Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Art 21 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Art 21 - Essay Example Cai Guo-Qiang is an artist from Fujian Province of China. Guo-Qiang currently lives and does his artistic masterpieces in New York, United States. Guo-Qiang uses several media to show his inner feelings. His art works are infused with political themes. Uniquely, Guo-Qiang uses gunpower as an art form ingredient. He is successful in this unique art genre. Guo-Qiang learned gunpowder art while staying in Japan. As expected, Guo-Qiangââ¬â¢ art is characterized by explosions (PBS, 2014) The left image shows the artist using animals as models of his art work. The image will surely attract children. Children prefer images that resemble life. The left image will remind the children that our world includes the survival of animals. It is a good art image because the children can easily understand the image. The right image shows the authorââ¬â¢s use explosions (fireworks) to attract the attention of the audience. The audience who will actually see the live explosions will either be entertained or may fear for their life. The audience will discern whether the fireworks explosion will cause danger to the lives of the audience. When the audience senses fire explosion debris going towards the audience, the audience will run to safety. Jeff Koons is from Pennsylvania. He school included studying in the popular Art Institute of Chicago. The artist uses images from different cultures as inspiration for his masterpieces. The artist injects both taste and pleasure themes into his art pieces. Koons uses the benefits of computer technology to create his currently popular art form. Koons uses the computer technologyââ¬â¢s accurate detail advantages to reduce the time needed to complete his artwork tasks. Further, Jeff Koonsââ¬â¢ masterpieces had been displayed in several art galleries. One of the galleries is Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Koons displayed his art works in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Jeff Koons accomplished the above two art pieces. The left
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Porter's generic strategies Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Porter's generic strategies - Case Study Example The cost leadership strategy has enabled the U.S airways to increase profits by reducing costs that are incurred by the airline, and also enable them to increase the market share by putting cheaper prices while still making a favorable profit on each sale they make (Kossowski, 2007). The U.S airways has made this strategy highly efficient since they have; access to the capital needed to spend in technology that bring costs down, efficient logistics and low cost requirements on labor, materials and facilities. The U.S airways has also applied the differentiation strategy, which involves making their products and services unique and more presentable than those of their competitors, hence making them more efficient in the airline market (InfoRefuge, 2012). Focus strategy used by the U.S airways entails concentrating on a market and providing it with low costs or well-specified products, which eventually builds a strong brand loyalty amongst their customers making it more attractive comp ared to their competitors. Airline competitors have been outdone successfully by the U.S airways because of the airlines use of the Porters generic strategies, which ascertain that they are more competitive and get a greater share of the
Monday, July 22, 2019
Hamlet is a self-obsessed Essay Example for Free
Hamlet is a self-obsessed Essay Throughout the course of the play, the character of Hamlet undergoes major upheaval, so a transition in his psyche is to be expected. One interpretation behind the reason for this transition is the one stated in the title (i. e. that he is a self-obsessed, miserable typical teenager); another may be that he is simply the victim of exceptional circumstances (namely his fathers death and his mothers marriage to his uncle) either way, it is clear that Hamlet is acting under severe emotional stress during the play. That Hamlet is a very obsessive young man is easy enough to tell the list of things he obsesses about is extensive: the afterlife, his fathers murder, his new misogynistic feelings, suicide and general worldly dissatisfaction, to list the main bulk of his obsessions. Some of his soliloquies (which are the passages where Shakespeare allows Hamlet to reveal his complete emotions to the audience) are testament to this obsession, especially concerning suicide (O that this too too solid flesh would melt, To be or not to be). This self-obsession may be thought of as somewhat surprising when it is noted that Hamlet is meant to be heir to the Dane throne, as it portrays Hamlet as someone in a role of great social responsibility who only has the scope to think about his personal problems. Hamlet is by now old enough to attend university (although his age is unspecified), showing that he has reached an age where he can think independently and fully comprehend his duty to society, adding to the sense that he is being selfish in that he does not think of the well-being of his country, despite the numerous references to problems in Denmark (Something is rotten in the state of Denmark). It is this personal fixation and irresponsibility on Hamlets part that ends up bringing the ultimately Danish monarchy into ruin, with Fortinbras of Norway ascending to the throne. The claim that Hamlet is also miserable is also a valid one: the audience usually finds Hamlet in a highly melancholic state of mind (whether it is mere sullen impetuousness or full-blown suicidal depression). Hamlet seems dissatisfied with everything: his family, his nation, the world, his very existence. Part of the reason for this depressed nature is Hamlets tendency to philosophise and contemplate complex aspects of existence, such as the afterlife, which contrasts with the straight-forward action men that surround him, and is more typical of the modern moody teenager. For all of these reasons, it can be argued that Hamlet is indeed a self-obsessed, miserable typical teenager. However, a different interpretation of Hamlet is that he is the victim of exceptionally harrowing circumstances. His age is indeterminate, although the reader is sure that he is a young man. Already with the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders, his father dies, only for his mother to wed with wicked speed to his fathers brother: such a combination in such a short space of time for one as young as Hamlet is bound to have a detrimental effect on his outlook. Add to this the plainly insensitive handling of this shocking series of events by Claudius which serves only to exacerbate Hamlets sorrow and confusion (but to persever/ In obstinate condolement is a course/ Of impious stubbornness, tis unmanly grief,) and it becomes evident that Hamlet cannot be compared to a moody teenager, because the events that usually make teenagers stroppy cannot be compared in any way to the mental anguish that Hamlet is probably suffering. Such a comparison would be callous and thoughtless. Hamlets apparent descent into a self-crafted madness is indicative of the huge pressure placed upon him by the ghost of his father, who seems only interested in revenge rather than helping his son (Remember me. ). This emphasises the feeling that Hamlet is alone, with no-one truly understanding his situation (with the possible exception of Horatio). Teenagers nowadays have a vast array of methods in which they can seek help (i. e. relatives, hotlines, the police), again stressing the vast chasm between the situation of a moody teenager and the agonising plight which Hamlet finds himself in. The sheer exceptional scale of tragedy that occurs during the play and the profound effect they have on Hamlet are enough to ensure that he should not be compared to a moody teenager: to do so would be highly inconsiderate. Hence the interpretation that Hamlet is self-obsessed is a highly unfair one, as the world he knew previously has been shattered, and the one he finds himself in now is so intolerable to him that he ponders suicide, meaning that the affairs of Denmark do not find such a high priority in his mind because his personal life is in disarray. Even through the catastrophes in the play, as Hamlet lies on the ground dying, he names Fortinbras as the next ruler of Denmark this shows that, after he has resolved all of his issues, he starts to once again think of his nation, even as he is dying; the claim that he is miserable is a fair one, but he is justifiably miserable. He is not miserable because his parents will not let him attend a party: he is miserable because his father is dead and his mother has begun an incestuous relationship with his uncle. This is a legitimate reason for misery, and so Hamlet should be treated with a fitting level of compassion at least certainly not compared to typical teenagers. It is for the reasons above that the statement Hamlet is a self-obsessed, miserable typical teenager does not resonate well with the reader: the very fact that he is able to be sullen and even jocular initially (A little more than kin, and less than kind. Not so much, my lord, I am too much in the son. ) is a testament to his strong personality his true feelings are revealed in the following soliloquy. The character of Hamlet is far more complex than a comparatively simple teenager; the circumstances far more tragic; the pressure upon him far greater.
Dynamic Universe 1 Journal Essay Example for Free
Dynamic Universe 1 Journal Essay From the very beginning, the studying for the universe has been accompanied with numerous misconceptions and myths: from flat structure of the earth and earth-centered model of the universe to contemporary astrology and horoscopes. From the critical perspective, if the early explanations about the universe and our place in it could be explained due to known technological limitations of the ancients, modern astrology does not have any viable explanations. As Phil Plait argues on his website Badastronomy. com, modern astrology cannot be considered a science a priori and there are many reasons to make us support this statement. Unlike astronomy, which is based on universally developed methodologies, derived primarily from physics, chemistry, and mathematics, astronomy does not use any of them. The latter lacks even universally agreed method, as Phil Plait explains, some astrologists claim that ââ¬Å"the moment of birth is important, others say its the month, etcâ⬠¦ but they all operate under a very broad working assumption: there is some sort of force from the heavens that influences us here on Earth. â⬠Although during the development of the astronomy there have been various differences in theories and ideas, for instance Big Bang model, all of them were developed on the thorough scientific analysis of data and mathematical models coupled with specific methodologies. With some deviations, astrology can be compared to Sun worship practices during the ancient times. Naturally, Sun worship originated in agricultural areas due to the peopleââ¬â¢s heavy dependence of the sun light for the crop. If assessed critically, Sun worship has been a dominated religious practice. Wikipedia online encyclopedia indicates that Sun worship has been characteristic for Egyptian, Japanese and Nordic mythologies. Ancient Greeks also worshiped Helios, God of the Sun. Simultaneously, the list of solar deities provides even more evidence about the dominance of Sun worship during the early periods of ancient civilizations. Surprisingly, Smithbrad traces important connections of Sun worship and astronomical basis to the Christian religion, indicating both historical and scriptural evidence. For observers from the earth, the Sun and the Moon represent two most bright objects on the sky. However, from the critical perspective, these objects are not unique, not only by their form but also by the characteristics of their light. Practically, the story of star formation is a study in contradictions. It starts with atoms, molecules, and dust particles floating aimlessly in the dark and frigid depths of interstellar space. Out of the cold and empty expanses, gravity brings these scattered particles together to form stars. Over hundreds of millions of years, these gas and dust particles congregate into enormous clouds that can span hundreds of light-years. The two lightest elements hydrogen and helium dominate these clouds, accounting for about 92 percent and eight percent of the atoms, respectively (NASA, 2005). Dust grains account for about one percent of a clouds total mass. Astronomers call these clouds giant molecular clouds because they also contain trace amounts of molecules such as water, alcohol, ammonia, and various carbon-based organic compounds, which represent raw components of life. All in all, the clouds contain enough material to form tens of thousands of new stars. Magnetic fields and the random motions of gas molecules prevent the cloud from collapsing under its own weight. The various gas and dust particles jostle about, but eventually, enough mass congregates in one region to initiate gravitational collapse in a small portion of the cloud. Astronomers once thought that cloud collapse was usually triggered by external disturbances, such as supernova shock waves or stellar winds. Nowadays, however, most astronomers think that cloud collapse usually happens on its own, although triggering mechanisms can still play an important role (NASA,2005). Over the course of several millennia, a collapsing gas cloud fragments into tens to thousands of relatively dense, rotating clumps of gas that will ultimately form newborn stars. Emission and reflection nebulae are abundant in the universe, though not observed with the naked eye. Practically, emission nebulae, ââ¬Å"cloud of gas and dust floating in space,â⬠emit their own light, due to the presence of ultraviolet radiation coming from the hot star or star clusters stars (Nebulae, 2005). The very hot star emits highly energetic radiation of the invisible part of the electro-magnetic spectrum, and the emission nebula re-emits the radiation in the visible light (M42, 2005). Unlike the reflection nebulae, in the emission nebulae the atoms of the dust are energized by the radiation (ultraviolet) and start emitting (not reflecting) their own radiation as atoms fall back into lower energy states. This process of the radiation emission can be compared to the Sun, with the only deviation that the latter emits radiation and light due to the processes which occur in the Sunââ¬â¢s core without any impact from the outside object. Simultaneously, reflection nebulae reflect the light coming from the star or star cluster. This process can be compared to the Moon, as it also reflects the light coming from the Sun, not emitting its own radiation. From its own origin when being formulated by Lemaà ¾tre and proved by Hubble, the Big Bang theory evidenced many contributions, objections and simplifications. The Hubble Law states that galaxies in every direction are distancing away from us with speeds proportional to their distance. The major contribution to the Big Bang theory has been made with the data obtained from satellites COBE and WMAP, and the Hubble Space Telescope. The data allowed scientists to formulate the statement that the universe has been formed 14 billion years ago in a hot, dense, event known as the ââ¬Å"Big Bang. â⬠Practically, what the theory of ââ¬Å"Big Bangâ⬠provides is the explanation of nature and major characteristics of the universe. There is no edge or boundaries in the universe. The expansion of the universe is occurring at all points simultaneously. Therefore, as Richard Powell explains the most of 350 billion galaxies which contains the universe are moving away from one another. However, it does not necessarily mean that the Earth or our galaxy is moving. As it is known, galaxies are distributed not universally. The systems similar to our Solar System and the Milky Way are formed from under the gravity and thus are restrained from moving apart. However, 350 billion galaxies and 3. 5 trillion dwarf galaxies in the universe are collected into vast sheets, clusters and superclusters of galaxies surrounding large voids. Bibliography Phil Plait. Astrology, available at http://www. badastronomy. com/bad/misc/astrology. html Accessed Oct 3, 2005 The resource is dedicated to various misconceptions in the astronomy, including numerous myths and beliefs, like astrology, pseudoscience and science portrayal in contemporary movie industry. Wikipedia Encyclopedia. ââ¬Å"Solar Deityâ⬠available http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Solar_deity Accessed Oct 3, 2005 World Largest Open Encyclopedia, which offers explanations on various issues, including the astronomy and related subjects. Though not cited, this resource http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Big_Bang#Hubble. 27s_law_expansion became very useful for the journal preparation. Smithbrad ââ¬Å"Sun Worshipâ⬠Available http://smithbrad. nventure. com/sunworship. htm Accessed Oct 3, 2005 Resource aims to provide connections between Christian faith and practices with the Sun worship tradition as the most ancient tradition among all religions. The resource provides both scientific and scriptural evidence for its statements. ââ¬Å"Nebulaeâ⬠Available http://www. seasky. org/cosmic/sky7a05. html Accessed Oct 3, 2005 Web resource is dedicated primarily for concise and practical explanations of astronomical terms and phenomena. It offers graphic and photo illustrations to explains various issues in the astronomical science. NASA. ââ¬Å"Imagine the Universeâ⬠Available http://imagine. gsfc. nasa. gov This resource provides information for star life cycle patterns, which was useful for conducting the journal, particularly on the questions on emission and reflection nebulae. ââ¬Å"M42â⬠Available http://www. seds. org/messier/m/m042. html Accessed Oct 3, 2005 The resource is a part of the Messier Catalog. It became useful for the journal discussion on reflection and emission nebulae, offering photo illustrations and discovery history of Orion Nebula, also known as M42 Richard Powell ââ¬Å"Atlas of the Universeâ⬠Available http://anzwers. org/free/universe Accessed Oct 3, 2005 It is the most useful resource for general explanation of the Big Bang theory, providing graphical illustrations of its major concepts and problematic moments. Maps compiled by Mr. Powell has been used for journal explanations and references.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Transportation of Hazardous Material Strategies
Transportation of Hazardous Material Strategies When it comes to the transportation of hazardous material by plane normal procedures of safety do not apply. There are very specific sets of rules and regulations that must be adhered to in order to be licensed to transport by an airliner any material that is classified as hazardous. Why do we need regulations? After all, arent regulations always a source of headache for most ethically ran properly maintained businesses? One would like to believe this, however, as planes come crashing down investigations can often times reveal negligence in the handling and transport of materials that cause cataclysmic devastation. In this paper we will explore what is classified as a hazardous material and then we will slide right into who regulates transportation and how transportation of these materials is regulated. What is classified as a hazardous material? Any material that can be labeled radioactive, allergenic, poisonous, a biohazard, corrosive, toxic, asphyxiating (lack of oxygen to the brain), explosive, oxidizing, flammable, pathogenic (dangerous living organism usually a virus), or magnetic can be classified as a hazardous material and requires a highly trained professional to handle and transport for the safety of all those in close proximity to the material. Wait? Did I say magnetic? Yes. Magnetism inside an aircraft other than normal currents can adversely influence an aircrafts sensitive computer systems, gauges, and mechanical systems. This could cause the plane to fly in circles or, worst case scenario, cause a serious malfunction that would ultimately conclude with a fiery ball of flames and the demise of the flight crew and, quite possibly, other fatalities and casualties. Many materials fall into more than one of these categories. Poisonous and asphyxiation for example could be listed on a material that poisons the body and as a result asphyxiates the poor soul. But who has the authority to classify materials as such listed here? The Department of Transportation was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966. It began operations on April 1, 1967. It is the purpose of the DOT to guarantee a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future (DOT 1966).Ãâà Inside the borders of the USA it is the DOT who regulate and enforce all laws that govern transportation in even its simplest form, walking. In respect to air transport of hazardous material they have a strict set of guidelines that must be adhered to that ensures they meet their motto. In later paragraphs in this essay we will examine a few of those guidelines. The Department of Transportation mandates that all employees who handle hazardous material will be required to participate in a training class that will entitle them at the end to receive a license to handle hazardous material. Outside the borders of th e USA each country has its own department that regulates transport but each country has to adhere to the guidelines of both International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA). If a country utilizes air transportation to deliver any hazardous chemical or material to another country then it has to abide by a strict set of guidelines set forth by ICAO and IATA. However, if an American business wants to move materials considered hazardous as described above then it will adhere to the guidelines of the DOT. As stated by DOT 49 Sec. 175.79 Orientation of cargo. (a) A package containing hazardous materials marked ââ¬Å"THIS SIDE UPâ⬠or ââ¬Å"THIS END UPâ⬠, or with arrows to indicate the proper orientation of the package, must be stored and loaded aboard an aircraft in accordance with such markings. (b) A package containing liquid hazardous materials not marked as indicated in paragraph (a) of this section, must be stored and loaded with closures up (other than side closures in addition to top closures). This means that if a box or container arrow pointing in any direction ââ¬â up, down left or right the container must be stood up or laid down according to the arrows. This is called material orientation. If the box says this end up then that end must be at the top. If a box is laid on its side when it should be standing up as indicated by the arrows and a hazardous material is contained inside the consequences of this error could be devastating. An example of a devastatin g consequence can be identified by the wreck of cargo jet shortly after taking off, killing three crew members and disintegrating the aircraft. The accident was due in part by a leaking container in the aft cargo hold. Zimbabwe is not governed by the Dept of Transportation so their rules and regulations for cargo transportation are slightly different from the United States. Apparently, a chemical leaked onto some of the important electrical wiring and sent the plane hurtling into the ground due to electrical failure. The rules and regulations set forth by the Dept of Transportation are designed to keep pilots, co-pilots, all personnel, whether they are on land or in the air, and innocent civilians safe from tragedies such as this. In the United States it is estimated that one cargo plane carrying a hazardous material will either be forced to land or will crash due to deviation from the rules and regulations set forth by the Dept of Transportation. Material orientation is easy compar ed to securing hazardous material. Looking at a container and identifying its orientation is the easy part. When securing hazardous material it must be secured properly as to make no forward, backward, or sideways movements. If the hazardous material moves even in an inch it is no longer in compliance with is Title 49 Section 175.81 which states, packages containing hazardous material must be secured in an aircraft in a manner that will prevent any movement in flight which would result in damage two or change in the orientation of the packages. If a transportation agency is found to be in noncompliance the Dept of Transportation can fine the agency or can temporarily suspend or permanently revoke the agencys license to haul hazardous material. If the noncompliance resulted in damage to hazardous material containers the hazardous material will be thoroughly inspected for damage and or leaks after being unloaded from the aircraft. According to Title 49 Section 175.90 part B in the case of a package which is leaking the employee must ensure that the remaining packages in the delivery do not have leaks or contamination. According to part C of the same title the package identified as being damaged or contaminated will not be placed aboard an aircraft for further transport. Hypothetically, you are carrying a material that has a label saying, dangerous when wet, and the plane is also carrying barrels of water to the same destination you do not want the material marked dangerous when wet to come into contact with the barrels of water. Most likely, they plane will not be carrying both materials as a precaution however not all countries abide by American regulations and common sense. When the pilot performs an inspection of his cargo and finds a damaged container he will immediately remove the container according to regulations for the removal of hazardous material and he will ensure the rest of the shipment is unharm ed. He will not risk the safety of his passengers and personnel by placing the damaged container back on board the aircraft. If the Dept of Transportation receives evidence that he has done so the pilot will have his license revoked and his wings stripped. He may even be slapped with a fine as determined by the offense. The rules and regulations set forth by the Dept of Transportation for the transportation of hazardous material are designed with safety in mind. Many organizations believe that these rules and regulations are way too restrictive. Even so, many companies may actually lose money while trying to adhere to these rules and regulations. The necessity of rules and regulations such as these were designed to protect society from plane wrecks, explosions, system disorientation, birth defects caused by radiation, fatalities and casualties, chemical spills, radiation poisoning, poisonous gas plants causing asphyxiation, etc. The Dept of Transportation is not sympathetic to a company losing money trying to adhere to these regulations. The Dept of Transportation is a committee designed to protect society from the mission Giddings of bad business in transportation. It is their sole duty to uphold safety, efficiency, speed, reliability, convenience, and accessibility of all transportation. Any organization found to be in noncompliance with the rules and regulations of the Dept of Transportation can be fined or terminated by the department fo r noncompliance. There are many rules and regulations set forth by the Dept of Transportation for the transportation of hazardous materials that I have not covered but these are the basics. It is, in the United States, the Dept of Transportation and regulates all transportation. Internationally, it is ICAO and IATA.
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Jonathan Swifts Gullivers Travels Essay -- Jonathan Swift Gullivers
Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels In Gulliverââ¬â¢s travels I think that Jonathan Swift is trying to show people what human society is really like. He does this through 4 voyages each to a different imaginary place, where the people are a satire of a different aspect of human society, and in each voyage Swift is telling us what he thinks of human society through what Gulliver says, and what he sees. Many people have described the book negatively for example William Thackeray, an 1850ââ¬â¢s novelist described it as, ââ¬Å"Filthy in word, filthy in thought, furious, raging, obscene,â⬠and indeed over the two and a half centuries since it was first published it has caused a lot of controversy and has divided opinions. Gulliverââ¬â¢s first voyage is to a place called Lilliput. The Lilliputians are small people, about 6 inches high, and this is a metaphor for their small-mindedness. Gulliver criticises the way the Lilliputians elect their ministers- by doing circus tricks, ââ¬Å"â⬠¦with a dance on the rope and whoever jumps the highest succeeds in office.â⬠This quote is showing that Swift is annoyed that people have to ââ¬Ëjump through hoopsââ¬â¢ to get into office. This is one of the stupid laws in Lilliput. This is like politics in the 18th century and even now, in that the rich were the only ones in parliament in the 18th century, and now it is mostly the rich in parliament because they are the only ones who can finance a campaign. Another law is no urinating in the palace. When a fire breaks out in the palace Gulliver does not want it to burn down, ââ¬Å"This magnificent palace would have infallibly been burned to the ground,â⬠so he urinates on it to put it out. Then the king of lilliput makes several articles against Gulliver. This... ...like the ââ¬Ëquackââ¬â¢ doctors, and the drunks who use all their familyââ¬â¢s money on alcohol. Also, swift shows the flaws of mankind and wants to improve it. I know this because he wrote about good people like the Brobdignagians and the Houyhnhnms, as I said before. Swift also only tells us about what has happened to him, so if he has only had bad experiences with, for example politicians, then he can only make bad comments about them. However, Gulliver doesnââ¬â¢t tell us about any good people in England at the time, or any good experiences he had had with people, he focuses on the bad. In conclusion, I think that Jonathan Swift is not misanthropic in his presentation of human society because he only comments on what he knows, and his main aim is to make the world better, and the best way to do this it to tell people in simple terms, in a story of a popular genre.
Satire and Surrealism in Kurt Vonneguts Cats Cradle :: Kurt Vonnegut Cats Cradle Essays
Satire and Surrealism in Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle In 1963, Kurt Vonnegut published his second novel Cat's Cradle. It is a distressing yet satirical critique of our society and the surrealistic end that is its destiny. Through his use of irony and sarcasm he attacks and exposes society's flaws while questioning its intelligence. Nothing is safe from his satiric pen. He attacks science and religion with equal intensity. He creates a novel that has left, "an indelible mark on an entire generation of readers" (back cover). Society has constructed many pillars (religion, science) to protect us from the unknown. Kurt Vonnegut uses satire to tear them down. He attacks religion through his false religion of Bokononism. It is a religion of "shameless lies"(5). Newt summarizes religion up best when he compares it to the cat's cradle. "Religion! . . . See the cat? . . . See the cradle?" Yet, perhaps the greatest attack on religion comes in the last paragraph of the novel. Bokonon himself says, "If I were a younger man, I would write a history of human stupidity. . . and I would make a statue of myself, lying on my back, grinning horrible, and thumbing my nose at You Know Who"(287). The antithesis of religion is science. It is the provider of horrifying truths. Kurt Vonnegut satirical looks at how science will lead to the destruction of mankind. It is the scientist who created the atom bomb and it is the scientist who created Ice-9, yet the scientist refuses to take responsibility for it. Vonnegut satirically looks at the irresponsibility of the scientist through Felix Hoenikker who says, "Why should I bother with made-up games when there are so many real ones going on?"(11). He never understands that the games he is playing will have a disastrous effect on the human race. This disaster comes in the form of Ice-9. Kurt Vonnegut creates a surrealistic view of the apocalypse. It is a new and strange world that Jonah returns to after hiding for a week in the bomb shelter. It is a world that could have been found on the canvas of a Salvador Dali painting. The earth is a blue-white pearl, and the sky is filled with worm-like tornadoes while the sun has become a tiny cruel sickly yellow ball (261).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)