After reading Benjamin Franklin's’ “The Ephemera: An Emblem of Human Life”, one could assume that he is making a mockery for how people live their lives. Franklin talks about the ephemera as wise bugs that live their lives to the fullest even though their lifespan is highly limited, which is why Franklin called them “ephemera”, meaning lasting but short-lived. Franklin states “Happy people! … you are certainly under a wise, just, and mild government, since you have no public grievances to complain of, nor any subject of contentions” (Franklin para. 2), which alludes to how the ephemera are living happily while all humans do is complain about political issues. The ephemera do not have to worry about their legacy; instead, they focus on a life well spent. In the passage Franklin states, “Art is long, and life is short!” (Franklin para. 2) comparing …show more content…
The ephemera, like Franklin, has engaged in “political struggles … for the good of [his] compatriot inhabitants” and participated in “philosophical studies” (Franklin para. 2), which can be presumed as Franklin expressing his feelings and questions on life through the ephemera. The ephemera states “what fame will be to an ephemera who no longer exists?” (Franklin para. 3), alluding to Franklins’ doubts to all of the work he has accomplished and its impact on society. This excerpt especially views life as melancholy and bittersweet due to the inevitability of everyones’ demise and that people will be forgotten. Throughout the passage the reader gets the sense of oblivion with what and how they are doing in life. This is especially brought from the quote “what will become of all history… when the world itself … shall come to its end and be buried in universal ruin?” (Franklin para. 3). Overall, Franklin sees the ephemera as a long lasting species that make the most from what little time they
He is reminding us what is expected of us from that point forward. Repeating the word “people” he wanted his ideas cemented in the heads of his audience. “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the
Each section describes the lives of the Founding Fathers, the events that took place after the American Revolution, and how they affected our American history. The preface is called “The Generation”; it is an introduction from the author. It is ultimately about his intentions and him explaining how to interpret and understand the events that happened. Each event needs to be understood exactly how he articulates it, along with the acknowledgement of how it affected our history and is interpreted today. He also reveals to the readers who the eight most important people are of the early American republic, they are: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Adams, and Aaron Burr. Ellis states that all of these characters knew each other on a personal level, and that they knew what they were doing for this country would be scrutinized and very critical. They were the generation in which precedents would be set and future generations would later rely on. Within each chapter Ellis shows the fragility of this country when we first gained our true
This gives the readers a clue that what is to happen in the upcoming text is a
Being a freshman in college we want be seen, but it also the fact that when I graduate I want to be remember. As humans we want to be immorality, but deep down we know we are going to die eventually, but that is what makes us human. We need to be able to see that and then, we can see that we can be remember. Change is a major part of the book and this the quote, as human we are afeard of change, to be seen we have to change so we can be seen, and for me that is a scary thought, I am so use to can environment live my bed room back home it was a big change moving into the dorms at
... of religion. Also, the newly evolving opportunity for rising to a higher economic and social position, and the greater variety of trades and occupations that were generated during the 18th century, were extremely influential factors in creating opportunities for upward mobility. Ultimately, one of the most important themes in Franklin’s Autobiography is the beginning of the ideal of the “American Dream”; a dream that has goals of equality and material prosperity at its core, goals which have become important and influential to all citizens of the United States of America, and remain influential for generations to come.
He says that no "city dweller" could ever understand the loneliness or hardships he has faced. His sadness is greatly expressed when he says "how I have suffered grim sorrow at heart, have known in the ship many worries [abodes of care]." The quote shows he not only inhabits a ship, but a psychological space of sorrow. He continues at sea even when the weather worsens in order to seek his foreign homeland. As spring arrives, the man only wants to travel more. His spirit leaves his body and travels the world. When it comes back he is still not satisfied. He talks about how one cannot take their earthly possessions with them once they die. It is important to fight and be brave while you're alive, so you can enjoy the eternal afterlife. He tells the reader that the days of earthly glory are over, because the wealthy and powerful civilizations have fallen. No matter how much the living want to comfort the dead, or ourselves, with earthy possessions, it won't work. He teaches us that it is important to fear God and the power he has. Although you may be suffering now, if you live correctly, the afterlife will be worth it
This stone sculpture is a naked human-like figure standing six feet tall. The body is in chiasmos stance with the left leg slightly bent and the left foot slightly behind the right. The head is turned slightly downward and to the right, and its size is approximately 1/6 of the body. The hair is cropped closely to the head with no part. The body has a defined musculature, however the forearms appear to be missing. There is an object behind and to the right of the right leg that is about 2 feet tall and 10 inches wide.
The significance of sighting the Albatross represents the first living creature the crew has seen, while stranded in the barren South Pole. When the Mariner shoots the bird, he is faced with judgements passed by his crewmates and natural obstacles that occur for minor periods, punishments passed by god are done mentally...
"On the banks of the stream of time, not a monument that has been raised to a hero or nation, but tells a tale, and renews the hope of improvement."14
...his death that Fitzgerald "was better than he knew, for in fact and in the literary sense he invented a generation ... He might have interpreted them and even guided them, as in their middle years they saw a different and nobler freedom threatened with destruction.".
The next part of the quote is ”sociable to many” This part of the quote is stating, having connection with the people who surround you. Sometimes associating with other people can build up your relationship with others. Benjamin Franklin really analyzed this part of the quote considering in his time when he associated with others he analyzed the thoughts of others and what made there attitude different. “familiar with few” is meaning someone who’s remembered and known good people throughout there life. “friend to one” is saying that there will always be one person who you can count on and who will be able to understand your situations “enemy to none” is something where many people struggle these days, hating others and having rivals. In general
In full analysis, the quote ties back to the concept of Manifest Destiny (we are destined to expand over the country and God gives us guidance) and it shows how that stage, that mentality, will never end. We, as a country, will always want more to call our own and always to expand our culture. The green light also symbolizes American’s greed and future, and how if we continue to live this way without seeking change, we will wind up in the valley of ashes, under the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg, which is representation of God. Thus, we cannot escape his eyes, for he sees all; therefore, we cannot break loose of these religious takeovers but we must be mindful of the existence of nature.
The world is changing and evolving at an astounding rate. Within the last one hundred years, the Western community has seen advances in technology and medicine that has improved the lifestyles and longevity of almost every individual. Within the last two hundred years, we have seen two World Wars, and countless disputes over false borders created by colonialists, slavery, and every horrid form of human suffering imaginable! Human lifestyles and cultures are changing every minute. While our grandparents and ancestors were growing-up, do you think that they ever imagined the world we live in today? What is to come is almost inconceivable to us now. In this world, the only thing we can be sure of is that everything will change. With all of these transformations happening, it is a wonder that a great poet may write words over one hundred years ago, that are still relevant in today’s modern world. It is also remarkable that their written words can tell us more about our present, than they did about our past. Is it just an illusion that our world is evolving, or do these great poets have the power to see into the future? In this brief essay, I will investigate the immortal characteristics of poetry written between 1794 and 1919. And, I will show that these classical poems can actually hold more relevance today, than they did in the year they were written. Along the way, we will pay close attention to the style of the poetry, and the strength of words and symbols used to intensify the poets’ revelations.
The Mariner is not in the hands of a merciful God because his agony always returns. He asks for forgiveness of his agony but still after he tells his tale the agony returns at random times. A merciful God would grant permanent mercy. For all, the Mariner has been through death and hardship of his crew because of the killing of the albatross. The thought of his crime is enough agony but the Mariner's agony returns until he has to relive the tragedy of the killing of his crew by telling his tale to another person.
Singh furthermore explains how one of the most significant political philosophers, Thomas Hobbes viewed the principle of the universe, as made up of particles that move to a mechanical law. Accordingly, Hobbes did not perceive man as a social nor a political animal, but the perceived man as a microcosm and the essence of the universe. Man in this view is considered to be driven by his senses, such as memory and imagination are all derived from senses, meaning that every man is individual, thus every man becomes self-centered creature (Singh 1993, 256). Reasoning on the other hand is perceived as artificial and passions are perceived as natural. Man is therefore not by nature a reasonable creature and existing with other men will be difficult to satisfy a man’s desires. As a result man has a ‘conatus’, an instinct for conservation and an inclination to survive (Hobbes 2007). Men constantly seek honour and dignity, which leads to envy and hatred. As a result, man lives in perpetual confli...