The American Dream Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The American Dream - Research Paper Example Even as this statement refers specifically to Miller’s work it could just as easily refer to Wilson’s. This essay examines both of these dramatic works considering the ways that their themes mirror each other, specifically through their exploration of the American Dream. Analysis From an overarching perspective Arthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’ and August Wilson’s ‘Fences’ explore how different characters encounter the American Dream. One of the primary considerations in these regards occurs in terms of the patriarchs of the two plays – Willy Loman and Troy. While these individuals are from different socio-economic and racial backgrounds there is a striking similarity to many of their perspectives. At the beginning of the play both characters demonstrate an almost arrogance towards the challenges of the world. Frequently, Troy is situated as challenging death. He states, "Death ain't nothing but a fastball on the outsid e corner" (Wilson, p. 12). Troy makes this statement in the context of his broader diatribe on death as a means of placing himself as an almost mythic figure. One considers that Loman similarly situates his life in a romantic context. In one of the most crucial scenes in the play, Loman asks his boss for a raise. In a plea to convince his boss, Loman relays an anecdotal tale. He states, â€Å"what could be more satisfying than to be able to go, at the age of eighty-four, into twenty or thirty different cities, and pick up a phone, and be remembered and loved and helped by so many different people?† (Miller Act II, scene ii). Just as Troy situates himself as a baseball player bravely encountering life, Loman has positioned himself as a soldier returning to cities to great acclaim. While in these texts these statements represent a crucial element of the American Dream, achieving purpose in life, as well as achieving subsistence, in both works there is also the recognition that they are accompanied with a great degree of pomp and arrogance. It is this pretense that will later come to underline many of the cynical aspects of this American Dream. As both works advance, the earlier notions of an idealized American Dream are gradually exposed. In great part this is more pronounced in Miller’s work, yet the theme of disillusionment is clearly a central part of both texts. While Loman has earlier asked for a raise, he is rebuffed. In these regards, Miller is highlighting the disillusionment Loman experiences with the American Dream. One need only consider that despite Loman’s considerable contributions and lifetime of work he is ultimately rebuffed by an individual younger and more powerful than himself. Willy states, â€Å"Nothing’s planted. I don’t have a thing in the ground† (Miller 122). Additionally, it seems that Miller is highlighting that the simple pursuit of financial gain is short-sited. While this disillusionment is more pronounced in Miller’s text, Wilson also explores similar concerns. He writes, â€Å"You got to take the crookeds with the straights. That's what Papa used to say† (Wilson, p. 25). Lyons makes this statement to Cory. He is referring to the challenges that he and Cory have specifically encountered and is directly presenting

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 2 questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 2 questions - Essay Example In addition to that, there are many natural phenomena that play a fundamental role in promoting global warming. Some of them as identified by (Strasburg) are discussed as follows: Volcanic eruptions: Volcanic eruption is a commonly observed natural phenomenon. As volcanoes erupt, they release tremendous amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Solar cycles and cosmic rays: Some people hold consent upon the concept that solar cycles and cosmic rays are also a source of global warming. However, there are many who hold controversial views about the role of solar cycles and cosmic rays in aggravating global warming. According to the results of research conducted by some European scientists, â€Å"The chance of the natural cosmic-ray or solar irradiance explanation being responsible for more than 14% of the observed warming is quite negligible.† (Strasburg). Water vapors: Water vapor has been largely recognized as one of the most obvious greenhouse gases. Although it does not contribute towards global warming by adding to the CO2 level in the atmosphere unlike many other causes of global warming, yet it plays the same role as many other greenhouse gases. It is noteworthy that existing CO2 in the air increases the content of water vapors in the air as a feedback. Some misconceptions: People who tend to deny the human contribution in the global warming say also consider plants as a cause of global warming. They base their assertion on the fact that plants generate CO2 into the air particularly when they don’t photosynthesize. However, they are quite ignorant of the fact that they are the fundamental source of O2 in the atmosphere as they consume CO2 released by humans and in turn, produce O2 during the process of photosynthesis. Reason of the controversy about role of humans as promoters of global warming: People all over the world tend to acquire more and more money throughout their professional life. It is indeed, a call of human nature. The technological b oom has facilitated them in fulfilling their dreams in many ways. If people easily confess their contribution in the global warming, they are likely to loose all environment unfriendly facilities that they so frequently utilize. Therefore, in an attempt to defend their unhealthy practices that make them money, they visualize technical measures as the ultimate solution for global warming instead of changing their own attitude towards the world and the nature. However, there is enough scientific evidence to prove the enormous role of humans in promoting the global warming in comparison to the natural phenomena that are commonly referred by humans as the cardinal causes of global warming. There is a need to realize that man only forms a minute part of the vast nature, and is not its owner to exercise rights over it. People should realize that their practices pollute the air and water that in turn promote global warming. How can the supply of water be increased in order to resolve the o ncoming shortage of water fit for human use on Earth? Shortage of pure water is one of the most fundamental environmental calamities humans are encountering in the contemporary age. According to the results of a research conducted by United Nations, an estimated 2.7 billion people are expected to suffer from extreme shortage of water by 2025 provided that the current consumption rates do not decline (Montaigne). â€Å"Severe water shortages affecting at least 400 million people today will affect 4 billion people