The "Pardoner's Tale" is a classic example of greed that one can see throughout the history of mankind. Even from the beginning of the story some signs of greed start to show their faces. All three men are united upon the fact that they will be honored for their glorious deed of killing death, and in its own way this is a sort of greed for power and wealth. These things often drive human nature and I feel as though this is why many can relate to this story.
Although greed is common in modern society there are some situations that stand out and are closer linked to this story. One such instance is in a business or when people are trying to get promoted. When people compete in activities such as these there are often times where it is easy to throw the other person under the bus. Whether you catch your opponent breaking the rules, or if you are setting something up so that it seems they did it wrong, it is greed that leads your path. Because of this no one can succeed in this situation because in the end all are losers. The other person will not get the promotion, and even then you can be found to have guilt. In other words all end up dead.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Truth
In the story "Grendel" by John Gardener trying to find the truth seems to be a big for Grendel. Whether it be listening to the songs of the Shaper or to the wise tales of the Dragon, Grendel doesn't know the truth because his version of what is correct has been shattered after leaving the cave for the first time. I believe that in this story the truth varies from different perspectives as it does in everyday life.
From the perspective of the Shaper one might see that what he sings is basically what his life has been. He sings about the triumphs and history of what he knows. To him these are his truths, because he cannot see anything else. The Shaper can only rely on others for what the truth is when it comes to vision. Therefore his truth is going to come from those who are victorious and he will hear their side of the story, and most likely it will be a mix of truths and lies since many will try to bring more warriors to their cause. It is with these songs that he makes people feel as though what they are doing is okay. He makes it so they don't feel as much guilt for what they have done in these battles.
In contrast, Grendel views things a different way because he sees a bigger picture than the Shaper does. He sees the entire conflict and because of this he has his own twist on how things really have gone.
From the perspective of the Shaper one might see that what he sings is basically what his life has been. He sings about the triumphs and history of what he knows. To him these are his truths, because he cannot see anything else. The Shaper can only rely on others for what the truth is when it comes to vision. Therefore his truth is going to come from those who are victorious and he will hear their side of the story, and most likely it will be a mix of truths and lies since many will try to bring more warriors to their cause. It is with these songs that he makes people feel as though what they are doing is okay. He makes it so they don't feel as much guilt for what they have done in these battles.
In contrast, Grendel views things a different way because he sees a bigger picture than the Shaper does. He sees the entire conflict and because of this he has his own twist on how things really have gone.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
A Modern Day Beowulf
In a modern society scarred by corruption and the weakness of the human race, it is hard to think of a person or group of people who I would truly referred to as a "modern day Beowulf". Beowulf was so pure that it becomes difficult to compare him to anyone today. Humans have major flaws - greediness, selfishness, hatred, laziness, the list goes on and on.
All humans have some degree of weakness, but I won't let those take center stage. In a more optimistic view of modern society, the people who most closely represent a modern day Beowulf in my opinion are the men and women of law enforcement.
Although police are represented negatively by the press in many situations based upon the actions of a few, it is not to assume they are all bad or all law enforcement organizations are thoroughly corrupt. The primary purpose of police officers is to protect citizens from harm, from those who want to do harm. Each and every day, officers go out into the areas no one wants to go, working in areas no one wants to work, and they don't know what they will encounter. They prepare for the worst and hope for the best, not knowing whether or not they will see their families again. Every single day, 24 hours a day, police officers are out there, protecting people and preventing evil things from happening. They are constantly struggling with fate, and they do this willingly. No one forced them to sign up to be the police. Their oath to serve and protect is not taken lightly. The men and women that make up the police force believe in their country, state, county, or city. They believe in keeping the streets safe, and they know the risk they take. They stick their necks out for the sake of good, and we need more people like them in the world.
All humans have some degree of weakness, but I won't let those take center stage. In a more optimistic view of modern society, the people who most closely represent a modern day Beowulf in my opinion are the men and women of law enforcement.
Although police are represented negatively by the press in many situations based upon the actions of a few, it is not to assume they are all bad or all law enforcement organizations are thoroughly corrupt. The primary purpose of police officers is to protect citizens from harm, from those who want to do harm. Each and every day, officers go out into the areas no one wants to go, working in areas no one wants to work, and they don't know what they will encounter. They prepare for the worst and hope for the best, not knowing whether or not they will see their families again. Every single day, 24 hours a day, police officers are out there, protecting people and preventing evil things from happening. They are constantly struggling with fate, and they do this willingly. No one forced them to sign up to be the police. Their oath to serve and protect is not taken lightly. The men and women that make up the police force believe in their country, state, county, or city. They believe in keeping the streets safe, and they know the risk they take. They stick their necks out for the sake of good, and we need more people like them in the world.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
"Me"
My name is Thomas Case, but feel free to call me Tom. I'm sixteen years old and here to tell you a little about myself:
I attended Morgan Park Academy on the south side of Chicago from pre-school through eighth grade. While at MPA, I played on the soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. I was also a member of the Spanish Club and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. I had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with my Spanish class in both 7th and 8th grade.
During my ten years at that school, I also made many wonderful friendships, some of which are still lasting to this day. Perhaps the best is with my friend, Michael Perry, who I have known since first grade. Of all my friends from MPA, Mike is one of the few I still see a lot. When I started high school at Whitney Young, many of my old MPA friends didn't try to stay in touch, but Mike made sure we stayed connected. My relationships with others from MPA seemed to die off and I don't see or talk to others very often. For me, this was hard because I had known many of them since preschool and thought we would always be close. But going to different high schools seems to change things for some people.
That's enough about my past. Let me tell you about who I am today. Currently, I am an active member in Boy Scout Troop 609 and am about to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. I spent this summer completing my Eagle Scout project and the last few merit badges I needed to obtain Eagle, the highest rank in scouting. It has been a lot of hard work but totally worth it.
The sports I enjoy and participate in at school include volleyball and softball. I enjoy playing trumpet in the band. I also play piano and a little guitar. My favorite book series is "A Song of Fire and Ice," more commonly known as "Game of Thrones," written by George R. R. Martin. I eagerly recommend the book series to anyone who needs a few good books to read, but be warned, they are quite lengthy. Also, I love to play paintball. I find it challenging and a fun hobby.
Finally, let me tell you a little bit about my current subjects at school. I admit that English is one of my weaker subjects, mainly because I don't think I am a deep analyzer and not strong with subjective thought. But I always put forth my best effort. I prefer math and science classes, because of the black and white nature of whether the answer is right or wrong, there's no gray area. I also have US History this year and so far, it's pretty interesting.
So, for now, that's an intro to me, Tom Case. More to come......
I attended Morgan Park Academy on the south side of Chicago from pre-school through eighth grade. While at MPA, I played on the soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. I was also a member of the Spanish Club and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. I had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with my Spanish class in both 7th and 8th grade.
During my ten years at that school, I also made many wonderful friendships, some of which are still lasting to this day. Perhaps the best is with my friend, Michael Perry, who I have known since first grade. Of all my friends from MPA, Mike is one of the few I still see a lot. When I started high school at Whitney Young, many of my old MPA friends didn't try to stay in touch, but Mike made sure we stayed connected. My relationships with others from MPA seemed to die off and I don't see or talk to others very often. For me, this was hard because I had known many of them since preschool and thought we would always be close. But going to different high schools seems to change things for some people.
That's enough about my past. Let me tell you about who I am today. Currently, I am an active member in Boy Scout Troop 609 and am about to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. I spent this summer completing my Eagle Scout project and the last few merit badges I needed to obtain Eagle, the highest rank in scouting. It has been a lot of hard work but totally worth it.
The sports I enjoy and participate in at school include volleyball and softball. I enjoy playing trumpet in the band. I also play piano and a little guitar. My favorite book series is "A Song of Fire and Ice," more commonly known as "Game of Thrones," written by George R. R. Martin. I eagerly recommend the book series to anyone who needs a few good books to read, but be warned, they are quite lengthy. Also, I love to play paintball. I find it challenging and a fun hobby.
Finally, let me tell you a little bit about my current subjects at school. I admit that English is one of my weaker subjects, mainly because I don't think I am a deep analyzer and not strong with subjective thought. But I always put forth my best effort. I prefer math and science classes, because of the black and white nature of whether the answer is right or wrong, there's no gray area. I also have US History this year and so far, it's pretty interesting.
So, for now, that's an intro to me, Tom Case. More to come......
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