Understanding Religion Through Kurt Vonneguts Cats...

Understanding Religion Through Kurt Vonneguts Cats Cradle The following is issued as a warning from the author Kurt Vonnegut to the reader: Any one unable to understand how a useful religion can be founded on lies will not understand this book either(14). The latter quote is typical of Vonnegut in his usage of creating a personal narrative. Kurt Vonnegut Jr. was born in Indianapolis, like many of his characters, in 1922. His life from that point on closely resembles the lives of the people in his satirical novel Cats Cradle. Vonneguts mother committed suicide when he was twenty two years old and in many of his novels the character of the mother is dead.†¦show more content†¦There are actually three different writers at work in the story. First and foremost is the author Kurt Vonnegut. The narrator he creates in his novel is called John, or Jonah as he tells the reader to refer to him (Vonnegut 1), and he frequently recites passages from The Books of Bokonon written by a fictional religious guru Bokonon (Reed 125). All three hold true to a passage from another of Vonneguts books lies told for the sake of artistic effect...can be.. the most beguiling forms of truth(Vonnegut Editors Note) Though Jonah is most closely linked to representing Vonnegut, Bokonon is the most interesting character created on the Island of San Lorenzo where most of the book takes place. By having this central yet elusive character invent a religion openly based on lies, Vonnegut demonstrates societys blind dependency on religion: I wanted all things To seem to make some sense, So we all could be happy, yes, Instead of tense. And I made up lies So that they all fit nice, And I made this sad world A par-a-dise (Vonnegut 90) The latter quote describing why Bokonon, christened Lionel Boyd Johnson on the Island of Tobago in 1891 (Vonnegut 74), invented Bokononism is said to be found in Bokonons Calypsos, or short poems/songs. When Bokonon wasShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Religion and Morality in Cats Cradle Essay959 Words   |  4 PagesThe Role of Religion and Morality in Cats Cradle As an author, Kurt Vonnegut has received just about every kind of praise an author can receive: his works held the same sway over American philosophy as did those of Jack Kerouac or J.R.R. Tolkein; his writing has received acclaim from academics and the masses alike; and three of his books have been made into feature films. Society has permanently and noticeably been altered by his writing. Through accessible language and easily-understoodRead More Kurt Vonnegut Essay2033 Words   |  9 PagesKurt Vonnegut Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. is a contemporary American author whose works have been described by Richard Giannone as comic masks covering the tragic farce that is our contemporary life (Draper, 3784). Vonneguts life has had a number of significant influences on his works. Influences from his personal philosophy, his life and experiences, and his family are evident elements in his works. Among his comic masks are three novels: Cats Cradle, The Sirens of Titan, and God Bless You, MrRead More Postmodernist Features in Vonneguts Cats Cradle2907 Words   |  12 PagesPostmodernist Features in Vonneguts Cats Cradle Cats Cradle is a book, which enables many points for literary discussions. One possible topic of them could be the postmodernist features in this book. In this examination Ihab Hassans essay Toward a Concept of Postmodernism was used as a source of secondary literature for defining of postmodernist features. The most visible and prevalent features are postmodernist metonymy, treatment of the character, dynamicRead More Vonneguts Nihilistic Views Exposed in Cats Cradle Essay1178 Words   |  5 PagesVonneguts Nihilistic Views Exposed in Cats Cradle If humans strive to fulfill their void, of a lack of meaning in their lives, their folly will blind them from the truth. Kurt Vonnegut portrays his inner emotions and feelings of the insignificance of religion through the characters of his novel, Cats Cradle. His satiric approach to a subject that many people base their daily existence upon, challenges the readers faith. As people search for a deeperRead More Crusaders of Truth in Cats Cradle and Pi Essay1012 Words   |  5 PagesCrusaders of Truth in Cats Cradle and Pi      Ã‚  Ã‚   In our world, people are constantly searching for the truth, or answers for things that seem unexplainable. On a quest to make the uncertainties of life easier, or more reasonable, some people have invented tools such as religion, and deemed them truthful. People such as Felix Hoenikker from Kurt Vonneguts Cats Cradle, and Max Cohen from Darren Aronofskys film Pi, resist such inventions and see a different definition of truth, which is scienceRead More Comparing Themes in Cat’s Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five1905 Words   |  8 PagesThemes in Cat’s Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout his career, Kurt Vonnegut has used writing as a tool to convey penetrating messages and ominous warnings about our society. He skillfully combines vivid imagery with a distinctly satirical and anecdotal style to explore complex issues such as religion and war. Two of his most well known, and most gripping, novels that embody this subtle talent are Cats Cradle and Slaughterhouse-Five. Both books represent Vonnegut’s genius forRead MoreThe Life and Writings of Kurt Vonnegut Essay2248 Words   |  9 PagesKurt Vonnegut is celebrated as one of the most successful novelist in the Post-Second World War period in the America. His literary works have had varied impacts on American culture, including the use of the word â€Å"karass† amongst college students, the naming of the pop groups â€Å"Ice Nine Kills† and â€Å"The Billy Pilgrims†, and the frequent use of the term â€Å"So it goes† as written in Vonnegut’s obituary on the New York Times (Farrell, p.ix). This article examines the impacts of Vonnegut’s on his literaryRead MoreCat s Cradle By Kurt Vonnegut1859 Words   |  8 Pages Cat’s Cradle is a children’s game in which a string, tied at both ends to make a loop, is used to make different shapes. Coincidentally, this is the game from where Kurt Vonnegut’s novel Cat’s Cradle gets its name. The story follows John, a journalist who is researching to write a book about the day the atomic bombs were dropped in Japan. Following through his journey, John finds himself meeting the Hoenikker household; family to Felix Hoenikker, who is frequently called â€Å"the father of the atomicRead More Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five Essays3848 Words   |  16 PagesKurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five Great artists have the ability to step back from society and see the absurd circus that their world has become. Such satirists use their creative work to reveal the comic elements of an absurd world and incite a change in society; examples include Stanley Kubrick’s film, Dr. Strangelove, and Joseph Heller’s novel, Catch-22. Both works rose above their more serious counterparts to capture the critical voice of a generation dissatisfied with a nation of

Transportation Has A Part Of Human History - 2368 Words

Transportation has been a part of human history since the beginning be it walking on foot on a trail through the forests, ships across the oceans, roads created by the horse or horse and carriage, to the rail roads that transected the United States to modern roadways. Many advancements on roadways throughout the years were made as each new form of transportation was improved. Then one day man could fly and hence another form of transportation made it possible for man to go from place to place in a fraction of the time compared to car or rail road. Along with these improved modes of transportation came new and inherent risks like head on collisions in vehicles, planes falling from the sky, and tunnel collapses in subways. With risk and threat comes the need for security and safety practices. Cars were made safer and roadways were improved to include guard rails, painted lines, traffic lights and stop signs. As the population grew so did the need to expand the ability to move about. In terstates were built, airports were built and subways were now a means of travel in the urban setting. As technology and the transportations system grew so did the threat and risk of damage from either natural or manmade disasters. We take for granted every day the roads we travel believing or thinking that nothing can or will happen to them where we live. So how what would happen if the transportation system suffered a major attack or damage? Roadways deliver goods by way of tractor trailersShow MoreRelatedExplain The Economic Logic Underpinning Mahan’S Theory1104 Words   |  5 PagesTheory of Sea Power Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan published The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783 in 1890, in which he attempted to analyze the role of sea control throughout history. Mahan, a naval officer, used his sea experience to create a theory about naval history that is unlike any other history work. Upon examination of Theodore Momsen’s History of the Roman Empire, which included the history of the Second Punic War, Mahan emphasized the significant role that sea communicationsRead MoreTechnology And The Growth And Expansion Of The Population And Society Essay1508 Words   |  7 Pagesvariety of tools to address problems that, until then, had no solution with the means available at that time. Since man appeared on earth there is technology. Technology is considered as a set of knowledge and applied techniques, which are used by human beings to try to transform the world, with the purpose of best suiting their needs. Technology usually is linked to the development of solutions to a problem or any difficulty that could appear in an everyday situation. The first technologies of importanceRead MoreTransportation in the 1800s1136 Words   |  5 PagesJessica Acevedo History 1302 October 10, 2012 Norman. Love It fascinates me how the human mind has developed from the beginning of time, till now. I mean technology itself has transformed the word. New inventions are created each day, improving machines, and almost everything. Throughout history people have created things that have made life easier. Transportation has always been very important. It has been a huge part of history. Of course like every other resource it had its pros and consRead MoreEnergy Surrounds Humanity And Underpins Modern Life Essay1368 Words   |  6 Pagescivilizations were constructed using the labor of humans and animals. By the exertions of thousands of slaves, the construction of remarkable structures of the ancient world were made possible, such as the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Egypt. According to today’s standards, this process is considered extremely slow, inefficient and inhumane. It was only in the last two hundred years in human history that machines have replaced the labour of hundre ds of humans and accomplished their work in a fractionRead MoreWater Is A Vital Part Of Life On Earth1385 Words   |  6 Pages Water is a vital part of life on Earth. It is also extremely important to the State of Michigan. There are numerous ways water affects Michigan. However one should know something first of Michigan. The word Michigan in the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamma is large water. Michigan is the tenth most populated state, the capital of Michigan is Lansing. Also Michigan is the only state that has two peninsulas. The Lower Peninsula is in the shape of a mitten and that is where the capitalRead MoreThe Impact Of Technology On Society s Society1573 Words   |  7 PagesThe Impact Of Technology On Society Technology has always played an important part of our history, whether it impacts the medical field, astrological instruments, microscopic technology, and these innovations have all played an important role in changing the scientific views of society. These inventions were very important in the direction society took as a whole and should be recognized as such. However there were inventions that had more of an impact on the general society as others, and changedRead MoreEnd of the Space Shuttle Program: An American Financial Voyage1431 Words   |  6 PagesNASA’s Shuttle Program also known as the Space Transportation System, was the first winged manned spacecraft operation to have achieved orbit and land, also the first to use reusable spacecrafts and make multiple flights into various orbits. Although the shuttle program took America to a heighten achievement of orbital transportation, recent closure of the program has baffled many Americans and left questions about the fut ure of the American space missions. The closure of the program by the ObamaRead MoreWhere Would We Be Without Technology?1562 Words   |  7 Pagespositive and important way. These three innovations throughout human history are prime examples of how the evolution of technology can benefit society in many ways. The discovery of fire had a colossal effect on society in the stone ages and throughout all of human history, including modern day. The discovery of fire, through random chance or by possibly knowing the potential benefits that fire provided, was the starting point which helped humans evolve alongside this new technology. The technological advantagesRead MoreIndustrial Revolution Essay1057 Words   |  5 PagesThis allowed production to shift from inside homes into factories. During the industrial revolution, new inventions were plentiful and helped to revolutionize the way in which people lived. Steam power, capitalism, representative government, transportation, and the scientific methodology made the Industrial Revolution possible. The steam machine was one of the most important technologies of the Industrial Revolution. It was created by Scottish inventor James Watt. It was simply a engine insideRead MoreAccording To The National Institute Of Justice (N.D.) â€Å"The1413 Words   |  6 PagesUnited Nations defines human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by improper means (such as force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose including forced labor or sexual exploitation.† The U.S. government defines human trafficking in two different ways. The first is sex trafficking in which commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of

Legal Studies †the Family Law Amendment (Shared Responsibility) Act 2006 Free Essays

The Family Law Amendment (Shared Responsibility) Act 2006 commenced on the first of July 2006 assists in the way that separating parents resolve their disputes involving the best interests of their children. This law is still taking time to make an effect on divorcing and separating parents, as sources show that shared custody arrangements or 50:50 joint custody makes little effect on the children involved in these situations. This was achieved through a major study conducted by Bruce Smyth and Bryan Rodgers who showed that children in shared care are no worse off or no better than those who see the other parent every second weekend for example [Source E]. We will write a custom essay sample on Legal Studies – the Family Law Amendment (Shared Responsibility) Act 2006 or any similar topic only for you Order Now The aim of the legislation was to change the past 1995 reforms as they failed to achieve the desired impact of separating couples [source A]. The act was created also to encourage parents to share the parenting of their children by allowing them to have equal time with both mother and father and also for the major decisions and responsibilities of the children to be distributed evenly. The law was changed because of the various groups who protested against the past regulations the law provided. The changes included the terminology, facilitation of shared parenting time and the concept that the separated parents both retain parental responsibility [Source A]. The new family law process outlined in the Every Picture Tells a Story report also creates an emphasis on parents coming to agreements in a ‘parenting plan’. There was also a proposal to create a ‘Family Tribunal’, which was where the separating parents could work their issues with consultation and counseling without the invasive use of the courts. The government also put forward $400 million to be spent on 65 family relationship centres for counseling couples [Source B]. Groups who have been against the Family Law Amendment are law academics, judges, women’s legal services, and single mother groups, [source D] because of the issue of abuse from their spouses after the separation. The act sets out that parents are to share the responsibility of the children between them, with the exclusion of abusive spouses. This therefore results in parents having to consult each other about their children’s education, religious and cultural upbringing, health, change of name, and also place of residence [Source A]. Also included in the act is that counseling would be offered to parents in assisting them to reach an agreement between both parties, and child support doesn’t have to be given until six weeks after the parents have separated. The Act only previously allowing grandparents contact through applications however rights have been elevated and the relationship between the children and grandparents are taken directly into consideration when making the arrangements in the parenting plan. The presumption of equal shared responsibility in the amendment means that both parents have an equal role in making decisions about the major choices involving the children; for example what school they will attend. The presumption however does not apply to a parent who has engaged in any abuse, violence or neglect towards the child, and was not included in the previous Act. With this the Act strives to provide the parents with equal shared responsibility which means the child spends a reasonably even amount of time with each parent (if it is in the best interest of the child). The main issue of the legislation is the increase in funding necessary for the Act to go ahead, as the proposals put forward for the committee, family centres, and other programs require a great deal of money to be established. Tax payers are forced to contribute more so that these can be provided, however in saying this establishing the inquisitorial tribunal creates a more level playing field for separating partners, particularly if one party cannot afford private legal representation [Source A]. In excluding legal representation, which is what happens in this process, creates a lesser need for lawyers to be involved in family matters, therefore those representing families will no longer be needed. According to the National Association of Community Legal Centres they suggest that the new family law and processes â€Å"may be harmful to children† [Source B]. Compulsory mediation may force separated parents to communicate and associate with their former abusive partners, who may blackmail or force that parent to agree to an arrangement that benefits the abuser. This leads to a lifetime of fear and anticipation of more abusive from the former partner. According to the legislation, if a report or suspicion of abuse has arisen, the mediation will not go forward nor will it agree to unsafe parenting arrangements. While some children benefit from the equal shared parenting arrangements, it doesn’t mean that some are better or worse off than others. Joint physical custody has been found to be workable only in a minority of separations where parents have freely chosen the arrangement. The cases in which the shared parenting has generally worked is when there is no record of abuse or conflict and when there is commitment from both parents. [Source C]. Throughout this whole process the mediation is voluntary, and can stop at any time as the couples wish. The parties have access to legal advice, either during the mediation or before signing any mediated agreement [Source B]. There are many financial problems with this Act, as separated parents have to pay for the children independently and cannot find stability with their finances in order to pay for schooling, health and so forth. There is also the major issue that is domestic violence. The Act reinforced a fine for making false allegations about abuse and therefore some parents were pressured into making parental agreements that involved the abuser. This also made some victims too scared to tell courts about abuse or violence directed at their children [Source F]. This law is affective, however could be revised in order to benefit the parents. The financial problems that are caused by this law are unavoidable for some families, as one parent or both may struggle to afford to make ends meet. The court could evaluate each parent’s financial status and the ability of them to be economically safe in order to enable them to be able to raise the children effectively. However in saying this, the court should not take children off one parent if they are not capable to pay for the child, especially if the other parent is reportedly an abuser. Abusive parents should be constantly monitored whilst mediating with the other parent (if the victim wants mediation) and the child should have a say in which parent they think is able to look after them. Abusive spouses should not be allowed any contact with the victim while proceedings are happening, so that they do not coerce the other parent into an unfair parenting agreement. The abused parent should also be supervised during this period so that it is seen that they are not influenced or blackmailed by the abuser. The Act should focus more on the child’s need than the parents. While both parents have equal shared responsibility, the child should be involved in the parenting agreements and have a fair say in what happens to them. It is argued that the Act focuses more on the parent’s rights than the children’s needs, and that the reforms favor fathers more than mothers [Source F]. In conclusion, it is believed that the Act is not effective however has improved the rights of equal responsibility between parents. It is said that shared care is proving successful for many parents, [Source E] however parents are the only beneficiaries from this because the arrangement aids them more than the child, as the Act is more in the parents favor than the children’s. The Act should be revaluated so that it is beneficial to all parties. How to cite Legal Studies – the Family Law Amendment (Shared Responsibility) Act 2006, Essays