Themes in Green Grass Running Water - 817 Words

The theme that drives most of the action in Green Grass, Running Water is the conflict between Native American culture and White culture. King establishes this most potently in the fantastical back stories of the four old Native American men. In each story, a character from the Native American tradition interacts with a Biblical figure and then a character from White literature or film. Tellingly, each of the four old Native Americans eventually adopts a name from these White works. The four characters come from works by white writers for white audiences that feature Native American characters: Robinson Crusoe from the eponymous novel by Daniel Defoe, Ishmael from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, Hawkeye from James Fenimore Cooper’s†¦show more content†¦Later, Young Man Walking on Water (who is clearly supposed to be Jesus Christ) is unable to calm the storm to protect the sailors until Old Woman sings to the waves to calm them. By poking fun at stories from the Ch ristian tradition, King ironically points out the universality faith. Regardless of the culture, each faith tradition has deities and origin stories. Satire also reinforces the theme of cultural divide in the scenes set in Latisha’s diner, The Dead Dog Cafà ©. Even the restaurant’s namesake underscores the humor in the conflict between White and Native American cultures. Part of the selling point of Latisha’s cafà © is the illusion that the patrons are eating dog meat as a way of experiencing authentic Native American culture. In reality, the meat served is beef because consuming dogs as food is in no way part of Blackfoot dietary practices. The white tourists who filter through the cafe (both American and Canadian) are drawn in broad strokes and quickly display their ignorance of Native American culture by their enthrallment with its perceived exoticness. Another important motif in the novel is water. Title aside, water acts as a powerful force that serves multiple purposes in the story. Water is repeatedly associated with creation as all of the origin stories of the Native American elders begin with the same phrase: â€Å"In the beginning, there was nothing. Just the water.† In each of the origin stories, water carries the Native American elders intoShow MoreRelatedEssay about Great Gatsby Film Analysis839 Words   |  4 PagesRachel Hobson HON English 3 September 11, 2011 Critical Analysis: The Great Gatsby Film The classic American novel, The Great Gatsby, presents a major theme of passing time. Losing Daisy meant losing Gatsby’s entire world, which he only kept alive through his hope of repeating the past. Daisy is a symbol of everything he values and therefore became the entity of his dream: his dream of spending the rest of his life with Daisy, the woman he loves undeniably. But Gatsby doesn’t realize his dreamRead More art of china Essay examples1219 Words   |  5 Pagescarvings from the time of 5000 BC. Jade is a general term used to describe either jadeite or nephrite, known as true jade. Its composed of several minerals. Its smooth and rich in texture, but its also extremely tough. It can be off-white, or dark green, and sometimes has a reddish tint. Authentic jade is cool and never translucent. The philosopher Confucius described jade perfectly when he said: quot;It is soft, smooth and shining- like intelligence. Its edges seem sharp but do not cut- like justiceRead MoreHamlet in Comparison to the Lion King Essay1255 Words   |  6 PagesMany literary works can be compared due to vast amounts of similarities between theme and characters; Hamlet and the Lion King are two literary works in which character and theme are surprisingly similar throughout each work. 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It is roughly 355ha where 200ha of irrigated land is being converted into dairy for further research. The rest of the farm is a dryland pastoral system, where extensive research is carried out on theme of the central progeny test. Unless otherwise stated, all information for this report was obtained from the owner of the property, (Chris Logan personal communication, 7th March 2016). 1.0 Resources of Ashley Dene 1.1 Labour Ashley Dene employsRead MoreAnalysis Of Ray Bradburys Work Essay example1626 Words   |  7 Pagesevents. An effect on the outcome of the way this piece of literature was the time it was written. The time period was revealed through the use of characterization, and setting. Throughout the novel, Bradbury uses the literary elements simile and theme to get his point across. At the time this was written, World War II was happening. Prior to the 1940s, the United States for the last decade was in a depression and remained isolated from other nations. The United States was sucked into the warRead MoreSummary Of My Antonia 2373 Words   |  10 Pagesgreat. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep.†pg. 14 This is a theme in this story telling us how real happiness lies with something greater such as knowledge rather than stuff bought. The tone of this quote is very serious to help the reader understand what he is talking about. â€Å"This is reality, whether you like it or not. All those frivolities of summer, the light and shadow, the living mask of green that trembled over everything, they were lies, and this is what was underneathRead MoreThomas King: Not Just a Reaction to Colonialism1459 Words   |  6 Pagesfeel they should have unrestricted access (6-7). I do not agree with Turcotte in this matter, because as a Non-Native I have always felt obligated as the reader to educate myself on parts of the story that I was limited from. For example, Green Grass, Running Water focussed on the tradition of Sundance, which I knew little about. Not only did Kings story educate me about traditions such as Sundance, I didnt find it particularly hard to search online for extra details that he left out. While I understandRead MoreEssay on Use of Environment, Landscape, and Cycles in My Antonia3310 Words   |  14 Pagesseveral roles. It creates both a character and protagonist, while it also reflects Cathers mai n characters, Jim and à ntonia, as well as forming the structure of the novel. Additionally, it evokes several themes that existed on the prairie during the time in which the story takes place. Some of these themes that directly relate to the novel, which are worth exploring, are endurance, hardship, and spirituality. 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Non White Musicians And Racial Injustice - 1016 Words

Sameh Iskandar Non-White Musicians and Racial Injustice Musicians of all genres have spoken up against the racial inequality that is happening in America and throughout the world. These are the voices that have lived and witnessed injustice based solely on their race and skin color. As a result, musicians have deep emotional ties that have affected the lyrics and tones that artists take on in hopes to send a message. This musical revolution is nothing new, it has been around since the beginning of racial oppression as a means of optimism, but now, music can help spread the message of racial oppression. This message is spread in hopes that the views and opinions of society are altered and that future generations learn from mistakes of the†¦show more content†¦The lower-class is where a majority of artists began and this is the very inspiration and meaning of their whole career. Some people look up to musicians as a just means of entertainment that does not pertain to the real world, those people are wrong. The function of an artist, whether singing, rapping or any other vocal means, when it pertains to racial inequality, can have multiple dissimilar implications. Some performers use their gift in optimism to change the way society thinks as a whole in hopes of having deep, meaningful, positive impacts. On the other hand, some artist express their anger and frustrations they feel due to the persistent discrimination they must live with every day of their life. All things considered, whether the initial message is intended to be positive or negative, the overall meaning is embedded into the minds of the listeners. The message an artist delivers can be a double-edged sword depending on the artist and the frame of mind that went behind of the making of the song. Many artists can convey a peaceful message when facing society. For example, artist Bob Marley const antly promoted equal coexistence that has been referred to time and time again as to how music can encourage a more accepting society. On the other hand, some artists believe that reaching social stability is with aggressive, physical movements that require backlashing at all oppressors. This destructive state of mind can cause more harm than good,

Jazz Concert Reflection free essay sample

Jazz is a musical style that began In African American communities in the southern united States around the beginning of the twentieth century. It was a new style of music that brought together music traditions from West Africa and Europe. Some of its West African musical influences give jazz its unique sound. Jazz has many different elements, which are improvisations, swinging, using blue notes, and combining different rhythms.I attended The Bill and Helen Murray Jazz Residency Program featured Leery Kelvin on the Saxophone with Susan Acorn n the pedal steel guitar and Michael Forsaken on the acoustic bass and The Dotson university Jazz Faculty Ensemble Featuring Dave Ballot on the trumpet, Fullerton, and piccolo trumpet, Jim Mac falls on the trombone and baritone, Tim Murphy on the piano, Jeff Reed on the bass and last but not least, Frank Russo on the drums and cymbals. At each concert about four songs were performed. We will write a custom essay sample on Jazz Concert Reflection or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The musical elements in both performances that classify the music I heard as Jazz were the swing rhythms and improvisations.The Jazz Residency Program was based on Improvisations. Each player at this concert; had the ability to Instantaneously compose, revise and perform their parts amazingly. As Leery played the Sax, Susan and Michael played their Instrument spontaneously creating fresh melodies. At the Jazz Faculty ensemble, the musicians played songs that were previously written. Their musical styles were mostly bebop and swing with lots of call and respond. Jim Mac falls would play his trombone and all group members would follow after him. The song Moodily sounded Like bebop, because there were a lot of bass drum bombs and tonal clashes.Marsh deer freely Sound Fur Fun Instruments was also a bebop song that was played with extended harmonies and tonal clashes. Some of the non-traditional Jazz elements that I heard were played at both of the Jazz Concerts. Susan Acorn played the pedal steel guitar, which I found to be a non-traditional element. The sound was completely different from what I had ever heard before. At the Jazz Faculty Ensemble, Dave Ballot played the Piccolo Trumpet for the last piece Conversion. The high-pitched sound made the song slur and blend with soft melodies. Listening to each concert, gave me two totally different experiences. The Jazz Residency concert was all Improvisations, so it didnt remind me of any of the like Art Datum, John Chlorate, and Duke Elongating. When they played Hamster in a bucket its reminded me of In a Millstone by Duke Linton. Then Dave Ballot played the trumpet in the song Cry Baby like Miles Davis played the trumpet in the song so What. In conclusion, the quality of both performances was outstanding. Each performance was completely different and thats what I loved.The Jazz residency program was completely improvised, leaving me opened and surprised at every note each player chose to play. The Jazz Faculty Ensembles songs had a distinctive vibe. They made the sounds of their music come together and I felt the rhythm. I would defiantly pay to see each performance again. I left the concerts smiling, because I felt as if I knew exactly what they were trying to accomplish with their music. The two ensembles I attended featured some of the most talented musicians I ever heard performing at Dotson University.

Platos Myth of Er free essay sample

Fizza Raza Intro to Political Theory September 22, 2011 The purpose of the Myth of Er is to emphasize one of the points that Plato has been making throughout this whole book, that philosophy, or the quest for knowledge is essential in order to have a successful existence, either as a person or a group of people. One cannot work towards something until and unless he knows what that thing is and how to get there. It is only possible to study philosophy up to the point where one fully understands the Form of the Good, which is the ultimate form. Because of there being a limit to how much knowledge one can gain, it is not ridiculous to assume that one is able to reach that level of knowledge. Even though it’s almost impossible to perceive that there is an ultimate form of good, it is not unattainable because everything in existence is striving towards that. We will write a custom essay sample on Platos Myth of Er or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The catalyst that moves a soul to that goal is what philosophy is. Philosophy is the pathway to get to the ultimate kind of life: an untroubled and satisfying existence. This myth is meant for humankind in general. Humans have a tendency to act on self-destructive behavior such as succumbing to their wrongful pleasures (Plato 303). The wrongful pleasures are those that destroy a man’s character and make his soul unjust such as greed, gluttony, etc. In the group of people, or a city, the same characteristics are found so the same means- philosophy- must be used to exorcise those faults. The reason that any man would go towards these evils is because he is not aware of the harm that they are capable of causing, or what the consequences of these actions will do to his soul. Philosophy, therefore, is supposed to be the bridge between the physical world, and the realm of true knowledge. Without contemplation there is no way to achieve true knowledge about anything. The study of philosophy goes beyond the superficial elements of everything and therefore forces the student to see more than just what seems to be visible. The student has to realize that for the most part appearances and reality are completely different from each other (Plato 39). This pushes one to investigate further beyond what is clearly visible and what is not and how to differentiate between the two, thus finding the idea nearest to the truth. In politics the primary concern of politicians should be the well being of the citizens they have rule over, therefore this myth has everything to do with politics. The well being of any citizen cannot be achieved unless there is justice in the political system, and just as with everything else, true justice cannot be accomplished without the knowledge of what the just is. This knowledge is impossible to gain without philosophy. The leaders of a political system must be the most educated and informed of what true justice is because the system is flawed; all sections down to the citizens will also have the same flaws. This does not mean that there be a perfect and just system of governing because that would be unrealistic and lead to acts considered inhumane, such as tearing apart families or getting rid of everyone that is not up to the standards of the city. Justice is basically being able to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong, and if it so happens that the leaders of a particular regime cannot adequately do so then it is dangerous for them to rule over anyone, for the sake of all parties involved. This will not guarantee a perfect life, but definitely one that is less troubled than the rest (Plato 303). It is against human nature to choose such a life because there are no outstanding and obvious worldly rewards that come as a result of it; humans choose to rather live a life filled with fake promises and illusions of beautiful temporary things that will hurt their afterlife if their soul is in fact immortal. By minding one’s own business there is less stress and worrying involved in this life, and heavenly rewards in the next. This includes not causing harm to others as a result of jealousy, anger, fear, or any other emotion. Minding one’s own business leads to the most just life because by doing so you are able to investigate the ultimate form of your soul, which will inevitably lead to gaining knowledge about other things and in doing what is right in general. It wouldn’t be sensible if the ultimate form of a soul was unjust or wrong, so because someone strives for this form they are able to be more just than the rest. Although Plato demands that the perfect city do many ridiculous unrealistic things in order to make his point, his assertion about the philosopher being the leader of the city was very reasonable and would be beneficial to any situation. Just as this would apply to the city, giving power to the most knowledgeable and truthful of men, it would also apply to each individual in that it would be beneficial for the part of his existence that is the philosophizing part to rule above all the others. The Myth of Er is a noble lie because it fulfills the purpose of this kind of a lie which is to promote the well being of those who hear it, rather than causing them any harm. What is good or bad is not black and white, there is a lot of grey area where certain circumstances can change what was previously thought to be cruel and wrong to be good and necessary. Although a lie is considered to be a bad thing, this kind of lie is beneficial because the effects of it will ultimately benefit the people (Plato 93). In this myth there is a lesson to be learnt for everyone who hears it. It is told to promote the general well being of the population, pointing out what needs to be avoided and also what needs to be striven towards.