Essay on "Impressions of War the Most Vivid Imagine"

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Impressions of War

The most vivid imagine of war was the beginning of it all. September 11, 2001 changed the United States. It was vividly relived over and over again in the media and in the newspaper. There was this sense that the nation's spirit had been broken and there was no room to live innocently. There were plenty of young individuals, both male and female, that either got summoned or volunteered to go and fight this war on terrorism. It began in the United States with the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington DC. Although we did not really know it at the time, this was the first image of war and it was the beginning of this whole war on terrorism. The declaration of war by President Bush on television will forever live in my mind. It was the day that individuals that I personally knew would forever have their lives changed by joining the military.

These individuals who chose to go to war felt anger for our nation having been attacked, but they felt pride in going to either Iraq or Afghanistan to fight for their country. Despite the horror that we all knew awaited them, there was this sense of heroism and bravery that could not be denied. This sense that they were able to truly express themselves became the positive side to this war. However, ten years later, this war is not completely over. There are still military personnel getting deployed for their fourth or fifth tour, making it not only difficult on them, but on their families as well. The reputation of the war on both Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a turn for the worse. Very few true supporters of the war exist, as we are bombarded day by day with horrific images on t

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he Internet or even on television.

When closing my eyes and thinking about the word "War," I think of the effect on hundreds of thousands of lives that one simple war can have. So many people have died, so many lives have been forever changed, and so many things have been done that cannot be taken back, that makes me question the true significance of war. Although there is a sense of freedom that war can bring to its nation, it is at a high cost to those individuals who go out there and protect our country so that the rest of us do not have to.

2) World War I

a)

Eliot's reference to "The Shadow" is made many times throughout Section V of the poem. In lines 72 -- 76, "Between the idea / and the reality / Between the motion / and the act / Falls the Shadow" he is stating they have ideas that are unable to become reality. They are halted because of this shadow. They think of what to do "the motion," but cannot actually go through with it, "the act." The lines 78 -- 83 further build on this idea that the shadow is preventing them from actually getting anything through, "Between the conception / and the creation / Between the emotion / and the response / Falls the Shadow." Something is beginning ("conception"), but does not actually form ("creation"). This idea of allowing thought ("response") to become materialized ("response") is prevented by the shadow. These different analysis of the various parts of Section V makes one think that the shadow that Eliot constantly refers to is uncertainty. It is uncertainty that is not allowing for any of these things to completely be followed through with. Lines 84 -- 91 also support this observation of what the shadow is referring to, "Between the desire / and the spasm / Between the potency / and the existence / Between the essence / and the descent / Falls the Shadow." All these occurrences are being halted by uncertainty; they are being halted by the shadow.

b)

The hollow men are described as being men who are very dry, boring, and straightforward. It is as if nothing they do has meaning and they go through life too afraid to actually get anything done. Socially they are reserved, conservative, and scared of moving out of their comfort zone. Religiously, they depend too much on their depiction of life between hell and heaven and do not really know how to break out of this cycle of being in between both worlds. Personally, as the title states, they are hollow men. They have nothing of substance to contribute to society. They are too timid to be able to do anything. They have values that do not truly go anywhere because their personality prevents them from doing so. They value life and freedom, but do not move forward in attaining either concept. These hollow men are very much like plenty of individuals. They complain about their current situation, have high aspirations, but lack the motivation or initiative to actually get anything done. Their personality prevents them from doing so, but their inability to move forward fully stops them in their tracks.

Eliot does manage to effectively demonstrate his argument that contemporary history is an "immense panorama of futility and anarchy" in this poem. The dry setting that Eliot start off with gives a great start to the point that he is trying to make, however it is the characters themselves, the hollow men, that eventually prove his point of futility. These men are essentially useless, "Headpiece filled with straw." They do not contribute anything to society, nor do they even want to. They think about everything so much that nothing actually gets done, "Paralyzed force, gesture without motion." This in fact is what the entire poem points out. They have the ideas in mind, but the lack the initiative to go through with everything. They are timid, shy, and lack confidence. This only adds on to the concept of futility.

They dream of a kingdom, one that refers to death. Eliot makes this connection to tie together the idea of anarchy with one of a negative kind. Even their thoughts of a more royal life, one where anarchy does seem futile however, is evaded by their personalities. They avoid death because they are too afraid to get anything done, even if that task is simply to die. The lines, "Eyes I dare not meet in dreams / in death's dream kingdom / These do not appear." The hollow men do not dare look at this kingdom in the eyes for fear of seeming inferior. Their personalities of having big ideas but no motivation to get them done contributes to the notion of Eliot's thought that this poem portrays an immense panorama of futility and anarchy.

c)

Both poems "Dulce et Decorum Est" and "The Rear Guard" depict the horrors of war. They do not try to hide the fact that war is dangerous and that it in fact does bring death and suffering to all those who become involved. In "Dulce et Decorum Est," the narrator states how vividly he remembers the death that war brings. This vivid depiction brings the reader right into the poem and always them for a second to personally understand the horrors behind fighting, "...watch the white eyes writhing in his face, / His hanging face...the blood / Come gargling from the froth corrupted lungs." This line alone brings such a real picture to mind that when one thinks of war, this is what will stick out the most in this poem. The horror is strongly felt. In "The Rear Guard" this same mechanism of reality is also seen, "...Terribly glaring up, whose eyes yet wore / Agony dying hard ten days before / and fists of fingers clutched a blackening wound." This connection to "the eyes" tie both bring a more human aspect to war. It does not glorify soldiers, but actually brings reality to what they truly go through during war.

Although both poems do share many concepts in common, they portray their horrific views of war in different ways. "Dulce et Decorum Est" is a lot more graphic than "The Rear Guard." This poem was definitely the most effective in getting the point across that it war is something deadly and horrific. It does not in any way attempt to bring any sort of glory to being a soldier. It is effective in portraying the horrors by depicting a scene that can only be thought of as coming straight from a movie. From the beginning of the poem, "Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots / but limped on, blood-shod" this idea that being a soldier was something that they were already tired of and that they no longer thought they could handle was made clear. This scene can almost be predicted. From the author's description of the tired men, the reader can already assess that the poem would end tragically.

On the other hand, "The Rear Guard" can be taken… READ MORE

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Quoted Instructions for "Impressions of War the Most Vivid Imagine" Assignment:

“

I need (17) seventeen-page essay on the World Literature course.

There are twelve separate questions that need to be answered thoroughly.

You will need to use about 1 to 2 pages depending on question.

I*****'ll include the literature textbook materials.

1) Impressions of War

When I was your age, I had little firsthand experience with war. My only exposure to war was the first Gulf War, which lasted only a few months. It saddens me to think how the world has changed since I was your age. You have seen versions of war that were unimaginable to my generation: the war on terror is being fought on American soil, as well as in countries throughout the world.

*****¢ What is your most vivid image of war?

*****¢ Recall impressions you*****'ve observed from film, photographs, news, literary works, words of veterans, or maybe even your own experience. Remember that, in addition to war*****'s being horrific, there are also positive associations with war, for example the heroism that is part of victory.

*****¢ Close your eyes. Think *****"War,*****" and then record in words what you see in your mind.

2) World War I (Read p. 826-830, 821-823)

a) Section V of *****"The Hollow Men*****" describes a state of being called *****"The Shadow*****". I*****'d like you to speculate about what *****"The Shadow*****" is. In this section of the poem, Eliot juxtaposes or compares two different ideas. Make a list of what he compares with each statement.

Part 2: After you*****'ve completed your lists, try to determine what all of the

nouns in each list have in common. Is one list full of abstract nouns? After looking at the list, I*****'d like you to hypothesize what you think Eliot is implying *****"The Shadow*****" is and explain your reasoning. Your explanation should be a few sentences long.

b) Briefly answer the following questions in your essay:

o What are the hollow men like socially, religiously, and

personally?

o What are their values?

o How are they similar to or different from people you know?

Do you think that Eliot effectively demonstrates his argument that contemporary history is an *****"immense panorama of futility and anarchy*****" with this poem?

Your response to this question should be two to three paragraphs long and should include a discussion of the character of the hollow men. Include any other elements of the poem that support your answer to this question.

c) *****"Dulce et Decorum Est*****" and *****"The Rear Guard*****" both address issues of war in different ways. Write a brief essay comparing and contrasting the subjects and tones of each poem. In your essay, I*****'d like you to include a discussion of the imagery and figures of speech used by both poets to make their points. Your essay should be three paragraphs long and include specific, detailed references to the text.

3) Rites of Passage Activity

You may be getting ready to leave home for college or work in the next couple of years. For this activity, I*****'d like you to talk to your parents, grandparents, other relatives, or friends and ask them what special items they took with them when they left home to go out on their own. Ask if these items hold any special significance for them now.

*****¢ Report your findings in this essay AND describe any special item that you would like to take with you when you leave home.

4) World War II (Read p. 849-851)

a) In the final two paragraphs of *****"Blood, Sweat, and Tears,*****" Churchill uses a variety of rhetorical devices to inspire emotional reactions. Identify five examples of techniques used by Churchill (such as repetition, emphasis, word choice, personal references, and calls to action); explain the purpose(s) for each of these techniques; and explain whether you think they are persuasive or not. Be sure to support your answer.

b) How are these three pieces related to each other thematically? Write a paragraph describing how these pieces are related to each other and what you learned about World War II from reading these passages.

5) Writing a Persuasive Essay

Directions: Your task is to write a persuasive essay using logical and emotional appeals to convince your audience that they must take action on a particular issue affecting your local, national, or world community. Identify a problem or issue that you feel strongly about. Make a list of 7-10 reasons others should change their actions or beliefs to agree with yours. Write a five-paragraph essay using the writing process, which includes prewriting, drafting, and revising.

*****¢ Your essay should be well organized with a strong thesis statement and sound supporting evidence. To make your argument convincing, use at least one ethical appeal to show that you are competent, sincere, trustworthy, fair, and knowledgeable. Make sure to use logical and emotional appeals as well.

6) Your Reflections on the Holocaust

The horrors of the Holocaust have been recorded in many books, movies, and television programs. Make some notes about what you most clearly remember about depictions of the Holocaust.

*****¢ How did you feel when you saw or read those images? Why do you think it is important to remember the Holocaust?

*****¢ Answer these questions in one or two paragraphs.

7) The Holocaust (Read p. 832-838, 840-846)

a) Each of the selections you*****'ve read about the Holocaust portrays a subjective view of the Holocaust. Subjective means that it tells about actual events from an individual*****'s point of view. What is similar about the portrayals of the Holocaust? List three things that are similar to all three pieces, then list at least two differences. After you*****'ve looked at the three subjective pieces of writing, compare each of the portrayals with the objective portrayal in the Connection on page 846. How do these pieces compare to an objective portrayal? If you are interested in learning more, from an objective point of view, visit: the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Website.

b) How are the pieces related to each other thematically and in their overarching purpose. Do you think the author*****'s shared the same objectives in writing each piece. Use your notes to write a brief analysis discussing the beliefs or assumptions about human nature or human rights these pieces share. Your response should be one or two paragraphs long.

8) Freedom

Take a few minutes and make a list of rights and freedoms you enjoy that you may not think about too often. Think both about things you have the right to do and things you have the right not to do. You may want to make two lists:

Freedom from. . . and Freedom to. . .

After you*****'ve made your list of rights you enjoy, add to your list rights that you think everyone in the world should have.

*****¢ Can you think of any places in the world where people do not enjoy the same freedoms you do?

*****¢ Do a quick search for *****"human rights violations*****" on the Internet and count the number of different countries listed on the first two pages of your search. My search results listed over twenty different countries on four continents. How many did you find?

*****¢ List some of the countries in your essay.

9) Defending Human Rights (Read p. 1088-1098, 1100-1109)

Review the selections, taking note of the *****s*****' fundamental beliefs about human rights or the violation of human rights. How clear is each argument?

*****¢ Summarize each argument in one or two sentences, either in your own words or as quotes from the text.

*****¢ Write a paragraph explaining which *****s, in your view, present the clearest and most persuasive arguments.

*****¢ Use at least three examples from the text to support your argument.

10) Modern British Poetry (Read p. 945-946, 953, 1056-1057, 1046-1047)

The first two lines of *****"The Second Coming*****" present an image of a falconer who is unable to limit the flight of his hawk as it spirals out of control. How does this image help portray the theme of the poem? Consider the timeframe in which the poem was written in your response.

a) An elegy is a poem that mourns the death of a person or laments something that has been lost, such as the beauty of times past. In what sense might *****"The Swans*****" be considered an elegy? How do *****"The Swans*****" and *****"Do Not go Gentle into That Good Night*****" (another elegy on page 1057) relate to each other in terms of theme, tone, and imagery? Write a two-paragraph response explaining how the poems relate.

b) Identify at least three metaphors for death or dying in *****"Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.*****" How do these metaphors compare with your own view of death or dying? Do you agree with Thomas*****' characterization? Write a 2-4 sentence answer explaining the metaphors and discussing your personal feelings.

c) Reread lines 14-21 of *****"MusÃ©e des Beaux Arts*****" referring to the painting *****"The Fall of Icarus*****". Do you think Auden has correctly interpreted Bruegel*****'s painting? Write a paragraph using examples from the text to support your answer.

11) What Makes a Good Story?

As a conclusion to this course, we are going to be reading three modern short stories. Before you read these stories I*****'d like you to consider the following questions:

*****¢ What makes short story interesting?

*****¢ What kinds of stories are your favorites to read?

*****¢ What element of a short story (plot, characters, setting, etc.) is most important to a good story?

Make a list of what makes a good short story in your essay.

12) The Modern Short Story (Read p. 956-966, 988-995)

a) At the end of *****"Araby*****" the narrator sees himself as *****"driven and derided by vanity.*****" One meaning of *****"vanity*****" is *****"the state of being empty, idle, valueless.*****" Another meaning is *****"exaggerated self-love.*****" Still another is *****"hunger for praise or admiration.*****" Explain, with specific examples from the text, how each of these definitions of vanity could apply to the narrator.

b) What details in the lover*****'s last meeting in *****"The Demon Lover*****" foreshadow a sinister or threatening reunion? What details do we learn about Mrs. Dover*****'s fiancÃ© that explain why she is terrified of him?

Some readers think that Mrs. Drover*****'s experience is a hallucination - her powers of imagination combined with the stress of wartime life combine to transform an ordinary experience into a nightmare. Other readers consider the story to be a true ghost story. Which interpretation do you favor, or do you have another? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

c) Choose one of the short stories you*****'ve read during this topic and explain how it meets or does not the requirements of a good short story that you wrote about in Essay #11. Include in your entry a discussion of the criteria you used to evaluate the story, as well as whether or not the story meets the criteria. Include in your response whether or not you would recommend the story to other readers, and explain what you enjoyed about it and what you did not enjoy. Use your answers to Essay #11 as a guide.

*****

*****

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