Role of Kathleen and Linda in The Things They Carried - Literature Essay Samples

Throughout The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien often alludes to Kathleen, his daughter, and Linda, his childhood friend with cancer. However, Kathleen and Linda do not exist. O’Brien includes them in his story because they allow him to interact with the reader within the text without actually interacting with the reader personally. Kathleen represents the reader in the text, one who can interact with Tim O’Brien and alter the things he says. Linda, on the other hand, represents the way storytelling and memory can alleviate the pain in any traumatic situation in the past. Kathleen appears in O’Brien’s stories many times, most notably in â€Å"Field Trip† where O’Brien takes Kathleen, his daughter to Vietnam on vacation. The difficulty of explaining his experiences in Vietnam to Kathleen is evident in the frustration of his tone when he says, â€Å"At the same time, however, she’d seemed a bit puzzled. The war was as rem ote to her as dinosaurs and cavemen.† (183) If Kathleen represents the reader, this suggests that O’Brien believes we are similarly out of touch, requiring explanation for everything he says and does. This idea of Kathleen as the reader is evident in this exchange: â€Å"Kathleen sighed. ‘Well I don’t get it. I mean, how come you were even here in the first place?’ ‘I don’t know,’ I said, ‘Because I had to be.’ ‘But why?’†(183) Her misunderstanding and need for explanation are apparent, and it is equivalent to the reaction of a reader to the text. But what is also on display here is O’Brien’s almost disinterest with the explanation. â€Å"Because I had to be† is never an adequate response to a child’s curious nature. O’Brien’s disinterest suggests that he does not care if the reader does not understand or like what he is saying, or not know why he is sa ying it. He is simply writing to alleviate the pressures on his mind. Writing serves many purposes for him, first and foremost as a method of catharsis, a way in which to alleviate such traumatic memories of what happened in Vietnam. It is also possible that in the dialogue quoted above, Kathleen takes the form of O’Brien’s inner conscience, a conscience perhaps still confused about the purpose of the war, and his role in the war. In â€Å"On the Rainy River†, O’Brien describes his doubts and fears about going to the war after getting the request of his presence in Vietnam. Perhaps, as mentioned above, Kathleen is a representation of those questions that still remain, a literal figure to ask them without O’Brien having to leave character in the story. Linda is portrayed in â€Å"The Lives of the Dead† as Timmy’s nine year old friend and his first true love. It is revealed later that she has a brain tumor, and she subsequently d ies, much to the dismay of a young Tim. O’Brien include her in the story to illustrate the healing power of imagination, and also to foreshadow events. O’Brien’s immortalization of her is similar to his immortalization of Kiowa later; through writing, he make those meaningful people in his life eternal through stories. While Linda does not exist, she provides a way for O’Brien to describe a truth without breaking character. O’Brien tries to explain his methods with a quote on page 230 when he says, â€Å"The things about a story is that you dream it as you tell it, hoping that others might then dream along with you, and in this way memory and imagination and language combine to make spirits in the head.† (230) He is revealing that the origin of stories is dreams, and that the origin of his storytelling career started with his dreams about Linda: â€Å"Lying in bed at night, I made up elaborate stories to bring Linda alive in my sleep. I invented my own dreams.† (243) Linda and Kathleen are included in this book for separate reasons. Kathleen is the materialization of the reader in the text, who, to O’Brien, seems childish and naà ¯ve when it comes to Vietnam. Linda is O’Brien’s way of demonstrating his theory on story-telling: its purposes and origins. The inclusion of the two characters into the story effectively demonstrate O’Brien’s desire to stay in character while explaining the truths of his experience.

The Theory Of Aristotle s Theory - 1488 Words

nam Dorji 11/18/14 PHL-251 Idle Regression Similar to Heraclitus, Aristotle finds that everything is in a constant state of flux. For Aristotle flux, or movement, is dependent on something acting on the thing that is being moved, the mover. Thus, in Aristotle’s Physics we are first introduced to the topic of the unmoved mover: that which moves without being moved, also formally known as the Prime mover. Historically this theory has resulted in a monotheistic concept that has been advanced not only by Aristotle, but also thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas. As a primarily cause or mover of all the motion in the universe, the primary mover is a complex that is surrounded by much controversy. This paper analyzes the first mover from a Buddhist point of view. I will first present Aristotle’s claims and then attempt to disprove them from a holistically dependent Buddhist complex. I will then present the Buddhist complex to assert that identifying the first mover or the causation of the first mover is objectively diffic ult. Aristotle’s Physics, is broken into two main focuses. The first four books raise inquiry onto nature. In contrast books five to eight emphases the treatment of motion. For the sake of this paper we shall focus on the latter. Unlike his predecessors, specifically Socrates’ aporia, Aristotle provides explicit definitions of his concepts. In book eight he establishes that the primary mover is at the center of the cosmos. Aristotle argues that for every motionShow MoreRelatedAristotle s Theory Of Aristotle1629 Words   |  7 PagesAristotle Exam Similar to the teachings of his mentor, Plato, Aristotle’s philosophy finds its answers to major questions from the perspective of the teleological worldview. In the very first sentence of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle introduces his teleological world view by asserting that every activity is aimed at a telos, or end, and how men move from potency to act. Aristotle then proceeds to outline his argument using the Teleological approach as he tries to answer the question: â€Å"what isRead MoreAristotle s Theories Of Aristotle729 Words   |  3 PagesAristotle’s Theories Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher. He was born in 384 B.C in Stagira, Northern Greece. At an early age he went to study at Plato’s Academy. Aristotle was the student of Plato. However, Aristotle’s scientific approach was much different than Plato’s. Aristotle was known as teacher to famous Alexander the Great. Later on Aristotle opened his own school, the Lyceum at Athens. Aristotle is an important image because he is the father of Science. Aristotle had many contributionsRead MoreAristotle s Theory Of Atomos Theory2534 Words   |  11 Pageswhich in greek meant ‘indivisible/ uncuttable’. However this idea was rejected in favour of another philosopher, Aristotle, whose theory was that all matter was made up of 4 elements, fire, water, air and earth. For thousands of years Democritus’s Atomos theory was only believed to have been speculation, until the early 1800’s when an english chemist named John Dalton who used the theory of atomos or atoms to explain why elements always reacted in small ratios of whole numbers and how water absorbsRead MoreAristotle And Aristotle s Theory Of Virtue2685 Words   |  11 PagesEpictetus and Aristotle in Practice Mankind has been searching for existential reasoning since our earliest beginnings. One of the biggest questions, the one that keeps me up at night, â€Å"How ought we to live?† will be explained from the viewpoints of Epictetus in his Enchiridion and Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics. In this paper, I will discuss both philosophies in principle and practice, while giving insight to how to they may function in a modern world situation. Although both theories have usefulRead MoreAristotle s Theory Of Happiness1651 Words   |  7 Pagesmental and physical health. Every person wants to experience true happiness throughout his/her life. Nevertheless, everyone is suffering finding sustainable happiness. Aristotle, in his work called Nicomachean Ethics, presents the concept that living a virtuous life will produce sustainable happiness for a lifetime. According to Aristotle, everything we do aims to some goods, or ends, and for him, the best good would be happiness. Additionally, he mentions that happiness is not easy to defined, someRead MoreAristotle s Theory Of Philosophy1904 Words   |  8 Pagessupported them through various means. Aristotle is one of the most famous examples of a philosopher that does exactly that. Though mainly the influence was on the ancient world, his theories have a wide variety and assortment that has been an extreme influence on generations of philosophers even today. Aristotle’s efforts were able to answer questions that had been within the minds of Greeks for centuries! For a few examples, reality is explained through his theories as well as if it changes from ourRead MoreAristotle s Theory Of Nature Essay1635 Words   |  7 Pageselements(Physics 84a. 14-15). To exhibit we have knowledge of a specific subject matter we have to display and vocalize the contributing components that describe the subject. Aristotle titles these principles, causes and elements as previously listed.Therefore, the knowledge of nature must aris e with questioning principles. Aristotle contends that only the elements and principles can be revealed once going from the proclaimed universal to the particular(Physics 184a.24). This paper will examine the particularRead MoreAristotle And Aristotle s Theory Of Moral Virtue1229 Words   |  5 PagesNietzsche and Aristotle were two of the most significant philosopher of not only their time but their works has lasted throughout the centuries to influence even some today’s greatest minds. Their works however could not be any separated, Aristotle is a prominent figure in ancient Greek philosophy, making contributions to logic, metaphysics, mathematics, physics, biology, botany, ethics, politics, agriculture, medicine, dance and theatre. He was a student of great thinkers such as Plato and SocratesRead MoreAristotle s Theory Of Truth1904 Words   |  8 PagesEver since the beginning of time, humanity has had an insane infatuation towards knowing and pinpointing the truth. For truth provided that sense of reassurance and acceptance that a belief and/or theory adequately did. Truth clarified outrageous beliefs, proved others wrong and gave the gift of certainty. Ironically, however, the word â€Å"truth† itself is difficult, vague and quite puzzling to define, although it could very well be the difference between life and death, innocence and guiltiness. LikeRead MoreAristotle And Aristotle s Moral Theory3135 Words   |  13 Pagesis a reputable temperament for deliberate and free conduct of the proper sort. In providing the central concept of a morally adequate lifestyle, such concept of a state of character or virtue is essential in the fulfillment of morality. To which, Aristotle states throughout Nichomachean Ethics, as well as other philosophers, is the question of moral philosophy, not simply how one is to be conducted and be perceived in life, but how one is to become readily disposed so that such actions are viably possible

Human and Computers Interaction - 587 Words

Human Computer Interaction we are all familiar with, a trait characteristic of all humankind that emerged in the early 1980s that started embracing computer science and human factors that would interact with computer. There has been study of how the users of computers utilize them to complete tasks in the environment they will finally be used in. Human Computer Interaction is not just designed for one user and then another user comes along to use it. When been created an HCI system it would have to be considering how the users will interact with computer devices. Human Computer Interaction all aspects have been included in the tasks to be completed, in the technology that will be used by the user (e.g. input/output), how they will interact with the system. Therefore, human computer interaction has become increasingly popular and is important to our society. Over one hundred years ago before, the word computer started to appear in our dictionary people didn’t even know what a c omputer is. Now Human Computer Interaction has expanded rapidly and steadily over three decades. Until the late 1970s, the only humans who interacted with computers were information technology professionals and dedicated hobbyists. This changed disruptively with the emergence of personal computing in the later 1970s. Personal computing, including both personal software (productivity applications, such as text editors and spreadsheets, and interactive computer games) and personal computer platformsShow MoreRelatedHuman Computer Interaction1508 Words   |  7 Pagesa significant impact on human life process. What was on the top of the Maslows Hierarchy of Needs is now performing a vital role in each human life. Due to the swift growth in the technology industry and hardware and software development computerized systems and machines are used on an everyday basis by almost everyone, even people from different fields which are not related to computing. Major sectors such as aviation, he althcare, banking and education adopted computer technology to improve productivityRead MoreHuman-Computer Interaction718 Words   |  3 Pageshealthcare, Human-Computer Interaction has to play a major role. New software is currently being implemented in the hospital setting and many unintentional errors are beginning to arise. These unintentional errors lead healthcare providers to find workarounds. In order to understand why Human-Computer Interaction is so important I will discuss what Human-Computer Interaction is, my personal experience using it, and the procedures put into place to make improvements. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) isRead MoreHuman Computer Interaction : Computer Interface1250 Words   |  5 PagesHuman – Computer Interface The Human-Computer Interaction, as defined by Margret Rouse, â€Å"HCI (human-computer interaction) is the study of how people interact with computers and to what extent computers are or are not developed for successful interaction with human beings (Rouse. 2005).† As the need for computer interaction increased, better means of interacting with computer software became a necessity. The original human-computer interaction involved punch cards, and switches, then programmers hadRead MoreThe Importance Of Human Computer Interaction1110 Words   |  5 Pagesapplications. Human computer interaction in its purest form, encapsulates the ways in which we engage with software through input and output. Understanding the importance and requirements of human computer interaction is a pivotal goal towards creating a useable system that can adhere to the needs of the end user. In summary human computer interaction is the study and collection of data gained through monitoring how a computer and a user can interact and achieve their objectives. Classic computer interactionRead MoreHuman Computer Interaction ( Hci ) Essay1786 Words   |  8 PagesEmotion is a distinguishing feature of human beings. It is not because other beings cannot express emotions, but we are good at grasping emotions of our fellow beings. Emotions play an important role in the decisions we make in our day-to-day lives. We express emotions in almost everything we do, such as; we express anger when we face atrocities, we express sadness when we hear news of demise, and we express happiness when we get what we want. Further, emotions are not just limited to our personalRead MoreHuman Computer Interaction ( Hci ) Essay1792 Words   |  8 PagesThe expression of emotion is a distinguishing feature of the human beings. The implication here is not that the other beings are incapable of expressing emotions, but we are great at grasping emotions of our fellow beings. The emotions play an important role in the decisions we make in our day-to-day lives. We expr ess emotions in almost everything we do, for example; we express anger when we face atrocities, sadness when we hear news of demise, and celebrate with happiness when we achieve our goalsRead MoreDecision Systems And Human Computer Interaction Essay1178 Words   |  5 Pagesponder about underlying intelligent systems at play, including the possible reasons for search engine’s failure to present the expected results. This incident was phenomenal in transforming my way of thinking about recommendation systems and Human-Computer Interaction. 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Hardware in mobilesRead MoreHuman Computer Interaction And Analytics Technologies Essay1723 Words   |  7 PagesHuman Computer Interaction and Analytics A Term Paper Presented to CMPS 5443: Adv Top: Human-Comp Interaction Department of Computer Science Midwestern State University In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements of the Degree Master of Science By Manju Yadav Akkaraboina Fall - 2016 Abstract This paper explains the development in the human computer interaction by using the analytics technologies. The analytics technologies act as a decision support system for the further development in theRead MoreHow Human Computer Interactions Incorporated Into Computer Systems1196 Words   |  5 Pagesinsight into how it can positively affect and benefit the user’s lifestyle. The authors inform the audience of the three types of context-aware computer systems and uses prototype examples to clearly explain them to an audience who would not be knowledgeable about this field. The article highlights how human-computer interactions incorporated into computer systems are continuously evolving to provide a more personal, efficient and user friendly experience. This has further extended onto systems that

My Vision to My Country free essay sample

Talibanâ€Å"I belive that no country can prosper until the people themselves realises the worth of their country†. Unity, Faith and Discipline, was the slogan of Mohammad Ali Jinnah but unfortunatley few follow him. Today we are fighting,we are arrogantt and most of all we have corrupt politicans OVERVIEW It is an undeniable and well-established fact the last decade was disastrous for Pakistan. While many developing nations made substantial progress, Pakistan lurched from one Energy and economic crisis to another, mainly of its own making. Weak macroeconomic management, lack of commitment and courage to undertake difficult structural reforms, a personalized and politicized state of decision-making and alarming levels of corruption were typical of the quality of governance. Commercial banks and other financial institutions became instruments of political patronage and profit for favored cronies. The gross mismanagement of public sector enterprises like the Electricity,Water amp; Power Development Authority, the railways, Pakistan Steel Mills, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and Pakistan International Airlines, NICL and Hajj Scandle added further to the problems. We will write a custom essay sample on My Vision to My Country or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Failures in enhancing revenues consistent with growing expenditure requirements, decline in exports and other foreign exchange inflows, imbalances and vitiated caused the insecurity to foregin companies to invest in pakistan. On the political side, successive governments during this decade pursued twin agendas of blatant self-aggrandizement and ruthless revenge. In last 5 years level of living gets down and down and people are unable to get even Necessities of Life. Undesireable and unpredictable load shedding is the gift of Last Government. In the comity of nations, Pakistan faced isolation and remained on the defensive on a number of issues, which were vital to its international standing. Such a state of affairs had a far-reaching impact on the country’s economic well-being. There was despondency among all, as many began to talk of Pakistan â€Å"as a failed state†. Here i will Discuss Major Problems those are currently Facing by Pakistan and What’ s My Vision to Rectify these Problems. PROBLEMS CURRENTLY FACING BY PAKISTAN. ENERGY SHORTAGES: Electricity shortages nearly doubled under the PPP compared with the previous administration. Some places in Pakistan suffer blackouts for up to 18 to 20 hours a day during these months. The country also has experienced increased shortages of natural gas, which were felt acutely during the winter because many people rely on natural gas to heat their homes as well as cook. Spending on energy subsidies and failing public enterprises has helped sap the governments funds, which are much lower than they should be because of ineffective tax collection. The combination of these factors means the government will likely have to seek yet another unpopular bailout from the International Monetary Fund. FALTERING ECONOMIC GROWTH: The economy has grown at less than 4 percent a year under the most recent government, which was led by the Pakistan Peoples Party and governed for five years. That is much lower than the rates during the previous administration, which at times hovered near 7 percent. Under the most recent government, inflation spiked, reaching an annualized rate of around 25 percent in some months. However, the inflation rate has fallen and averaged around 11 percent last year. BAD LAW AND ORDER SITUATION: The military has launched numerous operations against the Pakistani Taliban in the countrys northwest tribal region along the Afghan border during the past five years. Analysts say the operations and U. S. drone attacks against militants in the tribal region have helped produce a significant decline in overall levels of violence in 2011 and 2012. But the Taliban have remained a potent threat, including during the election campaign. The group carried out near-daily attacks against election candidates and offices that killed more than 130 people. The militants mostly targeted liberal secular parties that supported operations against the Taliban. Sectarian violence by radical Sunni Muslim militants against minority Shiites also has significantly worsened in recent months. he prospects of achieving higher economic growth, indispensable for reducing poverty, will depend on the ability of the country to unlock the creative energies of the people. Besides education we also need to invest in health and population planning. We Can Do It. Pakistan has lived through a difficult and testing period in the not-too-distant past. Its economy was fragile, the balance of payments was highly vulnerable to external shocks, the country’s debt burden had reached alarming proportions, financial indiscipline was the order of the day and the country’s foreign exchange reserves were at dangerously low levels. After four-and-a-half years of hard work, Pakistan’s economy is now resurgent and the balance of payments has never been as comfortable. Notwithstanding the impressive progress made so far, the government must not be complacent, as the country has not yet realized its true potential. The 150 million people of Pakistan have enormous potential to excel in many areas. Their intelligence, their dynamism and their ability to learn are second to none. What is required is the unlocking of the creative energies of the people. My vision of a strong, vibrant, stable and moderate Pakistan playing an effective role in the world is based on my faith in the people of Pakistan. If we stay the course, I am confident that the desired results can and will be achieved. Let us together make Pakistan a better place to live in and bequeath a stronger country to our current and future generation is an undeniable and well-established fact that the decade of the 1990s was disastrous for Pakistan. While many developing nations made substantial progress, Pakistan lurched from one economic crisis to another, mainly of its own making. Weak macroeconomic management, lack of commitment and courage to undertake difficult structural reforms, a personalized and politicized state of decision-making and alarming levels of corruption were typical of the quality of governance. Appalling economic decisions hyped on populist slogans were symbolic of the freewheeling decision-making that led to the incurring of huge debt.