Possibilities for a Better World :: Kurt Vonnegut Cats Cradle Essays

Possibilities for a Better World The picture painted of the world and humanity by Kurt Vonnegut in Cats' Cradle is not a positive one. It is not the utopia that so many of the novel's character's are striving for. It is a ridiculous world where truths are based on lies and the balance of good and evil is a manufactured state. If Vonnegut's attempt is to "poison minds with humanity†¦ to encourage them to make a better world," it is only through showing the reader the follies of man, the foolishness we live with daily, that maybe we can change our outlook and make a "better world." Within the 191 pages of Cat's Cradle Vonnegut manages to slam nearly every mode of life, every motivating factor, every convention of modern man. The strongest attacks are on our ways to knowledge: science and religion. Science is shown as a field led by madmen who do not comprehend the consequences of their research and creations. Religion is shown as being all lies developed to keep man happy. The characters of the novel are not unscathed either. Most are shown as greedy, uncompromising, and unsympathetic. They are led by unknown forces to do bad things, foolish things. Vonnegut "poisons" the reader with these examples of mankind. He examines, with wit and comedy, the selfish and foolish nature of humanity. One can look at the actions of the characters and their actions, along with the consequences of those actions, and draw from it a conclusion about the futility of living. Vonnegut can certainly be seen as a cynic for the image that he gives us of humanity. He takes it one step further, though, by showing us all of the absurdity of our modern lives. He wants us to see that we live by lies. Even the words on the page are lies. There is no truth. And in this way we are not bound to live the life that Vonnegut portrays. There may be a better end for us than there is at the end of Cat's Cradle. Maybe then it is possible for us, all of mankind, to make it a "better world." With Vonnegut's poisonous attacks on all our sacred systems he may be trying to show us that there is a better way to live. I will continue to argue that Cat's Cradle goes beyond satire, and gives us a truly cynical look at the world and humanity.

Analyzing a Literacy Event

At any moment, your life can change. In any instant you could find yourself walking down a different path than you started down. You would never know it, but the simplest form of literacy could make the world of difference in your life. Writing, believe it or not, is a constant in your everyday life. Whether making a grocery list, composing an email, or simply doing your homework, there is no escape from writing. In my case, however, writing came to be my only salvation for justice.On a seemingly normal, stress-free, fall day, I found myself walking through The Village of Rochester Hills. It goes without saying that writing was one of the last things on my mind as I was shopping. However, as things seem to do, my priorities were about to drastically change. As I was attacked by three teenage boys, my world began to spin. I was knocked out by one single blow to the side of my face. As I opened my eyes I saw the boys leaving me on the pavement of the parking lot. After a moment, I real ized that my purse and all of my belongings had been taken.There and then was when I realized how important writing can really be. I instantly ran into the closest store and began writing down all I could recall about the incident. Filling the paper with descriptions of the boys’ clothes, hair, faces, the van they left in, and even their voices, I wracked my brain for all the information I had. Eventually, the Oakland County Sherriff came to the scene of the crime. Within the time it had taken them to reach me, I had already begun to go into a form of shock, causing me to forget details and important factors of the incident.My small gesture of literacy had been the key to finding justice in this situation. After the police had calmed down and taken me to the station, my next writing adventure began. It might not be obvious, but filling out police reports and giving detailed descriptions to a sketch artist involves many literary techniques. I can honestly say my encounter with writing was the most meticulous, painstaking, in depth paper I have ever written. Needless to say, my literary work provoked many reactions. After reading the entire report, most were angry: Angry that this sort of situation could happen to anyone.Some were sympathetic, offering hopes of catching the three boys with the help of my descriptions. I, on the other hand, read through my report over and over again, feeling worse and worse about the situation. Days later, the police were able to link my case with three others. The three other girls who had been put in similar situations, however, were unable to give as much detail as I was. In a sense, my ability to understand the grave importance of writing was able to help three complete strangers come closer to catching the three boys who stole their feeling of safety and self confidence.For as little as the average person considers literacy to be a part of their lives, I have personally found it to be one of life’s most valuabl e privileges. A single act of writing led me closer to a sense of justice and closure in a moment between shock and sanity. This encounter with writing has changed my outlook on many things. The most important, however, is that I feel grateful for all the teachers that have taught me how to write because without them, I may not have been able to rise above the situation.

The Fashion Design Of Chanel - 990 Words

It has been over a century since Mademoiselle Chanel, determined to reform the concept of femininity as much in style as in the essence, commissioned the chemist Ernest Beaux to develop what will become the symbol of international perfumery. Chanel No. 5 is unquestionably the most legendary ever made fragrance, described as an opera of olfactory art. Independent, unconventional, and provocative, Coco Chanel transformed her unfamiliar name into an obligatory reference point for fashion design of the twentieth. As an icon of female strength, she translates the complexity and elegance that characterize the woman, with the creation of what would become the scent par excellence. Her way of conceiving the perfume is peculiar. When asked where to put the perfume she replies: â€Å"A woman should wear a fragrance wherever she expects to be kissed† (â€Å"A Woman†). Coco also launches what turned out, according to the instructions of the designer, had to embody a concept of femi ninity timeless, unique, and fascinating. The avant-garde idea of Chanel breaks every scheme imagining her fragrance for a modern and independent woman, far from the stereotype that envisages she should perfume of roses. Hence, Chanel No. 5 is the first perfume that rejects the convention and symbolizes the technological and cultural innovation, furthering the women s empowerment. Chanel No. 5 is a concentration of absolute femininity that shook the world of fragrances forever with an abstract composition of 80Show MoreRelated Chanels Influence On Fashion Essay866 Words   |  4 PagesChanel’s Influence on Fashion Coco Chanel was one of the most influential fashion designers of the Twentieth Century and she was the first significant female fashion designer. The fashion world was impacted by Chanel’s phoenix like return to fashion after her retirement in 1953. Chanel introduced men and women to practical yet elegant styles. Although Chanel has been deceased for forty-one years her undeniable influence on fashion and women’s roles in society will be remembered for generationsRead MoreCoco Chanel and Fashion Essay994 Words   |  4 Pages Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonhuer Chanel, on August 19, 1883 in Saumur, France was an amazing woman who redefined fashion as we know it today. She was a clothing designer who revolutionized the fashion industry with her suits, little black dresses, and avant garde flare. Because of this quickly in her young life she became well know, and rose to be the fashion icon that she is today. From the timeless designs that are still popular to this day, and the sophisticated outfits that can be pairedRead MoreCoco Chanel1588 Words   |  7 PagesCoco Chanel: Most influential women’s fashion designer The designs created by Coco Chanel have had the greatest impact on women’s fashion. Her designs are classic, timeless, and still very popular today. All of her accomplishments were because of her hard work, dedication, and being her own person. Gabrielle â€Å"Coco† Chanel was born on August 19, 1883 in Saumur, France. (A+E Television Networks, LLC â€Å"Coco Chanel Biography†) When Chanel was twelve years old, her mother, Jeanne Devolle, past awayRead MoreCoco Chanel: Life and Times944 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Coco Chanel: Life and Times Born into dire poverty and aged 11 when her mother passed on, Coco Chanel has come to be recognized by some as the epitome of success in the fashion industry. Indeed, she has such a huge following of admirers that in some instances, fans have made pilgrimages to one of her preserved apartments in Paris. As Tracy, a professed timeless fan of Chanel notes, Chanels fashion spirit will forever remain immortal. Further, her timeless designs also continue to be hugelyRead MoreChanel1024 Words   |  5 PagesCoco Chanel Fashion designer. Born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. With her trademark suits and little black dresses, Coco Chanel created timeless designs that are still popular today. She herself became a much revered style icon known for her simple yet sophisticated outfits paired with great accessories, such as several strands of pearls. As Chanel once said,â€Å"luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.† Her early years, however, were anything but glamorous. After her mother’sRead MoreAnalyse Coco Chanels Philosophy Essay1460 Words   |  6 PagesGabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born on August 19, 1883. Her parents were Albert Chanel and Jeanne Devolle. In 1895, her mother died of bronchitis, and therefore her father sent his daughters to the covent of Abazine in Corrà ¨ze. He has never been there since that day. During this time, she learned the skills of sewing. Chanel wanted to be a seamstress, but not plying her needle. She began to sing at cafà © concerts. The popular songs oh hers was ’’Qui qu’a vu Coco’’, so she acquired the nickname’’ Coco’’Read More Chanel Essay582 Words   |  3 Pages CHANELnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel was born in Saumur, France in 1884. Vogue Magazine referred to her as â€Å"the couturier who takes no account of fashion, who pursues her own faultlessly elegant line in the quiet confidence that fashion will come back to her - and sure enough it always does.† nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Chanel began designing heavily during the 1920s. Her first outfits were wool jerseys, and were very simple. She became famous for the simple look of herRead MoreBurberry : A Brand Image1327 Words   |  6 PagesBurberry manufactures a fashion catalogue, fragrance and cosmetic collection. The brand maintains a strong British identity and has built a reputation for its authenticity, originality and craftsmanship. It is widely renowned for its trademark checked print trench coat and ‘prorsum’ horse logo. Being a brand that is globally franchised, Burberry has reinforced its brand image defined by authentic British heritage, remaining relevant and ‘current’ within the fashion industry through use of digitalRead MoreChanel1242 Words   |  5 Pagesrecognition: 1909 through 1920s In 1909, Gabrielle Chanel opened a shop on the ground floor of Étienne Balsans apartment in Paris—the beginnings of what would later become one of the greatest fashion empires in the world.[1] The Balsan home was a meeting place of the hunting elite of France and the gentlemen brought their fashionable mistresses along, giving Coco the opportunity to sell the women decorated hats. During this time, Coco Chanel struck up a relationship with Arthur Boy Capel, a memberRead MoreFashion, Fashion And Luxury Company1542 Words   |  7 Pagesin technology. Chanel is an established beauty, fashion and luxury company headquartered in France. The brand was founded by Coco Chanel who was famous for revolutionizing ladies’ fashion as well as introducing timeless elegance and style. The strength of the brand also lies in Karl Lagerfeld, a cult designer, who never fails to interest the management team and consumers in promoting and preserving the brand image and attuned to the n eeds and market trends of the consumer. Chanel brand will continue