Joseph Grand The Plague by Albert Camus

Joseph Grand The Plague by Albert Camus In this paper, I would like to discuss such character of Camus’ novel The Plague as Joseph Grand. Although it is too early for me to advance any far-fetched arguments, I can say that Joseph is very much similar to Sisyphus; he becomes accustomed to the routine nature of daily life, and his existence reminds us of Sisyphus’ attempts to roll a rock to the top of the mountain.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Character of Joseph Grand in The Plague by Albert Camus specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Albert Camus creates this character to show that the majority of modern people do not strive for intellectual or spiritual development, while focusing on the material side of their lives. If they do decide to make a difference to their existence, their attempts are usually very superficial. Another purpose which Grand serves is to prove that as a rule people do not search for good qualities within themselves, a nd only a sudden misfortune can force them to do it. In order to elaborate this argument, I need to discuss the behavior of this man, his relations with others and, most importantly, those expectations, he sets for himself. At first, one has to show how the author describes this person. Camus points out that â€Å"ambition was not the spur that activated Joseph Grand†¦ All he desired was the prospect of a life suitable insured on the material side by honest work† (Camus, 56). This indicates that he was quite content with his status in community and the quality of his life. In part, this lack of ambition explains why he has served his entire life as a clerk and why his wife left him. It should also be noted that Grand also attempts to write a book, most probably, a novel. However, he never even finishes the first line of this alleged masterpiece. In his defense, Conrad says that he struggles to find the most suitable words and phrases for this novel and this perfectionism prevents him from progressing further. At this point, an attentive reader has to ask oneself a question whether this behavior can ascribed only to perfectionism or to something else, for instance to the fear of a making a mistake, laziness, and reluctance to take risks. He changes his lifestyle only when the epidemic of plague breaks out in the town. This calamity helps Joseph to rediscover the traits of which he was unaware before, namely, fortitude and resolution. He is seen by others as the â€Å"embodiment of quiet courage† that raises the spirit of other people (Camus, 100).Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More During the plague, he stops being a Sisyphus, engaged in senseless labor. He becomes a person who realizes that his life must not be spent in vain. At the very end, we learn that Joseph resumes the work on his novel, but we do not know for sure whe ther he has ever completed the first line. The author leaves it for the readers to decide whether Joseph Grand is a changed man, who can take initiative and responsibility for his actions, or he is the same Sisyphus, who is more content with the safety of daily routine. It is quite difficult to determine how this novel would have looked like without him. Most likely, the plot of The Plague would have remained unchanged, yet the impression, produced by this literary work would have been different. The thing is that Joseph Grand embodies the strengths and weaknesses of modern people, including their aspirations, fears, and prejudices. Again, this character proves an idea that people usually do not attempt to change for the better on their own accord, unless there is a powerful external stimulus. This is why the character of Joseph Grand is important to this novel. Camus Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus. 1955. Available at: nyu.edu/classes/keefer/hell/camus.html Camus Albert. The Plague. BookEden, 1967.

Ban Cell Phones While Driving Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ban Cell Phones While Driving - Research Paper Example Nobody has any doubt in using the cell phones during our daily activities; however, cell phone usages at the time of driving should be restricted considering the accidents it can cause. Not only can the driver who used the cell phone, but innocent people also lose their life because of the accidents developed out of the driving with a cell phone. In other words, the consequences of rash driving are affecting both the driver and the innocent people. The driver who uses cell phones can argue that he is ready to accept the consequences; however, he cannot compensate others if they lose their lives because of irresponsible driving. There is nothing wrong in using the cell phones while driving a vehicle. But, if it is essential, the driver should park the vehicle somewhere before using the phones. Even if he failed to attend an incoming call while driving, he can call back the person and after parking the vehicle. â€Å"Using a cell phone while driving is as dangerous as driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08- the point at which drivers are considered intoxicated in most U.S. states†(Bauer). Many people believe that using cell phones while driving has nothing to do with the driving prowess of the driver. They are unaware of the fact that driving requires more than 1005 concentration. The coordination of hands, legs, and the brain is important for safe driving. Cell phone usages while driving will force the driver to give some attention to the words of the person on the other end of the phone.

Single Parent Adoption Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Single Parent Adoption - Essay Example In our current society, fewer and fewer American households are daresay traditional families. The stable societal changes have brought about the rise of alternative or non-traditional families, many of which include group living, unmarried cohabitation and single-parent families---all of which are mutually interdependent households, but not recognized as so by the American family law. As part of these alternative or nontraditional families, in the past decade we have begun to see a sharp rise in the number of lesbian and gay men forming their own families through adoption, foster care, artificial insemination and other means. One reason in opposition to single parent adoptions is that it denies children from a customary two-parent family. Omission of a mother or a father could give rise to physical and emotional troubles for some kids, like one case is a review published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology was presented by Vanderbilt University asserting to illustrate that daughters without their fathers encounters puberty sooner than those girls with intimate, compassionate relationships with both parents. Advocates of single parent adoption suppose that an unbalanced or broken home could cause more harm towards a child than those of the lack of one parent (Curto, J. (1983). A healthier home may convey more awareness to this child, which could produce an enormous difference later on with his or her life. They require a parent who would teach them the fundamental early rules of being a good kid. Children might contain a better establishment in relation to what life is all about. In several situations, this reflection might lead children to entrust suicide. A child requires having a better existence. Children need an important person to direct them within their childhood. A kid found in a better home will believe the he or she is more secured. There are a lot of people who have good objectives in adopting a kid because they feel that they need a child inside their lives. A single parent ought to be permitted to adopt a child because it could generate a vast difference with the child's' life as well as with the society. There are many individuals who wish to remain single for various reasons. There are many single parent families that have a loving supportive household. The longing to raise a family together with nurturing a child is frequent for both married couples as well as the single ones. Single individuals might aspire to adopt a child so as to accomplish their need to rear. They might feel as though their existence may be deficient and for that reason they think about adopting a child. I have talked to one single lady who said "I have an established job and I could offer a child numerous benefits." However, there are also some arguments in relation to whether or not single men or women are able to adopt. Our civilization has transformed in several means right through the years. A range of ways that our society has transformed is by means of technology, through way of life, racism, along with many other means. A big modification however, through out the years appears to be with parenthood. I suppose that single individuals should be allowed to adopt a kid. Nevertheless, they still are likely to be a minority whilst the greater part of adoptive parents appears to be couples. On the other hand, in line with the Committee for Single Adoptive Parents, numerous single parents do not suit this depiction. If a single person has an excellent paying

Final Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Final - Assignment Example Consumers who purchase these foods often have tight schedules that cannot allow them to be preparing food at any time. People also prefer buying frozen food due to health concerns. Some are keen to avoid being obese and thus prefer frozen foods due to their low cholesterol content. Television sets purchase is influenced by economic factors. Economic factors mainly centers on a person’s financial status. The wealthy are able to buy bigger and more advanced television than the common people. The choice of buying a television depends on the money one has available at his or her disposal (Armstrong, 2009). For a company to build and manage a brand strategy they must make decisions on the way to add value to their products. This is by use of distinct style, and design, good style makes the product to be attractive to the customers. This can decrease production cost and enhance the reputation of the product thus beating of competition. Nestle USA products have distinct designs and styles which make them stand out from the rest. With the name, they have built in the market they do not spend much on advertisements because people already know them. Choice of packaging is also an important decision to be made by the management. Good packaging means the products becomes more attractive to the customer hence promoting sales. The Nestle USA products have some of the best packaging methods for their products. This ensures their product continues to attract the required attention and the same time maintain their mark of quality. (Armstrong, 2009). Market segmentation is the division of a market in terms of its demographics geographical boundaries and political nature. This creates distinct submarkets with distinct needs and interests. Through segmentation, it is possible for one to get a target market from a division whose interest fit with ones products. The five characteristics of a substantial market segment are measurability, accessibility,

Benito Mussolini :: essays research papers

Benito Mussolini was born on July 29, 1883 in Predappio. The son of a blacksmith he was largely self-educated. He became a schoolteacher and a socialist journalist in northern Italy. In 1910 he married Rachele Guidi who bore his five children. Mussolini was jailed in 1911 for his opposition to Italy’s war in Libya. Soon after his release in 1912 he became editor of the socialist newspaper in Milan, "Avanti!". When WWI began in 1914 Mussolini advocated Italy’s entrance into the war on the allied side and was expelled from the socialist party. He then started his own newspaper in Milan, Il Popolo d’Italia (The People of Italy) which later became the origin of the Fascist Movement. In 1916 Mussolini enlisted in the military. After his promotion to sergeant he was wounded and in 1917 he returned to his paper. During the Chaos that Gripped Italy after the war Mussolini’s influence grew swiftly. Mussolini and other war veterans founded Fasci di Combattimento in March of 1919. This Nationalistic antisocialist movement attracted much of the lower middle class and took its name from the Fasces, an ancient symbol of Roman discipline. The Fascist movement grew rapidly in the 1920’s, spreading through the countryside where it’s Black Shirt Militia won support of the land owners and attacked peasant leagues of Socialist Supporters. To take advantage of the opportunity Fascism shed it’s initial Republicanism gaining the support of the King and Army. On October 28, 1922 Mussolini led his Fascist March on Rome. Mussolini was immediately invited to form the Italian Government by King Victor Emmanuel III. Although Mussolini was given extraordinary powers to return order to Italy he governed constitutionally until 1924 after the violence of the 1924 elections resulting in the death of Socialist party deputy Giacomo Mattoetti. Mussolini moved to suspend constitutional government and establish a totalitarian regime. He proceeded in stages to establish a dictatorship by forbidding the parliament to initiate legislation, making him responsible to the king alone. By 1926 he had passed decrees issuing him the force of law, establishing total censorship of the press and suppressing all opposition parties. In 1929 Mussolini made one of his greatest diplomatic triumphs when he concluded the Lateran Treaty between Italy and the Holy See. This settled the 60-year controversy concerning the power of the Pope within the Italian State. In 1933 Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany and was

Catechol Oxidase Lab

Catechol oxidase is an enzyme that speeds up the oxidation reaction when catechol is exposed to oxygen. When the reaction occurs, benzoquinone is produced turning the oxidized substance brown. It was hypothesized that the higher the concentration of catechol oxidase, the browner the substance will turn, and the faster it will achieve the color. In the present lab, different concentrations of catechol oxidase were mixed with pure catechol and the rate at which each solution browned was measured using a colorimeter.The results showed that the solution with the high concentration of catechol oxidase had the fastest rate at which it turned brown. However, it did not turn the brownest, the solution with the medium concentration of enzyme did. These results show that our hypothesis was both supported and not supported and it was concluded that increase in catechol oxidase concentration increases rate of turning brown but does not increase the level of brownness a substance becomes.Introduc tionHave you ever wondered why the inside of your apple turns brown if you leave it on the counter after taking a bite? This is because there is a compound within the apple called catechol which, when exposed to the air, becomes oxidized by the oxygen in the air and produces benzoquinone, which makes the apple appear brown (Andrew Clapper’s Online Journal, 2007). This chemical reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme catechol oxidase (Figure A.1). Enzymes are proteins in cells that speed up chemical reactions (Enzyme Procedure Guide, 2013). The catechol oxidase lowers the amount of energy needed in order for the catechol to be oxidized, which speeds the process up.Fig. A.1: The oxidation process of catechol with the help of catechol oxidase produces benzoquinone. (Enzyme Procedure PowerPoint, 2013)If you frequently eat apples you may have also noticed that different types apples brown at different rates. This is because each kind of apple has a different concentration of catechol oxidase (Daniela Finkel, 2013). Therefore, each apple has a unique speed at which it will produce benzoquinone, and turn brown.This experiment was designed to investigate the following hypothesis: The higher the concentration of catechol oxidase, the browner the substance will be, and the faster it will achieve the color (Enzyme Procedure Guide, 2013).Within the experiment, pure catechol was mixed with different concentrations of catechol oxidase and the rate at which each solution produced benzoquinone was measured. The amount of benzoquinone made throughout the trials was measured by using a colorimeter to measure the level of â€Å"brownness† of the liquid. The colorimeter worked by shining a light through the liquid and then measuring that light on the other side to see how much of it was absorbed.In this experiment, absorbance of blue light was measured because blue light is absorbed by the color brown. The amount of blue light absorbance was measured every 15 seconds fo r five minutes. Because enzymes speed up reactions, more enzymes would cause the reaction to be even faster.1Procedure/Materials and MethodsThe lab leaders and the Punk Rock Warlord prepared three different concentrations of catechol oxidase by extracting potato juice (because it contains lots of catechol oxidase). Pure catechol, a 5mL test tube, 1mL/5mL syringes, a colorimeter and water were also used. 4mL of pure catechol and 1mL of the highly concentrated catechol oxidase were measured with the syringes. Both liquids were then injected into the 5mL test tube. The 5mL tube was placed into the opening in the colorimeter and the lid of the  colorimeter was closed.The measure of absorbance of blue light displayed on the screen of the colorimeter was recorded every 15 seconds for five minutes. This procedure was repeated for two more trials, each with 4mL of pure catechol; one used 1mL of medium concentrated catechol oxidase and one used 1mL of low concentrated catechol oxidase.The independent variable was the concentration of catechol oxidase, the dependent variable was the rate of turning brown, there were no controls, there were three replications and the sample sizes were 11 (for high concentration) and 10 (for medium and low concentrations).Results SectionFigure 1 shows that before the rates began to plateau, the high enzyme concentration solution was turning brown the fastest. Table 1 shows that the high enzyme concentration had the fastest rate and that on average, it deviated from the mean more than the medium and low concentrations. Figure 2 shows that the high enzyme concentration solution was turning brown the fastest. Table 2 shows that the different rates each solution turned brown are statistically significant.Table 1: Average Rates of for High, Medium and Low Concentrations of Catechol Oxidase and the Absolute Average Deviations. Three different concentrations of catechol oxidase were added to pure catechol and the rate of change in the absorpti on of blue light (production of benzoquinone) was measured every 15 seconds using a colorimeter. Data shown as mean of % of absorption per minute. N=11 for the high concentration and n=10 for the medium and low concentrations. Concentration of CatecholAverage Slope (Rate) Abs. Ave. Dev. High 0.818 0.174 Medium 0.569 0.081 Low 0.196 0.120Table 2: T-Test Results When Comparing the Rates at Which Different Solutions Browned Three different concentrations of catechol oxidase were added to pure catechol and the rate of change in the absorption of blue light (because production of benzoquinone makes a substance brown) was measured every 15 seconds using a colorimeter. N=11 for high concentration and n=10 for medium and low concentrations. Enzyme ConcentrationsP-Value Low vs. Medium

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