Materialism In Alexander Pope And Popes Rape Of The Lock

The views of women have altered over time, but have always had objectifying tendencies. During the 18th century, cosmetic alteration to natural beauty peaked and materialism heightened throughout societal views. Authors such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift vividly spew these views throughout their writings. Pope’s Rape of the Lock exposes the materialism used in objectifying women, mainly in the upper-class societal levels. The whole plot of the story centers around a cosmetic appearance creating an objectified view, as since the lock of hair was cut from a womans head, the missing lock became, so called, evidence of a man’s sexual conquest. Other sexual conquests, forced or not, are spoken with anything but love and only those of†¦show more content†¦This elevation highly represents the overall theme that materialism plays an almost biblical role in society. The other way to analyze the list is that the â€Å"Bibles† are brought down to the very ma terialistic level of the other listed cosmetics. Another aspect to note is that â€Å"Bibles† is plainly listed, not the first or last mentioned item, but somewhere in the middle. Both ways conclude that the cosmetic, material items compare at the same level as the â€Å"Bibles† paired along with them. Another list comes with a comparison of paired items that contradict each others importance; â€Å"... Or stain her honor, or her new brocade,/ forget her prayers, or miss a masquerade,/ Or lose her heart, or necklace, at a ball;...† (Pope II 106-107). The first description used in each line is something of importance, as staining honor, forgetting prayers or losing her heart all have serious implications and consequences. But then those more serious actions are paired with trivial material ones; staining a new brocade, missing a masquerade or losing a necklace at a ball. The material actions paired with important ones really unify them as being on the same level of importance. The contradiction is removed and materialism is elevated. Objectification of women goes hand and hand with materialism. When Pope speaks of the sexual conquests in The Rape of the Lock, he only focuses on the material aspects that resultShow MoreRelatedAlexander Pope and Women Essay example1658 Words   |  7 PagesAlexander Pope may have been the adversary of female behavior the extent of this has long been in question. The writer’s satirical style towards the women of his era is evidence of his opinions. However, there are noticeable facts that generate a swaying effect on Pope’s views and the meaning of The Rape of the Lock. These details consist of the author’s personal life and symbolism contained in his mock epic poem, including the voices of Bella and Clarissa, which is an indication that he may notRead MoreEssay on The Rape of the Lock1267 Words   |  6 PagesThe Rape of the Lock Alexander Popes mock heroic epic The Rape of the Lock appears to be a light subject addressed with a satiric tone and structure. Pope often regards the unwanted cutting of a womans hair as a trivial thing, but the fashionable world takes it seriously. Upon closer examination Pope has, perhaps unwittingly, broached issues worthy of earnest consideration. The Rape of the Lock at first glance is a commentary on human vanity and the ritual of courtship. The poem also discussesRead MoreAlexander Pope And Jonathan Swift And Materialism Analysis1861 Words   |  8 Pagesalteration to natural beauty and materialism heightened, which resulted in a change in the way society viewed women. This change objectified women and scrutinized them more than in previous time periods. Authors such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift convey these views throughout their writings. Pope’s Rape of the Lock exposes the materialism used in objectifying women, mainly in the upper-class societal levels. The plot of the story centers a materialistic goal, as the lock of hair that was cut fromRead More The Downfalls of Materialism in Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock2857 Words   |  12 PagesThe Downfalls of Materialism in Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock Commodities have been a part of human culture from the start of the first civilizations. They can be crudely constructed or richly made works of art; they are still objects, however. Some people treasure their possessions more than anything in the world. These objects can become the driving force behind a persons life and desires. When someones prized possession is stolen, it may seem as though a disaster has taken placeRead MoreLiterary Analysis of The Rape of the Lock Essays1922 Words   |  8 Pages Author and his times: Alexander Pope was born in London in 1688. Because he was a Roman Catholic living in a predominately Protestant society, he was largely excluded from the university system and therefore was self-taught, for the most part. At the age of twelve, he contracted tuberculosis, a disease that left him stunted and misshapen. Consequently, he suffered a great deal of emotional trauma and social anxiety. His only tool for interaction was his incredible wit and talent for writing

Essay about What is the Bible - 1029 Words

WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the 1 What is the Bible? This paper will define the Bible and examine it’s origin, inerrancy, purpose, and power. The reasons for studying the Bible will also be discussed along with scriptures and historical data. The fact that the Bible has stood the test of time and has not been destroyed, even though there have been several attempts made over the years, is a testament of the enduring power of God’s Holy Word. Many men have lost their lives while producing and preserving this collection of books. This further proves that the†¦show more content†¦The duplication process employed while reproducing the Bible was so tedious and precise that the men who accepted this incredible responsibility would spend many years on the production of just one Bible to ensure it’s accuracy. This process removed the possibility of man made errors while copying the Bible. Mankind can rest assured that the Bible is a perfect book written by a perfect God. The purpose of the Bible is to reveal God to mankind and get them to come to God through Jesus Christ so they can know Him( Believer’s Church). The Bible is a complete instruction manual on how to reach and maintain a close relationship with God. Throughout the Bible, mankind is given direction on how to live according to God’s will. God reveals His instructions concerning creation, redemption, faith and His plan for mankind through scripture. The Word of God will also reveal a specific purpose for each person who seeks to understand what God has planned for them. The way to achieve the abundant life that God has promised is detailed in the Bible. The Bible’s life changing powers are well documented throughout scripture and history. Romans 1:16 reads â€Å"for it is theShow MoreRelatedEssay on What Is The Bible?1919 Words   |  8 PagesThe Bible is the most significant book in the history of civilization. In the context of Jewish history, the Bible’s impact on politics, history, and religion is without comparison. Along with establishing the covenant-based legitimacy of the Jewish people and their history, the Bible’s political impact is exemplified through prophetic politics, the power of kings, and the effects of political authority. Biblical archeology has discovered biblical structures which supports the historical validityRead MoreWhat Makes The Bible Into Theology?849 Words   |  4 Pages(Detweiler, 1985). The particular qualities of biblical literature which become canon are what makes the Bible into theology (Stordalen, 2007). The word â€Å"canon† is an ancient Semitic word that, in ancient times, had come to be thought of as a standard or rule for faith and life. The books of the Old and New Testaments have long been considered canon, or â€Å"divine writings† (â€Å"Lecture 2,† 2015). Canonization of the Bible was a varied process that occurred over a very long span of time and involved many differentRead MoreWhat Does The Bible Mean?1553 Words   |  7 PagesOur worship, our clapping real hard, and even our believing in God does not make Him more or less of who He is. So what is worship then? Is it music? Singing songs to a divine being? Is it taking part in the sacraments of the Christian church? Why are there numerous disputes or differences of opinions about â€Å"how† to worship? The word worship itself is labeled as a noun and is defined as the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity. But if a biblical definition of worship isRead MoreWhat Does Bible Say About The Bible Point Of View?925 Words   |  4 PagesBible, is one of the oldest and most widely distributed books in the world. At least part of it has been translated into more than 2,300 languages. Over 90 percent of earth’s inhabitants have it available in their n ative tongue. Millions of people read a portion of the Bible every day. Some have read it from cover to cover many times. Thousands of religious groups claim to base their teachings on the Bible, but they do not agree on what it teaches. Adding to the confusion are the strong disagreementsRead MoreWhat Does The Bible Say About Abortion? Essay954 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Abortion On Demand and Without Apology!† is the current mantra of those who support abortion. They are most often labeled pro-choice. â€Å"Stop Abortion Now!† is the mantra of those who oppose it. They are most often labeled pro-life. What does the Bible say about abortion? The Bible does reveal God’s position on this issue. As Christians, we must turn to Scripture for the answers to the questions surrounding abortion and make them know to the world around us. In his article, Christian Worldview DevelopmentRead MoreWhat Does The Bible Say About Entertainment?2159 Words   |  9 Pageswhatever catches their eyes. Sometimes what our eyes see can be totally harmless, but other times what we intake can have really drastic effects to our souls and minds whether we realize it or not. Entertainment and the atrocity that it can have, is like a bed bug infestation taking over your room. The bugs come in little by little, not realizing that they are taking over in your room, only to realize that they have increasingly multiplied. Little by little, that’s what entertainment does, if we let itRead MoreAnalytical Argument: What Deserves to Belong in The American Bible?1110 Words   |  4 PagesWhat rightfully belongs in Stephen Prothero’s anthology? Creating an anthology is complicated because the author has to find texts that fit in to a specific topic of emphasis he wants for his book. The author might have specific principles he woul d like to address to tie together one single idea for the book. Prothero had many novels and books to choose from and I think he did a great job in choosing works of writing that merged with his principles about America. Based on what I have seen is hisRead MoreExplain what is meant in the Bible by the phrase God is good.1974 Words   |  8 Pagesï » ¿A) Explain what is meant in the Bible by the phrase â€Å"God is good.† Many worshippers of God like to believe that he is intrinsically good; this means that he is good in himself. People try to argue this by the Bible and through many things in the Bible such as the 10 commandments and the creation of the universe as well as the many miracles of the Saints. God is seen to act morally good as he creates a world which is seen to be good, therefore he must be. â€Å"God saw that it was good, and it wasRead MoreEssay about Bad Girls Of The Bible and What We Can Learn from Them1160 Words   |  5 PagesGirls of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them. Colorado Springs, Colorado: WaterBrook Press, 1999. In her book Bad Girls of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them, Liz Curtis Higgs delivers fictionalized, modern stories based on the lives of biblical women. She writes her book in a self-help format so that her readers can relate and compare their lives to the lives of several different biblical women. Higgs hopes that by pointing out flaws and corruption of women in the Bible, it will showRead MoreWhat Are Some Methodological Issues Scholars Encounter Studying The Hebrew Bible And The Histories Of Ancient Israel?711 Words   |  3 Pages1. What are some methodological issues scholars encounter studying the Hebrew Bible and the histories of ancient Israel? There are so many different variations of the same text that the story cannot be aligned with assurance for some scholars. There are different perspectives regarding the same stories in history, therefore they have been separated into their own collections of literature; such as canonization and biblical text recognized by different sects. Not all of the Hebrew Bible was written

Same-sex marriages Free Essays

Introduction Same sex marriages involves coming together of a two people of the same gender to form a family.   These marriages are not recognized in most countries in the world.   In the U. We will write a custom essay sample on Same-sex marriages or any similar topic only for you Order Now S, only the states of Iowa and Massachusetts allow gay marriages. The state Vermont recognizes civil unions, which are similar but lesser than marriages. Civil unions do not guarantee the couples full rights enjoyed in marriages. The Federal Government, under the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996, does not recognize same sex marriages but leaves individual states the room to deliberate on acceptable forms gay unions. (Strasser, Mark, 1994:14) Gay people have stepped up to campaigns for recognition of same sex marriages.   While gay people have been granted equal rights in many fields in life such as employment, they are denied the right to marriage. A complex argument has come up proponents of same sex marriages on one side and opponents on the other each presenting their points. (Vesterman, W, 1994:2)   The main controversy has been the definition of marriage.   Gay people want the right to marry, adopt and raise children.   Legalization of same-sex marriages would have an impact on all human perspectives.   Businesses would accord employees from gay marriages same treatment.   There would be social realignment and allocation of role in society. Religious bodies, more so Christians and Muslims lead the anti-gay marriages campaign. Thesis statement Same-sex marriages should not be legalized. Arguments for Same-sex marriages go against nature.   Marriage is meant to be a union of one man and one woman.   It is an abnormality to develop feelings to a person of the same gender. People are born male and female to compliment each other in marriage. It is only by choice and exposure to gay tendencies that they become gay.   Gay tendencies are not exhibited by any other form of life so as to suggest its is a natural phenomenon.   Animals, even the closest primates, do not display gay behavior.   To legalize a marriage founded on an unnatural behavior would distort the notion of marriage, as we know it. Same-sex unions are not fit to raise children in.   The parents’ relationship is not favourable to raising children in a proper way.   Children raised in these unions would be predisposed to gay behaviour.   They would not be given a chance to live normal lives.   Children grow up learning through copying parental actions, as they are not mature enough to make informed decision.   Legalizing such a marriage would be exposing adopted children to unnatural acts.(Patterson, Charlotte, 2001:346) Legalizing same-sex marriages would lead to other anti-social behaviors.   Just as gay individual would have succeeded in legalizing their cause, others would also come out and demand their rights.   It may lead to a rise in incest and bestiality.   These individuals would always fall back on to the case of the same-sex marriage to argue out their point.   Polygamists would also demand recognition by law.   It would to lead to absurdities such as an individual entering into to a union with an animal and demanding legal recognition.   He or she would use the same arguments pushed by pro-gay marriages activists today. The marriage institution has an all-important role of procreation.   This role is best performed in a marriage.   Same-sex marriages by design lack the capacity to procreate.   Without the ability to perform this role, the marriage would be incomplete.   Without procreation, humankind would not regenerate itself.   The fact that gay marriage proponents are mainly in nations with low birth rates is worrying.   Legalizing same-sex marriage would be putting perpetuity of man in jeopardy in the long run. Legalizing gay marriages would be tantamount to giving gay people favored status. Gays want their issues to be treated in the same way as those of the disabled and the chronically ill.   They however do not want to be treated the same way as pedophiles, masochists or even cannibals.   These are people who choose to be the way they are and therefore do not merit special status.   In their pleas for favored states, they use words laden with emotions to gain sympathy such as discrimination, homophobia and tolerance. Traditionally and morally, marriage is a man and woman affairs.   As a society we cannot neglect the traditions and morals that have always guided us and maintained order.   The society does not have to be immoral to advance.   Legalizing same-sex marriages will tear the fabric that holds society together.   It will create a sense of disorder and loss of direction for men.   This social order must be closely guarded.(www.cnn.com) Legalizing same-sex marriage would be great experimentation with such as sensitive matter. The same sex marriage euphoria is the West might have dangerous results since it has no been tried before.   Since same-sex relationships have gained prominence in the last twenty years, their long-term effects cannot be projected.   This euphoria has been fueled by political correctedness that makes people approve even the most absurd ideas. Arguments Against. Failure to legalize same-sex marriages will be denial of individuals their fundamental right. It would be tantamount to government intrusion into ones private life.   The government should not stop consenting adults from marriage whether gay or heterosexual.   Equality should be seen to prevail. Just as the government keeps off from straight marriages, it should also keep off the same sex marriages.(Scott, Bidstrup, 2004) Not legalizing same-sex marriages would be falling victim to stereotypes. Straight people see gay people as baseless and non-committal.   Straight people are homophobic not because, homosexuality is necessary bad, but because they are uncomfortable with it.   They are afraid of any changes in society regardless of their impact. Continued incrimination of same-sex marriage is due to religious overstepping their mandates. The church oversteps its mandate by imposing its policies on the nation.   There is little difference between the church and the state.   Politicians join the church’s course to gain political support in form conservative churchgoers. Majority in society have always oppressed the minority.   What is now being seen in the same sex marriage issue was experienced in slavery period.   Religious bodies and groups who supported and even engaged in slavery and subsequent segregation have no moral grounds to criticize same-sex marriages. Proponents of same sex marriages argue that legalization would in fact strengthen the institution of marriage.   Divorce rate would go down because gay people would not be forced into unions with people of the opposite gender. Gay people may try to conform to societal norms and marry the opposite gender.   They end-up in unhappy unions that lead to divorce.   Legalization would also reduce stress related problems such as suicide and depression due to denial of right to be legally married. Proponents of same-sex marriages also argued that gay marriages have capacity to bring up children in the normal way.   They point-out that what a child needs is not heterosexual parents but tender care and nurturing.   They argue that same-sex couples can provide that care just like straight parents. Pro-gay marriage groups insist that gay people are born rather than choosing to be gay.   They claim that they are born with gay tendencies inherent.   They point out that nobody would choose to be ridiculed and victimized through out their life.   If it were something they would control they would just opt for the easier option of heterosexuality.   Criminalizing same-sex marriages would be failure to recognize the predicament facing gay people.(Pinello, Daniel, R, 2006: 76) Conclusion. Same-sex marriages should not be legalized under any circumstance.   It is a social evil that should not permeate into society.   The government should look into the interests or the society and criminalize same-sex marriages.   It should not fall for emotional talk about discrimination and homophobia. The usage of ‘homophobia’ tires the portray those opposed to gay marriages as suffering from a mental condition. (Patterson, Charlotte, 2001 ) The society should resist any attempts to portray same-sex marriage as normal and natural. It is not evident in other forms of life. The claim that gay people are born is also a fallacy. They are people who have reformed their gay tendencies showing that it is really a choice. Homosexuality cannot be determined by scientific inquiry of the DNA.   All forms of consented sex and unions are voluntary. The marriages institutions cannot be strengthen by undermining its main foundations.   Same-sex marriages disrupt the main principle of marriage.   Same-sex couples are not able to offer proper care for kids. Such a marriage is unstable and do not provide the right environment for raising children. We should not embrace change just for the sake of change.   Restructuring the age-old basic unit of society would be a historical mistake.   The US should set precedence in protecting this all-important institution. References: Pinello, Daniel R., America’s Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage. Cambridge University Press, 2006: 76. Strasser, Mark, The Challenge of Same-Sex Marriage: Federalist Principles and Constitutional Protections. Praeger, 1999: 14 Patterson, Charlotte J., â€Å"Same-Sex Marriage and the Interests of Children†¦,† Virginia Journal of Social Policy Law, 9:346. 2001 Vesterman W. Reading and Writing Short Arguments. London: Mayfield, 1994:   p2, 4. CNN News, Politics: Bush Calls For Ban on Same Sex Marriage, 05/02/2004. Retrieved on 10/10/07 from http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/02/24/elec04.prez.bush.marriage/ Scott Bidstrup. Gay Marriages: The Arguments and The Motives, 2004. Retrieved on 10/10/07 from http://www.bidstrup.com/marriage.htm How to cite Same-sex marriages, Essay examples