The banning of The Grapes of Wrath

"The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck is a piece of masterwork in the world of literature. In this moving novel, Steinbeck uses very real descriptions to depict the plight of the Okies, he further portrays the plight of the migrants by introducing the Joad family. “The Grapes of Wrath” sent shockwaves throughout the country; Steinbeck used his writing to prevent people from having the luxury to ignore the situation the migrants’ were in. This beautiful novel so truthful in its descriptions, giving such a powerful message won numerous prizes and awards. But it also resulted in the banning of the novel numerous times by various groups due to the truthfulness in his novel.

Christian schools are one of the largest groups which ban “The Grapes of Wrath”. The swear words and sexual content Steinbeck includes in his novel makes the story more realistic and definitely a product of its time, revealing to the reader a very real situation tenants were in at the time. Many Christian staff and parents find the content and language offensive and want to protect children from coming in contact with such vulgar details. Many Christians also find the fact that Jim Casy, the ex-preacher, is portrayed as the Christ figure rather offensive. Throughout the novel Jim Casy portrays some qualities that Jesus had, in the beginning of the novel Casy is struggling in the traditional beliefs set before him, he slowly turns away from them and starts something new. By the end of the novel Casy is so confident he even gives his life for what he believes in. Despite this, some of his actions such as swearing and those in the sexual realm can be quite insulting, if associated with Christ.

"The Grapes of Wrath” was also banned by the government several times because it portrayed the reality of the Okies’ situation. When this novel was first published the migrants were still struggling and no one was helping them, everyone just wanted to ignore the Okies’ ordeal. It was the depression; everyone was already struggling to get by and did not want to have to take care of others. After the Okies’ plight “ended” the novel was banned once again. The country wanted to hide the fact that this embarrassing event actually occurred in their country. Many believed that this ugly historical event should be concealed and students did not need to learn the intricate details of this situation.

"The Grapes of Wrath” is a beautiful piece of literature which Steinbeck has written, in which he has weaved in a very powerful message which still holds true today. Despite the numerous reasons libraries and schools want to ban this novel, I believe they are not justified to do so. The life lessons students can learn through this novel outweighs the offensive yet realistic content in this novel so much more.

Tybalt's obituary

Tybalt, 18 the nephew of Lady Capulet of Verona, died on Sunday afternoon after getting stabbed by Romeo Montague in a sword fight. A funeral service will be held Monday, 8:00 am in the home of the Capulets.

In Tybalt’s short yet fulfilling life, he lived with his aunt, Lady Capulet. He was a wonderful nephew to them, upholding the family in an honorable way. He was active in the numerous brawls between the two families, the Capulets and the Montagues, having great pride for his family name. Tybalt had great respect for his aunt and uncle, doing what they desired. He also took great care of his young cousin Juliet. Tybalt’s tragic death will cause great grief, and his presence will be greatly missed. His loyalty to the Capulets will always be remembered. In place of flowers, donations will be received to build a statue in memory of this young lad with great devotion.

Where the fault lies

Mercutio’s death is mainly Romeo’s fault. The main reason a fight occurred, was due to the ongoing fight between the Capulets and Montagues. Mercutio should not even have been involved in the fight, because he is a “neutral” character. Since Romeo was in one of his happy mood swings, he did not want to rise to the challenge. He should have known that his hot headed friend, Mercutio would fight Tybalt, and therefore fight with Tybalt anyway.

Also Romeo probably caused Mercutio’s death by confusing the opponents. When Romeo stepped in between the fight, he gave Tybalt the advantage. Mercutio had to be careful, just in case he accidently stabbed Romeo, he also didn’t get such a good view of Tybalt anymore. Tybalt on the other hand could stab aimlessly and have the chance of hitting either one of his enemies without any worries.

Unfortunately, I think Mercutio’s death should be blamed upon his good friend Romeo.

Romeo and Juliet essay

One of the most famous scenes in “Romeo and Juliet” is the balcony scene, in Act II, scene ii. In this scene, Shakespeare uses various elements to develop the mood in the story. The highlighting mood in this scene is the secret passion of love laced with a sense of fear.

The passion of Romeo and Juliet’s secret love is revealed in the words Romeo speaks. “For stony limits cannot hold love out” reveals to the audience just how far Romeo’s passion in his love for Juliet goes. The lines “My life were better ended by their hate/ Than death prorogued, wanting of thy love.” shows the audience that Romeo is even willing to die for this love.

Shakespeare also develops Romeo and Juliet’s passion through narrative devices. Both of their lines are blank verses, making their lines flow. It almost seems as though they are singing to each other, expressing their love for each other with no hesitancy.

Romeo further reveals his passion for Juliet by using personification in the replies he gives her. The personification gives a poetic sense to his replies. Since poetry is often linked with love, Shakespeare has masterfully shown the passion of their love.

The mood of secrecy in their passion is revealed though a number of ways including, lacing their lines with a sense of fear. The sentence structure in Juliet’s lines reveals the fear she has for Romeo regarding his presence. Her lines are short and to the point, and mostly consisting of questions.

The setting is also used to reveal the secrecy of their passionate love. Shakespeare uses the words they speak, to illustrate the setting to the audience. Romeo’s line, “I have a night’s cloak to hide me from their eyes” reveals to viewers, a setting in the hours of darkness.

Shakespeare also uses Juliet’s line “The orchard walls are high and hard to climb/ And the place death, considering who thou art, / If any of my kinsmen find thee here.” shows the secrecy of their passionate meeting. The secrecy must be kept for fear of death.

Shakespeare’s use of diction, syntax and personifications in this passage reveal to the audience the moods of the famous balcony scene. His ability to develop and reveal the mood has created a fine piece of literary artwork

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Satirical Essay: Humidity, the climate you've got to love

Living in an area which is highly humid, is so much more comfortable than living in a dry, cool climate. If I hadn’t had the privilege of living in a humid country, I would still be wasting my money on saunas and expensive lotions, when I could lavish my money elsewhere.

The luxury of a sauna is felt by all those who live in a humid climate. Such extravagance, costs nothing. The sensations of being hot, sweaty and deficient of oxygen are experienced in saunas, which help individuals lose weight and get rid of dirt. Though it may be a luxury it is highly uncomfortable, and not worth the high cost.

Those living in cool climates need to pay about $100 an hour to enjoy a sauna. Only the rich can enjoy this, for it is considered quite costly for the average person. That means they pay $2400 a day, on the other hand those living in humid climates get to experience the sensations the sauna provides 24 hours a day free of charge.

In humid areas of the world, lotions of various kinds do not even need to be used. Putting cream on will only serve to make you feel uncomfortably sticky. Don’t worry about it though, after several minutes this uncomfortable feeling will fade, you will realize the majority of the cream you may have applied will have come off with your sweat which continuously trickle down the side of you face.

Those living in dry, cool climates though, need to waste their money on an assortment of lotions. These costly products serve to moisten hands and faces and prevent skin from getting too chapped. Brand named lotions, may be something you can afford and show off as a sign of your wealth.

People everywhere love to indulge themselves with brand name, extravagant items. The more often you can use it in public the better, that way everyone will know you have good tastes and wealth.

Folks living in humid climates just love the air-conditioner. The big white machine which let out heat affecting the third party, but lets you soak in luxury can show off your wealth. An air-conditioned home, a brand-named air-conditioned car, and an air-conditioned workplace will certainly reveal your luxurious life. In dry, cool climates indulgence in such an item is unnecessary, that’s one less thing you can pamper yourself with.

Money, everyone wants it, everyone spends it. Great satisfaction is gained from spending money, especially on useless things. That way you can make a statement: “I am pretty much throwing money away, exactly like those in the wealthy class. Of course all these things I’m getting are for my personnel benefit. I could not give all my money to organizations which help the poor. After all I already contribute a great deal in helping the economy to continue to function.” But when you have too much, it creates a headache.

If you live in a humid area you won’t need to make so many decisions concerning what to spend your money on. Most of it will go towards your electricity bills anyway, due to the continuous usage of the air-conditioner. So that is one less decision off your mind.

Those living in dry, cool climates don’t have this option. While people living in humid climates pay for things which make them feel refreshed, those living in dry, cool climates treat themselves to high costing saunas which provide an atmosphere not frequently sought after.

Another solution for spending money is through floods. Floods are a regular occurrence in humid areas often ruining houses and killing lives. It is not all bad. You get the chance to spend your annual income on repairs, but the floods give a chance for urban renewal. In addition the community can unite to help those who have suffered from these catastrophic events. These sorts of unity, which develop through floods, cannot be experienced by those living in dry, cool climates.

Gyms are another luxury worth the money to. In humid places exercising outside can feel very overwhelming, the heat is oppressive resulting in the occurrence of occasional heat strokes. Gyms complete with air-condition, and good facilities are in high demand.

Those living in dry, cool climates do not get to enjoy this extravagance. They simply go to any free park down the road and exercise, or play a few matches amongst nature.

In humid countries gyms are in higher demand than parks. This enables more buildings to be built in place of park, thus fitting more people into the country, making it very crowded and highly congested. This keeps up the competition in schools and in the workplace. Also you can show your wealth when you purchase flats which are in high demand, you will be the highest bidder.

Folks who live in humid places usually own a car so they can get from one place to another. Other options such as biking and walking are available, but usually very inconvenient due to sweat and crowdedness. A car is really the best way to display your wealth. Those living in dry, cool areas have the options of bicycling and walking. They can do it with convenience so a car is not a necessity. It also creates too many options.

Living in a highly humid area is definitely superior to living in a dry, cool place. Not only do you have the opportunity to display your wealth but also you do not have as many choices to burden yourself with as you are making decisions. All in all, I would much rather live in a climate with high humidity and constant rain than a dry, cool climate.