Organization of Buddhism Essay

Buddhism is the religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama Buddha in Indian about 500 B.C.   Buddhism is the chief religion of Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Kampuchea, Laos and China. Buddhism is one of the oldest and biggest religions of the world. Its central deity was Buddha, â€Å"the Enlightened One†. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama who was born 563 B.C. in Kapilavastu, just inside the borders of what is now Nepal. Buddhism beganin India as a revolt against Hinduism. The origin of the religion is described in the article Buddha. Buddha himself did not leave any writings, and his teachings were not written down until several hundred years afte rhis death. Like Christianity and Islam, Buddhism is a missionary religion. Within 300 years after Buddha’s death, it had spread throughout India and reached Ceylon (Sri Lanka).   Monks and travellers carried it to other parts of Asia. Japan adopted it about the seventh century A.D. About the same time the religion reached Tibet. Here it was combined with native religions. The two major divisiobs of Buddhism probably developed in Indian monasteries before 100 A.D. A. The Life of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama was born in Kapilavastu, India (now Nepal) in about 563 BCE. At his birth, legend says, a wise man told his father that Siddhartha would either become a great ruler or a great holy man, depending on what he saw of life. Determined that his son should rule after him, his father did all he could to shield Siddhartha from the problems of the outside world. Siddhartha grew up in great luxury in his father’s palace. He married a beautiful princess and had a son. Despite this, he felt that something was missing from his life. At the age of 29, Siddhartha had an experience that changed his life. On a secret chariot ride outside the palace, he saw a sick man, an old man and a dead man. It was the first time that he had seen people suffering. Then he saw a holy man who was happy and content, despite being poor. Siddhartha vowed to give up his luxurious life and become like the holy man. That night, he left the palace and began his search for the answer to the suffering he had seen. After many years of fasting and hardship, Siddhartha came to the village of Bodh Gaya. Sitting under a great tree, he closed his eyes and began to meditate. There, at last, he gained enlightenment and became the Buddha. He realized that people suffered because they always wanted more than they had. The Buddha spent the rest of his life as a monk. He traveled around India with a group of followers, teaching people how to overcome suffering. He died, aged 80, in the town of Kushinagara in India. B. Its History –  Buddhism Buddhism began in India as a revolt against Hinduism. The origin of the religion is described in the article Buddha. Buddha himself did not leave any writings, and his teachings were not written down until several hundred years after his death. Like Christianity and Islam, Buddhism is a missionary religion. With 300 years after Buddha’s death, it had spread throughout India and reached Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Monks and travelers carried it to other parts of Asia. Japan adopted it about the seventh century A.D. About the same time the religion reached Tibet. Here it was combined with native religions and developed into Lamaism o  Ã‚   Buddhism According to Buddhism, liberation is attained through understanding and practice of the Four Noble Truths: 1. There is suffering in life. 2. Suffering is caused by desire for pleasure, existence, and prosperity. Suffering and rebirth cease when one ceases such desires, leading to enlightenment, or Nirvana, a blessed state in which peace, harmony, and joy are attained. 4. The way, or path, to Nirvana is the Eightfold Path, summarized as: –  Right understanding – Right thoughts – Right speech – Right conduct – Right occupation – Right meditation – Right mindfulness – Right effort The Eightfold Path is also called the Middle Way—because of its emphasis on avoiding such extremes as following sensuous pleasures on the one hand, and self-punishment on the other. The Buddhist must at all times observe the high moral principles described in the Eightfold path, which emphasizes nonviolence and the brotherhood of all. Perhaps the best-known Buddhist scriptures are the Tripitaka (â€Å"Three Baskets†), first written down in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in authoritative edition was prepared by the Sixth Buddhist Council at Rangoon, Burma, in 1954-56. The three Pitakas are about four times as long as the Bible. C. Other Beliefs of Buddhism Buddhism’s beliefs and teachings are derived from Hinduism although there may be some slight variations in some concepts. Karma is a Sanskrit word of â€Å"action†. The action refers to volitional acts (thoughts, deeds or spoken words that are in the control of a person) as well as the forces that arise resulting form these acts. The law of Karma describes the connection between actions and the resulting forces, like good action results to good Karma while bad action results to bad Karma. Good actions are described in a Buddhist belief in the Noble Eightfold Path. A Noble Eightfold Path is a path of life that has eight stages or phases. This path consists of the right views, right aspiration, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. Furthermore, the law of Karma states that there is a connection between the moral quality of man’s action to the resulting condition or states. The life he has now is largely dictated by what he said and did in his past life while his next life will be determined by what he is doing and saying now. In other words, the Karma of past, present and future events are connected by the law of cause and effect. For example, if one does something wrong like hurting or killing another human being; he will have to suffer the negative consequences of these actions in his present life or another lifetime. Similarly, if he does something right he will enjoy the positive consequences of that deed in his present or subsequent lifetimes.   It is important to note that the law of Karma is final. No one (including divine intervention) or nothing can stop the law of Karma from operating in a person’s life. In other words, man’s destiny is dictated only by the law of Karma itself. Rebirth as the name implies, is a process of being born over and over again (unless a person attained Nirvana or release from the cycles of birth). In simpler terms, rebirth is nothing more than a movement from one’s old body at death to a new body at birth or conception. Rebirth is necessary for the execution of Karma which needs more than one lifetime to be completed so that it can be rightly said that rebirth is nothing more than the transmission of one’s karma. Only when all accumulated karma is paid for and craving is rooted out from a person’s life that one can enter the stream that leads to Nirvana. But as long as there is delusion, greed, and aversion, which consequently fuels the desire to live, man generate karma. The Buddhists idea of Rebirth, like Karma, is derived from an Indian philosophy of Hinduism. However, the Buddhist concept of rebirth is different from Hinduism because in the Hinduism theory of rebirth there is a transmigration of souls while the Buddhist denies the existence of self or soul (the immortal version of self).   In Buddhism the idea of self or soul is merely an illusion for perceptions, consciousness, mind and body that makes up â€Å"self† is changing. The Buddhists argue that how can there be a self when in fact its composition is not permanent. Furthermore, Buddhists explained that the body is mortal and when it dies, consciousness and all mental activities cease, hence there is no more self and consequently there is no soul. According to Buddhism, liberation is attained through understanding and practice of the Four Noble Truths. First, is that there is suffering in life; Second, suffering is caused by desire for pleasure, existence and prosperity; Third, suffering and rebirth cease when one ceases such desires, leading to enlightenment, or Nirvana, and joy are attained; Fourth, the way or path, to Nirvana is the Eightfold Path summarized as; right understanding, right thoughts, right speech, right conduct, right occupation, right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation.

Morality and Death Penalty Essays

Morality and Death Penalty Essays Morality and Death Penalty Paper Morality and Death Penalty Paper Morality of Capital Punishment Every human life is precious. This is something that has been taught by the Roman Catholic Church for years. Each day one is alive can be seen as a gift from God. As a result of this gift, we hear many people come up with phrases such as â€Å"Live everyday as your last†, or â€Å"Live as if you’ll die tomorrow†. Unfortunately, for some, these phrases can be more than just a saying. They can be facts. The people, for whom this holds truth, tend to be disliked by many and even hated by some. The type of person who faces a simple phrase such as â€Å"Live as if you’ll die tomorrow† as something that is actually the truth, is typically not a person with much freedom. This type of person, like many other in the same situation, fall under one category; a criminal. A criminal is one held under imprisonment for committing a violent or unlawful act. The type of criminal who lives in uncertainty of their own life is left with the fear of execution every day, due to their act of murder on another human being. This idea brings forth the moral argument of Capital Punishment. Capital Punishment is defined as the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime. The idea of taking a life as a means of punishing someone for murder has been the subject of a long and often heated debate. While many contend that Capital punishment serves the judicial system as a deterrent to crime and as a lawful penalty many others contend that Capital Punishment is both morally and ethically wrong. Capital Punishment has been used by the United States Government for decades. The government has found that the idea of the death penalty as a just way to punish those who have committed murder. Across the United States of America there are 34 states that actively use Capital Punishment. Most notably are Texas, California, Florida, and even smaller states such as Delaware. The other 16 states, for example, New York, have abolished Capital Punishment at some point in their history. Most recently is Illinois, who abolished the death penalty in their state earlier this year. Of those states that continue to use capital punishment, Texas remains the highest enforcer with 477 executions since 1976. This alone is an astonishing number, and it does not include the high execution rate up to the 50’s. In total, the United States of America, as a whole, have executed 1277 criminals. So far to date, there have been 43 executions in 2011. Most prisoners are forced to wait on Death Row prior to their execution for roughly 170 months. Nonetheless, when their day does come, many prisoners are forced to decide in what manner they wish to be killed. There are five methods of execution that consist of: lethal injection, electrocution, firing squad, hanging, and a gas chamber. The most frequently used in the U. S is the lethal injection. The least likely to be used is a firing squad or a gas chamber. A total of 1103 prisoners have been put to death by lethal injection since 1976 (Dieter 1). Overall, Capital Punishment has been held as a viable way to punish those convicted of a serious murder, despite its brutal method. Many find that Capital Punishment is a practical manner to punish those convicted of murder. This belief stems from the idea that Capital Punishment is a deterrent of crime. In other words, many find that the use of the death penalty publicly decreases the average crime rate. Researchers, who believe this, have found that each execution can be associated with 3 fewer murders in the state of which the execution took place. These scientists are stating that with the execution of one, three lives are saved. In addition, researchers have discovered that executions deter the murder of not only whites, but African-Americans as well. Each execution prevents the murder of one white person, 1. 5 African-Americans, and 0. 5 persons of other races. In other terms, one execution saves the life of not only one race of people, but many. Lastly, they have discovered that shorter waits on death row are connected with increased prevention. For each additional 2-year decrease in the death row wait, one murder is deterred (Muhlhausen 1). This means that if a criminal is executed quicker, it is most likely that people will not murder, therefore saving one life. In general, these people have found that one public execution can save up to 18 lives (Muhlhausen 1). It follows that, the execution of one has the potential to save many others. In contrary, many find this factual evidence to be falsified and over interpreted. As an opposition, many scientists have shown how Capital Punishment does not deter crime. For example, it is a known fact that the South has accounted for roughly 80% of the U. S’s executions. On top of this, the South also holds the U. S’s highest crime rate. Clearly, executing it’s prisoners has little affect on other criminals. Researchers have also used those nations without Capital Punishment to prove how it is an ineffective way to decrease crime. For example, Canada’s crime rate has dropped 27% since their abolishment of the death penalty. Scientists have also discovered factual evidence within the United States to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of Capital Punishment (Beadue 1). A clear example of this is shown by the New York Times survey that illustrates that those states without a death penalty have a lower murder rate. Many of these facts can be classified as coincidental, but nonetheless these facts show that the death penalty alone does not deter crime (Fessenden 1). One simple public execution cannot be given the credit for deterring crime based on this evidence. To conclude, public execution can only be coincidental to a decrease or increase in crime rates, proving it as a less effective way to deter crime across America. Whether or not it deters crime can be a miniscule fact to those who find that Capital Punishment as the only just punishment for one who has been convicted of murder and to those who find it completely unjust. Through surveys across the country, those in favor of Capital Punishment have said that only by putting murderers to death can society ensure that convicted killers do not kill again. In addition, many find that the cost to aid an imprisoned killer is unnecessary. Therefore, killing him proves to be cost efficient and easier on the government. On top of this, many find that if you have taken the life of another human being, you yourself do not deserve to live. Although a harsh statement, many refer back to the Old Testament to show the justification through â€Å"An eye for an eye†. Another example is seen through the fact that a prisoner can end up on parole and therefore never is handed the justice he or she deserves for murdering someone. In contrary, many find that Capital Punishment is unjust. For example, many view Capital Punishment as an example of an uncivilized society. In other words, a nation who uses Capital Punishment demonstrates to its citizens an uncivilized way to live (Muhlhausen 1). In addition, many find the death penalty to be a denial of civil liberties. This meaning that the government has no right to simply take a citizens life. Lastly, Capital Punishment is often gone about in an unjust manner. Those executed typically are poor and lack a good attorney, therefore are almost â€Å"set up† for murder. Ethically, Capital Punishment is dreadful. Typically criminal’s who are African American, poor, and in many cases both are executed because of a court appointed attorneys lack of skill. Evidently, they are convicted without a fair trial (National 1). Clearly, there are two sides to the argument that Capital Punishment is justifiable. Through all the facts and fictions of Capital Punishment, ultimately there is one question. This one question asks whether or not Capital Punishment is moral. Morality is defined as a system of ideas of right and wrong conduct. Because everyone’s moral code is different there can be many interpretations of whether or not Capital Punishment is a morally justified behavior. Many find Capital Punishment to be morally correct. This belief is caused by the idea that society has a moral obligation to protect the safety and welfare of its citizens. Many also find that society should support practices that bring about the utmost balance of good as opposed to evil. Clearly, those who believe this credit Capital Punishment as being one of these practices. Finally, those who find it morally correct state that justice itself is moral. In more concrete terms, justice to a convicted murderer is death, and since justice is morally good, this murderer must be murdered them self. It is after the murder of the criminal that â€Å"justice for all† is established. Despite the argument for Capital Punishment being morally right, many find it to be morally wrong. Many people find that capital punishment is morally deplorable on the basis that society has a moral obligation to protect human life, not take it. This means that we are all called upon to protect the sacredness of human life and not to take it away. On top of all this, it has been said that locking a criminal away for life achieves the same goal as Capital Punishment. This goal is to stop the violent acts committed by the criminal. Therefore, taking away a life is nonsensical and not necessary according to those who find Capital Punishment morally incorrect. The death penalty also proves to be morally wrong as it decreases the value of life, according to many. Many state that the death of anyone, even a convicted killer, diminishes us all. Evidently, morally Capital Punishment can be seen as not only wrong, but unacceptable. Ultimately, there are cases given both for the moral correctness of Capital Punishment and the moral wrongfulness (Andre 1). The decision on which one is correct lies in the hands of the individual. After researching Capital Punishment and based on my religious background and beliefs, I have formed my own opinion. In every aspect, especially morally, I find Capital Punishment to be wrong. As a living person, I respect life in every form. I believe that life is a gift from God and not one person is ustified to take that gift away. Growing up and going to church I have discovered that every day is a gift no matter what the circumstances. Whether in prison or living freely, God has granted you another day to experience life. This experience is different for everyone, but meaningful for all. This is simply another reason I find it deplorable to take the life of an individual. The ethics of Capital Puni shment is another aspect that fuels my reasoning against it. It is deeply upsetting to me that simply because of your lack of wealth or your race affect your chance at life. I believe that no matter your stature, you deserve a good attorney and a fair trial, because without a fair trial or good attorney it has been proven you are more likely to lose that trial. Being African American should not lower your chances at survival simply based on America’s court system. For a nation who claims to be almighty and great, I find it astonishing that they continue to hurt those who live there based on race and wealth. Aside from this, I am appalled by America and their lack of sacredness for life. As stated, life is a gift. If America looked at life as something sacred, as it should be, many would come to see the cruelness that comes with Capital Punishment. Lastly, as a Roman Catholic I believe â€Å"In one God, the Father almighty†. By stating this, I state that there is only one God. This one God is the only one who can grant and take away life. It is then that I ask America’s governing system, who gave them the right to play God. I do not believe that anyone has the right to simply take life away from someone. God, and only God, has the right to give and to take a life. Because If I am not mistaken, the United States of America did not grant me or anyone else life, God did. This is why I am astonished at my country’s government’s ability to take away someone’s life. Overall, I find Capital Punishment to be unjust and a moral flaw in America’s punishment system. In conclusion, Capital Punishment is still today, a consequence faced by many criminals. Many states continue to use this form of punishment, as others continue to abolish it. Nonetheless, it is a national moral issue faced by all. The case has been given by both counterparts and leaves many questioning their own belief. Many state how Capital Punishment deters crime, as others state that it has little effect. In addition, it has been said that Capital Punishment is just and lawful, despite the belief of many that it is just the opposite. Thus, I am only left to ask, if the government says it is illegal to take a human life, then why are they able to do so? Andre, Claire, and Manuel Velasquez. Capital Punishment: Our Duty or Our Doom? Santa Clara University Welcome. Saint Clara University. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. scu. edu/ethics/publications/iie/v1n3/capital. tml. Beadue, Huggo. The Case Against the Death Penalty Cons, Anti Death Penalty Arguments. American Civil Liberties Union. American Civil Liberties Union, 2011. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. aclu. org/capital-punishment/case-against-death-penalty. Dieter, Richard. Death Penalty Information Center. 2011. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. deathpenaltyinfo. org. Fessenden, Ford. Deadly Statistics: A Survey Of Crime and Punishment New York Times.   NY Times Advertiseme nt. New York Times, 22 Sept. 2000. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. ytimes. com/2000/09/22/us/deadly-statistics-a-survey-of-crime-and-punishment. html. Muhlhausen, David. The Death Penalty Deters Crime and Saves Lives. Conservative Policy Research and Analysis. Heritage Foundation, 28 Aug. 2007. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. heritage. org/research/testimony/the-death-penalty-deters-crime-and-saves-lives. National Coalition to Abolish Death Penalty. NCADP The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. 25 Dec. 2008. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. ncadp. org/index. cfm? content=25.

Exercise in Writing With Specific Details

Exercise in Writing With Specific Details Specific details create word pictures that can make your writing easier to understand and more interesting to read. This exercise will give you practice in revising sentences to make them more concrete and specific. Instructions Revise the following sentences to make them more concrete and specific. ExampleThe sun came up.At 6:27 on March third, the sun rose in a cloudless sky and flooded the earth with liquid gold. The food in the cafeteria was unappealing.We painted part of the garage.She sat by herself in the coffee shop.The kitchen was a mess.Marie looked sad.I waved to my pet.The car sped away.The waiter seemed to be impatient and annoyed.He was hurt in a boating accident.I felt tired after practice.She enjoys listening to music.There was a strange smell in the attic.The movie was stupid and boring.She ate lunch at a restaurant with her sister.It was noisy in the room.

Theortetical rumination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Theortetical rumination - Essay Example Rather than putting forward that jealousy exists as a type of monolithic entity in which the reader can seek to understanding and engage with, the authors put forward a multi-dimensional approach to the construct whereby infinite levels of meaning can be drawn from nearly each and every stanza or verse within the play. As a means of discussing the multiple representations of jealousy that are exhibited within the play, the authors seek to analyze their causal factors through the lens of a feminist approach, male centered approach, sexual frustration approach, philosophical approach (i.e. analysis of the Machiavellian aspects of Othello’s jealousy), categorization of envy as a causal mechanism to Othello’s jealousy, jealousy as a function of insanity approach, and jealousy as a result of the sexual objectification of women as evidenced through Othello’s deeds, thoughts, and actions. In this way, the authors present a multifaceted and nuanced means of analysis whereby the reader can draw a powerful level of inference on the extent to which each one of Othello’s actions and or thoughts/sayings can be analyzed within the preceding rubric and determined whether or not it ascribes to any one, or none, of the levels of analysis that has thus far been listed. Regardless of previously discussed themes of jealousy, the piece goes on to state that the most prescient and likely form of jealousy that exists within Shakespeare’s play is that of a sexual nature. Rather than confronting the issue head on, the protagonist seeks to recluse within the confines of his own lurid imagination and busies himself with a fantasy world built of the constructs of his own mind. As a function of this, the authors argue, the level to which jealousy is enshrouded in the complex emotions and personal dynamics of Othello only serves to be amplified. Whereas the issues of jealousy were at the forefront near the beginning of the play,

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Essay Example There were also looming strikes from small business owners and farmers (Polenberg 113). He possessed exceptional political tactics as this is proven the the fact he was reelected in office for a record four times (PBS). His victories in politics were based on his abilities to relate to the needs of people as well as global requirements. As he campaigned, he knew the deficiency’s citizens were experiencing and he created speeches and promises aimed at addressing these needs. Additionally, he adapted a campaign song that became popular political rhythm in the United States. Happy Days Are Here Again was a signature FDR political song (PBS). FDR had an objective of ensuring that the economy of the United States is revived. For this to be possible,he realized the need to change the way in which created laws (Brinkley 42). For instance, he created laws that increased the employment of women in government positions and offices as well as the military (Polenberg 95). In addition, the new employment laws led to the decrease of unemployment rates to 2%. FDR also created laws that governed the conduct of Wall Street, banks and the transport system (Brinkley 36). This greatly changed the United States economy as people became more productive. Other major creations by the congress under his leadership were the Social Security and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In addition, he encouragedthe growth of liberty (Polenberg 116). His approach to foreign affairs was also exceptional. At the time he was elected, the globe was at brink of warfare that threatened global peace. In Europe, Nazis Germans dominated as they denied the prevalence of democracy (Brinkley 84). China was also faced with invasion threats from Japanese. The United States shared great relationships with China as well as the United Kingdoms. FDR collaborated with Scotland, Wales and Great Britain to end the dominance of Nazis in Europe. FDR also

Flight deck interface Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Flight deck interface - Assignment Example The main point of concern is the viability of the respective individuals to use the new technologies effectively. For example, the voice recognition system serves as an extra pilot in the cockpit. However, the pilot may be distracted while trying to remember what a certain command means. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) considers the new technologies as a mandate rather than choice (Croft, 2011). The revolution in flight deck technology is laden with benefits and potential hazards that bring agreement and conflict between avionics manufacturers and the federal authorities. The benefits of the human-machine interactions enhance tactical operations towards the â€Å"no accident policy† from FAA (Croft, 2011). The voice recognition technology ensures that the pilot â€Å"does not have to take hands off the control wheel.† In addition, new technologies aim at reducing the clutter in the Primary Flight Display that displays too much information. Such unnecessary information can be confusing to the pilot. Avionics manufacturers assure the FAA that there is prototyping of a flight path marker, a technology that ensures only the information relevant to a specific phase of flight is displayed. Players in the avionics industry are certain that new technologies that enhance flight deck human-machine interaction are geared towards implementing the â€Å"no accident policy† by enhancing compatibility between the pilots and the cockpit technology. There exist potential hazards to the flight deck technologies that aim to enhance human-machine interaction. Avionics manufacturers raise issues regarding the manner in which humans troubleshoot and maintain the systems (Noyes, 2012). The human-machine interaction is limited to persistent design errors and the safety-critical applications for a particular system. In addition, it may be difficult to distinguish the roles of the hardware and software system from those of the human operator. Imbalances in

Analyze in detail how Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Essay Example for Free

Analyze in detail how Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Essay John Steinbecks first hand experience of what life was like during the American Depression allowed him to write an accurate novel on life during this dull time. It also gives us a good idea of certain aspects of the Depression; about how migrant workers lived and also how they were treated. The Depression changed peoples thoughts and views on life, how sensitive they were to others and how they acted around people. This is especially true of the migrant workers in Of Mice and Men. Loneliness took a major role in the migrant workers lives. The vast majority of the workers traveled alone across America, moving from ranch to ranch. Family values were non-existent, because of this they didnt belong anywhere. The workers believed it was survival of the fittest between them. There were a large number of drifting workers, all-looking for the same jobs. Competition for work was fierce. There was a general feeling of loneliness at the time for the workers. George emphasizes this feeling when he is talking to Lennie by the brush: Guys like us, which work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They dont belong no place. Because of a vast amount of suspicion on the ranch the workers often chose a solitary existence. It also made relationships between the workers very shallow. It would seem that the majority of the workers could not forge a meaningful relationship. Yet, it wasnt just the workers who felt lonely. Curleys wife also displays loneliness: I get awful lonelyYou can talk to people, but I cant talk to nobody but Curley. Crooks also seems very lonely: I tell ya a guy gets too lonely, an he gets sick. Both Crooks and Curleys wife also choose a life of solitude because of the suspicion. It is harder for them to establish meaningful relationships because the obstacles of discrimination and sexism that exists on the ranch. Loneliness was common for almost everyone. Different people did different things to try and cope with loneliness. Some would play cards. Some would play horseshoes. Crooks would read his books and Curleys wife tries attention seeking by hanging around the bunks. They did anything to avoid the loneliness and boredom. Entertainment was a form of escape from their boring lives. Apart from the simple things the workers would do during the month like cards and horseshoes, there was no entertainment, so they all looked forward to the end of the month: Well, a guy got to have some fun sometime. This was when they would get their pay and go into town. They would spend their money on drink and prostitutes. Again, anything that would allow them to escape from their lonely lives. It was normal for the workers to spend the best part of the night in a whore house where they could get alcohol and women. A guy can go in an get drunk and get everthing out his system all at once, an no messes. And once that night was done that was it until the end of the next month. This demonstrates the attitude on the ranch toward women: they are just objects which can be used whenever they please. They arent considered as eqaul at all. The attitude towards Curleys wife is another example of how women were poorly treated, poorly regarded and were by a long way, less equal than men. Newly married and in an unfamiliar place, she is not allowed to talk to anyone but Curley. She resents this and approaches the other ranch workers with the excuse of looking for Curley. The men instantly have their guard up and assure each other that she is nothing but trouble. They regard her as a woman to be used and make no attempt to get to know her. Probably the most important aspect of workers lives was the dream they all shared. But because of their tendencies to go into town at the end of the month they would never realize their dream, as many of their dreams involved saving up money, whoich usually they wasted. Crooks sums it up quite well: I seen hundreds of men come by on the road an on the ranches with their bindles on their back an that same damn thing in their heads. Hundreds of them. They come, an they quit an they go on; an every damn one of ems got a little piece of land in his head. An every goddamn one of em ever gets it. Just like heaven. It was a simple dream. All they wanted was to own their own place. A piece of land and a house to live in, somewhere they werent told what to do, a place where they could choose who could stay on their land and who had to move on, and a place where at the end of the harvest they could keep what they had harvested. George points this out: Id have my own little place, an Id be bringing in my own crops, stead of doin all the work and not getting what comes up outa the ground. But for most this dream would never be fulfilled. Their loneliness would always be with them. This would mean they would have to escape from their loneliness by going into town and spending their money. But without money they would never be able to buy their own place. As with loneliness, having dreams was not exclusive to the workers. Curleys wife often dreamt of what her life would have been like if she would have been in movies: Coulda been in the movies, an had nice clothes-all them nice clothes like they wear. An I coulda sat in them big hotels, an had pictures took of me. As for George and Lennie there is hope. They have each other to look after one another and are not as lonely as the other migrants. Becausebecause I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you. says Lennie. Because they have each other, they have a better chance of realizing their dream. They both have someone to talk to and travel with which helps them not get so lonely. It is this companionship that gives them their chance. Also, because of their companionship, they are very different from all the other workers on the ranch. None of the other workers had someone to travel with. Their companionship is seen as very unusual: Well, I never seen a guy take so much trouble for another guy. says Carlson. Slim also says: I hardly never seen two guys travel together. It was a rare thing to see during that period. It was also rare for the workers show genuine care for each other of for anyone else. George and Lennie are an exception to this. Along with the good things that came with travelling together, George and Lennies companionship also brought along suspicion. Suspicion was very common on the ranches. The boss is suspicious as soon as George and Lennie arrive. He is suspicious of George because he wont let Lennie speak: I said what stake you got in this guy? You takin his pay away from him? He later says I got my eye on you. It isnt just the boss who is wary of the workers. It seems everyone is suspicious of each other: Maybe everbody in the whole damn world is scared of each other. says Slim. This is emphasized a lot by the way hardly anyone travels together and by the way George accuses Candy of listening in on his conversation with Lennie: Say, what the hell you doin listenin? Curley is also suspicious of anybody when it comes to his new wife. He runs around a lot looking for her and at one point accuses Slim of messing with her. Finally, most of the men on the ranch are worried about talking to Curleys wife. They accuse her of giving men the eye and think she is a tart. There is a large amount of suspicion all over the ranch aimed at anyone around the ranch itself. As well as a lot of suspicion, maybe leading to the following, there was also a fair amount of violence. Curley is the main source of violence on the ranch. He was jealous and suspicious of people and this leads to him causing trouble. He is said to pick on big guys the most because he was so small: He hates big guys. Hes alla time picking scraps with big guys. He is also said to be a good boxer and has proved this by doing well in certain tournaments. Hes often wary and is ready for a fight: His eyes flashed over George, took in his height, measured his reach, and looked at his trim middle. Curley finally demonstrates his foul temper and his willingness to fight by picking on Lennie and hitting him several times. George mentions the sense of violence on the ranch: After a long time they get mean. They get wantin to fight all the time. Another side to the violence on the ranch is the attraction of it. Whit is very eager when he sees Curley going after Slim: I guess maybe Id like to see this. and But I like to see the fuss if it comes off. Come on les go. Crooks is a target of the violence also. The time at Christmas when they set after him is an example of this. He is often verbally abused as well. The workers are very casual about racist language. They use words like nigger behind his back and even to his face: Sure the stable bucks a nigger. Nigger huh? Yeah. Nice fella, too. And such words are even said to his face: Listen, Nigger. says Curleys wife. Racism was still very common during this period and segregation was also common. Crooks wasnt allowed in the white workers bunk house and he is put in the barn, by himself, which had very poor living conditions. He had to put up with a lot of abuse and discrimination and because of this he had developed a protective shell, which he would withdraw back into whenever he was being abused, this made him suspicious of anyone trying to help him or take an interest in him. Crooks was a dignified man and would often refer to his mauled book of rights to emphasize he had rights. He would also refer to his book if he thought someone was doing something that impeded his rights. Crooks was also very lonely and he craves someone to talk to as much as any of the other workers on the ranch. A good example of his dignity and his loneliness mixed together is when Lennie comes into his room he tries to be angry but he knows he needs someone to talk to and allows Lennie to stay in his room. Women were used and treated unfairly during this period also. During this time women were generally seen as a possession. Men believed that they owned the women and that they could use them however or for whatever they wanted. This is shown by the way the workers talk about the women at the whorehouses and also by the way the workers talk about Curleys wife. She is seen, as something Curley owns, an item or possession not a person. She is also referred to as jail-bait, a tart and nothing but trouble. Quotes like Jesus, what a tramp., Dont you even look at that bitch. and Well, I think Curleys marrieda tart. which refer to Curleys wife all emphasize the disrespect shown to women in this period. Although men liked to think women were their possessions, they also had other possessions. They would carry around little things like razors and keep them in a bindle while traveling. When they werent traveling they would keep their possessions in an apple crate hung up on the wall. They never carried around much and things would get left behind; for example, the roach killer that got left behind by the last worker that occupied Georges bunk. Hygiene wasnt all that good. As well as the roach infested bunks there were rats underneath the floorboards. The food wasnt all that good either and medicine was very simple. Candy tells about how one guy would clean the potatoes if they had spots on them and he would scrape off the red bits in the eggs. Candy also complains of a stomachache the turnips gave him and asks for some whiskey to treat his stomachache. Overall life in the bunkhouses was very harsh. In conclusion, the novel has given us a very clear picture of what life like for the migrant workers moving from ranch to ranch. Loneliness was a serious part of their lives. It was part of a vicious circle that included entertainment, money and their dream. Their dreams were what kept them going. But loneliness would continue to stop them realizing their dreams. They were so lonely they needed the entertainment to help them escape from their loneliness and boredom after work. This cost money; money they needed to realize their dream, and from entertainment they wasted the money they needed to realize a dream, and found themselves lonely again, causing the vicious circle to continue. Life was very rough on the workers. No family to speak of or get closed to. They believed that they didnt belong anywhere. They went to a ranch, worked up a stake and then blew it in the nearest town. This would happen every month and even though the workers dreamt, the vast majority eventually realized their dream would never come true. But kept dreaming to keep up some hope even though deep down they realized it was not possible.