Winston Smith of George Orwell’s 1984 and Hamlet of...

Heroes in literature and history, more often than not, meet tragic ends, unless they were created by Walt Disney. These particular people are often seen as someone who is apart from the masses in morals and attempt to accomplish a higher calling for the common good. The problem with this type of hero is that they are destined for suffering.Two such characters exist in classic literature, Winston Smith of George Orwell’s 1984 and Hamlet of William Shakespeare’s â€Å"Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.† Hamlet is the true classic tragic hero, though, because he is of noble birth, possesses high moral standards, completes the task he is given to better the world, and causes tragedy in both his life and the lives of others. Traditionally, a tragic hero is†¦show more content†¦Hamlet searches for the good in the world and even the good in others who have hurt him. â€Å"Laertes: Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet: mine and my father’s death come not u pon thee, nor thine on me! Hamlet: Heaven make thee free of it! I follow thee† (Hamlet V. ii. 293-296). Even as Hamlet dies he allows the man who was his killer to rest in peace knowing that Hamlet does not hold his own imminent death against him. The tasks assigned to both men by â€Å"destiny† also characterize their level of heroism. Winston’s task is one merely of his own making by fighting the invisible force of Big Brother. Hamlet is given a task by a greater cosmic power who is the ghost of his deceased father. In most classic tragedies the hero is given their task by a higher power, such as God or fate, and do not devise one of their own making such as in Winston’s case. Another difference between the two men is that Hamlet succeeds in completing his mission whereas Winston does not. It is Hamlet himself who, subduing murderous nature, will hold his vengeance in check until it is pronounced fair by others (thus conforming, if not to medieval Danish law, to a biblically based sixteenth-century English statute that required at least two witnesses to condemn someone for treason). Only after the ‘honest’ ghost (1.5.138), Horatio, and, finally, Laertes have confirmed that ‘the Kings to blame’ (5.2.320) does Hamlet kill Claudius; thus, as a repentant Laertes finally says, the usurper is

Let Gays Marry and Leave Marriage Alone Essay - 1278 Words

I will summarize some of the key points from the essay, Let Gays Marry, by Andrew Sullivan, and the essay, Leave Marriage Alone, by William Bennett. Some of these main points are taken from mutual beliefs of both authors and others are derived from the opposing opinions of the two. The first summary of Andrew Sullivan’s essay is a reflection of Andrew Sullivan’s stance of the issue. The original essay was in favor of allowing same sex marriage in America. My summary will dictate some of the arguments that I found to be the most persuasive and important to Sullivan’s case. The second summary is of Bennett’s essay, Leave Marriage Alone. I will, again, try to point out the most influential pieces of argument in the essay.†¦show more content†¦As a basis for these arguments, Sullivan believes that marriage is an important key to the progression of homosexual equality in America. Sullivan is aware of certain churches and religious affiliates that would be in opposition to the marrying of gay couples. Sullivan explains that homosexuals pushing for the permission of gay marriage do not intend to change the doctrines or traditions of any church. The movement’s actual desire is the fundamental right to marriage. Sullivan reiterates the hopes of the gay community by expressing their longing for recognition before the law as a married couple. Gays are essentially making the simple request that they be given the same marriage license as any other couple in America who wishes to be married. Advocates of homosexual marriage say they are aiming to strengthen and become a part of the institution. Bennett disagrees and implores that if they were allowed to follow through, and be accepted as an active part of the institution of marriage, they would be, in turn, destroying the very foundations of marriage. Bennett deems that allowing gays to marry would have a profound influence on society. The change from the traditional ideals of marriage would completely redefine the conventional definition of marriage. Simply allowing gays to marry would contradict some of the worlds major religions that playShow MoreRelated Comparing William Bennetts Leave Marriage Alone and Andrew Sullivans Let Gays Marry1537 Words   |  7 PagesWhat is marriage? For thousands years, marriage has been a combination between a man and a woman. When they love each other, they decide to live together. That is marriage. But what will love happen between two same sex persons? Will they marry? Is their marriage acceptable? It is the argument between two authors: William J. Bennett and Andrew Sullivan. The two authors come from different countries and have different opinion about same sex marriage. Sullivan agrees with the gay marriage because ofRead MoreEssay on Compare and Contrast Two Views of Gay Marriage601 Word s   |  3 Pagestoday is gay marriages. Many believe that the media is primly responsible for the idea of same-sex marriages, but when it all comes down to it there are really only two sides; those who support gay marriages, and those who oppose them. Two authors write their opinions on their opposite views on this issue. Sullivan (2002) supports same-sex marriages and believes marriage to be a universal right, not just restricted to heterosexuals. Contrary to Sullivan, Bennett (2002) believes that marriage is aRead MoreEssay about Sullivan vs. Bennett935 Words   |  4 PagesSullivan vs. Bennett The two texts examined within, present the opposing extremes of views regarding gay and lesbian marriage. The first text entitled Let Gays Marry by Andrew Sullivan examines the intricacies of same sex relationships and why homosexual couples should be allowed to publicly show affection for one another. The second text that will be examined is titled Leave Marriage Alone written by William Bennett. Bennett gives his views on why couples of same sex nature should not be allowedRead MoreEssay on The Bond of Marriage1166 Words   |  5 PagesThe Bond of Marriage The argument to allow gay couples to marry has been a debatable topic for many years. The authors, Andrew Sullivan and William Bennett have conflicting beliefs to whether gay marriages should be permissible. Sullivan expresses his opinion of the right gays have to marry in his article â€Å"Let Gays Marry.† Bennett retaliates with his own article opposing gay marriage. His article â€Å"Leave Marriage Alone,† relates his view that same-sex marriage is wrong and unethical.Read More Comparing Two Views of Gay Marriage Essay845 Words   |  4 PagesIn their works â€Å"Let Gays Marry,† by Andrew Sullivan and â€Å"Leave Marriage Alone,† by William Bennett, they both talk about the subject of same sex marriages. They both believe that marriage is based off of tradition. However, they debate on if these marriages should be allowed and if they are proper. Sullivan goes on to prove he believes same sex marriages are proper because traditionally it is based off of the principle of love. Bennett proves his point by saying that the conventional ways areRead More Rights for Homosexuals Essay754 Words   |  4 PagesRights for Homosexuals Gay marriage is a hotly debated issue in todays society. Andrew Sullivan and William Bennett offer opposing views in the June 3, 1996 edition of Newsweek. Sullivans article, â€Å"Let Gays Marry,† offers several arguments supporting the issues of same sex marriage. Bennett counters in his article, â€Å"Leave Marriage Alone,† that same sex marriages would be damaging to the sanctity of marriage. Each author presents several reasons for the positions they defend and bringRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Legal1434 Words   |  6 PagesGay marriage has slowly become a significant factor amongst individuals of today’s society. On June 26, 2015, it was ruled out by the U.S. Supreme Court that gay marriage was now legal. The first thing that I thought was that â€Å"Wasn’t it already legal in the United States?† Well, apparently no it has not been legalized in the United States! (Dumb me.) The U.S. is known to be a nation of equality and gives eve ryone the freedom of the speech, but it is actually a nation full of racism, sexism, and homophobiasRead MoreDefinition of Marriage Essay804 Words   |  4 Pagesrespect to the definition of marriage. To get married is a very important event for almost everyone. Particularly for women, marriage and giving a birth could be the two major events of their lives. Andrew Sullivan and William Bennett are authors who are arguing about homosexual marriage. Sullivan believes in same-sex marriage because he thinks everyone has a right to marry. On the other hand, Bennett speaks out against Sullivan’s opinion. Bennett makes a claim that marriage is between a man and a womanRead MoreThe Rights Of Gay And Lesbian Couples1451 Words   |  6 Pagesrights of an American. However, not all citizens are afforded equal rights. Gay and lesbians are consistently denied rights that are typically taken for granted by the average American. Specifically, gay and lesbians couples are denied the ri ght to marry even if they are upstanding citizens. They are held at an unfair disadvantage solely because of their sexual orientation. This discrimination must stop because gay and lesbian couples are law-abiding citizens too, who should be afforded the sameRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Gay And Lesbians1447 Words   |  6 Pagesrights of an American. However, not all citizens are afforded equal rights. Gay and lesbians are consistently denied rights that are typically taken for granted by the average American. Specifically, gay and lesbians couples are denied the right to marry even if they are upstanding citizens. They are held at an unfair disadvantage solely because of their sexual orientation. This discrimination must stop because gay and lesbian couples are law-abiding citizens too, who should be afforded the same

The Feeling of Blame free essay sample

God, I hated when she did that. Every time a good show was airing, Carolina had to put her tiny bewildered face in front of the screen although she perfectly understood that what she was doing was obnoxious for me. Thankfully, she waved while she headed down to the kitchen. The show began again, and I turned up the volume. Right away I heard a boom! It was not a normal thump; this voiceless sound came along with a feeling of despair, with a bitter feeling of guilt. A terrible image crossed my mind. Could it really happen? Was it possible that my younger sister had just fallen from the second floor? Without hesitation, I jumped from the lethargy inducing sofa and moved my puny and scrawny feet. I reached the metal banister, took a deep breath, and dared to look downstairs. It had happened. There was Carolina lying on the cold ground. We will write a custom essay sample on The Feeling of Blame or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Her legs were crossed over one another, and her skinny arms were wide open. Her eyes closed. Closed. I felt hot red blood flushing through my body. It had all been my fault. Hours ago I had decided to slide down the banister, and apparently she had innocently followed me and done the same. She had always been scared of it, but today she was not. Today she was determined to show me how brave and courageous she really was, but I purposely fell on the selfishness of ignorance and overlooked her first trial. After seeing her, I entered a state of uncertainty; I did not know how to proceed. My younger sister was lying unconscious on the granite floor. I had occasioned this. My feelings were full of insecurities, was I the murderer of my sister? Was I going to be left out of the family? I could not stand up and face my parents after what I had done. I could not be called their daughter anymore. I was going to be a shame to my brother and sister, who had trusted me to take care of the youngest of our members, and I had failed. Guilt travelled through my body like a toxic poison. There was no way of stopping it; it had already spread. I gathered all my strength and lifted her up. She felt so light, so weak and so fragile, as if she was almost broken and an uncalculated move could tear her apart. Giving the first step towards my parent’s room was one of the hardest decisions I had to face. It was like committing suicide. I knew that what was coming ahead would destroy me and shatter me into million little pieces, but I did it anyway. My sister was more important. I had to save her. My steps were becoming quicker and louder, just like my heart beats. I carried her to my mom’s room, I could still feel the happy atmosphere inside it, and knew that I was going to be responsible for infiltrating it with a poisonous and lethal sentiment. As soon as my mom saw one of her oldest daughters carrying her youngest kid, I felt disappointment. Carolina would never wake up again. My mother’s face turned pale white, her eyes expanded, and she let out a rasping gasp. Immediately, she took Carolina from my arms and yelled out for help. My dad came, and as a programmed robot, called 911. He was always trying to show his calmness towards every situation, but this one was different. This time it was not going to be as easy for him to pretend that everything was going to be fine. Three hours had passed, and I had been inside my white, dispassionate room, where I had spent so many nights under my bed covers reading stories to my sister, stories where she and I travelled through undiscovered lands thinking about our next adventure. My arms and legs were tight close to my body, crating the same position I always did when I felt unsafe. My older brother was with me, while the rest where in the hospital. He picked up the phone, t alked in a low voice, stood up, and came to hug me while he repeated to himself: thank God. Carolina survived. She had wallowed in between death and life, but somehow she is with us today. That feeling of guilt never went away. It keeps hammering through my chest day and night. Time has reduced its pain, but it is a memory that will always leave a brackish flavor. I had almost lost my companion, lost my adviser, lost my sister, but especially lost my best friend.