On Distant View of a Minaret Essay -- essays research papers

In â€Å"Distant View of a Minaret† by Alifa Rifaat, a lonely wife describes life with her husband as â€Å"a world from which she had been excluded† (Rifaat, 1996, p. 256). While a woman paints a picture of a seemingly mundane afternoon, a minaret viewed in the distance provides the reader with vivid symbols of the underlying resignation of expectation and desire she once had for her marriage and her husband. The very first paragraph of the story describes the wife looking at her husband through â€Å"half-closed eyes† and being only â€Å"half-aware of the movements of his body† (Rifaat, 1996, p. 256). While it seems as if the wife is simply depicting waking up from sleep and noticing her husband, immediately upon reading the second paragraph the reader is made aware that the husband and wife are actually having sex. The immediate impression that the reader gets is that this woman is not only not having her needs met and has obviously resigned herself to this type of encounter with her husband by the offhand way she talks about noticing a spider’s web on the ceiling. The bleak tone of this story takes a particularly sad and disturbing tinge when the wife illustrates a scene from early on in her marriage where she tries to get her husband to satisfy her desire and provide her with mutual satisfaction, only to have him rebuke and reprimand her. In fact, the husband responds in such a particularly brusque and hysterical manner that the reader can see how traumatized the wife would have been at ...

Mandatory Marriage Counseling

America is continuously plagued by divorce at an alarming rate destroying the basic structure of our society, which is the family. The trend is ever increasing and a growing problem in American culture. Divorce rate kept rising since 1920s with 13.4 per 100 marriages to 32.8 per 100 marriages in 1988. Today, studies have shown that 50% of first marriages in the United States fail. In 1940, the National Center for Health Statistics recorded 264,000 divorces and annulments and reached 1,182,000 in 1990.On the other hand, the National Survey of Families and Household cited that 84 percent of separated women would seek divorce after three years of marriage and 91 percent after five years of marriage. Some studies find the divorce rate for second marriages is as much as 10 percent higher than for first-timers. The chance of getting divorced remains so high that it makes sense for all married couples – including those who are currently satisfied with their relationship – to p ut extra effort into their marriages to keep them strong. (Gottman & Silver 4).The effects of divorce are most severe among women and especially to children who may develop psychological problems leading to juvenile delinquency. Economically dependent to their husbands and fathers, these women and children are forced to live on welfare and practically left homeless.Realizing this serious problem, state governments are now initiating measures to save marriages from deteriorating and protect families from breaking apart by enacting laws of mandatory marriage counseling prior to getting a marriage license in hope of preventing more divorces. I favor such law that would educate couples about the seriousness of marriage and the necessity to lifelong commitment. Critics oppose this early intervention because it is just a waste of time and money or that counseling does not work.More often in marriage expectations are in contrast with realities resulting to various conflicts. It is extremel y important therefore that would be married couples completely comprehend what they are up against, know the challenges that they may encounter, and learn how to deal with uncertainties. When Louisiana passed the law in 1997, Steven L. Nock conducted a five-year empirical study about the consequences of premarital counseling. In the report entitled Can Louisiana’s Covenant Marriage Law Solve America’s Divorce Problem?, 81% of the 521 married couples believed that mandatory counseling was very important.Their overall marital quality was better compared to those who did not take premarital counseling. In addition, their levels of commitment and agreement were higher. They experienced fewer worries and have greater sharing of household chores.The Evil of Divorce. To clearly discuss the merits of mandatory marriage counseling, I feel the urge to talk about the evils of divorce so that one can truly appreciate the benefits of counseling in the preservation of marriage. Each year, some 1.2 million children become products of divorced parents. Their normal childhood experiences are disrupted and filled with all sorts of stress. Many of them carry physical and emotional pain throughout their adulthood and may commit the same mistakes as their parents did. It is a chain reaction that affects family and our society.Children raised in single-parent families are more likely to drop out of high school, have lower grades and attendance while in school, and are less likely to attend and graduate from college than children raised in two-parent families. They are more likely to be out of school and unemployed and are also more likely to become single parents themselves, than children raised in two-parent families. Studies have found that, compared to children in two-parent families, children of divorce score lower on measures of self-concept, social competence, conduct, psychological adjustment and long-term health. (Bramlett & Mosher 4).Furthermore, they commit crimes, exhibit suicidal tendency, hook in illegal drugs, and become victims of abuse. They have turned into unproductive members of American society. The government spends almost $150 billion annually trying to subsidize single-parent families. However, only $150 million a year is devoted to programs that strengthen marriages. Most marriages end in divorce because of poor communications, financial problems, lack of commitment, infidelity, failed expectations, and physical, emotional or sexual abuse.As an institution, the government has the obligation to protect and restore the integrity of marriage. Thus mandatory marriage counseling is one of the best ways to teach couples the importance and true meaning of lifelong commitment. To rebuild the traditions of family life, the government in all levels must have the will to act to safeguard the sanctity of marriage.The Benefits of Marriage Counseling. The principal aim of marital counseling is to help couples stay together. Marital edu cation â€Å"immunizes couples against disappointment and despair†¦it also prevents the development of problems that are costly to children and all of society. Mismanaged conflict†¦ predicts both marital distress and negative effects on children's physical and mental health†. (Leslie par. 21). Preparation before marriage is critical to the success of family life. Mandatory counseling will help couples strengthen their relationship, love, intimacy, and commitment. It will enhance their communication skills and manage conflicts with the right attitude.This process will also evaluate the views and determination of the couples whether they are ready and compatible for marriage at the same time identify possible setbacks and weaknesses to better equip themselves in overcoming future challenges. Having a better view of marriage with its legal and natural obligations, couples will have a better chance to live a healthier marriage.Through counseling, couples will have infor med decisions to enrich their married life. A well-planned marriage is the key to combat divorce. More often people get married only to discover the true character of their partner and it is already too late to retreat. With mandatory counseling, couples will have the opportunity to know each other sincerely and have the chance to confront and resolve their problems and apprehensions before living together for a very long time. I suggest that couples seek premarital counseling so that they would fully understand and value the meaning of marriage and family.Conclusion. In our modern culture many Americans no longer see the importance of marriage. They look at marriage as a private contract rather than a lifelong commitment. One can easily obtain divorce by simply writing â€Å"irreconcilable differences†. They forget that marriage has special obligations: 1) to love and respect each other; (2) to live together; (3) to make decisions relating to family life in the best interest of the family; (4) to maintain and teach their children â€Å"in accordance with their capacities, natural inclinations, and aspirations†; and (5) the right and duty of each spouse to manage the household. (Spaht 469).Marriage is a social institution and the foundation of every family. As a moral fiber of American society, families must be protected by all means. It is the duty of all citizens. However, the government must take steps to enact laws in preserving family values as well as formulate and invest in social programs that strengthen marriages.Counseling is a helpful tool in rescuing marriages. That is why I advocate for the passage of bills that would require couples to attend mandatory marriage counseling before they can obtain their license so that they be educated on the responsibilities and commitment they have to render to society and their families. Should it be necessary, the rules on divorce must be strict and that â€Å"no-fault† divorce must end.The government must set goals to reduce divorce and campaign on its risks. Community-based marriage programs are advantageous to assist couples in getting married and monitor those marriages that are endangered. In this way, any problem would be resolved immediately. By saving marriages, we save our families.ReferencesGottman, John and Silver, Nan. â€Å"The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert†. Three Rivers Press, New York. 16 May 2000.Bramlett, Matthew D. Ph.D. and Mosher, William D. Ph.D. Cohabitation, Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the United States. Vital and Health Statistics, Series 23, No. 22. Department of Health and Human Services. July 2002. 10 April 2007 http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_23/sr23_022.pdfLeslie, Mark A. Legislative Efforts to Strengthen Marriage. Public Law Research Institute. University of California Hastings College of Law. 2004. 10 April 2007 http://sierra.uchastings. edu/plri/spring98/marriage.htmlSpaht, Katherine Shaw. Covenant Marriage: An Achievable Legal Response to the Inherent Nature of Marriage and its Various Goods. Ave Maria Law Review. Vol. 4:2. 2006. 10 April 2007 http://www.avemarialaw.edu/publications/lawReview/articles/AMLR.v4i2.spaht.final2.pdf

Literary Analysis of Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe Essay

Analyzing of Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe in this poem â€Å"Annabel Lee† written in 1849, and first published shortly after his death in Sartain’s Union Magazine, is a story of true love and great loss where a man loves a woman so deeply and is devastated when she dies but holds on to that love even after death. No one really knows whom exactly Poe wrote this poem about, whether or not it was actually inspired by someone he truly loved due to his death right after he wrote it. There are many candidates that people believe it could have been, one of the more suspected would be Poe’s wife Virginia Eliza Clemm Poe. Annabel Lee is set in a kingdom by the sea as the poem reads. The tone of the poem can be described as very dark,†¦show more content†¦Furthermore, Poe shows that he longs for the reader to be with Annabel, because she was adored and loved by all. This diction gives the poem a romantic feel, which is outside of its gloomy morbi d tone, showing his true love for his deceased. This shows that Poe wants the reader to feel a different side of the poem, most of the tone of the poem is dark and extremely morbid, but by saying this he adds a bit of relief to the readers, showing them that it’s not all bad. The most dramatic illustration of this poem is when Poe uses the lines in the poem that suggest imagery such as â€Å"For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams of the beautiful Annabel Lee† â€Å"and the starts never rise, but I feel the bright eyes† This imagery shows the reader what Annabel Lee was like, it glamorizes her showing the reader that she was an incredibly amazing and beautiful person. The diction in Annabel Lee cannot be any more applauding; by doing this he sets the tone for the whole poem, which makes the poem so wonderful in the first place. Not only does Edgar Allan Poe use tone to a way to show the theme of the poem, but he also uses it to express the mood of Annabel Lee. For example, in the line â€Å"That the wind come outShow MoreRelatedLiterary Devices Used By Edgar Allan Poe986 Words   |  4 Pagespoet that uses such intricate writing in his poems is Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar Allan Poe uses several different literary devices in his major 1849 poem Annabel Lee. In his text he incorporates theme with imagery, symbolism, and form. These literary devices help lead the audience to the understanding of the overall meaning of the poem. Edgar Allan Poe s use of symbolism allows for the audience to understand how this gentleman feels about Annabel Lee. In the poem, the author uses symbolism when the narratorRead More An Analysis of Edgar Allan Poes Annabel Lee Essay1524 Words   |  7 PagesAn Analysis  of  Edgar Allan Poes Annabel Lee In life, as in death, Edgar Allan Poe evoked a feeling of sympathy from his readership.   Those who knew him well considered him deep, mysterious and contemplative; thus, coupled with the copious tragedies he suffered throughout his life, especially the loss of his first wife Virginia, it is easy to understand how the author brings out the theme of Annabel Lee through personal/setting imagery, repetition of words and rhythm/rhyme.   AnnabelRead MoreWhy Should We Care?1748 Words   |  7 PagesWe Care?: Edgar Allan Poe â€Å"Few creatures of the night have captured [reader’s] imagination[s] like [Edgar Allan Poe]† (â€Å"Vampires†). Poe has fascinated the literary world since he first became known for writing in 1829, when he was just twenty years old (Chronology†). While he is widely known for exploring the macabre, his work is controversial because of its psychologically disturbing nature. Edgar Allan Poe is worth examining as an author because his many contributions to the literary world wereRead MoreEdgar Allan Poe s The Raven2600 Words   |  11 Pagesthroughout their lives and are never recognized for their achievements in their community. Edgar Allan Poe is one of the world s most renowned poets and wrote mainly in the form of poets and short stories. Some of Poe s most renown poems include The Raven, Annabel Lee. The poem The Raven deals with problems such as insanity and grief and the poem Annabel Lee deals with problems of grief and young love. Edgar Allan Poe wrote a lot about death and depression due to his own life being filled with death andRead MoreAnalysis Of Edgar Allan Poe s The Raven 1514 Words   |  7 PagesEdgar Allan Poe is a very well known writer who specifically liked to write poetry and short stories whose genres included mystery and horror. He’s well known for some of his most popular works such as The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and Annabel Lee. Edgar Allan Poe has written many different pieces of literary work that make him unique from the rest. His literary works evoke deep thoughts and imagery. Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts but mostly lived in Richmond, Virginia. Poe wrote his firstRead MoreThe Works Of A Depressed Man Essay1830 Words   |  8 PagesPoe: The Works of a Depressed Man In this paper, will analyze the works of the great poet Edgar Allen Poe. My focus of this analysis will be his theme and how it related to his life. The poems I will be analyzing are Annabel Lee, The Raven, and Spirts of the dead to show the themes of Poe’s works. My analysis will show how Poe used the tragic events of his life as well as a few of the good things that happened to ultimately inspire themes of death, depression, and despair as well as some other minorRead MoreDisputes Over the Mystery Woman in Poes Annabel Lee871 Words   |  3 Pages Upon Edgar Allan Poes death, several women have enthusiastically come forward to claim themselves as Poes inspiration for his last full length poem, Annabel Lee. Adding more fuel to the fire, several literary critics question the originality of Annabel Lee due to its similar structure and or theme to several other poems, suggesting that Annabel Lee interprets more figuratively rather than literally. Because of the mysterious inspiration behind the words of Poes Annabel Lee, contextRead MoreLife of Edgar Allen Poe from Immigration to Poet1035 Words   |  5 Pages Edgar Allan Poe was alive during the period of the 1800s though the 1850s. During this period of time there was a mass movement of European Immigration to the United States (Educating About Immigration). On the Statue of Liberty, which is located in The New York Harbor which many immigrants had to pass through, the words â€Å"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free†¦Ã¢â‚¬  this quotation gave immigrants hope while entering the new land (Educating About Immigration). ImmigrantsRead MoreEdgar Allan Poe s Life1308 Words   |  6 PagesPoe was born on January 19, 1809. Poe was born into a family that was high respected and very public, so Poe was destined to have a public career (Dameron and Jacobs). When Poe was two, his parents died (â€Å"Edgar Allan Poe†) and his remaining family was split up into three different foster parents/homes. His oldest brother, William, lived with Poe’s grandfather from his father’s side of the family. Poe’s youngest sibling, Rosalie, lived with William Mackenzie. Poe went with John Allan whose wife wasRead MoreEdgar Allan Poe and Love 1059 Words   |  5 Pages Edger Allan Poe is one of the most influential authors of his time. Well known for his short storys The Raven and A Tell-Tale Heart, Poe also wrote poems that reflected his struggles through out his life. Poe was born in 1809, Thomas Jefferson was president. Lots of events occurred during Poe’s life with the beginning of the war of 1812, to the writing of â€Å"Frankenstein† by Mary Shelley, and â€Å"The Vampyre† written by John Polidori. Slavery was banned in England in 1833 and a year later, The Spanish