Often times, it is assumed that learning does not have negative consequences and leads to one’s enlightenment What people don’t realize is that being thrown into the light can burn. Associating learning with pain is clearly illustrated in both Plato’s Republic and Frederick Douglass’ The Education of Frederick Douglass. Both works represent people who move past their ignorance through the acquisition of knowledge and step into the light, both literally and metaphorically; they become aware of their own situations and with that comes pain. Book seven of Plato’s Republic (trans. 1968) presents the allegory of the cave and the idea that learning isn’t always pleasant.
A variety of issues are examined in Dawe’s poetry, most of which, aren’t uniquely Australian. In ‘The Wholly Innocent’, the poet utilises the narrator being an unborn baby to express their opinion on abortion. The emotive language; “defenceless as a lamb” and comparisons of abortion to “genocide”, all turn this poem into a type of activism, for pro-life; a concept that is certainly not uniquely Australian; as abortion is only legal (on request) in 4 states and territories. These issues aren’t always directly referenced in Dawe’s poetry, much like in ‘The Family Man’, which chooses to explore suicide and it’s effect. The man who killed himself had no name - he was just a statistic, that had “all qualifications blown away with a trigger’s touch”.
“Execution” by Edward Hirsch is about an adult recollecting his thoughts about his high school football career and especially how his coach inspired him because his authoritative role model was battling cancer. The speaker talks about the coach’s goal for “perfect execution” and the infinite strategies the coach would draw up in order to reach his goal. The speaker concludes with their team’s loss against “the downstate team” and how they were ironically defeated by “perfect execution.” A superficial reader might assume that the poem was about the disappointing results that came from his team working hard to reach a goal, but the author’s use of impersonal tone and irony in the fact that their team’s loss is caused by “perfect execution” shows how a strong force can be conquered even when putting your best foot forward when accepting a challenge. Have you ever been a part of a team that seemed invincible and you lost?
The pieces of literature used out of context appear to support the stance of books and knowledge being unnecessary. That quote is an allusion to Pope Alexander’s Essay on Criticism. Pope Alexander’s intention of that stanza is to say that one may become over confident as a result of minimal knowledge or understanding(phrases.org.uk). Beatty, however, used that quote to imply that even a little bit of knowledge will fill one with illogical and “drunken” thoughts. By distorting the intended definition of Pope Alexander’s essay, he attempts to confuse Montag, who has just begun on his journey of knowledge.
April, 1930. The coastline in Dandi, India is dotted with millions of people illegally extracting their own salt from the water, each feeling a mixture of triumph and fear. They have come together to protest the British salt laws, which they believe are wrong. But it is also understood that in doing so, many will face consequences. Civil disobedience is vital to bringing a positive change to society, under the circumstances of tyranny and/or discrimination.
We know not why our curse makes us seek we know not what, ever and ever. But we cannot resist it. It whispers to us that there are greater things on this earth of ours, and that we can know them if we try, and that we must know them. We ask, why we must know, but it has no answer to give us. We must know that we may know.”
The Brahman is unsatisfied in his knowledge and although however hard he seeks, cannot find the enlightenment he desires. Additionally, the Brahman is perplexed in how a simpleton woman who does not seek truth or knowledge, rather relies on religious doctrine, is perfectly happy in her ignorance of things. The Brahman goes on to explain to Voltaire that even though he could simply be happy by not acquiring and striving for enlightenment, he does not wish this (Voltaire, . , Woolf, n.d.). Voltaire proposes this question to other Philosopher's and each reach the same understanding that once you enter into the world of reason, there appears no end in sight, but however that this struggle is still better than being blissfully
Knowledge can be compared to a torch, or fire. Fire brings light and can help guide us through darkness. At the same time, fire, when not used wisely or contained, can lead to destruction. Similarly, the human species can use knowledge to further advance us, or we could let it tear us down. This is a common theme in the novels
Everyone has a perspective on good and evil; the battle line between good and even runs through the heart. “Beowulf” illuminates characters that come from dark and deep backgrounds that construct their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage. Raffel’s tones remotely displays the act of loyalty within multiple characters. “Hail to these who will rise to God, drop off their dead bodies” (101).
The search for knowledge is arduous, to utilize knowledge wisely can be blessings, but
Knowledge is extremely powerful, especially in the modern world. It is necessary for human life to go on as it has been since the beginning of human thought. May it be the knowledge we have gained of our past, new innovations, or the ability to complete tasks efficiently, information is at the core of everything. But, too much knowledge can be a burden as well. Too much knowledge about the world can drive a person insane, if you know too much about someone, you can overthink everything and end up in a bad situation, and sometimes knowledge can ruin your creativity and innocence.
Title? Belonging is the pivotal axis around which human life revolves. Genuine poetry reflects directly or indirectly an awareness of the social problems of a country. Belonging and poetry, Miss Lawlor and my fellow students is one of the most curious combinations and this is what we see in the genre of poetry produced by the Australian poets in the 1960’s when……... Bruce Dawe was a vernacular poet known for his extraordinary empathy with people which characterises his poetry and gives a voice to the ordinary Australians.
Ignorance is an odd thing. Many people berate people who are unknowing, but then always say that ignorance is bliss. Is ignorance truly bliss? Yes, ignorance is a true bliss, because when someone is ignorant, they will never know. Ignorant people don’t have the knowledge to understand that they are anything but oblivious.
”(Bradbury 143). Beatty now says that knowledge is too powerful, so powerful that it drives people like Montag(who receive knowledge) mad. Knowledge is powerful, and some like Beatty believe that the population should have this power taken away. Bradbury uses Beatty to represent knowledge is power, and that getting rid of knowledge would make the world into a boring place without diversity, individuality, or
The poem, At Mornington was written by Australian poet, Gwen Harwood. It was published in 1975 under her own name. At Mornington is about a woman reminiscing about her past when she is with her friend. There are many themes explored in this poem including memory, death and time passing.
