Writing aposition paper
200 Argumative Essay Topics
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Do You Agree to Redevelop a City Free Essays
Do you consent to redevelop Lee Tong Street ? I don't consent to redevelop Lee Tong Street in view of the accompanying reasons . From the monetary perspective , redevelop Lee Tong Street cause genuine financial misfortunes to the retailers and the occupants . First , after the redevelopment , the property costs will be expanded . We will compose a custom article test on Do You Agree to Redevelop a City or then again any comparative point just for you Request Now It will undermine the endurance of the current little retailers . They worry about whether they will get enough pay to cover their misfortunes . Some will be unable to bear the cost of the high lease and will be compelled to shut down . Second , the inhabitants stress on the off chance that they will get enough remuneration to buy a level of a comparative size and whether their everyday environments will be improved . Likewise , the occupants worry about whether they could be migrated in a similar territory and manage the cost of the expanded lease later on . Those partners need to confront a genuine monetary misfortunes in the redevelopment of Lee Tung Street . From the social perspective , redevelopment of Lee Tung Street will bring an extreme change for the nearby inhabitants . First , after the redevelopment , Lee Tung Street will have some tall structures . On account of the thickly pressed tall structures , the thickness will be expanded . What's more, the air contamination likewise will turn out to be progressively genuine . Second , Lee Tung Street was initially an open space where inhabitants could stay nearby and collaborate with one another uninhibitedly . Networks could then be set up . Anyway , after these lanes are redeveloped into shopping centers which have a place with engineers and are exclusive , individuals will never again be qualified for the option to collaborate openly in these private regions . This upsets the development of networks . The redevelopment bring numerous awkward to the general public and the inhabitants . P. 1 From the social perspective , redevelop Lee Tung Street will obliterate the nearby social , Chinese customary artworks and the conventional building . First , inhabitants along Lee Tung Street utilized the structures to build up a nearby printing industry . They utilized the forward portion of the structure as their shops , while the back was utilized as the printing workshops . A bunch of wedding card printing shops before long jumped up and moved Lee Tung Street toward a notable print marketing center point which is a piece of the aggregate memory of Hong Kong individuals . The neighborhood social will step by step evaporate alongside the redevelopment . Distinctive conventional shops and food slows down will be supplanted with dull chain stores and shops , sabotaging social assorted variety . Next , in spite of the fact that the old structures on Lee Tung Street are not of extraordinary recorded worth , not very many of those structures in the compositional style of the 50s and 60s are left . Obliterate a social is simple , however set up a social is definitely not a simple occupation . Redevelopment Lee Tung Street will demolish Hong Kong neighborhood social . A few people may declare that after the redevelopment of Lee Tung Street , it can has a superior utilization of land for others reasonable advancement . What's more, the better offices can settle the poor cleanliness and the contamination issues . Anyway , after the redevelopment , the structures will changed from principally six-story Chinese-styled apartment structures to tall structures . The occupants will increasingly more . At that point , the thickness of Lee Tung Street will a lot of expanded . Additionally , the redevelopment venture incorporate structure new shopping centers . That implies Lee Tung Street will turn into a place of interest like Causeway Bay . As we as a whole know , Causeway Bay ââ¬Ës air contamination issue is the most genuine in Hong Kong . It is safe to say that we will do without our natural issue? Redevelop Lee Tung Street influence the neighborhood occupants , as well as all the Hong Kong individuals . The misfortunes for redevelopment venture are more than the advantages . In this way , it is an off-base choice to redevelop Lee Tung Street . ( End ) Step by step instructions to refer to Do You Agree to Redevelop a City, Papers
Saturday, August 22, 2020
To what extent can prepardness and planning mitigate the effects of volcanic hazards free essay sample
A volcanic risk is a circumstance that represents a danger to life, nature, and foundation after a volcanic emission. Volcanoes are framed at different plate limits, for example, at mid maritime edges where plates are moving separated, for instance at the Mid Atlantic edge. They additionally happen on or close to subduction zones. The ââ¬Ëring of fireââ¬â¢ will in general be the place the most vicious volcanic movement happens. The size of demolition a spring of gushing lava has is vigorously dependant on whether the ejection happens in a MEDC or a LEDC and the manner by which these countryââ¬â¢s get ready and plan for the chance of a volcanic emission. Moreover, numerous human and physical variables can add with the impacts the volcanic emission has on a region. Arranging and getting ready for volcanic ejections successfully can lessen the effects they have on a territory fundamentally. The Education of neighborhood individuals about volcanic ejections can decrease the impacts of a well of lava generously. On the off chance that one is instructed about various angles about getting ready and making arrangements for ejections they are bound to empty the zone speedier. For instance, In Montserrat the ranchers were not instructed about the impacts that the fountain of liquid magma would have, and accordingly disregarded the various admonition signs, as they didn't have the training that maybe, a progressively evolved nation may have. The ejection of Mount Etna emission in 1991 shows how successful readiness and arranging can effectsly affect a volcanoââ¬â¢s perils. Mount Etna is Europeââ¬â¢s most noteworthy and most dynamic well of lava, while being seen as one of the universes best oversaw. Earlier the 1991 ejection of Mount Etna, huge hindrances had been set up on the slants of the well of lava. This was not a changeless arrangement but rather to postpone the beginning so that of the emissions different strategies could be gotten. Helicopters dropped solid squares through the highest points of the spring of gushing lava on the to hinder a few vents so as to divert the magma stream. Mount Etna is currently fixed with numerous sensors to identify any indication of an ejection with a blend of attractive, seismic and video sensors connected to an observing station, sending a book at any notice that an emission may happen. This is cautioning framework is essential as Mount Etna is on rich ripe ground, where 25% of Sicilyââ¬â¢s populace live. Because of the fountain of liquid magma type that mount Etna is (composite layers), when emissions occur, the magma is effectively overseen, despite the fact that it can travel huge separations. Magma bombs and pyroclastic streams are not an incredible danger when the spring of gushing lava ejects. All things considered, the strategies of arranging and arrangement before the emission of Mount Etna in 1991 relieved the impacts of the volcanic risks by an enormous sum as appeared by the little harm the ejection did to the encompassing region. Be that as it may, the impacts of the ejection in Montserrat were annihilating in contrast with Mount Etna, because of the absence of planning the emission had. The main ejection in Montserrat in 1995 was totally spontaneous and arranged for. The spring of gushing lava had been lethargic for over 300 years thus the ejection came as a total astonishment. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory was perceived not long after the primary emission of the Soufriere Hills Volcano on July eighteenth 1995. The stations are situated around the spring of gushing lava and distinguish the ground developments brought about by neighborhood tremors and vault breakdown. Sometimes, huge seismic tremors outside Montserrat are additionally recorded. The seismic signs are checked 24 hours every day at the Observatory. The second ejection on 25 June 1997 influenced Montserrat in various manners, despite the fact that the fountain of liquid magma observatory had been set up. This could be because of Montserrat being a LEDC, and along these lines it can't stand to actualize costly ejection recognition innovation. Avoidance zones, in any case, were set up to guarantee that insignificant measure of harm would be done, after the emission. The ejection impactsly affected the earth; the primary part of the emission causing the most annihilating impacts was the pyroclastic stream (hot debris, shakes and gas), which alone slaughtered around 19 nearby individuals. Following the emission, an aggregate of at any rate 4 square kilometers of land was secured by the stores from the pyroclastic streams and floods The fine grained pyroclastic floods broke and leveled trees. In certain regions there was no vegetation left by any means, vegetable beds were uncovered of plants and the dirt was amazingly hard. The absence of arranging and readiness the ejection effectsly affected the nearby individuals too. The volcanic emission obliterated between 100 - 150 houses. The houses were covered by flotsam and jetsam from the pyroclastic stream, consumed by the hot pyroclastic floods, or set land by the extraordinary warmth in the air. The majority of the houses devastated were in the Exclusion Zone and ought to have been unfilled yet an expected 15 individuals were living and dozing in the Exclusion Zone. It very well may be contended in any case, that the primary driver of the impacts of the emission were unavoidable, the pyroclastic stream, as one can never be set up for the size of the ejection a fountain of liquid magma may have. Plainly, from the two contextual investigations, that arranging and readiness can relieve the impacts of volcanic perils somewhat, appeared by the manner by which the emissions Sicily and in Montserrat were gotten ready for and the impacts of both volcanic ejections. Notwithstanding, there are numerous different components that can impact the impacts of an emission, for example, spring of gushing lava type, length of ejection, and different impacts of which no nation can get ready absolutely for.
Monday, July 27, 2020
A White Christmas
A White Christmas My family isnt really into traditions. We dont celebrate many holidays because a lot of our extended family doesnt live within a drivable distance. However, the one tradition that my family does have is our annual ski trip over winter break. This year was no exception, so my family packed up our winter clothing and headed to Colorado to spend a week in the snowy mountains. (I always find it funny that I look forward to going home over break to escape the Boston weather, but spend half of the break in arguably worse weather than the Boston weather.) This winter break has been an actual break for me this year- it seems like almost every other holiday is cluttered with things I said Id do during the semester and didnt have time to do. But with things lining up now, I can finally take the time to decompress and enjoy spending time with my family. I dont know if there are that many sensations in the world that can compare to skiing. When youre on the slope, its just you and the mountain. You point your skis down the hill and let gravity help you on your way. As you turn down the hill, you feel like youre floating. Its honestly this magical sensation. If youve never been before, I really suggest trying it once in your lifetime! Although I cant take you all skiing with me, I did take some photos so I could share the experience. Being out here reminded me that the world is a beautiful place. Its easy to forget that when youre stuck in your bubble at home or at MIT. I hope everyone is having a wonderful, relaxing holiday. Moxie, my ski instructor Marys cheagle (chihuahua beagle) certainly is! Merry Christmas!!
Friday, May 22, 2020
The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde - 1837 Words
Robert Louis Stevensonââ¬â¢s masterpiece, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde centers around duality of humanity in nature, right vs. wrong, joy vs. despair, good vs. evil. This novella invites the reader in through techniques like flash-backs, foreshadowing and suspense. Within every person there is nature of two equal parts, whether it be obvious or not, it varies from person to person. Dualism derives from the Latin word duo, meaning two. Simply put, dualism can be understood as the existence of two different, often opposite principles. ââ¬Å"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hydeâ⬠centers upon the conception of humanity as dual in nature. In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, one manââ¬â¢s dark desires create a case of aâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦When a manââ¬â¢s desires over power his self-control, the malicious nature is amplified. Jekyll loves to be Hyde because Jekyll has repressed his violent and sexual urges. Hyde is Jekyllââ¬â¢s inner nature because he wanted to express himself and his needs without feeling any sort of remorse or guilt for it. ââ¬Å"We hadâ⬠was the reply. ââ¬Å"But it is more than ten years since Henry Jekyll became too fanciful for me. He began to go wrong, wrong in the mindâ⬠(Norton Page 837) This quote shows that Dr. Lanyon began to see the changes in Dr. Jekyll, his mind was going even before he started taking the potion. Although, Jekyll is fully aware of what Hyde is doing, he wakes with a clear memory the morning after. One example of this is when he remembers the trampling of the little girl and the killing of Sir Davis. Jekyll could not live under societies expectations and rules which ultimately led to the evil side of himself known as Hyde. Dr. Jekyll is a socially acceptable repressed individual who still has a dark side but he does a fine job hiding it. Hyde on the other hand is completely free and liberated. ââ¬Å"Hyde is a metamorphic creature, adhering to the elusiveness of Stevensonââ¬â¢s creation: the initial frames depict Hyde as a dark shadow, undistinguished from the abstract cityscape that he aims to possessâ⬠(Becoming Hyde) Hyde is not one hundred percent evil, he seems to personify the pure evil side of human nature. He does stillShow MoreRelatedThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1675 Words à |à 7 PagesThe Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Essay Robert Louis Stevensonââ¬â¢s novella, ââ¬Å"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,â⬠is a type of Gothic literature. In the beginning of the story when Stevenson is describing the lawyer, one ââ¬Å"Mr. Utterson,â⬠the mood is a bit dull. At first glance the reader may think that this story would be a bit boring and drab. Stevensonââ¬â¢s story is far from being another dull piece of British English literature. The setting and mood of this novella are more complexRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde Essay975 Words à |à 4 PagesStevensonââ¬â¢s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a novella that follows the basic outline established by Mary Shelley in Frankenstein. However, Stevensonââ¬â¢s monster is not created from body parts but comes from the dark side of the human personality. In both novels, a man conducts a secret experiment that gets out of control. The result of these experiments is the release of a double, or doppelgan ger, which causes damage to their creator. While most people think that The Strange Case of Dr. JekyllRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1440 Words à |à 6 Pagescomplexity of human nature in his books, especially in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Kidnapped. The former is about a lawyer named Mr. Utterson seeking out the truth of Dr. Jekyllââ¬â¢s very strange will. He finds out that Jekyll was transforming himself into Mr. Hyde so that he could have the freedom to do whatever he wanted no matter how evil. By the time Utterson finds all this out and findsJekyll, he is too late and Jekyll has already killed himself. The latter is about David BalfourRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1196 Words à |à 5 Pageswhich do let control you? The good or evil? This was a question that Dr. Jekyll from the book, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, could not answer. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a book about a man who cannot control the two sides of himself, causing him to do terrible things and not even be aware of it. The theme of this book is good versus evil. Dr. Jekyll is fighting his evil side, known as Mr. Hyde, throughout the book. Some people believe that the bookââ¬â¢s theme hasRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde938 Words à |à 4 PagesVictorian Hopes and Fears Involving Science as Found in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde During the Victorian Era there was a great race to use science to alleviate the suffering of the ill, specifically for those patients who were suffering from ailments of the mind. While some of the methods used to diagnose and treat such afflictions would be considered barbaric in nature by todayââ¬â¢s standards, they were considered cutting edge medical science during the time of the Victorian Era. It was also consideredRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde964 Words à |à 4 PagesThe Strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written by Robert Louis Stevenson was published in 1886. The story is published during the Victorian era, the Victorian era was an age of repression, there was no violence, no sexual appetite, and there was no great expression or emotion. In the story, Dr. Jekyll creates a potion that turns him into Mr. Hyde, Mr. Hyde is the complete opposite of what people are in the Victorian era. At first, Dr. Jekyll is in control of Mr. Hyde, but towards t he end MrRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1505 Words à |à 7 PagesDuring the latter portion of the nineteenth century, Robert Louis Stevenson published his novella, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The fin de sià ¨cle saw the rise of different thoughts and ideas surrounding science and society. These concepts and interpretations sparked the discourse surrounding the theory of degeneration; which was the concern that civilization would fall to a lower state of being. This chapter will be reading multiplex personality as a manifestation of this broader culturalRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1739 Words à |à 7 Pagesnovel ââ¬Å"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hydeâ⬠by Robert Louis Stevenson, the novel ââ¬Å"Frankensteinâ⬠by Mary Shelley, the short story ââ¬Å"The Monkeyââ¬â¢s Pawâ⬠by W.W Jacobs and the short story ââ¬Å"Yellow Wallpaperâ⬠by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. These four texts convey this theme through the use of gothic conventions such as death, madness and darkness. In the novels The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll are wronglyRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1351 Words à |à 6 PagesThe Personas of Henry Jekyll Every person is born with bright and dark personas that people moderate due to the standards of society. In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Jekyll and Hyde battle for the power to stay alive in the story. As Jekyll continues to try and take over his evil persona, Hyde tries to stay alive and cause evil in the world. In our society, many people will struggle with self control and Dr. Jekyll has trouble controlling his alter ego by performing his evil pleasuresRead MoreThe Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde1326 Words à |à 6 Pages The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was published during the late Victorian era, but he clearly brings into question the acceptance of Victorian philosophies, especially the belief that one truth exists and that we can identify good and evil as separate entities. The names Jekyll and Hyde have become synonymous with multiple personality disorder. This novel can be examined from the natural dualism and Freudââ¬â¢s structural th eory of the mind. In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr
Saturday, May 9, 2020
America Needs Same-Sex Marriage and Families Essay
In the state of Massachusetts, same sex marriage has been legal since 2004 and thousands of people have had the right to marry their partners. Although it was a long and difficult process, gay and lesbian couples no longer have to face marriage discrimination in Massachusetts due to their sexual orientation. However, many couples are still barred from this process through other individual state amendments. While it has been difficult to research the exact side effects of same sex marriage, a predominant result has arisen: ââ¬Å"there seems to be no appreciable difference between children brought up in stable homosexual homes and those brought up in stable heterosexual onesâ⬠(Sullivan 239). The research that has been conducted looks at a wideâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Through court cases like Eisenstadt v. Baird(1972), the courts have upheld the right to have children and that it is the ââ¬Å"ââ¬Ëright of the individual, married or single, to be free from unwarranted go vernmental intrusion into matters so fundamentally affecting a person as the decision whether to bear or beget a childââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬ (Murphy 296). As a legal system, the courts have the responsibility to uphold the law while also taking into consideration the welfare of the child. The justice system would not allow for same sex marriage if it believed that there was any correlation between sexual orientation and unfit parenting. Courts in different states have struck down gay marriage, yet they have upheld the idea that child bearing is an important aspect of marriage. Courts have recently begun to acknowledge gay families by permitting second-parent adoptions (Mohr 60). This change in attitude exemplifies a change in status of gay marriages by recognizing the fact that these couples have the same rights to children as heterosexual families. Although bearing children cannot be part of the definition of marriage, it should not be a reason same sex marriage is illegal. This linkage m ust insinuate that same sex marriage is neither detrimental to the children and is a right that should be privileged. Critics of same sex marriage often argue that children need toShow MoreRelatedEssay about Gay Marriage Does NOT Destroy Traditional Marriage1703 Words à |à 7 PagesWhat is marriage? Marriage is defined as the legal union of a man and a woman. According to Psychology Today, marriage is the process by which two people who love each other make their relationship public, official, and permanent. While given the definition of marriage and most of society making same sex marriage nearly impossible; Psychology Today recognizes that ââ¬Å"anyâ⬠two people who love each other can come together and be united. In 1970, in Minnesota, the first gay couple to apply for a marriageRead MoreShould Gay Marriage Be Equal?1387 Words à |à 6 PagesGay Marriage in America The United Stated of America consists of many different types of people, all who take pride in their freedom. Recently, we had seen the reality of our ââ¬Å"freedom,â⬠which some may not really have considered America the land of the free, homosexuals especially. Just like the ââ¬Å"normalâ⬠citizen in America, homosexuals like the idea of the American dream as well. And most Americans believe in, or enjoy the idea of marriage. People get married all across the country; people of allRead MoreThe Issue Of Same Sex Marriage1434 Words à |à 6 Pagesare a variety of important public issues being discussed publicly today, same sex marriage seems to be one of the most trending of them all. Part of this is due largely to fact that a vast majority of minorities in the United States are dealing with it today. This issue, however, sheds light on a few areas, primarily ethically, family values, morals, religious views and beliefs. What we need to consider is what same sex marriag e consists of, the challenges and living as such, and finally the effectsRead MoreSame Sex Marriage : A Harmless Change1603 Words à |à 7 PagesSame Sex Marriage: A Harmless Change What a great day it is to be writing about same-sex marriages! As of today, June 26th, 2015, same sex marriage is now legal in ALL fifty states. When I first started working on this project, same-sex marriages were not legal nationwide in the United States of America. In fact, it was only legal in a select few of the states. Because same sex-marriages are considered as queer and deviant, it has been a widely controversial issue. This problem, however, hasRead MoreSame-Sex Marriage Essay1536 Words à |à 7 PagesPeople can define marriage in numerous ways. By definition, to marry means to join together. So, a marriage would constitute as a joining together of two individuals into a legal union, which means being joined as one. Some of the many purposes of marriage would include: family, companionship, financial benefits, commitment, and love. Starting a family is an important part of getting married, as well as the commitment to love just the one person for the rest of their li ves. Financially, married couplesRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal Essay1348 Words à |à 6 PagesMarriage is a commitment between two people who love each other and have chosen to spend the rest of their lives together, this is a pretty standard view of marriage. How that commitment looks from culture to culture can be very different. In the United States, today, marriage is viewed as a commitment of love and loyalty. Legally it is a binding contract between two people giving them the benefits of marriage i.e. tax benefits and legal decision making benefits. The big controversy facing theRead MoreCultural Perspectives On Sex And Relationships Essay1576 Words à |à 7 PagesCultural Perspectives Love, sex and relationships. These three aspects of life are in every culture. Although they are present in every culture, the characteristics of these three are portrayed differently between each and every society. Various cultures are influenced by the media, social norms, and traditions. The media portrays sex as if everyone is ââ¬Å"doing itâ⬠all the time. This not only includes people who are married, but single people as well. Social norms, however, seem to look downRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized Essay1516 Words à |à 7 Pageswhat marriage is. One either saw one, participated in one or had one. The constitution of marriage is something that has existed for as long as men can remember. Marriage is a celebration, something, both men and women, look forward to since they are children. The general idea about marriage is that it includes a man and a woman, but what about same-sex marriage? Everything changes as time goes by: cars, phones, televisions, etc., therefore the idea of marriage must change as well. Same-sex marriageRead MoreA Closer Look at Same Sex Relationships Essays936 Words à |à 4 Pagestheir life with, make a family with, and share the securities promised to them by this country. III. Unfortunately same sex couples are being denied these rights in about thirty three U.S states. IV. Today, I am going to illustrate the reasons why same sex marriage should be legal. And why a topic that has been discussed so many a times needs to be addressed holistically so that all of America can enjoy equal liberties. TRANSTION-Opposition nowadays towards same sex marriage is outdated and irrelevantRead More500 Word Essay on a Kind Thing I Did for Someone630 Words à |à 3 Pagesof gay marriage has always been controversial. Anytime the idea of same sex couples being allowed to marry is brought up thereââ¬â¢s almost always an argument started. Itââ¬â¢s viewed by many as wrong and many think it should remain illegal, but why? If two people are happy, no matter the gender, why should anything stop them from marrying? Male and female, male and male, or female and female, it shouldnââ¬â¢t matter; if theyââ¬â¢re happy and want to marry, let them. Most often the idea of gay marriage is viewed
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Foundationââ¬â¢s Edge CHAPTER TEN TABLE Free Essays
string(24) " will have to yield it\." TABLE Two days had passed and Gendibal found himself not so much heavyhearted as enraged. There was no reason why there could not have been an immediate hearing. Had he been unprepared ââ¬â had he needed time ââ¬â they would have forced an immediate hearing on him, he was sure. We will write a custom essay sample on Foundationââ¬â¢s Edge CHAPTER TEN TABLE or any similar topic only for you Order Now But since there was nothing more facing the Second Foundation than the greatest crisis since the Mule, they wasted time ââ¬â and to no purpose but to irritate him. They did irritate him and, by Seldon, that would make his counterstroke the heavier. He was determined on that. He looked about him. The anteroom was empty. It had been like that for two days now. He was a marked man, a Speaker whom all knew would ââ¬â by means of an action unprecedented in the five-century history of the Second Foundation ââ¬â soon lose his position. He would be demoted to the ranks, demoted to the position of a Second Foundationer, plain and simple. It was one thing, however ââ¬â and a very honored thing ââ¬â to be a Second Foundationer of the ranks, particularly if one held a respectable title, as Gendibal might even after the impeachment. It would be quite another thing to have once been a Speaker and to have been demoted. It wonââ¬â¢t happen though, thought Gendibal savagely, even though for two days he had been avoided. Only Sura Novi treated him as before, but she was too nave to understand the situation. To her, Gendibal was still ââ¬Å"Master.â⬠It irritated Gendibal that he found a certain comfort in this. He felt ashamed when he began to notice that his spirits rose when he noticed her gazing at him worshipfully. Was he becoming grateful for gifts that small? A clerk emerged from the Chamber to tell him that the Table was ready for him and Gendibal stalked in. The clerk was one GendibaI knew well; he was one who knew ââ¬â to the tiniest fraction ââ¬â the precise gradation of civility that each Speaker deserved. At the moment, that accorded Gendibal was appallingly low. Even the clerk thought him as good as convicted. They were all sitting about the Table gravely, wearing the black robes of judgment. First Speaker Shandess looked a bit uncomfortable, but he did not allow his face to crease into the smallest touch of friendliness. Delarmi ââ¬â one of the three Speakers who were women ââ¬â did not even look at him. The First Speaker said, ââ¬Å"Speaker Stor Gendibal, you have been impeached for behaving in a manner unbecoming a Speaker. You have, before us all, accused the Table ââ¬â vaguely and without evidence ââ¬â of treason and attempted murder. You have implied that all Second Foundationers ââ¬â including the Speakers and the First Speaker ââ¬â require a thorough mental analysis to ascertain who among them are no longer to be trusted. Such behavior breaks the bonds of community, without which the Second Foundation cannot control an intricate and potentially hostile Galaxy and without which they cannot build, with surety, a viable Second Empire. ââ¬Å"Since we have all witnessed those offenses, we will forego the presentation of a formal case for the prosecution. We will therefore move directly to the next stage. Speaker Stor Gendibal, do you have a defense?â⬠Now Delarmi ââ¬â still not looking at him ââ¬â allowed herself a small catlike smile. Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"If truth be considered a defense, I have one. There are grounds for suspecting a breach of security. That breach may involve the mental control of one or more Second Foundationers ââ¬â not excluding members here present ââ¬â and this has created a deadly crisis for the Second Foundation. If, indeed, you hasten this trial because you cannot waste time, you may all perhaps dimly recognize the seriousness of the crisis, but in that case, why have you wasted two days after I had formally requested an immediate trial? I submit that it is this deadly crisis that has forced me to say what I have said. I would have behaved in a manner unbecoming a Speaker ââ¬â had I not done so.â⬠ââ¬Å"He but repeats the offense, First Speaker,â⬠said Delarmi softly. Gendibalââ¬â¢s seat was further removed from the Table than that of the others ââ¬â a clear demotion already. He pushed it farther back, as though he cared nothing for that, and rose. He said, ââ¬Å"Will you convict me now, out of hand, in defiance of law ââ¬â or may I present my defense in detail?â⬠The First Speaker said, ââ¬Å"This is not a lawless assemblage, Speaker. Without much in fine way of precedent to guide us, we will lean in your direction, recognizing that if our too-human abilities should cause us to deviate from absolute justice, it is better to allow the guilty to go free than to convict the innocent. Therefore, although the case before us is so grave that we may not lightly allow the guilty to go free, we will permit you to present your case in such manner as you wish and for as long as you require, until it is decided by unanimous vote, including my ownâ⬠(and he raised his voice at that phrase) ââ¬Å"that enough has been heard.â⬠Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"Let me begin, then, by saying that Golan Trevize ââ¬â the First Foundationer who has been driven from Terminus and whom the First Speaker and I believe to be the knife-edge of the gathering crisis has moved off in an unexpected direction.â⬠ââ¬Å"Point of information,â⬠said Delarmi softly. ââ¬Å"How does the speakerâ⬠(the intonation clearly indicated that the word was not capitalized) ââ¬Å"know this?â⬠ââ¬Å"I was informed of this by the First Speaker,â⬠said Gendibal, ââ¬Å"but I confirm it of my own knowledge. Under the circumstances, however, considering my suspicions concerning the level of the security of the Chamber, I must be allowed to keep my sources of information secret.â⬠The First Speaker said, ââ¬Å"I will suspend judgment on that. Let us proceed without that item of information but if, in the judgment of the Table, the information must be obtained, Speaker Gendibal will have to yield it. You read "Foundationââ¬â¢s Edge CHAPTER TEN TABLE" in category "Essay examples"â⬠Delarmi said, ââ¬Å"If the speaker does not yield the information now, it is only fair to say that I assume he has an agent serving him ââ¬â an agent who is privately employed by him and who is not responsible to the Table generally. We cannot be sure that such an agent is obeying the rules of behavior governing Second Foundation personnel. The First Speaker said with some displeasure, ââ¬Å"I see all the implications, Speaker Delarmi. There is no need to spell them out for me.â⬠ââ¬Å"I merely mention it for the record, First Speaker, since this aggravates the offense and it is not an item mentioned in the bill of impeachment, which, I would like to say, has not been read in full and to which I move this item be added.â⬠ââ¬Å"The clerk is directed to add the item,â⬠said the First Speaker, ââ¬Å"and the precise wording will be adjusted at the appropriate time. ââ¬â Speaker Gendibalâ⬠(he, at least, capitalized) ââ¬Å"your defense is indeed a step backward. Continue.â⬠Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"Not only has this Trevize moved in an unexpected direction, but at an unprecedented speed. My information, which the First Speaker does not yet have, is that he has traveled nearly ten thousand parsecs in well under an hour.â⬠ââ¬Å"In a single jump?â⬠said one of the Speakers incredulously. ââ¬Å"In over two dozen jumps, one after the other, with virtually no time intervening,â⬠said Gendibal, ââ¬Å"something that is even more difficult to imagine than a single jump. Even if he is now located, it will take time to follow him and, if he detects us and really means to flee us, we will not be able to overtake him. ââ¬â And you spend your time in games of impeachment and allow two days to pass so that you might savor them the more.â⬠The First Speaker managed to mask his anguish. ââ¬Å"Please tell us, Speaker Gendibal, what you think the significance of this might be.â⬠ââ¬Å"It is an indication, First Speaker, of the technological advances that are being made by the First Foundation, who are far more powerful now than they were in the time of Preem Palver. We could not stand up against them if they found us and were free to act.â⬠Speaker Delarmi rose to her feet. She said, ââ¬Å"First Speaker, our time is being wasted with irrelevancies. We are not children to be frightened with tales by Grandmother Spacewarp. It does not matter how impressive the machinery of the First Foundation is when, in any crisis, their minds will be in our control.â⬠ââ¬Å"What do you have to say to that, Speaker Gendibal?â⬠asked the First Speaker. â⬠Merely that we will come to the matter of minds in due course. For the moment, I merely wish to stress the superior ââ¬â and increasing technological might of the First Foundation.â⬠The First Speaker said, ââ¬Å"Pass on to the next point, Speaker Gendibal. Your first point, I must tell you, does not impress me as very pertinent to the matter contained in the bill of impeachment.â⬠There was a clear gesture of agreement from the Table generally. Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"I pass on. Trevize has a companion in his present journeyâ⬠(he paused momentarily to consider pronunciation) ââ¬Å"one Janov Pelorat, a rather ineffectual scholar who has devoted his life to tracking down myths and legends concerning Earth.â⬠ââ¬Å"You know all this about him? Your hidden source, I presume?â⬠said Delarmi, who had settled into her role of prosecutor with a clear feeling of comfort. ââ¬Å"Yes, I know all this about him,â⬠said Gendibal stolidly. ââ¬Å"A few months ago, the Mayor of Terminus, an energetic and capable woman, grew interested in this scholar for no clear reason, and so I grew interested, too, as a matter of course. Nor have I kept this to myself. All the information I have gained has been made available to the First Speaker.â⬠ââ¬Å"I bear witness to that,â⬠said the First Speaker in a low voice. An elderly Speaker said, ââ¬Å"What is this Earth? Is it the world of origin we keep coming across in fables? The one they made a fuss about in old Imperial times?â⬠Gendibal nodded. ââ¬Å"In the tales of Grandmother Spacewarp, as Speaker Delarmi would say. ââ¬â I suspect it was Peloratââ¬â¢s dream to come to Trantor to consult the Galactic Library, in order to find information concerning Earth that he could not obtain in the interstellar library service available on Terminus. ââ¬Å"When he left Terminus with Trevize, he must have been under the impression that that dream was to be fulfilled. Certainly we were expecting the two and counted on having the opportunity to examine them ââ¬â to our own profit. As it turns out ââ¬â and as you all know by now ââ¬â they are not coming. They have turned off to some destination that is not yet clear and for some reason that is not yet known.â⬠Delarmiââ¬â¢s round face looked positively cherubic as she said, ââ¬Å"And why is this disturbing? We are no worse off for their absence, surely. Indeed, since they dismiss us so easily, we can deduce that the First Foundation does not know the true nature of Trantor and we can applaud the handiwork of Preem Palver.â⬠Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"If we thought no further, we might indeed come to such a comforting solution. Could if be, though, that the turnoff was not the result of any failure to see the importance of Trantor? Could it be that the turnoff resulted from anxiety lest Trantor, by examining these two men, see the importance of Earth?â⬠There was a stir about the Table. ââ¬Å"Anyone,â⬠said Delarmi coldly, ââ¬Å"can invent formidable-sounding propositions and couch them in balanced sentences. But do they make sense when you do invent them? Why should anyone care what we of the Second Foundation think of Earth? Whether it is the true planet of origin, or whether it is a myth, or whether there is no one place of origin to begin with, is surely something that should interest only historians, anthropologists, and folk-tale collectors, such as this Pelorat of yours. Why us?â⬠ââ¬Å"Why indeed?â⬠said Gendibal. ââ¬Å"How is it, then, that there are no references to Earth in the Library?â⬠For the first time, something in the atmosphere that was other than hostility made itself felt about the Table. Delarmi said, ââ¬Å"Arenââ¬â¢t there?â⬠Gendibal said quite calmly, ââ¬Å"When word first reached me that Trevize and Pelorat might be coming here in search of information concerning Earth, I, as a matter of course, had our Library computer make a listing of documents containing such information. I was mildly interested when it turned up nothing. Not minor quantities. Not very little. ââ¬â Nothing? ââ¬Å"But then you insisted I wait for two days before this hearing could take place, and at the same time, my curiosity was further piqued by the news that the First Foundationers were not coming here after all. I had to amuse myself somehow. While the rest of you therefore were, as the saying goes, sipping wine while the house was falling, I went through some history books in my own possession. I came across passages that specifically mentioned some of the investigations on the ââ¬ËOrigin Questionââ¬â¢ in late-Imperial times. Particular documents ââ¬â both printed and filmed ââ¬â were referred to and quoted from. I returned to the Library and made a personal check for those documents. I assure you there was nothing.â⬠Delarmi said, ââ¬Å"Even if this is so, it need not be surprising. If Earth is indeed a mythâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Then I would find it in mythological references. If it were a story of Grandmother Spacewarp, I would find it in the collected tales of Grandmother Spacewarp. If it were a figment of the diseased mind, I would find it under psychopathology. The fact is that something about Earth exists or you would not all have heard of it and, indeed, immediately recognized it as the name of the putative planet of origin of the human species. Why, then, is there no reference to it in the Library, anywhere?â⬠Delarmi was silent for a moment and another Speaker interposed. He was Leonis Cheng, a rather small man with an encyclopedic knowledge of the minutiae of the Seldon Plan and a rather myopic attitude toward the actual Galaxy. His eyes tended to blink rapidly when he spoke. He said, ââ¬Å"It is well known that the Empire in its final days attempted to create an Imperial mystique by soft-pedaling all interest in pre-Imperial times.â⬠Gendibal nodded. ââ¬Å"Soft-pedaled is the precise term, Speaker Cheng. That is not equivalent to destroying evidence. As you should know better than anyone, another characteristic of Imperial decay was a sudden interest in earlier ââ¬â and presumably better ââ¬â times. I have just referred to the interest in the ââ¬ËOrigin Questionââ¬â¢ in Hari Seldonââ¬â¢s time.â⬠Cheng interrupted with a formidable clearing of the throat. ââ¬Å"I know this very well, young man, and know far more of these social problems of Imperial decay than you seem to think I do. The process of ââ¬ËImperializationââ¬â¢ overtook these dilettantish games concerning Earth. Under Cleon II, during the Empireââ¬â¢s last resurgence, two centuries after Seldon, Imperialization reached its peak and all speculation on the question of Earth came to an end. There was even a directive in Cleonââ¬â¢s time concerning this, referring to the interest in such things as (and I think I quote it correctly) ââ¬Ëstale and unproductive speculation that tends to undermine the peopleââ¬â¢s love of the Imperial throne.'â⬠Gendibal smiled. ââ¬Å"Then it was in the time of Cleon II, Speaker Cheng, that you would place the destruction of all reference to Earth?â⬠ââ¬Å"I draw no conclusions. I have simply stated what I have stated.â⬠ââ¬Å"It is shrewd of you to draw no conclusions. By Cleonââ¬â¢s time, the Empire may have been resurgent, but the University and Library, at least, were in our hands or, at any rate, in those of our predecessors. It would have been impossible for any material to be removed from the Library without the Speakers of the Second Foundation knowing it. In fact, it would have been the Speakers to whom the task would have had to be entrusted, though the dying Empire would not have known that.â⬠Gendibal paused, but Cheng, saying nothing, looked over the otherââ¬â¢s head. Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"It follows that the Library could not have been emptied of material on Earth during Seldonââ¬â¢s time, since the ââ¬ËOrigin Questionââ¬â¢ was then an active preoccupation. It could not have been emptied afterward because the Second Foundation was in charge. Yet the Library is empty of it now. How can this be?â⬠Delarmi broke in impatiently, ââ¬Å"You may stop weaving the dilemma, Gendibal. We see it. What is it that you suggest as a solution? That you have removed the documents yourself?â⬠ââ¬Å"As usual, Delarmi, you penetrate to the heart.â⬠And Gendibal bent his head to her in sardonic respect (at which she allowed herself a slight lifting of the lip). ââ¬Å"One solution is that the cleansing was done by a Speaker of the Second Foundation, someone who would know how to use curators without leaving a memory behind ââ¬â and computers without leaving a record behind:â⬠First Speaker Shandess turned red. ââ¬Å"Ridiculous, Speaker Gendibal. I cannot imagine a Speaker doing this. What would the motivation be? Even if, for some reason, the material on Earth were removed, why keep it from the rest of the Table? Why risk a complete destruction of oneââ¬â¢s career by tampering with the Library when the chances of its being discovered are so great? Besides, I donââ¬â¢t think that even the most skillful Speaker could perform the task without leaving a trace.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then it must be, First Speaker, that you disagree with Speaker Delarmi in her suggestion that I did itâ⬠ââ¬Å"I certainly do,â⬠said the First Speaker. ââ¬Å"Sometimes I doubt your judgment, but I have yet to consider you downright insane.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then it must never have happened, First Speaker. The material on Earth must still be in the Library, for we now seem to have eliminated all the possible ways in which it could have been removed ââ¬â and yet the material is not there.â⬠Delarmi said with an affectation of weariness, ââ¬Å"Well well, let us finish. Again, what is it you suggest as a solution? I am sure you think you have one.â⬠ââ¬Å"If you are sure, Speaker, we may all be sure as well. My suggestion is that the Library was cleansed by someone of the Second Foundation who was under the control of a subtle force from outside the Second Foundation. The cleansing went unnoticed because that same force saw to it that it was not noticed.â⬠Delarmi laughed. ââ¬Å"Until you found out. You ââ¬â the uncontrolled and uncontrollable. If this mysterious force existed, how did you find out about the absence of material from the Library? Why werenââ¬â¢t you controlled?â⬠Gendibal said may feel, as we gravely, ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not a laughing matter, Speaker. They feel, that all tampering should be held to a minimum. When my life was in danger a few days ago, I was more concerned with refraining from fiddling with a Hamish mind than with protecting myself. So it might be with these others ââ¬â as soon as they felt it was safe they ceased tampering. That is the danger, the deadly danger. The fact that I could find out what has happened may mean they no longer care that I do. The fact that they no longer care may mean that they feel they have already won. And we continue to play our games here!â⬠ââ¬Å"But what aim do they have in all this? What conceivable aim?â⬠demanded Delarmi, shuffling her feet and biting her lips. She felt her power fading as the Table grew more interested ââ¬â concerned Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"Consider ââ¬â The First Foundation, with its enormous arsenal of physical power, is searching for Earth. They pretend to send out two exiles, hoping we will think that is all they are, but would they equip them with ships of unbelievable power-ships that can move ten thousand parsecs in less than an hour ââ¬â if that was all that they were? ââ¬Å"As for the Second Foundation, we have not been searching for Earth and, clearly, steps have been taken without our knowledge to keep any information of Earth away from us. The First Foundation is now so close to finding Earth and we are so far from doing so, thatâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Gendibal paused and Delarmi said, ââ¬Å"That what? Finish your childish tale. Do you know anything or donââ¬â¢t you?â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know everything, Speaker. I have not penetrated the total depth of the web that is encircling us, but I know the web is there. I donââ¬â¢t know what the significance of finding Earth might be, but I am certain the Second Foundation is in enormous danger and, with it, the Seldon Plan and the future of all humanity.â⬠Delarmi rose to her feet. She was not smiling and she spoke in a tense but tightly controlled voice. ââ¬Å"Trash? First Speaker, put an end to this! What is at issue is the accusedââ¬â¢s behavior. What he tells us is not only childish but irrelevant. He cannot extenuate his behavior by building a cobwebbery of theories that makes sense only in his own mind. I call for a vote on the matter now ââ¬â a unanimous vote for conviction.â⬠ââ¬Å"Wait,â⬠said Gendibal sharply. ââ¬Å"I have been told I would have an opportunity to defend myself, and there remains one more item ââ¬â one more. Let me present that, and you may proceed to a vote with no further objection from me.â⬠The First Speaker rubbed his eyes wearily. ââ¬Å"You may continue, Speaker Gendibal. Let me point out to the Table that the conviction of an impeached Speaker is so weighty and, indeed, unprecedented an action that we dare not give the appearance of not allowing a full defense. Remember, too, that even if the verdict satisfies us, it may not satisfy those who come after us, and I cannot believe that a Second Foundationer of any level ââ¬â let alone the Speakers of the Table ââ¬â would not have a full appreciation of the importance of historical perspective. Let us so act that we can be certain of the approval of the Speakers who will follow us in the coming centuries.â⬠Delarmi said bitterly, ââ¬Å"We run the risk, First Speaker, of having posterity laugh at us for belaboring the obvious. To continue the defense is your decision.â⬠Gendibal drew a deep breath. ââ¬Å"In line with your decision, then, First Speaker, I wish to call a witness ââ¬â a young woman I met three days ago and without whom I might not have reached the Table meeting at all, instead of merely being late.â⬠ââ¬Å"Is the woman you speak of known to the Table?â⬠asked the First Speaker. ââ¬Å"No, First Speaker. She is native to this planet.â⬠Delarmiââ¬â¢s eyes opened wide. ââ¬Å"A Hamishwoman?â⬠ââ¬Å"Indeed! Just so!â⬠Delarmi said, ââ¬Å"What have we to do with one of those? Nothing they say can be of any importance. They donââ¬â¢t exist!â⬠Gendibalââ¬â¢s lips drew back tightly over his teeth in something that could not possibly have been mistaken for a smile. He said sharply, ââ¬Å"Physically all the Hamish exist. They are human beings and play their part in Seldonââ¬â¢s Plan. In their indirect protection of the Second Foundation, they play a crucial part. I wish to dissociate myself from Speaker Delarmiââ¬â¢s inhumanity and hope that her remark will be retained in the record and be considered hereafter as evidence for her possible unfitness for the position of Speaker. ââ¬â Will the rest of the Table agree with the Speakerââ¬â¢s incredible remark and deprive me of my witness?â⬠The First Speaker said, ââ¬Å"Call your witness, Speaker.â⬠Gendibalââ¬â¢s lips relaxed into the normal expressionless features of a Speaker under pressure. His mind was guarded and fenced in, but behind this protective barrier, he felt that the danger point had passed and that he had won. Sura Novi looked strained. Her eyes were wide and her lower lip was faintly trembling. Her hands were slowly clenching and unclenching and her chest was heaving slightly. Her hair had been pulled back and braided into a bun; her sun-darkened face twitched now and then. Her hands fumbled at the pleats of her long skirt. She looked hastily around the Table ââ¬â from Speaker to Speaker ââ¬â her wide eyes filled with awe. They glanced back at her with varying degrees of contempt and discomfort. Delarmi kept her eyes well above the top of Noviââ¬â¢s head, oblivious to her presence. Carefully Gendibal touched the skin of her mind, soothing and relaxing it. He might have done the same by patting her hand or stroking her cheek, but here, under these circumstances, that was impossible, of course. He said, ââ¬Å"First Speaker, I am numbing this womanââ¬â¢s conscious awareness so that her testimony wilt not be distorted by fear. Will you please observe ââ¬â will the rest of you, if you wish, join me and observe that I will, in no way, modify her mind?â⬠Novi had started back in terror at Gendibalââ¬â¢s voice, and Gendibal was not surprised at that. He realized that she had never heard Second Foundationers of high rank speak among themselves. She had never experienced that odd swift combination of sound, tone, expression and thought. The terror, however, faded as quickly as it came, as he gentled her mind. A look of placidity crossed her face. ââ¬Å"There is a chair behind you, Novi,â⬠Gendibal said. ââ¬Å"Please sit down.â⬠Novi curtsied in a small and clumsy manner and sat down, holding herself stiffly. She talked quite clearly, but Gendibal made her repeat when her Hamish accent became too thick. And because he kept his own speech formal in deference to the Table, he occasionally had to repeat his own questions to her. The tale of the fight between himself and Rufirant was described quietly and well. Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"Did you see all this yourself, Novi?â⬠ââ¬Å"Nay, Master, or I would have sooner-stopped it. Rufirant be good fellow, but not quick in head.â⬠ââ¬Å"But you described it all. How is that possible if you did not see it all? ââ¬Å"Rufirant be telling me thereof, on questioning. He be ashamed.â⬠ââ¬Å"Ashamed? Have you ever known him to behave in this manner in earlier times?â⬠ââ¬Å"Rufirant? Nay, Master. He be gentle, though he be large. He be no fighter and he be afeared of scowlers. He say often they are mighty and possessed of power.â⬠â⬠Why didnââ¬â¢t he feel this way when he met me?â⬠ââ¬Å"It be strange. It be not understood.â⬠She shook her head. ââ¬Å"He be not his ain self. I said to him, ââ¬ËThou blubber-head. Be it your place to assault scowler?ââ¬â¢ And he said, ââ¬ËI know not how it happened. It be like I am to one side, standing and watching not-I.'â⬠Speaker Cheng interrupted. ââ¬Å"First Speaker, of what value is it to have this woman report what a man has told her? Is not the man available for questioning?â⬠Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"He is. If, on completion of this womanââ¬â¢s testimony, the Table wishes to hear more evidence, I will be ready to call Karoll Rufirant ââ¬â my recent antagonist ââ¬â to the stand. If not, the Table can move directly to judgment when I am done with this witness.â⬠ââ¬Å"Very well,â⬠said the First Speaker. ââ¬Å"Proceed with your witness.â⬠Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"And you, Novi? Was it like you to interfere in a fight in this manner?â⬠Novi did not say anything for a moment. A small frown appeared between her thick eyebrows and then disappeared. She said, ââ¬Å"I know not. I wish no harm to scowlers. I be, driven, and without thought I inmiddled myself.â⬠A pause, then., ââ¬Å"I be do it over if need arise.â⬠Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"Novi, you will sleep now. You will think of nothing. You will rest and you will not even dream.â⬠Novi mumbled for a moment. Her eyes closed and her head fell back against the headrest of her chair. Gendibal waited a moment, then said, ââ¬Å"First Speaker, with respect, follow me into this womanââ¬â¢s mind. You will find it remarkably simple and symmetrical, which is fortunate, for what you will see might not have been visible otherwise. ââ¬â Here ââ¬â here! Do you observe? ââ¬â If the rest of you will enter ââ¬â it will be easier if it is done one at a time.â⬠There was a rising buzz about the Table. Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"Is there any doubt among you?â⬠Delarmi said, ââ¬Å"I doubt it, forâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ She paused on the brink of what was ââ¬â even for her ââ¬â unsayable. Gendibal said it for her. ââ¬Å"You think I deliberately tampered with this mind in order to present false evidence? You think, therefore, that I am capable of bringing about so delicate an adjustment ââ¬â one mental fiber clearly out of shape with nothing about it or its surroundings that is in the least disturbed? If I could do that, what need would I have to deal with any of you in this manner? Why subject myself to the indignity of a trial? Why labor to convince you? If I could do what is visible in this womanââ¬â¢s mind, you would all be helpless before me unless you were well prepared. ââ¬â The blunt fact is that none of you could manipulate a mind as this womanââ¬â¢s has been manipulated. Neither can I. Yet it has been done.â⬠He paused, looking at all the Speakers in turn, then fixing his gaze on Delarmi. He spoke slowly. ââ¬Å"Now, if anything more is required, I will call in the Hamish farmer, Karoll Rufirant, whom I have examined and whose mind has also been tampered with in this manner.â⬠ââ¬Å"That will not be necessary,â⬠said the First Speaker, who was wearing an appalled expression. ââ¬Å"What we have seen is mindshaking.â⬠ââ¬Å"In that case,â⬠said Gendibal, ââ¬Å"may I rouse this Hamishwoman and dismiss her? I have arranged for there to be those outside who will see to her recovery.â⬠When Novi had left, directed by Gendibalââ¬â¢s gentle hold on her elbow, be said, ââ¬Å"Let me quickly summarize. Minds can be ââ¬â and have been altered in ways that are beyond our power. In this way, the curators themselves could have been influenced to remove Earth material from the Library ââ¬â without our knowledge or their own. We see how it was arranged that I should be delayed in arriving at a meeting of the Table. I was threatened; I was rescued. The result was that I was impeached. The result of this apparently natural concatenation of events is that I may be removed from a position of power ââ¬â and the course of action which I champion and which threatens these people, whoever they are, may be negated.â⬠Delarmi leaned forward. She was clearly shaken. ââ¬Å"If this secret organization is so clever, how were you able to discover all this?â⬠GendibaI felt free to smile, now. ââ¬Å"No credit to me,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"I lay no claim to expertise superior to that of other Speakers; certainly not to the First Speaker. However, neither are these Anti-Mules ââ¬â as the First Speaker has rather engagingly called them ââ¬â infinitely wise or infinitely immune to circumstance. Perhaps they chose this particular Hamishwoman as their instrument precisely because she needed very little adjustment. She was, of her own character, sympathetic to what she calls ââ¬Ëscholars,ââ¬â¢ and admired them intensely. ââ¬Å"But then, once this was over, her momentary contact with me strengthened her fantasy of becoming a ââ¬Ëscholarââ¬â¢ herself. She came to me the next day with that purpose in mind. Curious at this peculiar ambition of hers, I studied her mind ââ¬â which I certainly would not otherwise have done ââ¬â and, more by accident than anything else, stumbled upon the adjustment and noted its significance. Had another woman been chosen ââ¬â one with a less natural pro-scholar bias ââ¬â the Anti-Mules might have had to labor more at the adjustment, but the consequences might well not have followed and I would have remained ignorant of all this. The Anti-Mules miscalculated ââ¬â or could not sufficiently allow for the unforseen. That they can stumble so is heartening.â⬠Delarmi said, ââ¬Å"The First Speaker and you call this ââ¬â organization ââ¬â the ââ¬ËAnti-Mules,ââ¬â¢ I presume, because they seem to labor to keep tile Galaxy in the ,path of the. Seldon Plan, rather than to disrupt it as the Male himself did. If the Anti-Mines do this, why are they dangerous?â⬠ââ¬Å"Why should then labor, if not for some purpose? We donââ¬â¢t know what that purpose as. A cynic might say that they intend to step in at some future time and thin the current in another direction, one tat mar please them far more than it would please ifs. That is my own feeling, even though I do riot major in cynicism. Is Speaker Delarmi prepared to maintain, out of the love and trust that we all know form so great a part of her character, that these are cosmic altruists, doing our work for us, without dream of reward?â⬠There was a gentle susurration of laughter about the Table at this and Gendibal knew that he had won. And Delarmi knew that she had lost, for there was a wash of rage that showed through her harsh mentalic control like a momentary ray of ruddy sunlight through a thick canopy of leaves. Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"When I first experienced the incident with the Hamish farmer, I leaped to the conclusion that another Speaker was behind it. When I noted the adjustment of the Hamishwomanââ¬â¢s mind, I knew that I was right as to the plot but wrong as to the plotter. I apologize for the misinterpretation and I plead the circumstances as an extenuation.â⬠The First Speaker said, ââ¬Å"I believe this may be construed as an apologyâ⬠Delarmi interrupted. She was quite placid again ââ¬â her face was friendly, her voice downright saccharine. ââ¬Å"With total respect, First Speaker, if I may interrupt. ââ¬â Let us drop this matter of impeachment. At this moment, I would not vote for conviction and I imagine no one will. I would even suggest the impeachment be stricken from the Speakerââ¬â¢s unblemished record. Speaker Gendibal has exonerated himself ably. I congratulate him on that ââ¬â and for uncovering a crisis that the rest of us might well have allowed to smolder on indefinitely, with incalculable results. I offer the Speaker my wholehearted apologies for my earlier hostility.â⬠She virtually beamed at Gendibal, who felt a reluctant admiration for the manner in which she shifted direction instantly in order to cut her losses. He also felt that all this was but preliminary to an attack from a new direction. He was certain that what was coming would not be pleasant. When she exerted herself to be charming, Speaker Delora Delarmi had a way of dominating the Speakerââ¬â¢s Table. Her voice grew soft, her smile indulgent, her eyes sparkling, all of her sweet. No one cared to interrupt her and everyone waited for the blow to fall. She said, ââ¬Å"Thanks to Speaker Gendibal, I think we all now understand what we must do. We do not see the Anti-Mules; we know nothing about them, except for their fugitive touches on the minds of people right here in the stronghold of the Second Foundation itself. We do not know what the power center of the First Foundation is planning. We may face an alliance of the Anti-Mules and the First Foundation. We donââ¬â¢t know. ââ¬Å"We do know that this Golan Trevize and his companion, whose name escapes me at the moment, are going we know not where ââ¬â and that the First Speaker and Gendibal feel that Trevize holds the key to the outcome of this great crisis. What, then, are we to do? Clearly we must find out everything we can about Trevize; where he is going, what he is thinking, what his purpose may be; or, indeed, whether he has any destination, any thought, any purpose; whether he might not, in fact, be a mere tool of a force greater than he.â⬠Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"He is under observation.â⬠Delarmi pursed her lips in an indulgent smile. ââ¬Å"By whom? By one of our outworld agents? Are such agents to be expected to stand against those with the powers we have seen demonstrated here? Surely not. In the Muleââ¬â¢s time, and later on, too, the Second Foundation did not hesitate to send out ââ¬â and even to sacrifice ââ¬â volunteers from among the best we had, since nothing less would do. When it was necessary to restore the Seldon Plan, Preem Palver himself scoured the Galaxy as a Trantorian trader in order to bring back that girl, Arkady. We cannot sit here and wait, now, when the crisis may be greater than in either previous case. We cannot rely on minor functionaries ââ¬â watchers and messenger boys.â⬠Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"Surely you are not suggesting that the First Speaker leave Trantor at this time?â⬠Delarmi said, ââ¬Å"Certainly not. We need him badly here. On the other hand, there is you, Speaker Gendibal. It is you who have correctly sensed and weighed the crisis. It is you who detected the subtle outside interference with the Library and with Hamish minds. It is you who have maintained your views against the united opposition of the Table ââ¬â and won. No one here has seen as clearly as you have and no one can be trusted, as you can, to continue to see clearly. It is you who must, in my opinion, go out to confront the enemy. May I have the sense of the Table?â⬠There was no formal vote needed to reveal that sense. Each Speaker felt the minds of the others and it was clear to a suddenly appalled Gendibal that, at the moment of his victory and Delarmiââ¬â¢s defeat, this formidable woman was managing to send him irrevocably into exile on a task that might occupy him for some indefinite period, while she remained behind to control the Table and, therefore, the Second Foundation and, therefore, the Galaxy ââ¬â sending all alike, perhaps, to their doom. And if Gendibal-in-exile should, somehow, manage to gather the information that would enable the Second Foundation to avert the gathering crisis, it would be Delarmi who would have the credit for having arranged it, and his success would but confirm her power. The quicker Gendibal would be, the more efficiently he succeeded, the more surely he would confirm her power. It was a beautiful maneuver, an unbelievable recovery. And so clearly was she dominating the Table even now that she was virtually usurping the First Speakerââ¬â¢s role. Gendibalââ¬â¢s thought to that effect was overtaken by the rage he sensed from the First Speaker. He turned. The First Speaker was making no effort to hide his anger ââ¬â and it soon was clear that another internal crisis was building to replace the one that had been resolved. Quindor Shandess, the twenty-fifth First Speaker, had no extraordinary illusions about himself. He knew he was not one of those few dynamic First Speakers who had illuminated the five-century-long history of the Second Foundation ââ¬â but then, he didnââ¬â¢t have to be. He controlled the Table in a quiet period of Galactic prosperity and it was not a time for dynamism. It had seemed to be a time to play a holding game and he had been the man for this role. His predecessor had chosen him for that reason. ââ¬Å"You are not an adventurer, you are a scholar,â⬠the twenty-fourth First Speaker had said. ââ¬Å"You will preserve the Plan, where an adventurer might ruin it. Preserve! Let that be the key word for your Table.â⬠He had tried, but it had meant a passive First Speakership and this had been, on occasion, interpreted as weakness. There had been recurrent rumors that he meant to resign and there had been open intrigue to assure the succession in one direction or another. There was no doubt in Shandessââ¬â¢s mind that Delarmi had been a leader in the fight. She was the strongest personality at the Table and even Gendibal, with all the fire and folly of youth, retreated before her, as he was doing right now. But, by Seldon, passive he might be, or even weak, but there was one prerogative of the First Speaker that not one in the line had ever given up, and neither would he do so. He rose to speak and at once there was a hush about the Table. ââ¬ËWhen the First Speaker rose to speak, there could be no interruptions. Even Delarmi or Gendibal would not dare to interrupt. He said, ââ¬Å"Speakers! I agree that we face a dangerous crisis and that we must take strong measures. It is I who should go out to meet the enemy. Speaker Delarmi, with the gentleness that characterizes her, excuses me from the task by stating that I am needed here. The truth, however, is that I am needed neither here nor there. I grow old; I grow weary. There has long been expectation I would someday resign and perhaps I ought to. When this crisis is successfully surmounted, I shall resign. ââ¬Å"But, of course, it is the privilege of the First Speaker to choose his successor. I am going to do so now. There is one Speaker who has long dominated the proceedings of the Table; one Speaker who, by force of personality, has often supplied the leadership that I could not. You all know I am speaking of Speaker Delarmi.â⬠He paused, then said, ââ¬Å"You alone, Speaker Gendibal, are registering disapproval. May I ask why?â⬠He sat down, so that Gendibal might have the right to answer. ââ¬Å"I do not disapprove, First Speaker,â⬠said Gendibal in a low voice. ââ¬Å"It is your prerogative to choose your successor.â⬠ââ¬Å"And so I will. When you return ââ¬â having succeeded in initiating the process that will put an end to this crisis ââ¬â it will be time for my resignation. My successor will then be directly in charge of conducting whatever policies may be required to carry on and complete that process. ââ¬â Do you have anything to say, Speaker Gendibal?â⬠Gendibal said quietly, ââ¬Å"When you make Speaker Delarmi your successor, First Speaker, I hope you will see fit to advise her toâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ The First Speaker interrupted him roughly. ââ¬Å"I have spoken of Speaker Delarmi, but I have not named her as my successor. Now what do you have to say?â⬠ââ¬Å"My apologies, First Speaker. I should have said, assuming you make Speaker Delarmi your successor upon my return from this mission, would you see fit to advise her toâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Nor will I make her my successor in the future, under any conditions. Now what do you have to say?â⬠The First Speaker was unable to make this announcement without a stab of satisfaction at the blow he was delivering to Delarmi. He could not have done it in a more humiliating fashion. ââ¬Å"Well, Speaker Gendibal,â⬠he said, ââ¬Å"what do you have to say?â⬠ââ¬Å"That I am confused.â⬠The First Speaker rose again. He said, ââ¬Å"Speaker Delarmi has dominated and led, but that is not all that is needed for the post of First Speaker. Speaker Gendibal has seen what we have not seen. He has faced the united hostility of the Table, and forced it to rethink matters, and has dragged it into agreement with him. I have my suspicions as to the motivation of Speaker Delarmi in placing the responsibility of the pursuit of Golan Trevize on the shoulders of Speaker Gendibal, but that is where the burden belongs. I know he will succeed ââ¬â I trust my intuition in this ââ¬â and when he returns, Speaker Gendibal will become the twenty-sixth First Speaker.â⬠He sat down abruptly and each Speaker began to make clear his opinion in a bedlam of sound, tone, thought, and expression. The First Speaker paid no attention to the cacophony, but stared indifferently before him. Now that it was done, he realized ââ¬â with some surprise ââ¬â the great comfort there was in laying down the mantle of responsibility. He should have done it before this ââ¬â but he couldnââ¬â¢t have. It was not till now that he had found his obvious successor. And then, somehow, his mind caught that of Delarmi and he looked up at her. By Seldon! She was calm and smiling. Her desperate disappointment did not show ââ¬â she had not given up. He wondered if he had played into her hands. ââ¬ËWhat was there left for her to do? Debra Delarmi would freely have shown her desperation and disappointment, if that would have proven of any use whatever. It would have given her a great deal of satisfaction to strike out at that senile fool who controlled the Table or at that juvenile idiot with whom Fortune had conspired ââ¬â but satisfaction wasnââ¬â¢t what she wanted. She wanted something more. She wanted to be First Speaker. And while there was a card left to play, she would play it. She smiled gently, and managed to lift her hand as though she were about to speak, and then held the pose just long enough to insure that when she did speak, all would be not merely normal, but radiantly quiet. She said, ââ¬Å"First Speaker, as Speaker Gendibal said earlier, I do not disapprove. It is your prerogative to choose your successor. If I speak now, it is in order that I may contribute ââ¬â I hope ââ¬â to the success of what has now become Speaker Gendibalââ¬â¢s mission. May I explain my thoughts, First Speaker?â⬠ââ¬Å"Do so,â⬠said the First Speaker curtly. She was entirely too smooth, too pliant, it seemed to him. Delarmi bent her head gravely. She no longer smiled. She said, ââ¬Å"We have ships. They are not as technologically magnificent as those of the First Foundation, but they will carry Speaker Gendibal He knows how to pilot one, I believe, as do we all. We have our representatives on every major planet in the Galaxy, and he will be welcomed everywhere. Moreover, he can defend himself against even these Anti-Mules, now that he is thoroughly aware of the danger. Even when we were unaware, I suspect they have preferred to work through the lower classes and even the Hamish farmers. We will, of course, thoroughly inspect the minds of all the Second Foundationers, including the Speakers, but I am sure they have remained inviolate. The Anti-Mules did not dare interfere with us. ââ¬Å"Nevertheless, there is no reason why Speaker Gendibal should risk more than he must. He is not intending to engage in derring ââ¬â do and it will be best if his mission is to some extent disguised ââ¬â if he takes them unaware. It will be useful if he goes in the role of a Hamish trader. Preem Palver, we all know, went off into the Galaxy as a supposed trader.â⬠The First Speaker said, ââ¬Å"Preem Palver had a specific purpose in doing so; Speaker Gendibal has not. If it appears a disguise of some sort is necessary, I am sure he will be ingenious enough to adopt one.â⬠ââ¬Å"With respect, First Speaker, I wish to point out a subtle disguise. Preem Palver, you will remember, took with him his wife and companion of many years. Nothing so thoroughly established the rustic nature of his character as the fact that he was traveling with his wife. It allayed all suspicion.â⬠Gendibal said, ââ¬Å"I have no wife. I have had companions, but none who would now volunteer to assume the marital role.â⬠ââ¬Å"This is well known, Speaker Gendibal,â⬠said Delarmi, ââ¬Å"but then people will take the role for granted if any woman is with you. Surely some volunteer can be found. And if you feel the need to be able to present documentary evidence, that can be provided. I think a woman should come with you.â⬠For a moment, Gendibal was breathless. Surely she did not mean. Could it be a ploy to achieve a share in the success? Could she be playing for a joint ââ¬â or rotating ââ¬â occupation of the First Speakership? Gendibal said grimly, ââ¬Å"I am flattered that Speaker Delarmi should feel that sheâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ And Delarmi broke into an open laugh and looked at Gendibal with what was almost true affection. He had fallen into the trap and looked foolish for having done so. The Table would not forget that. She said, ââ¬Å"Speaker Gendibal, I would not have the impertinence to attempt to share in this task. it is yours and yours alone, as the post of First Speaker will be yours and yours alone. I would not have thought you wanted me with you. Really, Speaker, at my age, I no longer think of myself as a charmerâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ There were smiles around the Table and even the First Speaker tried to hide one. Gendibal felt the stroke and labored not to compound the loss by failing to match her lightness. It was labor lost. He said, as unsavagely as he could, ââ¬Å"Then what is it you would suggest? It was not in my thoughts, I assure you, that you would wish to accompany me. You are at your best at the Table and not in the hurly-burly of Galactic affairs, I know.â⬠ââ¬Å"I agree, Speaker Gendibal, I agree,â⬠said Delarmi. ââ¬Å"My suggestion, however, refers back to your role as Hamish trader. To make it indisputably authentic, what better companion need you ask but a Hamishwoman?â⬠ââ¬Å"A Hamishwoman?â⬠For a second time in rapid succession, Gendibal was caught by surprise and the Table enjoyed it. ââ¬Å"The Hamishwoman,â⬠Delarmi went on. ââ¬Å"The one who saved you from a beating. The one who gazes at you worshipfully. The one whose mind you probed and who then, quite unwittingly, saved you a second time from considerably more than a beating. I suggest you take her.â⬠Gendibalââ¬â¢s impulse was to refuse, but he knew that she expected that. It would mean more enjoyment for the Table. It was clear now that the First Speaker, anxious to strike out at Delarmi, had made a mistake by naming Gendibal his successor ââ¬â or, at the very least, that Delarmi had quickly converted it into one. Gendibal was the youngest of the Speakers. He had angered the Table and had then avoided conviction by them. In a very real way, he had humiliated them. None could see him as the heir apparent without resentment. That would have been hard enough to overcome, but now they would remember how easily Delarmi had twitched him into ridicule and how much they had enjoyed it. She would use that to convince them, all too easily, that he lacked the age and experience for the role of First Speaker. Their united pressure would force the First Speaker into changing his decision while Gendibal was off on his mission. Or, if the First Speaker held fast, Gendibal would eventually find himself with an office that would be forever helpless in the face of united opposition. He saw it all in an instant and was able to answer as though with out hesitation. ââ¬â He said, ââ¬Å"Speaker Delarmi, I admire your insight. I had thought to surprise you all. It was indeed my intention to take the Hamishwoman, though not quite for the very good reason you suggest. It was for her mind that I wished to take her with me. You have all examined that mind. You saw it for what it was: surprisingly intelligent but, more than that, clear, simple, utterly without guile. No touch upon it by others would go unnoticed, as Iââ¬â¢m sure you all concluded. ââ¬Å"I wonder if it occurred to you, then, Speaker Delarmi, that she would serve as an excellent early-warning system. I would detect the first symptomatic presence of mentalism by way of her mind, earlier, I think, than by way of mine.â⬠There was a kind of astonished silence at that, and he said, lightly. ââ¬Å"Ah, none of you saw that. Well well, not important! And I will take my leave now. Thereââ¬â¢s no time to lose.â⬠ââ¬Å"Wait,â⬠said Delarmi, her initiative lost a third time. ââ¬Å"What do you intend to do?â⬠Gendibal said with a small shrug. ââ¬Å"Why go into details? The less the Table knows, the less the Anti-Mules are likely to attempt to disturb it.â⬠He said it as though the safety of the Table was his prime concern. He filled his mind with that, and let it show. It would flatter them. More than that, the satisfaction it would bring might keep them from wondering whether, in fact, Gendibal knew exactly what it was he intended to do. The First Speaker spoke to Gendibal alone that evening. ââ¬Å"You were right,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"I could not help brushing below the surface of your mind. I saw you considered the announcement a mistake and it was. It was my eagerness to wipe that eternal smile off her face and to strike back at the casual way in which she so frequently usurps my role.â⬠Gendibal said gently, ââ¬Å"It might have been better if you had told me privately and had then waited for my return to go further.â⬠ââ¬Å"That would not have allowed me to strike out at her. ââ¬â Poor motivation for a First Speaker, I know.â⬠ââ¬Å"This wonââ¬â¢t stop her, First Speaker. She will still intrigue for the post and perhaps with good reason. Iââ¬â¢m sure there are some who would argue that I should have refused your nomination. It would not be hard to argue that Speaker Delarmi has the best mind at the Table and would make the best First Speaker.â⬠ââ¬Å"The best mind at the Table, not away from it,â⬠grumbled Shandess. ââ¬Å"She recognizes no real enemies, except for other Speakers. She ought never to have been made a Speaker in the first place. ââ¬â See here, shall I forbid you to take the Hamishwoman? She maneuvered you into that, I know.â⬠ââ¬Å"No no, the reason I advanced for taking her is a true one. She will be an early-warning system and I am grateful to Speaker Delarmi for pushing me into realizing that. The woman will prove very useful, Iââ¬â¢m convinced.â⬠ââ¬Å"Good, then. By the way, I wasnââ¬â¢t lying, either. I am truly certain that you will accomplish whatever is needed to end this crisis ââ¬â if you can trust my intuition.â⬠ââ¬Å"I think I can trust it, for I agree with you. I promise you that whatever happens, I will return better than I receive. I will come back to be First Speaker, whatever the Anti-Mules ââ¬â or Speaker Delarmi ââ¬â can do.â⬠Gendibal studied his own satisfaction even as he spoke. Why was he so pleased, so insistent, on this one-ship venture into space? Ambition, of course. Preem Palver had once done just this sort of thing and he was going to show that Stor Gendibal could do it, too. No one could withhold the First Speakership from him after that. And yet was there more than ambition? The lure of combat? The generalized desire for excitement in one who had been confined to a hidden patch on a backward planet all his adult life? ââ¬â He didnââ¬â¢t entirely know, but he knew he was desperately intent on going. How to cite Foundationââ¬â¢s Edge CHAPTER TEN TABLE, Essay examples
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Compare and Contrast Essay Example
Compare and Contrast Essay Maternity, written by Lilika Nakos and The Lemon Orchard, by Alex La Guma both present an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of human nature. The teenage boy, Mikali, in Maternity stands for courage and determination, who tries at any cost to save his infant brother. Similarly, in The Lemon Orchard the protagonist is a man of great self-respect who retains his pride against great odds. The story is mainly about a black man who is to be beaten up by a mob of white men solely because he has dared to ask for justice. The ominous atmosphere established in this short story is primarily evoked through the use of symbolism. Despite the striking similarity, Maternity concludes on an uplifting tone, conveying that although racism leads to conflict it can also be an opportunity for a rewarding and enriching experience. There is always hope, and it takes unique situations to overcome racism, as well as compassion from people who know no barrier of creed, caste and colour. In contrast wit h the serious approach to racism is The All-American Slurp, written by Lensey Namioka. This is a humorous approach to a young girls encounter with a foreign culture. This short story playfully mocks culture groups who want to fit in, by watering down their own culture to adapt and feel accepted. All of these short stories equally attack the presumed values of society. Maternity initially opens by describing the living conditions of the Armenian refugees camp, with Nakos focusing on visual imagery to vividly portray the negative aspects of Mikalis existence. The conditions are miserable and unhygienic. Nakos uses the adjectives small and ruined to enhance the destitute atmosphere, whilst the rich live under tents, the rest of them sought shelter under carpets held up at four corners by sticks. The refugee camp, ironically still maintains the classes that exist in society. They are separated by, their economic and racial backgrounds. Lilika Nakos then portrays the suffering of the protagonist, Mikali in his search for food. When he eats the bread that is given to him, it weighed on him because he did not want to live on the charity from others, as he feels a sense of guilt. He wants to work and earn his living but is unable to work as he is burdened with the responsibility of his motherless infant brother. Thus, he is left to the mercy of his countrymen, though the wailing of the starved infant sickens them. We will write a custom essay sample on Compare and Contrast specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Compare and Contrast specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Compare and Contrast specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Everybody listened to it with irritation they had so many troubles of their own and they all pitifully wished it would die. The infant is no longer considered a baby, but a burden; and no longer a boy, but an it. The paradox pitifully wished reinforces the selfishness of the Armenians. Their famine and misery forced them to be selfish and bring out the worst in them. They are portrayed as brutish and oblivious to the negative consequences of their actions for their own people. As another alternative, Mikali decides to go to the Anatolians camp to seek help, evoking a reassuring hope that the torture will soon end. Their camp was like his the same misery. The hyphen metaphorically breaks the hope he once had and further accentuates the relationship between the two sentences. Yet the superficial and shallow mentality of the women in the Anatolian refugee camp quickly shatters his illusion. Instead of helping and giving sanctity, they reject the malnourished infant because of his looks. Holy Mother! said one of the old women, but its a vampire; a real vampire, that child. Even if I had the milk I still wouldnt have the courage to feed it. The irony is the fact that the women are actually discriminating themselves. Maternity means state of being a mother, motherhood with the whole story revolving around maternal affection depicting that being a mother alone is not sufficient but what is important is to have the nobleness of a mother. It is ironic, women are normally exhibited as mothers, and mothers are stereotypically meant to be affectionate and genuinely kind, however there is a reverse in roles: The Chinaman came to him and taking the baby in his arms, tenderly pressed it to him This wonderful contrast to the others; it highlights the love, warmth and forgiveness evoked by this particular man. The Chinaman retains his sense of humanity, whilst selfishness prevails amongst the women. The Chinamans wife is portrayed as the ideal mother, evokes culture warmth and etiquette as she accepts the child as it is. One parallel between Maternity and The Lemon Orchard is their use of tactile imagery and symbolism, which is so delicate, the reader, may not consciously recognize it, yet it helps immensely in creating the menacing atmosphere desired. Alex la Guma also wants to show the conflict between man and nature. So uses detailed description and pathetic fallacy to make the reader feel apprehensive and make the weather, scene and story fit together: there was a chill in the air; and the moon was hidden behind long, high parallels of cloud, which hung like suspended streamers of dirty cotton wool in the sky. In The Lemon Orchard the notion of chill and winter keeps circulating; it has a strong metaphorical significance, representing the indifference and coldness of the white man. On a very basic level, one can already note the significance for the use of night and dark imagery to portray a sense of secrecy and fear of the white men. On a further level, Alex la Gumas use of night imagery indicates the white mens blindness towards racism. It is almost like the moon senses something is not right and implies the emotion of fear, which both the characters are feeling. Ironically also a dog is intimidated by the white mens presence and stops barking, as they got closer. It is evident the white men are not welcome in the environment. Additionally, Alex la Gumas depth of nature gives the scene an air of imprisonment and claustrophobia as the men came down two long, regular rows of trees. The alliteration and the elongated vowel sound in regular rows of trees further reinforce the determination of the white men creating the rhythm of marching. The clouds are forming the same shape as the trees, hinting the sky is the mirror image of what is happening on the land. The whole environment is foreshadowing something negative that is about to occur. The men were walking through an Orchard of lemons and the sharp, bitter-sweet smell hung gently on the night air. The oxymoron stresses the brutality of man and tranquility of nature as Alex la Gumas use of the adverb gently further emphasizes the harmony in nature. The onomatopoeic harsh sounds in the torment of the black man reinforce the Negros willpower and pride to not give in to the white men. He shivered now with chill, clenching his teeth to prevent them from chatteringAre you cold, hotnot? the man with the light jeered. The colored man did not reply. He never answers any of the questions; ironically his silence is more powerful than the white mens guns. Paradoxically, the Negro is powerless, but in fact he is in control of the whole situation the white men are unable to force him to do anything. The short sentence, the colour man did not reply further emphasizes his power with its bluntness and brevity. What is even more ironic is, they are beating him because he talked back to the minister of the church and now the white men are demanding him to answer their question. The fact that the story ends and starts with nature gives a circular structure. Demonstrating that there will always be the presence of racism, prejudice and instant judgments occurring in society today creating the idea that racism is an endless struggle. Maternity and The Lemon Orchard both focus on racism through one individual and are written from an omniscient viewpoint. In The Lemon Orchard the individual is continuously referred to as the man, making him anonymous and universal it could be anybody as racism occurs on a regular basis. Both the protagonists, Mikali in Maternity and the Negro in The Lemon Orchard equally show a sense of stoicism and the pieces have the same underlying silent themes running through; segregation, social classes and humanity. The message that seems to surface in both these short stories is that racism destroys ones ability to be human. Distinctly different is The All-American Slurp, written by Lensey Namioka who writes the story with the diction, level of understanding and perspective of a Chinese child. This technique portrays the realism whilst also helping immensely in bringing out the irony. The young Chinese girl thinks that because she comes from a different ethnic background she that the American family will be less receptive and assume that they are weird. It is her hypersensitivity that makes it so difficult for her to fit in the American way of living as she does not want to disgrace herself. Mother picked up one of the green stalks, and father followed suit. Then I picked up a stalk, and my brother did to The mother is able to adapt, whilst the patriotic father is set in his own ways. The mother inverts the stereotype as she seems to be in control and her family looks up to her. Amusingly the Chinese family thinks the American family is primitive and backward and they are more advanced, however by the end the story highlights the endless similarities that often mark as differences. All of these short stories give the reader an insight in the flaws of human nature. Yet also helps the reader understand the concept that everyone is equal and entitled to the same amount of respect. These stories are voices to make people aware of what is happening to society and convey in a world of slander, ignorance and discrimination that there is always hope.
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