Writers Can Learn from Middlebrow Masters

Writers Can Learn from Middlebrow Masters Writers Can Learn from Middlebrow Masters Writers Can Learn from Middlebrow Masters By Mark Nichol After several years of intending to read through Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin series of seafaring novels, I’ve finally embarked on that voyage, and I’m delighted to note that O’Brian proves that writers can draw lessons in technique from fiction that doesn’t necessarily make it onto too many Great Literature reading lists. O’Brian wrote twenty novels featuring fictional early nineteenth-century Royal Navy officer Jack Aubrey and his friend, naval surgeon Stephen Maturin, over the course of several decades, leaving another one unfinished when he died in 1999. (It was later published in its incomplete form.) After completing the first installment, Master and Commander, I suspect that they’re all ripping good yarns but not (despite some comparisons to the works of Jane Austen and other literary giants) classics for the ages. Yet they’re instructive in how to write and, in one respect, how not to write. First, the bad news: O’Brian, facing the significant challenge of explaining the naval terminology, traditions, and hierarchy of the Napoleonic era to the many readers unfamiliar with such matters, solved it by having various characters explain nautical concepts to Maturin, a landlubber. Unfortunately, though this technique is reasonable in moderation, here it’s employed to extremes. At times, it’s no more subtle than the satirically excessive exposition in the Austin Powers movie series, with the character Basil Exposition laboriously providing background information to the protagonist (and the audience). But the author’s successful avoidance of narrative exposition (that is, other than in dialogue) is related to his great strength: O’Brian rarely employs attribution; the reader usually knows who is talking. But even more remarkable, he rarely has to describe his masterfully well-developed characters. Aubrey and Maturin are an odd couple; the officer is a big and brash yet charismatic leader, while his friend is a quiet, studious surgeon/naturalist/philosopher. The author subtly signals the doctor’s initial unease with shipboard life (he gets in sailors’ way or hits his head on the low beams belowdecks) and his preoccupation with surgical procedures and natural phenomena by indirect reference. Among the best small moments are those in which Maturin tries to engage the practical and intelligent but unschooled Aubrey in intellectual discussion. I did not take advantage of opportunities to work my way through the literary-classics canon during my own schooling, and I am at sea when it comes to lit crit. (If I were asked to analyze the subtext of a cornerstone of the literary tradition, I would probably blithely blink without comprehension much like Aubrey does when confronted with a Latin expression.) But I found myself very much impressed (without being very much distracted) by the mastery with which O’Brian conveys character without describing his characters. I am certain that such lessons in narrative technique can be drawn from many novelists great and small (and in between), and you likely can relate your favorite epiphany of this type. This point only proves that wisdom and inspiration are to be found in unexpected places. Enjoy your pulp fiction, airport novels, beach books, light reading in whatever form your leisure reading takes (including enjoying Great Literature) but be receptive to such insights. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Fiction Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:10 Grammar Mistakes You Should Avoid55 Boxing IdiomsPassed vs Past

The House of Mango Tree Sandra Cisneros Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The House of Mango Tree Sandra Cisneros - Essay Example Interpretations by different readers mainly depend on the cultures of different readers and obviously their preformed perception or mentality about particular subjects. This being a literature book,it cogently utilizes several literary features that readers have to comprehend to come up with substantial conclusion based on the book. Cisnero’s book has certain unavoidable appealing features that not only make it an interesting book to read but also a research tool on literature analysis. The author has poetic, keen insights and stream of consciousness that makes the book easily readable and memorable. The chapters are almost self-contained, lyrical and dense like poetry. In essence, the book has a poetic appeal in the way it uses imagery such as the small home. Despite her not liking the place, it remains the only place bringing the members of his family together. Her dream is about something that is common in anyone(Cisneros 23). She wants to own a good home and a better life in future. She dreams of hope as her name means. In one part of the story, the narrator informs the reader how she was reminded of different houses they had lived in. They included gray houses in Alaska, which were in dilapidated condition. She also talks of her current spacious condo in Austin. From a normal reader’s point of view, it is automatic from the several illustrations in the book that where we live in really shapes the kind of life we live later in life.

Sustainable Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sustainable Development - Essay Example This paper seeks to discuss how the potential impacts of climate change affect approaches to development and sustainability. Climate change and sustainable development relate in that; climate change is a natural science, driven process while sustainable development is a social and political science, driven process. The impacts of climate change have interfered with the approach towards sustainable development; this is because the discussions on the global context features issues of adaptation concerns while the impacts of climate change take place at the local level. Communities from different geographical areas, which experience drastic effects of climate change, should participate in the implementation process of international policy that is directed towards development and sustainability. Understandably, enough the impact of climate change, which essentially brings about social inequalities, can only be addressed if equity and justice are observed when implementing remedial measur es. An immediate mobilization of political and financial wills, to address climate change is not possible since the impacts of climate change are not readily felt or experienced. ... The above issues are problems in developing countries because of their â€Å"climate sensitive economies and concentrations of urban poor† (Osbahr 3). The impact of climate change affects the natural resources, which developing countries rely on for survival, and thus hinders the approaches geared towards development and sustainability. The impact of climate change has made livelihoods come up with multiple ways that would aid in bringing about sustainable development. A further analysis reveals that the autonomous adaptation designed to instigate sustainable development is inhibited with issues of â€Å"poverty, poor infrastructure and market opportunities†, these are impacts of climate change. It is important for national government eyeing to implement adaptive strategies that will enhance sustainable development to learn from local experiences. Additionally, impacts in climate change call for studies to be conducted with the objective of establishing how best adaptiv e strategies would work. The study is conducted by asking the question â€Å"is it possible to characterize successful adaptation actions that reduce livelihood and community vulnerability to climate-related disaster and climate change and variability?† (Osbahr 8). The extent to which a livelihood will cope and adapt depends on the vulnerability of the livelihood to the climate change. Furthermore, the results realized from the adaptive projects should reduce the impact on climate change, not reduce the chances of sustainable development. For instance, â€Å"success should reduce risks, not reduce future options, and build livelihood resilience† (Osbahr 8). Sustainable

Legal issues with hydraulic fracturing Essay Example for Free

Legal issues with hydraulic fracturing Essay State the primary legal issue raised by hydraulic fracturing; state the primary environmental issues raised by hydraulic fracturing; and state what part of hydraulic fracturing plays or will play in meeting U. S. energy needs. Finding more energy sources including oil and natural gas will help to meet the energy demand and help provide our country with reliable fuel supplies. The prediction is that oil and natural gas will continue to provide more than half of the energy needs for American consumers even as alternative and renewable energy sources expand. We have been drilling for years but the discovery of different methods to get gas out of the ground such as hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing is enabling the development of unconventional domestic oil resources. Rapid expansion of fracturing with the growing complaints of well water contamination and water quality problems given to this process has requests for more state and federal regulations over hydraulic fracturing. According to the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Energy Information (EIA) reports that natural gas from tight sand formations is the largest source of unconventional production, while production from shale formations is the fastest growing source According to the Hydraulic Fracturing and Safe Water Act Issues state, the process of developing a shale gas well by drilling through an overlying aquifer, completing and casing the well, stimulating the well by hydraulic fracturing and producing the gas is an issue for increasing the risk of groundwater contamination. Another concern with the potential contamination of drinking water wells from surface activities. Leaky surface impoundments, accidental spills, or careless surface disposal of drilling fluids at the natural gas production site could increase the risk of contaminating the nearby water well. Still more concerns involve the management of storage, treatment, and disposal of water produced in the fracturing process. Broader environmental issues associated with geographically expanding development of unconventional gas resources include water withdrawals from streams, lakes and aquifer; potential air quality impacts; and land use changes. Until recently, the oil and gas industry has not been required to disclose what chemicals they were using in their fracking fluids. Oil and gas extraction activities are generally exempt from the disclosure requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) Thus, a movement has come for disclosure as part of the state permitting processes. The growing opinion has been that laws should require detailed reporting and broad public disclosure. It is undisputed the need for sources in natural gas and oil to enable us to be less dependent on outside sources. According to the EPA, â€Å"Natural gas plays a key role in our nations clean energy future. The U.S. has vast reserves of natural gas that are commercially viable as a result of advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies enabling greater access to gas in shale formations â€Å"The task at hand is to perform hydraulic fracturing within safe environmental methods to protect our water sources from contamination and protect the quality of air that we breathe. The push for legislative laws to govern the companies who perform hydraulic fracturing lend to accountability and the expectation of safe air and water. Resourced Cited Natural gas extraction hydraulic fracturing. (n.d.). Retrieved 09/22/2013 from http://www2.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing Orford, A. (2011). Hydraulic fracturing: legislative and regulatory trends. Retrieved 09/21/2013 from http://www.martenlaw.com/newletter/20111004-fracking-roundup Vann, A. Congressional Research Service, (2011). Hydraulic fracturing and safe water act issues (7-5700). Retrieved 09/22/2013 from website: http://www.arcticgas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/hydraulic-fracturing-and-safe-drinking-water-act-issues.pdf

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Essay -- Psychology

The case that we will be looking at throughout this paper is that of ‘Joe’ (name changed to so that he/she may remain anonymous. Joe has what is diagnosed by clinicians as narcissistic personality disorder. According to the DSM – IV –TR, this is characterized by ‘a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration and lack of empathy, beginning by early adult and present in a variety of contexts.’ The DSM lists nine criteria and Joe must exhibit 5 or more of them to be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. The first one is Joe has a grandiose sense of self-importance. He is always assuring himself that his needs come before anyone else’s and that he should be recognized for all of his achievements, large or small, in his life. The second characteristic that Joe displays is being preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, and beauty. He believes that he is the most attractive male of a ll of his peers and strives to attract as many women as he can and to have a sexual relationship with all of them. He sees no flaws in himself and cannot begin to understand why every woman is not attracted to him. The third characteristic that Joe displays of narcissistic personality disorder is that he lives with a sense of entitlement. He believes that everyone should think the way that he does and the he has the answer to ever problem. The fourth characteristic seen in Joe is that he lacks empathy, showing now sense of understanding towards other’s sorrow. Lastly, Joe is consistently arrogant and haughty to the point that his social behaviors are being affected negatively. Joe is seen as irritating by many of his social acquaintances due to his arrogant behavior and attitude. When consid... ...pbringing to find a root cause of the narcissistic behavior. Also the socio-cultural models tells us to consider the individual’s cultural background and societal views in which they were modeled on. Also, the biological model suggest that brain malfunction is at the heart of all abnormal behavior, while on the end of the spectrum, the humanistic behavior believes that we all have control of our own destiny and power over any abnormality. Works Cited Association, American Psychiatric. DSM-IV-TR. Arlingtion: American Psychiatric Association, 2000. Comer, Ronald. "Models of Abnormality." comer, Ronald. Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers, 2011. 32-37. Staff, Mayo Clinic. Narcissistic Personality Disorder. 4 November 2011. 25 February 2012 .

The Value of Higher Education

Ruben Zamudio English 1 Section 1739 Dr. Garnica Assignment 1 The Value of a Higher Education As the predecessor for success in America since the 1970s, college is questioned more and more this generation whether its stature is essential for socioeconomic mobility. What once was seen as the eroding force of class divisions has sadly become the reason for its fortification. This eroding force does however give a pleasant image of a better life with a higher earning career at hand.The instability of the nation’s economy has made it difficult for students of low-income class to get access to colleges and universities and surpass the invisible barriers that hold them back from achieving the American dream every citizen has. One major drawback for access to higher education can be focused directly on the nation. Since the tragic incident of 9/11, our nation’s spending towards defense has dramatically increased. What does that mean? Not enough dollars are going towards what m atters most: education.The Bush’s administration’s 2007 budget proposed the largest cut to federal education funding since the twenty-six years of existence for the Education Department—a loss of $2. 1 billion. This cut meant that schools and colleges throughout the nation had to compete more than ever for proper funding from the government, both at the state and federal level. As resources are being stripped from schools, struggling students will only continue to struggle, while students with money and resources continue to add on to the legacy that has preceded them.This information does not include another economic sector that has made it difficult for students to access higher education, the ever-growing cost of college tuition. â€Å"College tuition has increased 66% beyond inflation within the last ten years, and 26% at private institutions†. Higher education was looked at to further the knowledge of our nation’s citizens, to expand and bette r what we had, but due to the difficulty of accessing it, all we continue to do is increase the gap of class stratification.Gary Rhoades of the Center of the Future of Higher Education stated, â€Å"Our current policy path, of continued cuts in state support and continued increases in tuition will only increase the stratification in the future†. This is an adverse trend, as our nation is in dire demand for more educated graduates and workers, not fewer. Yet, policymakers continue to steer their focus away from increasing access to schools, and making it that much harder for students who struggle already. In the world we live in today, money is the motive and the drive.Elementary and post secondary schools with a high property tax are two linked reasons for the inequality of education. Schools rely heavenly on property tax revenue using as much as half for funding. A report done by Daphne A. Kenyon, a member at the Lincoln Institute, displayed the correlation of property tax a nd school funding of seven states: California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, and Michigan, with â€Å"Massachusetts ranks the highest and California the lowest, according to the respective property tax relief and school funding principles presented in the reports. This report associates itself with the most educated states in the country, with Massachusetts being one of the most educated and California being one the lowest. Giving you an idea how this source of revenue actually helps the students in the long run, getting a higher quality of education, as schools are able to buy more materials for the classrooms, and pay for workshops which could improve teachers. Educational value depends on the educational spending in students and institutions, as does the quality.This inequality for students enforces class stratification, as students who receive better quality of teaching throughout their academic career, will be better prepared for colleges and universit ies and the workforce ahead. As these students leave a form of legacy behind them in their alma mater, access for their children will be easier, as children with parents who’ve attended college are more likely to go than those with parents who have not. Unfortunately for those who receive poor quality education, their mobility will be limited than what it should be, ignoring general income as a factor.Students with lower income have always trailed behind their affluent colleagues in school performance, not saying that they cannot advance, but the way the system is being operated against them. Universities have grown selective in their admission process, aiming towards students with higher incomes, as they contribute and pay more than those with lower income. A trend that has continued to grow and debated about is the acceptance of out-of-states students over in-states students.Populated states with tight higher education budgets have grown to rely on out-of-state students due to their higher tuition payments to help sustain the schools. Another issue that universities and institutions present is the administration blight. A 2010 study has shown that administrators have grown 39% per 100 students compared to professors, researchers, and other staff members, who have only grown 18% per 100 students. Schools need more professors and researchers, not administrators, who make an average of $390,000 a year.This steers universities’ mission away from providing a proper education and more and giving those in higher power more power. Full time professors and researchers are being replaced, and do not have time to perform research to further the advancement of knowledge. Despite the numbers flown around everywhere, what you earn from a college degree is in fact beneficial to a person. Those with a post secondary education will genuinely earn a bout 64% more than someone with just a high school degree or a drop out ($1053 vs. 638 earned a month). The earnin g gap in today’s society has been the highest since 1915, and in today’s economy, you need to have that stable income to be ready for whatever policies and laws and raises in tax rates that the country might throw at you. So attending college will definitely have it’s advantage, most of the times. Although attaining and completing your post secondary education, the work field will not always guarantee you a job solely due to a degree.Post secondary education has taken it share of hits from legislators and policymakers, but this should not affect the access for students who are working hard to achieve a better future for themselves and potential families to come. Despite, the intense competition that has grown, post secondary is essential in the today’s world and a little competition is always healthy. Our state and national government, as well as schools and parents have to understand the importance of post secondary education for our future generations, and must find a way to restructure our budgets to help students succeed as much as possible.

The Gambino Crime Family - 2653 Words

Paul Castellano, or â€Å"Big Paul† was an eight-grade dropout and boss of the richest, most dangerous, and most powerful crime syndicate in the United States. Born June 26, 1915 in Brooklyn, Big Paul began his life in the mob by running numbers. When he was named successor to the great Carlo Gambino, trouble arose. Many members felt that Aniello Dellacroce, although in prison, deserved the role but instead Gambino had promoted Paul. Some saw this as nepotism which was generally frowned upon on by La Cosa Nostra. To settle tensions Castellano gifted Neil Dellacroce some of the family’s most lucrative operations throughout Manhattan and Queens, but this did not completely satisfy the slighted underboss. Paul, like Gambino, was an unusual type of Mafia boss. Unfortunately, while Don Carlo was revolutionary, Big Paul was unsatisfactory. He was embarrassed that he was categorized as a gangster and preferred to be regarded as a diplomat or businessman. Big Paul was said to look more like a businessman or CEO than a mobster. Paul Castellano was flashy too; he liked elegant clothing, fine dining, and being driven around by chauffeur. He even detested violence which is not a good quality for a mob boss to obtain. â€Å"The Pope† as he was referred to, was standoffish. His predecessor had gone to the markets in Little Italy, held court in public places, lived in the city, and interacted with his soldiers and capos. Big Paul on the other hand, generally held court at his private estate, didShow MoreRelatedOrganized Crime with The Gambino Family Family Trust, making a profit, violence and being1900 Words   |  8 PagesOrganized Crime with The Gambino Family Family Trust, making a profit, violence and being powerful, are all characteristics which the Honor Society also know as the Mafia followed and lived by. 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