Existentialism in Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart Essay

Existentialism in Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe presents his audience with an interesting twist to a contemporary school of thought in his work Things Fall Apart. This post-colonization narrative incorporates several traits that revolt against normative philosophic systems and tralititious theories and beliefs of the existence of man and his place in the universe. Achebes efforts are characterized by a small diverse group of writers that purge realizations of predestination, and instead define mans existence by identifying his independent choices throughout the life course. Achebes style, although peculiar in one sense, can be defined in relation to the school of philosophic thought known as existentialism.†¦show more content†¦As defined in The American Heritage College Dictionary, existentialism emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards existnece as unexplainable, and stresses free choice and responsibility for ones actions. Exis tentialism is personalized from other schools of thought by its embodiment of three important criterion; 1) the emphasis of the individual as the centerpoint of his domain; 2) an accentuation of human choice and freedom; and, 3) a critique of social norm and its aim for individuals to congregate as merely part of a herd. These three standards of action are present in all works defined as existential, and are absorbed in Achebes Things Fall Apart. The focus of the individual is prominent in Things Fall Apart, a tale of an almost anti-social being in a world dominated by change. Achebes main character, Okonkwo, is the window to the dramatization of social, economic, and political change of the nation known as Nigeria. The focus of the narrative is the struggle of a strong and well respected individual to maintain his own life course, and to differentiate this outcome from the end result of his lethargic fathers life. The story embodies the ideal of embracing the individuals goals and aspirations to yield an outcome

Critical Literature Study - 1722 Words

Of the nine studies that meet the established criteria, Devine, Farrell, Hartman (2005), indicated a lack of FVC studies amid low-income families as a justification for need. FVC focused intervention studies in community education setting within this population sector have become more prevalent due to the growing evidence of a correlation between chronic disease and dietary habits. Seven of the nine investigations cite low-income adults and their families consuming below national averages of recommended daily FVC servings as the primary problem and justification for research. On the other hand, there are a plethora of studies identifying FVC barriers among low-income populations. There is also, an abundance of FVC studies in clinical and†¦show more content†¦Though two studies included value added incentives measuring potential influence on behavior, Anderson et al., (2001) utilized $20 coupons redeemed at farmers markets with positive behavioral outcomes in FVC (education and coupons 0.80). While, Ko et al., (2016) provided food baskets of ingredients to replicate class cooking demonstrations at home as an incentive. The results showed increased consumption of 0.5 in fruit and 0.8 in vegetable study outcomes though similar to study issues without incentives. Devine et al., (2006) reminds practitioners that differences between goals of the program and objectives of the participants can have a negative effect on outcomes. Additionally, they highlight the importance of utilizing formative research to align research and program objectives with participants needs to reduce the risk of influencing variables. C. Study Design All articles with the exception of Gerstein et al., (2009) had a predominant quantitative research design. As a qualitative focus group design, Gerstein et al. provide nutrition practitioners with anecdotal evidence supporting the adoption of newly gained FVC practices such as offerings more FVC at meals by presenting information in a meaningful way, eliciting lasting change. It also provides personal perceptions further supporting quantitative learner-centered approach results. While six of the nine studies are quasi-experimental design and classified asShow MoreRelatedCritical Success Factors For Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation Success1740 Words   |  7 Pages Introduction This paper is a critical review of the article ‘Critical Success Factors for Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation Success’ which was published in the ‘International Journal of Advances in Engineering Technology’. 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Keywords: nursing, critical care, COPD, ICU, quality of dying Research Problem/Purpose The article by Goodridge et al., (2009) sought to address the problemRead MoreAnalysis Of Mullen Rhoadsrbtm7109-2 : Develop And Apply A Personal Toolkit1622 Words   |  7 Pagestoolkit for critiquing research article, critical thinking that imposes intellectual standards will be the fundamental strategy employed (Elder Paul, 2008; â€Å"Public Library,† 2013). Critical thinking will be employed to minimize bias from the literature review, which should provide a more solid springboard for the dissertation process. The intellectual standards that will be employed are clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, and breadth. Critical thinking should result in crucial questionsRead MoreWhat Factors Are Involved in the Increasing Prevalence of Type II Diabetes in Adolescents living in Sub-Saharan Africa?1279 Words   |  6 Pagespredispose these individuals to development of type II diabetes early in life. 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Beloved Essay Independence Example For Students

Beloved Essay Independence A TREE CAN BE A HEAVY LOAD TO CARRYThroughout our lives, we have all had our own tree carved onto us. Whether it is on our back, in our heart, in our soul, our hands or feet, we can all share the knowledge and pain our lives have borne. So there is an understanding of how and what Sethe has had to bare throughout her life, and every branch of her tree has its individual story to tell. Not only has she been affected by the choices she has had to make, but also everyone who has come in contact with her have been affected. One branch of Sethes tree tells of her killing her baby and another tells of the guilt she has felt throughout the years and the near destruction of her from the haunting of her dear Beloveds ghost. Another tells of her boys running away and another tells of the neglect that her younger daughter has had to face.Because of this guilt, she almost paid for it with her life. However, the stages that her mind her took through with coming to terms with her involvement in Be loveds murder, her redemption of that burden, and near madness were the elements that helped to guide her through the guilt. From the redemption of her guilt, Sethe has learned that when a branch of her tree has weltered a little, which means that her family bond is not as strong, the tree does not die, because it has a strong root. A root that represents all of the sorrows of her life, but she is still strong and is willing to fight to get rid of the weltering branches and sprout new ones, which represents new hope, new life and new beginning. In comparison with Sethe, many of us could probably relate to Sethe and the tragedies and devastations she has had to face. Like her, we and the people around us have had to face death, neglect, uncertainties, self-doubt or inner demons. Sethe explains that she took her babys life in order to save her from the treacherous world that she would have greeted. She did not want her baby to grow up in slavery like she had to, or starve because she did not have any milk to feed her. .and I could not let her nor any of em live under schoolteacher. That was out(163). But was that really an excuse to use for what she had done by taking her childs life? Paul D, who was her long-lost friend for eighteen years, disputes her reasoning for killing her child. He states,The prickly, mean-eyed Sweet Home girl he knew as Halles girl was obedient(like Halle), shy(like Halle) and work-crazy(like Halle). He was wrong. This here Sethe was new. The ghost in her house did not bother her for the very same rea son a room-and board witch with new shoes was welcome. This here Sethe talked about love like any other woman; talked about the baby clothes like any other woman, but what she meant could cleave the bone. This here Sethe talked about safety with a handsaw. This here new Sethe didnt know where the world stopped and she began. Suddenly he saw what Stamp Paid wanted him to see more important than what Sethe had done was what she claimed. It scared him(164). Paul D was bewildered and outraged by Sethes actions towards a child and found it unforgivable. Because she killed her child others deemed her a demon, incapable of love, and her younger daughter began believing that was true. She was deemed insane and others around her felt the devastation of her demise. Denver, who is Sethes younger daughter, lived in fear after learning the truth about the horrific actions of her mother. She wondered what would stop her mother from killing her, if killing was so easy for her. .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e , .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e .postImageUrl , .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e , .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e:hover , .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e:visited , .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e:active { border:0!important; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e:active , .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ub332631d225c2231fc8c87185593906e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Greenhouse EssayI love my mother but I know she killed one of her own daughters, and tender as she is with me, Im scared of her because of it. She missed killing my brothers and they knew it. They told me die-witch! stories to show me the way to do it, if ever I needed to.Im afraid the thing that happened that made it alright for my mother to kill my sister could happen again. I dont know what it is, I dont know who it is, but maybe there is something else terrible enough to make her do it again. I need to know what that thing might be, but I dont want to. Whatever it is, it comes from outside this house, outside the yard, and it can come right on in the yard if it wants t o(205). It must be an awful feeling to live and be in fear of ones own mother. Because of Sethes guilt for killing Beloved, she has lost her job, has isolated everyone from her including Denver, and now Beloved was working on taking Sethes health. Sethe has no money because she lost her job and consequently, had no food, but did Sethe care? No, all Sethe wanted to do is to play with Beloved. But it was Beloved who made demand. Anything she wanted she got, and when Sethe ran out of things to give her, Beloved invented desire. She wanted Sethes company for hours to watch the layer of brown leaves waving at them from the bottom creek(241). Beloved wanted to consume Sethes life as much as possible. She started dressing like Sethe, imitated Sethes persona, she even slept with Paul D and became pregnant for him. She took the best of everything first. The best chair, the biggest piece, the prettiest plate, the brightest ribbon for her hair, and the more she took, the more Sethe began to ta lk, explain, describe how much she had suffered, been through, for her children(241). Beloved drained Sethe of all her strength to the point where Sethe contemplated suicide.When I put that headstone up, I wanted to lay in there with you, putyour head on my shoulder and keep you warm, and I would have.I couldnt lay down with you then. No matter how much I wanted to. I couldnt lay down nowhere in peace, back then. Now I can. I can sleep like the drowned, have mercy(204). Paul D, who had abandoned her after learning of Sethes horrific actions, and Denver, who was abandoned by her mother, were the two people who saved her life. Sethe had to have been at her lowest point in order to contemplate suicide. After the boys held her down and stole her childs milk, she was unable to provide food for her Beloved. What is a mother if she cannot provide food for her children? She is unworthy of living and unworthy of being a mother. Paul D, after he learned of Sethes decline in health, went to vi sit her. The pitiful sight of Sethe was troubling and it was then that he had to restore her faith. Sethe .me and you, we got more yesterday than anybody. We need some kind of tomorrow,.You your best thing, Sethe. You are(273). Paul Ds reassurance was the one thing that Sethe needed to restore her faith in believing she is a good, decent person. Along with Paul D, Denver too was an aid in Sethes resurrection. Denver after being left to save herself, came to the aid of Sethes demise. In comparison to Beloved, Denver too had to take on the role of mother, unlike Beloved who wanted to destroy her mother, Denver took care of the child, Sethe. Denver received food from the neighbors and brought home the paycheck to help with the daily maintenance of the family. Another group that helped Sethe, was the community. The community rose to the aid of Sethe to help her fight her demons. .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 , .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 .postImageUrl , .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 , .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819:hover , .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819:visited , .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819:active { border:0!important; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819:active , .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819 .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u06229695b78d6016a6b779218e5e2819:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Computer Fraud And Crimes EssayWhen times were bad and Sethes branches were breaking and her roots were being uprooted, the community and the people who care the most about her, combined their strength to save a woman fighting her demons. This is true for each of us, when there does not seem to be any hope and our world is caving in, we can always count on the people who care about us the most. If our friends, neighbors and families strength is not strong enough, we can always count on the Lord for His strength because He has an abundance to give.

Taoism and Confucianism Research Paper Example

Taoism and Confucianism Paper The Chinese spiritual experience is a synthesis of Taoism and Confucianism. I feel it is their shared quest that humans move away from being individuals to become a part of a greater whole, whether it is Confucius society or Lao Tzus nature. However, just as they have their similarities they, like all the other religions, have their differences, theirs being the way to becoming a part of the greater whole. In their different and similar aspirations, like the Yin and the Yang, Taoism and Confucianism is a combination which balances the Chinese character. I believe the Chinese spiritual experience is when humans strive by being or doing to become a part of the greater whole. Both Taoism and Confucianism urge humankind to shed their individuality for this goal. They both contend that individualism holds the individual back as well as fragments the essence of the greater whole. When more people become a part of it, the greater whole will become stronger. As Lao Tzu asks, What happens when 10,000 people go back into the woods? I think he might have answered the woods, nature, becomes that much greater by being able to guide life in its own way. We will write a custom essay sample on Taoism and Confucianism specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Taoism and Confucianism specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Taoism and Confucianism specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Just as Taoism and Confucianism maintain a similar direction, they differ in other aspects. One difference they come across is what the greater whole is whether it be the Taoists nature or the Confucianists society. Another opposition they have is what process one takes in becoming a part of the greater whole. Where Taoism says the way to do is to be, Confucianism disagrees saying the way to be is to do. The two religions also differ as to what actually makes the other great. Whereas Taoism says the Tao (the way) makes people great, Confucianism teaches that people make the Tao great. I believe the most significant variance between Taoism and Confucianism is what is the greater whole. Taoists believe the greater whole to be nature. However, Confucianists feel it is society. They are both correct if we looked at the hierarchy of the Chinese experience that is self, society, nature, cosmos, and the great beyond (infinity). The difference comes in how far they travel to find the greater whole. The Confucianists stop at society because they see it as synthesis of effort put forth by every human being to make life better. Taoists look to nature because they see it as our creator and being our creator we should realize our potential to become apart of it once again. How a person becomes a part of society or nature is also a point the two religions split ways. In Taoism, the way to do is to be or simply the way to be will guide us to unity with nature. Confucianism disagrees noting the way to be is to do or plainly the way to do will make us a part of society. Taoism is the guidance of the way. The way can be defined in three manners. Taoism is the way of the ultimate reality. It is where everything originated yet we can only experience. There are no words or pictures to describe it, and all we can know is it is within us, it is outside us, it is everywhere and nowhere. Taoism is the way of the universe. It is the driving power in everything which exists. It is natures orderer. It puts everything in its place without any spark of prejudice. Taoism is the way of human life. It is humans emulating water. It is humans doing by not doing. It is humans allowing nature to guide them. Confucianism follows the way of doing. Its model figure is the Chun Tzu who in our society could be likened to a moral leader. Humans strive to become the Chun Tzu (Superior Man) because they must serve others. To become a Chun Tzu, one must first follow the way of Jen by respecting themselves and maintaining a sensitivity towards all humanity. One must strive to be just to others and to be understanding of others emotions. One must also follow the Silver Rule of not doing those things they would not have others do to them. Another division between the two religions is their contrasting beliefs as to what force makes the other great. Taoists believe it is the way or the Tao that makes humans great. This is because it is the Tao by which humans are able to rejoin with nature. By rejoining nature, we are able to regain power in allowing nature to do things or things to do themselves. However, Confucianists believe it is humans that make the Tao great. This is because only through the efforts of humans can society become great. Humans make the Tao great by choosing to follow it, giving power to its force. There are opposite forces in all corners of life. There is no day without night and no good without evil. Like the Yin and the Yang, these opposing forces are halves of a greater whole. Just as these forces merge to create a vivid existence so too does Taoism and Confucianism combine to create a brilliance in the Chinese Character. Without one the other would be greatly flawed, but their joined beliefs and practices make the one as well as the infinite greater. It is not hard to see that our western society could learn a lesson from the teachings of Lao Tzu and Confucius. Nature which we have coldly ravaged and our own streets would be safer. Politicians would actually work for the society instead of the powerful few. Even art would be supported for its value in bringing people together. However, we could never hope to attain the dedication both require because of our deeply rooted individualistic attitudes. If we followed the practices of Confucianism and we believed that serving others is great honor, then our western world would be a safer one. There would be no illegal drug use or sells for we would know this is harmful to those we live to serve. There would be no crime for we would live by sharing all that we have with others eliminating the main cause of crime, the desire to have what we do not have. Life as we know it would be transformed into a peaceful world where we care for others regardless of who they are. If politics were conducted based on Confucianism, the government would be a vessel for society. Politicians would not be indentured to private causes driven by personal gain because they would believe that their purpose is to serve society. They would be the rightful protectors of all they govern. They would also uphold the principles of Li for they would understand that they have been given a chance to make society greater and to maintain its greatness. If we followed Taoism or Confucianism, we would fully support the arts of our days. We would provide the means for artist to flourish and places to share their works. There would be no art critics for the purpose of art is to bring society together. Critics are deconstructionists and they would be a hindrance in the natural expression of art. It is in the naturalism of art that the two religions find its power of unity. Run by the Chinese religions, our society would appreciate art not because peoples analysis finds it excellent but because art is a grounds of bringing people together. We look to the stars in search of our future when we only need look at ourselves to find it. Before we can reach the stars we must be one entity. I believe this is the overall lesson of the Chinese religions that to be great we must be unified. Imagine what we could become and where we could go if we have our opposite forces working together. Once this were to happen, nothing could ever work against us.