Media at War Essay

The media should only be censored to protect troops at war. Politicians should not use their power over the media to enhance their popularity. Because the first President Bush and his administration did not want the First Gulf War to be “another Vietnam,” they restricted the press’s access to information to the press (Greenberg 7). Although Americans have the right to freedom of speech, government makes many rules governing the media’s access to wars, and can control the press. Therefore, it is easy for the government to control the public’s views of a war.

Though its control of much of the information provided to the press, the government can mold the public’s perspective. Although, freedom of the press (and the broader freedom of speech) is in the First Amendment to the Constitution this right contracts during war because wartime situations often create challenges to normal press freedom (Lahav 1). Due to the dangers of war, people believe that “necessities of war require some limitations on news reporting,” (Dennis 8). Due to “national security,” the president of the United States may withhold information that could endanger the troops (Dennis 8).

Censorship of the media during war has happened in America since the Civil War (Dennis 8). In the Civil War, the media was considered an annoyance rather than a threat to national security.

However, as technology has become more powerful, from telegraphs, to radio, to television and the internet, more people have access to the information. When Geraldo Rivera broadcast the position of American troops during the second gulf war, her showed the modern media’s potential for irresponsibility.

Our Service Can Write a Custom Essay on Media and War for You!

During the war in Vietnam, many people died for reasons not immediately connected to our country’s security. Eventually, the citizens of American “turned against the United States military” because the people glimpsed what was happening in Vietnam (Greenberg 7). The Vietnam War was considered the first time “public opinion” became a significant factor in forcing the government to make peace, or from another perceptive, or to acknowledge defeat (Greenberg 7). During the First Gulf War, the Bush Administration was “sensitive to public opinion” and set ground rules for the media (Greenberg 7). The Bush Administration may have been concerned not only about the protection of the overseas troops, but also about the upcoming election and the administration’s popularity.

The government wrote the rules and regulations for the media. There were twelve categories of information that should not be reported. The categories ranged from information about the troops, to future missions, to the “effectiveness or ineffectiveness of [the] enemies’ camouflage” (Dennis 17). Everything the reporter produced whether written, on videotape, or in photographs went to a security review system (Dennis 18). The First Gulf War used “pools” of reporters to share information with the media. Only a few reporters could visit an area which allowed the government greater control over press access to information (Greenberg 30).

The government and military was also able to limit and shape the specific messages to the media, and thus, to the public (Greenberg 7). Information went back to the Joint Information Bureau (JIB) who determined what could be broadcasted. Although the procedure was to review the reports for “sensitive security information,” the Joint Information Bureau rejected photographs of United States coffins, photographs of the bombing in Iraq, and even reports on General Norman Schwarzkopf’s body weight (Greenberg 31).

The government interfered with the freedom of the press because of the government perception of the greater good. The photographs were rejected so that the people of the United States would not be demoralized by the visible evidence of United States’ casualties there actually were. The government was also leery about photographs in Iraq after the bombing because it did not want to let the world see bombed out cities. General Norman Schwarzkopf’s weight had nothing to do with national security. The Joint Information Bureau abused its role to protect national security information and instead provided only the information that the government wanted the world to see.

The reviewing process also consumed time, which made information stale by the time was released. The military may have been more concerned with “their image [and] looking good” than it was about keeping citizens informed (Greenberg 43). Although the reporters did not like the process, they had to obey procedure. If the reporters did not obey the rules and regulations, the reporters were shipped out of the area and possibly blacklisted (Greenberg 30).

The media became tools for the government public relations campaign. The media became biased by dehumanizing the Iraqis as evil terrorists and portraying Saddam as a “new Hitler” (Taylor xiii). Americans did not get the views of the Iraqi people. It did not seem like we are killing humans, but only evil terrorists. The media wrote the United States what they knew it would get published such as young men getting off their jets after a mission. The military wanted to show off the brave young men and the best technology the military has to offer. By glorifying the United States’ troops and technology, citizens of United States were united and made proud to be Americans (Greenberg 46).

The United States did not look good however, when reports were broadcast bombing the road to Basra. On March 30, 1991, thousands of “fleeing Iraqi soldiers” was targeted for “bombing, strafing, and shelling” (Barnes 1) The Iraqis did not put up any resistance and many did not have weapons. The Iraqis were caught in a “deadly trap and left in a mile-long graveyard” (Claiborne 2). One allied air force officer called the mission a “turkey shoot” because the Iraqis were unable to escape the bombardment (Barnes 1). The military did not want be perceived as killing innocent people and look like the bad guys. When asked how many Iraqis were killed during the operation, General Colin Powell replied that he was not interested in the number (Barnes 1). The military was discrete about the operation because they did not want to bury itself in a deeper hole with the public.

The government does not censor information only because of self-interest. Information about future missions and the location of soldiers should not be leaked. If some censorship did not occur during war, the soldiers could always be endangered. Also, true National Security information should not be released to the public as well. This information may cause hysteria if not withheld. Government officials may have the experience to know what information needs to be kept from the public.

However, the government often seems to worry more about its self image than informing the public. When the reporters are escorted and supervised by public affairs officers, the military escort seems more concerned with the soldier’s remarks to the reporter than to the safety of the reporter and the soldier. Being constantly under surveillance, reporters are unable to see unrehearsed military activity and have one on one interviews with the soldiers (Dennis 19). In these situations, the government abuses the power since it is not using censorship to protect the troops.

Censorship is needed only for true National Security purposes. The Government should not use the media for their own self-interest. However, since the term National Security is loosely defined, the government is able to win lawsuits against the media. If the citizens of America become more informed about the governments control over the media, the regulations of press may become more few and more valuable. The government and military should not withhold information because the public creates hatred for the enemy because the information given is one sided. Determining when the government is acting to protect our soldiers, as appose to our politicians, is challenge of to patriotic citizens.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATTENTION!!! HotEssays.blogspot.com provides free sample essays and essay examples on any topics and subjects. EssayLib.com essay writing service produces 100% custom essays, term papers & research papers, written by quality essay writers only. The prices start from $10 per page. You can order a custom essay on Media at War now!

Essay on Ethnic Notions

When a person is given the microphone at a podium, the attention of the audience is customarily afforded to that person so that they may convey their message(s) clearly. In the past fifty years, advancements in technology and the ability to transmit information have transformed the world into a global stage for any individual or group who wish to broadcast their agendas. The more modernized and stable countries, namely western European nations and the United States of America, have a strangle hold on the microphone to this global stage and are reluctant to release it. The major problems inherent in the effort to emphasize global instead of discreet national histories of mass communication rest within the mentalities of these western powers. A country, like America, whose mindset fosters ideals such as media imperialism, capitalism, and cultural dominance will have supreme reign in a society that can be easily influenced by the various tools of the media.

With the exception of the Persian Gulf War in the early 90’s, the Vietnam War is the last major conflict that the Unites States has been involved in. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, which effectively ended the Cold War and automatically allowed America to become the front running nuclear power, the U.S. needed a new objective to conquer other than communism. Since the U.S. armed forces cannot thoroughly flex its military muscles in the absence of a war, an acceptable alternative is to inundate other developing countries with the thoughts of “democracy and freedom” through the media. However, the validity of America’s true intentions are often questioned when it begins to preach that all humans are entitled to have the freedom of choice. What exactly, do these freedoms entail? Normally, for American businesses and industries, this suggests that people are free to choose to consume American made goods and products.

Our Service Can Write a Custom Essay on Ethnic Notions for You!

Although it may have been inadvertent at first, an imperial power such as America will expand in its blundering efforts to do good or protect its borders (Herman 1992). After a certain amount of time, this expansion is no longer by chance but by purpose because those who control the channels of media begin to promote imperialistic views, which eventually lead to the domination of a market, be it newspaper, radio, or television. The American dominance in the television market for example, can be aptly characterized by a silly show about lifeguards working on a Los Angeles beach. Even though Baywatch recently ended nine years of international syndication, in its heyday, this was the most watched show in the world as it was viewed in over 100 countries (Associated Press 2001). The cause of Baywatch’s popularity is often attributed to brilliant marketing by the show’s producers, but in hindsight, the show was nothing more than a tool that Hollywood utilized to advance media imperialism. With the exception of some Islamic countries, which challenged the flood of half-naked blondes into their airwaves, the rest of the world embraced the sexual onslaught of bikini-clad bimbos and thoroughly enjoyed it as evidenced by the show’s rating numbers.

It is almost undeniable that the United States became involved in Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait because of the abundance of oil in the latter country. In order to fuel this capitalistic society, some Americans felt the need to protect their interests in a quarrel that they had no business in. Television as a medium is a relatively new invention, but arguably the most influential of the three named due to its visual images, which enable viewers to see propaganda-laden messages that influence their daily lives. During the conflict in the Persian Gulf, Iraqi forces were portrayed in American news broadcasts as rag-tag armies that were soundly defeated by American forces. Capitalism is based on a free market economy that allows for the survival of the fittest. The underlying message that America established by “winning” the Persian Gulf War is that this country is a superpower, it is the most fit, and it can beat anybody when it comes to pushing buttons to drop a bomb. By claiming victory for the American people, the U.S. government led many to believe that that there is nothing wrong with killing to protect one’s personal interests.

In recent decades, the production of goods has shifted from American factories to those overseas in Asia and the Middle East where labor is cheap and can be easily exploited. Even with the enormous amounts of land and resources, The United States has become a consumer culture rather than a producing one (Folkerts and Lacy 1998). The culture created by the mass of consumers has translated into big revenues for the entertainment and food industries. This spread of cultural dominance, or more specifically westernization, is demonstrated by the dramatic increase in the number of American fast food restaurants that are now in operation outside of the United States. In the 1950’s no one could have envisioned that what was once a small hamburger stand in southern California could escalate into the multi-billion dollar corporation that McDonald’s.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATTENTION!!! HotEssays.blogspot.com provides free sample essays and essay examples on any topics and subjects. EssayLib.com essay writing service produces 100% custom essays, term papers & research papers, written by quality essay writers only. The prices start from $10 per page. You can order a custom essay on Ethnic Notions now!

The Advantages of Mixed Media Essay

Essay on Advantages of Mixed Media

According to Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary a magazine is “a pamphlet published periodically containing miscellaneous paper”. Most people would probably agree with Webster’s explanation of what constitutes a magazine. However according to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language a magazine can also be “a periodical containing a collection of articles, stories, pictures, or other features”.

During the recent years there have been attempts to recreate what constitutes a magazine and how it should be presented. Thanks to technological advancements magazine publishers are no longer restricted to only using one media. The idea of the magazine, which traditionally consists of bound pages with text and pictures, has been challenged to use other medias independently to express a point of view. By acknowledging the advantages and disadvantages of these medias such as print, web and video and combining their strengths may help to improve the delivery of information by ultimately enhancing a reader’s interactive experience.

Our Service Can Write a Custom Essay on Mix Medias for You!

When talking about print publications there are many practical advantages such as its portability, it’s ability to function on it’s own without having to deal with memory or server issues, and it’s ability to allow readers to engage at a level of physical interactive-ness. The disadvantages include the inability to reach a global audience without spending large amounts of money on market research in order to ensure acceptability in an intended country. Each country’s audience may expect different styles or appeal due to differences in culture. As well the properties of paper do not allow printed magazines to survive very long under constant stress of mobility, the harsh repetitive flipping of pages and deterioration from conditions of weather such as UV sunlight and water.

Likewise with print, there are many advantages and disadvantages with webzines as well. This includes the ability to appeal more physically to the senses of motion and sound on a new level, to allow the content to be viewed on a global scale, and for magazine publishers not having to worry of costs of printing and distributing. However on the other hand, webzines are not as convenient as print magazines because they do not carry the function of versatility or mobility. Secondly, issues of resolution restrict designers to design with accuracy or detail using type and pictures. There is also the question of when depending on technology there is always the possibility of it failing.

Similar to print and webzines, video zones may cover different topics of interest related to art, design, politics, entertainment, the environment, social issues etc with a point of view through the use of motion graphics. Similar to webzines they also offer the ability to present motion and sound to engage viewers on a dynamic level. Also, in contrast to webzines, video zones do not rely on server space or a size of a file in order to be able to play. Because the majority of Americans spend a lot of time in front of a television set a video zone would an ideal means of sending information to viewers. The disadvantages of video zones are the lack of interactive-ness with the viewer.

Currently there are magazines that are crossing borders between the different medias. Magazines that were once strictly in print are testing out the web. Printed magazines are also including DVDs. As a result, magazines are taking on different shapes and forms through this evolution. Although, there is yet to be a magazine that chooses to take advantage of all three medias that require all their strengths to build the ultimate experience for people to watch, read, interact with and enjoy.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATTENTION!!! HotEssays.blogspot.com provides free sample essays and essay examples on any topics and subjects. EssayLib.com essay writing service produces 100% custom essays, term papers & research papers, written by quality essay writers only. The prices start from $10 per page. You can order a custom essay on Advantages of Mix Medias now!

Essay on Gods and Generals

Throughout Gods and Generals, Jeff Shaara creates many lines that hold great significance and contribute greatly to the meaning of the book. Robert Edward Lee, Thomas Jonathon Jackson, and Winfield Scott Hancock, three men that played key roles in the Civil War, all reveal their personalities and their leadership through the words they speak. Their unforgettable words have been carried on throughout history and still hold strong meaning today.

Robert Edward Lee, a definite asset to the Confederate army, shows his loyalty to his home, Virginia. He is requested by Winfield Scott, a man who Lee deeply respects, to command the Union army.

Please understand, I am sorely opposed to secession, as I am opposed to the violent path that the southern states seen bent on following. I decided months ago that my greatest loyalty is to Virginia, to my home. I would rather resign from the army and return to my fields at Arlington than to lead an invasion such as this. I hope, with all prayers to God, that Virginia stays within the Union, but I fear that with this call for an army, this building of an invasion force…I fear the President will now unite his enemies. And that may include Virginia. Please tell him, please be clear, I have never taken my duties lightly, not to my country, nor to my home. But I have no greater duty than to my home, Virginia. (101)

Our Service Can Write a Custom Essay on Gods and Generals for You!

Lee realizes what is truly important as he eventually takes on the task of leading the Confederate army in order to defend Virginia. He clearly stands out as a “god” through his actions.

Another “god” in this novel, Thomas Jonathon Jackson, often expresses his religious views in relation to the war. “We do all we can to please You, and he felt a calm satisfaction, knew God would be pleased by such a day as this” (402). Jackson does all he can to please God in his everyday life. He is greatly benefited by this as God guides him through battle after battle, giving him the courage to face the enemy. The title of this novel, Gods and Generals, refers to two different types of men. Jackson graciously proves himself to be a “god”.

Winfield Scott Hancock also holds great significance as he leads the Union troops into battle. Although he is fighting for the North, Hancock differs greatly from the many political northern generals and their beliefs.

Hancock stood at the front, always listened with respect, and watched his men, knew that this was not what made them soldiers, that if the fight were not in them already, no great speech about loving the flag would change that. He did not understand why the generals did not see, would not accept, that those other fellows, those boys in the ragged uniforms who wanted to burn your lovely flag, had already shown they could hurt you, would stand up to your patriotism and put the bayonet through your beloved uniform. But still the words came, and Hancock
began to understand. It was all they knew how to do: make speeches. Very few of them had ever led troops under fire, had ever led troops at all. And when the time came many of them would fail, and many men would die because they did not have leaders. (168)

The difference between Hancock and the politicians of the North is what makes Hancock stand out as a leader. The opinions of the politicians do not influence Hancock’s beliefs, for he knows his duty and must carry it out regardless of the situation.

Throughout Gods and Generals the words of these men seem to influence and make an impact on any situation. These lines bring out the characteristics and personality traits of each man. These words will continue to be remembered by many as they are passed on through history. In many cases, such as this, words truly can speak louder than actions.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATTENTION!!! HotEssays.blogspot.com provides free sample essays and essay examples on any topics and subjects. EssayLib.com essay writing service produces 100% custom essays, term papers & research papers, written by quality essay writers only. The prices start from $10 per page. You can order a custom essay on Gods and Generals now!

French Revolution Essay Example

French Revolution Essay Sample

The ideals of the French Revolution continued to inspire demands for reform in France. Instigated by the middle and working class, a new era of revolutions arose throughout Europe. The united front pushed forward by the middle and working disrupted the status quo created by the Congress of Vienna. Metternich the presiding leader of the Congress of Vienna said, “ When France sneezes, Europe catches cold.” That was the case, for the revolutions of 1830 and 1848 in France ignited forces of liberalism and nationalism in other parts of Europe.

One of the many revolutions that transpired in France from 1830-1848 was the July Revolution. At this time Charles X ruled France. Charles a tactless obdurate man abused his power and called for a new election in 1830 after the legislature refused to pass laws restricting individual freedom. The result of the election was quite surprising for it favored the middle class liberals and not Charles. In trepidation Charles passed the July Ordinances, which dissolved the legislature, ended freedom of press, and restricted voting rights. Irate workers, university students, and middle class liberals stirred a massive revolt that drove Charles out of France.

Our Service Can Write a Custom Essay on French Revolution for You!

Nonetheless the outcome of this revolution proved to be a failure when the middle class liberals ignored the protests of the everyday citizen. Preceding the abdication of Charles the middle class liberals formed a constitutional monarchy ruled by Louis Philippe the cousin of Charles X. Louis Philippe was known as the “bourgeois monarch” and stood for the image of the middle class. Even though the monarchy prospered many citizens felt betrayed by the July Revolution because they had not received the right to vote. This middle class’ unwitting attitude caused a series of grievances that would ultimately led to the revolution of 1848.

During Louis Philippe’s reign an innovative political theory called socialism was rapidly growing. Under Socialism, society as whole rather than private individuals would own all property and all businesses, therefore protecting the interests of the working class. When Louis Philippe rejected the demands of the socialists the revolution of 1848 arose. Francois Guizot the king’s chief minister exacerbated the problem when he cancelled a public banquet in fear of an uprising. Thousands fled to the streets and began to shout “Down with Guizot.” Louis quickly responded and dismissed Guizot. Even so the workers did not relent and in time drove Louis Philippe out of France. The result of this revolution proved to be a success for it established the Second Republic. The Second Republic led by the stout socialist Louis Blanc established national workshops, which provided jobs for the unemployed.

The Second Republic also created a constitution that guaranteed liberty and established an elected legislature and president. The constitution also provided for universal male suffrage that assured all adult men the right to vote. The president elect of the Second Republic was Louis Napoleon who can be considered another success of the revolution of 1848 because as leader he encouraged trade, promised jobs, defended property rights, and supported the Roman Catholic Church. By gratifying the populace of France Louis Napoleon established a dictatorship. A year later he assumed the title Napoleon III and established the Second Empire. At the same time the revolution of 1848 can be considered a failure. When taxes were increased to fund the national workshops the middle class and peasants became infuriated. Because the middle class controlled the National Assembly the national workshops were abolished. This caused a clash between workers and French troops that left 10,000 people dead.

The revolution of 1848 in France inspired German liberals to demand reform. The middle class and workers ignited the revolution of 1848, which arose in Berlin after a demonstration was provoked into a noxious riot. The result of this revolution created tension between the Fredrick William and the National Assembly who had opposing ideas on the constitution. Fredrick William ended up eliminating the National Assembly replacing its constitution with his own. This revolution can be considered a failure because the goal of the revolution, which was to unify Germany, failed. Another example of this revolution’s failure was when Frederick William IV refused the crown given to him by the Frankfurt Parliament. Frederick William IV disbanded the Frankfurt Parliament ending any attempt of unification.

For the most part the revolutions of 1830 and 1848 had few successes. The reasons for failure were that many movements lacked unity and clear goals. There was also a deep division between the middle class liberals, who wanted moderate change, and the working class, who demanded radical change causing a difference of belief. Along with this, the conservatives held a well-built position that was strong enough to withstand revolutionary movements, therefore creating a loss cause. Revolutions may have valid means but what they accomplish is somewhat of a mystery.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATTENTION!!! HotEssays.blogspot.com provides free sample essays and essay examples on any topics and subjects. EssayLib.com essay writing service produces 100% custom essays, term papers & research papers, written by quality essay writers only. The prices start from $10 per page. You can order a custom essay on French Revolution now!

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara Essay

The Killer Angels Essay Example

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara is an outstanding fictional depiction of the Battle of Gettysburg, the day leading up to it, and the people involved in it during July of 1863. Shaara tells the book in third person through the usage of each of the main characters’ personal experiences and descriptive emotions before and during the tragic event. This allows the reader to grasp the situation unlike in any other Civil War book; that is, through the eyes of those who experienced it.

It is no surprise that at the beginning of the novel the confederate army is content with the direction they are going. Up to this point they have completely beaten back the North by beating them in battles fought on their land (in the South).

With Robert E. Lee as their general, the South is confident that they are invincible. When Lee receives news of the Union army’s plans from a spy, he quickly devises a plan to strike his opposing side at Gettysburg: a town on the northern side in South Pennsylvania. This will mark the first time his army fights offensively in the North. There is however, opposition to his decision.

Our Service Can Write a Custom Essay on The Killer Angels for You!

Immediately, due to Shaara's detailed description of each character at the beginning of the book, it is understood who will oppose Lee and why. James Longstreet, second in command, is a sad, overly cautious man, grieving over the deaths of his three children who died the winter previous due to fever. From the moment Lee makes the decision to attack the offensive side Longstreet opposes Lee. Longstreet is concerned with the well being of his men and feels that attacking the Union's army on their ground is a huge mistake.

Without Shaara's brilliant description it would not be apparent why Longstreet would oppose Lee so much. They are both men seemingly fighting for the same cause. It would only seem natural that they agree on everything. Shaara steps in and puts us into the mind frame of each character by giving us information on their past and explaining their inner most thoughts. This makes the book far more apprehensible and insightful than any simple civil war book or history textbook.

As the book continues, the battle of Gettysburg begins and the reader is given detailed explanations of the events that occurred there going back and forth between the people of each side continuously so as not to show bias toward the Rebels or the Yankees. Before delving into this book I had always sided with the Yankees no matter what. After all, according to today’s society their beliefs are the only politically correct ones in the Civil War. Over the course of reading this book I understood that it is not fair to judge the South based on today’s standards. Shaara presents an equal interpretation of both sides positions and a message is revealed: both sides were fighting for freedom-the freedom to be who they were.

On the first day of battle, both armies plan their positioning and tactics. Shaara’s maps and visuals through out the entire book really helped me to comprehend where everything was and how each section of each army planned to attack the other. The maps generally were placed in the book in such a way that the reader could look at them as a summary of what was going on in the battle at the location they are specifically placed. For example, a map is placed directly after the first day’s battles are fought. On it, it says largely “SITUATION AT CLOSE OF First Day.” (p.159) This is another helpful addition from the author that makes this book so unique.

The second day Lee tries to split up the Union and succeeds, yet he and his army fail to take the land the Yankees are on. By the third day, Lee, frustrated, wants to send another one of his generals, General George E. Pickett (under Longstreet), directly into the center of the Union troops. This is perhaps the most crucial moment of the entire Civil War. Desperately seeking some sort of victory Pickett leads his men up the slopes of Cemetery Ridge into the Union army. As they reach the ridge, knowing this is a battle that can no longer be won, Lee withdraws his troops to Virginia. The emotion put into this part of the book is extremely powerful. When Longstreet realizes that his troops are going to be withdrawn he raises his hands and says, “I don’t know if I can go on leading them. To die. For nothing (P.360).” In my opinion, this was the most emotional and powerful moment in the entire book. Shaara describes the grief and doubt of Longstreet so well that my heart wrenched reading this quotation. The battle leaves thousands dead on both sides. For the confederates, however, it is simply a loss they cannot afford, and they are never the same again after.

Possibly the most puzzling and poignant thing to me in this book was the deep meaning of the title of the book, which I discovered through my reading. The title is The Killer Angels, which almost could be an oxymoron. How is it that creatures, which we as humans depict as kind or as holy, could become cold murderers? This is precisely what Shaara tries to explain throughout the book by the use of his unique writing style. We know by the way that each character is described and portrayed in their chapters that the men involved in this gory battle were by no means evil creatures. They began as men wanting to be heard, as any human wants to be. With morals and guidelines as to how far they would actually go to be heard. However, soon after the war began they became people with ideals of which they would go to any degree to protect, even as far as fighting their own sides.

At one point in the story Col. Joshua Chamberlain of the Union is told by George C. Meade, the Union commander at Gettysburg, that he can shoot anyone in his regiment who refuses to fight. These men were bound to the army by a three-year contract, which had concluded but were nevertheless still forced into serving in the military. At that point Chamberlain realizes what the war had done to the men and says, “We’re an army going out to set other men free… what we’re all fighting for in the end is each other (p.30).” Shaara makes the greatest point learned in American history by this one quote. We cannot succeed unless we are together.

I was so impressed by Shaara’s amazing ability to use character personality and personal situations to tell the story of the horrific battle at Gettysburg accurately. Not only did it give insight into the battle itself, but it allowed the reader to connect with the characters on a more direct level while leaving enough room for interpretation because he did not focus on any single story or side in the battle.

I cannot say that there weren’t times where the book seemed boring and lengthy. The author’s detailed description and constant changing of sides were at a time tedious and confusing, but it would be unfair to take away the greatness of Shaara’s unmatched writing style by looking at those moments. What kept me able and willing to read more constantly was the mere fact that through reading the book I felt as though I understood thoroughly what each person felt, consequently allowing me to learn so much more about what occurred at Gettysburg. For example, when Lee proclaims at the beginning of the book, “I once swore to defend this ground… (P.84)” as he looks onto the North I sympathized with him understanding t for that brief moment the emotional struggle that less must have gone through. This is exactly the kind of little comment that makes the entire book extremely well written.

There is no doubt in my mind that upon educating yourself, Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels, is the best book to read in order to get a clear and precise understanding of the Battle of Gettysburg. It is not only an accurate informational source, but also a wonderful story covering the many different opinions and emotions of those that were involved in the battle. This allows the readers to connect to something that happened so long ago in such an emotional and captivating way.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATTENTION!!! HotEssays.blogspot.com provides free sample essays and essay examples on any topics and subjects. EssayLib.com essay writing service produces 100% custom essays, term papers & research papers, written by quality essay writers only. The prices start from $10 per page. You can order a custom essay on The Killer Angels now!

Jane Eyre: Feminist or Not essay

Jane Eyre Essay

From a feminist point of view Jane Eyre is a confusing novel! On a given page one may think that Jane has a seemingly weak character, but on another page one would want to sympathize with her, or want to help her. This is why it is difficult to label Jane Eyre as a feminist novel, or just a story about a who overcomes hardships in her life.

Jane Eyre can be easily seen as an antifeminist novel. There are many characters and events in the story that would force one to believe that this novel is not feminist. One of the most obvious reasons would be the characters that Jane looks up to.

At Lowood the only people that Jane has to look up to are Mrs. Temple and Mr. Brocklehurst. Mrs. Temple was a negative role because she only had her position when the male figure wasn't around. She was often told that she was trying to overpower Mr. Brocklehurst, and when he did, she gave into him! Brocklehurst was a negative role for Jane because he didn't believe that women were equal to men. He used his power to control everything that he could. He also publicly embarrassed Jane, which made her quest for independence and equally even harder.

Our Service Can Write a Custom Essay on Jane Eyre for You!

Even the marriage between Mr. Rochester and Bertha Mason give the novel an antifeminist twist. It shows that a man is using a woman for her money, and status. He married her for all of the wrong reasons...he didn't marry her for love or equality. When Rochester realizes that he really doesn't love Bertha, he locks her up so he can feel free to pursue other women. That's just not right.

These reasons are why Jane Eyre could be considered an antifeminist novel. Those were just cover-ups though to the truth theme of the novel: the equality of women. There are many reason to believe that the novel is feminist. One of the most obvious reasons would be Jane's dream to been seen equal to Rochester. Jane's only wish was to marry a man who would see her as his equal, because she wouldn't fight and compete with him to be seen that way.

Charlotte Bronte imagined a world where the husband treated his wife with respect and thought of her as his equal. When Jane and Rochester fall in love she makes it clear to him that she will not be walked all over, and wouldn't stay in his shadow. Unfortunately, Jane finds out about Bertha and sees how overpowering Rochester can be. This causes her not to want to marry him, and then she had no one to turn to.

At that point in Jane's life she knew that she couldn't marry Rochester, because she did not want to be the next Bertha. Jane knew that she had to establish herself as an independent woman before she could consider marrying Rochester.

There are many events in Jane Eyre that show that Rochester needs Jane in his life. That shows that if Rochester is capable of needing Jane then he would be ready to treat her as an equal. That was shown when Jane pulled him out of his bed fire. Had Jane not been there, who knows what would have happened, therefore showing that Rochester needed Jane.

When Jane returns to Rochester's and learns that Bertha is and he is blind she goes to find him and realizes that she is capable of being his equal. For the first time he realizes that he truely needs Jane, and she feels truely needed. She decided to follow her heart and marry him for love, not money or status.

Although Jane Eyre wasn't written during a time when women were seen as equals, it is a feminist novel. It should be labeled as feminist because when it was published Charlotte didn't want to give away that she was a woman, because she knew that it wouldn't have been published. It would have lost readers if the novel had been seen as purely feminist. Another reason that Jane Eyre is a feminist novel is that it was hard for Charlotte to make strong independent characters, because she herself wasn't able to be independent. Even though Jane Eyre is not often viewed as a purley feminist novel...it is, and Charlotte Bronte did an amazing job creating a world where women were equal to men even though in the real world it wasn't possible.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATTENTION!!! HotEssays.blogspot.com provides free sample essays and essay examples on any topics and subjects. EssayLib.com essay writing service produces 100% custom essays, term papers & research papers, written by quality essay writers only. The prices start from $10 per page. You can order a custom essay on Jane Eyre now!