Themes In The Novel The Tortilla Curtain English Literature Essay

Themes In The Novel The Tortilla Curtain English Literature Essay Boyles The Tortilla Curtain is a well woven literary piece that proves to be the best and the most successful of all his novels in history. Looking at his style of writing, he knits together illegal immigration, poverty, social class, racism, the American dream and xenophobia into a highly contrasted society that runs deep into the veins of the 21st Century America. Most publicists and scholars as well as critics have posed Boyles novel, The Tortilla Curtain as a timely provocative account that vividly highlights the immigration events in central California. Following this stance, Boyle had a purpose of writing this book and its success is dependent on the nature of understanding of his writing by the readers. The success of any literary piece is guaranteed if the writer achieves the unity of thought. This implies that the main reasons why the author wrote the books are communicated to the reader; the same understanding of the book is shared between the author and the reader. This co ntext seeks to analyze symbolism and the major themes that Boyle portrays in The Tortilla Curtain. The protagonists in this novel form the key focus in the analysis of the themes and symbolism used. The story entails two families that belong to the low class and the middle class in the society. The poor family consists of illegal Mexican immigrants (Candido and Amà ©rica) and the rich family (Kyra and Delaney) who are a real estate agent and columnist in an environmentalist magazine respectively. The setting of the novel portrays a man eat man society whereby the middle class care less about the low class. The story is woven from the two families that are intertwined from the time when Kyra has an accident which involves Candido, the poor man. The American Dream encompasses the belief that as long as one enters America and works hard, success is inevitable. This is a mere illusion as Candido and Amà ©rica remains the poorest in spite of their hard work. The middle class family works less yet they have a better life than those who work tirelessly. It is inevitable that everyone aspire good life and this is the reason why immigrants moved into the United States. Each of them had their share in making the American dream come true regardless of the hardships that they have to go through. The dreams of the two couples are varied but they both find nothing but illusions in their dreams at the end. It all matters where they are and what they want to achieve and since none achieves, then the American dream to them is just but an illusion. The aspect of class and racism will be discussed together in this analysis. The gated community where Kyra and his family live creates a gap between the haves and the have-nots. It does not only tear the middle and low class apart but also portrays racism between the whites and other ethnic minorities such as the Mexicans in the United States. At first Delaney, is a liberalist who believes in equal opportunity. This is evidenced in his quote that, everyone deserves a chance [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] immigrants are the lifeblood of this country (p.101). However, this is blurred by his concern on the environment over the starving immigrants (the poor) as he quotes,chewing up resources of the planet like locusts (82). The contempt and atrocity of racists is shown in Delaney when he hits Candido with his car and pays off a bloody $20 bill (13). Candido decides not to call the police because he knows that he is in the country illegally: On the other hand, Melaney hesitates to call the police beca use he only hit a Mexican forgetting that he had committed a crime. The$20 bill is an insult and serves as a bribe to blackmail the poor man to remain silent after the ordeal. In support of this, Jack who is an attorney is portrayed as a racist as he supports the stone wall construction and the gate. He fails in his duty to reinforce the law in the knowledge of a crime already committed. The attitude and fear they have on Mexicans is purely on the segregation of the Mexicans as shown in his quote, You want another crazy Mexican throwing himself under your wheels hoping for an insurance payoff? (102). This leads to the next theme; xenophobia. By definition, xenophobia is the feeling of hatred and fear that is experience by the citizens of a country when immigrants sets foot in their land. Though the immigrants are feared to be criminal, the actual perpetrators are inside the wall that was built. They are afraid of competition from the immigrants. They understand that the immigrants have the potential yet they will not give them equal opportunities as the citizens. Instead they exploit their vulnerability by paying low wages for work so that they can make huge profits. This portrays them as selfish. In addition, they are criminals who are perceived as honourable members of the society. They thus use the power gained to discriminate against the ethnic minorities. Work should be a move to improve the living standards of the employees and therefore people of true spirit care about their employees welfare. Immigration as a theme is portrayed as illegal in the timeline of this novel. This can be coupled by the theme of poverty as it comes out best together. Further in this novel, the coyote symbolizes the immigration. The exploitation of labor for the poor as shown by the low wages paid to Candido is one instance of immigration and poverty. Though they knew that they deserved better, they had no option but to work and earn the meagre wages for survival. They couldnt talk about it for the fear of the repercussions from the illegal immigration. Poverty is again witnessed when Socorro, Candidos daughter is born and is suspected to be blind but they cannot face the problems due to poverty. In another instance of poverty, Candido robbing in the city leads to feeding from trash cans to avoid starving. This shows how the society doesnt care for the poor. This is the lowest form of poverty that one can live in; its far beyond the international poverty line that projects that the poorest homeste ad spends at least $1 a day. Again, it shows the realities of life in the modern era where civilized is highly upheld. What is civilization when the country is symbolized by coyotes? This leads us to the use of symbolism in this novel. In the analysis of symbolism, coyote is the most prominent and a motif that recurs throughout the novel while at the same times the strongest representation of the immigrants in this analysis. Immigration is portrayed as a monster in America in the case where the Mossbachers two dogs are feasted by the wild animal. Though a fence is built such as that at the US-Mexican border, they still penetrate (Boyle 39). Delaneys column coyote experiences are brought in this view as he quotes, One coyote, who makes his living on the fringes of my community [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] has learned to simply chew his way through the plastic irrigation pipes whenever he wants to drink.(212): This symbolizes Candido who steals water and other basic requirements for his family just like the coyote does to the dogs. In addition, Delaney quotes that, The coyote is not to blame-he is only trying to survive, to make a living, to take advantage of the opportunities available to him (215). This also applies to Candid os way of life: He takes up any opportunity that comes to his way such as the case of the Turkey offer and he doesnt care what the society thinks of him. He is forced to do so for survival and he again resembles the coyote. Think of this: no house and camps in a canyon, digs in garbage in search for food, intrudes on other peoples property for survival; is this not exactly the way a coyote lives? Candido, an illegal immigrant, is not welcome in the city just like the hunted coyote. In addition, Josà © Navidad backs on the symbolic coyote; he is portrayed as the bad guy. He rapes women and survives by intruding on other peoples property. It is more interesting when Candido feels that his space is intruded by Josà © Navidad as quoted, Now he had to worry about this stinking crack-toothed pendejo nosing around down in the canyon, as if he did not have enough problems already (90). The nature of house where one lived defines the class and the achievement of the American dream. The low class live in simple houses that were self made and others were homeless while the middle class lived in fenced houses. Following this, the wall as a symbol of separation between the two classes was constructed. From a general stance, a wall serves as a physical barrier between two parties. In reference to the case at hand, the wall is used metaphorically to keep the two cultures apart. Though the fences have been put in place and failed to serve the purpose it is inevitable that the illegal immigrants will continue to find their way through the US-Mexican border into America in search of success and the achievement of the American dream. Those who live inside the wall that is, the middle class and those who live outside the wall, the low class are separated by the wall. The wall also symbolizes the great fear that the Americans had for the Mexicans. The wall is a symbolic device for creating gaps between the haves and the have-nots but this is not the solution to the problems which they perceive to emanate from the Mexicans. As the poor struggles with their lives outside the wall, the haves are also affected as well though they wont admit it. This is demonstrated when Candido roasts the bird pack given to him by a Turkish customer after a promotion thanks giving (an act of kindness from the customer), it causes fire which extends to the gate community of the haves. In conclusion, Boyle portrays Americas life a struggle and survival for the fittest. The smartest in adopting and coping with the changing face of America survives. Symbolism comes out as the main stylistic device that was used by the author to complete this well thought literary piece. Through the use of imagery and excellent choice of diction, he voices out the realities of immigrants without sounding rude and offensive. The themes discussed in this novel fit in the contemporary literature: The modern United States is still fighting illegal immigration, poverty, social class and racism. Its current economy is at threat as more immigrants gets their way in America and floods the job market and exert pressure on the natural resources (Stringer x). The American dream and xenophobia are still eminent given the adverse effects of immigration on the economy, the environment and social amenities. Boyle book exhibits powerful mastery of literary techniques which leaves the reader pondering on the immigrants situation in the United States more so for those who have future prospects of living and working there. He shows that America is tattered with poverty in the midst of the vast development, hence the economic disparities that are the norm in the global economic arena. Work Cited Boyle, Coraghessan. The Tortilla Curtain. London: Penguin Books, 1996. Stringer, Jenny. The Oxford companion to twentieth-century literature in English. United States: Oxford University Press, 1996.

Chromatography Essay -- Essays Papers

Chromatography is a method of separating and analyzing complicated substances. This is done in two phases, a mobile phase and a stationary phase .During the stationary phase, said substance is stationary, while during the mobile phase, the substance moves in a specific direction. During the mobile phase, the substance is filtered through the stationary phase. The stationary phase in necessary in order for the substances to be separated even though it doesn?t involve movement of the substance because it filters the substance through the stationary phase.. Since the substance is made of different, specific substances, each can go though the process of chromatography at different rates. This causes the components of the substance to be moved over materials made for absorption at different times. This makes the different components of the substance absorb at different rates. This is done numerous times and is a very precise method of separation. This process can be used to separate a w ide variety of things, and can be used to separate most volatile or soluble substances. This process is used many like because it is gentle enough to separate delicate solutions, like those of proteins. There are many types of chromatography, the types of which are as follows: Gas Chromatography, Liquid Chromatography, Ion Exchange Chromatography, and Affinity Chromatography . Gas Chromatography uses a pressurized gas camber to filter gasses by either thermal conductivity or flame ionization. There are three types of gas chromatography: capillary gas chromatography, gas adsorption chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography. Capillary gas chromatography used more often than any other type of gas chromatography. In this form of chromatography... ...ntro to Chromatography." 25 Feb. 2008 Environ/CHROMO/chromintro.html> Carrier, Rebecca, and Julia Bordanaro. "Gas Chromatology." 25 Feb. 2008 Carrier, Rebecca, and Julia Bordonaro. "Liquid Chromatography." 25 Feb. 2008 Carrier, Rebecca, and Julia Bordanaro. "Ion Exchange Chromatography." 25 Feb. 2008 Carrier, Rececca, and Julia Bordonaro. "Affinity Chromatography." 25 Feb. 2008 "Chromatography." Shaffald Hallam University. 25 Feb. 2008

Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant

Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant A client has an out-of-control system that is in need of change to get it back into control. Internal controls are an important part of a company. The role of internal controls is to keep mistakes from occurring as much as possible. It also aids in preventing individuals from being dishonest. The system the client is using is out-of-control, and it is highly recommended that the company hire an internal accountant. The internal can provide information to managers to limit any problems and audit the system internally.Implementing internal audits will help build credibility within the company and keep violations from occurring that would violate laws and regulations. An internal auditor would work with management and owners to analyze important areas of the company’s performance. These areas that would be analyzed would include assets, accuracy of financial information, and ensuring t hat government and industry standards and regulations are being followed. Another point that the internal auditor would confirm is that the policies and procedures are aligned with the company’s goals.An internal auditor would add security and be an asset to the company. The first step an internal auditor would initiate would develop a plan to evaluate the current control system that is in place. Any deficiencies found would be documented and evaluated for improvement. The deficiencies would need to be corrected if possible. At the completion of the audit from the internal auditor a written recommendation explaining the control system and what needs to be done to correct the deficiencies would be given to the management of the company.There are positives in hiring an internal accountant for a company that has a system out-of-control. The first positive is the ability to minimize or extinguish any deficiencies before there are long- term effects. The second positives is the co ntrol system would be improved and help in the function of the company so that goals can be met more efficiently. A third positive is there would be a savings in money. There would no longer be a need to hire an outsider to do what an internal auditor can do. The individual hired would be knowledgeable about how the company is operated and its goals.They would also have access to information about the company that others may not have access to. The internal auditor would be on staff to do evaluations on a continual basis and be able to assist management and solve problems as issues may arise. When looking to hire an internal accountant there are some requirements or qualification that the individual needs to possess. One requirement or qualification the applicant should have is the proper education and licensing that would be appropriate for the job of internal accountant.Another area that would be important is have is experience. For the applicant to have experience in how to handl e certain situations or already have ideas of what works and does not work is important. The experience can be a time saver in solving problems with the current system. A third skill that would be an advantage in an applicant would include being knowledgeable and experienced in report writing skills. The last are to look at for a possible candidate is person characteristics.These characteristics would include being ethical, observant, self-reliant, confident, trustworthy, perceptive, and open-minded. It is important to hire an internal accountant as soon as possible because the company’s current system is already out-of-control. Hiring someone with experience would be beneficial and an asset to an already failing system. A good working relationship between the internal auditor and management is vital to the company. Having a good working relationship will help in communicating the needs and goals of the company.A recommendation of hiring a well qualified internal accountant i s vital to the success of the company. References FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (n. d. ). FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Retrieved April 8, 2013, from http://www. fdic. gov Audit Process. (n. d. ). University Audit Office. Retrieved April 8, 2013, from http://www. audit. cornell. edu/audit. html Welcome to NewAccountantUSA. com. (n. d. ). Welcome to NewAccountantUSA. com. Retrieved April 8, 2013, from http://www. newaccountantusa. com

The Effects Of The Triangle Fire Of 1911 - 1611 Words

A year after shirtwaist workers thought they had won a war, the Triangle Fire proved that it had merely been a battle. Under the Triangle Shirtwaist Company owners, Max Blanck and Isaac Harris, the men and women laboring to sew waist skirts were dissatisfied with their terrible working conditions and low wages. While working, the garment workers, made up of mostly poor Italian and Jewish women immigrants, would constantly be yelled at and called sexist slurs by bosses, and forced to work long, tiring hours for little pay (Argersinger 11). Tired of these conditions, the workers of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York met in secret to form a union against the company in September 1909 (Argersinger 11). The union of the garment workers†¦show more content†¦This was done as a security precaution to ensure none of the workers were stealing scraps of fabric or shirtwaists (Class Lecture: Progressive Era). Additionally, the workers’ privacy was invaded daily when thei r purses and bags were searched to prevent thievery. The workers felt as if they were being â€Å"searched like thieves† by the Blanck and Harris (Argersinger 11). Subsequently, mistreatment continued as the workers would often get stabbed by the needle of the sew machines, causing severe bleeding and in some cases the loss of a finger, all while the workers were expected to keep sewing (Argersinger 54). Furthermore, Clara Lemlich, a Jewish Russian immigrant, recalled that the bosses would â€Å"swear at [them] and sometimes do worse- they [would] call [them] names that are not pretty to hear† (Argersinger 57). These poor working conditions seemed to never end, and day after day workers would dread coming into work. But by September 1909, the workers had become fed up with the mistreatment and terrible conditions, leading the men and women of garment industries all across New York to look for a change. 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