The Death of Ivan Ilych

The short story, â€Å"The Death of Ivan Ilych†, written by Leo Tolstoy, is about the reactions of a man and his friends to his suffering and death. Everyone who knows Ivan including Ivan himself has led a life of total disconcern for the feelings and sufferings of others. They all lead shallow lives not daring to probe into the feelings deep down inside for fear of stepping outside the lines of propriety. That is the biggest rule that people of that society follow. Do not say or show what you are thinking. Ivan Ilych’s attitude toward life is the same all the way up to his death. He was as the author put it, â€Å"†¦a capable, good-natured, and social man, though strict in the fulfillment of what he considered his duty: and he considered his duty to be what was so considered by those in authority. † (p. 1088) That quote states that Ivan was solely concerned with his duties and his advancement in position by following the orders of his authorities. Ivan was son of a successful man who held many positions in many departments. That man, Ilya Epimovich Golovin, had three sons. The oldest followed his father’s example and was a success. The youngest son was a total failure. He had blown many opportunities and was the shame of the family. Ivan the middle son was the better of the two. Ivan was a mix of his two brothers. He had the hard-working spirit of the older brother but also appreciates the value of a good time like the younger brother. Ivan’s career grew steadily. In a short time, he eventually obtained the position of examining magistrate. Ivan did very well in this position. He excelled in the separation of the personal duties in his life and the official duties to which he was totally dedicated. This taste of power which came with his new position was very appealing to Ivan. The idea that writing a few words or giving a simple command sent people into motion made Ivan very happy. Upon moving to a new town to take up the position of examining magistrate, Ivan met his future wife, Praskovya Fedorovna Mikhel. Ivan saw her as a â€Å"†¦well connected, and was a sweet, pretty, and thoroughly correct young woman. † The view that she was so within the lines of propriety was the most attractive feature which this young woman possessed in Ivan’s view. At first the marriage which Ivan thought couldn’t hurt his pleasure-seeking life didn’t, then according to Ivan she began to disturb the pleasure and propriety of his life. This ordeal only worsened when his wife became pregnant. She became unbearable to him, overly jealous and coarse, becoming an obstacle to his pursuit of happiness and properness. When the child was born, Ivan realized that a life totally separate his family life would be necessary to fulfill the goals he set for himself. He also came to the realization that to keep his marriage in order that he was going to have to adopt the same attitude to his family that he has to his official duties. Ivan developed an attitude towards his family of complete indifference as stated in the story, â€Å"He only required of it those conveniences—dinner at home, housewife, and bed—which it could give him. † (p. 1092) More children arrived and his wife’s attitude only worsened. After three years and becoming a highly looked upon official he received a promotion to the position of Assistant Public Prosecutor. This new promotion made Ivan like his job even more. Meanwhile, more children were born which made Ivan’s life even more difficult. After getting another promotion and moving to another province, the marriage was getting increasingly difficult. To try and overcome this Ivan decided to spend some time in the country with his wife. This move turns out to be a very bad one. Ivan falls into deep depression and decides that some drastic measures are needed. He returns from the country heading towards St. Petersburg with the objective of obtaining a salary of 5,000 rubles a year. Things worked out very much in his favor. He got a promotion two steps above his former position. After obtaining this position, he returned to the country and his marriage life improved immensely. Ivan then proceeded to the province to which they were moving to attempt to locate a house. He found one which suited his tastes perfectly. Ivan turned his attention towards furnishing his house. He searched for all the things which give his house an air of aristocracy and yet not too snobbish. While showing an upholsterer how he wanted the drapes hung, Ivan fell and nearly caught himself but unfortunately managed to hit himself in the side and give himself a large bruise. This is when the health problems begin. The illness began slowly but the pain steadily increased. Ivan visited many doctors, but none of them could give him a solid diagnosis. The pain caused many problems in his life, most of all it interfered with how he did his job. People began to look down upon him. No one really felt sympathy for Ivan. The people whom he called his friends treated him the same as he treated them in his life, with total indifference. Even Ivan’s own wife treated his illness as a burden and a trouble. He begins to realize how everyone is treating him. All that he wants is pity and there is no one there to give him it besides his servant Gerasim. Ivan shows spots of beginning to realize how he treated life. He treated life with the utmost propriety and tried his very best not to let his emotions get in the way of how he acted and performed his duty. This shows when Ivan says, â€Å"What if my whole life has really been wrong? †(p. 1117) Ivan says this while looking at Gerasim peacefully sleeping at his side, the only one who shows the slightest bit of pity and sorrow for him. Ivan’s wife is falsely concerned in his condition merely because that is the thing for her to be in this situation. She does not really care if he makes it; she is only worried about the inconvenience his suffering is putting her through and the financial bind his death puts her in. Ivan realizes all these things and cannot even bear to speak with her. He thinks to himself, â€Å"Yes, I am making them wretched†¦They are sorry, but it will be better for them when I die. † (p. 1119) All of these things lead up to the conclusion in Ivan’s mind that he is sorry for them. He is trying to act so as not to hurt them. In the final scene someone besides his servant, Gerasim, begins to show pity for him, it is his son. Ivan sees the sorrow and pity in his eyes and apologizes to him for causing this grief. With this story, Leo Tolstoy shows that a man can change. That even if it must be through pain and suffering that everyone is capable of redemption. If a man such as Ivan Ilych who never cared for anyone more than necessary can be redeemed and see the fault in his ways then anyone can. The most selfish man can be changed if people show him pity and feel for him, as he should feel for others. It stirred something inside Ivan when people went out of their way to attempt to comfort him. It made him realize his faults and want to change.

Carcinoma of Cervix Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Carcinoma of Cervix - Essay Example 90% of all carcinomas of the cervix are of the squamous cell type. The cervix is the extension of the uterus into the top part of the vagina. A small passage through the middle of the cervix leads into the cavity of the uterus. In a normal situation, squamous epithelium lines the cervix from this opening outwards. The inside of the cervix normally has a more fragile epithelium lining, which under normal circumstances is not exposed to the environment. Certain hormonal changes such as pregnancy and the oral contraceptive pill may cause the inner lining from inside the cervix to migrate outwards to be visible on the outside of the cervix. This is sometimes referred to as an erosion by doctors (Virtual Center 2002-2007)." This case in general is common to women and this occurs during child bearing years, and somehow, our subject, Mrs. Ana Gillam can also be part of this since she is suffering from almost the same kind of problem. This case happens in ages 20's, 30's or 40's, all of which can be related to sexual relationships. According to the same source, (Virtual Medical centre 2002-2007), cervical tumors can be found worldwide but is greatly known in the western part of the world. And because many people are still nave on the fact and information about cervical cancer, it is best to analyze the different factors affecting or causing the disease. One reason of factor is the infection of the Human Papilloma Virus. This means that factors that increase the woman's risk of getting Human Papilloma Virus can also increase the risk of getting the cancer. Also, an intercourse without using contraceptives can add to the said risk, and this is along with having multiple sexual partners. Sex with a partner with penile warts can be one cause of spreading or worsening the situation. Mrs. Gillan, however did not mention anything about the case of having penile warts from a partner but having several husbands could have caused the symptoms that she's having. Precancerous changes and early cancers of the cervix generally do not cause pain or other symptoms. It is important not to wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor. When the disease gets worse, women may notice one or more of these symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding -Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods -Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam -Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before -Bleeding after menopause - Increased vaginal discharge - Pelvic pain - Pain during sexual intercourse Infections or other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A woman with any of these symptoms should tell her doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Smoking is also a big factor in acquiring cervical cancer. This is the reason why it is best to keep from smoking especially for women. If a woman has a symptom or Pap test results that suggest precancerous cells or cancer of the cervix, her doctor will suggest other procedures to make a diagnosis. These may include: - Colposcopy: The doctor uses a colposcope to look at the cervix. The colposcope combines a bright light with a magnifying lens to make tissue easier to see. It is not inserted into the vagina. A colposcopy is usually done in the doctor's office or clinic. - Biopsy: The doctor removes tissue to look for precancerous cells

The Pilgrimage to Mecca Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Pilgrimage to Mecca - Essay Example This religious journey is referred to as Hajj in Arabic. Most consider the visit to Mecca as beneficial but it is recommended to make the pilgrimage during the last month of the Islamic calendar also known as Dhu al-Hijja. By doing this, one will have fulfilled the requirements of Hajj. I personally chose to make the pilgrimage during this period and the experience was priceless.I come from Kuwait which is a neighboring nation to Mecca. I was in the company of my father and elder brother and together our Hajj began back at home in Kuwait, where we put on the ihram, a dressing that is made up of two white sheets put on by all men during Hajj. Before leaving, my dad helped me tie one of the sheets around the waist, and wrapped the other around the shoulders. As he did this, I could feel the anticipation and anxiety in his breath and I could almost hear his heart beating next to me. The case was indifferent with my elder brother who kept saying that his ultimate dream was about to be fu lfilled. Upon arrival to Mecca, I could now understand the significance of ihram. All male Muslims are required to put on this attire during Hajj. I noticed that it would be hard to differentiate people under this state. All people became equal; young, old, poor, rich among others. On arrival to Mecca, my imaginations and anticipations were stunned by the scene of the Ka’ba. Ka’ba is the Holy place of Allah and when I finally stood before it, I realize the magnitude of emotions going through me were more than I could handle. Mecca is also graced with the Masjid al-Haram mosque which stands out uniquely. It is one of the most beautiful and attractive mosques I have ever seen. At this stage, we performed the tawaf which entails going round the Ka’ba seven times. As we do this, we recited the talbiya, and then followed by kissing the Black Stone  found in the Ka'ba.

Explain in detail the connection between respiration, Assignment

Explain in detail the connection between respiration, nutrition,ventilation and circulation in supporting the healthy functioning of cells - Assignment Example d be working in order, respiration, circulation, ventilation and nutrition all are dependent on each other in terms of performance because if one performs and other organs is not working properly then cells won’t be getting full energy and improper growth would take place which can result into malfunctioning. We need to understand the link between all the four organs and their effect on the growth of the cells. In order to understand the connection between respiration, nutrition, ventilation and circulation separate understanding of these processes is important, understanding of these processes can make connection between these four processes and thus can build an understanding of the support that these four most important processed of human body gives to the healthy functioning of the cells. If we explain process of respiration then it is basically set of metabolic reactions which take place in all organisms’ cells which convert nutritional biochemical energy into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and after conversion it releases waste products. Reactions which are responsible in this process of respiration are catabolic which is a reaction involving reduction of one molecule and oxidation of other molecules. Plants and animals cells use few nutrients which are glucose, fatty acids. amino acids, oxidizing agent (electron acceptor) which is molecular oxygen (O2). Archaea and bacteria usually can be lithotrophs so these organisms have respiration support by using inorganic molecules which can be acceptors and electron donors example of such inorganic molecules is sulfur, hydrogen, methane, metal ions. In respiration those organism which use oxygen as final electron acceptor are called aerobics and those who don’t fall in this category are called anaerobic. Respiration process results in a form of energy and to store this energy synthesize ATP is used. ATP stored energy is used to drive different processed which require energy to perform action. Biosynthesis,

Final Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Final - Term Paper Example However, majority people assume that a single male who is the main source of income, earn more than enough to support himself and his family. There was not at all a mutual agreement on in what ways a living wage can be define, however, there were number of administrative bodies and governments who take initiative in taking up the mission of developing multifaceted formulas (David, pp. 6-11) In modern times, this phrase living wage has reoccurred in United States of America. In the period of early 90s, focus was given more on jobs with low wage. Protesters in Baltimore, Maryland suppress their government to look for a policy tool so that their problems can have proper solution. The city then passed an ordinance known as living wage ordinance according to which any firm which hires workers must pay their employees or workers a good living wage. The idea was spread quickly in every part of the country. Today, after approximately seventeen years later, in 140 cities, multiple countries a nd countless universities this living wage ordinance is implemented. ... After some calculations, it is anticipated that more or less one-fifth of the entire population of the world are suffering from lack of adequate shelter, on the other hand, approximately a million or more people, mostly children, die every day due to lack of proper housing majority of which are targeted in developing world. There were many scholars who argue that it is quite complicated to make standardized criteria for sufficient housing in this entire world but there are some general norms which are: authorized security of residence, availability of infrastructure and services, accessibility, habitability, affordability, cultural and location adequacy. The rapid expansion and development in many cities go along with speedy increase in the total number of urban residents who reside in overcrowded and sub-standard conditions. The statistics of developing countries illustrate that town inhabitants represent approximately an average of twenty five to sixty percent of the population in urban areas. The current situation shows that the estimated percentage of urban population who lives in intense poverty is more than fifty percent; however, this may rise to almost seventy nine percent in most of the cities. More than one billion of urban dwellers are included in urban poor, whereas low income groups consist of approximately half of the existing urban population (Moser & Satterthwaite, 1985). Over the past three eras, there were many programs of official housing started in developing countries were unsuccessful in order to reach significant segments of the group, particularly households which are below twenty to thirty percent of the entire population. The

Individual research and contribution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Individual research and contribution - Essay Example The first method involves survey whereby the consumers will interact directly with the researchers. They would be given questionnaires that are straightforward. They would be asked if they would prefer having the e-books than the actual book. In my opinion, other feasible research method would involve focus groups, which makes it possible for individuals to discuss the products among different groups of people. This makes it possible for the publishing company to understand the different perception of different groups. The research could as well involve personal interviews of writers and the readers. The publishers will have the creative minds of the writers who would likely be their clients in the future projects. I believe that responses from individuals might not give the clear interpretation of what the individual wants. This gives a good interpretation of the consumer behavior of individuals. Finally, the research would involve field trial where some of the books that have been published will be given to the consumers. This would make them understand some of the quality of the products from the

Language Investigation, Language Production, Commentary Coursework

Language Investigation, Language Production, Commentary - Coursework Example The first text by Thompson exhibits strong characteristics of grammatical as well as lexical cohesion. The grammatical cohesion is based on the structure of the text that is presented in prose form with well-developed paragraphs. The paragraphs build on each other with well-constructed thoughts completing the lexical cohesion of the text. The opening paragraph tackles the issue of texting amongst teenagers and the views of different people, which builds to the second paragraph describing the views of a scientist. This format develops throughout the article with one thought building to the next. The second article by Niemer offers an excellent base for linguistic scrutiny owing to the cohesion and general arrangement of the article. The article is aimed at expounding on the positive and negative features associated with social media and this is broken down into different subtitles covering different aspects of the topic. The subtitles are arranged systematically advancing the views of the author supported by previous research work. The author approaches different aspects of the topic through research questions that have determined answers. The points indicate different views on the positive and negative attribute of social media. The use of phonology is emphasized by the short and precise sentence structure adhered to in the text. McCann’s article has little structure visible from the general outlook as it is divided into large paragraphs divided to support differing aspects of the debate.