The Role of Humor in Kurt Vonneguts Cats Cradle :: Cats Cradle Essays

The Role of Humor in Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle "I've narrowed comedy down to two words: clown and farts. Because first it makes you laugh, and then it makes you think." Dave Attell's joke comes remarkably close to describing exactly what it is that Kurt Vonnegut is able to do with his writing. First, he makes his readers laugh, and then he forces them to think. By employing such humorous devices as irony and satire, Vonnegut is able to bring humor to a less-than-humorous subject. Cat's Cradle is Vonnegut's novel about the day the world ended. Why, then, is it so full of jokes? By making it so, Vonnegut makes it easier for himself to get his point across. Rather than making the book a crusade against science or religion, he instead creates a light-hearted look at people themselves. By seeing the characters in the book and laughing at them, he is forcing us also to laugh at ourselves. By openly criticizing one religion or another, Vonnegut feared he would have alienated a potential audience or created some discomfort. Rather than offend anyone, then - or perhaps rather to offend everyone equally - he instead created Bokononism, using aspects of all religions, and exaggerating them to the point of absurdity. Though we may laugh at the Bokononists, at the same time we realize that there are certain truths in the creed. In this manner, Vonnegut gets his audience to think about themselves and the follies of their own religions. Another important part of the book is the constant "tirade" against science. Jonah's writing makes it evident that he finds all scientists to be cruel, cold, and unfeeling. At the same time, Vonnegut paints the scientists in a humorous light by employing such techniques as Dr. Breed's scolding of Miss Faust, in which he proudly proclaims how long it's been since a fatal accident. The Role of Humor in Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle :: Cat's Cradle Essays The Role of Humor in Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle "I've narrowed comedy down to two words: clown and farts. Because first it makes you laugh, and then it makes you think." Dave Attell's joke comes remarkably close to describing exactly what it is that Kurt Vonnegut is able to do with his writing. First, he makes his readers laugh, and then he forces them to think. By employing such humorous devices as irony and satire, Vonnegut is able to bring humor to a less-than-humorous subject. Cat's Cradle is Vonnegut's novel about the day the world ended. Why, then, is it so full of jokes? By making it so, Vonnegut makes it easier for himself to get his point across. Rather than making the book a crusade against science or religion, he instead creates a light-hearted look at people themselves. By seeing the characters in the book and laughing at them, he is forcing us also to laugh at ourselves. By openly criticizing one religion or another, Vonnegut feared he would have alienated a potential audience or created some discomfort. Rather than offend anyone, then - or perhaps rather to offend everyone equally - he instead created Bokononism, using aspects of all religions, and exaggerating them to the point of absurdity. Though we may laugh at the Bokononists, at the same time we realize that there are certain truths in the creed. In this manner, Vonnegut gets his audience to think about themselves and the follies of their own religions. Another important part of the book is the constant "tirade" against science. Jonah's writing makes it evident that he finds all scientists to be cruel, cold, and unfeeling. At the same time, Vonnegut paints the scientists in a humorous light by employing such techniques as Dr. Breed's scolding of Miss Faust, in which he proudly proclaims how long it's been since a fatal accident.

Feminism in Poetry Essay

All women have a place. That is barefoot, pregnant, and chained to the stove. Ideas like this are what started the feminist movement. Women desired to be judged by their worth as a person rather than their physical appearance or biological factors. Women sought out social, economic, and political equality. Many women wanted to do their part to support the cause. Some of the most notable influences of the feminist movement were poets such as Sylvia Plath, Lucille Clifton and Anne Sexton. Through their poems, the truth was exposed. This encouraged women everywhere to demand justice and equality. Although there are many feminist themes poets can write about, Sylvia Plath writes of male domination. In her poetry, all men appear to be the opposing force that keeps women from living a happy life. For example, in her poem â€Å"Daddy†, Plath exploits her father as being a fascist Nazi. Much like the Nazi, a fascist is known for being controlling with the power to oppress societies. Plath felt like a â€Å"Jew† amongst her Nazi father (40). However, towards the end of the poem, the representation of Plath’s father and husband (or all men) go from Nazis to â€Å"Vampires† (72). It is clear that in this change of metaphor that Plath went from living the terrors of a male dominant society to living with the undead terrors of her memories. In the same way, Plath’s poem â€Å"Lady Lazarus† conveys the message of male dominance. For example, the speaker states that â€Å"I am your opus, I am your valuable† it seems the woman in the poem feels as if she is a possession to men. However, in the final stanza she informs â€Å"Herr God, Herr Lucifer† to â€Å"beware† because â€Å"Out of the ash I will rise and I eat men like air† (79-84). The woman rises from the ashes like a phoenix, stronger and with a new sense of empowerment. It is as if men mean nothing and hold no more significance in her life. Plath uses these powerful poems to make a clear position in the feminist movement against the social inequalities that women faced in their everyday lives. Next, the feminist movement was partially about being proud of being a woman. Lucille Clifton, a strong, blunt woman presents such feminist themes. Clifton asserts her feminist ideas in the form of a woman’s body. In her poem â€Å"Homage to My Hips†, a person’s first impression might be of a woman proud of her full figure. However, â€Å"hips† in this poem are a symbol of the strength and life that women possess. Therefore, when she says â€Å"hips†, she is speaking for all the women. For instance, Clifton points out that: â€Å"These hips are big hips; they need space to move around in. They don’t fit into petty places. These are free hips. † (1-6). Undoubtedly, Clifton believes that women should have the same opportunities as men. If they are limited by their actions, there is no room for them to thrive. In the same way, Clifton illustrates her feminist views through the woman’s body in her poem â€Å"Wishes for Sons†. The poem directed toward men, talks specifically about the biological factors of a woman. Clifton wishes men to experience menstruation, the cramps, hot flashes, and the blood clots. Clifton wishes â€Å"them one week early and wearing a white skirt† (5-6). Indeed, she wants men to experience the embarrassments and fears a woman faces. Equally important, she wishes for men to experience the arrogance of gynecologists, â€Å"not unlike themselves† (18). Truly, Clifton’s brusqueness brings a sense of truth. In this poem, Clifton asks the age old question, why are males considered the stronger ones? Women are strong and can endure great pain that a man would collapse under. Lucille Clifton is one of the most powerful feminist poets, because she is direct and not afraid to speak her mind. Through her poetry, she empowers women to stand up and be strong. Finally, Anne Sexton is known more for her confessional poetry. However, her support of the feminist movement is evident throughout her poems. In her poem â€Å"Little Girl, My String Bean, My Lovely Woman†, Sexton praises and gives her advice to her daughter. Before the feminist movement, having a daughter was not celebrated. This poem is evidence that Sexton stepped out of the social norm and took one step closer to liberation of all women. Sexton writes of â€Å"†¦old wives speaking of womanhood. I remember that I heard nothing myself. I was alone. I waited like a target. † (35-38) Again, this is referring to how no one ever talked about the challenges of womanhood. By making aware of these challenges, Sexton stood alone and took the criticisms of society. Furthermore, Sexton tells her daughter that her â€Å"bones are lovely† (52). Like many girls that are coming of age, they view themselves through the eyes of society or men. Sexton wanted to tell her â€Å"before they enter† (50). In the final stanza, Sexton tells her daughter that if she is â€Å"sure of yourself† she â€Å"will strike fire, that new thing† (95-98). To summarize, if her daughter stays true to herself as a woman, she will succeed in her new life. Because Sexton ties her intimate life in with her poetry, it makes the message of feminism even more meaningful. In conclusion, there are the many sides to feminism. Plath exposed a more daring approach. She wrote of the role of women in a male dominated society and the constant struggle of woman versus man. On the other hand, Clifton has a more passive but straightforward approach. She spoke of matters that women then were too embarrassed to speak of. This is why she might have felt she had to be the voice for all women. Her bold poetry made her one of the most popular poets of the feminist movement. Lastly, because she was a confessional poet, Sexton’s intertwined her feminist views with her personal life. This method made her feminist message more meaningful and passionate. Many women, along with these popular poets set out to change the course of history. They strived for equality and fought hard to obtain it. It would be in vain if women today did not take advantage of the rights that they struggled to achieve.

William Shakespeare s Romeo And Juliet - 1016 Words

Romeo and Juliet has been named one of the most famous romantic tragedies in literature. People around the world crave to have a love as intense like the one Romeo and Juliet had, but they never take into consideration that they literally died because of their â€Å"love†. They also forget the small detail that they were children at the time their love tragically ended their lives. Romeo and Juliet are what some might consider the perfect star crossed lovers, which causes many to forget about the other characters that are important to the play. Mercutio is an imperative and essential character for the play, his death singlehandedly was the driving force of action that set everything in motion. It’s safe to say that his death was the turning†¦show more content†¦One of the most pivotal deaths of the whole play was the death of Romeo’s dear friend Mercutio. One can only describe Mercutio as the friend everyone has had in their life at one point or another. He is loyal to a fault, even though he might be anticlimactic in some instances. At the beginning of the play Mercutio is there when Romeo is distraught over his love for Rosaline. He might not say the appropriate words Romeo might seek, but he does provide him with point of views that he might not get anywhere else. While Romeo seeks advice where they talk to him about everlasting and pure love, Mercutio believes that love is only shown through sex. For him sex is love and vice versa. The importance of Mercutio in the play is indisputable. He is the one who convinces Romeo to attend the ball in the first place. He knows that by attending the ball, Romeo will have the opportunity to see her dream girl Rosaline. What they didn’t expect was that by attending the ball, Romeo was going to meet his one and true love Juliet. That is an essential scene that sets things in motion. Once they meet, their devastating love commences. It’s a whirlwind of all consuming love that dr ives them to do things that they don’t even think through. Another instance where Mercutio’s character is essential is when he dies. This scene is where things turn to the worse and actually turns the play into a tragedy. Mercutio’s death, in all honesty, is what causes the ripple effect

What Exactly Is New Car Smell

There are two types of people: those who love new car smell and those who hate it. The ones who love it likely buy air fresheners that try to mimic the odor, while those who hate it probably got a headache just remembering the last time they experienced it. Love it or hate it, but do you know what causes it? Heres a look at the chemicals involved and whether they are bad for you. Chemicals That Cause New Car Smell Each new car has its own perfume, so to speak, depending on the materials used during manufacturing. What you smell are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are also the culprit if you ever get a weird greasy fog inside your windshield. There may be over 100 chemicals in the mix, including poisonous  benzene and formaldehyde. Toxic phthalates are also present inside new cars, but they arent volatile, so they arent   part of the characteristic smell. VOCs are considered air pollutants. They are produced by off-gassing of fumes from plastics and just about every other product made from petroleum. In your car, they come from the foam in the seats, the carpet, the dashboard, solvent, and the glue used to hold everything in place.  In your home, you experience the same chemicals from new carpets, varnish, paint, and plastics. People who like the odors typically associate the smell with getting something  fresh and new, but that doesnt protect them from the negative effects of inhaling the scent. How Bad Is It, Really? Its certainly not good for you, with effects ranging from a headache, nausea, and sore throat   to cancer and immune system disorders. To some extent, the risk depends on where you live. Some countries have fairly stringent regulations governing the amount of toxic chemicals allowed in a new car. The United States, on the other hand, does not have any air quality laws relating to new car smell, so the levels of chemicals may be much higher in an American-built vehicle. Is There Anything You Can Do? Car manufacturers are sensitive to the problem and try to minimize the release of toxic chemicals.  After all, a displeased or dead consumer wont buy a new car, right? Both leather and fabric generate VOCs, so you cant really select an interior to minimize the smell.  If you get a new car that is unbearably smelly, tell the dealership. Make sure fresh air is available for pregnant women and children, since some of the chemicals can affect development. Most of the gases responsible for new car smell are produced during the first month or two after the car is made. There isnt anything you can do to prevent it from happening, but you can leave the windows cracked in the vehicle to air it out. Allowing air from the outside rather than recirculating it can minimize negative effects when you need to close up the car because of weather. Keeping the car in a cool garage will help, since chemical reactions occur more quickly when its hot. If you have to park outside, choose a shady spot or put a sun shade under the windshield.  Applying stain protectants, on the other hand, can make the smell even worse since the process adds more VOCs to the mix.

Personal Experience Attending Powerhouse at the Honda...

Power 106, also known as the radio station 105.9 in LA, hosted an indoor music festival, also known as POWERHOUSE, at the Honda Center located in Anaheim. I was lucky enough to attend this concert and I want to share my amazing experience. Since it was a music festival, there was not only one performer, but there was a line-up of performers. The line up consisted of 10 main performers and special guests. The performers go by the stage names of: Childish Gambino, Juicy J, Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, Wiz Khalifa, Schoolboy Q, Jennifer Lopez, Sage The Gemini, YG, and Isaiah Rashad. The concert started at 7pm and ended at 2am, with each performer having a set time that ran from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. After each performer their were small intermissions that took place so that the following artist could prepare her/his set on the stage. With many songs to select from that were performed at Powerhouse, my five favorite performances were: Jenny From The Block by Jennifer Lopez, 3005 by Chil dish Gambino, Super Bass by Nicki Minaj, Studio by Schoolboy Q, and Heart Attack by Trey Songz. Although all of the performers did an outstanding job, their were 3 specific performances that really stood out and caught my attention. My absolute favorite performance from the concert was by Jennifer Lopez who performed Jenny from the Block. Two specific things that I enjoyed about this performance were her use of dancing, using up the whole entire stage making sure to entertain the whole

Labor Supply and Demand Scenario Custom Research Free Essays

Area of Employment The area of employment that will be used for this analysis is the real estate industry; more precisely, the specific job function that will be the basis for the analysis is the real estate agent.   The hypothetical shift that will shape the subsequent sections of this scenario is a high job growth rate. Why Has the Shift Occurred? The shift has occurred due to an increased demand for real estate, which has led to an increased demand for real estate agents to serve the needs of potential buyers. We will write a custom essay sample on Labor Supply and Demand Scenario Custom Research or any similar topic only for you Order Now    It should be noted, however, that this shift has emerged in the real estate industry due to the fact that real estate presents an environment of perfect competition, whereby there are many competitors who can freely pursue opportunities in a free market setting (Mankiw, 2004). Direction of Shift in Labor Supply and Demand In a scenario that represents increased numbers of real estate agents due to additional potential buyers of real estate, there are several economic factors at work.   First, as demand for the product of real estate increases, so will the price of real estate, given a limited supply.   Likewise, the demand for agents to sell the real estate will increase, and the cost of those agents (real wages) will increase while at the same time, the supply of agents will likely decrease. This is a demonstration of the neoclassical theory of distribution (Mankiw, 2004). Effect of the Scenario on Labor Market Equilibrium The effect that this scenario will have on labor market equilibrium is that as the supply of available real estate agents decreases, the price of those agents (wages) will increase. This in turn may slow the demand for agents overall if lower priced alternatives are sought, such as less employees taking on more responsibility.   This is a classic example of equilibrium in labor demand (Mankiw, 2004). References (Mankiw N G 2004 Principles of Economics)Mankiw, N. G. (2004). Principles of Economics (3rd ed.). Chicago: Thomson South-Western.       How to cite Labor Supply and Demand Scenario Custom Research, Essays

Young Offenders Essay Research Paper YOUNG OFFENDERSThese free essay sample

Young Wrongdoers Essay, Research Paper Young Wrongdoers These yearss more and more immature people are turning to offenses. These offenses are being committed by immature wrongdoers of all ages. The offenses they are perpetrating are acquire even more and more serious and in the last five old ages the per centum of childs perpetrating more offense has increase by more so 50 % . Young wrongdoers are perpetrating these offenses because the know that the penalty is existent weak. If you ask me most immature wrongdoers think the immature wrongdoers act is a JOKE, and trust me I am a immature individual I know merely as other immature people. ? A immature wrongdoer is a individual between the ages of 12-17. This individual is a individual who comities a offense and is given particular rights. These right are less server so grownups would acquire if they commission this same offenses. ? There are many instances where a immature wrongdoer has got away much easier so a grownup and no penalty at all. We will write a custom essay sample on Young Offenders Essay Research Paper YOUNG OFFENDERSThese or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In one instance in peculiar? A male child who was 11 old ages old who has been in problem with the jurisprudence before took a miss with him to his flat with his pack and so raped her. Then when the constabulary arrived he said you can non touch me? . This to me is really sad foremost away because he is merely 11 old ages old and he raped a miss but the thing I found most lurid and the remainder off the media was that when the constabulary arrived he told them that they could non touch him. Even though he did commission the offense and he should hold been charged but unhappily vitamin E was right. This immature wrongdoers knows that the immature wrongdoers act is a gag and that is why he committed the offense. He could care less about what he did. Another instance speaking about the immature wrongdoers act is the James Bulger. ? Had the slaying of yearling James Bulger occurred in Canada, his slayer would neer been charged. Und er the Canadian jurisprudence, no kid under the age of 12 can be charged with any condemnable act, no affair how odious. ? This was a instances which created a batch of heated treatment about the immature wrongdoers act. The treatment was that the immature wrongdoers act has to be more purely and alterations are demand. In another instance a adolescent was charged for a slaying. ? An 18-year-old was killed with a baseball chiropteran Tuesday after he was trapped at the entryway to a chopping promenade in Hamilton by six young persons out settle a score against his younger brother. Police charged a 15-year-old with second-degree murder. ? . This adolescent committed a offense of slaying and got charged with 2nd degree slaying but if a grownup had committed this offenses he would hold got charged with first degree slaying. Two adolescent got arrested and charged when they tried to commandeer a coach. ? A brace of class 10 pupils armed with a knife and a gun tried to commandeer a school coach from Osoyoos, B.C, to Ontario. A 16-year-old and a 17-year-old face snatch and arms charges? . This is another typical illustration of what young person are making and acquiring off with. If this was a an grownup ( a individual over the age of 18 ) would hold got charged with a much serious charge and would hold had to pay a greater monetary value. Youth tribunal in Ontario is held at metropolis hall. At youth tribunal is so far behind because of all the offenses. Most youth have to wait a few months before existent traveling to tribunal and by so the less serious instances are so thrown out ( because of the hold ) . The yearss of young person traveling to play in the park, traveling to school, bent out are all come to any terminal. These times are being replaced by interrupting the jurisprudence in most instances and will stay so until the jurisprudence is changed and the regulations become more purely. To most immature people we believe the immature wrongdoers act is a JOKE.