Gwen Harwood Essay Essay Example for Free

Gwen Harwood Essay Essay Opportunities for an individual to develop understanding of themselves stem from the experiences attained on their journey through life. The elements which contribute to life are explored throughout Gwen Harwood’s poems, At Mornington and Mother Who Gave Me Life, where the recollection of various events are presented as influences on the individual’s perception of the continuity of life. Both poems examine the connections between people and death in relation to personal connections with the persona’s father or mother. By encompassing aspects of human nature and life’s journey, Harwood addresses memories and relationships which contribute to one’s awareness of life. Memories and meandering thoughts, related to personal experiences, are explored throughout At Mornington where the persona shifts between the past and present and dreams and reality. This is similar to Father and Child where Barn Owl is set in past test and Nightfall is set in the present, symbolic of appreciation and understanding of the complexities of life which the child learns. At Mornington opens with an evocation of an event from the persona’s childhood which establishes the temporary and ever changing nature of human life. Reflected through the shifts between past and present tense, the persona is attempting to use past experiences in order to appreciate the present and accept the future. The poem provides a reflective and personal point of view accompanied by the recurring motif of water which symbolises the persona’s transition from childhood to the acceptance of the inevitability of death. In the third stanza, the persona refers to a more recent past where she had seen pumpkins growing on a trellis in her friend’s garden. The action of the pumpkins is described as â€Å"a parable of myself† which allows the persona to reflect on the meaning and quality of her own life and existence. The metaphor between the pumpkin vine and the persona suggests that like the pumpkin, human life also ripens and matures before coming to a closure and returning to the earth. Supported by the phrase â€Å"candlelight for eyesight,† the reader is made aware of the transience of life that the persona has grown to accept and understand. In Father and Child, as the persona moves on from childhood, her father becomes elderly and is entertained by simple things in nature, â€Å"birds, flowers, shivery-grass. † These symbols of nature remind the persona of the inconsistency of life and the certainty of death, â€Å"sunset exalts its known symbols of transience,† where sunset represents time. Both poems are indicative of the impermanence of life and that the persona has managed to mature and grow beyond the initial fearlessness of childhood moving onto a sophisticated understanding of death. The connection between life and death is expressed in a different way through Mother Who Gave Me Life, a poem of mourning for the dead. The poem can be seen as a personal farewell to the persona’s mother where the dominant images of the poem show evolution and the passing of time. Father and Child also demonstrates the passing of time as the persona moves from the innocence of childhood to the sadness of her father’s advancing age and inevitable passing. In Mother Who Gave Me Life, the reference to Halley’s Comet, which appears only once every seventy-six years, tells the reader that the mother was unable to see it once more before surrendering to death. The direct speech of the Sister is reported without the use of quotation marks as in, â€Å"When she died she was folding a little towel. † This provides readers with the knowledge that the mother addressed in the poem is dead. Without quotation marks, the flow of the poem is maintained and is therefore more easily absorbed into the texture of the poem. The parallel image of the â€Å"fabric of marvels† being reduced to the â€Å"little towel† raises the notion that whilst death may have brought a physical end to the persona’s mother’s life she remains a marvel of creation as the persona’s memories of her live on. The poem ends with the ‘fine linen’ recalling the memories of a typical childhood scene where the persona’s mother is calling for her to have dinner â€Å"as darkness falls on my father’s house. † This biblical reference to the House of the Lord, combined with the coming of darkness, reminds the reader of the inevitable ending of life and the respective movement into heaven. As the second section of Father and Child draws to a close, it is evident that the persona has grown to understand that she has limited time left with her father. The significance of Nightfall as the title of the second section, when considering the daybreak setting of Barn Owl, reinforces this. Sunrise symbolises youth whilst nightfall, in comparison, suggests an ending which implies death, a concept that the adult persona is beginning to acknowledge it as part of life. A particular instance in life can conjure different memories of the past as in At Mornington where the persona is drawn into recollections of childhood experiences with her father while standing by the graveside of her friend’s parents. A positive image of the father and child relationship is conveyed throughout the poem as in, â€Å"secure in my father’s arms. † This image conveys safety, comfort and protection which assists the persona in moving on and accepting the cycle of life. It is the security which stems from this relationship that enables the persona to mature from the perceptions and thoughts maintained as a child. Insight into the relationship between the persona, as both child and adult, with her father is also demonstrated in Father and Child. The dominance of the father is suggested through his imperative tone, â€Å"End what you have begun. † Despite the power-play in their relationship, there is still a sense of closeness, â€Å"I leaned my head upon my father’s arms. † This connection has enabled the persona to mature and grow through experiences. This personal relationship is also evident in Mother Who Gave Me Life where the imagery of light shows the persona realises the importance of her mother as she walks â€Å"in the light of the living. † This suggests that the persona is able to walk amongst the living due to her mother. The affirming experiences and enlightenment provided by this relationship enables the persona to see the life-giving role of women as part of the cycle of life. All the poems comment on an individual’s relationship with their mother or father which is essential in maturing and evolving as an individual. The relationships conveyed enable the persona to gain an understanding of life whilst considering its value and accepting its cycle. Ultimately, the exploration of memory and relationships with the persona and their father or mother enables an individual to comprehend human nature and the links between life and death. Throughout the poems At Mornington and Mother Who Gave Me Life, Harwood shows the reader, through memories and comparisons, different aspects of life which contribute to what it means to be human.

American Cultural Myths Essays -- ideal families, ideal lifestyles, id

The United States and cultural myths pertaining to this country have been a topic of discussion for many years. Stephanie Coontz’s â€Å"The Way We Wish We Were†, David Brooks’ â€Å"One Nation Slightly Divisible† and Margaret Atwood’s â€Å"A Letter to America† are all essays about different American cultural myths. Each author focuses on a different cultural myth that pertains to the United States. They explain how these myths are thwarting a realistic view of America. As well as changing the perception of the country as a whole. The major cultural myths of America among the texts are about â€Å"ideal families†, â€Å"ideal lifestyles, and a â€Å"ideal country.† Many couples in the United States idealize the myth of a â€Å"tradition family†. The idea that a woman can spend quality time with her child while maintaining an effective sexual life with her partner seemed to have caused a lot of stress during the 1950s. Coontz’s says â€Å"this hybrid idea drove thousands of women to therapists, tranquilizers, or alcohol when they tried to live up to it.† (Coontz, 569). Which explains that it is merely impossible to try to mold a family to be â€Å"ideal.† Many families still strive for a traditional life, which they define as life â€Å"back in the day.† They need to forget the past and start living in the 21st century. â€Å"Two-thirds of respondents to one national poll said they wanted more traditional standards of family life.†(Coontz, 582). Which goes to show that many families want to change to what once used to be perceived as an â€Å"ideal family† but â€Å"the same percentage of people rejected the idea that women should return to their traditional role.†(Coontz, 582). Families want to take bits and pieces from what used to be â€Å"traditional families† over time and create their own i... ...United States once had amongst the world has lessened, which is also why seeing America as an ideal country would be thwarting a realistic view of the country. If the United States just takes a step back from trying to be the most dominant country, it can regain its status among other nations. Stephanie Coontz’s, David Brook’s, and Margaret Atwood all discuss American cultural myths in their respective essays â€Å"The Way We Wish We Were,† â€Å"One Nation, Slightly Divisible,† and â€Å"A Letter to America.† All three authors elaborate on specific cultural myths, whether it is about an ideal family, an ideal lifestyle, or an ideal country as a whole. As a result of analyzing the three texts, it is clear that the authors critique Americas image in their own was. As well as elaborate on why the realistic view of the United States is being squelched by major cultural myths.

Comparing and Contrasting Two Characters Essay

There are different types of characters. Some are protagonists, and some are antagonists. Two antagonists, General Zaroff from â€Å"The Most Dangerous Game† and the king from, â€Å"The Lady or the Tiger?†, can both be compared.These two characters are similar yet different in their nature, or personality, actions, and attitudes. These characters are both similar and different at the same time. Zaroff and the king are similar in many ways. They are both fair people. Zaroff and the king are both straight forward with people. They are both smart by the way they plan things. These two characters are both similar in more than a few ways. These two characters have a few differences despite the many simmularities. For one, Zaroff chooses to hunt people if they don’t join him, while the king doesn’t let criminals choose to be free or not. The king lets criminals pick their own fate, but Zaroff will still kill the people even if they join him. Zaroff is relaced while the king is strict. There are a couple distinct differences between these two characters. I prefer Zaroff rather than the king. One reason is that Zaroff is more relaxed. Zaroff also thinks ahead of other people. Overall, Zaroff is a keen antagonist. These are the reasons why I rather him than the king. The king anf Zaroff are both antagonists that are similar yet different. In my opinion Zaroff is more laid back than the king. The king in my opinion is more fair. These two characters are both kind by letting people choose their fate. These people are not only similar but are also different.

Why Do We Need To Support Veterans - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2375 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/04/15 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Veterans Essay Did you like this example? The Veteran population is seen experiences a wide range of issues after coming out of the military. Some issues Veterans faces are coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, disability, homelessness, unemployment, addiction, and suicide (Schlenger et al., 2002). A traumatic event causes physical, emotional, and psychological harm (Schlenger et al., 2002). Rothbaum, Rizzo, and Difede (2010) state that Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic, debilitating, psychological condition that occurs in a subset of individuals who experience or witness life-threatening traumatic events. People in the military are among the most at-risk populations for exposure to traumatic events resulting in having posttraumatic stress disorder after serving the military (PTSD; Prigerson, Maciejewski, Rosenheck, 2001; Schlenger et al., 2002). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder related to a threating event (Ehlers and Clark, 1999, p. 320). Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Why Do We Need To Support Veterans?" essay for you Create order Research has stated that there are more veterans with high levels of PTSD and unrelated mental symptoms after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan (Hoge, Auchterlonie, Milliken, 2006; Hoge et al., 2004). It is essential to identify the issue and work with effective treatments to assist the military population. The issues veterans face is complicated and requires support from the government, community and Veteran Affairs (VA). Leaving a type of situation to be left untreated it may cause serious mental problems down the line that may be harder to resolve. Some of these veterans have been exposed to unmoral situations that need significant attention, resources, and skills in transitioning back to their normal life. It is a significant transition. After the military, it is essential to engage with the VA to get the resources and support necessary. Those impacted by these issues cross all socioeconomic boundaries, cultures, and ages edit this . People from all over the U.S. primarily people age 18 and up to join the military. It started off as a human-made job, but after time many more women entered the army. However men take up more of the veteran population. These negative impacts pushed the VA to provide individual counseling, pieces of training and programs to assist all types of trauma experienced. It is an overwhelming experience that requires amounts of exposure, support, and talk therapy. This type of injury on this population has caused a significant strain on the systems in place and for these systems to change direction. There are about 21.8 million veterans in the United States (VA.gov, 2017). About 578,500 veterans experience homelessness on any given night due to experiencing trauma (HFAL.org., 2016). The rate of Veterans who are unemployed is higher than the national average in many states (Military Times, 2017). Between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, a total of 738,212 of these Veterans accessed the VA health care, with a considerable increase 78% throughout 2001-2016 (VA.gov, 2018). Therefore it has shown the prevalence of veteran issues requiring a change in the resources and programs available to help assist these veterans with the appropriate therapeutic intervention. This paper will help address the problems the veterans have faced, and the technique used by the mental health department by utilizing the evidenced-based practice of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). CPT has shown to be more active on individual setting compared to group settings. CPT is also another form in replacement of medication that has been shown to be effective. Veterans require a long-term treatment when dealing with the exposure of challenging situations such as war. The focus should be on helping the veterans since they work their best at protecting our country. If left untreated there would be countless veterans suffering to get back to work and family. It may also cause innumerable amounts of money to keep these veterans off the streets, jail, and addiction due to the direction they would take if they did not have the appropriate resources when coping with a trauma. Section Two Evidence-based interventions (EBI) are treatments which have been proved to be effective in accessing the situation, changing the behavior and thought processing (Curley Vitale, 2016). These interventions are tested to be valid and reliable through observational studies and clinical trials. CPT is a type an EBI, which focuses on trauma-focused evidence-based intervention utilized for all kinds of populations who have experienced various forms of trauma such as the individuals that have been active in the military (Chard, et al., 2012). Originally, CPT was developed as a treatment for grouped psychotherapy. However many clinicians saw the more significant impact it made on their clients (Chard et al., 2012). CPT teaches how to evaluate and change the upsetting thoughts since the trauma, by changing the thoughts and perceptions on the way you feel and think. Injury can change the way you feel about yourself and the world (Epdf.tips, n.d.). CPT is a type of intervention that is used to in to recognize and challenge ones experience about the traumatic event they have experienced. CPT uses techniques to help the person in labeling events, accessing thoughts and emotions, while the clinician helps them identify the issue and question their thinking (Resick et al., 2017). In a study conducted by Resick, et al. (2017), a group of 8-10 military veterans participated in receiving CPT. The study compared the CPT skills applied in a group setting compared to an individual environment. The group met for ninety minutes, twice weekly, for six weeks, while the individuals met for ninety minutes, twice weekly, with a clinician. The results indicated that CPT was more active and showed improvement on those who were in treatment individually with a clinician compared to those who were in a group setting. At the beginning of the intervention, individuals are educated regarding the purpose of CPT treatment. It is essential to let the individual know how his type of therapy will help them for them to show commitment and involvement in the process. The individuals are asked to write down traumatic events they have seen, and the impact these events have caused. Being open and being an observer of this trauma can help them distinguish their perception and thoughts it h as made. This helps the individual in exploring their beliefs, opinions, behavior about the traumatic events, and how it has shifted their perception on their life (Chard et al., 2012). This type of trauma needs a step-by-step process. Being in a group setting may cause judgment, anxiety and not enough exposure to ones trauma when having others be involved compared to those who process this individually without the distractions of others. Other reasons group setting are not primarily as useful is because of the content exposed, not enough support, and if they miss a group, they may lose a big piece of processing. In an individual setting, participants received particular attention regarding multiple traumatic events they have experienced resulting in a more significant improvement (Resick et al., 2017). However, in the group setting CPT showed improvement after six months of individual treatment then the group setting could be introduced. It showed that after the person went through individual counseling, then they could go on to the step of group counseling. Once the person is at a better state, then they can be part of group therapy to process it by hearing other people struggle and practice different skills in groups to help assist these PTSD symptoms for long-term practice. Even though this is a general standard of months, every person processes this type of trauma differently and might vary. Monson et al. (2006) stated that CPT treatment for veterans with PTSD has shown to be effective in its ability to assist the individual in addressing violent acts they have committed, witnessed, or experienced (Monson et al., 2006). This type of treatment has also shown a considerable amount of improvement on disorders such as anxiety, depression, guilt, stress, and social adjustment that these personal military experience (Monson et al., 2006). The US Department of Veterans (USDVA) stated that CPT is the most successful treatment of counseling for the PTSD issues of veterans with a success rate of 75% (USDVA, 2015). It helps people turn the negative thoughts and memories into positive ones. The VA throughout the years has advocated in changing prior systems to increase the use of CPT to treat PTSD amongst people who serve in the military. Section Three Veterans benefit the most from CPT due to the harmful exposure of the military in their lives. Therefore, The VA has mandated people who have experienced this type of trauma be offered CPT, (Morland, Hynes, Mackintosh, Resick, and Chard, 2011, p.465). CPT has been shown to be the practice model in the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Practice Guideline, and the Veterans Health Administration Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline (Keane, Friedman, Cohen, 2008). The VA has practiced ensuring all Veterans have access to CPT at their local hospital or community clinic, (Chard, Schumm Owens, and Cottingham, 2010, p. 27). Applying this intervention to veterans requires step-by-step action. Starting with identifying the trauma and visualizing the effects it has made on the person. Shifting ones thought process such as violence, shame, and guilt to thought processes of acceptance, commitment and changing the way you think of these effects is a way to replace ne gative thoughts. After identifying these traumas then the shift of patterns can take effect. Being in a group setting could help veterans see they may have similar experiences and are not alone in their thought process. These veterans may have been in the same area when an event occurred, but they all process the trauma differently and experience it differently as well. Group CPT sessions can provide a safe and compassionate network for the member to handle the events and give them a sense of security, free from judgment and space to discuss their feelings. Writing down the feelings being experienced may be difficult, but it may also help when coping with painful emotions such as anger, sadness, and guilt. This type of process can help any areas this trauma has been affected by changing the sense of safety, trust, control, self-esteem, and intimacy. This type of intervention can be placed in any cCommunitysSchool ormental health facilities of people who have any PTSD. One drawback to CPT with veterans is the feeling and psychological pain it may cause by reliving their trauma. Bringing the wound to the surface may cause an uncomfortable feeling. This can create a difficult time and could develop new injuries to surface. This is to distinguish the trauma, see their coping mechanism and process their trauma by shifting their thought processes of the shock. Another drawback is some people in the military cannot open up to their locations; they cannot speak about individual events to not put others at risk. This surfaces the person not to want to open up because they are afraid they may be placed in jail. Some of these veterans it may take time for them to shift their perception. For some people, therapy and CBT might not be the best practice for them. They may need more than CPT. In this case, introducing medication in combination can help the veteran from any horrific flashbacks, nightmares, stress, or anxiety. CPT takes time and practice. These typ es of victims need much more attention than a just therapy itself. Medication is not the only route, but at times it has been shown effective for people who are reliving their trauma for them to not go on a downhill path. Many individuals and a specified group could benefit from practicing CPT. The shifting of perception, memories, and effects this trauma brings can help you organize your thought process once again to live a happier sustained life. It is possible through practice. The individual has to show commitment to change and be aware that it may feel uncomfortable. The surrounding basis is to take a memory that causes stress or trauma and work through it to get to the point that it does not create these issues any longer. CPT helps veterans and active military members, in assisting them to have a positive effect in dealing with the trauma they have suffered. References Chard, K. M., Ricksecker, E. G., Healy, E. T., Karlin, B. E., Resick, P. A., (2012). Dissemination and experience with cognitive processing therapy. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 49(5), 667-78. Retrieved from https://libproxy.usc.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.libproxy2.usc.edu/docview/1034971962?accountid=14749 Chard, K.M., Schumm, J.A., Owens, G.P., Cottingham, S.M. (2010). A Comparison of OEF and OIF Veterans and Vietnam Veterans Receiving Cognitive Processing Therapy. Journal of Traumatic Stress, Vol 25, No. 1, p 25-32. Ehlers,A., Clark, D.M., (2000). A cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Behavior Research and Therapy, Vol 38, p. 391-345. Education-transition (2017). Retrieved from website https://www.militarytimes.com Housing First, Inc. (2016). Retrieved from site https://hfal.org HUD exchange annual report of estimates on the homeless (2015). Retrieved from site https://www.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/2015-AHAR-Part-1.pdf Monson, C. M., Schnurr, P. P., Resick, P. A., Friedman, M. J., Young-Xu, Y., Stevens, S. P. (2006). Cognitive processing therapy for veterans with military-related a post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(5), 898-907. https://dx.doi.org.libproxy1.usc.edu/10.1037/0022-006X.74.5.898 Morland, L.A., Hynes, A.K., Mackintosh, M., Resick, P.A., Chard, K.M., (2011). Group Cognitive Processing Therapy Delivered to Veterans via Telehealth: A Pilot Cohort. Journal of Traumatic Stress, Vol 24, No 4, p. 465-469. Pewresearch.org. The changing face of American veteran populations (2017). Retrieved from https://pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/11/10/the-changing-face-of-americans-veteran-population Resick, P. A., Wachen, J. S., Dondaville, K. A., Pruiksma, K. E., Yarvis, J. S., Peterson, A. L., Young-McCaughan, S. (2017). Effect of group vs. individual cognitive processing therapy in active-duty military seeking treatment for a post-traumatic stress disorder. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(1), 28. Doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2729 Veterans populations statistics. (2017). Retrieved from website https://www.va.gov/vetdata/veteran_population.asp Curley, A.L. Vitale, P.A. (2016). Population-Based Nursing: Concepts and Competencies for Advanced Practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY.: Springer Publishing. Stoto, M. A. (2014). Population Health Measurement: applying performance measurement concepts in population health settings. EGEMs, 2(4). Gotter. A. (2016). Behavioral Therapy. Healthline. Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.healthline.com/health/behavioral-therapy#Whobenefits2 Martin, B. (2016). In-Depth: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Psych Central. Retrieved on April 2, 2017, from https://psychcentral.com/lib/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/ USDVA. (2015). Treatment of PTSD. Retrieved April 03, 2017, from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/symptoms_of_ptsd.asp Myers, D. (2016). Psychology. Asheville, NC: Soomo Learning. Available from hLp:// www.webtexts.com