Alex and Patrick - Separated at birth Essay Example for Free

Alex and Patrick Separated at birth Essay For my project, I have chosen to compare and analyse the characterisation of two of literatures most psychotic characters, Alex from A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, and Patrick Bateman from American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis. Patrick and Alex are from, and live in two completely different worlds, but what I aim to prove is that if you look past the superficial differences of the stories, the base characteristics and emotions of the two characters are the same. The Books Both American Psycho and A Clockwork Orange are considered to be satires and black comedies. Ellis version of 80s New York and a Wall Street executive gone insane is considered a satire of the 80s obsession with greed, money, power, women, drugs and getting a reservation at Dorsia. It is about Patrick bateman, a successful stockbroker, who by day goes to work, discusses fashion tips with his friends and goes to the most expensive restaurants, and by night, is a psychopathic mass murder. It is derivative of, and has been praised as the darkest satire since A Clockwork Orange, Burgess vision of a future run by martial law with teenage criminals running amok is considered a satire on State Censorship, the government and free will. It is about Alex, a fifteen year old boy who goes out raping, stealing and murdering, until he is arrested. When in jail, the state tries to reform him, but end up turning him into nothing more than A Clockwork Orange, a person with no free will, no choice, and no life. Have the government gone too far? Both books have been viewed as misogynistic, discriminating against social classes, and in some parts racist, but regardless of this the books are still considered cult classics. Lifestyle and Friends Patrick and Alex are both given backgrounds, complete with friends and lifestyles. In American Psycho, Ellis depicts Patricks lifestyle as restaurants, designer clothes, attractive women, cocaine and martinis. In contrast, Burgess shows Alex as being from a poor family, a convict, and a victim of the system. Patricks lifestyle is written about much more than Alexs, as Ellis intersperses Patricks deeds with passages about work, the difficulty of getting a reservation at a good restaurant, and which tie he should wear to match his new Valentino suit. Burgess does write about Alexs life in some detail, such as the purchasing of a new record, what he is wearing The heighth (not a spelling mistake) of Nadsat fashion, and his favourite places (The Korova milk bar for some Moloko plus). The extract from American Psycho marked Friends describes the beginning of an evening out for Patrick. Notice how Ellis starts talking about what everyone is wearing as though it is relevant to the story line, however it is relevant to the theme, showing the 80s obsession with designer labels. It seems as though Patrick feels it is neccesary to identify where everyones clothes are from. The following page shows Patrick giving out fashion tips and everyone listening as though he is a fashion guru. In the extract, Ellis shows the banter between Patrick and his friends, McDermott, Van Patten and Price. Patrick doesnt mention any of his deeds to his friends, or as part of the narration at this point. There doesnt seem to be any kind of a hierarchy within the group, everyone seems to be equal, although we do tend to see Patrick as the main person in the group, due to the first person narration. In contrast, Alex is the leader of his little group, and this is apparent from the start, as Alex bosses around the other three, especially Dim, whom he bullies constantly (I think he came up with the name in reference to his intelligent). Alex also describes what he is wearing, but only three times when it is neccesary, and not in as much detail as Patrick goes into. Although Alex works with his friends, or droogs, they dont seem to discuss their crimes between them. Paradoxically, Patrick, who works alone, brings up his crimes in conversations with his friends and fianci e, but they are either not listening, take it as a joke, or are too drunk to understand or remember! Alexs lifestyle is reflective of the chronological setting of the book, as it is set in one possible future, where it seems martial law rules, and everyone who is old enough to work has to work. Alex is only 15, and is not old enough to work, so he goes out stealing to earn money. Although, when you strip away the superficial characteristics, you can see that Patrick is just an upscale, 80s yuppie version of Alex, as both of them are brash, arrogant, brutal, self-involved and obsessed with music, appearances, and violence. Music Both Patrick and Alex have an obsession with music. Patrick listens to more contemporary styles of music, such as Huey Lewis and the News, Whitney Houston and Genesis, whereas Alex favours the more classical music of Beethoven and Handel. Music seems to affect both Patrick and Alex in different ways. In American Psycho, Ellis has written entire chapters devoted to the above bands, so the inclusion of music in the novel may be something personal to Ellis, because hes done his research, although it does also add to the 1980s feel of the book. Apart from this, the chapters do seem somewhat irrelevant to the story, as the preceding and following chapters have nothing to do with the music. Both Patrick and Alex feel it necessary to list and describe their sound systems. Ellis uses two whole pages describing a consignment of top of the range technology that arrives at Patricks house. This is showing the reader Patricks wealth, rather than his love for music, whereas in A Clockwork Orange, Alex describes his stereo as The pride of my jeezny. Later on in the book, he criticises two girls stereos, then says Come with me and hear all proper, meaning that his stereo is far superior to theirs. Patrick merely reviews and talks about the music, whereas Alex becomes engulfed in it, which is why he describes listening to classical music is gorgeousness and gorgeosity made flesh. He also uses other words such as bliss, heaven, Wonder of Wonders, proving that music to him is not just music, but an emotional thing, and as though he physically feels something. Alex compares listening to music like being on drugs. Later in the book, after being treated with the Ludivico Technique, Alex is inadvertently conditioned against all emotional music, and after being forced to listen to Otto Skadeligs third symphony, he tries to kill himself. It is the ultimate irony that the one thing he loved so passionately is the thing that causes him to attempt suicide.

Gideon vs. Wainwright :: essays research papers

Clarence Earl Gideon was arrested in 1961 and charged with breaking and entering a pool hall with intent to commit theft, by taking money out of vending machines. What he did at the time was considered a felony. When it came time to have the trial he did not have enough money for a lawyer and asked that one be appointed to defend him. The judge denied the request saying that under Florida state law counsel can be appointed only in a capital offense. Since Gideon didn’t have a lawyer and was not educated to defend himself he lost easily to the prosecution. Gideon was then sentenced to five years in prison. He then filed out a writ of certiorari, which is a petition of appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States asking for them to review his case. The Court granted Gideon's request and appointed Abe Fortas to represent him as his lawyer. This was a very controversial issue, because the court faced the decision of whether to go with the laws that the forefathers had come up with or grant people right to counsel so that the truth can be brought out. The issue was whether the state of Florida violated Gideon's Sixth Amendment right to counsel, made applicable to the states by the Fourteenth Amendment, because they did not provide him with the assistance of counsel for his criminal defense. The Court ruled unanimously in Gideon's favor and held that the Fourteenth Amendment included state as well as federal defendants. The Court said that all states must provide an attorney in all felony and capital cases for people who cannot afford one. Through the Fourteenth Amendment due process clause, the Sixth Amendment guarantee of the right to counsel applies to the states. Gideon won his case and took the groundbreaking step in public defense lawyers being there for people that cannot afford a lawyer of their own.

Filipino Artist Essay

Fernando Amorsolo – Most of his paintings portrayed the Filipino culture, tradition, and customs like Filipino fiestas. He became popular because of his illuminated landscapes and his historical paintings on which you can see the real reflection of a Filipino soul. Some of his major works were: * The Bombing of the Intendencia (1942) * Bataan * Assasination of Governor Bustamanta * The Burning of Manila * Afternoon Mealof the Workers (1939) * Dalagand Bukid (1936) * The Explosion (1944) * The Mestiza (1943) * Maiden in a Stream (1921) * Princess Urduja * Sunday Morning Going to Town * The Rape of Manila (1942) Fabian dela Rosa (uncle of the famous Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo) He painted more than 1000 artworks which included: * Women Working in a Rice Field * The Death of General Lawton * Transplanting Rice (1904) * La Pintora (1926) * La bordadora (1926) * Landscape with Dark Trees * Marikina Road (1939) * View of Sta. Ana Ang Kiukok was born in Davao, City on May 1, 1931. He was well known visual artist and is considered one of the National Artists of the Philippines. His parents were half Filipino and Chinese. He enrolled at the University of Sto. Thomas and met his mentor and lifelong friend Vicente Manansala. He used certain styles in his paintings like cubism, surrealism, and expressionism. He also painted multiple illustration of Christ’s Crucifixion. * Maningning Miclat was born in Beijing, China on April 15, 1972 but she was a Filipino. She was well remembered because of her bamboo Zen paintings and her poetry. She spoke three languages, Filipino, English and Mandarin. She was a fellow of the University of the Philippines’ National Writers Workshop and Siliman National Writers Workshop. Some of her poetry publications and painting were: * Wo De Shi – The first book of poems published in 1987 * Maningning: An Exhibit of Chinese Brush Works – her first solo show of traditional Chinese painting. * Trouble in Paradise – The second book of poetry which also had won the grand prize from the Art Association of the Philippines. * Voice from the Underworld – A 2001 National Book Award Finalist. Luis Eduardo Aute was born in Manila on September 13, 1943. His father was Spanish and his mother was a Filipina. He traveled at the age of 8 years old. He sang and interpreted the song Las Hojas Muertas (The Dead Leaves). He wrote his first poem at the age of 9 when he got influenced the movie entitled On the Waterfront. Vicente Silva Manansala His masterpieces are Madonna of the Slums, Jeepneys, Kalabaw (Carabao), oil on canvas, 28.5 inches x 38 inches, 1965 Carlos V. Francisco His great works include Blood Compact, First Mass at Limasawa, The Martyrdom of Rizal, Bayanihan, Magpupukot, Fiesta, Bayanihan sa Bukid, Sandugo, Portrait of Purita, The Invasion of Limahong, Serenade, and Muslim Betrothal Juan Novicio Luna His most famous piece, The Spoliarium, for which he won top prize at the 1884 Madrid Exposition, is currently in the National Museum in Manila. Hernando R. Ocampo His major works in the visual arts include Ina ng Balon, Calvary, Slum Dwellers, Nude with Candle and Flower, Man and Carabao, Angel’s Kiss, Palayok at Kalan, Ancestors, Isda at Mangga, The Resurrection, Fifty-three â€Å"Q,† Back drop, Fiesta, Mother and Child, Easter Sunday, and his most acknowledged work Genesis, which served as the basis of curtain design in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater. His works were exhibited in Washington, New York, London, and Tokyo. Cesar Legaspi His works include Man and Woman (alternatively known as Beggars), Gadgets and Procession. Critics further described that Legaspi â€Å"reconstituted† in his paintings â€Å"cubism’s unfeeling, geometric ordering of figures into a social expressionism rendered by interacting forms filled with rhythmic movement. Damian Domingo He had a photographic memory, was the first Filipino painter who also painted secular subjects. He specialized in taking miniature portrait painting called tipo del pais. These were portraits of Filipinos from higher circles. Reportedly it was also one of those tipo del pais, who yielded his life partner. There are not many works of Domingo preserved. Only two watercolor paintings and three oil -painting. The three paintings are: Nuestra Seà ±ora del Rosario, Catedra S. Pedro Roma and La Sagrada Familia

Comparing Honor and Bravery in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and...

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Beowulf share several similar qualities. Each story suggests that honor, truth, and heroism are the most important a person can exhibit, though in each tale these are manifested in different ways. Both characters, in attempts to keep these values, make mistakes that endanger their lives. Beowulf is an incredible, and at times unbelievable, hero who can and will attempt to defeat anyone to keep others safe. This will eventually lead to his death as he successfully defeats the Dragon. But as ruling king at the time his subsequent death leaves his people in a worse predicament than before. Now, without a just ruler, the kingdom will possibly undergo uncertainty and chaos as no heir to the throne is†¦show more content†¦Tricked by the Green Knight and Morgan le Faye, Gawain, driven by his sense of duty and honor, must sacrifice his own life for those ideals. I believe that though Gawain is a bit foolish in his quest to lose his head, he did make the correct decision in protecting Arthur. Like King Beowulf, the loss of Arthur would have been very detrimental to the society at the time. Gawain sacrifices himself in order to preserve Order. The world of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is governed by well-defined codes of behavior, most importantly the code of chivalry. The ideals of chivalry derive from a Christian concept of morality. This sense of morality is somewhat shown in Beowulf as well. Beowulf seeks to kill Grendel, his mother, and the dragon because they pose a threat to the civilized people of the time. A descendent of Cain, Grendel is inherently evil and must be destroyed. But while Beowulf is ever ready and willing to die in his quests, Gawain values his life far more. This also reflects on the influences of Christianity in the two stories. In Beowulf’s world, a man was only immortalized by his actions and in the memories of others. Beowulf took risks so that his deeds would be far more exciting and thus more popular, easier for the story tellers to remember. Gawain, however, being a devoutlyShow MoreRelatedSir Gawain And The Green Knight And Beowulf1471 Words   |  6 Pagesthe characters and plots of â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† and â€Å"Beowulf† differ greatly from each other, the key themes of each of these works are quite similar. In both tales, the reader meets a hero who is endowed with mental, physical, and spiritual gifts that equip him for the task of confronting his foes. This serves to remind the reader or listener to consider the themes of heroism, as well as the theme of the constant battle between good and evil. By comparing these two works, the readerRead MoreThe Heroes Of Beowulf And Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay2116 Words   |  9 Pageswork The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Such narrative poems as Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight represent what the Anglo-Saxons and the Middle English saw as both acceptable and non-acceptable demeanor. Both works possess the same values and b eliefs while others, distinctly oppose, something that can be clearly observed through the careful archetypal study of the heroes of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. In Beowulf, the hero first embarks on his journey when he goes to the