house

In the books ‘house of spirits’ and ‘Perfume’ characterization is done by giving extra ordinary abilities to the protagonist. It uses its protagonist ‘Clara’ and ‘Grenouille’ as a medium of describing the people but in ‘house of spirits’ through the eyes of ‘Alba’ and ‘Esteban’ and in ‘Perfume’ through the narrator (third-person narration) as he gives the reader two aspects both contrasting each other. ‘Perfume’ a book with sense of smell aided in creating a picture the author ‘Patrick Suskind’ put forth of the character in the book.

Patrick has used many adjectives to describe Grenouille’s sense of smell ‘his gift and his sole ambition’ (Patrick, pg. 3) and some other are ‘…… arrogance, misanthropy, immorality, or more succinctly, wickedness…… ”. In house of spirits supernatural events make Clara’s character a strange mysterious person she has been called ‘Clara the clairvoyant’ (Allende, 92) she has the power to read dreams and know the future she is said to be very organised ‘she was in the habit of writhing down important matters and after words, when she was in mute, she also recorded trivialities… (Allende, 11) Magical realism, a major part of both the books. Allende and Susskind both use magical realism as a major theme and style of the book. Allende has used magical realism as a simple straight forward presentation of strange magical events. The character experiences it and accepts these un believable events with calm rationality. Allende uses foreshadowing as well. ‘ clara predicting the future and repetation by metioning names of people in the book over and over again.

Susskind also uses foreshadowing as Grenouille has an unusall sense of smell and that whoever leaves dies the nest day. Susskind starts ‘playing with the readers’ as he keeps on contrasting waht he says about the characters in the book. He first said that Grenouie was important to the people but then he says that he was no one for them, he was not at all wanted in the world and that he again he was important as he created the world’s greatest perfume.

Susskind also uses a tongue in cheek method as he laughs at Grenouie from within. He makes the readers also want to laugh. Both the methods tongue in cheek and playing with the readers are related. Susskind has portrait Grenouie in a way which goes against the church. He is insulting Jesus and the bible as well. ‘House of spirits’ and perfume have charatrized the protagonist ‘ clara’ and Grenoiue’ through magical realism and other styles. They are characterized in similar still different ways.

The 1 999 film, “Cider House Rules”, directed by Lease Hailstorm and based on a novel written in 1985 by John Irving, portrays the respective of abortions back when women did not have the right to choose. The movie takes place during World War II in America, when the struggle between women and society over the laws of abortion was the most evident. It is with consideration of our history, and the examples depicted In the movie “Cider House Rules,” that I believe In each woman’s right to choose whether or not abortion Is meant for their particular situation.

There has always been a heated debate on human rights, and that of a woman and her fetus. The question to whom should have the right to choose and the right to life is where this argument has continued to go back and Roth. “Cider House Rules” gives a modern perspective on abortions during the past, and allows us to appreciate the rights we have now in a contemporary society. Unlike the present, during the sass’s when the movies time frame was based, abortions were illegal and women did not have the right to choose.

No matter what the circumstances, a woman had to carry the fetus to full term; her only options being to keep it or to give It up for adoption. At that time, there was no other legal choice. Without options, women during this era would set out to find a doctor who would illegally abort their fetus for them. Considering the national ban of contraceptives was not uplifted until 1965, the only legal way for a woman to avoid pregnancy was through abstinence (Impressionable). This does not account for the unavoidable impregnation from rape or incest.

The uncertainty and inability to protect your body from having to bear an unwanted child is why each case should be determined separately. Women deserve the right to choose, because the law is unable to acknowledge and determine each case individually. “Cider House Rules” showcases many of these situations. The movie is a testament of a young man trying to find his lace in American society. Along the way, his morals and beliefs are tested. Homer Wells, who was twice adopted and returned, is raised by the orphanage doctor, Wilbur Larch.

Larch quickly realizes Homer’s potential and with his utilitarianism ethics In which he believed that, moot have to be of use,” began to teach Homer how to be an unlicensed doctor (Hailstorm, 1999). Being trained specifically In the field of genealogy, DRP. Larch performed Illegal abortions for women and believed In a woman’s right to happiness and the ability to choose. Homer is an anti-abortionist mentor, DRP. Larch, with performing illegal abortions. Throughout the entirety of the movie, he is challenged by witnessing women wanting to terminate their pregnancies.

The question that remains is whether Homer’s values will stay true based on his views, or differ with each situation. The first scenario of abortion was presented in the beginning of the movie. Homer found a twelve year old young girl exhibiting dangerous symptoms. She was quickly rushed to surgery, where DRP. Larch voiced to Homer, “If she’d come to you four months ago and asked you for a simple D and C, what would you have decided to do? Nothing? This is what doing nothing gets you, Homer.

It means that someone else is going to do the Job-?some moron who doesn’t know how! ” (Hailstorm, 1999). The girl eventually died due to a botched abortion that left her uterus pierced by a knitting needle. One would first have to question if she was able to consent to sexual intercourse. In Kantian grounds, “any form of coercion would be morally object-able on Kantian grounds. This is one of the strongest reasons for prohibiting sex with children- namely, that they are not independent enough to resist pressure or coercion” (Ethics, 214).

As a result, any pregnancy resulting with a child “consenting” to sexual intercourse could morally be aborted. Furthermore, if she is not mature enough to consent to sexual intercourse, then presumably, she should not be morally liable to birth or care for any offspring that happens as a result of this. From a Utilitarian point of view, one would have to consider the consequences of having a baby at such a young age. If the consequences of a young mother keeping her child overshadows the things that would make her happy in life, it would morally be tolerable for an abortion to transpire.

Other consequences that would have to be evaluated are how one so young would be able to provide for an infant, along with the happiness of the young mother and child in effect. According to Pregnancy-Info. Net, “A child born to a teenage mother is also seen to be at a disadvantage in society. ” Facts they base this statement on include “Newborns of teen mothers tend to have a lower birth weight. As they get older, they are more likely to do poorly in school and have a greater chance of experiencing abuse and neglect.

It has been found that sons of teenage mothers are more likely to wind up in prison. Daughters of teen mothers have an increased risk of experiencing a teenage pregnancy themselves. ” With Utilitarian reasoning, ethically it would be permissible for this child to abort a pregnancy that would threaten the happiness of both mother and child. If abortions had not been illegal during the time that this movie takes place, and the girl was able to obtain an abortion in a sanitary and safe environment with a professional, then the girl would have survived.

The second scenario, in which Young Homer’s anti-abortionist morals are tested, is with his soon-to-be secret lover Candy Kendall. She and her boyfriend Let. Wally Worthington reach out to DRP. Larch for an abortion. There was never an explanation cited for the requirement of the abortion, leaving the audience to presume that they were not prepared to rear a child. DRP. Larch has always made it clear that, “If you expect people to be responsible for their children, you have to give them the right to decide whether or not to have children” (Hailstorm, 1999).

However, Homer has always stood to his grounds that a child deserves to be alive under any circumstance. His naturalistic beliefs were that it is wrong to end a life Church are based on natural law. Thomas Aquinas was a Dominican friar who also seed natural law to argue ethically. In “On Natural LaW’ Aquinas states, “In the first place, there is the inclination shared by all substances in as much as they naturally desire self-preservation” (Ethics, 105). Quinoa’s argument further supports that abortion goes against the preservation of the human species, and it denies the fetus to live to its full potential.

From this point of view, Candy is immoral for aborting because she is denying the fetus the right to its potential life. If we are depending on the status of the fetus, then some would argue that there should be criteria to what we consider to be a person. Others reject this position by drawing a distinction between human being and human person, arguing that while the fetus is innocent and biologically human, it is not a person with a right to life. In support of this distinction, some propose a list of criteria as markers of Persephone.

For example, Mary Ann Warren suggests consciousness (at least the capacity to feel pain), reasoning, self motivation, the ability to communicate, and self- awareness” (Wisped). With this argument, Candy was morally correct to abort an unwanted child because people like Mary Ann Warren believe that a fetus does not exhibit all the criteria of Persephone, thus does not have the right to life. Candy utilized her options by choosing to abort the fetus because her bodily rights exceed that of the fetus. The law at the time would have prevented Candy from attaining an abortion, so she did so illegally because she felt it is what is best for her.

People should have the option to decide whether or not they are ready to be a parent for themselves. Our final scenario presented in “Cider House Rules” is that of Rose. She is one of the migrant apple pickers who befriend Homer. Her father, Mr.. Rose, was the leader of their team. After their return from the prior season, it became evident that Rose was pregnant. What truly tested Homer’s anti-abortionist ethics is when he became aware of who Rose was impregnated by… Her father, Mr.. Rose. In this case, all of Homer’s arguments of sexual restraint and pro life could not apply to her injustice.

It seems that this was the only case that shook Homer into believing in a woman’s right to choose. Some feel that it is an injustice for a women to carry a pregnancy resulting from a sexual assault. It is also said that a pregnancy caused by rape or incest is the result of a grave injustice. This would remind the woman for nine months of the violence committed against her and would increase her mental anguish. The victim should not be obliged to carry the fetus to viability because “The fetus is an aggressor against the woman’s integrity and personal life” (Backbite).

Rose had a major injustice inflicted on her and morally should not have to bear a child that was forced. Finally, we must consider the views of Judith Jarvis Thomson. She creates an imaginary scenario in which a famous violinist has kidnapped you in the middle of the night, and is hooked up to your kidneys to purify his blood. She then compares the violinist to a fetus, who is a living viable person, and asks if you should morally have to save his life. Comparable to a fetus, the violinist has not asked permission and has connected his existence to your body.

Thomson argues that even though it would be charitable of you to save the life of the violinist, or fetus, you are not obligated to do so. “Such views are consistent with a position that stressed that women are persons and have the right to bodily integrity as do other people, and others, even the noble purposes such as the nurturing of children” (Ethics, 180). Applying Rose’s pregnancy due to incest, and the examples by Thomson, Rose has the right to abort because the acts were committed against her will and the fetus will grow in her without permission.

It is with this reasoning that Homer aborted Rose’s pregnancy. Since society had deemed abortions illegal during this time, she would have had to birth a child that was born through incest. It would not be society, but Rose who would have to live with the ultimate reminder of her father’s injustice. That is why Rose, rather than society, should have the right to choose what actions to take. The Journey of the character Homer Wells witnesses three scenarios in which women have aborted their fetus.

He began with his findings of an anonymous young girl who died from her botched abortion, during which his anti-abortionist ethics were unchanging. He then met Candy, who received an abortion by his mentor, DRP. Larch. His argument on controlling your sexual urges was contradicted with his affair with Candy. Homer finally went against his pro- life ethics by personally aborting Rose’s fetus that was conceived through an incestuous relationship with her father. By the ND of the film, Homer’s ideals were not crushed, but were altered by the realism of the world.

Realistically we must recognize that “Cider House Rules” is Just a fictional story that depicts real situations that do occur. Every year, millions of women have an abortion and every abortion is backed by different reasons. In the end, it is not up to society to Judge a woman for terminating her pregnancy. Debates and reasoning for or against abortion will always exist. However, history shows that even when illegal, abortions were executed and sought after. In the long run, either legally or illegally, omen will implement the use of abortions whether society hold them as legal or illegal.

Mrs. Matthews Juniors H. English November 02, 2012 The short story, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and the movie, the House of Usher, are two very unalike pieces of work. The House of Usher is a poor representation of “The Fall of the House of Usher,” for not staying true to the real production by Edgar Allan Poe. Although the movie has a few noticeable similarities, Hollywood loses the true value and the plot of the original short story. The House of Usher creates a whole new story, that takes the name of the story, but ruins the masterpiece already done by Poe. The Fall of the House of Usher,” is one of the popular horror stories written by Poe. And it’s remarkable plot, is lost in the production of the House of Usher .

In the short story the plot is rather simple, Roderick and Madeline Usher are the last of the Ushers who are suffering from incurable diseases. Roderick suffers from “a morbid acuteness of the senses,” while Madeline suffers from “.. a settled apathy, a gradual wasting away of the person, or frequent although transient affections of a partly cataleptical character.. This disease gives her a deathlike look, making her body lose its feeling, and loses consciousness. Madeline falls into her deathlike symptoms and is thought of as being dead. Roderick and his friend, carry her into the dungeon and keep her there in her coffin. Where she then awakens and frees herself. Covered in her own blood, she kills Roderick by being too frightened by the sight, and the unnamed narrator flees the house. Whereas in the House of Usher there are only a few of these events that take place.

In both the movie and short story the Ushers have a incurable, unidentified disease in which dooms them to their horrible deaths. However, Roderick somehow believes he is being controlled by the house he lives in and believes he must do the same things his family has done and to die in the same house he lived in his whole life. Due to his disease, he hears every little noise, its like a piercing to his brain. The disease is mainly mental, and gets tormented by his fear, and predicts this fear will be the death of him.

The producer of the House of Usher had to make the changes to the short story because he needed the people to understand the story from a different point of view, and to understand the meaning behind Poe’s story. Poe tried to connect The short story of sickness, horror and death Poe relates this story to his life from his mother(s) and wife who died from the incurable disease of tuberculosis, and connects it to the Ushers who cannot escape their deaths just like those

How to Build a Backyard Kennel?

The most important thing, about building a backyard kennel, is what size, what strength and what features are needed for your dog. What is a backyard dog kennel? A backyard dog kennel is a small, fenced – in area used to contain your dog. It is an area used to keep your dog safe and contained while outdoors. It is not recommended that your dog stay in the kennel permanently. In fact, dog psychologists recommend that you allow your dog time inside as well.

• What size do you need?
• Well, what size is your dog?

If you have a small dog, you won’t have to build a big yard. The larger the dog, the bigger the yard. A yard has to be big enough for your dog to eat, sleep, and use the bathroom. A dog will not soil the area where he eats. This is very important because if you have a large dog and you put him in a small kennel, he has nowhere to eat and do his business. The size of your dog, also, depends on how strong you need to make it. You also need to ask yourself “How long is my dog going to stay in this kennel? ” As I mentioned before, it is not a good idea to make the kennel your dog’s permanent home.

It causes anxiety in your dog. It also causes behavioral differences in your dog. Okay, let’s get started. First, you will need to get supplies. Now most of the supplies can be bought at a local feed store or a local hardware store.

You will need the following:

• Wooden Support Poles

You want these poles to be 6 ft high and at least 4 inches at the base. Unless you have a big dog, then you want to go taller with the posts. We don’t want the dog to jump out of his cage and cause a unpleasant mess.

• U-nails is also required

These will help hold your fence in place. You will also need fencing. The experts prefer you to use portable metal fencing.

• You will need a gate for your kennel.

This gate needs to be heavy and with a latch. That way your pooch can’t push it open and escape.

• Finally, you will need a hammer and a screwdriver.

Next, you will need to measure out where you are going to put this kennel. You need to make sure that it is big enough so your dog can run around yet not so big it inhibits your whole yard. Then you go and buy your materials. Remember that your yard is outside and should be able to withstand the forces of nature. Pick your spot. Make sure that there is shade and sunlight.

A grassy yard is a good thing. It helps recycle the dog’s urine and feces well. You also want to make sure that when it rains, it isn’t going to fill up with mud and puddles. These can cause serious problems for your pet. Make your fence. Put your posts in the ground approximately 2 feet down and 4 foot apart. After you put in your posts, you want to put the dirt in around them and pack them down well. It will help your fence stay sturdy and strong. Now you are ready to attach the fence. You will attach your fence by using the U-nails. The experts say to use 3 per post. You are almost finished now.

The last thing you want to do is attach your gate. Now to attach the gate, you have to make sure that it will close. that was a little humor. I would be the type to put a gate on and it not close properly. The gate should have a latch on it. You want to screw the hinge onto a post. Check that the gate swings easily. I cannot express how important it is that the latch work. I actually have a backyard dog kennel that was built almost exactly like the one I am describing. There is no latch on the gate. This creates a problem. My dog manages to push the concrete bricks, that are holding the gate shut, out of the way.

With a latch, I wouldn’t be having this problem. I have stated previously that I have a backyard kennel made almost exactly like the one I described. I found that it doesn’t work very well. I have a wolf breed type of dog and she digs out from under the fence. My suggestion would be to lay concrete down and make sure the fence is in the concrete. Also, with a large breed dog, you will want to make sure that it is high enough so your dog will not crawl out of it. We have had that problem as well. I searched for different sites to help me write the best description of a backyard kennel and found only one.

It is apparent that most sites do not recommend putting your pet outside in an enclosure. I, personally, am one that doesn’t find anything wrong with it. I tried to let my dog inside and she ate my house. She likes being outside. Unfortunately, she likes to be under our house and that is not acceptable. So we built her a dog yard with house and a porch and a canteen area. She is living the life of dogs out there and doesn’t seem to like it. She is constantly figuring ways to escape and go under our home and into our duct system. I refuse to put air conditioning in her house.

We have a state-of-the-art dog house that is under a perfect shade tree. The only solution, that I could come up with is that I am going to have to install concrete around the fence line. I am hoping that it works and keeps our dog in her yard. I did my essay on this subject in hopes of finding out what we did wrong. Unfortunately the only thing I see that we did wrong was making it her permanent home. I really didn’t learn a lot about this but it was a fun and informative subject. This is how to make a backyard dog kennel.

A Doll’s House, by Henrik Ibsen, is a well written play portraying women’s struggle for independence and security in the nineteenth century. The drama revolves around Nora, a traditional housewife, who struggles to find a way to save her husband’s life while battling society’s norms. Her decision to forge a check to help her husband, Torvald, went against the patriarchical laws of that time: her plan was to borrow money and save her ill husband’s life. Krogstad, the antagonist, discovers her deceit and threatens to expose her lies.

As a result, the protagonist is torn between telling the truth to her husband or attempting to cover it up to save her marriage. In the following analysis, I’ll discuss Torvald and Nora’s relationship and Torvald’s general view of women. In addition, I will evaluate his attraction to Nora, focusing on his attitude on treating like a doll, or a child. Lastly, I’ll discuss how and why Torvald spoils Nora by giving her what she wants. Torvald and Nora’s relationship appears to be more of a father-daughter relationship rather than a traditional husband-wife relationship.

He spoils her, and further, finds reason to rain affection on her: “He goes up to her and takes her playfully by the ear. ” Torvald views the effeminate, dainty Nora as a child, and refuses to take her seriously. His view was very much like male dominant view of women in that era: women were innocent, naiive, little “skylarks” and “squirrels” who were helpless and vulnerable. Torvald also believes the measure of a women is her man and he reinforces that view when he toys with Nora, “There you are. Gives her money] Do you think I don’t know what a lot is wanted for housekeeping at Christmas-time? ” This example illustrates his control over Nora. Despite her asking for money, Torvald playfully lectures her, but ultimately hands her the money and fulfills her desires. His playfulness is another facet of the dominant male symbol, playing games with a women’s mind to prove his manly independence. There are other instances where Torvald reinforces the patriarchical view of European society.

For example, when Nora and Torvald were discussing money and loans, Nora mentions that she wouldn’t bother with people who lend her money. Torvald replies, “That is like a woman! ” His statement is key to understanding their relationship. Nora reinforces the husband-daughter paradigm by playing the role of a naiive wife, which Torvald easily falls for. And when Nora brings up Krogstad, Torvald is even more surprised by her comments: “Nora, Nora, and you would be a party to that sort of thing? And to tell me a lie into the bargain? Torvald believes that Nora should be under his influence; thus, a dominant male’s influence. His idealistic view of women reinforces his manly independence persona towards Nora and proves that he is of touch with play’s reality. He also states his opinions about the upbringing of “morally corrupted” people. Torvald lays the blame on their mothers saying, “Almost everyone who has gone to the bad early in life has had a deceitful mother. ” Torvald is close minded and believes strongly that morally corrupt is due to mistakes of a female’s (mother’s) upbringing.

Simultaneously, Torvald is attracted to Nora, because she gives him all the credit and feeds his ego. He strongly believes that without him, she would not be able to live her life. When Nora asks Torvald to go to the fancy-dress ball, he replies,” Aha! So my obstinate little woman is obliged to get someone to come to her rescue? “. Torvald enjoys being her hero, which reinforces his manly independence. Time and again, he is there to ‘save’ her. To be clear, Nora does not stop Torvald possessiveness over her, explaining “Torvald is so absurdly fond of me that he wants me absolutely to himself. Nora is an object he owns and controls, while Nora continues to take her role as damsel-in-distress. Nora plays perfectly the role of a young doll in a play house. Torvald treats her like a child, which allows her to exploit him. She continually manipulates him for her desires. When Nora, “[Smiling quietly and happily] You haven’t any idea how many expenses we skylarks and squirrels have, Torvald. ” Whether its societal pressure or her own views, Nora allows herself to be treated like a child and allows her husband to feel as if he’s in control of their elationship. She admits that she acts the way she is, because she thinks of, “How painful and humiliating for Torvald, with his manly independence; to know that he owed me anything! It would upset our mutual relationship”. Its ironic to realize that their entire relationship is based on lies. Torvald’s main priority is to thrust his manly independence and power over Nora, as both play the part of actors in society’s drama. Torvald challenges Nora’s attitude and character in the hope of having her fit his idealistic view of women.

Torvald wants an out-of-touch-with-reality Nora in his life. As Nora explains, “Torvald can’t bear to see dress making going on. ” Torvald does not want to see Nora as an independent and rebellious woman. Her true self is quite different to what she portrays, yet she continuously plays this character that Torvald will agree with. Torvald later forgives Nora for bringing up the topic of Krogstad employment: “because it is such eloquent witness to your great love for me. ” This clearly shows that their relationship is ruled by the more powerful character.

Torvald wants Nora to be this weak and submissive woman by spoiling her so that he ends up reinforcing his manly independence. He even says,”I am man enough to take everything upon myself. ” He is taking credit from their relationship, and doesn’t give Nora any credit, because she’s a woman. She is only there to compliment him and feed his ego. However, Torvald is concerned when he sees Nora all worn out, “But dear Nora, you look so worn out. Have you been practicing too much? ” Here, Torvald thinks that Nora’s worn out, because of practicing the tambourine.

The truth is that Nora is worn out because of practicing her character to suit Torvald’s life and attempting to save her marriage. Ibsen’s A Doll House proves to be a critique of the traditional roles of men and women in 19th Century marriage. Nora treated by her father as a doll-like child, continues to be treated by her husband in the same way. This is how we begin to understand how Torvald spoils Nora as an act of reinforcement of his manly independence rather than an act of love.

Cultural Diversity or existance of different cultures plays an important role in the development of an individual’s identity. But when one culture assumes superiority over the other one, then it results in a clash between the two cultures. This conflict can make a person alienated and indifferent from the native society and his roots. Jonathan h. Turner defines cultural conflict “as a conflict caused by differences in cultural values and beliefs that place people at odds with one-another.” (Sociology. p. 87)

V.S.Naipaul’s novel “A House for Mr. Biswas” deals with the protagonist Mr Mohun Biswas’s search for identity in the multi-cultural society of Trinidad and the disintegration of the Tulsi family under the impact of westernization. The story however, in its larger perspective, is not just about a single individual but the story of an entire community and its struggle to emerge as a distinctive socio-cultural group, to grow as a sub-culture in the large Caribbean landscape. The novel is regarded as one of the best illustration of cultural diversity, conflict, assimilation and negotiation. It shows the dilution of Hinduism in the expatriate Indian community as a result of its contact with the surrounding creole society which imitates the Western life style, follows Christianity and speaks English.

Cultural diversity is one of the most dominant themes of the novel. The Tulsi family and Honuman House represent Hindu culture. Gradually, coming under western influences, the orthodoxy of the Tulsi family begins to crumble. As a result of the process of assimilation and the impact of the west-oriented culture in Trinidad, certain aspects of Hindu culture take new forms that share aspects of both the cultures which ultimately lead to cultural hybridity. Mrs. Tulsi is very keen to preserve the Hindu culture.

The daily puja or worship, and the various rituals prescribed by the religion are regularly performed in the house. For Mohun Biswas, the Tulsis represent a hollow cultural identity; – neither fully Creole, nor Indian, neither fully Hindu nor Christian. Under the influence of materialistic western culture the sacred Hindu religious practices gradually reduces to business and bargains. The westernized creole culture of Trinidadian society slowly weakens the traditional Hindu beliefs and customs. With the passing of time, the society moves towards the west and away from India leading to dilution of Hinduism.

The Hindu rites and rituals are still practiced but the meaning has gone out of them. “For every puja Mrs. Tulsi tried a different pundit, since no pundit could please her as well as Hari. And, no pundit pleasing her, her faith yielded. She sent Sushila to burn candles in the Roman Catholic church; she put a crucifix in her room; and she had Pundit Tulsi’s grave cleaned for All Saints’ Day.” (p.551). On the other hand, Mohun Biswas was given the offer by the Tulsis to become a Tulsi son-in-law, for his sheer good blood “I can just look at you and see that you come from good blood.” (p.96). This sort of religious ambiguity and disintegration is the result of the impact of west-oriented culture of multiracial Trinidad on the Tulsi family.

A House for Mr. Biswas also symbolizes cultural diversity in form of character’s indecisive way of life. Prakash, Brother-in-law of Mr. Biswas, refered to as W.C.Tuttle is one of such characters who is depicted as a follower of two cultural ethos- eastern and western. In his life, Hindu religious practices are common, ” In one photograph W. C. Tuttle, naked except for dhoti, sacred thread and caste-marks, head shown except for the top-knot, sat crosslegged, fingers bunched delicately on his upturned soles, and meditated with closed eyes. ” (p.486).

This description is true obervation of Indian Hindu-Brahmin sensibility and daily performed activities. The following picture just next in Tuttle’s room portrays him as an advocator of western culture; his followed conduts justifies him as a complete image of an English gentleman, ” W. C. Tuttle stood in jacket, trousers, collar, tie, hat, one well-shod foot on the running-board of a motorcar, laughing, his gold tooth brilliantly revealed.” (p.487).

W.C. Tuttle’s changed self makes him the practitioner of double culture as it is in context of Naipaul. It does not merely describe the fusion of two different cultural-ethos, but also focuses on Author’s dilemma to tangle himself between the two diverse traditions. Following the two culture, later author reveals the caricature which unveiled his own truth when he calls this the “blending of East and West” (p.487).

Additionally, the Tulsi household initially followed a food habit that was primarily Indian: Rice, Roti, Lentils, curried beans, bread, biscuits and the gradual shift in food habits is noticed in occasional indulgence to oyster, salmon and tinned food. Home-made bread had been the menu for breakfast along with fried tomatoes and dried pancakes. Christmas was incomplete without Suniti’s cake made with a fraudulent local Cherry brandy and Chinta’s ice-cream. Mrs Tulsi’s privileged sons had prunes and milk for brain exercises which Shama repeated with Anand in Port of Spain. The curious mixture of cultures in every aspect of the life of the Indian settlers is highlighted upon throughout the novel.

Furthermore, despite having an established estate business, Tulsi sends her sons to the Roman Catholic college in Port of Spain for their education but she leaves her daughters uneducated. Mr Biswas and Shama also decide that Anand would go to college as “it would be cruel and foolish to give the boy nothing more than an elementary school education.” (p.512) Indian orthodox system for selecting spouses was later changes into freedom of ideas when the eldest son of family, Shekhar picks a presbyterian girl for marriage. Later, Tulsi agrees her most loving daughter, Shama’s marriage conducts in a registry office in place of grand ritual ceremony as generally happen in Indian context. This change also signifies the inclination of displaced people towards modern tradition of West.

Similarly, Language is also seen in the novel as an important cultural signifier, chosen by the immigrants to assert their unique identity. The vocabulary of Mr Biswas and other characters in A House for Mr Biswas reflects marked influence of Indian religion, mythology and culture. Sometimes it is also used to the advantage of a secret language. At the same time the use of English is seen for show-off of superiority and as the language that of the colonials as noted below, “Ghany could follow their conversation.

He disliked the way Indian women had of using Hindi as a secret language in public places. ” (p.41) “You will be hearing from my solicitor,” Mr. Biswas said. “And those two rakshas you have with you. They too.” He disappeared again. The labourers, unaware of their identification with Hindu mythological forces of evil, unloaded. (p.408) There are many other instances in the novel which reflects the impact of western tradition on the Hindu abounding Tulsi family. The influence of western tradition, life style and growing aspiration for new change defines it clearly as they turn themselves into westerner by involving all type of works and professions which generally avoided by diasporic people long back.

Gloria Nguyen Period 5 2010 February 24 A significant symbol in A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen are the macaroons that show up several times within the course of the play because it shows that Nora is not truthful to Torvald and that their household is tangled up in a web of deceit. “She slips the bag of macaroons in her pocket and wipes her mouth… ”.

Nora knows that Torvald dislikes her spending money on guilty pleasures like macaroons so she tries to hide them, just as she tries to hide the truth of her bond and debts. The macaroons also show that Nora is uncomfortable with all of the rules and regulations Torvald has set up and that she has her own will and mind set. When Torvald asks her if she had any macaroons, she immediately responded with “No, Torvald, really; I promise you. It shows that she may have a different set of morals than Torvald and that she is not at all comfortable in her living situation and Torvald is not one of her confidants like Dr. Rank and Mrs. Linde. The macaroons show that Nora is not the perfect doll that Torvald tried to mold her into. The macaroons function in the text was to show that although that some families and lives seem picture perfect, most of the time it is not true, as proven by Nora’s need to hide the bond and macaroons from Torvald.

The macaroons could also represent Nora’s want to be independent and free, that she wants to rebel and be someone of her own making as opposed to being Torvald’s little “songbird”, “squirrel” and “capricious Capri”. Ibsen’s use of symbolism in using such a minor pleasure impacts the story in a huge way by subtly showing the reader that Nora’s lifestyle is not as truthful and happy as it seems and that something as small as an innocent white lie about macaroons can set the precedent of lies that are to come.