Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Economic Systems And Economic System - 1961 Words

An economic system governs how a society’s resources are allocated between people, and so the question of its morality is immensely important (Winfield, et al, 2014). This essay will analyse the different economic systems by considering the two economic systems that fall on the extreme ends of the spectrum of economic systems, these being capitalism and socialism. It will further discuss the characteristics of each of these economic systems and based on these, argue that the mixed economy is the best alternative economic system. The forms of regulations that create efficiencies and those that create inefficiencies will be argued for and the importance and benefits of these regulations will be analysed. . A capitalist economic system is one that is predominantly characterised by free markets, private ownership and limited government intervention. Free markets are commonly known for their ability to achieve economic efficiency primarily through the volunteer nature of exchange and the existence of competition amongst producers (Winfield, et al, 2014). Adam Smith believed that the goal of every economic system should be to achieve economic efficiency through the mechanisms of productive and allocative efficiency. Productive efficiency can be defined as producing goods and services for the lowest cost while allocative efficiency is more concerned with the distribution and allocation of resources in the economy to where they are valued most and can attain maximum satisfaction forShow MoreRelatedEconomic Systems And The Economic System808 Words   |  4 Pagessocieties must choose one of these systems, we must proceed deeper into detail on how these economies function. The oldest and simplest of the economic systems is the traditional economy. It relies on habit, custom, or ritual to answer the three key economic questions. Due to the unembellished nature of the traditional economy, there is little room for innovation or change. It revolves around the family unit and is divided along gender lines. Traditional systems are usually found in communitiesRead MoreEconomic System And Economic Systems910 Words   |  4 Pagesdifferent economic system,which are known as centrally planned economy, mixed economy, and market economy. I will also be explaining why internationalizing firms should be aware of the differences between all three economic systems and what roles should the government be taking in the free market systems. Before I begin defining the different economic systems I would like to first explain what an economic system is. Every country differs in what economic system is being used. An economic system is a systemRead MoreEconomic System s And Economic System2099 Words   |  9 PagesEconomic system â€Å"Economic system is that it consists of those situations which a given people or nation has nations has chosen or accepted as the means through which resources are utilized for the satisfaction of human wants.† (studylecturenotes.com, 2016) Economic system allows countries to follow procedure to produce goods using resources available in the countries. It allows the countries to know how much and for whom to produce. There are different types of economic systems in different countriesRead MoreEconomic System1923 Words   |  8 PagesMicroeconomics Paper: Economic systems Yang Cong Professor Memmos Aug 1st, 2012 Table of Contents 1, Introduction of economic systems 2, the analysis of capitalism 3, Example of capitalism: the U.S. 4, the analysis of socialism 5, Example of socialism: China 6, the analysis of communism 7, Example of communism: North Korea 8, my favorite one is socialism 9, Conclusion There are three main economic systems in the world which are capitalism, socialism and communism. Nowadays, mostRead MoreEconomic Systems1122 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Economic systems are organized way in which a state or nation allocates its resources and apportions goods and services in the national community. An economic system is slackly defined as country’s plan for its services, goods produced, and the exact way in which its economic plan is carried out. There are three types of economic systems exist, they are command economy, market economy, and mixed economy. Command economy is also sometimes called planned economy. The expectationsRead MoreMixed Economic Systems760 Words   |  4 PagesEconomic system of a country Identify and evaluate the economic system that Malaysia is adopting. Discuss the rationale of Malaysia’s economic system in terms of utility maximisation and pricing mechanism for distribution of goods and services. An economic system is the combination of the various agencies, and entities that provide the economic structure that defines the social community. Malaysia has adopting mixed economic systems. Mixed economic system is an economy where there is moreRead MoreAssignment on Economic System1839 Words   |  8 PagesAn economic system is the combination of the various agencies, entities (or even sectors as described by some authors) that provide the economic structure that defines the social community. These agencies are joined by lines of trade and exchange along which goods, money etc. are continuously flowing. An example of such a system for a closed economy is shown in the flow-diagram. The economics system involves production, allocation of economic inputs, distribution of economic outputs, landlords andRead MoreMoral Economic System537 Words   |  2 PagesIntroduction Creating a moral economic system should be the ultimate goal of every society. A moral economy is one that is founded on the principles of justice, fairness and goodness. A moral economic system ensures equitable allocation of resources which are scarce in nature and configures markets to ensure that they run fairy. The end results are to realize a stable economy that is free from exploitation, political insecurity and wars. A moral economic system fosters peace and satisfaction amongRead MorePolitical and Economic System1250 Words   |  5 PagesSpain Analysis of the Political and Economic Systems Table of Contents I. Introduction (abstract) II. Political System a. Type of Political System b. Structure of the Government c. Identify a current law/policy law d. Impact on society III. Economic System a. Type of economic system b. Identify a current economic issue c. Government role in address the issue d. Impact on society IV. Compare Contract a. Economic issue country of origin V. Conclusion Read MoreEconomic Systems Essay1117 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Economic systems are organized way in which a state or nation allocates its resources and apportions goods and services in the national community. An economic system is slackly defined as country’s plan for its services, goods produced, and the exact way in which its economic plan is carried out. There are three types of economic systems exist, they are command economy, market economy, and mixed economy. Command economy is also sometimes called planned economy. The expectations

Monday, December 23, 2019

“I am no bird and no net ensnares me I am a free human...

â€Å"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you†(257-258). The quote epitomizes Jane’s independence, but underneath Jane’s strong exterior, she is a young woman longing for love and a family. Throughout the novel, Jane learns to fend for herself, but we also see Jane’s longing for a family. In Charlotte Bronte’s book Jane Eyre, themes of family, love, and independence prominently play out in the characters of Jane, Rochester, and St. John. Growing up as an orphan, Jane longs for someone to love her and care for her. Her benefactress, Mrs. Reed, and her children neglected her. On one occasion, John Reed told Jane, â€Å"You have no business to take our books;†¦show more content†¦His love for Jane, while genuine, is selfish. He knows he cannot legally marry her, yet he asks her to marry him anyway. His horrid wife is brought into the light; the secret is out. Jane refuses to compromise her morals to be his mistress and leaves Thornfield. As Jane wanders the countryside in an unknown area, she stumbles on the home of her first cousin, St. John Rivers. At the time Jane does not know he is family, but he shows kindness and compassion to Jane when no one else would. Both St. John’s mother and father are dead, but he still has two sisters living. Even before Jane knows the family is her kin, the Rivers’ sisters are like sisters to her. They become the family she never had. St. John is different. He is very cold and stern. He doe not show much affection for anyone. St John loves a local girl, but refuses to marry her because he has devoted his life to full time ministry. He is independent because he isolates himself from people, never letting them get too close. St. John to chooses Jane, who is practical, smart, and sturdy, to be his wife when he goes to India to be a missionary. He does not tell her he loves her, but instead he says, â€Å"Jane, come with me to India: come as my helpmeet and fellow-laborer†(409). Jane turns him down over and over knowing she cannot marry St. John when her heart is still with Rochester. St. John wants a helper, but Jane wants a lover and St. John will never be that forShow MoreRelatedA Rose For Emily Modernism1563 Words   |  7 PagesThroughout the short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, by William Faulkner, the new generation tries to enforce modern standards on Miss Emily and her contemporaries. Despite their best efforts, the older generation remains cemented in traditional values. The older generation faces a slow, tragic, rotting death similar to Miss Emily’s if they continue to adhere to tradition in a modern age. Miss Emily is a contemporary of the older generation and her refusal to pay taxes demonstrates how the adherence toRead MoreA Rose For Emily Analysis1822 Words   |  8 Pages1. What is the meaning in the final detail that the strand of hair on the second pillow is iron gray in â€Å"A Rose for Emily†? It reveals that it was not long ago that Miss Emily had laid her head on the pillow next to the decaying Homer Barron. When this man was last seen, Miss Emily took on characteristics of a woman of youth. It is not until after an extended period of time that Homer Barron is not seen, all the while Miss Emily’s her character begins to take on a more elderly traits. The narratorRead MoreA Rose For Emily Character Analysis934 Words   |  4 PagesAt first sight, the work â€Å"A Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner looks like the story of a woman, Emily, who was molested by an entire city. For example, the moment when the new generation requires the payment of taxes even though Emily’s family had reached an agreement with the previous city government to skip this payment. At that point, I really felt sorry for Emily. However, as the story progresses we see that Emily deserved the repudiation of the inhabitants of the city because she acted in aRead MoreA Rose For Emi ly By William Faulkner882 Words   |  4 Pages â€Å" A Rose For Emily† Character Analysis Stubborn and a bit unstable, Emily Grierson is the main character of William Faulkner’s â€Å"A Rose For Emily â€Å". Emily is a prime example of a flat character because she seldom changes throughout the whole story. Emily acts as if nothing has changed over the years. In the town of Jefferson, It’s as if time went to a stood still. She shows this flat affect throughout the story in many instances. For example, like her refusing to pay her taxes, not keeping upRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner916 Words   |  4 Pagesexperiences throughout their lives that makes them different, and society must come to terms in understanding everyone before they judge. In the short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, written by William Faulkner, people within the town attempted to understand Miss Emily’s struggles and tried to judge her accordingly. Throughout the story Miss Emily Grierson struggled as a developing character with many internal conflicts. One of Miss Emily’s biggest internal conflict came from her attachment to herRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner1055 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"A Rose for Emily† The setting is usually represented by the simplicity of a place and time. In â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, Faulkner expands setting into something much more. The setting goes far beyond just the time and place, it involves the people and objects that surround Emily throughout the story. Faulkner uses those objects and people to show how Emily struggles with accepting the present and leaving the past behind. In the second paragraph, Faulkner refers to Emily’s house and what it had onceRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner1496 Words   |  6 Pagesinevitable aspects of life. In â€Å"A Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner, Emily epitomizes these concepts as she attempts to hold on to the past. Emily is among the last of the Griersons – an aristocratic older family that had lost their influence after the Civil War. She is exposed to the fast changing perspectives and ideals of her town, Jefferson, and she refuses to relent as she continues to uphold her traditional southern values and social status. Emily progressively decays because she chains herselfRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner785 Words   |  4 PagesIn â€Å"A Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner, Faulkner conveys the issue of involving trying to maintain traditional values and control in a society that is facing a change that is radical and widespread. In this story, Emily is seen as timeless figure that contradicts a society that is trying to build up a more efficient, modern lifestyle. Miss Emily is portrayed as a women who resents change and responds uncomfortably to any force that tries to change her inhibitions. Her house is a portrait of herRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily1265 Words   |  6 PagesLove, Loss and Longing—three traits that many would agree Emily Grierson, the main character from William Faulkner’s â€Å"A Rose For Emily†, experiences inexorably. At first glance, one might be confident in one’s understanding of the story at face-value, claiming it to be a thrilling mystery with a mysterious ending. Another may try to analyze contextual evidence to answer some of the many unanswered questions this story proposes. Why does Emily sleep with the corpse of her late husband? Why does sheRead MoreTrifles By Susan Glaspells A Rose For Emily1227 Words   |  5 Pagesand evaluation of one’s self. In the â€Å"Trifles† by Susan Glaspell’s and â€Å"A Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner the short story and play transmit a theme of isolation, but in their case, it leads them to disturbing actions. Starting off firstly, in â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, it shows that the setting took place around the end of the civil war. After the war, Emily’s father Mr. Grierson in essence, raised his young daughter Emily to believe that nothing had changed after the war. Emily’s father inculcated her

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Heroism Redifined Lord of the Rings Free Essays

string(36) " the traditional literary servants\." Heroism redefined Lord of the Rings J. R. R. We will write a custom essay sample on Heroism Redifined: Lord of the Rings or any similar topic only for you Order Now Tolkien Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, offers the reader a truly compelling picture of the world of Middle-earth. The author, in great detail, depicts a complex reality which abounds in a whole variety of creatures, cultures, languages and histories. If we take a closer look on Tolkien’s masterpiece we will easily notice a complexity of themes, motifs, symbols which add to the semantic richness of the text. It is necessary to mention that Tolkien was considerably influenced by the literary tradition. Fascinated by literary genres such as a heroic epic, a chivalric romance or a fairy tale Tolkien skillfully weaved many characteristic conventions of these genres in Lord of the Rings. Among many other features drawn from the literary tradition the theme of heroism occupies a prominent position in Tolkien’s trilogy. On the one hand Tolkien follows a well known model of a courageous epic hero, but on the other hand he operates with the theme in an innovative way. Apart from a careful depiction of a well known image of noble heroism typical of great figures of historical significance such as Aragorn, the novel surprisingly offers a completely new image of heroism which is represented by small hobbits. Providing at the same time two parallel faces of the concept, Tolkien significantly changes and challenges the traditional meaning of heroism and, as a consequence, significantly enriches the literary tradition. A significant part of the trilogy is devoted to the deeds of great Men such as Aragorn. Drawing extensively on the tradition of heroic epic and chivalric romance Tolkien presents a powerful image of a knightly hero full of noble virtues. Aragorn is a â€Å"born hero† – a true heir to the throne of Gondor, â€Å"born to achieve great deeds in his time† (Zimmer Bradley 83). He is a courageous man of action, endowed with physical strength, who combats evil, brings order and restores peace. Respected and admired by other characters, Aragorn is a hero of indomitable spirit who never commits mistakes and always serves as an epitome of bravery and virtue. Although Aragorn is one of the most prominent characters in the trilogy, the most important mission, to destroy the malevolent Ring, falls upon a completely different figure. The future of the whole Middle-earth does not depend on noble Elves or brave Men or even strong Dwarves but lies in the hands of the seemingly weak and insignificant hobbits (Gulisano 131). Tolkien’s surprising choice falls upon small and rather funny creatures which, in fact, do not really have any particular achievements. Though small and weak, it is Frodo and his faithful servant Sam who are burdened with an extremely difficult task. Contrary to all expectations Frodo is chosen to carry the ring: â€Å"You may be nobody in particular in yourself, yet for some inexplicable reasons, through no choice of your own, the Ring has come into your keeping, so that it is on you and not on Gandalf or Aragorn that the task falls of destroying it† (LotR, I, 284) At first the small hobbit is full of doubts. He is neither a great wizard like Gandalf to plan the strategy of war against Sauron, nor Aragorn, an outstanding warrior who is destined to be the leader of the army of Gondor. Yet, the Ring has clearly chosen the hobbit. Unlike other significant figures of the trilogy Frodo has â€Å"heroism thrust upon him† (Zimmer Bradley 84). In contrast with Aragorn, Frodo is not born to gain glory, yet through experience and ability to endure hardships he finally rises to heroism. Though hesitantly, Frodo humbly accepts the task: â€Å"’I will take the Ring,’ he said, ‘though I do not know the way. †(LotR, I, 284) Even though Frodo would rather â€Å"stay at home than risk my life on the very slight chance of winning glory† (LotR, I, 284) eventually he resigns from his own comfort and safety and full of hope takes up a dangerous journey to save the world of Middle-earth. During the journey he often trembles, regrets his lot and wonders why he was burdened with such an enormous load, still he manages to remain faithful to the mission till the very end. Deciding to carry the Ring Frodo starts to follow a path full of sacrifices and pain. As the Ring bearer he is forced to put up a constant resistance to his own ambitions and desire for power (Bramlett 70). Frodo undeniably becomes a hero of the story. Though he actually fails at the very last moment of his mission – he yields to the temptation and wants to posses the Ring for his own- the quest is still completed and Frodo returns covered in glory. However, as Frodo rather reluctantly accepts the heavy burden of the unusual quest there is another character who follows the same path on his own free will and without complain. Sam, Frodo’s devoted servant, becomes an unrecognized hero of the story, who bravely accompanies and supports Frodo till the very last stage of their journey. He is the one who cares even less for glory and heroic deeds. His only wish is to protect his master and follow Frodo even if it means death. (Zimmer Bradley 84) Throughout the story Sam undergoes perhaps the most significant development. He starts out as a minor character. Even Sam describes himself as a â€Å"luggage in a boat†. He is a rather comic and childish character hardly adequate for such a grand enterprise (Purtill 89). Although at first he displays a sort of a limited perception, which is not unusual for a hobbit – he can be very practical at times – â€Å"his mind was slow but shrewd† (LotR, II, 625). In the course of the novel Sam gradually takes more and more responsibility and acquires such importance that without him the quest would be unfulfilled. Sam seems to be a typical hobbit servant, yet Tolkien endows him with certain features which differentiate him from the traditional literary servants. You read "Heroism Redifined: Lord of the Rings" in category "Essay examples" This peculiar hobbit is endowed with a sort of curiosity which is quite unique for a hobbit. He is fascinated with Elves and dreams about an opportunity to meet them one day. He is much more open to the new ideas and experiences than a typical hobbit (Purtill 90-91). What is more, Sam is also aware of his own limitations. He usually depends on the opinion of others, as he is not able to decide on grand matters: â€Å" I hope that the master will think it out carefully. He’s as wise as any, but he’s soft-hearted, that’s what he is. It’s beyond any Gamgee to guess what he’ll do next† (LotR, II, 625). Moreover, Sam is also endowed with a significantly greater independence than a typical servant (Purtill 90-91). When Frodo decides to abandon Shire alone, without any support of his friends, Sam reveals Frodo’s plan to Pippin and Merry in order to protect his master. On another occasion he disobeys Aragorn and secretly follows Frodo on the further journey without informing the rest of the fellowship. When his master comes at stake Sam is able to do absolutely anything. Above all else, Sam characterizes an enormous devotion, selflessness and love for Frodo. His care for his master is truly incomparable: â€Å"It is hardly possible to separate you form him [Frodo], even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not† (LotR, I, 284). Throughout the story signs of Sam’s love for Frodo can be frequently encountered: â€Å"Sam came in. He ran to Frodo and took his left hand, awkwardly and shyly. He stroked it gently and then he blushed and turned hastily away. † (LotR, I, 237) His love for Frodo is immense. He is totally selfless and ready for sacrifices for his master. His devotion is best portrayed in the last stage of the quest, when the fellowship is broken and the two hobbits continue their dark journey to Mordor all by themselves. As Frodo, due to the malevolent power of the Ring, gradually becomes both physically and mentally weaker, Sam becomes an actual guide and protector. He deals with the practical aspects of the journey and combats various obstacles throughout the way. Gradually Sam becomes less comic and much more doughty. Along with their approaching the gates of Mordor Sam is significantly gaining importance and becoming a truly mature character. When the two hobbits are just one step form completing their mission of destroying the Ring everything is almost ruined due to Gollum’s betrayal. Sam and Frodo are attacked by a giant spider Shelob. Frodo is wounded in the combat and Sam is convinced that his beloved master is dead. Though terrified and totally miserable he does not turn back. He feels an obligation to continue the quest. As soon as he realizes that his master is still alive he rushes to rescue Frodo. As for the time being he carries the Ring, and just like Frodo and others he is subject to the great temptation. On this stage of the journey ominous power of the Ring is the most dangerous and the temptation is respectively stronger. The Ring plants in Sam visions of himself as a great warrior: Samwise the Strong. Hero of the Age, striding with flaming sword across the darkened land, and armies flocking to his call as he marched to overthrow of Barad-dur. And then all the clouds rolled away and the white sun shone, and at his command the vale of Gorgoroth became a garden of tress and brought forth fruit. He had only to put on the Ring and claim it for his own and all this could be. In that hour of trial it was the love of his master that helped most to hold him firm; but also deep down in him lived still unconquered plain hobbit-sense: he knew in the core of his heart he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such visions were not a mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own lands to use, not the lands of others to command. And anyway, all those notions are only a trick,† he said to himself. (LotR, III, 880-881) Sam is saved by his great love for his master and his extraordinary common sense combined with modesty and humility. Deep down he realizes that the vision of himself as a great warrior is ridiculous. The illusion, in fact, does not even constitute a dream that he aspires to. Sam is aware that he is not meant to be a grand hero. He knows perfectly well that his true voc ation is to be a humble servant and this is exactly what makes him happy. The great trial Sam is subject to requires from the little hobbit a great deal of common wisdom and strength. Sam who at first seems to be a rather weak and at times an irritating character demonstrates strength which can be compared to the one of Galadriel or Gandalf. He is not only able to resist the temptation, but also to return the Ring to Frodo without hesitation. Sam displays enormous grandeur. At this point he presents more heroism than for instance one of Tolkien’s classic heroes Bromir for whom temptation turned out too great to resist. As one of the critics rightly suggests: â€Å"He [Sam] exhibits concrete wisdom rather than abstract reasoning, finds relationship more important than objects, is supportive, nurturing, and self-sacrificing. † (Purtill 95) Tolkien seems to suggest that these are the features that account for true heroism. Thanks to Sam the quest can be completed. He supports Frodo emotionally till the very end and even literally carries him to the Mount Doom when the latter is physically unable to reach the destination. At the last stage of their journey Frodo is so debilitated by the power of the Ring that he is practically unable to think clearly. All his powers are focused on resisting the temptation of putting the Ring on the finger. Form now on the success of the mission depends on Sam. At this point, the development of Sam is clearly visible. He realizes that the mission has to be completed, that they must do everything in their power to end the task. He knows that they have reached a point from which there is no return. Though, he is convinced that there is no hope for them and they are doomed to death, he still manages to follow once entrusted mission. Sam becomes an undeniable hero of the story. Though he does not acquire a sort of glory that Pippin and Merry achieve on a battlefield, still he does acquire the necessary virtue and wisdom to eventually become the leader and the ruler of the hobbits – the Mayor of the Shire. Lord of the Rings, among many other beautiful and complex images, provides one of the most extraordinary and memorable depictions of heroism. Greatly influenced by the literary tradition, Tolkien both follows and modifies the concept of heroism and consequently provides the reader with two faces of this traditional notion. Tolkien emphasizes a number of features characteristic for a heroic epic and a chivalric romance. Features such as courage, fortitude, nobleness and honour can be found in several prominent figures in the novel. One of the most distinct examples, personifying all these virtues, is to be found in Aragorn. He is a classic hero, descendant of the line of kings, great warrior, the one who restores peace and brings back justice. Aragorn is the rightful heir to the throne who bravely struggles with the forces of evil and at the end triumphantly comes back to his kingdom and marries Arwena – Elf princess. Aragorn embodies all features typical of a truly heroic character in the traditional sense of the concept. However, the author does not only provide the reader with a well known model of heroism based on strength and courage. The novel presents a new surprising aspect of this concept and at the same time establishes a modern, innovative definition of the notion. In the course of the novel the reader is exposed to a very peculiar juxtaposition of characters. Next to such heroic figures as Aragorn Tolkien places queer, little, funny hobbits. It is Frodo and his devoted servant Sam who become true heroes of the story. If it had not been for their simplicity, ordinariness, lack of violence and ability to self-sacrifice the whole Middle-earth would be seized by the forces of evil. Frodo and Sam represent ordinary, insignificant figures who through their selflessness, loyalty and love for friends are brought to the heroic glory. Realization of their own limitations, common sense and modesty prevents them form mistakes that other characters are prone to commit. Hobbits represent the kind of courage exhibited by an ordinary person, who rises to heroism in the face of challenge (Purtill 77). Their courage is moral as well as physical. On their quest they have to face both mental torments, such as resisting the power of the ring and fear of enemies, and physical hardships, like lack of food and water, exhaustion due to the strenuous journey and wounds they receive during combats. Tolkien presents the reader a new definition of heroism which is based on love and humility and can be achieved not exclusively by the chosen, great figures but by everybody. Heroism that Tolkien offers in Lord of the Rings is within everybody’s reach, no matter how small and weak and ordinary they would be (Gulisano 132). Juxtaposing the two kinds of heroism Tolkien stresses the fact that both can harmoniously coexist and are complementary: â€Å"without the high and noble the simple and vulgar is utterly mean; and without the simple and ordinary the noble and heroic is meaningless† (Tolkien in: Purtill 60). How to cite Heroism Redifined: Lord of the Rings, Essay examples

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Desperation by Stephen King Essay Example For Students

Desperation by Stephen King Essay Desperation, a recent Stephen King novel, is not just a book, but an experience that leaves the reader frightened, paranoid, and questioning his moral beliefs. Picture, if you will, a lone, crazed Nevada policeman who pulls over vehicles on a lonely desert highway and forcefully takes away their occupants. Whichever of them he doesnt kill immediately, he locks up in the jail of the small desolate town of Desperation. Among those captured are the vacationing Carver family, whose RV is sabotaged on its way to Arizona. Already incarcerated is Tom Billingsley, a once well-known member of the now slaughtered community of Desperation. They are soon joined by formerly famous, currently old and overweight writer, Johnny Marinville, who is riding across the country on his Harley-Davidson gathering material for a book of short stories. How to escape Desperation isnt the only unanswered question, though. How could and why would one man single-handedly murder the population of an entire town? Ho w does he have such control over the minds of the animals? Why are they locked up when he could have killed them like every one else? Whatever it is that possesses the body of officer Collie Entraigan cant last forever, though. After several days his body is falling apart at the seams, and he is bleeding from every orifice. Weirder yet, he is growing several inches a day and is bound to burst soon. Will he? Or are the occupants of the local Desperation jail just backup bodies that the possessor will use when it wears out its current one? If so then what is it? More importantly, whos next?An intriguing aspect of this book is that there is no real protagonist. King leaves the reader in constant suspense. Frequently changing views, the story follows one character or group of characters for one chapter and then in the next chapter, follows another, often intertwining the time sequences. The overlapping action is interrupted only by flashbacks that allow the reader to sympathize with a p articular characters actions or feelings. These flashbacks are so intricate that it is difficult to believe they are fictional at all. They go into such detail of the life-altering experiences of everyone involved that the reader gets a sixth sense as to how the characters will react to certain situations. Telling the story in this manner allows the reader to see why every character acts the way that he does. The book itself begins with a distressed Mary Jackson shouting Oh! Oh, Jesus! Gross! (p. 1) in repulsion upon seeing a dead cat nailed to a speed limit sign along the Nevada stretch of highway 50. This particular stretch of asphalt boasts the title The Loneliest Highway in America, and to New York born and raised Peter and Mary Jackson, it is beginning to get a little too creepy. Soon Peter notices an upcoming car in the rear-view mirror. Big chrome grille, coming up fast and reflecting such a savage oblong of sun that he had to squint . . . but he thought the car was white, which meant it wasnt State Police. (p. 6) Soon the little white Acura they are driving is pulled over. They are missing a rear license plate, the hauntingly large officer tells them, and when they open the trunk to get out the tool kit, he notices a gallon sized baggy full of greenish-brown herbal matter. (p. 18) Soon Peter and Mary are en route to the Desperation town jail. On the way there they pass an RV with four flat tires that the policeman flys by as though he doesnt even see it. Upon entering the doorway of the police station, the cop puts his arm around Peter and pumps three bullets in his guts while he and his wife stare in disbelief at the figure of a dead little girl, neck snapped, lying crookedly at the base of the stairs. .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d , .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d .postImageUrl , .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d , .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d:hover , .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d:visited , .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d:active { border:0!important; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d { 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; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d:active , .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d .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; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u9ced42e6f0a575fe803a8cb4b7542e8d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Aids In Africa EssayNow the reader is introduced to the Carver family. King evens out the story line by interrupting moments of intense action with flashbacks. In this particular case, King tells of the prior intentions of the Carver family. The story goes into such believable detail that it is difficult to take as fiction. He tells of how they had started out as Four Happy Wanderers as was detailed into the pinstripe of their RV, how they had suddenly blown four simultaneous flat tires, and how they were rescued by what seemed at the time like an outgoing officer of the law. The focus of the author soon turns to past-his-prime writer Johnny Marinville as he feels the need to relieve himself cruising down Highway 50 on his cream and red Harley-Davidson Softtail motorcycle. Johnny decides to just pull over and let it go right there just off the highway. While doing so, he provides the reader with an interesting reminiscence of what his life was like back when he had groupies, was an alcoholic, and was addicted to heroin. Zipping up his jeans and buttoning up his riding chaps, Johnny turns around to find a police cruiser accompanied by a extremely large officer looming over his bike. After a brief, friendly conversation the officer tells Johnny he had better close up his unbuckled saddle bag. This strikes Johnny as odd, seeing as how he had everything tied down and buckled up when he got off the bike, but now his bright orange poncho was hanging half way out of his steel-studded saddle bag. When Johnny opens it up there is a bag of marijuana staring back at him that is strangely familiar to the reader. The cop beats up Marinville and throws him in the back of the cruiser, and soon he gets acquainted with the others back at the jail. From this point on, the plot of the story becomes too intricate and involved to be covered simply by summarization, but the rapidly deteriorating officer soon leaves in pursuit of more victims, taking Ellen Carver with him. The crew of inmates soon escapes incarceration, led by the young and God-fearing David Carver. David has been deeply religious ever since his prayers awoke his best friend from a coma several days before they were going to pull the plug on him. He uses his faith in God to counteract the evils of Tak, the possessor, and his animal minions. The plot thickens as David performs several arguable miracles with the help of God, such as squeezing his entire body, including his head through a four inch gap between the prison bars. He also produces an entire meal for eight out of two cans of sardines and a half box of Ritz crackers (reminiscent of the bible story of the loaves and fishes) and causes Johnnys cellular phone to work as clear as day when no one else can get goo d enough reception to dial. While deep in prayer, he is provided with accurate, elaborate visions of the can tahs, little stone carvings contained in the depths of the pits of the Desperation Mining Company. Upon touching these carvings, people go crazy with a psychotic urge to kill until then their flesh melts off their bones like ice cream. These can tahs come from the ini, which is the main underground source of Taks evil. David wont leave Desperation without destroying the ini, feeling that God will see his life as a fair trade for that of his childhood friends. Marinville, who is out of shape, but still has a sharp mind, foresees that David will feel as though he is obligated to take the subterranean suicide bombing mission upon himself. Johnny orders the others to subdue David while he takes the bags of ANFO explosive and plummets to the very heart of the evil of Desperation, blowing it up along with himself, while the others make their escape. He tells David to pretend like this never happened, to live his life, to Go find your friend and make him your brother. (p. 543) However, we never find out what exactly happens to any of the survivors. .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 , .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 .postImageUrl , .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 , .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01:hover , .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01:visited , .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01:active { border:0!important; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 { 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; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01:active , .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 .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; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01 .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ub49cdf8766126cdb56aca5076f4a0a01:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Why Home Schooled Students Should Have Access to Extracurricular Activities EssayI would recommend this book to any adventurous reader. The amazing attention to detail combined with the frighteningly realistic accounts of the pasts of the characters makes this book a fresh experience. Although I am not too familiar with other works of Stephen King, I can assure the reader that Desperations entangling sub-plots and horrific action are so intimidating that he will find himself turning in bed as much as he will turning the pages.