The Fears Of The Victorinan Era English Literature Essay

The Fears Of The Victorinan Era English Literature Essay The social theory of degeneration was developed as a result of Charles Darwins theory of evolution, it was believed if something can evolve, it can also devolve (Byron, 2000: 134). The notion of evolution meant that the human race was changeable and could evolve or even degenerate or devolve. The future of human existence was now unknown and seemed uncertain. Victorians because of this unknown future held an unpromising outlook assuming that the human race was in a state of decay. Theories backing up the idea of human degeneration came from various scientific fields, such as anatomy, physiology and psychology. The prospect of the human race returning to an ape like state concerned the Victorian public and we can see the anxieties of the era present in Victorian gothic literature where the characters often transform into monstrous or primitive ape like beings. A Companion to the Victorian Novel states that the Degeneration theory proposed that the human species was suffering from an i ntellectual, physical and moral decline, and becoming increasingly enfeebled through everything from syphilis, insanity, epilepsy, feminism, radicalism, crime and immigration to the stresses of modern civilization. In charting this steady decline toward racial suicide, degeneration both influenced and was influenced by a number of branches of scientific and psychological theory(2005). Scientists from different areas contributed to this notion of there being men who were genetically determined to be degenerate and deviant ( Botting,1996:137). The gothic novels discussed in this essay demonstrate the anxieties surrounding these theories. The distressing conditions at the end of the nineteenth century in urban environments such as the City of London provided perfect conditions for writing literature of terror. The Strange Case of Dr. Jeykll and Mr Hyde is one such book that profits from the circumstances and conditions at the time of its publishing. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Stevenson plays upon this innate fear of degeneration this is because Stevenson gave fictional form to an emerging crisis of the late-nineteenth century: the perception that the race itself was succumbing to degenerative tendencies that threatened the very fabric of society (Dryden, 2003). Dryden asserts that The fear of the beast within was the late nineteenth centurys fear of itself. Degeneracy could lead to atavism, which must be purged in order that the race evolves beyond its animal instincts (Dryden, 2003) The fear of degeneration is certainly located in the character of Edward Hyde. If we examine Hyde further he seems to fit perfectly into the mould of the criminal type of degenerate categorized and identified by Lombroso and Galton. Laurence Talairach-Vielmas states in his review of Tracing the Criminal: The Rise of Scientific Criminology in Britain, 1860-1918 that : Lombrosos theory, as expounded in Criminal Man, was grounded upon the premises that 70% of criminals were biologically programmed to commit crimes. Lombroso regarded his 219 criminal portraits as evidence of an atavistic criminal type and foregrounded the relevance of anatomical or physiognomical features, such as the prominence of the jaw, the harshness of the look, or the abundance of hair. Lombroso saw atavism as the primary biological cause of criminal behaviour and paid little attention to socio-economic factors; yet he gradually included congenital illnesses and forms of dà ©gà ©nà ©rescence in his criminal type , increasingly merging criminality, insanity and epilepsy, as underlined in his Crime: Its Causes and Remedies (1899). (Talairach-Vielmas,2007) Luomo Deliquente was published in 1875 which contained theories physically characterising the features of the criminal type. Lombrosso strongly suspected that the physical features of a person could indicate whether a person was a criminal. The Character of Edward Hyde has these inherit attributes of criminal degeneracy. These qualities can be seen not only through the horrendous and extraordinarily violent acts of crime but his physiognomy. Hyde seems to be a literal and precise characterisation of what Lombroso determined to be a criminal in his theory. Linda Dryden assets in The Modern gothic and literary doubles: Stevenson, Wilde and Wells For Lombroseo, the criminal was physically abnormal, like Hyde, whose appearance suggests to Enfield a strong feeling of deformity and the resemblance to primitive races is echoed in Hydes troglodytic appearance. (Dryden, 2003). Hyde is constantly described in a detestable nature with such words as ape-like, savage and dwarfish. Stephen Arata observes that Jekyll and Hyde articulates in Gothic fictions exaggerated tones late-Victorian anxieties concerning degeneration, devolution, and criminal man' (Arata, 1995:233). When Dr. Jekyll transforms into Hyde he therefore is degenerating to a lower form, this is highlighted and shown threw frequent comparisons to primitive forms of existence. Stephen Arata goes on to assert that Stevensons first readers could easily discern the lineaments of Cesare Lombrosos atavistic criminal. The describing words seem to flawlessly harmonize with Lombrosos description of what he names the criminal type. The Victorian reader would certainly have been able to see the comparisons between Hyde and the Criminal type and Arata goes on to further state that Stevensons middle-class readers would have had as little trouble deciphering the features of the abnormal and misbegotten Hyde, hi s body an imprint of deformity and decay, as Stevensons middle-class characters do (Arata, 1995:233). The character of Edward Hyde in addition is intensely disliked by all on first acquaintance. People seem to have this intriguing aversion to Hyde, he beholds this repugnant nature. The most intriguing point is that no one can actually pinpoint the exact root of Hydes unpleasantness. Richard Enfield articulates, I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why . . . he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I couldnt specify the point, while Lanyon elaborates, there was something abnormal and misbegotten in the very essence of the creature that now faced me something seizing, surprising, and revolting (Stevenson:73). Utterson holds the same opinion and reports the same characteristics, he declares that Hyde was pale and dwarfish; he gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation(Stevenson:15). Uttersons subsequent connection to this uncanny aura, detestable nature and indescribability in relation to Hydes appearance shows Hyde as an exemplar of Lomb roseo and Galton theories of criminal atavism. Hydes repulsive and vile appearance is instinctively associated with delinquency and criminality. Hyde seems to radiate this evil, repugnant aura, people who come into contact with him seem to adopt this instant loathing to him. Utterson illiterates this aura of repulsiveness in the following extract: the radiance of a foul soul transpires through, and transfigures its clay content (Stevenson: 15). Hyde comes across as deformed yet he lacks the distinct physical features of an inherent deformity. Utterson finds describing Edward Hydes deformity and evil aura meticulously hard, he states that hard all these points were against; but not all these together could explain the hitherto unknown disgust, loathing, and fear with which Mr. Utterson regarded him(Stevenson:15-16). The specific qualities and features that account for his horrid appearance of deformity seem to remain unknown and evade comprehension. The Victorians held this fear of t he unknown and Hyde certainly embodies the uncanny which was a concept and theory developed by Sigmund Freud. The uncanny is where something can be familiar yet foreign at the same time leading to uneasiness. The other indicator of Hydes criminal degeneracy is an obvious one; it is his atavistic modes of conduct. The climax of the novel is the murder of Sir Danvers Carew in such a ferociously violent nature by Hyde. The crime is depicted in a horrific nature, in the following extract it is told that Mr. Hyde broke out of all bounds, and clubbed to the earth. And next moment, with apelike fury, he was trampling his victim under foot, hailing down a storm of blows, under which the bones were audibly shattered and the body jumped upon the roadway (Stevenson, p27). Hydes repulsive appearance and volatile actions show that Stevenson has played on what Pick ascertains as the Victorian fears and anxieties of urban degeneration. The plot of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde can be compared to that of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Both novels share a characteristic gothic plot where there is this degeneration from higher to lower state. The novels expose the degeneration of the respectable middle class to a more primitive and bestial state. The middle class at the time witnessed the traditional values and family structures under great pressure as Britain observed a loosening of moral, aesthetic and sexual codes associated with fin de sià ¨cle decadence. This in turn is echoed and depicted in the literature of the time. The Victorian Gothic depicted members of the middle classes as the new victims of corruption and decay.For instance Dr Jekyll in the strange case transforms into this primitive form after taking a concoction while Dorian Gray similarity degenerates to a lower form of existence. The moral degeneration of Dorian Gray is shown through the portraits gradual decay, it is stated that the face painted on the canvas could grow bestial, sodden, and unclean (Wilde: 238). The further Dorian corrupts the more bestial the picture becomes it is the most magical of mirrors, (Wilde: 227). In Late Victorian Gothic Tales by Robert Luckhurst it is commented that The picture that Dorian Gray hides in his house is not only a metaphor of moral corruption, but is a precise record of physical degenerative decay. (Luckhurst, 2000)The visible changes that show the corruption of Dorians soul draw on Victorian fears of human degeneration and cultural decay: But here was a visible symbol of the degradation of sin. Here was an ever-present sign of the ruin men brought upon their souls. (Wilde: 78). However Dorians own appearance is unaffected and therefore his atavistic nature could not be deciphered threw physiognomy according to Victorian theory which in turn played on Victorian fears. Dorian Grays submersion in the Victorian underworld of sexual liberation, criminality and opium is portrayed in a similar nature to Edward Hydes. Wilde fuses the imagery of the upper class and lower class by having the allegedly respectable Dorian visit the poor and deprived districts of London. He remembered wandering through dimly-lit streets with gaunt black-shadowed archways and evil-looking houses. Women with hoarse voices and harsh laughter had called after him. Drunkards had reeled by cursing, and chattering to themselves like monstrous apes. He had seen grotesque children huddled upon doorsteps, and had heard shrieks and oaths from gloomy courts (Wilde: 114 ). In the previous extract the working classes are depicted as ape like beings and therefore Dorians involvement with this sphere highlights Dorian as primitive. Lord Henry asserts that crime belongs exclusively to the lower orders. I should fancy that crime was to them what art is to us, simply a method of procuring extra ordinary sensations (Wilde: 152). This previous extract not only shows the duality of Dorians nature as both a criminal and a respectable middle-class gentleman but it also illustrates the criminality of not only the lower classes. At this time characteristics of the criminal type were associated in the late-Victorian mind with the lower class, but Jekyll and Hyde and Dorian Gray both challenge that idea. For instance Stephen Arata asserts about Jekyll and Hyde that While his impulsiveness and savagery, his violent temper, and his appearance all mark Hyde as lower class and atavistic, his vices are clearly those of a monied gentleman. (Arata, 1995) Mans dual nature is a prevalent theme in Stevensons and Wildes masterpieces. This idea of people having a divided self was equally used in the Gothic novels and was a product of theorys such as the theory of social repression. This theory believed that the restricting moral codes of the bourgeoisie produced the divided and repressing life styles of the middle-classes, respectable by day and pleasure-seeking by night (Botting,1996: 136). Dorian can be noted as digressing from the higher class to the lower class sphere. Joseph Bristow remarks that Dorian wears a fine aristocratic face but possesses what may be referred to as a working-class (debased, gross, indecent) body, as he moves across and between different echelons of society (Bristow,1992: 60). Dorians character is much like that of Jekyll/Hyde, both are divided between upper and lower classes and good and evil. The strange case and Dorian Gray both demonstrate the vulnerability of the middle class to degeneration. Linda Dryden states in The Modern Gothic and Literary Doubles thatThe susceptibility of the upper class to moral decay was the theme of Degeneration (Dryden 2003). Theories of the time did not just focus on the lower class for instance Nordau took pains to insist that the degenerate population consists chiefly of rich educated people who, with too much time and means at their disposal, succumb to decadence and depravity (Arata 1996). The Victorian G othic novel certainly depicted members of the middle classes as the new victims of corruption and decay (Byron, 2000: 137). Clare Clarke illiterates that Both Edward Hyde, and indeed Dorian Gray, then, are figures that embody a bourgeois readerships worst fears not only about the atavistic and marauding poor but also of the decadent and immoral upper classes. (Clarke, 2005) Both the novels touched upon in this essay draw their power from fears and anxieties in Britain at the end of the 19th century in regards to the degeneration discourse. Problems inbuilt in human nature were believed to result in the regression to primitive forms and split personalities. Dorians corruption and decay must have been particularly alarming and distressing to the Victorian public because of his respectable middle class status, amongst the fact his physiognomy lacked the inherent signs of degeneracy and decay. Mr Hyde on the other hands appearance and uncanny nature give away his atavistic modes of conduct and his degeneracy although still alarming. This Victorian fear of degeneracy can be seen in both novels mainly focusing on the immoral higher classes and there degenerative tendencies. New theories caused this unease and tension in Victorian minds about the stability of human nature. The fact the Victorian era was that of much change, industrialization and scientific dev elopment just helped build uncertainty about the future of the human race. Crime rates were high, overpopulation in cities was rife and poverty was a huge problem just adding to theories surrounding decay and degeneracy. The mark of the era can be seen in the novels discussed toying with the fears and anxieties of the time.

A Comparison of the Mead-hall in Beowulf and The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki :: comparison compare contrast essays

Mead-hall in Beowulf and The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Is the mead-hall mentioned only in Beowulf or is it an element common also to this famous Icelandic saga? Is the mead-hall described the same way as in Beowulf?    Remaining true to the Anglo-Saxon culture’s affinity for mead (ale/beer/wine), the characters of Beowulf partake frequently of the strong beverage. And the mead hall is their home away from home, with more entertainments than just fermented beverages: â€Å"gold and treasure at huge feasts †¦ the words of the poet, the sounds of the harp.† Needless to say, with â€Å"the world’s greatest mead-hall †¦ Hrothgar’s people lived in joy.† â€Å"after a mead party the Danes †¦ knew no sorrows.† When Grendel â€Å"moved into the [mead] hall,† that is an indescribably torturesome pain for everyone: â€Å"Hrothgar was broken †¦ the Danes forgot God †¦ [they were] in great distress †¦ they wept and seethed.† When Beowulf and his men arrive they immediately â€Å"came toward the hall †¦ then sat down on benches †¦ pouring sweet drink.† They came â€Å"to cleanse Heorot [the mead hall],† to stop the â€Å"humiliations in Heorot† where men are â€Å"over their ale-cups.† Beowulf predicts: â€Å"When I get done with him, anyone who wishes may happily go into the mead hall.† Unferth, in his battle rune at Hrothgar’s feet, was insulting to the hero because Unferth was â€Å"drunk on mead.† When Queen Wealhtheow entertained the Geats, she first bid the king â€Å"joy in his mead drinking,† then â€Å"went around to each †¦ sharing the precious cup.† When the hero began fighting the monster, â€Å"many a mead bench †¦ went flying.† The next day the queen â€Å"walked among the mead seats,† and everyone â€Å"drank many a mead cup.† References to this subject are too numerous to enumerate. In the hero’s last days the fire dragon brought death to the Geats; the â€Å"wine hall† was â€Å"abandoned †¦the surging fires burned his house, the mead hall of the Geats. That was â₠¬ ¦ the greatest of sorrows.† Wiglaf, in censuring the ten who deserted their chief, said, â€Å"At the ale-bench he often gave you †¦ helmets and armor.† In this classic poem, can there be anything more vital or essential to joyful living, or to conducting business, than the mead-hall?    T. A. Shippey in â€Å"The World of the Poem† (45) says:    Some objects in fact reach â€Å"mythic† status – most obviously halls.

Parvana’s life in Afghanistan Essay

In â€Å"The Breadwinner† Parvana’s rights are being violated. She has the right to go to school and get an education. She has the right to go to court to defend people. She has the right to freedom and many other rights, but nearly all of her rights are being violated by the Taliban. I wonder how Parvana deals with it? This essay will be about some of the rights that are violated in Afghanistan, the right for an education, the right to go to court and the right for freedom. The right for an education is violated. My first quote to help me give evidence that is on pages 10-11 â€Å"it wasn’t her fault she wasn’t in school! She would rather be there too. † This quote represents that the right for an education is violated because she wants to go to school, but the Taliban has forbidden girls to go to school. My second quote is found on page 11 â€Å"when they first took over the capital city of Kabul and forbade girls to go to school, Parvana was terribly unhappy. I think this quote means that the Taliban forbid girls to go to school so they are the smartest so it is easier to take over the whole of Afghanistan. The right for freedom is violated. The first example to show evidence is on page 22 â€Å"the Taliban has said we must stay inside, but that doesn’t mean we have to live in filth. † I think this quote gives a good example because it shows that they are demanded to stay inside. My second piece of evidence is on page 7-8 â€Å"For more than a year now, they had all been stuck inside one room, along with five-year-old Maryam and two-year-old Ali. I think this quote shows that the family’s freedom is violated because they have to stay inside because they are girls. Parvana’s right to go to court is violated. On page 31 a quote helps me give evidence that Parvana’s family can’t go to court. â€Å"Parvana watched hopelessly as two soldiers dragged him down the stairs. † I think this quote shows clear evidence because it shows that they just take him and don’t give information or when he will be released or anything. My second quote is found on page 30 â€Å"two of the soldiers grabbed her father. The other two began searching the apartment, kicking the remains of dinner all over the mat. † This means that the Taliban don’t give any information about when they can go to court to defend their father so he doesn’t need to go to jail, and they just storm in and do whatever they want. The Taliban also like to suppress people. Parvana deals with the rights in many ways. Girls could not go to school or be outside, so she disguised herself as a oy. She could not go to court to defend her father so she went to the prison to get her father back with her mom, but they were beat up. Parvana did not have the right for freedom so she disguised herself as a boy. â€Å"The Breadwinner† was a nice and emotional story about her life in Afghanistan and how she deals with her father being put in jail and the rights being violated. Parvana dealt with some of the rights, such as the right to go to court, the right for an education and the right for freedom.

6 Ways to Chemically Kill a Tree

Homeowners usually welcome trees on their property. But some trees are invasive species that, over time, can take over a garden. Other trees may overwhelm your home, digging roots into the foundation or limiting access to light. Whatever the reason, if youre ready to kill a tree, youll need to review your options and make an informed choice about the best method for your situation. If youre concerned about chemicals or are removing a tree in an area where you grow fruits or vegetables, you might choose to physically remove the tree. If youre comfortable using chemical herbicide, however, a number of options are available. Chemical herbicides are effective and relatively low cost. On the other hand, they involve using potentially harmful substances in your own backyard. There are ways to mitigate the risk, but you might prefer to avoid chemicals altogether. In that case, you have two options for tree removal: cutting down or starving the tree. Cutting Down a Tree If youre removing a very large tree or are uncomfortable using a chainsaw, you can hire someone to take down your tree. Many people, however, simply cut down their own trees. Once the tree has been cut to a stump, youll need to grind the stump to the ground. Unfortunately, cutting and grinding might not be enough to kill your tree. In some cases, trees will continue to sprout from the stump. If this happens, youll need to systematically look for new sprouts and cut them down whenever they appear. By cutting the sprouts, you deny the roots the energy they need to continue to grow. If neither grinding the stump nor cutting sprouts is enough to kill your tree, youll have to dig down and painstakingly remove the roots from the soil. The notorious buckthorn bush/tree is an example of a species that can be killed only by completely removing the roots. Starving a Tree The bark of a tree is a system for transporting soil nutrients and moisture to the branches and leaves. With some trees, fully removing the bark around the circumference of the trees trunk will effectively starve it to death. This technique, called girdling, often is effective, but it isnt foolproof. In some cases, trees can bypass or jump the girdle. To get the best results, remove all layers of bark in a circle around the tree, cutting about 1.5 inches deep with a hatchet or ax. The girdle will need to be about 2 inches wide to kill a small tree and up to 8 inches wide for a large tree.   Chemically Killing a Tree Herbicides can kill trees and, properly applied, be safe for the environment. The most environmentally friendly options involve applying herbicide to a specific area of the tree. In some cases, however, the only viable option is to use herbicidal spray. There are five major types of herbicides, only some of which are rated for home or crop use.  Triclopyr amine and triclopyr ester are growth regulator-type herbicides, while  glyphosate and imazapyr kill plants by interfering with the synthesis of plant proteins. Aminopyralid is primarily effective on legumes  such as kudzu and may not be appropriate for your needs. Here are six ways to chemically kill a tree: Cut Surface Treatments: This technique involves creating a pathway through the bark so that herbicide can be introduced into the plants vascular tissue. Start by making a series of downward cuts around the circumference of the tree with an ax or hatchet, leaving the frill (cut section of bark) connected to the tree. Immediately apply the selected herbicide into the cuts. Avoid spring applications when sap flowing from the wound will prevent good absorption.Injection Treatments: Use specialized tree injection equipment to administer a specific amount of herbicide into the tree when the cut is made. Treatments are effective when injections are made every 2 to 6 inches around the tree. For best results, treat trees 1.5 inches or more in diameter at chest height. Injection is often handled by a tree removal company because it requires an investment in equipment.Stump Treatments: After  cutting a tree down, you can minimize the possibility of regrowth by immediately treating the freshly cut surface with herbicide to prevent sprouting. On larger trees, treat only the outer 2 to 3 inches, including the cambium layer, of the stump (the internal heartwood of the tree is already dead). For trees 3 inches or less in diameter, treat the entire cut surface.  Basal Bark Treatments: Apply herbicide to the lower 12 to 18 inches of the tree trunk (on the bark) from early spring to mid-fall. Some species can be treated during winter. Use herbicide spray mixed with oil until the bark is saturated. The low-volatile ester formulations are the only oil-soluble products registered for this use. This method is effective on trees of all sizes.Foliage Treatments: Foliar spraying is a common method of applying herbicides to brush up to 15 feet tall. Make applications from early summer to late September, depending on the choice of herbicide. Treatments are least effective during very hot weather and when trees are under severe water stress.Soil Treatments: Certain soil treatments appl ied evenly to the soil surface can move into the root zone of targeted plants after ample rainfall or overhead moisture. Banding (also called lacing or streaking) applies concentrated solution to the soil in a line or band spaced every 2 to 4 feet. You can use this type of application to kill large numbers of trees. Important Tips Before starting a tree removal project, learn how to use herbicides safely and legally. Herbicide treatments of roots or soil (or sprayed herbicides) can kill vegetation unintentionally. Call your local Cooperative Extension Service for detailed chemical information pertaining to chemical treatments. Youre responsible for the chemicals you use and their ultimate effects.When using frilling or cut stump methods of treatment, apply the herbicide immediately so that your tree doesnt have a chance to start healing itself and you can achieve maximum absorption.Plant roots can share vascular tissue through root grafting, which occurs primarily within the same species but can occur between plants within the same genus. Your herbicide can move from a treated tree to an untreated tree, killing or injuring it.Once the herbicide is released from a tree, it can be available for uptake by another. The serious consequence is that a treated tree may release herbicide back into the environment, injuring nearby trees and vegetation.Adding stains or dyes to the herbicide solution substantially increases applicator accuracy. Applicators use the dyes to monitor treated trees, so they ar e less likely to miss or respray targeted trees. Use of stains can also indicate personal exposure.Avoid applying herbicide in areas where it can injure other plants. Assume that tree roots extend a distance equal to the height of a tree in dry climates and equal to half the tree height in wetter environments.