that education is the key to success. Arguments: To be successful you need an education. Education is emphasises when it is introduced, developed and concluded. Final thought: People who say that education is bad, have no expectations and will not go far in life. People, who believe that education is good, will always go further in life. So if ones believes, he can achieve.

An Unjust Society For Equality A New Way Of Ruling Essay

Natalie Wojtaszek Wojtaszek 1 Mr. Martin World History 24 November 2014 From an Unjust Society to Equality: A New Way of Ruling A few hundred years ago, monarchies were the most traditional way to run a government. Throughout Europe, rulers rose to their power with nothing but their â€Å"divine† birthright. European men and women were subjected to the whims of kings and queens and forced to obey their policies by primarily using fear tactics. Frequently, the decisions made by rulers were detrimental to the people and did not promote their freedoms or rights, and the system of government in place did not allow for political discussion and dissent. For this reason, many philosophers of the time began to explore the true role of government and what the best form of government would be if it is to protect basic human rights. This time period is defined as the enlightenment, and it encompasses a new wave of ideologies that attempt to define basic human rights and the natural human state, as well as promote new political and social structures that bett er reflect these needs. Philosophers of the enlightenment provided new ideologies of what basic human rights were considered to be, and, as a result, new political and social structures were proposed and implemented across Europe and America, leading to the democratic governance we employ in America today. Prior to the ideas put forth by philosophers of the enlightenment, people in Europe believed that the human state ofShow MoreRelatedVisions Of Reforms And Reformation1488 Words   |  6 Pageshumanity, but defined that humanity, the means of achieving that humanity, and their general worldview in different ways. Wollstonecraft sought progress by reforming private life virtues through voluntary education and action. She wanted to change the hearts and minds of the people, while Marx sought progress through direct means -- political upheaval and reformation of government, society, and currency through the armed uprising of the worker. Their similarities and differences can segregat ed into threeRead MoreThe Civil Disobedience Of African Americans1369 Words   |  6 PagesThe history of African-Americans has come a long way through the years. They were first imported as slaves as property to do hard labor for their owners. With no freedom, they were forced to obey orders until a revolution appeared. It took a civil war to finally free blacks and to give them the right to be citizens of the country. It was then that the chains of slavery were finally broken, but the chain of discrimination still existed. Under racial segregation, colored people were not allowed toRead MoreSupreme Court Rulings : Three Beneficial Cases1541 Words   |  7 PagesCourt Rulings: Three Beneficial Cases Injustice is a concept that can be defined as the violation of the rights of others, or the unfair action or treatment of an individual. Society in particular sees unjust actions all the time, and most people would even go as far as describing society as biased. Sometimes, there are specific instances that occur that can teach society as a whole a lesson of righteousness and justice; and in this case, these instances are landmark Supreme Court rulings. TheRead MoreAnimal Farm Corruption Essay1379 Words   |  6 Pagesthrough the viewpoint of a revolution of farm animals against the owner of the farm. The revolution gives way to the pigs seizing a position of power on the farm. The pigs cement their claim to power through manipulating the other animals with force and their superior intellect. The pigs create an ideology for the animals on the farm to follow, and it begins as a message speaking of equality for all. Their power is eventually corrupted as they twist these ideals to further their agenda and make theRead MoreA Wise Man Once Proclaimed1559 Words   |  7 Pagesmorality and objectivity. Similarly, the perceived lack of legitimacy in a system and its officials will also affect the public’s compliance with the law and result in disobedience. Born into a society regulated by legal authorities, men tend to take for granted the importance of laws and the legal system to society. Fortunately, the nature of life without laws is unbeknownst to men, aside from by mere theory. Thomas Hobbes, for instance, in his book Leviathan (1651) argues that in the â€Å"state of natureRead MoreCompare and Contrast the Functionalist and Marxist views on the Family1508 Words   |  7 PagesFunctionalists argue that societies consist of inter-related social institutions such as schools, mass media, political systems, the Church and the family each of which contribute positively to the maintenance of stability of society as a whole. Broadly speaking it is assumed by functionalists that societies operate in the interests of all of their members so that there is no reason for fundamental conflict in society. Instead there is a high degree of consensus that societies are organised efficientlyRead MoreAnalysis Of The Novel Chesnutt Uses Mixed Ra ce Characters 1675 Words   |  7 PagesIn the novel, Chesnutt uses mixed race characters, which have both black and white ancestors and these characters display the conflicts between black and white societies. Within the novel, Janet Miller is the best example of a mixed race character. Janet’s father was from the white aristocracy, while her mother was a slave and a servant. Janet is emotionally hurt because she doesn t receive the same affection like white half-sister. She views herself as black and submits to the segregation of theRead MorePositive and Negative Impacts of the Sixties Counterculture1532 Words   |  7 Pageschildren possess. They feel that with a little love and conectedness, peace and equality will abound. It is with this assumption that so many activists and reformers, inspired by the transformation that hippies cultivated, have found the will to persist in revolutionizing social and political policy. Their alternative lifestyles and radical beleifs we re the shocking blow that American culture-- segregation, McCarthyism, unjust wars, censorship--needed to prove that some Americans still had the commonRead MoreThe Discrimination Of African Americans880 Words   |  4 PagesWithin any society there will be discrimination whether someone is discriminated by his or her race, gender or sexual orientation. One of the most infamous types of discrimination is towards African Americans. From the birth of the United States to today’s society there has been discrimination towards African Americans. From schools to homes there has been discrimination. Although the racism is nowhere near as harsh today as it used to be it is still around. When the United States was first createdRead MoreSociological Criticism of William Blake’s Poetry Essay1506 Words   |  7 Pagescapitalists. Blake’s ideology and preference towards an equalitarian society quite closely mirror the theories of Karl Marx. Analyzing Blake’s poetry from a Marxist perspective paints a clearer picture of the motives behind Blake’s anger towards social inequality. Poems such as â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† and â€Å"London† from his poetry collections Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience illustrate Blake’s despair regarding the unjust and unequal society of 18th century England. In â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper,† Blake expresses