The Cowardice of Popularity Johnnys Character - Literature Essay Samples

In John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany, protagonist Johnny experiences outward conformity while inwardly questioning throughout the duration of his entire life. An exemplar of cowardice, Johnny uses passive aggression and the voices of others to disguise his inability to take a stand. The tendency of Johnny to silently question while taking no action creates the trait of cowardice that dominates his character throughout the entirety of the novel. It is said that â€Å"actions, not words, create change†. Johnny, although inwardly critical of the Vietnam War, not only took no actions to create a change, but was not even vocal or expressive about his feelings. In a time dominated by protests, rallies, and demonstrations, Johnny could not even bring himself to voice his distain for the war, expressing that â€Å"even when the Anglicans asked me what I thought of Prime Minister Pearson’s â€Å"old point of view†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. I actually said I agreed! Eve though- as I’ve admitted- I’d never met a harsh deserter, not one† (463). The generation of the Vietnam soldiers, upon return to America, worked to create an America that supported and listened to those who had, previously, not been listened to. Arizona Senator John McCain is just one example. McCain, unsatisfied with the war and the treatment of those who served, ran for office to combat these issues with more productive policy. Johnny never s hared his opinion, let alone took action to combat the problems in society that he saw. Because Johnny was inwardly critical of the Vietnam War, but did not take any actions to create change, he was a coward. Prior to the Vietnam War, Johnny conformed to agree with his classmates within the Academy, leaving the questioning to Owen and The Voice. â€Å"I did, or tried to do, everything Owen did† (287), said Johnny, dependent on Owen to be outspoken due to his inability to use language and speak well. As Johnny struggled throughout his educational career to succeed in English, reading, and writing, he was willing to give Owen the power to speak on his behalf. â€Å"The Voice was our voice; he championed our causes; he made us proud of ourselves in an atmosphere that belittled and intimidated us† (295). Johnny was dependent on Owen to vocally question events and standards, even though Johnny shared the same criticisms and questions Owen did about society. Johnny was too much of a coward and simply lacked the confidence and ability to say so. He settled for conformity, never voicing his true feelings. Thus, the inward criticism and outward conformity spurred from his dependence on Owen and struggle in English and made Johnny a coward. Johnny is also a coward because he cared more about impressing people than standing up for his own beliefs. This standard led him to a life of inward criticism, and outward conformity. â€Å"I never actually said— to any of my Canadian friends— that I suspected these deserters were no more likely to become â€Å"public charges† than I was likely to become such a charge. By then, Canon Campbell has introduced me to old Teddybear Kilgore, who had hired me to teach at Bishop Strachan. We Wheelwrights have always benefited from our connections† (463). While working in a church and dedicating his life to teaching both English and the value of Christ, Johnny preaches morality and Christian superiority. However, this message conflicts with his actions as he inwardly criticized the war that represented the opposite of morality, while outwardly conforming in his words of support. Johnny placed more value on his societal status and networking abilities, thus hinderi ng his ability to stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone, leading to a lifetime of conformity. Johnny’s interpretation of history and political issues showcases his cowardice. â€Å"When some of the Grace Church on-the Hill Anglicans asked me what I thought of Prime Minister Pearson’s â€Å"old point of view†Ã¢â‚¬â€ that the deserters (as opposed to the war resisters) were in a category of U.S. citizens to be discouraged form coming to Canada- I actually said I agreed! Even though- as I’ve admitted I’d never met a harsh deserter, not one† (463). The â€Å"Church on-the Hill Anglicans† is a reference to John Winthrop’s speech, A City on a Hill, from the founding and settlement of Massachusetts Bay Colony. Winthrop said that â€Å"America was to be a City on a Hill†, a model of superiority and moral purity. The phrase was used by both Presidents Kennedy and Reagan in major speeches. Johnny does not hide his love for Kennedy and despise for Reagan; his views strongly reflect the environments in which he was in- the popular opinion of the Academy strongly favored Kennedy, while the views of Canada in his time there did not support Reagan because of America’s involvement in Vietnam. The fact that both men had the same outlook on America shows Johnny’s cowardice as he is unable to go against what is popular and accepted in his environment. Johnny is a product of his environment as he cherry picks who he will criticize and who he will admire, thrusting him into a cycle of outward conformity. Over the course of his life, Johnny conformed to be like those surrounding him, while questioning society inwardly. A lifetime of silent protest and dependence on those around him to voice their opinions and teach him what to think caused him to be a coward and unable to form and voice his own opinions.

Industrial Revolution Essay - 1774 Words

Advancements in agriculture, textile, transportation and economic growth became possible only because of the Industrial Revolution. Taking place in the United States between 18th and 19th century, times went from separating the cotton from its seed to using an automated cotton gin made by an American inventor Eli Whitney. This allowed for the lower class citizens to be able to have the important goods such as medication and clothing. Before the American Industrial Revolution, people were mostly farmers and life went by slowly and tedious work was required for simple tasks. But with inventions like the cotton gin, and the assembly line, mass production evolved. The United States had one of the fastest economic growths than any other country†¦show more content†¦Without the Industrial Revolution, America would still have a sluggish life with heavy labor. The American Industrial revolution was a blessing to the American progression because it created the road to a massive econo my, more jobs with a better work ethic, and made life easier with new inventions. Imagine a life where we would still have to ride in carriages to get down the streets and make our own clothes instead of just buying them. Well times similar to these have passed after the Industrial Revolution had started taking place. In addition to these inventions, there were the interchangeable parts, improved transportation, communication, clothes, and modern cities. The Industrial Revolution started with the invention of the Steam Engine by James Watt in 1775 (1). It was basically an engine that would induce the energy of steam to move other machines such as trains and powering factories. It was an incredible source of energy for transportation and goods. Public transportation such as locomotives could now be powered by the steam engine and this increased the speed of travel, which lowered the time to arrive at the destination. After the steam engine, the cotton gin invented by Eli Whitney was another remarkable invention during the Industrial Revolution. This machine easily separated the cotton fibers from its seeds. The invention and usage of the cotton gin augmented cotton production, mostly in the south. The rise in agriculture production increased greaterShow MoreRelatedIndustrial Of The Industrial Revolution1666 Words   |  7 PagesMartinez English IV, 1st hour 4/29/16 The Industrial Revolution The Industrial Revolution set people away from farms and small villages and moved them to cities and towns because of the job opportunities that arose in the cities. The Industrial Revolution not only helped people move along in the late 1700s and early 1800s but also it has made the people what they are today. During the Industrial Revolution, the movement from an agrarian society to an industrial one reshaped the roles of families, widenRead MoreThe Revolution Of The Industrial Revolution917 Words   |  4 PagesWhen thinking of the industrial revolution, I usually correlate this transitional period to great advancements in machinery, and an increase in jobs. However, after looking past the surface of the industrial revolution, in regards to the promise of great wealth, this promise was not kept, along with other issues. I believe that a â€Å"better life† would mean that people would not have to go through the same struggles they once did before the revolution, struggles such as not having a job, money, homeRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution943 Words   |  4 PagesThe Industrial Revolution, a Revolution that began in Britain in the nineteenth century, saw people move from working in the farming industry to working in factories. This transition from an agrarian society meant that many people moved to cities in search of jobs. New methods of manufacturing allowed goods to be produced far more cheaply and quickly than before. However, the Revolution came with its own negative consequences. The lives of children during the Industrial Revolution were torturousRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution1633 Words   |  7 Pagesmeans of communication, factories to manufacture the products you need, places to work, and ways to travel and transport goods. And what made these possible? The answer is the Industrial Revolution, which started in Europe around the year 1730. A revolution is a major change or turning point in something. The Industrial Revolution was a major turning point in history and in the way people lived. Their careers, living situations, location, values, and daily routines all changed, and they needed it desperatelyRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution1097 Words   |  5 PagesBefore the advent of the Industrial Revolution, most people resided in small, rural communities where their daily existences revolved around farming. Life for the average person was difficult, as incomes were meager, and malnourishment and disease were common. People produced the bulk of their own food, clothing, furniture and tools. Most manufacturing was done in homes or small, rural shops, using hand tools or simple machines. Did You Know? The word luddite refers to a person who is opposedRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution1090 Words   |  5 PagesShort Term Misery†¦ Long Term Gain There are two major industrializations that have occurred through out history, both which began in England. The Industrial Revolution was from 1750 until 1800. The first and second industrialization were filled with many inventions, new societal ideas, new raw materials, new sources of power, also new ideas and societal implements were made enabling the world and society to evolve. Overall these industrialization was filled with death, neglect, and disease but endedRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution936 Words   |  4 Pageseconomist Robert Emerson Lucas wrote in regards to the Industrial revolution: For the first time in history, the living standards of the masses of ordinary people have begun to undergo sustained growth. The novelty of the discovery that a human society has this potential for generating sustained improvement in the material aspects of the lives of all its members, not just the ruling elite, cannot be overstressed.† (Lucas 2002). The revolution itself was ce ntred in Britain before spreading to theRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution705 Words   |  3 PagesThe Industrial Revolution was the quintessence of capitalistic ideals; it bred controversy that led to Karl Marx’s idea of communism as a massive grass roots reaction to the revolution’s social abuses. Firstly, the Industrial Revolution featured the construction of machines, systems and factories that allowed goods to be manufactured at a faster rate with a lower cost. The seed drill made it so there could be â€Å"a semi-automated, controlled distribution and plantation of wheat seed†(Jones 2013). SecondlyRead MoreIndustrial Revolution1160 Words   |  5 Pagesend of the 19th century, a significant change took place in the fundamental structure of the economy. That change was industrialization. During this time period, the United States of America changed from a large, agricultural country, to an urban industrial society. The process of industrialization began to take place in America, and eventually took over the economy during this period. Entrepreneurs and inventors put together various machines and businesses to help better the country function on aRead MoreThe Industrial Revolution Essay2099 Words   |  9 PagesThe Industrial Revolution was one of the largest social and cultural movements that changed the methods of manufacturing of metal and textiles, the transportation system, economic policies and social structure as well. Before the Industrial Revolution, people used to live by season due to agriculture. They thrived on whatever food was in season. Now, as a result of the Industrial Revolution, we live regimented and almost everything that is made, is mass produced. I will discuss three major topics

The Government And Health Care - 1543 Words

The government is struggling to decrease the astounding explosion in health care prices today. In an article titled â€Å"Spending in Health Care† James L. Madara of the American Medical Association publicized that at minimum 25 cents of each health care dollar is used for the curing of illnesses or disabilities that result from changeable activities. Whether it is smoking, alcohol misuse, poor nourishment, too little exercise, failure to use seat belts, or overexposure to the sun, avoidable health care charges are the concern of numerous U.S. health care critics. U.S. health care critics are upset because there is overpowering proof that people with harmful behaviors pay only a portion of the expenses related to their actions; most of the expenditure is borne by the rest of civilization through advanced insurance payments, government costs for health care, disability, and welfare. Politicians, insurance brokers, and companies are persistently lobbying for rules that would reallocate payments that exist from intentional health risks to the individuals who take part in such dangers. Davis F. Kern wrote in his scholarly journal called â€Å"Health-Care Crisis† that suggestions under discussion range from charging health offenders greater amounts of insurance to President Clinton s Health Security Act of 1993, which comprises a 99-cent per box sin tax on cigarettes, over four times the present rate of 24 cents. Strong as this rationalization appears, punishing people for harmfulShow MoreRelatedThe Federal Government And Health Care Essay988 Words   |  4 Pages The Federal Government became increasingly involved in health provision following the Second World War, with a focus on ensuring access and equity to health care. When Medicare was implemented in 1984, the Federal Government, States and Territories agreed to provide free health care for all Australians in all public hospitals. This service now provides the public, access to see health care professionals for free or for subsidised treatments. The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) lists all the servicesRead MoreHealth Care Should Be Provided By The Government1203 Words   |  5 Pages Health Care Should Be Provided by the Government All people, including immigrants, should have health care coverage from the countries’ government based on their income, household members, and occupations. People have a lot of stress in their daily lives because of health problems and the high expense of health care especially for who are care about a future. Many immigrants who cannot afford health insurance go to work even if they are sick and not feeling well. If they go to a hospital, theyRead MoreHealth Care Should Be Provided By The Government1187 Words   |  5 Pages Health Care Should Be Provided by the Government All people, including immigrants, should have health care coverage from the countries government based on their income, household members, and occupations. People have a lot of stress in their daily lives because of health problems and the high expense of health care. Many immigrants who cannot afford health insurance go to work even if they are sick and not feeling well. If they go to a hospital they have to pay for the medicines and fees themselvesRead MoreHealth Care Is An Essential Government Service1402 Words   |  6 Pagesconcerning health care in America which should be addressed as this is currently a topic that has support on both sides of the political spectrum and affects many people. While it is argued and believed that a national health care system is a form of socialism, should be an individual’s responsibility not the government’s to provide health insurance, the government providing health insurance would decrease the quality and availability of h ealth care, and would lead to a larger government debt. AsRead MoreGovernment Initiatives For Health And Oral Care1242 Words   |  5 Pages1) Government initiatives to improve health and oral care Although oral health has improved significantly in last decades there is still room for improvement. Organisations such as National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons try to urge government focused on the issues such as increasing rates of oral cancer, impact of sugar on oral health, promote water fluoridation schemes or commit to further research on the link betweenRead MoreGovernment Funded Health Care Programs1951 Words   |  8 PagesGovernment Funded Insurances There are a few different government funded health care programs that are provided to a different group of Americans. One of the insurance programs provided by the government is Medicaid. Medicaid is a federal and state program which covers the cost of medical care for people who are considered to have an income that is lower than a certain level. The people who are accepted to receive Medicaid are those who are low income families with children, recipients receivingRead MoreU.s. Government s Health Care Costs997 Words   |  4 Pagesis spent annually on health care. That is more than one-sixth of the U.S. economy that is devoted to healthcare and that fraction will continue to grow as the years go on. Regrettably, experts agree that an estimated 20 to 30 percent of the trillions spent goes to inefficient and wasteful care. As the health care cost raises so does the punishment towards our nation. These high prices hit the U.S. in several ways. For families and senior citizens, the high prices for health care means less money inRead MoreThe Role of Government in the U.S. Health Care System725 Words   |  3 PagesI strongly believe that healthcare is a basic human right; however, the reality is that health care is often based on privilege and/or driven by employer benefits. There are many factors to consider when discussing healthcare as a basic human right. All individuals, regardless of income, race, or status should be treated equally when it comes to safe, effective, and quality health care. Even though I believe healthcare should be a human right, we have to consider how this would be feasible amongRead MoreUniversal Health Care Is A Government Run System1577 Words   |  7 PagesUniversal health care, also known as universal health coverage, is a specific type of health care where everyone is pro vided coverage regardless of his or her income, race, age, pre-existing conditions, gender, or wealth. In other words, as long as one is a legal resident of the region that is being covered, he or she is eligible for universal health care. The purpose of universal health care is to provide all citizens with an opportunity to obtain the health care that they may need without havingRead MoreWhy The Government Should Not Provide Free Health Care1891 Words   |  8 PagesThe right to health care is tantamount to socialism and therefore should be left as the responsibility of an individual and not a function of the government to secure a person’s health care. Thus government’s provision of healthcare could reduce the availability and quality of healthcare, resulting to enormous government deficits and debts. This paper is going to explore the reasons why the government should not provide free health care to its citizens. According to the United States census Bureau

Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining free essay sample

This is an Idiom which carries the meaning of It Is always possible to get something positive out of a situation, no matter how unpleasant, difficult or even painful It might seem. So, people always use this Idiom to comfort others who are facing difficulties. First I want to tell about how I got to know about this idiom. In this semester, I was ere stressed when I was doing one of my assignments. I wont deny that I did procrastinated, but it is also because I didnt understand how did it supposed to be. And that was another major problem for me to do it. That time, I was very cranky that I almost gave up doing my assignment. Yet, I still chatted normally with friends. I was chatting with one of my classmates about the assignment then she actually said that, there is one idiom that suits me very well which is every cloud has a silver lining because I sounded very stressed out. We will write a custom essay sample on Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page At first I didnt know what it means.But after I Goggled about the meaning of it, I actually find It very true. Nothing is impossible and there Is always a solution, It Is Just the matter of time to realize It, effort put In and the thoughts you have. To me, this idiom is really suitable for everyone, because, no one will ever have smooth going life forever, it always have ups and downs no matter how good are you in planning your life. Therefore, every cloud has a silver lining is basically an idiom that is always applicable to everyone. Im a person that get upset very easily even over little things.For example, if I dont know how to do my assignment I will feel very useless and memo for that particular day as if the world is going to end anytime soon. But then after all, it is just another deadline that I am trying to meet. Once I hand in my assignment, whatever stress will be taken over by relief and satisfaction. And Eve learnt that; everything you do, you must give your best so that you wont be regret. Isnt that the silver long that comes after the cloud? I am sure that everyone here has their memo time right regardless what is it about.Try to think; whenever you are having a hard time, eventually it will go off and from there, you become tougher in facing that kind of situation, right? This is pretty much what it means by every cloud has a silver lining; time can wash away your pain, even though memories are still there, people move on as time goes by, the earth will not stop spinning because of you crying or yelling for help, so why spending so much mime on torturing yourself but instead, you can save your time on that and could have done something better?A very good example, when you go out and work, dealing with all kinds of people Is normal, people always complain about the bad customer that always bring down your mood, but try looking from another perspective, without a bad customer t hat torture you, how would you learn to deal with another worse customer and also start things can be done Just based on the one thought you made. A simple decision can make a person success or fail.This is why; in my opinion every cloud has a silver lining also trying to remind that, if a person never wanted to give up, and keep trying as people learn from mistakes, at the end of the day, things will be pretty sweet and worthwhile. Because, you dont let your life down when life lets you down. Again, this idiom also becomes an encouragement to people in my opinion. We tend to stuck at one dead end when we have problems, we dont see any solution, but then, at the end of the day, we still have to face the problem and when we face it, hen things might not be as tough as it seems.So always keep this idiom in mind, I think it will make us feel motivated to work better. Because, it works for me, ever since I knew about this idiom, I always have it in mind whereby no matter what bad things or challenges are there, I will have the faith that, I can make it and gain something in the end. I would like to share with you all about this idiom, start applying it in your daily life; things wont seem that bad anymore! Thank you.