Quinn’s Character in Paul Auster’s City of Glass

English 1 Simon Drury Group P 9/27/2012 Tuesday 3:10 Kathleen Samson Paul Auster has said that The New York Trilogy is centrally concerned with â€Å"the question of who is who and whether or not we are who we think we are. † Use this remark as a point of departure for a discussion of the character Quinn –his presentation in the novel and his experience – in City of Glass.In the City of Glass, Auster creates a sense of uncertainty around the identities of the different characters in the book. One does not really grasp who is who in the novel because of the complex and multiple layers of the story Austen creates. The City of Glass asks questions about identity and in this essay I will look at the protagonist (Quinn) and his search to understand himself and to discover his true identity which ultimately leads to his identity being changed with each new character role he takes on to forget his past self.Daniel Quinn is a complicated character and our knowledge of h im is limited because the narrator does not reveal much about him. Where he came from and who he was seem of little importance in the novel we are only told his age, that he was once married but his son and daughter are dead (a past which he seems to be running away from). He is writer of detective stories under the pseudonym of William Wilson (a name Quinn takes on to forget his past). William Wilson’s character mirrors Auster ‘s , the author, own life. Quinn creates his own character Max Work, a private eye narrator.In his stories the protagonist Max becomes very real and moves away from merely being a fictitious character, subsequently causing Quinn himself to take on some of the characteristics of Max, thinking and behaving in a similar manner to him. Eventually Quinn â€Å"stopped thinking on himself as real. †(Auster 10) So already Auster creates this sense of doubt about Quinn and his true identity and eventually Quinn is consumed by the persona of Max Wor k and â€Å"the more Quinn seemed to vanish, the more persistent works presence in that world became. (Auster 10). Quinn runs away from his ‘real’ life because he finds some form of attraction in the world of being a fictitious detective. Quinn finds the role of a detective appealing because it puts him in the role of an observer, analyzing the world much like a reader of a novel, and in essence he forgets himself and his reality by doing so. Max work is essentially an escape from Quinn’s life as a writer (William Wilson) and from his past life as the ‘real Quinn’.By becoming the character he created (Max work) Quinn embarks upon seeking the truth and reality, which in a way is what Quinn is trying to do in terms of discovering an identity. Quinn becomes so consumed in the life of Max Work and the idea of being a detective that when he receives a phone call intended for the private detective Paul Auster, he impersonates him and begins to focus on Pe ter Stillman. Peter is a young man who feels threatened by his father who had been let out of prison.So now Quinn, under the name of Paul Auster, places himself onto another story, another reality through which of he can further delve into the life a ‘real’ detective. Quinn at this point has already taken upon three identities, each of which has served its purpose and been forgotten. The question of who is who now begins to become raveled in layers and doubles so the reader and the character himself is unsure of whom the real protagonist of the story is. Quinn becomes obsessed with Stillman senior and his interest in the man deepens as every day passes, â€Å"he had lived Stillman’s life, walked at his place, seen what he had seen. Quinn becomes Stillman during the case in a way and so another character shift seems to be inevitable. Peter Stillman junior resembles Quinn’s deceased son (whose name was also Peter), Stillman junior had been locked up by his father for nine years in order to test whether ‘God’s language’ would resurface (that is the language uncorrupted by the world, it’s origin during the time of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. ) Roberta Rubenstein argues that Stillman junior is a representation of Quinn’s childhood, isolated from the world with a sense of loneliness.When the two men disappear I creates a sense of anxiety for Quinn, he longs to be ‘non-existent’ as well and eventually he morphs into a mad street walker, homeless and in the end crazy. Auster uses this dilapidation of Quinn to emphasis the conflict within the character and how his ‘self forgetfulness’ leads to his eventual downfall and leaves the question of who he is and who he is meant to be unanswered. Peter Stillman is a character used by Auster the author as a way to further explore the different identities in the book.Stillman junior, after having being isolated from the world has no c lear grasp on his own identity, much like Quinn. In a conversation with Quinn he says, â€Å"I am Peter Stillman. That is not my real name. My real name is Peter Rabbit. † Stillman junior is able to change his name to suit him much like Quinn has done throughout the book, and as seen in the quote Stillman loses the meaning of his name and loses his sense of identity. This quote shows how Auster is very obviously asking the question, who is who and are we who we think we are.Stillman sums it up by saying, â€Å"I cannot say who I will be tomorrow. Each day is new, and each day I can be born again. † The red notebook is the only thing in the book that keeps Quinn’s real name. He writes it in the book during the Stillman case for the first time in over five years and it is the only record or conception of himself that does not change. Quinn recognizes the importance of knowing who he is when he says, â€Å"most important of all: remember who I am supposed to be. à ¢â‚¬  And he later echoes the words of Peter Stillman Junior when he says, â€Å"all I can say is this: my name is Paul Auster.That is not my real name. † This shows that Quinn, like Stillman, is confused about his own identity. Because he is trying to be four people at once he loses the origin of his name and character, his true self. Therefore the question of who is who and whether or not we are who we think we are is not really answered in this book. Auster provides a multi layered and complex understanding of what identity is and how it is used. For Quinn, identity is used as a way of escape, perhaps from the past or from himself (the person he was and whom he grew tired of).Although Quinn is the same person but under different names or aliases, he takes on different identities and makes them a part of his life which eventually leaves no definite answer to who the ‘real’ Quinn is. Works cited Auster, Paul. City of Glass. London: Penguin, 1990 Rubenstein, Rob erta. Doubling, Intertextuality and the Postmodern Uncanny: Paul Auster’s New York Trilogy. LIT: Literature Interpretation Theory, 9 (1998): 245. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. 08. 04. 2006.

Venus of Urbino vs. Olympia

Sam Bugay Intro to Visual Arts Bryce Speed November 30, 2012 Faces of Sexuality Sexuality has been a face of a rt for many centuries. Olympia by Edouard Manet and Venus of Urbino by Titian represent the face for female domination and the ability to lure men. As we look at these two different faces of sexuality, we will briefly touch on the artist’s lives, and explore the content of the two works. Edouard Manet was born in Paris in 1832. He was considered to be the founder of modern art as well as a master interpreter of visual arts. His works were â€Å"spontaneous, monumental, and realistic. Although Manet was born into a more privileged class, he chose to portray lower classes or the less desirable people of Paris. He commonly reflected everyday scenarios such as construction workers, street singers, and beggars in his art work. Manet’s artwork never dwindled in value or passion. The Bar at Folies-Bergere, one of his best known works, was painted a year before his death in 1883. Tiziano Vecelli, Titian in English, was born in 1448. Titian was regarded as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance in Venice. He is best known for his religious arts, portraiture, and mastery of color.He had released over 600 works of art which included some of the best Renaissance paintings and drawings. As an artist, Titian explored new themes to portray and new uses of color which added to his reputation as leading painter in Venice at that time. Titian died in 1576. Venus of Urbino, painted in 1538 by Titian, is considered to be one of the most famous nude female paintings i n art history (6). Venus of Urbino is an oil-on-canvas painting located in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (3). The painting is of a nude female lying on a bed in a Renaissance palace. The woman is painted wearing a bracelet, earrings, and a ring.In her left hand she holds a small bouquet of red roses. Two maids and a small dog are in the room with the woman. Secret seduction and marriage are two themes that could be related to this painting. According to (6), Venus of Urbino is the â€Å"iconic version of the reclining nude female. † The woman in the painting is believed by many historians to be the goddess of love, Venus. Venus of Urbino was commissioned by the Duke of Urbino for his young wife, and is believed to support the idea of marriage and marital obligations. The painting is said to celebrate marital love and the physical intimacy between the husband and wife.A clue to support this is the small dog at the foot of the bed. The dog symbolizes marital fidelity. Another clue is the housemaid standing in the background. She symbolizes motherhood. The standing maid is watching over a younger maid while she rummages through a large chest. The chest is referred to as a â€Å"cassone. † A cassone was often given as a wedding gift in Italy, and was usually where the wife stored her clothes. Final clues to support the idea of marital love are the small bouquet the woman holds, and a small myrtle tree in the window seal.The bouquet of roses symbolizes love. The myrtle tree symbolizes undying love and commitment, and was a Hebrew symbol of marriage (7). Venus of Urbino is â€Å"often cited as the origin of many of western art’s most controversial images† (6). Many historians believe that the woman in the painting does not depict Venus, rather a model from that time. They justify this by saying that the woman shows no characteristics of the goddess she is said to be. There are several clues to support the belief of secret seduction to be a theme for the painting Venus of Urbino.To begin, the woman painted does not seem to be unattainable, often a characteristic of Venus. (6) suggested that the woman â€Å"is both available and deliberately tempting. † Her piercing stare emanates the idea of sexuality. Her body is tilting forward, exposing her neck, and initiating the idea of suggestion or demand. The way she covers her pelvic region is a final clue to support the idea of secret seduction. Some historians believe she covers herself in modesty. Others believe that Titian intended to suggest that the woman was masturbating or playing with a strand of pubic hair (6).Ultimately, that is for the viewer to decide. â€Å"Although the nude body has been visual art’s most enduring and universal subject, it has often spurred conflict. † This quote proves especially true when referencing the painting Olympia. Olympia is an oil-on-canvas painting, painted by Edouard Manet in 1863. The painting is of a nude woman reclining on a bed. She is seen wearing a bracelet, earrings, shoes, a black ribbon around her necks, and an orchid in her hair. The woman is accompanied by a maid holding flowers, and a black cat at the foot of the bed.The objections to Olympia began when the painting was submitted to the French Salon in 1865. The controversy evolved from the realism of the subject matter: the woman Manet depicted was a courtesan. According to reference. com, a courtesan refers to a mistress who is associated with wealthy or powerful men. What shocked the critics wasn’t that the woman was nude, but that she gazed so boldly at the viewer. This scene wasn’t typically displayed. The woman Manet was a real woman from Paris believed to be Victorine Meurent. Two themes Olympia could represent are prostitution and domination.Many details contribute to the idea of prostitution as a possible theme. To begin, the maid is presenting the courtesan with a large bouquet of flowers. The flower s are presumed to be from a client. The bored expression on the woman’s face gives way to think that this isn’t the first time she has received a high priced gift. The black cat at the foot of the bed symbolizes prostitution too. Around the 15th century, brothels were frequently referred to as a â€Å"cathouse. † Brothels were early century houses for men to visit to pay for sexual encounters with strange women. Manet also paints the woman wearing shoes.This symbolizes â€Å"streetwalking†, which refers to the act of soliciting dates on the street. Another possible theme for Olympia is domination. The model depicted shows the characteristics of a strong and independent woman. She stares in the direction one may assume the door would be, almost as if a client, in this case, you, has barged in unannounced. She stares directly at the viewer demanding attention and respect. This shocked viewers because it was scandalous for a woman to stare directly at someon e at that time. She also shows domination over men by the way she â€Å"firmly protects† her pelvic region.

Debates on Media Effects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Debates on Media Effects - Essay Example With reference to a specific case study, mostly on the use of videogames and its impact on children’s behaviour, an assessment on media effect and influence will be carried out by this essay. Body of the paper The media have various effects on society. In the past 60 years or so, a significant amount of research has been undertaken in order to assess the relationship between the media and the audience in terms of the latter’s behaviour. Much hysteria and concern have been seen among the general population throughout the years have been exhibited based on something they may have watched on television or film (Buckingham, 2003). In 1938, a radio adaptation by Orson Welles of H.G Wells’ science fiction book ‘War of the Worlds’ certainly caused hysteria among the people who believed they were actually being invaded by Martians (Gunter & Harrison, 2013). In the 1950s, American caricatures and comic books have also brought life to violence (Buckingham, 200 3). Psychologists have expressed concerns on the addictive impact of TV on passive children; however, other experts have also noted better cognitive development for children exposed to television (Andison, 1977). The effect of the media is therefore difficult to estimate because it is a resource which has to be understood within the context of the larger society. In other words, it is important to expand â€Å"the media effects tradition to include consideration of normative expectations, institutional performance, constraints and conventions of the media...† (Campbell & Ling, 2009, p. 592). Leading into the 1930s, the media impact has been acknowledged as significant. A so-called hypodermic effect was claimed; however such claim was not founded on scientific processes, but mostly on speculative perceptions (Buckingham, 2003). Researchers further assessed the impact of film on viewers and reached the conclusion that these films prompted children to behave in delinquent manner s; however, the data gathering process in the surveys covered the laboratory process of investigating, with subjects taken out of the social context and evaluated as individuals (Cumberbatch, 1989). In the post-World War II period, a significant shift was seen in the study by Lazarsfeld, Berelson, & Gaudet (1944) establishing that Americans voting in an election utilised the radio as well as newspapers to make their decisions on candidates to vote for. In effect, the media helped reinforce their opinions and decisions. After various studies were carried out assessing media effects, newer approaches were carried out by Blumler and Katz (1974) through their study entitled, The Uses of Mass Communication in 1974. Their study expressed that viewers often have specific needs while watching television (Blumler & Katz, 1974). Sociologists have also discovered that audiences are active viewers, they analyse what they watch and break down the media through conventions, often assessing them i n terms of their social context (Morley, 1995). Still, even with the studies made on the effects, it is still difficult to determine the impact of numerous media text. Viewers of War of the Worlds were actually already very much affected and anxious about the threat of war in most parts of the world (Sherry, 2004). Moreover, the copycat killings following the release of the film Natural Born Killers in 1994 were actually carried out by

Microbial Biofilms Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Microbial Biofilms - Essay Example The continuous culture systems chemostat and turbidostat could also be used to culture the biofilms. The type of environment they are grown in, effects their ultimate morphological, clustering and adhesion character. For Visualization, traditionally electron microscopy was the method of choice to examine microbial biofilms under high resolution. Unfortunately, sample preparation for electron microscopy results in dehydrated samples. Consequently, this approach provided a deceivingly simplistic view of biofilms, since the biofilm collapsed when water was removed. (Davey and Ootle, 2000) Phase microscopy was also an alternative to visualization of living biofilms. Biofilms are removed and either directly visualised or fixed and stained prior to examination. Several techniques for microscopy examination of biofilms in situ on the substrata supporting their growth have been used in this study. These have included transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), episcopic differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC) with and without fluorescence, Hoffman modulation contrast microscopy (HMC), atomic force microscopy ( AFM). ... Light microscopy techniques, although unable to reproduce the high magnification of the methods described above, are still of importance in the examination of intact biofilms. HMC allows the in situ examination of biofilms, a clear image is produced without artefacts. DIC may be used to examine biofilms on opaque surfaces and if used in conjunction with fluorescent vital stains can be used to assess the viability of the microbial population. (Surman et al, 1996) Viability of the microbial biofilm populations can also be determined by LIVE/DEAD BacLight bacterial viability staining kit (Hentzer 2001) The application of confocal scanning laser microscopes (CSLM) to biofilm research radically altered our perception of biofilm structure and function (Laurence 1991). Before the use of CSLM, electron microscopy was the method of choice to examine microbial biofilms under high resolution. Unfortunately, sample preparation for electron microscopy results in dehydrated samples. Consequently, this approach provided a deceivingly simplistic view of biofilms, since the biofilm collapsed when water was removed. On the other hand, CSLM, which allows the visualization of fully hydrated samples, has revealed the elaborate three-dimensional structure of biofilms (Costerton 1995). CSLM is used very effectively to monitor Microbial Biofilms. It is used to investigate not only the presence and the viability of the biofilm consortium but also biofilm/substrata interactions. CSLM has been used very effectively to monitor biofilm development in flow cells. Flow cells are small continuous-flow systems with a viewing port that allows direct observation of the biofilm without disrupting the community. These systems are often once-flow, meaning that fresh medium

Toulmin analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Toulmin analysis - Assignment Example This is because the former keep the peroxide or whitening agent against the teeth for the longest duration of time (TTWK, 2009). Backing in the form of support for the warrant, are that: whiter teeth enhance the personality, help to establish a better image of oneself, improves one’s social life, and boosts confidence, all of which lead to a better quality of life. Qualifiers: Stains on the teeth occur as a result of drinking red wine, coffee and cola. However, they may be caused by other reasons as well such as the use of tobacco, improper brushing of teeth, or drinking tea. Therefore, the qualified claim is that the most significant causes, though perhaps not the only causes of staining of the teeth are: drinking red wine, coffee and cola. Interpreting the results using the Toulmin Analysis above, indicates that the overall effectiveness of the argument appears to be strong, with a structured support. The argument presented by the manufacturers of Smile Brite teeth whitener appears compelling regarding its high levels of convenience, effectiveness, and ultimate usefulness in improving overall quality of life. According to ADA (2009), recent research conducted by Cochrane collaboration reveals that home-use teeth whiteners have short-term effectiveness in whitening teeth, but further research is required on the long-term outcomes and side effects of their use. The Toulmin Analysis is a useful tool for researchers and writers, since the various parts of an argument: the claim, data/ support and warrants, and the qualifiers, rebuttals and backing for the warrants can be analysed and compared separately. The validity of each argument of other authors, as well as a thorough analysis of the writer’s own arguments results in a critical research study of a topic (Hitchcock & Verheij,

Field_Trip_to_L_auberge_Casino_Resort Lake Charles, Louisiana Essay

Field_Trip_to_L_auberge_Casino_Resort Lake Charles, Louisiana - Essay Example Mr. Kirk also showed us the hotel’s villia sweet room and explained us how the rooms are managed. There are more than 1000 rooms in the hotel and the sweet rooms cost anywhere between $40,000 and $100,000. The tables in the casino had all kinds of games to entertain the guests. I found the resort quite well-equipped and I expected it to be so since this was what we were told in the class. There was every amenity a guest could ask for. Especially, the spa was magnificent. Although the spa was available at a very reasonable rate, yet unfortunately I had too less time to book a massage. I was upon a school trip, so all I could have was little fun around the place. The casino was splendid. I found a variety of cuisines at the restaurants. I would particularly like to recommend the appetizer sampler at the Jack Daniels restaurant to anyone planning to go there. Since the weather was very cold, so I could not have a swim into the pool, but that is due for next time for sure. One of the aspects of the field trip that I disliked was that in place of a rake, the poker players in the casino were charged $7 for 30 minutes of game at the table. I was surprised because in the class, we were told that the casino offers a variety of games at reasonable prices, but I found many of them unreasonably high. This price was unbelievably higher than most of the best casinos around that I have experienced playing in before. I also noticed that although the rooms were well-furnished and aesthetically decorated, yet the rooms were not kept up nicely. I noticed stains on some pieces of the furniture as well as some portions of the carpet particularly those that were behind the doors. Probably the house-cleaners clean the main areas but leave the corners. Some shaddy looking characters I saw inside the casino caught my attention. However, the workout facility was excellent. This field trip experience was as informative and educative as it was interesting and enjoyable.

American Imperialism (American History) Research Paper

American Imperialism (American History) - Research Paper Example It said that America was interested in the development of the countries in the western hemisphere and that any European country should not wield its imperialistic power in its domain. Though America was not as powerful as Great Britain or France in its powers at that time, it used the Monroe Doctrine to back its action of sending troops to Mexico against the French in 1866 and its acquiring of Alaska in 1867. One of the economic reasons for the foreign policy was to acquire more markets for American Industrial products. When one of American battleship exploded suddenly under the sea, US pointed its blaming fingers at Spain. The foreign policy made the US send troops to Cuba to fight against Spain domination of Cuba. William McKinley, the US president sent military troops to Cuba leading Spain and Us to declare war against each other. Eventually, Spain lost Puerto Rico and Guam to the US. Soon, America was contesting for the position of world power manifesting its power in the world scene. American journalist John used the term ‘Manifest Destiny’ in 1895, which was used to justify all actions of US in imperialism and expansion, acquisition of California and Alaska. As Michael Chimes says, that in the years that led to the Spanish American war, America saw the rise of ethnocentrism, manifest destiny, and Anglo-Saxonism. It was further fueled by nationalism. These gave the rationale behind America’s imperialism and foreign policy of the 18th and early 19th century. He discusses the philosophical underpinnings of the American Foreign Policy that led to Imperialism. He says: America’s rise to world power occurred in the fifty-year period between 1870-1920.   The Spanish-American War may be seen as the â€Å"point of no return,† the foreign policy event that conclusively committed us to imperial strength and a global presence.