Stereotypes And Opinions

Opinions are a delicate matter, and can change in the matter of seconds. They provide us with a perspective on an issue, thereby enable us to choose one side over another. They are effective representations of one’s beliefs and perceptions. For this reason, they can never be facts. Opinions are subjective, and will always have a large degree of error. Opinions reflect personal views, therefore they are limiting in that they can only form based on an individual’s knowledge and beliefs. As a result, opinions rarely are reflections of the true story. They omit crucial details that may be concealed from the creator of the opinion. Although they do not directly dictate facts or truths, they are nonetheless valuable. The subjectivity in an opinion

In a flashback to her childhood, Vanessa recalls a memory of Grandfather Connor driving her in and old MacLaughlin-Buick. While reminiscing on her past in “Jericho’s Brick Battlements,” Vanessa remembers “the car flying, flying, flying, through the widespread streets” (Laurence, 167). While in this magical experience, she “was gazing with love and glory at [her] giant grandfather as he drove his valiant chariot through all the streets of this world” (Laurence 167). It is obvious that Vanessa sees her grandfather as a great man, and respects him highly, to a godly level. This is evident when you look at the memory of driving. Grandfather Connor is compared to Helios, the Greek god of the sun, who was also responsible for its movement. Every day, Helios would fly his golden chariot through the sky, and this would create light for the people of Greece. Grandfather Connor was driving the car, which Vanessa felt was flying. This relation is only strengthened when Vanessa relates the car to a chariot travelling through the whole world. It is evident that she thinks very highly of her grandfather, and has a deep respect for him. With future experiences, as Vanessa matures, this opinion will

This all changes when Grandfather Connor dies, and Vanessa thinks of all he really accomplished in his life. She once again speaks of the car, and how significant of a memory it is. While recalling how he amazingly walked from Winnipeg to Manawaka, Vanessa remembers her memory of Grandfather Connor, when he was driving her around, and she once again relates him to a divine God. After years of disagreements and hate, Vanessa finally respects Grandfather Connor again. This is evident as, when visiting the graveyard, Vanessa “did not look at Grandfather Connor’s grave” as “it was not his monument” (Laurence 193). Vanessa does not want to remember him by his grave, as it reminds her of negative moments. She later visits the old car in which she related Grandfather to god. For Vanessa, this was his true monument. Vanessa regards her grandfather as great once again. Vanessa once again behaves like Grandfather Connor would have when she visits the brick house. The significance of this scene is that she is no longer repulsed by being related to her grandfather, but she accepts that he “proclaimed himself in [her] veins” (Laurence 194). She has once again great respect for Grandfather