Rquiem por un campesino espaol Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Rquiem por un campesino espaol - Essay Example With his portrayal of the novel's two main characters Senders clearly shows us that while society does have a substantial role in influencing how we choose to live our lives, there are certain human traits that are inherent from birth. While the novel's characters are clearly symbolic of various social archetypes in Spain at the time, a novel of purely social critique could not reach the depths of human behaviour as this novel does, most specifically as the novel's two main characters, Msen Milln and Paco el del Molino, do. 'Rquiem por un campesino espaol' is in part a reflection of experiences lived by Senders during childhood and young adulthood in Spain. On various opportunities the novelist claimed that he was greatly affected by a visit in childhood to a cave much like the one in the novel (Mgica, E, p. 2). Senders was as captivated by historical influences as human existence and he claimed that, "'Lo que hay que hacer [. . .] no es actuar como hombres de una clase social sino como ser humano elemental y genrico.'" (qtd in Ramn J. Sender novelista y crtico 1901-1982) Which leads us to conclude that, "a Sender le interesaba un proceso de inversin metafsica a travs del cual subrayaba las fuerzas elementales que subyacen en las acciones humanas." (Ramn J. Sender novelista y crtico 1901-1982) It is important to note that this small masterpiece is not written in the heat of the moment but rather some fifteen years later. This would provide time enough for Senders to think on the terrible moments he passed during the civil war, including the executions without trial of his wife and his brother. While Senders was in exile he claimed that he would not return to Spain until all of his works were published, a promise he made good upon. When he did return to Spain he surprised the anxious Spanish populace and his admirers "por su anticomunismo, su defense del 'american way of life', su autodefinicion como anarquista cristiano y su rechazo a pronunciarse sobre la situacion poltica espaol." (Betriu, F 2001) Social Structure in Spain Set in early twentieth century Spain 'Rquiem por un campesino espaol' is a testimony of the process leading up to the advent of the Second Republic and subsequently the Spanish revolution. It is a time when the semi feudal practice of los bienes de seorio are still firmly entrenched and Paco el del Molino is fated to enter into a struggle for the land with a duke he has never seen and will never see. "Vamos a sacar la hierba al duque (p. 18)." This proclamation sums up the plot of Sender's most acclaimed work. Here we see the struggle between two sectors of society, those who wished for change in Spain and those conservative elements of society who greatly feared change, most specifically with regard to agrarian reform. In Sender's novel we see a Spain dominated by the old order and great inequalities. The rise to power of the Republicans would result in the short-lived redistribution of lands and rebellion against practices that dated back to medieval times. It is a time when Paco optimistically claims, "parece que a los duques les ha llegado su San Martin (p. 19)." Yet, Paco's optimism soon finds its end when the landholding class, the church and the military unite alongside the rise in facism. Probably the scene that best represents the deep social divisions takes place during Paco's wedding. In the midst of festivity and under the

Significance of Pericles Death Essay -- Ancient Greece Greek History

Significance of Pericles' Death The death of Pericles was a significant event in the course of the Peloponnesian War; however, even without Pericles' leadership the Athenian Assembly had countless opportunities to prevent their loss and chose not to take them. The fickleness and inefficiency of democracy ('the mob') allowed the Athenians to be easily influenced and therefore electing populists such as Cleon, Lysicles and Hyperbolus into dominant leadership roles. Election, via democratic means, of such populists, meant that the Athenians would take a much more aggressive approach to the war and therefore abandon the policies that Pericles had previously established. So in turn, democracy the institution for which the Athenians fought tirelessly to protect, rather than the death of Pericles, ironically became the dominant factor influencing the final outcome of this Ancient Greek civil war. As can be expected from pioneer governmental institutions, Athenian democracy was not perfect. In fact it was far from it. It resulted in the establishment of poor policies by aggressive populists who sought "...private ambition and private profit...which were bad both for the Athenians themselves and their allies." (Thucydides). These self interested populist leaders with personal gain in mind established extensive internal political instability "...by quarrelling among themselves [and] began to bring confusion into the policy of the state." (Thucydides). Repeated opportunities to accept terms of peace after the battles of Pylos (425), Arginusae (406) and Aegospotami (405) were ignored by the inefficient Athenian demos eventually resulting in the devastation of the once dominant city-state. Internal political strife can also be attribu... ...ericles had lived, he may have actually hindered Athenian attempts to find some way out of the stalemated war." (http://www.warhorsesim.com/epw_hist.html). Pericles' death was significant. The Athenians had lost one of their greatest leaders. But even if the policies of Pericles had not been abandoned by the feeble Athenian democracy, the cost of the war would have proved too great and thus Athenian defeat was inevitable. It was a series of consequential events, spurred on by democratic failure, not one key turning point, that resulted in the decisive defeat of the Athenians by the Peloponnesians, with the aid of Persia. Because of democratic fickleness, with or without Pericles the Athenians were doomed for defeat, and therefore the death of Pericles was not the key turning point, rather it was only a factor which determined the length of the Peloponnesian War.

Girl Power

As a 44 year old father of a 16 month girl, I did not know how society planned on giving my daughter a sense of femininity. I mentally prepared myself to be a Daddy and give my daughter Isabel all the support and teachings I thought I was capable of. I knew that it was going to be a daunting task a single father to a daughter to give her a sense of girl power. I was surprised to find out the toy and media industries were not onboard with giving my daughter a sense of what it was to be a strong, powerful, and anything is possible little girl in today’s society.I’ve noticed that the toy industry and media tend to develop and promote their products toward boys. I realized that the two industries felt that girls would learn on their own what it was to be feminine and that the toys, television shows, and movies that are predominately marketed for boys wouldn’t affect that process. Poet, critic, and columnist Katha Pollitt who is best known for her â€Å"Subject to De bate† column in The Nation magazine describes her own experiences as a mother of a 3-year-old daughter and asking the questions of why the media is selling the stories they are to girls and boys.In the essay â€Å"The Smurfette Principle,† she asks the tough questions of why the she finds the high ration of male to female characters in most children’s books, television shows, and movies. Pollitt points out that, â€Å"many male characters are most often cast as active and outgoing and that female characters are most often stereotyped as quiet, hair bow-wearing sidekicks, helpers, or little sisters to the boys—even when the characters are friendly, fuzzy monsters† (544). It should be the parents, producers, writers and toy manufacturer’s pure responsibility to empower young girls.Pollitt states that, â€Å"Contemporary shows are either essentially all-male, like Garfield, or are organized on what I call the Smurfette principle: a group of mal e buddies will be accented by a lone female, stereotypically defined†. Many parents don’t ever think about the characters in a movie or television show and they those characters may impact are children. Growing up watching such children’s shows such as the Little Rascals confirms what Pollitt in expressing in the â€Å"Smurfette Principle†. It was a bunch of boys having fun and Darla was always tagging along.Darla was portrayed as a tough little girl you didn’t want to mess with. The show always had her in a dress, but if you messed with her she would give you a black eye. There was no semblance of any femininity what so ever about Darla. Producers and parents may not understand how much of an impact this character and many like it have an impact on our children. My daughter Isabel understands way more than I initially gave her credit for and she picks up on things like a sponge. Shows like the Little Rascals are giving her a false perception of wha t it is like to be a girl in today’s society.Cartoons play such a major role in the development of our children these days. Television, movies and toys play such a huge role in teaching are children to read, count, socialize and understand there place in society based on their gender. Much of what we see and read to our children teaches them that boys are more important than girls. Pollitt states, â€Å"The female is usually a little-sister type, a bunny in a pink dress and hair-ribbons who tags along with the adventurous bears and badgers† (345).This is due to the fact that most producers, writers and animators are of the male persuasion. â€Å"Boys define the group, its story, and its code of values† (345). Pollitt understands how these people are influencing the way our little girls are perceiving the world and themselves based on what they are watching. â€Å"Girls exist only in relation to boys† (345). The toy industry is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to portraying what a girl should want in a toy and how it fits her gender.One of the biggest offenders when it comes to commercialism of their licensed products is Sesame Street. For all the good they do promoting learning and gender equality they lack the determination to produce toys that little girls would identify with. The Muppets which are the important ones of Sesame Street are the personalities that kids identify with. All these characters which are turned into toys and pushed through commercials and ads are all male. Pollitt knew one little girl that was so upset when she found out that even Big Bird was a boy she stopped watching the show all together.The toy industry is not teaching are young girls that it is okay to like toy cars, tractors, blocks, Transformers and many more cross gender toys. The industry is changing, companies such as Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Warner Brothers are making cartoons that have very strong female characters. An imaniacs, The Last Airbender, Scooby Doo, Kim Impossible, and Gargoyles all have strong female characters that show our young girls that they can play a major role, do anything, and be just as important as any male in society.I my daughter is finding herself even at this young age and I know she and I don’t have much time to reinforce her idea of gender equality. Pollitt ends her essay with, â€Å"it sure would help if the bunnies took off their hair ribbons, and if half of the monsters were fuzzy, blue – and female† (547). I know I have my work cut out for me just like Pollitt does, but it is a job a truly am thankful to have. Isabel will know where she stands in the world and that she is just as important as any little boy.

Christianity And Buddhism A Nation Of Many Religions Essay

Although some people see America as a Cristian nation, America is a â€Å"nation of many religions.† Nowadays we see every kind of religion on our country. People from all over the world come to the land of freedom to achieve the â€Å"American dream.† For this matter we see a rich diversity of religions and cultures in our everyday life. Moreover, humans need something to believe in to find motive in their life, so they relay themselves on religion. Christianity and Buddhism are two ancient religions which both have being on earth for a long time. Both religions are based on the teachings of one man. Moreover, they have many similarities as well as differences. They both have a place of adoration. For Christians is a church, chapel, cathedral, and may others. For Buddhism is a monastery, nunneries, pagodas, and temples. Both Christianity as Buddhism believe on the adoration of something, which will help them through life. Another similarity, is that they both have rituals and practices. The participation of theses rituals is an act of reaffirming unity to those who share them. Finally, they both believe in live after death. Although they have some similarities, they also have many differences between their beliefs. The main different between Christianity and Buddhism who they worship. Both religions based their teaching of one person. However, on Christianity is based on the miracles and acts of Jesus. Christianity is a derivative of Judaism. Moreover, it is an Abrahamic religion,Show MoreRelatedBuddhism and Christianity: Two Emerging Religions909 Words   |  4 PagesDue to the emergence of universal religions, a new idea known as syncret ism started to emerge. 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