Features of Psychology, Symbolism, Characterization and Theme in Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself Essay Example

Features of Psychology, Symbolism, Characterization and Theme in Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself Paper One of the remarkable features of Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself is its adaptation of the epic poem genre. But, while classics of this genre have at their center a heroic figure, Whitman introduces a new vision of the heroic. Instead of glorifying acts of great courage and feats of tenacity and will power, the heroic in Whitman is to be found in the qualities of the ‘common man’. This term was not in currency during Whitman’s era but fits the description perfectly in retrospect. In this sense, we can claim that the Song of Myself is an avant-garde venture to democratize heroism. In the place of Greek and Roman super-human heroes, as Whitman notes in his memoir A Backward Glance over Trveled Roads, his endeavor is to create a work in answer to these questions: â€Å"Is there one [earlier epic] that is consistent with these United States†¦.? Is there one whose underlying basis is not a denial and insult to democracy?† (Trecker, 2011, p.12) While liberal politics is one inspiration, classical music is another source, for the poet found â€Å"structural forms in the overtures, recitatives, and arias of Italian opera and, very possibly, inspiration for his role as poet as well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Trecker, 2011, p.12) The manner in which Whitman characterizes his hero makes it clear that he is not referring to one single individual. Instead his hero is the collective spirit of the average American citizen that includes himself. The poet’s characterization of himself, which can be identified in the poem, is borne by two qualities: â€Å"first, as common circumstances had made him, as an American of his time; second, as magnified by hope, by joy, by exultation, and by the proud, full sail of his great verse.† (Donoghue, 2012, p.248) The manner in which Whitman transposes the ‘One’ on the ‘Many’ is an effective psychological device. This notion of claiming through the authorial voice, the voice of the whole community of American people is both novel and challenging. The poem lends itself to other dualities: We will write a custom essay sample on Features of Psychology, Symbolism, Characterization and Theme in Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Features of Psychology, Symbolism, Characterization and Theme in Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Features of Psychology, Symbolism, Characterization and Theme in Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer â€Å"the One, construed not as a metaphysical principle of unity embothed in the universe at large but as a psychological principle of unity embothed in a particular mind, and thereafter as a mythic principle of unity and power attributable in principle to every mind. One, in that sense, is then identified with All, and made to extend subjectively to the outer limit of the universe.† (Donoghue, 2012, p.248) Some of the lines in the poem are quite profound, as in, â€Å"There was never may more inception than there is now, Nor any more youth or age than there is now, And will never be any more perfection than there is now, Nor any more heaven or hell than there is now.† (lines 31-34) These lines are subtly subversive to the Biblical perception of humanity and human life. To this extent, Song of Myself is a symbol of secular and pragmatic humanism. The secular humanist credentials of the work are further evidenced in the lines â€Å"I believe in you my soul, the other I am must not abase itself to you,/ And you must not be abased to the other† (74-75). We see sharp criticism of the dichotomy of good versus evil that is the lynchpin of the Christian religion. Apart from motifs of pragmatism of this sort, the other recurrent motifs are â€Å"the air and the grass, and the celebration of the body, the human voice, the natural world, and the city.† (Genoways, 2005, p.1 ) The celebration of the seemingly mundane and quotidian is a recurrent theme of the poem. Animals, plants and insects find several references. The author employs geographical and ecological markers are part of ‘his’ identity. For example, in line 694, section 32 we see â€Å"They [animals] bring me tokens of myself †¦ they evince them plainly in their possession† (line 694). The theme of interconnectedness and interdependency of all life forms is best illustrated in Whitman’s allusions to animal life. Though his work preceded Charles Darwin’s publication of the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection, Whitman’s position aligns with the scientific view. The line â€Å"I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journeywork of the stars† (Section 31) is remarkably congruent with the theory of evolution. Whitman is also hinting at a larger philosophical point that the individual ego is small and insignificant in the cosmic schem e of things. The poem captures Whitman’s understanding of the nature of the soul. For example, the author has claimed in another publication that â€Å"the soul or spirit transmits itself into all matter–into rocks, and can live the life of a rock into the sea, and can feel itself the sea–into the oak, or other tree—into an animal, and feel itself a horse, a fish, or a bird into the earth–into the motions of the suns and stars.† (Trecker, 2011, p.12) In conclusion, it is apt to say that Song of Myself exhibits a style that is neither immediate nor abstract. In other words, the style employed by Whitman neither conveys distance nor possess intimacy. Far removed from realism, the poem is a eulogy for the notion of unity under the sweeping grandeur of the cosmos. It is rich in features of psychology, symbolism, characterization and theme. Works Cited Donoghue, Denis. â€Å"Of â€Å"Song of Myself†Ã¢â‚¬  The Hudson Review2 (2012): 247+. Genoways, Ted. â€Å"Inventing Walt Whitman.† The Virginia Quarterly Review2 (2005): 1+. Trecker, Janice Law. â€Å"The Ecstatic Epistemology of Song of Myself.† The Midwest Quarterly1 (2011): 11+.

20 Ways to Spend a College New Years Eve

20 Ways to Spend a College New Years Eve New Years Eve in college can be fun and exciting as well as challenging, as many students are away from campus and their usual college friends. Theres no need to let your college New Years Eve go to waste, however. Check out these ideas for keeping things fresh, fun, and funky. 20 Ways to Spend Your College New Years Eve Hang out at home with your high school/hometown friends. If youre spending the winter break home with your parents, head out with your friends. You can reminisce about years past and celebrate your enduring friendships.Head to Vegas. Because really, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. There are some great deals to be had and great parties to attend, not to mention the 24-hour gambling.Head to New York City. Never seen the official ball drop in Times Square? Grab some friends and head to NYC for an everyone-should-see-it-at-least-once experience.Go camping. If you need a break from the chaos of your everyday life, head out into the wilderness. You can ring in the new year beneath a blanket of stars.Plan a romantic dinner with your significant other. You can go out or cook something together at home. Add two candles and as a bonus, have someone to smooch as the new year arrives.Head to a fun club with a crazy band youve never heard of. Step outside of your comfort zone, grab some fri ends and do something funky. Do something back at school. The residence halls may be closed, but many students are still living in their Greek houses or in off-campus apartments. Plan something away from campus that still allows you to celebrate with your college friends.Line up and camp out for a football game. Head to a bowl game where you can camp out the night before with other fans. When else will you be able to do so, except for during your college years?Volunteer. Look for something in your community. Go on an outdoor trip and work on trail maintenance. Head to another country. There are plenty of volunteering options that will take you into the year with good will.Head out somewhere fun with your high school and your college friends. Why not blend the best of both worlds?Go somewhere swanky. Think much, much fancier than youre used to. Head somewhere swanky and opt for an evening of elegance.Host a costume or theme party. And do so with style, too. How about the 1920s, anyone?Rent a cabin in the woods. I t can be with your high school friends, your college friends, your significant other or everyone. Hang out at a ski resort. If you ski, you can hit the slopes. And if you dont, you can curl up with hot chocolate and enjoy the scenery. Whats not to like?Go backpacking or hiking. Head out for a midnight hike (with at least one other person, of course) to ring in the new year in a unique and exhilarating way.Go on a skydiving or bungee-jumping trip. Some places offer multi-day excursions. Make your new year one to remember!Spend time with your family. The longer youre away at school, the less time you have to spend with your family. Take a break from the college scene and enjoy the evening with your family instead.Spend the evening writing or journaling. Some folks reflect and process things best when they write things out. Take the night to yourself and write to your hearts content.Host a creative New Years Eve party. Set up supplies (or have your guests bring their own) and create an atmosphere of creative energy for people to paint, sculpt, write music, or create other works of a rt. Spend a quiet night in and get some sleep! Catch up on two of the most sacred resources for many college students: time and sleep. Celebrate your year by indulging in both.

Monetary Policy in Kuwait Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Monetary Policy in Kuwait - Essay Example The instruments include means that are available to monetary authorities and that are used to achieve the ultimate aims. Central banks generally use a number of key instruments such as changes in the ratio of legal reserves, the discount rate or the central bank rate, and open market operations. Very often, these instruments are enhanced by using other supplementary instruments, known as direct instruments, generally in the form of instructions issued by the central bank. Direct instruments are much used by developing countries because the nature of the economic problems of these countries and their economic conditions do not allow their monetary authorities to be quite free in applying traditional instruments of monetary policy. It relates to existing legal and institutional procedures, particularly as the interest rate on the Kuwaiti dinar is governed by legal limits, in addition to issues related to the degree of competition inside the banking system. It also relates to the basic features of the Kuwaiti economy, not only as an economy based on the philosophy of free markets and free capital movement, but also as an oil economy of high exposure, depending on imports to meet a major portion of consumption and investment demand. Talking about the monetary policy goals as shown above should not m... Talking about the monetary policy goals as shown above should not mitigate the important role central banks may play in other economic areas, especially in the area of developing money and capital markets in countries where these markets are lacking. The development of such markets will enable central banks to use one of the important instruments of monetary policy, i.e. open market operations. The Central Bank of Kuwait and the organization of banking business specified the goals of the Central Bank of Kuwait, similar to those of central banks in general. The goals related to the function of the monetary policy of the Central Bank of Kuwait can be stated as follows: To endeavour to secure the stability of the Kuwaiti currency and its free convertibility into foreign currencies. To endeavour to direct credit policy in such a manner as to assist economic progress and the growth of the national in-come. To supervise the banking system in the State of Kuwait. Since the mid-eighties the Central Bank of Kuwait has been on a course dictated by the nature of new developments witnessed by the Kuwaiti economy as a result of a number of internal and external effects of the securities market crisis on the whole economic condition, including the emergence of the difficult debt problem as a key issue threatening the financial system in the country. The Central Bank of Kuwait had no alternative but to make the protection of the banking and financial system its top priority and to take necessary measures to identify repercussions of the securities market crisis and prevent the accumulation of its negative effects on both the Kuwait economy and community. Based on the priority of this commitment, the Central Bank adopted a number of measures,

Logitech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Logitech - Essay Example The company's retail sales and marketing activities are classified into three geographical divisions namely Americas (including North and South America), Europe-Middle East-Africa, and Asia Pacific. In order to minimize production costs and take advantage of the other benefits of business process outsourcing, it has set up its manufacturing plant in Suzhou, China in 1994. Other productions are outsourced from different countries in Asia. During the fiscal year 2007, it reports revenue of $2.06 million and net income of $.229 million (Logitech Annual Report 2007). The mission statement of Logitech is communicated as follows: "Logitech brings to market tools that enrich the interface between people and information" (Logitech Company Profile 2008) This emphasizes the business organization's commitment in focusing on computer peripherals. However, it should be noted that it did not limit itself to its current lines indicating its openness to changes and willingness to respond to emerging consumer needs. The company' strategic intent can be seen through its growth outlook presented in its 2007 Annual Report. Logitech communicates its major strategy of innovation in order to sustain steady growth and development. The company's goal is to further develop new products and improve existing ones in order to maximize consumers' comfort. Also, the business organization is keen on focusing into growth markets in order to drive revenue. c. Problem Identification The United States is one of the major markets of Logitech. Even though it cannot be possibly identified how much share this market has in the company's revenue, it should be noted that the forecasted economic recession in US will adversely reflect in the company's operation. Logitech thus, needs to take this into in order for it to continue its highly profitable operation. II. Environmental Analysis a. External Environmental Analysis In general, the operation of Logitech is dependent in its ability to introduce innovative products in the market noting that the information technology market is subject to fast product obsolescence. Since the company has global coverage, it is also exposed to the fluctuations in the exchange rates. The weakening of the dollar due to the economic recession makes its income in the United States lower when expressed in Swiss franc. The industry environment of Logitech can be assessed through the use Porter's Five Forces model. Buyers. The evolution of a hypercompetitive business environment heightens the bargaining power of consumers. It should be noted that sales are directly affected by consumer demand. Thus, consumer needs should properly be identified and products should be created to best respond to these needs. Suppliers. Supplier power is also high in the market where Logitech

Capital Budgeting Process Essay Example for Free

Capital Budgeting Process Essay Capital budgeting is one of the most important financing tools used to examine expenditures and future projects in the capital spending and to budget for projects and all other analysis of spending for the future. This gives a heads up for healthcare managers to control their spending not only for capital expenditures but other spending such as payments and utilities for the organization. Capital budgeting is a large process that takes many different aspects to run. While capital budgeting is one of the most important aspects in healthcare finance, it is also a broad topic. A bond is a financing tool that is used when an issuer gives a statement to the payee for money and an interest payment is made to the payee at certain times. When an organization goes through the process of issuing a bond, they go through six major steps to accomplish bond issuing and determine whether this is the best decision at the time. Before issuing a bond, the issuer examines their capital plan and determines whether a bond is needed financially. Next, the issuer looks at the options for payees within bond issuance and is then examined by a credit rating agency to see if their credit score is high enough to issue a bond. After being examined by the credit rating agency, the bond itself is examined by the agency and after it is approved, the borrower is given terms and conditions to accept from the borrower. The last step that an organization must go through to issue is to sell the bond. These are sold to the payer where they give the money needed for the specific amount. While bonds are a great way to manage debt and become financially secure, leasing is another way that healthcare facilities manage their debt. Leasing refers to a contract where the lessee pays the owner rent or money for assets for a contracted time where the contract can be renewed and reinstated for longer term usage of those assets. Leasing is undertaken primarily because they don’t have to take care of the maintenance that comes with leasing assets. The owner of the machinery, facility, equipment or anything else that can be leased must continue routine maintenance saving the facility money on expenditure amounts within the spending area. If a facility is struggling for money, there are options such as bonds and leasing to decrease costs and increase the needed funds. There are two major types of leases that healthcare facilities must understand which are capital leases and operating leases. A capital lease, or financial lease, is used to lease assets for as long as the asset will remain available and running. The lessee is required by the contract of the lease to pay for the assets being used as long as the lease is in motion. Operating lease is almost the opposite of a capital lease. Operating leases are used for terms that are usually breakable and shorter than the assets given period of operation. Short term borrowing is a term used to describe when a company is in debt for a term of one year or less. These debts are usually paid back in that year and are usually short term bank loans that are used to finance a company. Long term financing is the exact opposite of a short term loan. It is used when a company needs to be financed for longer than one year or will not be paid back within that year. It can be from a single loan or multiple loans and is used when there are no plans or availability to have these loans paid back within the year. Equity financing sources for nonprofit organizations include internally generated funds, philanthropy, and government grants. These are used to finance and support organizations that are non profit and that help those in need. Today, more and more organizations are becoming nonprofit and are used by their own money, grants and loans and stocks and bonds. These are all primary sources for nonprofit organizations to keep serving communities in the healthcare world. Capital Budgeting process does occur in several extensive stages that include many different objectives for projects and programs for healthcare organizations. These generally include expenditures and the budget that comes along with those steps. These are used so that there are different views of the budget and what needs to be completed and examined in order to see the direction headed. Three discounted cash flow methods that are used include net present value, profitability index and equivalent annual cost. Net present value is the amount of the investment compared to incomes after the discount has been applied. (Cleverley, 529). The profitability is the ratio of the NPV and investment costs. (Cleverley, 533). This is used to compare rates of return on capital budgeting. Finally, the equivalent annual cost is the spending of the project compared to the capital spending and the operation costs when not leased but fully owned.

Why The Russians Were Right :: Essays Papers

Why The Russians Were Right Zubok and Pleshakov wrote this book â€Å"in order [for westerners] to understand the Cold War from the Soviet perspective, one must understand the importance of that moment and the larger historic legacy of Russia and the Russian Revolution, vindicated by the victory of 1945† (2). These men wanted the western world to be able to read this book and understand the different personalities that made up the Kremlin, their personal experiences and how this affected their political leadership. To reveal the Kremlin, in a humanistic way, the authors used the newly declassified documents from the Russian side, to explore the background, psychology, motives, and behavior of Soviet rulers from Stalin to those who replaced him, and to better understand the world that they helped create (xii) The main thesis of the novel is â€Å"It was this group [the Kremlin] that had replaced the Communist politburo during the four years of the most devastating war in the world’s history. Leading the others, walking at some distance from them was Joseph Stalin, the head of the USSR† (1). Zubok and Pleshakov start out explaining the basic views of the Kremlin around 1945, before Stalin comes to power. They then move to the revolutionary world of Stalin and the expansions of the empire that were gained by Molotov. At this point in the book the emphasis shifts to war, nuclear bombs and geopolitics. Contained in these sections are chapters on Zhdanov; Beria and Malenkov; and Kennedy and Khrushchev. The formation of these chapters and subjects in this particular line-up progresses in the order that they historically happened. In order to understand why the USSR made some of the political choices, trying to remove some of the biases in place throughout the world, the authors give personal background information on the USSR’s major leaders of the Cold War time. At one extreme in the USSR government they experienced, Stalin, who lived through war, which made him a ruthless and hardened man. While on the other extreme is Khrushchev, who lived through the revolut ion, which made him a gambler and outstanding bluffer. These two men compromise most of the focus of the book because both brought the world close to war again with their personalities running the Kremlin, Krushchev just brought it closer to nuclear war. The authors use the idea that Westerners do not have a clear understanding of the culture of communist Russia.

Virtual Private Network

Faith, my best friend has been trying to get some online writing job. She found some good websites the only problem was her location; the services could not be offered in her country Kenya. She informed me about it and I just learned about VPN so I advised to use it. So what's a VPN? VPN stands for Virtual Private Networks. It gives you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public Internet connection. VPNs mask your Internet protocol (IP) address so your online actions are virtually untraceable. Most important, VPN services establish secure and encrypted connections too. How VPN protects your privacy? VPNs essentially create a data tunnel between your local network and an exit node in another location, which could be thousands of miles away, making it seem as if you're in another place. This benefit allows â€Å"online freedom† or the ability to access your favorite apps and websites from anywhere in the world.VPN providers.There are many choices when it comes to VPN providers. There are some VPN providers who offer free service and there are some who charge for VPN service. Paid VPN providers offer robust gateways, proven security, free software and unmatched speed.VPN protocolsThe number of protocols and available security features has grown with time but the most common protocols are:PPTP-PPTP tunnels a point-to-point connection over the GRE protocol.It is strong and can be set up on every major OS but it is not the most secure. L2TP/IPsec- It is more secure than PPTP and offers more features. L2TP/IPsec implements two protocols together to gain the best features of each; L2TP protocol creates a tunnel and IPsec provides a secure channel. This makes an impressively secure package.Open VPN- OpenVPN is an SSL-based VPN that is gaining popularity. SSL is a mature encryption protocol and OpenVPN can run on a single UDP or TCP port.The software used is open source and freely available.That's all for today for more inquiries on VPNs register on my email list for more info.