The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien Essay Example for Free

The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien Essay Tim OBrien, author and veteran, covers several multiple in his novel The Things They Carried. The book bases itself on the psychological strain caused by the stress and conflicting interests in the war. OBrien wants us to see what hes afraid to look back at. Story truth is his way of facing the confronting the past and admitting his responsibility in it. OBrien tells his stories from a constant gush of memories. Emotions and morals are among the more evident themes covered in the novel. Pain, embarrassment, love, hate, loneliness, frustration, isolation, bravery, and struggles with morality. All of these, and combinations of these are religiously covered in the book. Though people not involved in a war could never even begin to understand, not even an ounce of what happened; OBrien uses these themes and emotions to help describe the crude and passionate feelings that the veterans felt throughout the war. Pain is one of the better know feelings about Vietnam. It still affects many Vietnam War veterans in many forms. Even though the war ended over 25 years ago, OBrien shows that the trauma associated with the war has had mental and physical effects on the soldiers since the war has passed. Because of this pain, it only makes sense that OBrien illustrates and reflects on the pains he and others felt during the war. Pain is caused by so many of the emotions used in this book, that it becomes difficult not to realize its significance in the book. The guilt caused by killing a man, even though he would have killed you. The mental torment felt when watching your comrade being scraped off of a tree. They were just goofing. There was a noise, I suppose, which mustve been the detonator, so I glanced behind me and watched Lemon step from the shade into bright sunlight. His face was suddenly brown and shining. A handsome kid, really. Sharp gray eyes, lean and narrow-waisted, and when he died it was almost beautiful, the way the sunlight came around him and lifted him up and sucked him high into a tree full of moss and vines and white blossoms. (OBrien p.70). These are the types of pains that can only be understood by having felt them yourself, the type of pain that lives deep within you forever, whether you want to remember it or not. Embarrassment was probably one of the more hidden feelings in the war. In the  chapter titled On the Rainy River, OBrien tells of something so deeply embarrassing, that he was too ashamed to tell even his closest friends, and family. He, being an anti-war individual at the time, would rationally have been opposed to fighting for a cause he didnt believe in. He ran. Running was a popular choice for those who were opposed to, or just scared of, war. At some point in mid-July I began thinking seriously about Canada. The border lay a few hundred miles north, and eight-hour drive. Both my conscience and my instincts were telling me to make a break for it, just take off and run like hell and never stop.(OBrien p.44). In the book he fled to the border, but stopped to rest before he crossed. His rest was the duration of six days. He was in a continuous battle with his conscience. He thought of his parents, the shame they would be faced with because of their sons weakness. He could hear his townspeople and peers mocking him. He couldnt risk the embarrassment. He submitted. I would go to war-I would kill any maybe did-because I was too embarrassed not too.(OBrien p.59.). The emotion considered by many to be the strongest of all emotions, was the focus, and title of the second chapter. Love tells of a young lieutenant, and the object of his affection, a girl from his hometown, Martha. Among the things in which Lieutenant Cross humped were two photographs, a good luck pebble, and letters from Martha. Lieutenant Cross kept to himself. He pictured Marthas smooth young face, thinking he loved her more than anything, more than his men, and now Ted Lavender was dead because he loved her so much and could not stop thinking about her.(OBrien p.7). When emotions like love make you think more of home, and less of the war, mistakes are inevitable; they simply affect your ability to work. Lieutenant Cross found this out the hard way. He burned Marthas pictures and letters. He would have to carry the burden of his mistakes, regret. A struggle with ones morality could be expected for any man. It all came down to one question. Am I willing to kill another man? Should I kill and live with the heavy guilt and burden on my conscience, or perish knowing the consequences youd be faced with would be worse. OBrien made a choice, he chose to live, and kill, and kill he did. In the chapter The Man I Killed OBrien reminisces over this experience. His jaw was in his throat, his  upper lip and teeth were gone, his one eye was shut, his other eye was a star-shaped hole, his eyebrows were thin and arched like a womans, his nose was undamaged, there was a slight tear at the lobe of one ear, his clean black hair was swept upward into a cowlick at the rear of the skull, his forehead was lightly freckled, his fingernails were clean, the skin at his left cheek was peeled back in three ragged strips, his right cheek was smooth and hairless, there was a butterfly on his chin, his neck was open to the spinal cord and the blood there was thick and shiny and it was this wound that had killed him.(OBrien p.124). Following his experience, he imagined what the mans life had been like before this. His memories created an existence for whom he killed. Memories are what kept them alive. He is astounded by what he has done, by what he had been forced to do. This novel, summarized, is about a young soldier who is overwhelmed by emotions and feelings about a war he wants nothing to do with. It conveys nearly every emotion that one can experience. It is because of these themes that people can even begin to understand what those living the war felt. As with most other veterans, OBrien experienced a loss so great, a burden so heavy, it is almost impossible to carry, but carry they did. They carried the burden of murders, the embarrassment of running, the bodies of their friends, and the memories that would haunt them for a lifetime. For these veterans the war will never end. Bonn, Maria S., Can Stories Save Us? Tim OBrien and the Efficacy of the Text, in Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction, Vol. 36, No. 1, Fall, 1994, pp. 2-14. Harris, Robert R., Too Embarrassed Not to Kill: A review of The Things They Carried, in New York Times Book Review, March 11, 1990, p. 8.

The Classification And Formation Of Crystals :: essays research papers

The Classification and Formation of Crystals Introduction Purpose   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My purpose of this experiment is to find out how crystals are formed and how they are classified. For a long time, I’ve been interested in crystals, so I’ ve decided this experiment would be perfect for me! Crystallography   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The study of the growth, shape, and geometric characteristics of crystals is called crystallography. When the conditions are right, each chemical element and compound can crystallize in a definite and characteristic form.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Thirty-two classes of crystals are theoretically possible, almost all common minerals fall into one of about twelve classes, and some classes have never been seen. The thirty-two classes are grouped into six crystal systems, based on the length and position of the crystal axes. Crystal axes are imaginary lines passing through the center of the crystals. Minerals in each system share certain proportions and crystal form and many important optical properties.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The six crystal systems are very important to a mineralogists and geologists; specification of the system is necessary in the description of each crystal system. Isometric   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This system comprises crystals with three axes, all perpendicular to one another and all have equal length. Tetragonal   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This system comprises crystals with three axes, all perpendicular to one another; but only two are equal in length. Orthorhombic   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This system comprises crystals with three mutually perpendicular axes, all of different lengths. Monoclinic   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This system comprises crystals with three axes, all unequal in length, two o which are not perpendicular to another, but both of which are perpendicular to the third. Triclinic   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This system comprises crystals with three axes, all unequal in length and is not perpendicular to one another. Hexagonal   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This system comprises crystals with four axes. Three of these axes are in a single plane, proportionally spaced, and of equal length. The fourth axis is perpendicular to the other three. Some crystallographers split the hexagonal in two, calling the seventh system trigonal or rhombohedral. Formation of Crystals   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Crystals are formed when a liquid becomes solid or when a vapor or liquid solution becomes supersaturated. Some substances tends to form seed

Native Americans relations with Europeans

According to the anonymous author , â€Å"Objectivity is neither possible nor desirable. It's not possible because all history is subjective; all history represents a point of view. â€Å", which In other words means that people see history In the way they want to see It based on what they think Is Important. It Is not possible to be objective because everything one says and thinks Is based on our perceptions, knowledge, thoughts and feelings . It Isn't desirable because If someone Is trying to get a point across, they have to be subjective. History, while trying to be objective is mostly subjective.The historian brings their feelings, prejudices, backgrounds, as well as their P. O. Vs. to historical situations. This effects how history is told and written about. The various authors that have wrote about Columbus arrival to the New World based it off of their own view of the world and of Columbus. In † A People's History of the United States â€Å", Howard Zion approaches hi s view on history in a more opinion based way. Howard Zion beings by retelling the encounter between the natives and Columbus. Zion's view of this Is different from the traditional encounter most historians talk about.Howard Zion points out that the Europeans came to the Americas in search of slaves and gold and brutally killed almost all the Indians, who according to many other people were a peaceful people. This shows that Zion Is subjective and doesn't view Columbus as an â€Å"enlightened † explorer but rather a brutal one that would do anything such as torture others to get what he wants. Then Zion gives his opinion on how history is usually told from the Elite groups point of view. Zion points out that Columbus thought the Natives were weak and wouldn't be able to defend themselves.Howard Zion does give facts about the encounter such as using Columbus own Journal as evidence but he does become biased in certain parts of the first chapter. In other words , Zion wanted to tell the Natives pop because he wants the reader to know about that part of history. Zion wanted to expose Columbus as a cruel man. The idea of exploitation of resources, of people, of cultural differences was an Important factor In the conquest of the New World. Zion's way of thinking and his thought one how the elite shouldn't be the only one that students should read about were reasons why Zion Is not objective at all.He does become biased and bases his reasons on thoughts about letting the reader hear the Natives side of the story. In A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America†, Ronald Attack is subjective as well because he takes the Natives side by pointing a lot of negative defects of the Europeans. At first , Ronald Attack talks about how the Natives viewed the Europeans. Attack states that the Natives saw the Europeans as â€Å"ugly † and â€Å"strange† . Ronald gives the reader an insight on how the Natives felt towards these explorers. A l ot of other historians don't teach about the thoughts of the oppressed people.Then Attack talks about how the the English Justified colonization, enslavement and murder. The English didn't view their taking of the land as robbery. Attack points out that Columbus saw these people As loving their neighbors as themselves, and having the sweetest talk In the world, and gentle, and always with a smile. Then the author writes about how the Europeans would destroy the Natives villages. The Europeans reclaimed the natives as savages and non-human. As an opportunity to take over the land. The Natives would be categorized as â€Å"the other† while the Europeans were entitled to the land.Attack describes the Europeans as greedy and in control. Attack focuses on the severe treatment of the Indians and how this affected them in a negative way. This can be seen as being biased because Attack views the Natives as the victims and the Europeans as the villains . In the â€Å"American Pageant , chapter 1: New World Beginnings†, David M. Kennedy, Thomas A. Bailey, and Elizabeth Cohen present history in a more objective way. It is objective but the author still presents history in the way they want the reader to see it. They tell the reader only what they want them to know.These authors start off by talking about the shaping of North America and the theory of Pangaea is explained. Then they inform the reader about early Americans such as the Pueblo Indians , Mound Builders and and Eastern Indians. Later on in chapter one , the authors start to talk about Columbus arrival to the New World. Throughout this section of the text , there was no opinions made. The authors state that Columbus was trying to reach the East Indies and how he misjudged the size of Earth. They are informing the reader rather than trying to convince them about a certain topic.The authors don't give their opinions on Columbus nor talk about his treatment towards the Natives. The quote does not go w ith this text because this text is showing that objectivity can be possible. The authors are being objective because they are basing their Judgment on the facts and what has been presented without putting any personal beliefs or bias comments. In â€Å"A Patriot's History of the United States: From Columbus' Great Discovery to the War on Terror, Chapter 1: The City On A Hill , 1492-1707†, Larry Shareware and Michael Allen's way of telling the reader history can be seen as more objective.Shareware and Allen wants to give the reader a fair story of the nation to the reader but does the opposite. Both authors become subjective because their history telling is based on patriotism. They want the reader to see the proud history of America. Allen and Shareware want to show their appreciation and respect for the United States. They leave out the negatives that occurred in history . This book (chapter 1) shows that history is a product of it's authors. Since both of these authors are proud Americans , they want to show the positives of the nation throughout history.In the first chapter , the authors point out that Columbus and other explorers such as Cortes were innocent and didn't deliberately give the Native Americans diseases. The authors tell the history that all history books have in it but is also trying to go against â€Å"A People's History of the United States. † The authors point out that because Americans had a Christian Culture , they took life, liberty and property as serious manners. They also point out that hard work was a building block of the success of America. From chapter one , Allen and Shareware show a conservative perspective because they want the reader to see that the U.S is a special nation because when the New World was found, settlers adopted several systems such as religious integrity, private property rights and also competition amongst groups like political parties. These authors want to show the reader that history can be s ubjective while containing facts. In â€Å"The Devastation of the Indies: A Short Account†, Bartholomew De Lass Cases does show a subjective way of telling history because he takes a side. Bartholomew tells the reader that the Europeans were cruel Soldiers would use this hospitality as an advantage to take over cities and villages.This would allow them to get to the gold and slaves they wanted. Bartholomew goes on saying that the Europeans would massacre millions of natives , raping innocent woman and killing innocent children. The Spaniards would use slaves to build buildings and to attack other villages since sometimes the Spaniards didn't want to use their own men. Bartholomew points out that the Spaniards committed genocide. There are two sides to every story and Barcarole goes with the side of the indigenous people. Bartholomew focused on the horrific actions taken by the Spaniards. Ironically , Barcarole was a Spaniard priest but still went against his people .He believ ed that the conduct of the Spaniard Christians were not one of someone that followed the Christian faith. This ties in with the quote because Bartholomew is being subjective and is making it clear that objectivity can't be possible in his brief account . Bartholomew wanted to portray the Spaniards in the worst light and also tell people the unfairness treatment that the Natives had to go through. Therefore , various authors that have wrote about Columbus arrival to the New World and the history of Early America have based it on their point of view and thoughts.An authors ultra and worldview can affect the way they write about history by making it bias. Some authors might take a side and argue for that side. Authors will make their point using facts to back up their opinions. This leads to the conclusion that objectivity is rare in writings about history although it isn't impossible . While the authors of â€Å"The American Pageant † present history using facts and don't take sides , other authors want to pursue the reader and make the reader believe what they believe. This shows that history is subjective because an author will base tell history in the way they want to.

Honors Biology-Early Topics - 3382 Words

Honors Biology (modified from Foundation Notes) Unit 1 Early Topics Main Sections * Definition of Biology * Characteristics of Life * Levels of Organization * SI Units and Relative Size * Scientific Method * Classification and Binomial Nomenclature Definition of Biology CHAPTER 1 Biology can be broadly defined as the â€Å"study of life† or the â€Å"study of living things†. It includes molecules that are made, used by, or derived from living things. It also includes certain groups like viruses, prions, and virions that lack a complete cellular structure but which are agents of infection. Characteristics of Life CHAPTER 1 WHAT IS LIFE? If biology is the study of life, how do we†¦show more content†¦The hypothesis should be based on something, preferably data (i.e. is not a random explanation). 3. As it is tentative, the hypothesis needs to be tested. To do this, a prediction is set up. A prediction is an â€Å"If†¦.., then†¦..† statement. The â€Å"If†¦.† part is a repeat of the hypothesis. Though a formal device, a prediction has the huge advantage of telling the scientist exactly what to do; it focuses the study. 4. Then an experiment is carried out to test the prediction. The experiment should have: a. Control and experimental groups. b. Dependent and independent variables. c. Verification (making sure that the findings are correct considering the design and basic limitations of the experiment). This is done by: * Repeating the experiment. * Having large sample sizes. The experiment will have the raw (original) data which could be qualitative or quantitative and it will most likely also have reworked (totals, %’s, averages, SD/SE) and organized data (tables, graphs, maps, charts). It might also include modeling (constructing a representation of an object, system, or process to show relationships) and a statistical analysis to show the spread of the data and establish the degree of significance. 5. 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