Thursday, December 26, 2019

African American Literature Toni Morrisons Essay Black...

African American Literature Toni Morrisons Essay Black Matters In Black Matters, Toni Morrison discusses knowledge and how it seems to take on a Eurocentric standpoint. The knowledge she discusses is the traditional literature that is unshaped by the four-hundred-year-old presence of the first Africans and then African-Americans in the United States (Morrison 310). Morrison also addresses the treatment of African Americans in current society dealing with racial discourse (311), in addition, to ignoring matters of race. Morrison strongly argues that the traditional canon, taught and respected by much of society, ignores blacks contribution to society. She is also concerned with the lack of true African representation within the†¦show more content†¦This statement is depicted in Faulkners A Rose for Emily, through the Negro servant named Tobe. Although he is a character in the story, the reference to him is as a doddering Negro man to wait on her#8230; He talked to no one, probably not even to her, for his voice had grown harsh and rusty, as if from disuse (Faulkner 76). I feel through literature, society and white writers show the African-American experience or (black life) as valueless. Morrison also argues that society ignores issues of race by disguising the actual subject. She demonstrates this idea using a famous book within the canon, Huckleberry Finn. She says that, the critique of class and race is there, although disguised or enhanced through a combination of humor, adventure, and the naà ¯ve#8230; the novel masks itself in the comic, the parody and exaggeration of the tall tale (Morrison 320). Despite the serious subject matter within the book it simulates and describes the parasitical nature of white freedom (321). Morrison also claims that society reduces the importance of the African-American experience by perpetuating negative stereotypes. She states that the ending of Huckleberry Finn has been labeled as a brilliant finesse that returns Tom Sawyer to the center stage where he should be (321). By rep lacing the black slave, Jim, with the white character of Tom at the end of the book, racial stereotypes are confirmed.Show MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Black Culture On American Literature1205 Words   |  5 PagesWRIT303 Toni Morrison: Playing in the Dark In Toni Morrison’s article Playing in the Dark, she is discussing how racism effects American literature. To Morrison, black culture is a tiny speck in American literature and she wants to expand it. Before Morrison could even think about doing this, she had to change her perspective and imagine what it is like to be in someone else’s shoes. Morrison states that, â€Å"My work requires me to think about how â€Å"free† I can be as an African-American woman writerRead Morestudy on toni morrison Essay2402 Words   |  10 Pagesï » ¿A Study On Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye Ying-Hua,Liao Introduction Toni Morrison was the winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize for Literature. She is a prominent contemporary American writer devoted to the black literary and cultural movement. Her achievements and dedication to the promotion of black culture have established her distinguished status in American literature. Many critics applaud Toni Morrison’s artistic talent and contribution to American literature. Darwin T. Turner, for exampleRead More Essay on African-American American Nightmare in Song of Solomon798 Words   |  4 PagesAmerican Dream or African-American American Nightmare       The Declaration of Independence was written so Americans could achieve this dream, but the African slave was never intended to be a part of this American Dream. To the African-American, there were and still are many restrictions that go along with the American Dream.    In Toni Morrisons novel, Song of Solomon, Macon Dead craved for the American Dream. He was in denial and believed that he could be just as successful as theRead MoreToni Morrison and Historical Memory5014 Words   |  21 PagesMost of literature written by American minority authors is pedagogic, not toward the dominant culture, but for the minority cultures of which they are members. These authors realize that the dominant culture has misrepresented minority history, and it is the minority writers burden to undertake the challenge of setting the record straight to strengthen and heal their own cultures. Unfortunately, many minorities are ambivalent because they vacillate between assimilation (thereby losing their separatenessRead MoreToni Morrison And Virginia Woolfs The Bluest Eye1629 Words   |  7 Pagestheir works, but that could not be farther than the truth. These women, have in fact, made a tremendous impact on society and sculpted the way we see things in the world today. T oni Morrison, author of The Bluest Eye, challenged the Essentialists’ claim by making a novel about racism, and how it affected African American culture in the 20th century. Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale, challenged this notion by addressing issues about sexual violence and political issues, except in theRead MoreThe And Invisible Man By Toni Morrison And Ralph Ellison1726 Words   |  7 Pages The Un-American Race Throughout history, the African American race has battled great social injustices. From slavery to freedom, being property to owning property, African Americans have fought their way to be a part of equal justice. For many black individuals, their identity was non-existent, stripped away, leaving them powerless due to white power. Race, class, and economic standing are all social issues that are prominent in both Beloved and Invisible Man. Toni Morrison and Ralph Ellison areRead MoreTwo Contrasting Views of Slavery in Literature: Beloved and American Negro Slavery2068 Words   |  9 PagesIn this essay, I will be examining the works of two authors on the topic of slavery in America: Ulrich B. Phillips American Negro Slavery (1918) and Toni Morrison Beloved (1987). One writes as a Southerner and a historian who is defending southern slaveholders and draws upon contemporary racial theory to justify the system as beneficial to African Americans. The other writes as an African-Ameri can woman who is looking to write women into history and in doing so, add a female voice to the pastRead More The African-American Nightmare Exposed in Black Literature Essay2231 Words   |  9 PagesAfrican-American Nightmare Exposed in Olaudah Equiano, Narrative of Frederick Douglass, Song of Solomon, and Push    The American Dream was founded on the concept that all men are created equal(Jefferson 729) and that everyone has the capability and resources to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. The Declaration of Independence was written so Americans could achieve this dream, but was not written with the African slave in mind. The African slave was never intended to be a part of thisRead MoreEssay on Race and Class in Alice Walkers Color Purple1622 Words   |  7 PagesEssay on Race and Class in The Color Purple  Ã‚     Ã‚   An important  Ã‚  juncture in Alice Walkers The Color Purple is reached when Celie first recovers the missing letters from her long-lost sister Nettie. This discovery not only signals the introduction of a new narrator to this epistolary novel but also begins the transformation of Celie from writer to reader. Indeed, the passage in which Celie struggles to puzzle out the markings on her first envelope from Nettie provides a concrete illustration Read MoreBrief Summary of the Harlem Renaissance.1863 Words   |  8 Pagestook African American literature seriously and that African American literature and arts attracted significant attention from the nation at large. Although it was primarily a literary movement, it was closely related to developments in African American music, theater, art, and politics. BEGINNINGS The Harlem Renaissance emerged amid social and intellectual upheaval in the African American community in the early 20th century. Several factors laid the groundwork for the movement. A small black middle

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Persepolis A Revolutionary Book Revolutionize The...

Persepolis: A Revolutionary Book to Revolutionize the Christian Perspective Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel, Persepolis, is a spellbinding read. From start to finish, the story grips the reader with its thought provoking content and touching storyline. The author’s depiction of war torn Iran provides its audience with a better understanding of a people that many Western communities deem as ungodly and dangerous. By reading Satrapi’s work, it becomes clear that the Iranian people are much less one-dimensional than most automatically assume. From a Christian perspective, this is particularly important because it reminds us of God’s call to love and care for all people, regardless of their beliefs. The book helps Christian readers to open their eyes and see the needs of a hurting people who see religion as a government mandated obligation rather than a life giving gift. Throughout the graphic novel, Persepolis, religion becomes less and less of a priority due to the increasing basic needs of the Iranian people; however, despite the r ather depressing content, Persepolis is beneficial for Christian readers because they can use the information presented in the book to better serve hurting communities. At first glance, the artwork presented in Persepolis seems mediocre at best. The drawings are simple, black and white images that contain very little detail. However, there is a meaningfulness that can be extracted from the author/illustrator’s decision to represent her characters

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Physical Distribution Logistics Management -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Physical Distribution Logistics Management? Answer: Introduction Logistic and supply chain management refers to the necessary activities undertaken by the organization for distributing the products and services to the potential clients. According to Stadtler (2015), an organization can achieve the success by improving the effective logistic and supply chain process. Strive for achieving the competitive position has become the common focus for the internationalized entities. These companies look for the best approach to develop the value added aspects that can feed the needs of the potential customers. It is to be indicated that every organization adopt the unique approach while structuring their logistic and supply chain management process (Stevens and Johnson 2016). The innovative process developed in this context is much useful to improvise the brand value of the product and services. Moreover, the most effective distribution strategy utilized by the organization determines the significant return on the profitability parameter. The study develops the ideas about the systematic approaches undertaken by Zara, the renowned fashion retail company, to accomplish the business goals and achieving high profitability rate. It is essential to identify the sequential and systematic approaches used by Zara that eventually led the company towards achieving success. Furthermore, the study would also discuss the method used by the company to strengthen the competitive position and maintain the long term sustainability. The comparison would be developed to identify the effectiveness of the strategic implementation that created more values for the company to retain the competitive position in current business scenario. Logistic and Supply Chain Management of Zara The continuous development in the global business scenario is developing more advanced methods of achieving profitability. Accordingly, the organizations face considerable challenges to remain competitive in this advanced world. In fact, the changing demands of the customers are also hindering the organizational functionalities. Therefore, it is noticed that the companies worldwide strive to meet the expectation level of the customer for establishing the long term sustainability (Ross 2015). Value added services are thus utilized extensively to strengthen the competitive position. Some of the organizations achieve success to develop the most innovative value added services whereas some fail to address the basic demands. Zara is one of the fastest growing fashion retail companies that have the remarkable global presence (Srinivasan and Swink 2017). It is observed that the most efficient supply chain process has led Zara towards accomplish the success much remarkably. In many of the ca ses, it has been noticed that the other apparel companies struggle with their fashion lines, which affect the brand value of the products. Zara is quite efficient in managing such hindrance by developing the most effective distribution and logistics process. This section of the study would provide the clear insights about the systematic approach undertaken by the company to develop the best supply chain management. It is notable that the sequential and efficient supply chain management of Zara is the key to achieve the competitive advantage. The company develops the following activities to manage the entire distribution and supply chain process. Synergy between the operations strategy and business The overreaching strategy of Zara is to achieve growth through vertical integrations and product diversification (Srinivasan and Swink 2017). In order to establish a unique approach, the company adapts the manufacture, couture designs, distributes, and retail clothes within two weeks of the first appearance of the clothes in the catwalk. The company promotes the idea of fast fashion, which is one of the most considerable factors for developing the remarkable brand identity. Just in time production Zara, the retail giant, offers the potential customers trendy and fashionable clothes of various tastes through an integrated and controlled process- just in time. The company keeps the in-house production amount and ensures to reserve almost 85% of the entire capacity for the in-season adjustments (Qrunfleh and Tarafdar 2014). It is also noticed that the company maintains the high level of sophistication in fabric sourcing, sewing facilities, and cutting process that are performed in headquarters in Spain. The high wages of the European workers are also quite motivating for ensuring the productive outcome. Efficient and secured inventory management Zara warehouse contains extra inventory or deadstock for the supply chain process. The company follows the lean supply management in managing all the way from the raw materials to the finished garments. The company utilizes the inventory optimization model to determine the quantity, which are to be delivered to the retail stores (Lu, 2014). The products are delivered twice in a week via shipments. The maintenance of such effective inventory process helps the company in building up the effective brand image while avoiding the unpopular stock. Commendable Distribution Network The strong distribution network of Zara enables the commendable method delivering goods to the European stores within 24 hours and to the Asian and American stores within 40 hours. This effective distribution network creates the buzz among the customers and develops the greater brand value. Successful Fast Fashion The extensive research on the brand success highlights that the company has achieved the greater success in the operation management. The cross-functional operation strategy is coupled with the sequential supply chain process, which is vertically integrated. It enables the mass production even under the push control that lead towards the well-maintained inventory system (Farahani et al., 2014). In addition to this, Zara has achieved the immense success in lower markdowns, value creation for the shareholders, and the higher profitability as well in both short and long term. The above discussion suggests that Zara, being the fashion retail giant, maintains the updated trends in cloth manufacturing process. The company has captured the leading position in offering the hottest trends and exuding the exclusive fashion segment. The most commendable logistics are yet to be explored by many of the organizations. However, the company keeps the focus on the concerned areas of the customers when they purchase any trendy garment. The updated fashion quest is the major concentration that has led the company towards establishing the most effective logistics and supply chain process. Reasons for success of Zara Zara along with Dell are the most popular and ideal examples of successful implementation of their logistics management in the world. However, there are various reasons behind the success stories of these two companies (Leonidou et al. 2013). On the other hand, Myer is having the history of failed logistic and supply chain management. Thus, in order to determine the reasons for the success of Zara and Dell, the logistic strategy of Myer will also be discussed. Distribution strategy of Zara Zara is known for their fast fashion concept. Implementation of fast fashion concept involves effective distribution and logistics strategies for them. One of the key strategies being initiated by them is the absence of intermediaries between the manufacturing units and the retail stores (Kim 2013). It helps them to manufacture the fashion items according to the recent trend that are being identified from the customers. Moreover, absence of the subsidiaries also helps Zara in involving less time in transporting the goods from the manufacturing unit to the retail stores. Thus, it helps them to offer the latest products from their stores in minimal time. Distribution strategy of Dell While, Zara relies on providing the latest fashion trend to their customers, the key objective of Dell is to provide the best quality products to the customers in least price available (Pollard, Chuo and Lee 2016). Moreover, customers are having the option of customization in order to design their product according to their specification. In this case also, Dell do not maintain any intermediaries or storing facilities, rather they directly take the specified orders from their customers and source from their suppliers accordingly. This helps them to provide customized products to their customers. Distribution strategy of Myer Apart from the distribution strategy of Zara and Dell, the distribution strategy of Myer is more conservative and traditional in nature. Myer is having Omni channel concept of marketing with having their presence in both online and offline markets. However, they follow traditional distribution strategy of having intermediaries between the manufacturing facilities and retail stores (Homburg et al. 2015). Thus, they involves more time in delivering the latest products to their customers compared to their competitors. Comparison of distribution strategies One of the key reasons of the success of Zara and Del over Myer is the customer centric approach. This is due to the reason that, distribution strategies of both Zara and Dell are customer oriented and they are flexible enough to adapt the change in the trend and requirement of the market (Borland and Lindgreen 2013). Due to not having any intermediaries, Zara manufactures the fashion items according to the latest trend and transport them quickly to their stores. On the other hand, distribution strategy of Dell is more flexible due to the reason that, they do not have the manufacturing facility (Chen, Olhager and Tang 2014). Dell is just passing the requirement of the customers to their suppliers and providing the products accordingly. However, it is not possible for Myer to quickly adapt to the change in the market due to having their own storing facilities and maintaining of huge stocks. Another reason of success for Zara is the cost leadership. Zara gains cost leadership by not having the intermediaries between their manufacturing and retail stores. Moreover, having the entire production and operational processes under same facility helps them to reduce the cost involved in transportation (Teeratansirikool et al. 2013). It helps them to increase the profitability in the market. On the other hand, Dell is gaining cost leadership by not having own manufacturing hubs. Moreover, sourcing of the materials is being done by them from different suppliers, which further segregate the price. However, distribution strategy of Myer is less flexible towards gaining cost leadership due to the reason that, they are having intermediaries, which involves more cost and time (Kurt and Zehir 2016). Moreover, the manufacturing facilities of Myer are not centralized and thus, a good cost is involved in inbound and outbound activities from their manufacturing facilities. Similarities of the distribution strategies The distribution strategies of Dell and Zara are having various similarities over Myer. One of the key similar strategies being identified between these two companies is the flexible distribution process (Qrunfleh and Tarafdar 2014). Distribution process of both the companies is flexible enough to quickly adapt with the changes in the trend and requirement of the customers. However, the distribution approach of Myer is also customer oriented, but they are not flexible enough compared to Dell and Zara. Another similar strategy being identified is the gaining of competitive advantages from the market with the help of the distribution process more than the marketing process (Czajkowska and Stasiak-Betlejewska 2015). This is due to the reason that, Dell and Zara gain competitive advantages from providing customized products and latest fashion lines respectively to the customers. However, on the other hand, various marketing activities such as pricing and offering discounts to the custome rs help Myer to attract more customers. Thus, the importance of distribution strategies is different between Dell, Zara and Myer. Implementation of successful distribution strategies The effective distribution strategies initiated by Zara and Dell can be implemented on other companies also. This is due to the reason that, in the current business scenario, majority of the business organizations are having customer oriented business approach. Thus, having the distribution process with customer centric approach will help them to adapt to the change in the market effectively (Tax, McCutcheaon and Wilkinson 2013). Moreover, the current business scenario is more competitive in nature and thus according to the porter generic strategies; cost leadership is one of the key sources of gaining competitive advantages (de Oliveira Teixeira and Werther 2013). Hence, from the initiation of the distribution strategies of Dell and Zara, contemporary business organizations will get benefited from having cost leadership in the market. Recommendations One of the key sources of gaining competitive advantages for Zara is the initiation of the sustainable development. This is due to the reason that, in the current business scenario, sustainability is one of the key issues being faced by the business organizations. Thus, having the environment friendly materials in the products will help them to create distinctive marketing activities along with enhancing the ethical impression of the brand. Thus, it will help Zara to attract more footfalls in their retail stores. Another recommended step to gain competitive advantages for Zara is outsourcing of their manufacturing facilities. In the current business scenario, outsourcing is one of the most popular concepts being practiced by the business organizations in order to gain cost leadership in the market. This is due to the reason that, outsourcing the manufacturing activities will reduce the cost of production significantly and thus, it will help Zara to enhance their profitability in the market. It is also being recommended that, market development will also be one of the key sources of gaining competitive advantages in the market. This is due to the reason that, in the present situation, Zara is having their market presence only in the metropolitan cities around the world. However, in the recent time, various cities mainly from the developing countries such as India and China are rapidly developing. Thus, it will be effective for Zara if they can have their market presence in the Tier II cities. These markets are still being untapped and being the early bird will help Zara to have the entire market for operation. Thus, this will leads to the increase in the market coverage for them along with gaining more customers base and brand exposure. Conclusion Thus, from the above discussion, it can be concluded that, Zara and Dell is having effective and efficient distribution strategies, which helps them to gain competitive advantages in the market. This report discussed about the factors that distinct Zara from their competitors in the market. One of the key reasons identified is the flexible distribution strategy of Zara, which is also similar with Dell. Distribution process of both these organizations is being designed in such a way that, it will quickly adapt to the change in the business and market requirements. Thus, they are offering products according to the recent trend in the market. This report also discussed about a few recommended steps that will further help Zara to gain competitive advantages in the market. Reference Borland, H. and Lindgreen, A., 2013. Sustainability, epistemology, ecocentric business, and marketing strategy: Ideology, reality, and vision.Journal of Business Ethics,117(1), pp.173-187. Chen, L., Olhager, J. and Tang, O., 2014. Manufacturing facility location and sustainability: A literature review and research agenda.International Journal of Production Economics,149, pp.154-163. Czajkowska, A. and Stasiak-Betlejewska, R., 2015. Quality management tools applying in the strategy of logistics services quality improvement.Serbian Journal of Management,10(2), pp.225-234. de Oliveira Teixeira, E. and Werther, W.B., 2013. Resilience: Continuous renewal of competitive advantages.Business Horizons,56(3), pp.333-342. Farahani, R.Z., Rezapour, S., Drezner, T. and Fallah, S., 2014. Competitive supply chain network design: An overview of classifications, models, solution techniques and applications.Omega,45, pp.92-118. Homburg, C., Vomberg, A., Enke, M. and Grimm, P.H., 2015. The loss of the marketing departments influence: is it really happening? And why worry?.Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science,43(1), pp.1-13. Kim, B., 2013. Competitive priorities and supply chain strategy in the fashion industry.Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal,16(2), pp.214-242. Kurt, A. and Zehir, C., 2016. The relationship between cost leadership strategy, total quality management applications and financial performance. Leonidou, L.C., Leonidou, C.N., Fotiadis, T.A. and Zeriti, A., 2013. Resources and capabilities as drivers of hotel environmental marketing strategy: Implications for competitive advantage and performance.Tourism Management,35, pp.94-110. Lu, C. (2014).Zara supply chain analysis - the secret behind Zara's retail success. [online] Tradegecko.com. Available at: https://www.tradegecko.com/blog/zara-supply-chain-its-secret-to-retail-success [Accessed 22 Jan. 2018]. Pollard, D., Chuo, S. and Lee, B., 2016. Strategies for mass customization.Journal of Business Economics Research (Online),14(3), p.101. Qrunfleh, S. and Tarafdar, M., 2014. Supply chain information systems strategy: Impacts on supply chain performance and firm performance.International Journal of Production Economics,147, pp.340-350. Qrunfleh, S. and Tarafdar, M., 2014. Supply chain information systems strategy: Impacts on supply chain performance and firm performance.International Journal of Production Economics,147, pp.340-350. Ross, D.F., 2015.Distribution Planning and control: managing in the era of supply chain management. Springer. Srinivasan, R. and Swink, M., 2017. An investigation of visibility and flexibility as complements to supply chain analytics: An organizational information processing theory perspective.Production and Operations Management. Stadtler, H., 2015. Supply chain management: An overview. InSupply chain management and advanced planning(pp. 3-28). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Stevens, G.C. and Johnson, M., 2016. Integrating the supply chain 25 years on.International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management,46(1), pp.19-42. Tax, S.S., McCutcheon, D. and Wilkinson, I.F., 2013. The service delivery network (SDN) a customer-centric perspective of the customer journey.Journal of Service Research,16(4), pp.454-470. Teeratansirikool, L., Siengthai, S., Badir, Y. and Charoenngam, C., 2013. Competitive strategies and firm performance: the mediating role of performance measurement.International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management,62(2), pp.168-184.

Monday, December 2, 2019

The challenge of presenting a balanced representation Essay Example For Students

The challenge of presenting a balanced representation Essay The challenge of presenting a balanced representation of the past through the exploration of history and memory is dealt with very differently by the two composers Mark Baker and Alexander Kimel a direct result of their varying purposes. In Bakers The Fiftieth Gate (1999), the author attempts to create a balanced account of the past (i.e. One that is true, historically and emotionally relevant), while in Kimels poem, Do I Want to Remember? (1989), the purpose is not so much in representing a balanced account of the past as it is a conscious decision to represent only the emotional and memory-oriented aspects of the past .To this end, the varying degrees to which the past is presented as balanced representations of history and memory is a direct result of the authors purpose: Bakers challenge being to accurately trace his parents lives, Kimels challenge being to record the emotional suffering of his father. We will write a custom essay on The challenge of presenting a balanced representation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The challenge of presenting a balanced representation of the past is combatted in Mark Bakers memoir The Fiftieth Gate by using both history and memory in conjunction using one to vindicate the other. Bakers purpose is to broaden his understanding of the Australian survivors of the Holocaust by retracing his parents lives during the Holocaust. As such, Bakers memoir is a journey towards redemption, as symbolised by the motif of gates: whoever enters the fiftieth gate sees through Gods eyes from one end of the world. The darkness and the light. The dichotomy of light and dark is used by Baker to represent the very challenge of presenting a balanced account of the past, the metaphor representing the truth and ambiguity. Thus Baker attempts to elucidate the past by using history and memory in conjunction to create a complete past, and to fill in the gaps in his knowledge. This is highlighted in Bakers appropriate of Dan Pagis poem Written in Pencil in the Seated Railway-Car, changing it so that it is pertinent to his parents story. The poem itself is unfinished, here in this carload tell him that, the result of which is a reflection of his desire to represent a whole and complete past: I am Hinda, tell him that I. Baker acknowledges the flawed nature of both history and memory, indeed this is the very reason for the challenge of presenting a balanced past. As an historian, early in the memoir, Baker has a tendency to rely more on history than memory, constantly using lists and historical documents to validate the past, such as Graetzs Geschitche der Juden, and the use of his grandparents wedding certificate. The result of this however is a lack of emotion: history by itself cannot explain the torment of a child forced to live in darkness for two years, or the anguish of a thirteen year old forced to watch his mother taken to be gassed. To this end, history is represented as cold and clinical: what are these sheets of paper anyway except echoes of the past, dark shadows without screams. This over-reliance on his tory leads to conflict with his parents, as seen in the constant use of the clinical onomatopoeic refrain of tak tak tak and Left. Right. Left. Right to demonstrate the objectivity inherent in history. Bakers parents berate his use of fecks, and indeed he himself admits his shame in having doubted his parents memories. Thus by demonstrating the clinical nature of historical sources, Baker shows the challenges of presenting a balanced representation of the past. Baker also demonstrates this difficulty in the nature of memory, which is portrayed as ambiguous and prone to fault. This can be seen most clearly in memorys degradation as a result of age, disease and time. For instance, Bakers grandfather suffers from dementia, resulting in difficulties in procuring information from him. This is explored further in Bakers doubts over his mothers past: as the only survivor of an Aktion in the obscure Polish town of Bolzsowce, verifying the past is made near impossible. Indeed this is reflected in his mothers low modality: maybe I forgot.: Baker suggests that memory must be aided, his way of achieving a balanced representation of the past. .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 , .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 .postImageUrl , .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 , .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12:hover , .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12:visited , .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12:active { border:0!important; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12:active , .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12 .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc643c880a138e01dee20089085191f12:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Metternich The Leader EssayHis father Joes memory is part of a collective whole, with the place names of Auschwitz and Treblinka metonymically serving to represent the shared memories of other survivors: the next terrifying chapter jumped at him like a jack-in-the-box. Thus Baker suggests that memory requires historical validation to metaphorically release the torrent whose flow went backwards into his darkest might. This metaphor serves to show the extent to which memory is an emotive force, Baker also using olfactory imagery in pungent odour of fresh vomit and faeces and aural imagery in screaming sound of shots to demonstrate the aspects of the past that historical reco rd cannot present. Thus Baker deals with the challenge of presenting ag balanced representation of the past by amalgamating history and memory into one accurate representation of the past. This can be seen in the visit to Buchenwald with Joe, in which Joes memory supplies some detail, while Bakers historical interjection provide other details. To this end, Joe provides the emotional responses (a great noise. Hurrah!) while Baker verifies this with objective facts (10:30am on 11 April 1945). The triumph of truthful representation is presented in the Buchenwald Ball, where they danc, not there, but in spite of there, in defiance of then, in celebration of now, in memory of them. Therefore it is clear that Baker in The Fiftieth Gate uses both history and memory to deal with the challenge of presenting a balanced representation of the past. This challenge is dealt with somewhat differently by Alexander Kimel in his poem about his fathers time in a concentration camp, Do I Want to remember?. Kimels purpose is not to present a balanced account of the past, but to deliberately ignore historical fact and create a homage to his fathers life. He stresses the importance of remembering emotions not facts, thus intentionally creating an unbalanced account of the past. Kimel uses the refrain of Do I Want to remember? at the head of every stanza, the repetition of this rhetorical question serving to highlight the necessity, and difficulty, of recording memory as well as history. The refrain of I cannot forget which ends every stanza is also used to reflect the ability of an omnipresent memory to remain forever, thus creating a legacy. To this end Kimel is very selective of the past, intentionally stressing what he sees as important and interesting in his fathers life. His text is reflective, not didactic like Baker. Like Baker however, he uses graphic imagery to stress the emotions and subjectivity of the past that history cannot hope to portray: faces of mothers carved with pain. Kimel also uses the metaphor of shadows on swollen legs to demonstrate the atrocities experienced by his father, and thus the necessity he sees in recording only his fathers memories of the past, an unbalanced account. Kimel presents this unbalanced account due to his distrust and skepticism of the nature of history. He repeatedly refers to history as numbers scrawled on a page, suggesting that history without memory creates a history in which there is nothing personal: no not people, numbers. This belief is reflected in his intense desire to record the past, his subversion of the refrains in the final stanza showing this. Kimel says, Do I want to remember the world upside down?: concluding that Yes. And I will never let you forget, which serves to show both the need of Kimels to portray a purely emotional and memory based recreation of the past, as well as the moral imperative that survivors have to pass on their legacy. This is shown in the shift to the second person narration, which suggests that the audience too should be considering the nature of history, and the necessity of emotional content. Furthermore, Kimel uses the metaphor of history as sandpaper and memory as silk, to portray his very intentional ignorance of history. Therefore unlike Baker, Kimel does not attempt to create a balanced representation of the past, instead making a conscious decision to stress the importance of memory, and the emotions that only memory can convey. .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a , .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a .postImageUrl , .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a , .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a:hover , .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a:visited , .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a:active { border:0!important; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a:active , .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u59e124c038d2b55d43e71d114f2ed47a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Road Not Taken EssayIn conclusion, the challenge of presenting a balanced representation of the past is reflected in the texts of both Mark Baker and Alexander Kimel, Baker suggesting the necessity of a combination of history and memory to create an interpretation of the past that is accurate, Kimel suggesting that only memory need be used to create a past that is emotionally viable. Very assured voice Good focus on question Unfortunately, you begin Baker (after your treatment of the epigraph) most obscurely. The Pagis section is unclear and feels muddled/muddling. And its a rather minor way to start the text! This quickly gathers momentum, though and becomes far more effective Try to use the words represent, presentation in conjunction with the specific events, situations, personalities youre exploring in your examples Keep key words clear as part of your argument. Your second paragraph on Baker essentially ignores the idea of a challenge. You end your treatment of the text in the next paragraph well. The poem is treated very well and the links to Baker are pertinent and illuminating. Challenge is lost. There appears to be no challenge for Kimel and this should have been stressed, further in relation to his thoughts about historical documentation/discourse.