In Sarah Gruen’s novel, Water for Elephants, the character “Uncle Al” plays a very
minor yet significant role. Uncle Al’s character is truly the backbone of the Benzeni Brothers and
essentially, the embodiment of American capitalism. This essay will illustrate how Uncle Al’s
character is reflective of the American capitalism ideology by examining the indifferent
relationship he shares with the workers and animals, his unregulated business tactics and the
social stratification of his circus.
To begin with, Uncle Al’s main priorities are for the Benzini Brothers Most
Spectacular Show On Earth to attract as many ‘rubes’ as possible, to outdo The Ringling
Brothers and for his performers and animals to take the stage at all costs. Uncle Al
attempts to make his circus “the most spectacular show on earth” by creating elaborate
and ostentatious acts with the hope of running out of tickets and overflowing the
bleachers with rubes. Uncle Al’s behavior is largely characterized by a capitalist
mentality. One of the main goals of capitalism is to create commodities at affordable
prices for people to buy. Similarly, the performers and animals in Uncle Al’s circus can
be identified as commodities because their skills are being sold in exchange for
entertainment and profit.
The Ringling Brothers are also seen as the leaders of the circus world and represent
strong competition for Uncle Al’s Benzini Brothers. For instance, before Jacob is first
introduced to Uncle Al, Camel warns, “Whatever you do, don’t mention Ringling in front
of Uncle Al” (Gruen, 2006, p. 52). Uncle Al has an unyielding desire for the Benzini
Brothers to be the greatest circus on the planet, hence the title of his circus: “The Benzini
Brother’s Most Specta...
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...s.
In the words of Uncle Al, “After all....the show must go on.”
Works Cited
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Throughout history, beginning when settlers first arrived in America, every event that took place became part of American history. Ideals, as described by Dr. Margolies, History Professor at Virginia Wesleyan College, are "motivating, lofty goals". Some of these ideals, which shaped American history, included life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as protected by the Constitution. Self-interest, a second influential factor in American history, is shown through the gaining of benefits for oneself. Although it is debatable which of these two influential factors was more dominant in American history, the possibility arises that they coincide with one another revealed by many documented events.
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American states each have individual political cultures which are important to our understanding of their political environments, behavior, and responses to particular issues. While voters probably do not consciously think about political culture and conform to that culture on election day, they seem to form cohesive clusters in different areas of the state, creating similar group political ideologies. Because of these similarities, it is possible to measure the dominant political culture within states or areas of a state, gaining insight into the mind-set of state residents. Whatever the state culture, whether liberal or conservative, participatory or exclusive, political culture identifies dominant, state-wide trends. The question remains whether there is an accurate way to measure this political culture phenomenon in the United States.
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...m. This huge circular arena was the pinnacle of the Roman Gladiatorial games, and though it isn't fully intact, it is a great reminder of ancient culture. Though today these games seem inhumane and unnecessary, to their ancient culture it was a vacation from everyday stress. Even the Emperor was said to understand that though money and grain would satisfy and individual, large spectacles were necessary for the contentment of the masses' (wes civ).
Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing written by; Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle, Eighth Edition, published April, 2007 by Bedford/St. Martin’s, is a textbook about writing and critical thinking. In the first chapter of Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing, “Thinking Critically, Challenging Cultural Myths”, the Authors begin by setting a relatable scene of what it’s like for a college student. How a new found independence can be overwhelming, especially with regards to critical thinking, showing that what we have learned, needs to be re-evaluated and that an open mind in essential. "What Is Critical Thinking" In this section of the chapter the editors explain what it means to be a critical thinker. They explain that critical thinking is not just studying dates and facts, but rather taking those facts and examining them. The editors then proceed by explaining how having an open mind, and taking others' perspectives into account when formulating our own opinions on what the author is trying to say to us is important. A critical thinker takes all aspects into account and reflects on personal experience as well. The editors also point out that different cultural experiences bring different opinions. They suggest that we need to become active learners, continuously questioning the meaning behind everything, testing not only the theories of others but also our own experiences and analyzing the text rather than going for the obvious. They show that thinking outside the box is the epitome of critical thinking. Basically, we need to step outside our comfort zones and what we have always been taught. The editors also suggest that we need to re-evaluate our per...
Rings' would be a nice idea for a report. It is interesting to see the
Context and Tradition: Published in 1954, The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien is a work of fiction written during the modern literary period. Historically, many things were going on during the time it was published, such as the Korean War, beginning in 1950. Other notable events during this decade include the beginning of the civil rights movement in 1954, when segregation was ruled illegal in the United States, and the beginning of the Space Age with the launch of Sputnik I by the Russians in 1957. An artistic work that The Fellowship of the Ring reminds me of is The Game of Thrones, a high fantasy novel by George R.R. Martin. Both worlds are filled with magical creatures, and concern themselves with an alternate world heavily reliant on magic, as both universes do not have access to the technology available in the real world.
America has a culture of greed, selfishness and a system that rewards those characteristics. Success at any means necessary is the real American value the one that governs how people live, work and view the world. This frame of mind makes it ok to put other people down to build yourself up and measures success as the number of digits on a paycheck. All of this built upon greed, reinforced by incentive system that rewards a lack of humility, all of which leads to a society that has a few on top crushing the people below them.
...re. Tourism is the most profitable industry in Europe and gladiators grab a tourist attention and bring them to Europe (“The Roman Gladiator”). Some businesses have reenactments to give tourist a taste of what it was like to watch gladiators compete. There are several museums dedicated to the history of gladiators how they affect the modern world today. Gladiators lived a grueling life and were known for their ability to fight in battle. Gladiators were the ancient idolized popstars we see today. The Life a gladiator was a hard one but if a gladiator was successful in the arena he could live a peaceful life as a free man.
Standards flapping in the wind as hosts of heavily armed men saddle horses, swords and daggers and bows secured to belts and backs. An enemy lurks in the darkness, a threat to their lords, their land. Suns rise and set on dreaded mornings and blood-soaked battlefields as those that remain strive to carry on. These scenes are reminiscent of the bedtime stories of brave medieval knights riding off on quests and crusades in the name of something greater then themselves. Such sentiments are echoed in the theatrical adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Throughout The Two Towers, the second book and film of the series, Tolkien’s beloved themes of friendship, honor, and hope, reflections of medieval sentiments, are interwoven in the actions of several characters, making The Two Towers a twenty-first century celebration of the stories of old.
Exploring Fantasy Films ‘One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring