Symbolism in The Joy Luck Club Essay Example

Symbolism in The Joy Luck Club Paper Symbolism is defined by the dictionary as the practice of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships, which means creating an importance and special meaning in objects that normally would not be important. In The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, a story of four Chinese immigrant women and their four American-born daughters, many symbols are presented. Throughout the many stories in the novel objects begin to hold significant importance to the women they are attributed to. Objects such as Suyuan Woos pendant, Lindo Jongs red candle, and Lena St. Clairs vase become symbolic for the relationships between these women and people and events that are important in their lives. The jade pendant given to Jing-mei June by her mother Suyuan Woo is symbolic for the relationship June has with her mother before and after Suyuans death. In the story narrated by June entitled Best Quality, she says, my mother gave me my lifes importance, a jade pendant on a gold chain (197). June describes it as, too large, too green, and too garishly ornate (197), she did not understand the pendant and in the same way she did not understand her mother. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in The Joy Luck Club specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in The Joy Luck Club specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in The Joy Luck Club specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer At this point it is a symbol of their differences. In the same chapter, June recalls the conversation she had with her mother when June received the pendant, For a long time, I wanted to give you this necklace. See, I wore this on my skin, so when you put this on your skin, then you know my meaning (208). The meaning she describes is her maternal instincts to guide her daughter, but June is unable to understand this and mistakenly labels it as criticism. Suyuan is trying to tell June that her criticisms are really love and concern, but she cannot express it in words. In the same conversation Suyuan describes the pendant, This is young jade. It is a very light color now but if you wear it everyday it will become more green (209). This description represents Junes naivety towards her mother, the young jade being June. After Suyuans death, June begins to wear that pendant every day (197) as a sign that she is starting to understand her mother and her gestures for what they really were and as a sign that her light color is becoming more green. Another object that holds an interesting symbolic message is the red marriage candle of Lindo Jong. The red candle of Lindo Jong holds many symbolic messages. When Lindo was first married a special candle was lit. This candle had two ends to light, one end had the name of the bride and the other end had the name of the groom. If neither end of the candle were to extinguish before the next day Chinese customs say that the wedding would be successful. The candle already has a symbolic meaning within the Chinese culture, the success of the marriage. Within the story it also represents the beliefs, customs, and superstitions behind the marriage. That night after the servant designated to watch the candle had run away, out of fear of the Japanese, Lindo ran into the room and [her] throat filled with so much hope that it finally burst and blew out [her] husbands end of the candle (60). Blowing the candle out symbolizes Lindo taking control of her life. Her newly acquired independence is her way of escaping her marriage without dishonoring her family. Although the servant relights the candle, Lindo exposes the truth to her mother-in-law that the flame died in the night, without making intervention known. In her plan to escape her marriage, Lindo takes advantage of the Chinese culture and the superstitions of the candle to convince her mother-in-law to annul the wedding. It symbolizes how ones culture and traditions are used to identify ones own worth and character. In the story of Lena St. Clair there are two important objects that hold an important meaning to her. The vase owned by Lena St. Clair is a symbolic representation of her marriage with her husband, Harold Livotny, who built the table the vase rests on. Lena explains to her mother, Ying-Ying St. Clair, Careful, its not too sturdy (163) when Ying-Ying discovers the wobbly table. Not too sturdy can be applied to Lenas marriage as well as the table; the vase, as well as Lena, is in an unstable position. Lenas marriage is in danger of falling into ruin. Lena describes the table as a poorly designed piece that Harold made in his student days (163). To make a marriage work both people have to work at it, but Harold is not as supportive as Lena is with him. The table is a symbol of his unaccommodating, unsupportive commitment Harold has with Lena. During the middle of a fight between Lena and Harold, the vase is shattered by Ying-Ying. All Ying-Ying says in her defense is Fallen down, (165). Lena responds as she picks up the broken shards, It doesnt matter, I knew it would happen (165). Concerned, her mother asks, Then why you dont stop it (165). Lena is to blame for the insecurity her marriage and the vase are in, but even with this knowledge she does not take action against the situation. Her mother realizes this and shatters the vase to teach Lena that she cannot just sit idly and watch, but that she should prevent an oncoming disaster if she can. The shattered vase then represents an action taken to change Lenas submissiveness and grow into a stronger more self-aware person. Each womans object is an intricate symbol of the lives surrounding its owner. Suyuans pendant changes its meaning from its first introduction to its closing. It was a symbol of difference and became a symbol of concerned and love, and in this change also signifies learning and understanding. Lindos red candle ultimately represents freedom through the understanding of tradition and culture. Lenas vase when intact represents a shaking marriage while when broken describes the discovery of her own personal worth. The symbolism used in the novel weaves each object with the event and relationship it is associated with perfectly to create a complex, expressive story.

Mandatory College essays

Mandatory College essays Today, many institutions face several problems such as low graduation rates, below average or failing academic marks, and students who simply do not want to focus on school anymore. A solution to the unemployment crisis and as a means of raising the standard of education in the Unites States, a bill being sponsored by several senators would entail two years of college for all students in search of employment after college. As a result, more effort would be applied in school resulting in better marks for the student and for the institution. Students would have the opportunity to focus more seriously on school rather than being concerned about seeking employment because one would almost be guaranteed an occupation after college. This bill would have all future high school graduates head off directly to college decreasing the drop-out rate and developing a sense of responsibility and maturity. Also, better jobs with higher pay would be easier to take hold of by better-qualified, educate d persons. Therefore, a bill proposing three years of mandatory college would not only help solve the unemployment problem in the United States, it would raise the standard of education and help qualified persons find employment after a strong educational background has been established. If students would be aware of the consequences of dropping out of high school or college before the third year of college, they simply would not do it. The bill would clearly state that no students would be allowed to drop out of high school or college before the third year of college, and no one would be permitted to hold a job unless he or she has completed two years of compulsory college. In this case, more effort would be applied toward finishing well in school with good enough marks to attend college. This would not only help the students but the institution, as well, because high marks from students equal a higher success rate for the school. It is like many other...

Sexual harassment in the workplace Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sexual harassment in the workplace - Assignment Example According to the Equal Rights Advocates, sexual harassment is defined as â€Å"unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive and affects working conditions or creates a hostile work environment.† When reading this definition it is difficult to understand how people would do this within the workplace, but it is important to understand that this happens on a regular basis. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) states that in 2008, 13,867 cases of sexual harassment were received by them and 11,731 of those cases were resolved; 15.9% of these cases were filed by men. The Alliance Training and Consulting group found that in 2010, there were 11,717 cases filed with the EEOC and the eventual resolution of cases cost companies $48.4 million in damages. These statistics show that sexual harassment is not only a problem for the people who experience sexual harassment, but it also is very costly to the companies that are in volved. The challenge for many companies is that they do not know that there is training available for their employees which can help them resolve some of these issues before they begin. According to Pamela Mahabeer, a writer for AOL Jobs, although seminars are done to teach people about sexual harassment, it still is happening. ... Ellie Mystal, a writer for Above The Law, states that many men file sexual harassment claims when they are fired from a job because they are seeking a reason for their firing; many of these cases claimed that men were sexually harassed by other men. Another issue with sexual harassment is that it can be claimed that it creates a hostile work environment. In order to claim that this happens, it must meet two criteria: First, what is going on must be â€Å"subjectively abusive† to the person or persons affected and it must be â€Å"objectively severe or pervasive enough† to create an environment that other people would also find abusive (â€Å"Preventing†). This can happen in many instances and this often indicates that there are many incidences of sexual harassment that are being ignored, or that it is a constant harassing that happens over time. Sexual harassment is a very important issue in the workplace that needs to be challenged when it happens so that everyo ne can be in a safe environment when they are working. Works Cited Alliance Training and Consulting. â€Å"Harassment Statistics the Latest EEOC Statistics.† 2010. 29 June 2011. http://www.alliancetac.com/index.html?PAGE_ID=2702 Equal Rights Advocates. â€Å"Know Your Rights: Sexual Harassment at Work.† 2011. 20 June 2011. http://www.equalrights.org/publications/kyr/shwork.asp Mahabeer, Pamela. â€Å"Sexual Harassment Still Pervasive in the Workplace.† AOL Jobs. 8 January 2011. Web. 11 June 2011. http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/01/28/sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace . Mystal, Ellie. â€Å"Sexual Harassment: It’s Not Just for Women Anymore.† Above the Law. Web. March 24, 2010 http://abovethelaw.com/2010/03/sexual-harassment-men

Evaluating Capital Investment projects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Evaluating Capital Investment projects - Essay Example On the contrary, non-discounted matrices applies accounting rate of return. The metrics measure project performance/progress over a given period. Therefore, it is advisable for Arizona Hospital to select a combination of metrics due to the prones and cones associated with each metrics. Some of the prones of discounted matrices include; they give the intrinsic value of an investment, they are easier to apply and are reliable to use than non-discounted cash flow metrics methods. Some of the disadvantages of discounted metrics over non-discounted metrics include; they are based on assumptions and can only be reliable when there is certainty of cash flows (Baker & English, 2011). On the other hand, sensitivity analysis entails a mathematical technique used to determine the impact of independent variable over the dependent variable. The sensitivity may tell the senior managers of Arizona hospital whether the project will be optimal and the level of risk associated with a particular project so that necessary changes can be applied accordingly (Saltelli, Tarantola & Campolongo, 2004). This means that sensitivity analysis act as a useful tool for assessing capital projects risk and returns. This is because sensitivity analysis helps to identify the potential investments risk in the market, these help managers to prepare on how they can deal with that risk (Saltelli & Wiley InterScience,

Modus Operandi Essay Example for Free

Modus Operandi Essay

Macbeth: A Noble and Highly Respected Figure In Ducans Reign :: Macbeth essays

Macbeth: A Noble and Highly Respected Figure In Ducan's Reign Macbeth was a noble and highly respected figure in King Duncan's reign. He lived a brave and honest life, serving the King and his country against evil. The Tragedy of Macbeth occurred when the weird sisters met Macbeth for the first time. An evil mind took over Macbeth, and he was doomed to the witches prophesies until his death. Macbeth was a General of the King's army, and served the King with honor and dignity. After success in the battle against the Thane of Cawdor, which was Macbeth's final serving for King Duncan, Banquo and he met with the King. Banquo was commended, and "To make thee full of growing. - Noble Banquo" (Act 1 Scene 4); but Macbeth was given all the credit, and titled "My worthy Cawdor!" (Act 1 Scene 4), Thane of Cawdor for his service. It was during this scene, where Duncan announced Malcom as his future successor, that Macbeth's thoughts became evil obsessions. A power was taking over him, his own flaw from evil, brought about by the weird sisters. "Stars, hide your fires, Let not the light see my black and deep desires." (Act 1 Scene 4). Macbeth's flaw is highly influenced by his wife, Lady Macbeth, who has wicked thoughts, and persuades Macbeth into many actions he would not normally do. "Only look up clear: To alter favour ever is to fear. Leave all the rest to me" (Act 1 Scene 5) shows her strength over Macbeth. As Macbeth prepares to kill Duncan, he hallucinates, and many thoughts cross his mind, but when the bell sounds, "Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell." (Act 2 Scene 2) and Macbeth acts promptly. After the murder Macbeth regrets his actions, but again Lady Macbeth is influential toward him, reminding his that "These deeds must not be thought After these ways; so, it will make us mad." (Act 2 Scene 2). Macbeth's true self again break through when he has false thoughts about his actions. "Had I but died an hour before this chance I had lived a blessed time; for, from this instant, There's nothing serious in mortality. All is but toys; renown and grace is dead, The wine of life is drawn, and the mere lees Is left this vault to brag of." (Act 2 Scene 4). All the confusion surrounding Macbeth has prompted him to make some errors. He did not place the daggers on the guards after the murders, and then before anybody was able to talk to the

Love and Friend Essay

Among my friends, I cherish the most is Ha.She is a good student of my class, she lived with her ​​parents in a small house near my house. She has long black hair, oval face and eyes speak. What particularly struck me about her was the smile. She looks so cute when he smiles. She is a form of friends that I can share everything. She always believed and helped me in every situation. She is friendly, gentle and endearing all friends. She likes Literacy, reading, listening to music and go under heaven mua.Chung I have a lot in common with each other, has become good friends over the past 5 years. Although time has passed long in any case, I’m and Ha also trying to keep this friendship Love is the ultimate prize in life, the gift that I am most thankful for. The description of love is found in every smile, every pounding heart, and the sweet taste of every single kiss. Love is an emotional feeling deep inside the human soul so that, In this essay I would like to describe about my love . she’s absolutely the most amazing and sweetest person in the world to me. She always cheers me up if I am ever upset. I love her more than anything in the whole world and she cares more about me than anything else†¦ She treats me as if I were the most beautiful person in the world and never fails to tell me that She loves me. She tells me that she loves the way my eyes sparkle when she tells me how much she loves me. She is so beautiful . she has long pretty red hair. SHe is so smart and beautiful and funny and nerdy and cool. She makes me love her by loving me. She makes me feel good about myself in ways I didn’t imagine I could possibly feel good about. Like the way I chew my lip or the way my voice sounds.. She tries to help me with my homework and it’s funny because she’s so smart and I’m so dumb and I never understand what she’s saying and I end up just kissing her because, math is stupid and she’s gorgeous. she is just amazing. she is just perfect and she’s my other half. Her name is An and I really want to say with her that : â€Å" thank you for being a part of my life † Love is the ultimate prize in life, the gift that I am most thankful for. The description of love is found in every smile, every pounding heart, and the sweet taste of every single kiss. Love is an emotional feeling deep inside the human soul Love looks like the wind, because it is not literally visible. However, it can be felt, giving proof to the saying that sometimes you have to believe to see. The only way of seeing love is through the ways people show it.