How is "every man--is an end in himself" realized in the story of Equality 7-2521?
Equality 7-2521 is a deep thinker who enjoys learning. This plays out as he becomes braver throughout the story. He discovers a tunnel where he may experiment and this boosts his curiosity. I think in the end, he really relishes the idea that he is different from everyone else, and in turn, that everyone is different from everyone else. He learned that society wasn't meant to be a body of people that were all the same, he broke away from that. He learned that man is supposed to be in-charge of his own fate, and be his own individual person.
When a character acts selfishly against the prevailing vice(s) of the dominant social order, true virtue exhibits itself?
Equality 7-2521 acts selfishly most of his life, disobeying the society in little ways, such as considering people as friends, which is forbidden. He is a born rule breaker, keeping his secret of the tunnel, talking to the Golden One, and finally running away and admitting selfishness. But I believe that after being raised thinking everyone is the same and things are only as they are planned out to be, such as getting his street sweeping job, selfishness is deserved.
Similar to mothers who do so much work they have no time to themselves, it is important for Equality 7-2521 to make time for himself.
True virtue? That is hard to say. In most cases acting selfishly is frowned upon, but really its a necessity of life. No one can be entirely selfless their whole life. Except for the people who Equality 7-2521 left behind, but they weren't really living. Being controlled is never a way to live, free will is so important, it shapes our colourful society and makes it the amazingly intricate piece of art that it is. Without individuality we are nothing.
I feel Equality 7-2521 and the Golden One's decision was a wise one, and will treat them well. True virtue has been exhibited to a point, a new life that is free and happy. They've learned to fend for themselves and it will improve their quality of life by a long shot.
Thursday 18 April 2013
Reflection of The Pearl
Kino and Juana suffer through a paradox, consisting of evil coming from good. Have they learned to live with the paradox, and what have they learned?
Kino and Juana suffering is related to the theory that evil comes out of good.
When Coyotito is stung by the scorpion evil comes among the family. In the hope of healing the baby they must find money to pay the doctor. Being native, Kino would not be able to acquire a job, so he must do what his people are known to do: find a pearl. Kino Finds an huge pearl, "The pearl of the world", one that could buy himself weapons, pay for a wedding, and send his son to school. But evil is held within the pearl, making the family feel they need to get as much as they can from it.
Recently, a man won a million dollar lottery and was so proud of his earnings he bragged to anyone who would listen. And he was murdered before he could spend it. This relates to "The Pearl" because the pearl throws the family into danger. Though Kino does not outright brag, everyone knows, and he tells them all how he wants to spend it. He gets attacked, people enter their home while he is asleep, and launches his whole family into danger. But Kino is gripped by the evil of the pearl and will not dispose of it or sell it. Jauna trys to get rid of it, stealing it from him to throw away, and the evil of greed causes him to take it back and slap her. This is not something he would normally have done, nor approved of doing, but evil has possessed his heart.
When they run away, they hope that it is selfless enough to save them from the evil. But the pearl hasn't lost its grip. Not until **SPOILER ALERT** Coyotito is killed, does the pearls's grip slacken. The evil has done its work. Only now are Kino and Juana able to let go, and do so by throwing the pearl away.
Kino and Juana have learned what comes out of good fortune, and have let it change them. The greed has weakened them, and the final sorrow of the entire course of events have drained them of what was left of their normal life. The good has brought their life through evil and they understand that. But they have learned. Greed has torn the family apart, and they will not let it happen again. Disposing of the pearl is the first attempt to return the nature of evil, and shows a readiness to forget.
When a character acts selflessly against the prevailing vice(s) of the dominant social order, true virtue exhibits itself.
The family in "The Pearl" exhibit a large amount of selflessness, that effects the events that follow. When discovering the pearl, though some wishes may seem selfish, Kino really wants whats best for the family; a wedding, Coyotito to go to school, and hunting weapons. He keeps his values in mind: family, safety, and fitting in. When they leave their home, it is because Kino realizes he is acting selfishly. The tragic end shows how selfishness springs out of good fortune, greed out of prosperity. Kino and Juana understand what should come first in life, understanding how people can be change, and how to value life and their virtues in future experiences.
Kino and Juana suffering is related to the theory that evil comes out of good.
When Coyotito is stung by the scorpion evil comes among the family. In the hope of healing the baby they must find money to pay the doctor. Being native, Kino would not be able to acquire a job, so he must do what his people are known to do: find a pearl. Kino Finds an huge pearl, "The pearl of the world", one that could buy himself weapons, pay for a wedding, and send his son to school. But evil is held within the pearl, making the family feel they need to get as much as they can from it.
Recently, a man won a million dollar lottery and was so proud of his earnings he bragged to anyone who would listen. And he was murdered before he could spend it. This relates to "The Pearl" because the pearl throws the family into danger. Though Kino does not outright brag, everyone knows, and he tells them all how he wants to spend it. He gets attacked, people enter their home while he is asleep, and launches his whole family into danger. But Kino is gripped by the evil of the pearl and will not dispose of it or sell it. Jauna trys to get rid of it, stealing it from him to throw away, and the evil of greed causes him to take it back and slap her. This is not something he would normally have done, nor approved of doing, but evil has possessed his heart.
When they run away, they hope that it is selfless enough to save them from the evil. But the pearl hasn't lost its grip. Not until **SPOILER ALERT** Coyotito is killed, does the pearls's grip slacken. The evil has done its work. Only now are Kino and Juana able to let go, and do so by throwing the pearl away.
Kino and Juana have learned what comes out of good fortune, and have let it change them. The greed has weakened them, and the final sorrow of the entire course of events have drained them of what was left of their normal life. The good has brought their life through evil and they understand that. But they have learned. Greed has torn the family apart, and they will not let it happen again. Disposing of the pearl is the first attempt to return the nature of evil, and shows a readiness to forget.
When a character acts selflessly against the prevailing vice(s) of the dominant social order, true virtue exhibits itself.
The family in "The Pearl" exhibit a large amount of selflessness, that effects the events that follow. When discovering the pearl, though some wishes may seem selfish, Kino really wants whats best for the family; a wedding, Coyotito to go to school, and hunting weapons. He keeps his values in mind: family, safety, and fitting in. When they leave their home, it is because Kino realizes he is acting selfishly. The tragic end shows how selfishness springs out of good fortune, greed out of prosperity. Kino and Juana understand what should come first in life, understanding how people can be change, and how to value life and their virtues in future experiences.
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