If you translate Tai Chi (Taiji), it would mean “Supreme Ultimate Force”. It is somewhat a state of infinite and absolute potentiality. It tackles on the concept between yin and yang or the Two Aspects governing the Four Realms and Five Elements. Using those very important aspects, the world is created. Tai Chi also means “unity, one, or being able to attain oneness.”
by Shane Russo
Imagery
The second literary element that both authors use the nature of their respective struggles is through imagery. Imagery is descriptive language that invokes a sensory experience (Wikipedia, 2011). Social struggle implies oppression. In The Veldt, Bradbury uses imagery to give the reader a sense of the oppressive nature of the house on George and Lydia. The use of imagery is especially effective in the scenes within the nursery. Descriptions, such as the following, invoke the oppressive nature of the room through tactile and olfactory imagery:
by Shane Russo
Critical analysis of literary works can provide insight into the mind of the author. Such insights allow the reader to delve deeper into the implications these written words offers about the social struggles that the author faced at the time of their writing. The Veldt, by Ray Bradbury, speaks to a struggle of man versus machine. Miss Brill, by Katherine Mansfield, exposes the discrimination of elderly and socially outcast people. The social struggles offered by the two stories can be uncovered through analyzing the literary elements of theme, symbolism, and imagery. This article is the first in a series of three and will focus on symbolism. If you would like to read the stories discussed, please visit the links in the references section at the end.
by Shane Russo
Otherness is a term used to describe a person, or group, which is seen as being outside of the norm (Melani, 2009). Also according to Melani, “the Other is almost always seen as a lesser or inferior being and is treated accordingly” (Melani, 2009). For example, to the white middle class of the 1950s, the blacks were the Other. Otherness can take on many forms and can be found in almost every situation. It can be based on race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, political views, or social class (Melani, 2009). One would think that these things would automatically make the Other a numerical minority. However that is not always the case. A group being ruled imperially will become the Other even though they are in the numerical majority (Melani, 2009). Otherness is so prevalent in our culture that a person really needs to try hard to separate oneself enough from a situation to realize that he may be viewing it in the light of otherness.
Why is calculus so hard?
For years I was absolutely terrified of calculus. Looking at the inside of a college calculus textbook was like looking at a foreign language in my eyes. All those weird looking symbols and operations, man was I ever intimidated. Even when the college professor would try their best to explain the concepts in “mathematical terms” I would seem to get lost ever more in the dark deep galaxy known as Calculus.
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