Knowledge

Throughout history, man has searched endlessly for a treasure that affects fate and walks the line between life and death; knowledge, the priceless jewel forged by discovery and ingenuity. Knowledge defines the terms, on which the world runs, and it determines which countries are powerful. The book Fahrenheit 451 displays how knowledge determines power, and shows how a group without knowledge is truly handicapped. Without knowledge, life becomes a futile battle against the unknown.  

Influential, powerful countries rely on their resourcefulness to remain relevant, for they win the international battle between scientists and mathematicians, and whoever knows the most, and can successfully solve governmental dilemmas, gains power and status in the global community, so they can fight for pride, peace, and power. Because of this quest for power, lesser countries are absorbed in the convoluted schemes of war and corruption, and they lose themselves in flawed governmental systems which result in poverty and censorship. Fahrenheit 451 exemplifies this difference of power due to knowledge. The Government is in total control, while the citizens walk around blankly believing their lives to be stellar and carefree, yet they saunter around in a morose trance, knowing only how to do their jobs. Proof of this occurs when Montag visits with his wife’s companions and they discuss how citizens are only educated enough to complete their jobs efficiently. This shows that people are being kept ignorant because they place their trust in those in power and allow the Government total and complete control over the region. Nobody bothers to question them as they are without knowledge, and therefore without power.

While the Government is able to ruthlessly act without opposition, the people of Fahrenheit 451 live in fear because of their lack of knowledge. They stick to their system that they know and experience because they have a fear of the unknown, a fear shared by humanity all over. However, these citizens fear knowledge itself which renders this book a dystopic novel, for it inverses human nature, our desire to learn more about our surroundings. Examples of this are shown when Montag first meets Clarisse, and is astounded by the questions that she asks, of philosophy and nature. It proves that Montag and most other citizens do not bother to ponder questions of nature and science, and issues in the world, or the simple miracles that transpire in daily life.  It shows that humanity is no longer curious about the world around them. Captain Beatty once states in the book,” She didn’t want to know how something was done, Clarisse wanted to know why.” This shows that the normal level of thinking and debate occurring in the average civilian’s consciousness was at a minimal level, and that the people of the book merely accomplished the tasks that lie before them, and don’t wonder why something occurs, which are the most common questions asked in literature, science, and philosophy. However, the Government abhors people like Clarisse and keeps a vigilant watch over those who have acquired knowledge or a sense of self because of a fear that people such as Clarisse might begin to have the courage to overthrow the Government because they have knowledge.

Fahrenheit 451 exhibits the fear of the unknown, and this speaks to the human condition, for in reality, fear comes from what isn’t certain. Circumstances change like the weather, and humanity as a whole is frightened by the notion of change. One could relate this fear to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, in which the residents chained to the cave walls went to methods such as murder to keep things constant, for in Fahrenheit 451, Mildred alerts the authorities because of Montag’s contraband that he smuggles into the house. She is afraid of the consequences that it will have on her lifestyle and income. This exhibits a fear of change, another unknown, which ties into the main theme and speaks to the human condition. Anything that isn’t for certain, or hasn’t been proven is to be feared. During the course of history, humanity hasn’t quenched its thirst for knowledge. For example, during childhood, a common fear is of the “monsters” that have taken residence in the closet, and this fear becomes almost a reality until a child is shown that no such monster exist because the knowledge that nothing is inside the closet is gained, and the fear no longer exists. Another universal fear of the unknown is death. The prospect of eternal torture, isolation in a dark void, or salvation results in a lifelong terror for the Earth’s residents. However this fear can’t be lost with knowledge.

                Fahrenheit 451 thoroughly follows the path of irony throughout the extent of the novel. It begins in a chaotic, dystopic world which is represented in the times of censorship. Although, an interesting point is that the civilization that Montag resides owns advanced technology, and has all the power to be a conquering Government that could positively influence the rest of the world with technology, which is a goal of peaceful countries in reality. However, this is contradictory to real life because the Government uses all the advanced technology to tighten the chokehold against knowledge, and this feeds the dystopic nature of the knowledge.

 From the chaotic world, serious conflict arises when Montag steals books, and awakens from his quasi-hypnosis state of mind. He gains knowledge and is almost immediately persecuted for it. Because of this gained awareness and knowledge, Montag engages himself in trouble and serious conflict by collecting books, and becomes a fugitive. However while this book is an irony, it ends in a romantic sweep, for Montag runs away while in close pursuit. He swims in a river and eventually finds an exiled group of former scholars who all have memorized a book, and they survive while the city is bombed. Near the end of the book, a phoenix is mentioned, and a phoenix symbolizes rebirth. As well as the phoenix, in ancient times, men would memorize written passages in order to pass them along to others, and keep literature from vanishing, or falling into obscurity, and these scholars in Fahrenheit 451 are partaking in similar practices. In addition, the ending is supported by a large number of romantic symbols, such as the starry skies, parsley and a slow moving river.

                Fahrenheit 451 clearly warns of the horrors that may occur in the absence of knowledge, or when knowledge is placed in the wrong hands. Many instances in history speak to this, including socialistic dictatorships such as the Russian revolution, where the lack of knowledge ended up affecting the wealth of a nation, or the quality of life. The same outcome would happen in any censored situation, and shows that knowledge truly controls fate, wealth, and war, and has the whole world is in its tight grip. The unknown becomes an unconquerable fear without knowledge, in which prosperity and peace can’t be found.

The Relationship of Nietzsche's Quote and Fahrenheit 451

                Nietzsche, a philosopher, once quoted, “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger,” and this famous quote is essentially, a conclusion formed about life. It preaches that people grow from their experiences during the course of daily life. The hardships and triumphs, the good and the bad, are all factors of daily life that affect the way humanity grows and matures from day today and all occur in the journey from innocence to experience.  Nietzsche’s quote can be applied to the book Fahrenheit 451 because it speaks of growth from pain in daily life.

                Niezche’s life inspired him to quote, “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” The fact it speaks that pain in life it necessary, relates to many of Guy Montag’s experiences. After a life of monotony, Montag meets a girl who still notices the subtle miracles of life, in nature and human nature. Because of her nature, she awakens Guy Montag to the world, and because of this he finds himself and who he truly is as a person. He is able to grow and mature now that he is aware of the world around him. Since the beginning of his awakening, Montag becomes aware of the horrible aspects of his life, this is evident when he begins to ask questions which concern topics such as why something happens, or if firemen are picked because of looks as well as talent when he notices that all firemen are nearly identical. Examples of this occur when Montag questions topics such as the mechanical hound and how it knows how to attack its prey, or perhaps when he asks why the Government arrests someone or sends them to the asylum when they were clearly of sound mind. One can tell that Montag is beginning to think on a deeper level, and that his experiences are beginning to help him grow in mental strength, to the point where he is no longer a brainwashed citizen, but perhaps a free-thinking soul asking natural questions as to why something happens.

                While Montag’s first experiences with rational thought awaken him to a new side of life and innocence, his later growth and discoveries are on a deeper level. Montag’s experiences with burning books have littered his memory for the past several years, and the experience has been mind-numbing and pleasant, yet now it seems a pointless, futile practice. This compels him to smuggle the contraband into his residence, and immerse himself in literature. One can tell that the experiences of burning books would naturally leave one curious about the content that was being burned. Concluding that Montag’s experiences have developed his conscious, he begins to read the books, and consults an old friend, a former English professor named Faber. Together they begin to form the nuclei of plans to disband the Firemen, and a real change is noticed in Montag during this section of the piece. Out of fear for his own safety, Faber asks Montag to leave his residence, and Montag refuses and successfully convinces Faber of his plan. It’s as if Montag is a new man, for he is determined, focused, and thinking quickly. Montag uses force and intelligence to get his way, and this is quite possibly the segment of the piece where the novel’s relationship with Nietzsche’s quote is most evident because Montag has built on past experience and dangers to sharpen his senses. He effectively influences others to have his way. However, Montag’s awakening does not come without danger and hardships which also speak to the quote, specifically, “whatever doesn’t kill me.” This part comes into action when Beatty catches Montag reading the books, and attempts to burn Montag’s house, yet once again Montag’s regains composure and murders Beatty. This behavior shows that he is in touch with his conscience, and quickly does what he believes to be right.

                Over the course of this book one can fully see the growth in Montag. His past experiences and knowledge fuel him, and keeping him moving on, more aware of the world and dangers around him, and feels pain and grows better for it. These factors show that Nietzsche’s quote does apply to the book because Montag grows from past experiences.                                                                     

The Importance of Patriotism

Life in modern society no longer glamorizes war, they longer appreciate the courage required to storm a hill while bullets fly like bees around ones, and they barely acknowledge the consequences of placing oneself in such a traumatic situation. Nowadays, daily life tests humanity, which is why, in a time of trial and stress, America needs the people who care, those who passionately support their neighbors, or storm into battle. America needs patriotism, and requires that it has a plentiful supply.

Enlisting in the military comes to mind when one thinks of patriotism, however simple community service creates the same effect. A patriot passionately engages in politics during elections, they debate and argue with others who oppose them. They actively support their candidate, and wave flags during the 4th of July. They’re an omnipresent source of optimism and are leaders in the community without being soldiers.
While some people are patriotic in the political aspect of the country, a small handful takes interest in the defense of our country. These hallowed few are willing to take a bullet for something greater than them, to give the ultimate sacrifice, the greatest gift that they can give for their country. Humanity fears death because of the unknown, the possibilities of a black void or eternal torture. These are questions that constantly confound our greatest thinkers. Soldiers show true bravery and conquer the universal fear of the unknown. Patriots pay for their bravery after coming back from the war. Many suffer from illnesses such as post traumatic stress disorder and have trouble re-acclimating to civilian life. To make matters worse, the public hampers veterans and doesn’t show appreciation, but we need these brave souls.

A true patriot cares about his or her country. They feel the need to be active in the community, and they are the leaders that make this country great. America runs on their blood, sweat, hard work; the sacrifices given by those who care make this country function. When people say that patriotism is irrelevant, and that community and military service is a waste of time, they forget that people are in foreign countries dying for them, and that’s enough to make one incredibly angry. Patriots ask for no credit or recognition, we as Americans need patriotism to pull us through times of trial, for they are vital to our success.

The Power of Propaganda

It fits hand in hand with power, this force alters nations and opinions, force such as this are the bane of democracy and free thinking, for it nurtures itself on infidelity and rumor. Propaganda is a dangerous tool for any politician, or leader to have the ability to procure, as it convolutes thoughts into a manufactured belief. The book Animal Farm perfectly represents the devastating effects that transpire when propaganda becomes a component in a government. Propaganda needs to be halted in progress, for the safety of those it effects.

Individuals in position of authority have benefited immensely from the use of corruption in history. For example, during the climax of the Cold War, the U.S. government was feeding an ignorant population that thrived on propaganda, and the government achieved the goal of turning their people against the Russian citizens who were only guilty of living in a communist controlled country. In the book Animal Farm, propaganda becomes Napoleon’s main point of attack, for after the exile if Snowball, Napoleon’s primary opposition, Squealer is sent to inform the various residents of Animal Farm that during the duration of The Battle of The Cowshed, Snowball was in fact a double agent who had planned the farmers’ attack. This was a fable designed to strengthen the bond between leader and follower, as well as fracture fidelity to Snowball. In addition, when Napoleon began to behave like a human by drinking alcohol, standing on two legs, or killing in cold blood, Squealer was sent to reassure doubters that Napoleon was in no way, shape, or form breaking any rules. Most animals of average intelligence seemed to recall that the commandments had clearly stated “No animal shall sleep in a bed,” yet when the animals looked over the principles again, it proclaimed that “No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.” The animals of the farm learned to quickly accept the new rules, for they believed that Napoleon is always right.

While in Animal Farm, the propaganda is generated by pigs, the theme is true to reality, for in real life many members of humanity place too must trust in their governments and assume that all the information must be valid because it was told to them from the government. Stories and cases such as Animal Farm prove why education is the sponsor of a thriving democracy, those who do not comprehend the governmental issues will be susceptible to propaganda and lies from political candidates. Individuals who are illiterate, or ignorant are those who will allow absolute power to corrupt absolutely. The message in the book Animal Farm warns against the dangers of propaganda, and how it allows corruption to take over in society, it tells how gullible uneducated people will be. What sounds right to humanity’s ears, is under no circumstances the prodigious prospect that it seems.

What goes on behind the closed doors is ambiguous to some, which is why the citizens of a democracy must strive to educate themselves, so they can protect the people around them from unethical leaders. Humanity must not allow stories such as Animal Farm to become reality, because devastating events occur when propaganda molds people’s thoughts into a single entity, wrapped around one concept. People must be educated for their sanity, and safety.

Escape Through Ectsasy

Escape Through Ecstasy
by Brad Wahlgren
Romance binds people together. It keeps life simple which is relevant considering that today’s modern world is too fast paced, and sometimes we just need to slow down and enjoy ourselves. The book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer fits this entertaining category of literature. Romance can be vital to keep yourself happy when times are tough, but one can’t rely on it completely.
Tom Sawyer is a very romantic book, for it has a plot line packed with occurrences that are surreal. Most people who live in the rural town of Saint Petersburg seem to be pleasantly ignorant of what goes on behind their backs, or even right in front of their noses. Tom, a notorious prankster, takes advantage of this situation. An example of Tom’s misadventures would be when he decides that the parents of the village have been a bit too abusive, and therefore will run off to the Mississippi River, a pirate stronghold, so he can plunder and pillage the surrounding communities. This in turn causes the people of St. Petersburg to frantically engage in a futile search to locate the lost “heroes”. The romantic side of this is that, while their search may be a valiant effort, the people seem to overlook the tiny island in the river.
While romance can occur during happy periods of time, this book has it happen during what would be a tragic or comedic section of the book. Tom and his companion Huck witness a shocking murder in which a fistfight breaks out, and concludes in a stabbing. While this appears to be a horrifying deed to commit, Tom watches it in a comfortable position within striking distance of the murderer. This speaks to how in Tom Sawyer any tragedy can turn into a romantic adventure, and that innocent behavior, which Tom originally went to the spot of the murder to commence in, can turn into a whole sequence of danger.
Even though in literature romance can blossom into any situation that occurs during literature, the sad truth is that romance is simply designed for our infatuation, our escape, our disguise.
Romance can actually sadden one, for it may cause one to ponder about the vast difference between two worlds. Tom Sawyer can find the time to do any activity his heart desires while humanity today makes sacrifices which put us on the line, and occasionally we step across. We can be pushed to the limit, yet fall short because there are times during life where we have too much on our plates. People may look wistfully at romance as a place to escape to, and lose focus for their own lives. This must not happen because today’s modern world is to complex, and once one loses grip, life will never relinquish its hold.
Romance is one of Mark Twain’s specialties, but during the course of this book, nothing cheered up the reader like some romances. In this book Tom’s adventures leave one intoxicated with romance briefly, for the stories are fun to read. It also leaves one feeling like they are missing something, because the book leaves one with nothing to contemplate because all the characters remain the same as they were at the start of the book. The parents’ intelligence level remains not up to snuff. Tom does not mature at all as he experiences danger and adventures. He learns nothing, for he plans to become a robber, during which he will inevitably grapple with more danger, because danger sticks to Tom like ravens stick to carnage. While the book remains a refreshing read with joyful characters, this book has no point other than to give the theory that adventure brings danger.
While romance is fun for brief reading when one is feeling sad or down on one’s luck, but one must stay in reality because romance can take you way out into a different place, and prolong your troubles until they grow into something you can’t control. Books such as The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer can occupy one’s thoughts as they boast fun adventures. One must equalize the two, or one could become overloaded with one half of the balance.

Courage- Overcoming Yourself

There is a force that drives all humanity to achieve their goals. Many of these forces are human emotions, for these can bestow incentives to people who are feeling them. Hate can cause people to act irrationally, or brashly. Courage causes consideration and heartfelt thinking. Even in literature such as Tom Sawyer. Courage can drive people to do amazing things, such as enlist in a military, or stand up for one of one’s peers during troubled times. Courage should be rewarded, for it is a noble emotion to display.
Beautiful emotions like this one change according to the situation. One can differentiate the types of courage, but none are foolish, and none are to go unnoticed without merit. In the book Tom Sawyer, the main character Tom, is involved in many rare experiences. During the course of some of these Tom exhibits whit with some treachery, but when Tom is feeling more noble, he displays acts of courage and is rewarded with repaired friendships and prizes. An example of this would be when Tom is suffering the duration of a disagreement with his friend Becky, and he winds up saving her from a potential whipping by taking the flogging himself. He is rewarded with a renewed friendship with her.
While in literature courage is often displayed, the amount and extent to which courage is displayed in reality seems surreal. War is happening all over the globe, and soldiers for their countries display courage, for it seems like lunacy to charge into battle against people they know nothing about, to protect people they don't know. This is the type of courage that must be rewarded. Soldiers are treated with honor and care, but this type of treatment is not even enough for what the soldiers experience.
While there is courage on the battlefield, there are different kinds of courage that are on a smaller scale, but still relevant. This bravery occurs every day, every where. People all over must overcome their personal struggles. In the business and social world, people must overcome timidity to speak up and be successful. It takes courage to speak out and be successful. In addition, people in tough situations need to have the courage to keep their heads up, and not become overstressed about their lives even though they have reason for concern. In Tom Sawyer, Tom displays the courage to speak out against Injun Joe. Even though he is at a great personal risk, for if Injun Joe escapes he will be likely to seek out Tom due to a revenge stricken heart and criminal mind. This confession saves the life of the innocent alleged murderer Muff Potter, and now the village has a definite future convict should he be caught. Tom is then branded a hero, and celebrated.
Courage is the most celebrated emotion one can show. Courage is rewarded when it is shown. It happens many times in Tom Sawyer. It is a necessary attribute to have to survive in today's modern world. There are so many obstacles that mankind must overcome. Those who have courage naturally have a special gift, and those who don't must strive to achieve this goal, for it will benefit them greatly with new heights to ascend to and new rewards to receive.

A FINAL response to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Response to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
When one grows up, he changes drastically. As a human increases their quantity of experience, they gain the knowledge of how the world works, which is something that he or she couldn’t have possibly comprehended in his adolescence. He or she takes on newer, and tougher responsibilities that have more of an impact on his or her life as well as the lives of others. To reach this point it takes a lifelong journey as you gain more experience every day. In the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Every human makes the stressful journey from innocence to experience, and everyone faces immense struggles and insecurities, as well as triumphs, while finding out who one truly is as a person, but the one making the voyage must be supported and comforted, for he or she is fragile throughout the course of this trip.
Everyone makes the trip from innocence to experience, and all face struggles, but some face different struggles than others. Francie faces tougher struggles that typical middle class teenagers haven’t faced, for Francie lives in a world different than ours with tougher hills to climb than wondering if that zit will ever go away. Francie has to deal with poverty and racial tension in the poor section of Brooklyn in which her family resides. A typical day for Francie in her childhood consists of wandering the streets and picking up trash to turn in for money, while basking in Saturdays warmth and comfort of having a routine in “serene” Brooklyn. Something she is content with. It is a great feeling to be a child with nothing to worry about. As you gain experience you become more aware of the world around you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t convert back to innocence for periods of time. Adults who are experienced enough to know that happiness doesn’t always lie in adult habits, nor is it innocence that can always create happiness. Amorous adults are the people who can balance themselves and sometimes convert back to innocence.
While amorous adults can become innocent and experienced without leaving the experienced side of the journey, Francie is only on the innocent side. During Francie’s Saturday routine Francie spies an old man sitting alone and unwanted on a bench, and has the fear of old age after she sees his mangled foot. This is one of Francie’s first steps on her road from innocence to experience. Later in her journey she faces more serious problems like when her father dies of alcohol and pneumonia, and she is forced to step up to the plate and put her knowledge of the world to work as she is forced to begin to work for a living instead of attend high school; something she has always wanted to do. From that point she lives in an adult world and is forced to act like one. Francie has to be pushed around by unfair bosses and unpleasant co-workers who do not respect her.
With all the stress upon Francie’s shoulders she shows that she has successfully made the transition from innocence to experience, and begins to notice the changes in the world around her. She becomes less content with what she has and strives to achieve better. Mankind changes motivations to do jobs or sports as they grow older. In adulthood people do jobs to support themselves, but children will do things just to be nice or because “mommy told them to". The same thing goes for students. Students in school change from in early grade school, where children like to do well so they get stickers on there paper. To high school and beyond, where the kids attempt excellence to be successful later in life. Francie’s motivations change because if she doesn’t succeed her family will suffer.
This book is full of elements and components that make it great for deep thinking. Although one element that is stressed is how important family and friends become in your life during adolescence. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn shows us that, during our teenager years we could not possibly make it through without the guidance, and support of our fellows. Teenagers mankind makes bad choices, for peer pressure and bad influences are abound when we are at our most desperate time to fit in, but ironically when we ourselves are at our weakest, our friendships are at there strongest and we will pull through. Francie feels the temptations. When her boyfriend Lee wishes to spend the night with her she wonders what her mother would say. She relies on the judgment of her friends and family to guide her through the toughest times.
During the toughest of times, in the darkest of places, and in the worst of situations people will find a way to pull through. When poverty and hardships cross the threshold into peoples lives, we fight back harder. Humanity strives to achieve excellence and rarely stops until that goal is acquired. Greatness can occur in the most trivial places, and people can rise from the lowliest of niches in the world. With all the hardships that people go through, they always come out better as a person, so as they gain experience they can be ready for whatever life may thrust at them.