Color of Water - 972 Words

The Color of Water: A Black Man s Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride Discussion questions Discuss Ruth McBride s refusal to reveal her past and how that influenced her children s sense of themselves and their place in the world. Why was she reluctant to tell her children about her background? How has your knowledge—or lack thereof—about your family background shaped your own self-image? Do you get a sense of life under the old Jewish traditions? How does that compare to the Chinese way of life in Girl in Translation? As a child and teenager Rachel (Ruth’s Jewish name) is intensely lonely, but she does connect with one friend in high school. How does that relationship influence her? Why did Rachel feel she had†¦show more content†¦Would the world be better off if everyone was the same? Is it a benefit or burden to be mixed race? What factors might help break racial barriers? What exacerbates them? Do you think there will ever be a time that is colorblind? Is such a thing desirable? Have you ever felt like a minority? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this status? Do you think it would be possible to achieve what Ruth McBride Jordan achieved in today s society? About the author Born in 1957, James McBride is a journalist and musician. In addition to his bestselling memoir The Color of Water, he has published the novel Miracle at St. Anna (2002) drawing on the history of the overwhelmingly African American 92nd Infantry Division in the Italian campaign of World War II from mid-1944 to April 1945. The book was adapted into a movie of the same name, directed by Spike Lee (2008). In 2005, he published the first volume of The Process, a CD-based documentary about life as lived by low-profile jazz musicians. His novel Song Yet Sung features the notorious criminal Patty Cannon as a villain in his novel. He is currently a Distinguished Writer-in-Residence at New York University. He plays tenor saxophone with the Rock Bottom Remainders, a rock band made up of writers including Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, Stephen King, Dave Barry, and Ridley Pearson, and has written songs for Anita Baker, Grover WashingtonShow MoreRelatedThe Color of Water1735 Words   |  7 PagesSome children have difficulties accepting their race. In â€Å"The Color of Water† written by James McBride covers the story of a biracial man that is trying to find out more about his white mother. Throughout the book James McBride discusses how racism and acceptance from people can be difficult. In the text â€Å"The Color of Water†, racial tensions has had an effect on James mother Ruth’s along with James and other individuals who have dealt with being biracial while looking to being accepted in theirRead MoreThe Color Of Water And Night1378 Words   |  6 Pages In Race and Ethnicity Class we read two books. We read The Color of Water and Night. I really liked both books. They are informative on two different races. They are interesting and emotional. Color of Water is about a black Jewish man (James) and his relationship with his white Jewish mother (Ruth). In the story the man did not realize growing up that he and his mother are different races. He is mix, both black and white, and his mother is white. This causes him to spend much of his life questioningRead MoreThe Color Of Water Summary1108 Words   |  5 Pages In the book â€Å"The Color of Water† by James McBride, Chapter 5 mainly focuses on Ruth’s father (Tateh) and his connection towards his family. In this chapter the author creates how her father only cared about money, his business, and being an American, it also develops the ways he treated his family by treating his wife badly, sexually abusing Ruth, and demanding the kids to work at his shop. The whole chapter comes together to realize Ruth’s fathers true characteristics of being greedy, unlovingRead MoreEssay on The Color of Water1893 Words   |  8 PagesAt the beginning of The Color of Water, James McBride’s mother Ruth goes on to introduce particular aspects about her upbringing. She mentions how she grew up in an Orthodox Jewish family and begins to describe both her parents. Ruth’s father was a very cold and hard individual who didn’t care too much for his children’s overall well-being, while her mother was very sweet and k ind in nature. She also goes on to talk about how her family was originally from Poland but decided to move to the UnitedRead MoreThe Color Of Water By James Mcbride Essay1250 Words   |  5 Pagesread the book, The Color of Water by James McBride. I learned several things about what life was like in the mid-1900’s and in which may be why we still face issues with racial differences. McBride does a great job of illustrating his internal and external challenges that he faces throughout his life. I also learned more about African American culture in the United States and gave me a desire to be a part of positive change to this particular racial group. The Color of Water, written by James McBrideRead MoreThe Color Of Water By James Mcbride1514 Words   |  7 PagesThe Color of Water Comparison Essay When people are treated unfairly or unjustly, how should they perceive it and how do they generally react to this? In The Color of Water by James McBride, prejudice shapes James and Ruth in many ways, James has different stories than Ruth, due to the fact that he lived in a different time period, which makes his scenario different from Ruth’s. Both faced adversity, and stood up for themselves and defended themselves in many different ways just to make sure thatRead MoreThe Color Of Water By James Mcbride1549 Words   |  7 Pageswas black or white, she replied â€Å"†¦. God’s not black. He’s not white. He’s a spirit†. â€Å" What color is God’s spirit†? â€Å"It doesn t have a color, she said. God is the color of water. Water doesn t have a color† (pg. 50-51). It means that a persons race or religion shouldn t be a deciding factor on the way a person is viewed. Water has not set color. It is clear. We should all be seen a s the color of water which could possibly bring peace to our fellow citizens. It could even wash away other problemsRead MoreThe Color of Water Essay examples843 Words   |  4 PagesSara Knigge The Color of Water Essay Racial Identity The Color of Water by James McBride was a story about a young boy trying to figure out his racial identity but his mother would not talk about her past or what race she was. All James knew was that she was white living in a black power neighborhood and that fact terrified him. He thought that to grow up he had to know his racial identity but through all the trouble and hard times he went through he learned that his race did not matter. ItRead MoreThe Color of Water Thematic Essay1142 Words   |  5 PagesIn The Color of Water, author James McBride writes both his autobiography and a tribute to the life of his mother, Ruth McBride. In the memoirs of the author’s mother and of himself, they constantly face discrimination from their race in certain neighborhoods and of their religious beliefs. The trials and tribulations faced by these two characters have taught readers universally that everyone faces difficulties in life, but they can all be surmounted. Whenever Ruth or James McBride face any formsRead MoreThe Color Of Water By James Mcbride1506 Words   |  7 PagesColor of Water Comparison Essay When people are treated unfairly or unjustly, how should they perceive it and how to they generally react to this? In the Color of Water by James McBride, prejudice shapes James and Ruth in many ways, James has different stories than Ruth, due to the fact that he lived in a different time period, which makes his scenario different from Ruth’s. Both faced adversity, and stood up for themselves and defended themselves in many different ways just to make sure that they

Of Mice and Men. The question is how does John Steinbeck...

Of Mice and Men In the novel, Of Mice and Men, the author, John Steinbeck, takes a strong stance against many social issues. Steinbeck voices his opinions on controversial rights such as women s rights and the treatment of migrant workers. One of the main points that Steinbeck addresses is his dislike for the treatment of African-Americans. He expresses his views through the hardship and turmoil of Crooks, the only African-American character in the novel. Crooks is looked down upon by his peers and is considered inferior by most due to the color of his skin. He is constantly harassed and beaten up by his boss and those he works with. Furthermore, Crooks is not even allowed to socialize or go into the living quarters of the other men. In†¦show more content†¦The constant degradation of Crooks has destroyed hid hope and self-esteem. Crooks tells Lennie that at least he has someone like George. Crooks is jealous that he has never had a true friend and through years or hardships, thinks it impo ssible to make one. He goes on to tell Lennie that most people have a dream but no one is able to achieve. This further demonstrates the lack of faith and hope in Crooks due to the difficulties he has faced in his

a dolls house - 1153 Words

A Doll’s House South University Ibsen’s a doll house centers around a time where men worked and women were the care givers of the home. In a Doll’s House there were some major points made that eventually led up to that one defining moment. The defining moment for me was when Nora decided that she no longer wants to live the lifestyle of being the â€Å"doll†. It starts with Torvalds reading the letter about her borrowing the money and Nora’s secret is finally exposed. Nora and Torvald to outsiders, seem to have the perfect life. They seem like a happily married couple with no worries in the world. But little do they know a lot goes on behind closed doors in their home. There are serious financial issues†¦show more content†¦She then says â€Å"In all these eight years--longer than that--from the very beginning of our acquaintance, we have never exchanged a word on any serious subject†( Ibsen, 2011, Act III) . Most of their relationship centered on a lot of playfulness so it was really sad that it took a lie for them to finally act like a married couple. Throughout the play I often thought of Nora and Torvald as father and daughter because they gave me that impression and Nora even says â€Å"And you have always been so kind to me. But our home has been nothing but a playroom. I have been your doll wife, just as at home I was Papa s doll child; and here the children have been my dolls. I thought it was great fun when you played with me, just as they thought it great fun when I played with them. That is what our marriage has been, Torvald† (Ibsen, 2011, Act III) .If I was an outsider looking in I would think that. Granted, there was love in the relationship but then you have to think about what married couples actually do. When Nora decided to finally leave Torvald it was a shocker for me, but when she left her children behind I felt as if she was very selfish on her part. I understand leaving your husband because you are not happy in your relationship but to leave your kids did not sit well with me. I often wondered what made Nora leave her children behind. Was she just now trying to live her life after being in an unhappy home forShow MoreRelatedA Doll HOuse941 Words   |  4 PagesIn the play A Doll House, there are many references pertaining how a woman was expected to behave and how men were expected to behave in the time that this play was written. Nora’s character first appears to be very â€Å"female†. For an example, she doesn’t have a real job, she spends money carelessly, and she say and do things to make her appear very dependent on Torvald. On the other end Torvald her husband, makes the money for the family and he appears to be the nice one in the house. Role playingRead MoreDoll House799 Words   |  4 PagesIn A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, a woman named Nora is facing a life altering situation that stands to both ruin her social and private life. In dealing with the potential outcomes of the scenario, Nora comes to find that she has been living a convenient mistruth. Nora’s greatest and most damaging lies are lies she tells to herself. As is seen numerous times throughout the play, Nora hides, withholds, and distorts the truth in order to please everyone around her, including herself. Nora is presentedRead MoreA Doll s House : Dolls2775 Words   |  12 Pages A Doll’s House: Dolls in Real Life Introduction Today, the accepted roles of both women and men judged by society’s expectations is an extremely controversial topic. Feminism is a battle that many women are fighting, because even though today’s women can be and accomplish almost anything, men often play the more superior role in many relationships. The role of women has been viewed differently throughout different points in history and in different areas. However, many people don t realize thatRead MoreA Doll s House : Dolls2775 Words   |  12 Pages A Doll’s House: Dolls in Real Life Introduction Today, the accepted roles of both women and men judged by society’s expectations is an extremely controversial topic. Feminism is a battle that many women are fighting, because even though today’s women can be and accomplish almost anything, men often play the more superior role in many relationships. The role of women has been viewed differently throughout different points in history and in different areas. However, many people don t realizeRead MoreAnalysis Of A Doll House 846 Words   |  4 PagesDoll house Nora’s marriage has been a sham ever since the start. By the standard of modern day, she has legitimate ground to leave her husband Torvald. Because Torvald only cares about his image, he treats Nora as an object rather than a wife, Nora has never been taken seriously by her husband, and Torvald only loves her for her appearance. Torvalds image is of great importance to him considering now he is a bank manager, and he will not allow anything standing in his way to ruin this imageRead MoreSymbolism In A Doll House1039 Words   |  5 PagesIf you read Henrik Ibsen’s â€Å"A Doll House† from a literary perspective, you will see a story about this â€Å"perfect† family, but if you just dig a little deeper you will see there is a whole lot more to this play than the eye first sees. You soon find out that this perfect family is not so perfect after all. From a symbolic perspective â€Å"A Doll House† is about marriage, respect, feminism, and how Tor vald’s family is like a doll house. Nora’s actions are very shocking to the general public that this bookRead MoreA Dolls House Essay790 Words   |  4 PagesIt has been said that, some people think that it’s holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it’s letting go. In Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Nora’s departure becomes the controversial topic of debate for many readers; was Nora Helmer justified in leaving her husband and kids or not? It is argued that both parents are needed for a child to succeed in life and that separation is an act of cowardness. However, several readers also debate that Nora was justified in leaving Torvald and her kids.Read MoreSymbolism in A Doll House1501 Words   |  7 Pages456 The Use of Symbolism in A Doll House Author Margaret Trudeau once said, â€Å"I can’t be a rose in any man’s lapel† (â€Å"I Can’t Be†). This quote expresses exactly what was going through many women’s minds during the 1800’s in Norway. Women had let their husbands control their lives for ages before the 1800’s. Soon, they could no longer stand being the rose in their husbands’ lapel. The women of Norway longed for freedom and began to rebel. Henrik Ibsen’s play, A Doll House, displays what women were goingRead MoreTrifles And A Doll House969 Words   |  4 Pageshundreds were not thought of as important as a man. The role of the woman was to stay home and perform household duties such as, caring for the children and the home. The role of the man was to work and speak for the family. The dramas Trifles and A Doll House, show how two women will commit a crime at all cost and somehow contrast with each other. Trifle is a word which is used to describe something with little importance or value. According to Suzy Clarkson Holstein, â€Å"SUSAN CLASPELL’S ‘TRIFLES’ isRead MoreA Doll House 3800 Words   |  4 Pagescharacter, Torvald, in the play A Doll House, by Henrik Ibsen could be viewed as a morally ambiguous character. He displays the character traits of a morally ambiguous person. Torvald’s personal consumption of appearances shows how he treats his wife and home and personal pride. Torvald’s wife Nora is the center of several of the traits that classify him as a morally ambiguous character. Nora is more like a possession to Torvald than a soul mate or wife. She is like a doll to him, something that he

Parts of Speech Essay Paper Example For Students

Parts of Speech Essay Paper Verb-is a word that conveys action a) Action verbs ? Sherry throws the ball b) Being/Linking Sherry is an intelligent woman. Max seemed very nervous. Hot chocolate taste good. ) Helping verb- Margaret did say that wed leave at 9:30 be, have, do, may, must, can, could, would, should 2) Pronoun-is a pro form that substitutes for a noun a) I-am, we-are, you(s)-are, you (p)-are, he/she,it-is, they- are b) Antecedent- the word that the pronoun refers to The carpenter needs his tools. Pronouns/antecedent must agree in 3 ways a) person- If a person wants to succeed in life you have to know all the rules of he game b) number. Lexical categories are defined in terms of the ways in which their members combine with other kinds of expressions. The syntactic rules for nouns differ from language to language. In English, nouns are those words which can occur with articles and attributive adjectives and can function as the head of a noun phrase. Examples The cat sat on the renal Please hand in your assignments by the end of the week. Cleanliness is next to godliness. Plato was an influential philosopher in ancient Greece. Please complete this assignment with black or blue pen only, and keep your eyes on your own paper. A noun can co-occur with an article or an attributive adjective. Verbs and adjectives cant. In the following, an asterisk (k) in front of an example means that this example is ungrammatical. The name (name is a noun: can co-occur with a definite article the. ) *the Baptist (Baptist is a verb: cannot co-occur with a definite article. Constant circulation circulation is a noun: can co-occur with the attributive adjective constant. ) *constant circulate (circulate is a verb: cannot ACH)occur with the attributive adjective constant. ) a fright (fright is a noun: can co-occur with the indefinite article a. ) afraid (afraid is an adjective: cannot co-occurring the article a. ) terrible fright (The noun fright can co-occur with the adjective terrible. ) *terrible afraid (The adjective afraid cannot co-occur vivid the adjective terrible. G ender Main article: Grammatical gender In some languages, nouns are assigned to genders, such as masculine, feminine and neuter (or other combinations). The gender of a noun (as well as its number and case, where applicable) Will often entail agreement in words that modify or are related to it. For example, in French, the singular form of the definite article is lee with masculine nouns and la with feminine; adjectives and certain verb forms also change (with the addition of -e with feminine). Grammatical gender often correlates with the form of the noun and the inflection pattern it follows; for example, in both Italian and Russian most nouns ending -a are feminine, Gender also often correlates with the sex of the nouns referent, particularly in the case f nouns denoting people (and sometimes animals), Nouns do not have gender in Modern English, although many theme denote people or animals of a specific proper nouns and common nouns Main article: Proper noun A proper noun or proper name is a noun representing unique entities (such as Earth, India, Jupiter, Harry, or BMW), as distinguished from common nouns which describe a class of entities (such as city, animal, planet, person or car). Countable and uncountable nouns Main articles: Count noun and Mass noun Count nouns are common nouns that can take a plural, can combine with numerals or quantifiers (e. . , one, two, several, every, most), and can take an indefinite article (a or an). Examples of count nouns are chair, no se, and occasion. Mass nouns (or Nan-count nouns) differ from count nouns in precisely that respect: they cant take plural or combine with number words or quantifiers. For example, it is not possible to refer too furniture or three furniture. This is true even though the pieces of furniture comprising furniture could be counted. Thus the distinction between mass and count nouns should not be made in terms of what sorts of things the nouns refer to, but rather in terms of how the nouns resent these entities. Collective nouns Main article: Collective noun Collective nouns are nouns that refer to groups consisting to more than one individual or entity, even when they are inflected for the singular. Examples include committee, herd, and school (to fish). These nouns have slightly different grammatical properties than other nouns. For example, the noun phrases that they head can serve as the subject of a collective predicate, even when they are inflected for. Concrete nouns and abstract nouns Further information: Physical body and Abstract object Concrete nouns refer to physical entities that can, in principle at least, be observed by at least one of the senses (for instance, chair, apple, Janet or atom). Abstract nouns, on the other hand, refer to abstract objects; that is, ideas or concepts (such as justice or hatred). While this distinction is sometimes exclusive, some nouns have multiple senses, including both concrete and abstract ones; consider, for example, the noun art, which usually refers to a concept (e. G. , Art is an important element Of human culture) but which can refer to a specific artwork in certain contexts (e. G. Put my daughters art up on the fridge). Some abstract nouns developed etymologically by figurative extension from literal roots. These include drawback, fraction, holdout, and uptake. Similarly, some nouns have both abstract and concrete senses, With the latter having developed by figurative extension from the former. These include view, filter, structure, and key. In English, many abstract nouns are formed by adding noun-forming suffixes news, -itty, -ion) to adjectives or verbs. Examples are happiness (from the adjective happy), circulation (from the verb circulate) and serenity (from the adjective Rene). Concrete nouns and abstract nouns observed by at least one to the senses (for instance, chair, apple, Janet or atom). N important element of human culture) but which can refer to a specific artwork serene). Noun phrases Main article: Noun phrase A noun phrase is a phrase based on a noun, pronoun, or other noun-like word (nominal) optionally accompanied by modifiers such as adjectives. Pronouns Main article: pronoun Noun s and noun phrases can typically be replaced by pronouns, such as he, it, which, and those, in order to avoid repetition or explicit identification, or for other reasons. For example, in the sentence Janet thought that he was weird, the word he is a pronoun standing in place of the name of the person in question. The English word one can replace parts of noun phrases, and it sometimes stands in for a noun. Chapter 42 Veterinary Sanitation and Aseptic TechniquePrepositions in, on or at are usually used for different places. Preposition for Direction Prepositions like to, towards, through, into are used to describe the direction. Conjunctions A conjunction is a joiner, a word that connects (conjoins) parts of a sentence. Coordinating Conjunctions These conjunctions are used to link or join two words or phrases that are equally important and complete in terms of grammar when compared with each other, And Nor Soon Subordinating Conjunctions These conjunctions are used to join an independent and complete clause with a dependent clause that relies on the main clause for meaning and relevance.