Strive for Equality Essay -- American History, Discrimination, Women

Strive for Equality It is stated in the Equal Rights Amendment that â€Å"Equality of Rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex†. Still, looking back at history, it can be seen that gender has played a vital role in determining one’s status in society. The challenges women faced began when they were merely young girls. These girls were raised with the idea that they were only suitable for certain occupations, usually only to serve as wives and mothers. These beliefs of staying within their boundaries stick as fears in the mind of women so by the time adulthood approaches, they have already molded themselves to fit those beliefs. There are numerous works of literature that have given life to women in their fight for becoming free. One example, â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† by John Steinbeck, tells the story of Elisa and her struggle to break out of the feminine world. The idea of becoming more than an ideal wife strive women to push their boundaries as an attempt to gain power in a man’s world hoping, to be recognized for their strengths. Discrimination has always given men greater power over women, who are ideally supposed to sit within their limited boundaries. These traditions led to stronger women who wanted to attempt to push their boundaries. When Elisa is working in her garden, she notices her husband talking to couple of men and she â€Å"[looks] down toward the men by the tractor shed now and then,† (Steinbeck 1). Elisa looking at the men numerous times shows her curiosity to go outside her bounded life which is the fence that she is around. The fence symbolizes her life. This also symbolizes how she is very fed up with her married life and is now desperate to get out. But th... ...ue beauty, and thus never was interested in Elisa. So Elisa comes back into reality, and falls back into the hole of being felt as a housewife rather than a free individual, that she despised. Overall, the impact that the tinker makes on Elisa brings Elisa back to where she started. This illustrates the impact of Elisa pushing to expand her boundaries. Women try their best to push past their boundaries but can never achieve that, because of the over-pompous nature of men. Women are never seen for their strengths and are oppressed manner. Women were not able to reach their full potential because society refused to accept them liberally. This world would not be able to progress with the seclusion of women. It can be seen throughout history that gender prejudice limits the individual from doing what he/she wants to do. Nowadays, women are free to do as they please.

“Bold Girls” by Rona Munro Essay

In her drama â€Å"Bold Girls†, Rona Munro has created a relevant and inspiring legacy of war-torn Northern Ireland. Her drama depicts the daily struggles and predicaments faced by four particular women, who seem to thrive on their fantasies and illusions all except Deirdre who is marked out as different from the drama’s beginning: â€Å"Deirdre is not in this room, she’s crouching on all fours on her own talking out of darkness in which only her face is visible.† Introduced as a surreal and somewhat eerie character it is no surprise that Deirdre contrasts greatly with the three other women. It is her persistent search for the truth that polarises her from the others and causes her to be at odds with them as they shut out truth and cushion themselves with their idealistic dreams. This idea of fantasy versus reality is a main concern within the play, and it is through monologues and stage direction that we are allowed a deeper understanding of each character’s situation and of the play’s themes. A particular monologue of Deirdre’s undoubtedly confirms that her search for truth will result in the hurt of others and possible confrontations and violent conflicts: â€Å"The lights change I need a knife a wee blade of my own†¦It was the knife he was talking about. It was the truth. I thought I’d like that. A wee bit of hard truth you could hold in your hand and point where you liked. The lights change† I believe this monologue verifies Deirdre’s role as â€Å"catalyst†. By this point we have been introduced to all four women and to their dreams and fantasies, which Deirdre’s â€Å"wee blade† of truth threatens to destroy. Deirdre’s yearning for the truth causes her to kill these dreams, bringing the three idealistic women crashing back to the harsh reality that surrounds them. Deirdre’s conflict is greatest with the central character, Marie. Compared with Cassie and Nora’s materialistic dreams of redecorating her living room (Nora) and leaving Belfast (Cassie), Marie’s delusions of her late husband’s heroic acts and credibility are not as empty as her friends’. These dreams are instilled within objects in the womens’ homes; for example Nora’s dream is symbolised by a â€Å"peach polyester mix†, Cassie’s by a wad of money hidden behind Michel’s photograph and Marie’s by a â€Å"grainy blow up† of her late husband, Michael. As the play progresses it becomes apparent that Deirdre is intent on destroying each character’s dream, but I think it is also suggested that she is somewhat linked with Marie and her dream. Munro again makes use of symbolism to connect these two characters. For example, Deirdre’s mini dress is reminiscent of Marie’s wedding dress: â€Å"Then other times she looks like me†¦you remember that dress I was married in, that wee white mini-dress?†¦She stands. And stares.† I believe it is as though Munro is depicting Deirdre as a ghost of Marie’s past. This becomes relevant later in the play when Deirdre reveals to Marie that she is in fact Michael’s daughter. The simple observation of Deirdre standing alone at the bottom of the path reflects how she appears isolated from the others in her search for truth; she longs to exploit the truth and become part of the family unit maintained by the three other women: â€Å"I’m wet, I’m cold. I want to get inside†¦I want to get inside. Can’t keep me out.† This monologue has quite a threatening undertone , it is as though Deirdre’s isolation causes her distress. I believe also that the use of â€Å"wet† and â€Å"cold† highlight the harsh environment and the fact that Deirdre is unloved. I think all of these factors – isolation and the longing for truth – cause Deirdre to act as catalyst. In taking on this role, Deirdre threatens to destroy the fellow women’s dreams. Her first act as catalyst is when she steals Cassie’s money hence ruining her dream of escape and freedom. Deirdre makes obvious to the reader that Cassie’s materialistic dream is false and unobtainable in a short, eerie monologue: â€Å"The whole town’s a prison, smash chunks off the wall ’cause we’re all in a prison.† Cassie’s dream of escape is obviously unrealistic and false and I believe Deidre’s destruction of the dream validates this idea. Deirdre also appears to be in conflict with Nora, Cassie’s mother, a she goes on to use her â€Å"wee blade of truth† to shed Nora’s â€Å"shiny peach polyester† fabric and ultimately her dream: â€Å"Deirdre†¦looks at the broad, smooth stretch of material then starts to slash at it, ripping it, trampling it till she’s breathless.† Deirdre’s violent reactions I believe show what harsh and abusive situations she has been exposed to. She desires to know the truth so much, that she finds happiness in destroying the illusions and fantasies of others, forcing them to face their reality and embrace the truth. Although Cassie and Nora do avoid the truth that their materialistic hopes will always elude them, it is Marie’s complete glossing over of the truth that causes her to be most at odds with Deirdre. Her lullaby that she uses to calm her son for example, shows how dependant she is on her delusions about Michael: â€Å"Your daddy was a good man and a brave man†¦that’s what keeps us all together, keeps me going, keeps me strong†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Marie finds comfort in her deluded memories of Michael. I believe this blanking of the truth angers Deirdre and causes her to react violently and destructively toward Marie and her dreams: â€Å"Deirdre hurls the clothes at her. She snatches the knife out of the chair and waves the blade at Marie. She advances on her slowly. I want the truth out of you. I mean it.† This I believe is symbolic in showing that Deirdre uses the truth as a harmful device and that Marie is threatened by its potential exposure. Marie’s reaction is shocking and uncharacteristic of her gentle, nurturing nature – she takes Michael’s picture and using Deirdre’s knife, destroys it. Marie in turn destroys Deirdre’s dream of knowing the truth about her father. These two characters, who are at the greatest point in their conflict portray through their actions the main concerns of the text – reality versus illusion – reality conquers over dreams and pointless fantasies. The unveiling of the truth brings these two closer together allowing them to reconcile. The conclusion of the play suggests hope and optimism for the recovery of these women. They share in a special, ritual feeding of the birds, their relationship to emulate that of a mother and daughter: â€Å"Did you ever feed the birds, Deirdre? â€Å"No† â€Å"I like the common wee birds†¦you’d need to be something special to build a nest around the Falls. Someone should feed them.† â€Å" Deirdre and Marie’s conflict is resolved by Marie’s embracing of the truth that she has for so long avoided. The central idea of â€Å"Bold Girls† of reality versus dreams is made obvious by the characters’ actions, they cope by padding their harsh reality and cushioning themselves with fantasies and illusions. These qualities are instilled within the characters of the play, Marie, Cassie and Nora thrive on fantasies and dreams; whereas Deirdre lives for the truth. The opposing forces I feel cause the characters to be in conflict with each other. Their compromising situations and contrasting ideas about reality create friction between the opposing characters of Deirdre and Marie. Munro expertly uses stage direction, soliloquy and the opposing forces of truth and fantasy to make apparent the concerns of the text and to heighten my personal appreciation of their importance in these womens’ lives.

Peer Pressure - 1468 Words

Introduction Peer pressure is a social influence exerted on an individual by others in order to get that person to act or believe in a similar way. It is used by a social group, often with the implication that everybodys doing it. This influence can be negative or positive, with a successful result being a change in a persons behavior. Nearly all children experience some form of peer pressure, whether at school, at church or at home among siblings. As a kind of social pressure, it dominates preteen life. Many teens become absorbed into different cliques and groups, spending less time with their families. Much of the personality of a teen can be shaped by a peer group. Negative peer pressure can be a dangerous tool against children,†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ The lack of self-confidence to go ones own way. It is easier to follow the footsteps of another than to make your own. There is also a certain level of safety that comes with following another. Taking the road less traveled by making your own choices takes self-confidence and self-assurance. †¢ The desire to avoid embarrassment. Many people fear embarrassment more than death. Knowing this, it is easy to see how important effective communication can be in responding to peer pressure. For example, if a bunch of peers surround a teenager and asked him if he wants to smoke a cigarette like the rest of them have, and all the teenager can think of is, but... my mom said I should just say no. then he is in trouble. It is best to prepare yourself and your children with witty, yet clear and firm responses to known peer pressures. For example, in the above situation the teenager could say, Hmmm, spend my life wasting money, offending people, having bad breath, and killing myself.... no thanks. A good response cannot only save one from embarrassment, but give others the confidence to not give in to the peer pressure as well. Those who lead are often well respected by those who follow. †¢ The lack of using ones own mind. Again it is reacting, rather than responding that causes one to get in trouble. Think about the consequences of your actions, both present and future. Dont give in and sacrifice your long-term goalsShow MoreRelatedTaking a Look at Peer Pressure761 Words   |  3 Pages Peer pressure. No one can hear those two words and not feel bad in some way. Peer pressure happens in every school. Teens are being torn down by other teens. It is not okay to hurt anyone no matter what. Every year some kid runs away from home probable because of being peer pressured, peer pressure must be dealt with some way or another. If putting up laws helps g et rid of peer pressure its worth it. Teen peer pressure has become a big problem in schools, and teens should be required to go aRead MoreThe Guide To Peer Pressure Essay949 Words   |  4 PagesPeer pressure should not be allowed because it may result in bad choices for the person experiencing it. Many kids entering high school, or middle school start experiencing all different kinds of peer pressuring. Whether it is encouraging you to join choir, track, or dance. But, sometimes your friends can be pressuring you to try very dangerous things. For example, drugs, drinking, and dares that lead to very hard consequences. This is one of the toughest issues a teenageer will face. They feelRead MorePeer Pressure1013 Words   |  5 PagesPeer pressure From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Peer pressure is influence that a peer group, observers or individual exerts that encourages others to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform the group norms. Social groups affected include membership groups, in which individuals are formally members (such as political parties and trade unions), or social cliques in which membership is not clearly defined. A person affected by peer pressure may or may not want to belong to theseRead MoreIs Peer Pressure Necessary?1047 Words   |  5 PagesIs Peer Pressure Necessary? By Hannah â€Å"Come on! Don’t be a wimp!† Words floated around Mike’s head. He was dizzy from all the things his supposed friends said to him. â€Å"You’re such a loser. Man up.† Mike dropped to the ground. Another voice hovered near his head. â€Å"Just do it.† Mike took the cigarette from his friend’s outstretched hand. It would be okay, right? Just once. Just once to fit in. He pushed the cigarette closer to his mouth, closing his hand around it like in the movies. It did notRead MorePeer Pressure Speech1520 Words   |  7 Pagesreally leading? There are two kinds of peer pressure. The Positive kind, and the Negative kind. The positive kind of peer pressure is, being pressured or convinced to do a certain task that you may not have had the confidence to complete or to do yourself. Another kind of positive peer pressure is when friends convince you not to do something that may not have been in your best interest. Negative peer pressure is just what it sounds like—It is when Peers try to make you think that they know whatRead MoreThe Problem Of Peer Pressure953 Words   |  4 PagesOf course everyone is different, but most teenagers deal with the same problems. Peer pressure, beauty, responsibility, and the future, are common for a teenager of all ages to face. These â€Å"problems† do not always have to be problems, most of the time they are out of worry. Friends play an important role in life, peer pressure is being influenced, but is not always by a friend. When thinking about peer pressure drugs and alcohol come to mind. Most teenagers try drugs or alcohol out of fear.Read MorePeer Pressure Essay693 Words   |  3 Pagesgeneration. Peer Pressure. We have all at one stage in our lives, experienced it. We all know what it feels like to be pressured by a peer. Peer pressure today impacts on kids of my generation in a huge aspect. Teenagers feel social pressure in numerous ways such as clothing, music and entertainment choices, to unsafe areas such as drugs, alcohol and smoking. During adolescence, kids emphasize their independence and explore their identity. Yet they still crave the approval of their peers and worryRead MoreEssay on Overcoming Peer Pressure573 Words   |  3 PagesThe ugly reality is that peer pressure reaches its greatest intensity at just the age when kids tend to be most insensitive and cruel. -- Walt Mueller, Understanding Todays Youth Culture Overcoming peer pressure always proves to be a challenge; being in the moment with the intention of rejecting the pressure tends to breed fear. There are all types of pressures in life from people, to possible addiction causing agents, and the desire to have fun. Personally at UC Irvine people may say thereRead MoreThe Effects Of Peer Pressure On Youth1237 Words   |  5 Pagesaccomplish goals. Peer pressure has been identified as a big impact on teenagers, and contrary to popular belief, Secure Teen (2013) has found that peer pressure may encourage positive influences on our youth. To promote motivation and a high self-esteem students could participate in groups to thrive in the classroom. These groups would be called N-I-A-F (No-one is a failure), not a typical study group or therapy, a community of academic socializing to motivate students toward success. Peers would encourageRead More Negative Peer Pressure Essay1511 Words   |  7 Pages This is usually the typical outcome o f a scene like this. It is called peer pressure. It can be disguised in many different forms. In this essay I am going to look at different ways in which teenagers can be influenced by peer pressure. Many teenagers experiment with cigarettes, drugs or alcohol. It is likely that they take their first cigarette, drink or drug because of pressure from peers or friends. The influence of friends who smoke is the main reason teenagers

Character Analysis of Cassio and Roderigo from Othello

Othello is one of William Shakespeares most acclaimed tragedies. The story of a Moorish general (Othello) and the soldier (Iago) who plots to usurp him, the play features a small cast of characters who are manipulated and pitted against each other as part of Iagos deceitful plan. Two of the key characters are Cassio, Othellos loyal captain, and Roderigo, a man who is love with Othellos wife, Desdemona. Over the course of the play, both are lured into the complex love plot engineered by Iago, one of Shakespeares  best-written villains. Cassio Cassio is described as Othellos honourable lieutenant, and he is given this rank over Iago. The appointment, undeserved in Iago’s eyes, justifies the villain’s cruel revenge against him: One Michael Cassio, a Florentine†¦ / That never set a squadron in the field / Nor the division of a battle knows.(Iago, Act I Scene 1) We know that Cassio is of good standing due to Desdemona’s passionate defense of him. However, Othello is easily turned against him by Iago. In Act II, Cassio foolishly allows himself to be encouraged to go for a drink when he has already acknowledged it to be the wrong thing to do. â€Å"Come lieutenant. I have a stoup of wine, Iago says (Act II Scene 3). I’ll do’t but it dislikes me, Cassio replies. Once the captain becomes drunk, he is drawn into a brawl and attacks Montano, a former Cypriot official, badly wounding him. The attack is an embarrassment to Othello, who is forced to act quickly to appease the Cypriot officials. The Moorish general sacks Cassio on the spot: Cassio I love thee, but never more be officer of mine.(Othello, Act II Scene 3) Othello is justified in this, as one of his men has injured an ally; nevertheless, the scene demonstrates Othello’s impulsivity and his righteousness. In his desperation, Cassio falls into Iago’s trap once more as he implores Desdemona to help him win his job back. His office is the most important thing to him, so much so that he neglects his relationship with Bianca while he is trying to get it back. At the end of the play, Cassio is injured but redeemed. His name is cleared by Emilia and as Othello is stripped of his duties, we are told that Cassio now rules in Cyprus. As the new leader, he is given the responsibility of dealing with Othellos fate: To you Lord Governor, / Remains the censure of this hellish villain. / The time, the place, the torture O enforce it!(Lodovico, Act V Scene 2) As a result, the audience is left to ponder whether Cassio will be cruel to Othello or forgiving. Roderigo Roderigo is Iago’s dupe, his fool. In love with Desdemona and prepared to do anything to get her, Roderigo is easily manipulated by the evil Iago. Roderigo does not feel any loyalty towards  Othello, who he believes has stolen his love from him. It is Roderigo, under the guidance of Iago, who goads Cassio into the fight that gets him dismissed from the army. Roderigo escapes from the scene undetected. Iago tricks him into giving him money to convince Desdemona to be with him and then encourages him to kill Cassio. In Act IV, Roderigo finally gets wise to Iagos manipulation of him, declaring that Everyday thou daff’st me with some device (Act IV Scene II). Nevertheless, he is again convinced by the villain to follow through with the plan to kill Cassio, despite his misgiving. I have no great devotion to the deed, Roderigo says. And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons. / Tis but a man gone. Forth, my sword: he dies (Act V Scene 1). In the end, Roderigo is stabbed his only friend, Iago,  who does not want him to reveal his secret plot. However, Roderigo finally outsmarts him by quickly writing a letter which he places in his pocket, pointing to Iago’s involvement in the plot and his guilt. Although he ultimately dies, he is in some part redeemed by his letters: Now here’s another discontented paper / Found in his pocket too. And this it seems / Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain, / But that, belike, Iago in the interim / Came in and satisfied him. (Lodovico, Act V Scene 2)

Jesus and Socrates Would Have Difficulty Surviving in...

Those at the plinth of the socioeconomic hierarchy face both structural constraints and functional impediments, especially people of color. The structural constraints imply socio-historical position of servitude, racial segregation and discrimination, ghettoization, distorted unemployment rates, and inferior health care funneled by deplorable education. The behavioral impediments on upward mobility connote the dwindling of the Protestant ethic an angle taken by Booker T. Washington and many other black Americans. Nonetheless, both categories can be marked as systematic obstacles. In my research paper, I focus on all components of the aforementioned dilemmas, particularly that pertaining to the black or minority experience in the†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"The school districts with the highest minority enrollments receive an average of $877 less per student than school districts with the lowest number of minorities enrolled.† In turn, these children are able to go further with more resources readily available to them. However, children in less affluent school districts face serious educational shortcomings due to little investment in the beggared communities surrounding the school. It is more accurate to say that America has two systems of public education. The first system, based principally, but not entirely in the suburbs of America and in wealthier urban districts, is in many respects mediocre, specifically in comparison to international peers in advanced industrial nations. However, the second system, based principally in poorer urban and rural areas, is an absolute failure; in which an exceeding number of students dropout well before high school graduation. An astounding number of students receive high school diplomas that do not certify academic confidence in basic subjects. An outstanding number of students are unprepared for the world of employment. An incredible number of students are unprepared to matriculate to instituti ons of higher education or advanced training. These systemic obstacles that create circumstances that hinder the education attainment of the poor can be changed, their limits lessened, by positive actions to elevate living conditions – given the school system promotes andShow MoreRelatedDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pageson appropriate page within text. Copyright  © 2011, 2007, 2005, 2002, 1998 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458. All rights reserved. Manufactured in the United States of America. This publication is protected by Copyright, and permission should be obtained from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,

The ruling idea Free Essays

Nell Dunn is a feminist writer and so like many of her kind wrote plays revolving around the livelihoods of women through solitary experiences and as groups. Steaming looks at the relationships of 6 women from different social classes, ages and living in different economic circumstances. However different these 6 women are, they are brought together by the steam baths, a communal place where only females attend. We will write a custom essay sample on The ruling idea or any similar topic only for you Order Now Through this close environment these women are seen gravitating towards each other and communicating openly despite their class distinction and in some cases are brought together by this fascination with the opposing class. Effectively, the barriers of their class division are being brought down by the formation of female companionships. Josie is one of the poorest characters within the play, initially she is very wary of my character Nancy, who is initially seen as her complete opposite as she derives from the upper class and is the wealthiest of all 6 women. However, towards the end of the act they are seen conversing together about men and money and it turns out that they aren’t as different as their stereotypes assume them to be. We wanted to take the idea of class barriers and show how each woman, although initially different comes to appreciate these differences to find out how very similar they infact are. The way in which we used staging, set and costume was very important in embedding our ruling idea in the play and using subtle factors within these aspects to present this idea to the audience. * The first way in which we created this was through the design of the set. A simple set of 4 white blocks set in a square formation was used at the central focus to the play and was where the majority of the action occurred. In doing so we were able to create a sense of togetherness in the enclosed space where conversation was accessible to all and left none of the characters out. This achieved a sense of unity among the group but also an understanding of acceptance among characters as each individual had their own â€Å"bed† -as it were- where they could keep their personal belongings and also use the space to rest, where they would not be apart from the rest of the group. Not only this but the colour of the blocks was also significant and symbolic. White creates a sense of purity and seeing as the baths are a place of cleanliness this seemed justified and would probably be found in conventional bathhouse. However, the meaning behind this choice goes deeper. Not only is the colour meant to symbolise cleanliness of a hygienic environment but it also comes to represent purity that cannot be found in the outside world, a place of troubles and grime. * The second way we achieved this was the use of costume. On entering the baths each individual character is wearing their everyday clothes, a symbol of their individual tastes, wealth and class. The costume initially gives the audience an impression of these characteristics and can perhaps makes a judgement on them and in most cases stereotype them for example Mrs Meadows and Dawn are first seen holding cheap plastic carrier bags, slippers and quite tattered looking clothes and myself as Nancy appear in patent black shoes and pearls. These outfits were purposefully chosen due to our group interpretation but also to create this stereotype so as to enable us to enhance our reasoning behind the bathrobes. The bathrobes, like the blocks, are also white, another symbol of purity and also conventional steam room wear. Like the blocks they were used to enable each character to come from the outside world, full of problems and troubles and shed themselves of the clothes their class and wealth restrict them to. Having done so, stereotypes that society creates of them are destroyed and suddenly they all become equal despite these factors. We used the colour white for the beds and the robes in an ironic way as in actual fact, a part of what this colour is meant to represent- purity and cleanliness is far from what these women’s lives actually entail. Each women is subject to cases of either domestic violence, mental disorder or divorce, all which would have been shocking to be talked about so openly on stage. * A small factor is the play but also a very significant one, which added to our ruling idea, was the use of the character Bill Bradley. Nell Dunn purposefully wrote this play without a man in it and so the character of Bill is heard shouting from somewhere in the distance, responding to Violets hassles about the corroded pipes! We used this to our advantage and made a point of really shouting at him as if he were a complete nuisance not particularly because of the pipes but because he was a man and this slotted in with the fact that each and every woman at the baths has her grievances about men. From the way Dunn wrote this play it is evident that this was his purpose, to be completely set apart from this group of women who are slowly coming closer and closer to one another. How to cite The ruling idea, Papers

Belonging free essay sample

These essential components of belonging are portrayed through the poems of Peter Skrzynecki and another additional text the film Invictus directed by Clint Eastwood about the uniting of South Africa through the efforts of Nelson Mandella. Feeling a sense of connectedness Wether this be on a physical,social,spiritual or emotional level to something or someone allows for an individual to feel a sense of gratitude and self belief. To a certain extent the groups we belong to define who we are, and an individuals perceptions are the resulting outcome of belonging. The acceptance and kinship being in association with groups may bring one would say belonging would impact ones life positively. Although he opposing side of belonging is not belonging and is as a problem many people in the world face today. This alienation may leave individuals feeling detached and isolated from all things surrounding them. There are many reasons why one may not belong these may include race,religion,culture,attitudes and beliefs as well as many others. Steven Herrick uses poetic techniques, direct speech and relationships to help convey the understanding of integration in this poem. To prove so, when Billy steals leftover food in McDonalds, he opens up the oppurtunity to belong to Caitlin. When Caitlin observes Billy ‘stealing scraps’ she is drawn to the way Billy looks ‘self contained’. His demeanour is what encourages her not to call the Manager. Instead Caitlin ‘smiled at him. I smiled at him and said, â€Å"I hate mopping. †/ he sat in his chair/ and smiled back/ and i felt good/ that i hadn’t called the Manager. ’ Herrick uses the direct speech in this extract to demonstrate the potential for belonging etween Caitlin and Billy. She does the unexpected and puts him at ease and the motif of their smiles further emphasizes a connection between the two. This poem shows the significant moment of when Billy and Caitlin first met and the connection between the two will be stronger in time and shape our understanding of the two characters belonging to each other. ‘The picnic’ is a poem written by Ste ven Herrick in 2000. The poem is about Caitlin and Billy having a picnic together and showing their affection and devotion towards each other. The purpose of this poem is to show the growing sense of union and connection that builds between the two characters through stages of events. Herrick uses poetic techniques and relationships between characters to help convey the understanding of acceptance between the two characters. To prove so, Caitlin and Billy have a picnic together by the Bendarat River. The rhythm and pace of ‘The picnic’ is slow and calm. Herrick uses repitition ‘We ate everything/ We took our time / It was warm,/ it was delicious and a steady beat throughout this verse to illustrate that the way in which Caitlin and Billy come to feel a sense of belonging to each other is unhurried and easy. The use of personification ‘and the beer worked its magic’ attributes the human characteristics to inanimate the object, which in this case helped convey that the significant moment was working through ‘magic’. The enjambment in the final part of the verse ‘and we sle pt together/ only/ we really did just/ sleep together/ content/ to waste the hours/ close. also places emphasis on the feelings of comfort and closeness that each provides for the other. This poem relates to ‘Caitlin and mopping’ with similar uses of techniques such as poetic techniques. This poem links to the significance of moments because this it is in actual fact about a significant moment where the two characters have a moment together which help shape their sense of belonging together through time. Both poems use the technique language modes. Herrick combines the modes of narrative and poetry to represent the concept of belonging. By combining these two modes of representation, Herrick is able to explore the many dimensions of belonging. The narrative mode helps him represent the process or stages of belonging quite clearly as his verse novel follows the conventions of plot. Each chapter moves the events of the story as a whole forward and we are able to see the ways in which his key characters begin to feel they belong together By using the mode of poetry as well in his text, Herrick is able to represent the emotions of his characters very economically and powerfully. This The novel ‘The joy luck club’ by Amy Tan is written in 1989. The story is about death of Suyuan Woo, an elderly Chinese woman and the founding member of the Joy Luck Club. Suyuan has died without fulfilling her long-cherished wish: to be reunited with her twin daughters who were lost in China. Suyuan’s American-born daughter, Jing-mei (June) Woo, is asked to replace her mother at the Joy Luck Club’s meetings. She soon realises the distance between herself and her daughters and makes an effort to get closer and create an affiliation bond. Amy Tan uses many techniques such as figurative language and flash backs to help convey the idea of belonging. Shown through each chapter, concepts of belonging are shown within events. In the chapter ‘Feathers from a Thousand Li Away’ In ‘scar’, An-mei’s mother ‘cut a piece of meat from her arm’ showing the daughter’s devotion to her mother, and sense of belonging to her. ‘This is how a daughter honors her mother’, comments An-mei. In ‘The Red Candle’ Lindo’s moving to her future mother-in-law’s house ends her sense of real belonging with her own family. ‘I missed my family and my stomach felt bad, knowing i had finally arrived where my life said i belonged’. This use of ‘belonged’ is ironic, however, since it is Chinese tradition which says Lindo belonged there, not her own feelings. Figures of speech such as similies and metaphors are used throughout to enrich the imagery of belonging. Similes are frequently used: ‘my mother loved to show me off, like one of my many trophies she polished’. The simile shows that Waverly felt her mother had made her into an object from which to gain status, a perception which impaired for many years her sense of belonging with her mother. Metaphors often help enhance a character’s erception about belonging, as Waverly’s later epiphany about her mother: ‘I could finally see an old woman, a wok for her armor, a knitting needle for her sword’. The metaphors of the wok and the knitting needle show Waverly’s realisation that Lindo is not threatning, and help her to regain a sense of belonging with her mother. Flashback is used in every story and helps the reader to understand the sense of belonging or not belonging of the characters. The flash backs help us understand the characters by revealing aspects of their past. The Joy Luck Club’ relates to the two poems from ‘The Simple Gift’ because they are all similar with techniques (such as figurative language) and understanding of belonging and acceptance within the texts. The quotes, techniques and examples above emphasize that siginificant moments in life shape our identity and individuality of integration in time. It has been proven that the poet and author of the two texts have used developed structures, poetic techniques and structural techniques. The examples have proven that both, novels and poems, use significant moments in time to shape our understanding of belonging.