Anishinaabe Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Anishinaabe Literature - Essay Example The Anishinaabeg people of the United States consist of the Nipissing/Algonquin, Ojibwa, Sauleteaux, Chippewa, Odawa, Mississaugas, Oji-Cree and Potawatomi. These communities have basically inhabited the Great Lakes region of Canada and the U.S. as noted above, the myths of the Anishinaabe are great facilitating the way forward in upholding an identity which is distinct. Notably, the Anishinaabe stories are not only sacred but also wide ranging. The way these stories are told is also funny and humorous- an element which is shared in all stories. A good example of these stories is the myth about the history of the Anishinaabeg (Pheasant 1). According to this myth, Gizhemanidoo, in the very beginning created the universe, including the creation of the Grandfather Sun, Grandmother Moon, Father Sky and Mother Earth. He is also believed to have created all the things on earth- both the living and the non-living. It is after he had created all that is on the surface of the earth, in the se as and in the sky that Gizhemanidoo created the four seasons. According to the Anishinaabeg, these seasons were geared towards bringing both balance and harmony to all. Besides, these people held these seasons to be one of the greatest mysteries to have ever existed (Cavender 8). The man was later created after all other creations. Gizhemanidoo appeared to the first Anishinaabe in a dream- where he (Gizhemanidoo) instructed the first Anishinaabe to give names to all other creature according to the language given to him. This story brings us to the knowledge that the first Anishinaabe gave names to all insects, animals, fish and bird. On completing the work, he made it known to the Gizhemanidoo that he had accomplished all that he was to do through a dream. It is after this that he was given the name Nanabozho (Sugarhead 6). Markedly, storytellinf among the Anishinaabeg remains to be a means through which members of the indigenous communities get to be taught and learn. In the manner in which these stories are being told, it is crystal clear that the cultural processes present in the society are being emphasized. The same stories are actually being used as cultural dimensions of the old to present the past, thus facilitating the viewing of life history as part and parcel of the principal contributory explanations of cultural processes instead of simply making illustrations or even augmenting ethnographic descriptions.

Motivation letter Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Motivation letter - Assignment Example objectives are to, first become a first mate, and then in time, work hard to secure a promotion that will see me achieve my dream of becoming a captain. I believe that I possess determination and focus, which will ensure that I gain experience with the ambition of not achieving the highest rank in motor yachting, but also contributing towards the industry positively by ensuring that I ensure my crew members are safe and have confident in me. Despite personal endeavors in achieving my dream job of becoming a captain, I am also determined to uphold the moral ethics that defines a motor yacht crew given the extra care required in sailing passengers from one port to another. Pursuing motor yachting profession is not satisfying by its own, but through the integration of various aspects such as taking responsibility, conforming to the code of ethics, respect for others and giving other options to correct my unintentional wrong doings, which will help me build my career from a moral, emotional, and professionalism perspective. Motor yachting has substantial challenges that are associated with the conditions in which the sea vessels work. Remarkably, being at the middle of an ocean with no place to pull over in emergency cases is one of the psychological challenges that may face every motor yacht crew among many others including natural and experience challenges. However, there is no single profession that comes without risks; hence, I am determined not to be defined my fears and challenges, but what I can do to ensure that the challenges are part of everything a human being pursues. In reference to the saying the saying, â€Å"experience is the best teacher†, I am always ready to experience new things irrespective of whether they are challenges, obstacles or even hardships, which ensures that I thrive through my career successfully and learning from my past experience. It is my wish to spend my time in large water bodies aided by professional yachting crews

The Meaning Of Freedom Of Expression

The Meaning Of Freedom Of Expression Nations across the world have different constitutions and laws that govern the countries, apparently some may similar depending on the country, and some are also different. However, the Freedom of Speech and Expression is common in most of them, especially in countries that are not under dictatorship ruling. The freedom of speech has to do with freeing people to express their thoughts however they want without any type of interference. This is a major issue across the world, with no exception of Malawi. Furthermore, the issue of expression has to do with the media because these are the watchdogs of the society and they link the people with the government. The press has to do the researching for the nation, it has to be transparent and accountable in its news reporting, and so the media and press do meet up with lots of problems. The freedom of speech is defined as the freedom to speak without censorship and limitation or both. It goes on to give political rights that enable one to share ideas. Basically, the Freedom of Expression comprises of things that enable one to impart, receive and seek information without looking at the strategy used. It is said to help in democracy to work and also public participation in decision making because citizens cannot freely express their obligations if they do not have the freedom empowered to them. An article in the universal declaration read that, the free communication of ideas and opinion should be considered as mans greatest right.(David 2012) In as much as the people are given absolute rights to speak and publish whatever they like, it is also said that the law is likely to take its stand whenever any of the rights is abused. This means that the freedom of expression is something that is very important and has to be thought of on a huge note. Even the article 5 of the universal declaration does endorse this and adds on to say boundaries are not necessary as far as the freedom of expression is concerned. (David 2012) Background of the Freedom of Expression The freedom of speech dates back in the 5th and 6th BC in the Roman Republic whereby the main rights were freedom of religion and freedom of speech, also, it was talked of by Rashidun and Al-Hashimi, Islams, in their letter to one of the religious opponents. As years passed, various people fought for it in so many ways until the first state proclaiming freedom of speech was issued on December 4, 1770 in Denmark- Norway. People like John Stuart Mill pointed out that without freedom there can hardly be achievement in in things like politics and other things related, which according to him needed free expression. However, the Freedom Forum Organization said that it is important to recognize the limits of the freedom of speech as it may conflict with other things. (David 2012) The Malawi government has also adopted the concept of freedom of speech ever since it got its independence from Britain and had the democratic government. Democracy deals a lot with the voice of the people; apparently that is why it goes hand in hand with the freedom of speech and expression. The Malawi Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression and views it as a basic right. It strives for the public to enjoy their right to be informed through unrestricted access to information. Aims and Objectives To find out whether there has been an advancement of the freedom of expression or whether it has/is deteriorating. Since its establishment, things have been happening that it has not been easy to tell whether or not this freedom is really working out there or maybe it is long gone. To examine the flow of the rights in the government and reflect how the citizens are being handled with reference to the freedom of expression. How exactly is the government implementing its policies on the people, is it being over authoritative or perhaps it is imposing issues on the people without considering their rights, or perhaps it is doing just fine. To evaluate the extent of the freedom the press has here in Malawi How far does the Malawian government take its freedom of expression, to what extent does it authorize it. To find out the media has they truly are doing their jobs freely without hindrances Are the media houses truly free to report anything that they are obligated to report to the nation of Malawi? Or perhaps they have setbacks? To estimate how the freedom of speech is being used by the media and press on the people. To see through how the freedom of expression and speech have been flowing over the years. To understand what exactly it means to have that kind of freedom, and also learn its limitations. Problem Statement The media is a watchdog for the society, and its job is to keep the nation informed, entertained and educated, it has to do anything in its power to be there for the society and look out for it. However, in Malawi, the freedom of expression, or press freedom is said to have been adopted many years ago, apparently as early as when independence from the British government was granted. Now, the problem is that there seems to be a hindrance on this freedom of expression and the way the media is doing its job. Its either it is not being granted to them in full or there are lots of misconceptions about it. The media is suffering and there is no accuracy in its job, this only means that the nation is not getting accurate information, and is therefore not being treated fairly. Hypothesis Upon conducting a research on the evaluation of the freedom of speech and expression, the possible outcomes are anticipated. The government sometimes tends to take charge of the media practitioners, thereby limiting their freedom of speech and expression. When the people, media and press properly exercise their freedom of expression, they tend to come out with positive results because that is a job well done for them to serve the nation in a proper manner without limitations. Some media practitioners misuse their rights and cross their limits all in the name of having freedom of expression, as a result other peoples rights are violated. LITERATURE REVIEW So much has been said or research on the topic of freedom of expression and the media, organizations, and even individuals have quite a bit to say about it, others give some emphasis on it as in its importance in the media and others even give an overview of how it is flowing in the country and also how or what the media thinks about it. Freedom of speech has to do with people being able to give their views on things of their interest, and the freedom of the press gives the rights to the print media in order for them to freely express what they truly believe. However, having the freedom of speech does not mean having the right to hurt or discomfort other people. The freedom that is involved here has to do with how much creativity one can bring for the aim of improving the societies that we live in. this freedom is there to empower people to analyse their government and achieve what is best for both of them, in other words it has to do with criticizing the leadership both positively and negatively and end up having what is best for the nation. To live without freedom is binding but with freedom comes responsibility in reporting. (Orwell 2009) Freedom of expression is very important if the people are to participate in decision making issues, especially for countries that are said to be democratic like Malawi itself. People can not be able to participate freely in what is going on around them if they do not have the freedom, for instance things like choosing of leaders to guide them. Therefore, this issue is not only necessary for personal gain but also it helps in maintain the democratic spirit that the country has. This freedom clearly gives the society to voice out their thoughts on issues freely without any disturbances. Furthermore, this is something that needs full support because of its position in democracy and public participation in political issues and also the media. On a journalistic point of view, the freedom to give out knowledge can come under different attacks. Pressure on the journalists poses a very big threat. An article released by MISA said that Freedom of expression is a basic right, which is expressly guaranteed in the Malawi Constitution. Therefore, this programme seeks to campaign for the public to enjoy their right to be informed through unrestricted access to information. This one continued to say that MISA is campaigning for the Access to Information (ATI) bill. Section 37 of the Malawi Constitution provides for access to information. The framers of the Constitution however made this right to access information subject to an act of parliament but did not set a timeframe for the enactment of the law on access to information. On the other hand, some information clearly states that 13 years since the adoption of the Constitution, there is still no enabling act for access to information. Apparently, according to Malawi Institute of Journalism, a minister once said that the case of the July 20 demonstrations that were held in the country, he observed that some jouranalists who were cov ering the demonstrations were beaten up by the police and some radio stations put off air by the Malawi communications Regulatory Authority MACRA (Malawi Institute of Journalism 2012) Still on the concept of the freedom of expression being violated, the government has been named as the biggest violator of the freedom of expression in Malawi followed by the general public, and this is according to the Media council of Malawi (MCM). Mr Anderson Fumulani of the MCM said that a survey revealed government as a major violator of press freedom. (Ganthu 2002). Capitol Radio managing director Al Osman warned that with repressive media laws been introduced, freedom of expression is under threat. He continued to say that the media just provide a platform and that freedom of expression is not exclusive to the media. On the contrary, it was argued that Malawi is enjoying the freedom of expression now than before, according to Edson Mwamvani, southern regional information officer, the freedom of expression has improved in the last ten years, however, the freedom of expression has to look at the responsibilities as well (Gondwe, 2011) In addition to the violation, The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) noted with disappointment that there is lack of respect for media freedom and in the country. The media in Malawi is continuously being violated not only by the government, but also some individuals of the public. Apparently, the latest threats came from the late State President Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika, who warned that he was going to stop the work of some media houses and also arrest some individual journalists that continued to report negatively about his administration. He further pointed out that journalists in the country are being careless and false in their work of reporting. Furthermore, MISA Malawi also said it was aware of threats on some journalists as well as media houses from people who claim to be misrepresented in some stories published by journalists. MISA said that such things do interrupt work of the media as watchdogs of the country because it gives them fear and they d ont work to the best of their abilities. It also continued to say it feels that it is very easy in such circumstances to think that the government is actually thinking of taking little steps to ending the freedom of expression in the country. The media in the country really is trying so hard to do its job right , however, it is meeting many problems regarding its freedom of expression. MISA said it emphasizes that it does not condone irresponsible reporting, it said it is urging journalists to be truthful in every single thing they tackle. Irresponsible reporting should not even be heard of here in Malawi and around the world. The media should therefore be allowed to represent the people and take care of them accordingly. The organisation said it expects the government authorities and other people who happen to have problems against journalists and media people to give their issues to the correct bodies that are put in place for this. Freedom of expression and the right to report is given in the constitution of the country and they are both said to be protected by the head of state. The president must not be the first person to rob the media of its freedom, its simply not acceptable. The organisation was actually referring to the recent government that it should promote media freedom in Malawi. Not only that but also appealing to the media practitioners to support the people and keep alert. MISA finished by encouraging the government to continue to support media outlets. (Augustine 2010) The issue of rights being violated in Malawi, with no exception of the freedom of speech was addressed by the United Nations whereby showed that it is only a matter of time before the United Nations turns on the sanction button against the current government led by Mrs. Joyce Banda. According to the UN this is mainly following Malawi Government failure to uphold Human Rights and other laws of natural justice as enriched in the UNs Convention on Human Rights. Section 19 of the Convention gives everyone the ability to express opinions without any hindrances. About the media, the convention adds that everyone has the right to perform and work effectively with no boundaries when it comes to freedom. In 2011, the UN Human Rights Committee adopted what is known as the General Comment No 34, which is guaranteed by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This comment strengthens the protection of the international law on freedom of expression including the Cou rts of Law in its member states of which Malawi is inclusive. According to Article 19, a well-known international organisation which is committed to defend the right to freedom of expression and fights against repression of the media, both the UN convention and its general comment define freedom of opinion and freedom of expression as indispensable conditions for the full development of a person. The organisation adds that freedom of opinion and expression are essential for any democratic society considering that it provides the basics of what democracy is all about. The freedom of expression provides for the exchange and development of opinions. With Malawi being a democratic country as it is called, others may question as to whether it really is a democratic state or an authoritarian which demands people to bow to the opinion of the government. the current government in Malawi has been criticised by various organisations such as Council of NGOs in Malawi for violating some sections of the constitution with no exception to the freedom of expression. According to Article 19, freedom of expression is a necessary condition for the realisation of the principles of transparency and accountability that are, in turn essential for the promotion and protection of human rights. In countries where democracy is embraced, a free uncensored and unhindered press or other media is considered as essential to ensure freedom of opinion and expression and the enjoyment of other covenant rights. Ironically, the Malawi constitution particularly Section 35 and 36, aff irms that every person shall have the right to express oneself, not onlyt in Malawi, but also in foreign countries (Nkhoma 2012) On the same issue, freedom of expression has been said to be something that is put in place in the Malawi Constitution, but it seems like lately it is sliding back to the time when it was not available. It is unfortunate that it does not matter which party is ruling or whatsoever, but the fact of the matter remains that the freedom of expression is currently not on a very good positions. Apparently after many press conferences, the late president Dr. Wa Mutharika after arguing with the media ended up shaking hands with journalists and continuosly said aluta continua, meaning let the struggle come to an end, because Malawi is a democratic country (Munthali 2010) On the area of print media, the importance of freedom of speech is important in the newspaper or print industry is that the print media does a big job of keeping the people informed. The people need to know what their leaders are doing and this is almost impossible to happen effectively is the publishers are controlled by the government. Some information has been given regarding the freedom of speech with respect to the internet in Malawi, and this is including media areas like television, radio or written press. These things are being limited by certain principles of public order, and this is what has been proposed against in the bill (Muwamba 2012) Freedom of press released an article where it talked of how the freedom of the press is constitutionally guaranteed in Malawi even though they are restricted in practice. On April 13, 2007, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) banned all private media outlets from broadcasting political rallies live without prior permission from the MACRA. This move intended to avoid messages that would be against the government. The government does not exercise over censorship, but freedom of expression in Malawi is threatened in many ways. One journalist was reportedly attacked in 2007. Dickson Kashoti, a reporter for the private Daily Times was physically attacked by Joseph Njobvuyalema, a member of parliamrnt over an article that had been critical of him. (freedom house 2008) The Freedom of information Act in 1966 gives the right to know, and also views the press as a very crucial an part of the freedom of expression, and a bridge between people and social institutions. So the press is the mediator of relationships with institutions of society family, religion, economy and many more. In addition to that, article 19 of the universal declaration of human rights adopted in 1948 continues to give the public its freedom to feely express itself and also get first hand information. However, some situations and writings have showed that the freedom of expression is not entirely valid in Malawi since it was written by George Ombuluka that the United States official also commented on the Malawian freedom of expression when he extended his speech to the late president Dr. Bingu Wa Mutharika to say that he should respect his citizens right to freedom of expression. Anthony Livuza said that the government of Malawi promised to encourage the freedom of the media and this was after it met with international delegations on the issue of press freedom, the government resolved to being open and also fully supporting the media in its work . According Emmanuel, Freedom of expression in Malawi regarding television, radio, or print is set to be limited by certain principles of public order; this is said by the new bill. (Muwamba 2011)

Father Son Relationship in The Black Pearl :: essays research papers

The Black Pearl A young boy reveals his innersole with his father on a journey. He becomes a stripling. The young boy wants to go out to sea with the men. He's an open boy towards the sea and is very understandable and doesn't dread everyday to be horrible because she's on a boat. Daniel has always dreamed of going to sea. He?s always wanted to sail across it and be in it's vast blue. So when he hears of her fathers plan to go sailing to England on a ship, to go pearl hunting, he just has to go. At first he was reluctant to let him go, considering he was a new time sailor to the family he would be the only young child aboard. Eventually they were talked into letting him come a long. The ship was fairly old and needed to have a lot of work done on it before it could head out to sea. They stop at Block Island, Long Island, Martha's Vineyard, and a little place close to Cape Cod before they finally head out to sea. Their relationships and patients ate tested out on the ocean. Organized as can be, Ramon and his father once started pearl hunting when they were younger. He works hard on it then sells them in the near my market. They are very popular to the towns? people. The fighting continued and got worse. Patients ran low until they were forced to pull each other?s together behavior together when the sea monster captures Sevillano. When Raymon found a huge pear. The pearl was amazingly beautiful. Its shape and size couldn?t compare to a vagrants money on the towns Marketing streets. The pearl was thought to be fake, but only Daniel and his father new the truth, that it was real. Daniel trusted him self to polish it and shape it, but his father didn?t trust him with the valuable gem stone. His father didn?t think Daniel had enough experience to be handling such a precious stone. When they spotted land after Daniel had captured the beautiful pearl, the whole town had known what had happened and all had gathered. Mostly rich people had come to the bay where they had landed because only there money could compare to the stones beauty and marketing price.

Preparation Sheets Essay

1.Notwithstanding challenging business conditions in China, do you think Australian business needs to exit Europe and America and focus on Asia? Justify your answer. As seen in the previous few years the Asian market has boom in the world economy. China emerges centre stage and it’s the economy is closely intertwined with the world at large. It is the world’s largest consumer marketplace. The averaged over 10% economic growth while the global financial crisis is going by preceding years; China gains the superpower economy status in the world. While the subsequent economic downfall and problems in the European and the American zone; The Asian and Pacific Rim economies are still continue to grow and soon expected to be larger than those of the European Union. The growing prominence of the firms like Honda, Toyota and Sony of Japan and the Samsung and Hyundai of South Korea are few of the companies which boost the Asian market in the world. Hence in spite of challenging market conditions in china, I think Australians business needs to enter the Chinese market rather than focusing on EU and America. 2.How would you set about building relationships with Chinese counterparts in order to establish a business operation there? The two keys to success are the relationship building, networking and dealing with the ethical, trustworthy people. By setting up business operations in many well placed regions so as to take advantage of inter-regional trade across the countries and with Australia. The other aspect is by joint venture or co- ownership in the business helps to understand the business culture, market strategies, and the mentality of the local investors and the consumer needs. 3.Would it be better to invest in other Asian countries like India (with just as big a population)? It’s anytime better to invest in the nations with larger consumer market (like India). In past few years Indian market is growing fast and making its place in the world’s economy. India imports on a large scale and the Indian market is wide open for the foreign companies; in last few years with numbers of foreign brands coming in like In cars Mercedes to Ferrari, in IT IBM to Microsoft, in electronic Samsung to Apple and with the food chains like KFC to McDonalds. It is the biggest market for the foreign investors currently. So it’s the perfect time for the foreign investors to enter the Indian market. As unlike china, the India global business language is English which makes lot of difference to foreign investors to strategies and communicate straightforwardly with the local investors whereas the business policies are also familiar with the foreign markets. 4.What are the best investment strategies for Australian companies in China given the above case? According to the case study, the best investment strategies included are setting up the business in well placed regions so as to take advantage of inter-regional trade across the country. Developing projects in the remote areas; and setting up business in joint venture or with co- ownership is always successful to establish itself in the new territory.

Angels Demons Chapter 134-137

134 Camerlegno Ventresca's white robe billowed as he moved down the hallway away from the Sistine Chapel. The Swiss Guards had seemed perplexed when he emerged all alone from the chapel and told them he needed a moment of solitude. But they had obeyed, letting him go. Now as he rounded the corner and left their sight, the camerlegno felt a maelstrom of emotions like nothing he thought possible in human experience. He had poisoned the man he called â€Å"Holy Father,† the man who addressed him as â€Å"my son.† The camerlegno had always believed the words â€Å"father† and â€Å"son† were religious tradition, but now he knew the diabolical truth – the words had been literal. Like that fateful night weeks ago, the camerlegno now felt himself reeling madly through the darkness. It was raining the morning the Vatican staff banged on the camerlegno's door, awakening him from a fitful sleep. The Pope, they said, was not answering his door or his phone. The clergy were frightened. The camerlegno was the only one who could enter the Pope's chambers unannounced. The camerlegno entered alone to find the Pope, as he was the night before, twisted and dead in his bed. His Holiness's face looked like that of Satan. His tongue black like death. The Devil himself had been sleeping in the Pope's bed. The camerlegno felt no remorse. God had spoken. Nobody would see the treachery†¦ not yet. That would come later. He announced the terrible news – His Holiness was dead of a stroke. Then the camerlegno prepared for conclave. Mother Maria's voice was whispering in his ear. â€Å"Never break a promise to God.† â€Å"I hear you, Mother,† he replied. â€Å"It is a faithless world. They need to be brought back to the path of righteousness. Horror and Hope. It is the only way.† â€Å"Yes,† she said. â€Å"If not you†¦ then who? Who will lead the church out of darkness?† Certainly not one of the preferiti. They were old†¦ walking death†¦ liberals who would follow the Pope, endorsing science in his memory, seeking modern followers by abandoning the ancient ways. Old men desperately behind the times, pathetically pretending they were not. They would fail, of course. The church's strength was its tradition, not its transience. The whole world was transitory. The church did not need to change, it simply needed to remind the world it was relevant! Evil lives! God will overcome! The church needed a leader. Old men do not inspire! Jesus inspired! Young, vibrant, powerful†¦ Miraculous. â€Å"Enjoy your tea,† the camerlegno told the four preferiti, leaving them in the Pope's private library before conclave. â€Å"Your guide will be here soon.† The preferiti thanked him, all abuzz that they had been offered a chance to enter the famed Passetto. Most uncommon! The camerlegno, before leaving them, had unlocked the door to the Passetto, and exactly on schedule, the door had opened, and a foreign-looking priest with a torch had ushered the excited preferiti in. The men had never come out. They will be the Horror. I will be the Hope. No†¦ I am the horror. The camerlegno staggered now through the darkness of St. Peter's Basilica. Somehow, through the insanity and guilt, through the images of his father, through the pain and revelation, even through the pull of the morphine†¦ he had found a brilliant clarity. A sense of destiny. I know my purpose, he thought, awed by the lucidity of it. From the beginning, nothing tonight had gone exactly as he had planned. Unforeseen obstacles had presented themselves, but the camerlegno had adapted, making bold adjustments. Still, he had never imagined tonight would end this way, and yet now he saw the preordained majesty of it. It could end no other way. Oh, what terror he had felt in the Sistine Chapel, wondering if God had forsaken him! Oh, what deeds He had ordained! He had fallen to his knees, awash with doubt, his ears straining for the voice of God but hearing only silence. He had begged for a sign. Guidance. Direction. Was this God's will? The church destroyed by scandal and abomination? No! God was the one who had willed the camerlegno to act! Hadn't He? Then he had seen it. Sitting on the altar. A sign. Divine communication – something ordinary seen in an extraordinary light. The crucifix. Humble, wooden. Jesus on the cross. In that moment, it had all come clear†¦ the camerlegno was not alone. He would never be alone. This was His will†¦ His meaning. God had always asked great sacrifice of those he loved most. Why had the camerlegno been so slow to understand? Was he too fearful? Too humble? It made no difference. God had found a way. The camerlegno even understood now why Robert Langdon had been saved. It was to bring the truth. To compel this ending. This was the sole path to the church's salvation! The camerlegno felt like he was floating as he descended into the Niche of the Palliums. The surge of morphine seemed relentless now, but he knew God was guiding him. In the distance, he could hear the cardinals clamoring in confusion as they poured from the chapel, yelling commands to the Swiss Guard. But they would never find him. Not in time. The camerlegno felt himself drawn†¦ faster†¦ descending the stairs into the sunken area where the ninety-nine oil lamps shone brightly. God was returning him to Holy Ground. The camerlegno moved toward the grate covering the hole that led down to the Necropolis. The Necropolis is where this night would end. In the sacred darkness below. He lifted an oil lamp, preparing to descend. But as he moved across the Niche, the camerlegno paused. Something about this felt wrong. How did this serve God? A solitary and silent end? Jesus had suffered before the eyes of the entire world. Surely this could not be God's will! The camerlegno listened for the voice of his God, but heard only the blurring buzz of drugs. â€Å"Carlo.† It was his mother. â€Å"God has plans for you.† Bewildered, the camerlegno kept moving. Then, without warning, God arrived. The camerlegno stopped short, staring. The light of the ninety-nine oil lanterns had thrown the camerlegno's shadow on the marble wall beside him. Giant and fearful. A hazy form surrounded by golden light. With flames flickering all around him, the camerlegno looked like an angel ascending to heaven. He stood a moment, raising his arms to his sides, watching his own image. Then he turned, looking back up the stairs. God's meaning was clear. Three minutes had passed in the chaotic hallways outside the Sistine Chapel, and still nobody could locate the camerlegno. It was as if the man had been swallowed up by the night. Mortati was about to demand a full-scale search of Vatican City when a roar of jubilation erupted outside in St. Peter's Square. The spontaneous celebration of the crowd was tumultuous. The cardinals all exchanged startled looks. Mortati closed his eyes. â€Å"God help us.† For the second time that evening, the College of Cardinals flooded onto St. Peter's Square. Langdon and Vittoria were swept up in the jostling crowd of cardinals, and they too emerged into the night air. The media lights and cameras were all pivoted toward the basilica. And there, having just stepped onto the sacred Papal Balcony located in the exact center of the towering fa;ade, Camerlegno Carlo Ventresca stood with his arms raised to the heavens. Even far away, he looked like purity incarnate. A figurine. Dressed in white. Flooded with light. The energy in the square seemed to grow like a cresting wave, and all at once the Swiss Guard barriers gave way. The masses streamed toward the basilica in a euphoric torrent of humanity. The onslaught rushed forward – people crying, singing, media cameras flashing. Pandemonium. As the people flooded in around the front of the basilica, the chaos intensified, until it seemed nothing could stop it. And then something did. High above, the camerlegno made the smallest of gestures. He folded his hands before him. Then he bowed his head in silent prayer. One by one, then dozens by dozens, then hundreds by hundreds, the people bowed their heads along with him. The square fell silent†¦ as if a spell had been cast. In his mind, swirling and distant now, the camerlegno's prayers were a torrent of hopes and sorrows†¦ forgive me, Father†¦ Mother†¦ full of grace†¦ you are the church†¦ may you understand this sacrifice of your only begotten son. Oh, my Jesus†¦ save us from the fires of hell†¦ take all souls to heaven, especially, those most in need of thy mercy†¦ The camerlegno did not open his eyes to see the throngs below him, the television cameras, the whole world watching. He could feel it in his soul. Even in his anguish, the unity of the moment was intoxicating. It was as if a connective web had shot out in all directions around the globe. In front of televisions, at home, and in cars, the world prayed as one. Like synapses of a giant heart all firing in tandem, the people reached for God, in dozens of languages, in hundreds of countries. The words they whispered were newborn and yet as familiar to them as their own voices†¦ ancient truths†¦ imprinted on the soul. The consonance felt eternal. As the silence lifted, the joyous strains of singing began to rise again. He knew the moment had come. Most Holy Trinity, I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul†¦ in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifferences†¦ The camerlegno already felt the physical pain setting in. It was spreading across his skin like a plague, making him want to claw at his flesh like he had weeks ago when God had first come to him. Do not forget what pain Jesus endured. He could taste the fumes now in his throat. Not even the morphine could dull the bite. My work here is done. The Horror was his. The Hope was theirs. In the Niche of the Palliums, the camerlegno had followed God's will and anointed his body. His hair. His face. His linen robe. His flesh. He was soaking now with the sacred, vitreous oils from the lamps. They smelled sweet like his mother, but they burned. His would be a merciful ascension. Miraculous and swift. And he would leave behind not scandal†¦ but a new strength and wonder. He slipped his hand into the pocket of his robe and fingered the small, golden lighter he had brought with him from the Pallium incendiario. He whispered a verse from Judgments. And when the flame went up toward heaven, the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame. He positioned his thumb. They were singing in St. Peter's Square†¦ The vision the world witnessed no one would ever forget. High above on the balcony, like a soul tearing free of its corporeal restrains, a luminous pyre of flame erupted from the camerlegno's center. The fire shot upward, engulfing his entire body instantly. He did not scream. He raised his arms over his head and looked toward heaven. The conflagration roared around him, entirely shrouding his body in a column of light. It raged for what seemed like an eternity, the whole world bearing witness. The light flared brighter and brighter. Then, gradually, the flames dissipated. The camerlegno was gone. Whether he had collapsed behind the balustrade or evaporated into thin air was impossible to tell. All that was left was a cloud of smoke spiraling skyward over Vatican City. 135 Dawn came late to Rome. An early rainstorm had washed the crowds from St. Peter's Square. The media stayed on, huddling under umbrellas and in vans, commentating on the evening's events. Across the world, churches overflowed. It was a time of reflection and discussion†¦ in all religions. Questions abounded, and yet the answers seemed only to bring deeper questions. Thus far, the Vatican had remained silent, issuing no statement whatsoever. Deep in the Vatican Grottoes, Cardinal Mortati knelt alone before the open sarcophagus. He reached in and closed the old man's blackened mouth. His Holiness looked peaceful now. In quiet repose for eternity. At Mortati's feet was a golden urn, heavy with ashes. Mortati had gathered the ashes himself and brought them here. â€Å"A chance for forgiveness,† he said to His Holiness, laying the urn inside the sarcophagus at the Pope's side. â€Å"No love is greater than that of a father for His son.† Mortati tucked the urn out of sight beneath the papal robes. He knew this sacred grotto was reserved exclusively for the relics of Popes, but somehow Mortati sensed this was appropriate. â€Å"Signore?† someone said, entering the grottoes. It was Lieutenant Chartrand. He was accompanied by three Swiss Guards. â€Å"They are ready for you in conclave.† Mortati nodded. â€Å"In a moment.† He gazed one last time into the sarcophagus before him, and then stood up. He turned to the guards. â€Å"It is time for His Holiness to have the peace he has earned.† The guards came forward and with enormous effort slid the lid of the Pope's sarcophagus back into place. It thundered shut with finality. Mortati was alone as he crossed the Borgia Courtyard toward the Sistine Chapel. A damp breeze tossed his robe. A fellow cardinal emerged from the Apostolic Palace and strode beside him. â€Å"May I have the honor of escorting you to conclave, signore?† â€Å"The honor is mine.† â€Å"Signore,† the cardinal said, looking troubled. â€Å"The college owes you an apology for last night. We were blinded by – â€Å" â€Å"Please,† Mortati replied. â€Å"Our minds sometimes see what our hearts wish were true.† The cardinal was silent a long time. Finally he spoke. â€Å"Have you been told? You are no longer our Great Elector.† Mortati smiled. â€Å"Yes. I thank God for small blessings.† â€Å"The college insisted you be eligible.† â€Å"It seems charity is not dead in the church.† â€Å"You are a wise man. You would lead us well.† â€Å"I am an old man. I would lead you briefly.† They both laughed. As they reached the end of the Borgia Courtyard, the cardinal hesitated. He turned to Mortati with a troubled mystification, as if the precarious awe of the night before had slipped back into his heart. â€Å"Were you aware,† the cardinal whispered, â€Å"that we found no remains on the balcony?† Mortati smiled. â€Å"Perhaps the rain washed them away.† The man looked to the stormy heavens. â€Å"Yes, perhaps†¦Ã¢â‚¬  136 The midmorning sky still hung heavy with clouds as the Sistine Chapel's chimney gave up its first faint puffs of white smoke. The pearly wisps curled upward toward the firmament and slowly dissipated. Far below, in St. Peter's Square, reporter Gunther Glick watched in reflective silence. The final chapter†¦ Chinita Macri approached him from behind and hoisted her camera onto her shoulder. â€Å"It's time,† she said. Glick nodded dolefully. He turned toward her, smoothed his hair, and took a deep breath. My last transmission, he thought. A small crowd had gathered around them to watch. â€Å"Live in sixty seconds,† Macri announced. Glick glanced over his shoulder at the roof of the Sistine Chapel behind him. â€Å"Can you get the smoke?† Macri patiently nodded. â€Å"I know how to frame a shot, Gunther.† Glick felt dumb. Of course she did. Macri's performance behind the camera last night had probably won her the Pulitzer. His performance, on the other hand†¦ he didn't want to think about it. He was sure the BBC would let him go; no doubt they would have legal troubles from numerous powerful entities†¦ CERN and George Bush among them. â€Å"You look good,† Chinita patronized, looking out from behind her camera now with a hint of concern. â€Å"I wonder if I might offer you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She hesitated, holding her tongue. â€Å"Some advice?† Macri sighed. â€Å"I was only going to say that there's no need to go out with a bang.† â€Å"I know,† he said. â€Å"You want a straight wrap.† â€Å"The straightest in history. I'm trusting you.† Glick smiled. A straight wrap? Is she crazy? A story like last night's deserved so much more. A twist. A final bombshell. An unforeseen revelation of shocking truth. Fortunately, Glick had just the ticket waiting in the wings†¦ * * * â€Å"You're on in†¦ five†¦ four†¦ three†¦Ã¢â‚¬  As Chinita Macri looked through her camera, she sensed a sly glint in Glick's eye. I was insane to let him do this, she thought. What was I thinking? But the moment for second thoughts had passed. They were on. â€Å"Live from Vatican City,† Glick announced on cue, â€Å"this is Gunther Glick reporting.† He gave the camera a solemn stare as the white smoke rose behind him from the Sistine Chapel. â€Å"Ladies and gentlemen, it is now official. Cardinal Saverio Mortati, a seventy-nine-year-old progressive, has just been elected the next Pope of Vatican City. Although an unlikely candidate, Mortati was chosen by an unprecedented unanimous vote by the College of Cardinals.† As Macri watched him, she began to breathe easier. Glick seemed surprisingly professional today. Even austere. For the first time in his life, Glick actually looked and sounded somewhat like a newsman. â€Å"And as we reported earlier,† Glick added, his voice intensifying perfectly, â€Å"the Vatican has yet to offer any statement whatsoever regarding the miraculous events of last night.† Good. Chinita's nervousness waned some more. So far, so good. Glick's expression grew sorrowful now. â€Å"And though last night was a night of wonder, it was also a night of tragedy. Four cardinals perished in yesterday's conflict, along with Commander Olivetti and Captain Rocher of the Swiss Guard, both in the line of duty. Other casualties include Leonardo Vetra, the renowned CERN physicist and pioneer of antimatter technology, as well as Maximilian Kohler, the director of CERN, who apparently came to Vatican City in an effort to help but reportedly passed away in the process. No official report has been issued yet on Mr. Kohler's death, but conjecture is that he died due to complications brought on by a long-time illness.† Macri nodded. The report was going perfectly. Just as they discussed. â€Å"And in the wake of the explosion in the sky over the Vatican last night, CERN's antimatter technology has become the hot topic among scientists, sparking excitement and controversy. A statement read by Mr. Kohler's assistant in Geneva, Sylvie Baudeloque, announced this morning that CERN's board of directors, although enthusiastic about antimatter's potential, are suspending all research and licensing until further inquiries into its safety can be examined.† Excellent, Macri thought. Home stretch. â€Å"Notably absent from our screens tonight,† Glick reported, â€Å"is the face of Robert Langdon, the Harvard professor who came to Vatican City yesterday to lend his expertise during this Illuminati crisis. Although originally thought to have perished in the antimatter blast, we now have reports that Langdon was spotted in St. Peter's Square after the explosion. How he got there is still speculation, although a spokesman from Hospital Tiberina claims that Mr. Langdon fell out of the sky into the Tiber River shortly after midnight, was treated, and released.† Glick arched his eyebrows at the camera. â€Å"And if that is true†¦ it was indeed a night of miracles.† Perfect ending! Macri felt herself smiling broadly. Flawless wrap! Now sign off! But Glick did not sign off. Instead, he paused a moment and then stepped toward the camera. He had a mysterious smile. â€Å"But before we sign off†¦Ã¢â‚¬  No! â€Å"†¦ I would like to invite a guest to join me.† Chinita's hands froze on the camera. A guest? What the hell is he doing? What guest! Sign off! But she knew it was too late. Glick had committed. â€Å"The man I am about to introduce,† Glick said, â€Å"is an American†¦ a renowned scholar.† Chinita hesitated. She held her breath as Glick turned to the small crowd around them and motioned for his guest to step forward. Macri said a silent prayer. Please tell me he somehow located Robert Langdon†¦ and not some Illuminati-conspiracy nutcase. But as Glick's guest stepped out, Macri's heart sank. It was not Robert Langdon at all. It was a bald man in blue jeans and a flannel shirt. He had a cane and thick glasses. Macri felt terror. Nutcase! â€Å"May I introduce,† Glick announced, â€Å"the renowned Vatican scholar from De Paul University in Chicago. Dr. Joseph Vanek.† Macri now hesitated as the man joined Glick on camera. This was no conspiracy buff; Macri had actually heard of this guy. â€Å"Dr. Vanek,† Glick said. â€Å"You have some rather startling information to share with us regarding last night's conclave.† â€Å"I do indeed,† Vanek said. â€Å"After a night of such surprises, it is hard to imagine there are any surprises left†¦ and yet†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He paused. Glick smiled. â€Å"And yet, there is a strange twist to all this.† Vanek nodded. â€Å"Yes. As perplexing as this will sound, I believe the College of Cardinals unknowingly elected two Popes this weekend.† Macri almost dropped the camera. Glick gave a shrewd smile. â€Å"Two Popes, you say?† The scholar nodded. â€Å"Yes. I should first say that I have spent my life studying the laws of papal election. Conclave judicature is extremely complex, and much of it is now forgotten or ignored as obsolete. Even the Great Elector is probably not aware of what I am about to reveal. Nonetheless†¦ according to the ancient forgotten laws put forth in the Romano Pontifici Eligendo, Numero 63†¦ balloting is not the only method by which a Pope can be elected. There is another, more divine method. It is called ‘Acclamation by Adoration.'† He paused. â€Å"And it happened last night.† Glick gave his guest a riveted look. â€Å"Please, go on.† â€Å"As you may recall,† the scholar continued, â€Å"last night, when Camerlegno Carlo Ventresca was standing on the roof of the basilica, all of the cardinals below began calling out his name in unison.† â€Å"Yes, I recall.† â€Å"With that image in mind, allow me to read verbatim from the ancient electoral laws.† The man pulled some papers from his pocket, cleared his throat, and began to read. â€Å"‘Election by Adoration occurs when†¦ all the cardinals, as if by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, freely and spontaneously, unanimously and aloud, proclaim one individual's name.'† Glick smiled. â€Å"So you're saying that last night, when the cardinals chanted Carlo Ventresca's name together, they actually elected him Pope?† â€Å"They did indeed. Furthermore, the law states that Election by Adoration supercedes the cardinal eligibility requirement and permits any clergyman – ordained priest, bishop, or cardinal – to be elected. So, as you can see, the camerlegno was perfectly qualified for papal election by this procedure.† Dr. Vanek looked directly into the camera now. â€Å"The facts are these†¦ Carlo Ventresca was elected Pope last night. He reigned for just under seventeen minutes. And had he not ascended miraculously into a pillar of fire, he would now be buried in the Vatican Grottoes along with the other Popes.† â€Å"Thank you, doctor.† Glick turned to Macri with a mischievous wink. â€Å"Most illuminating†¦Ã¢â‚¬  137 High atop the steps of the Roman Coliseum, Vittoria laughed and called down to him. â€Å"Robert, hurry up! I knew I should have married a younger man!† Her smile was magic. He struggled to keep up, but his legs felt like stone. â€Å"Wait,† he begged. â€Å"Please†¦Ã¢â‚¬  There was a pounding in his head. Robert Langdon awoke with a start. Darkness. He lay still for a long time in the foreign softness of the bed, unable to figure out where he was. The pillows were goose down, oversized and wonderful. The air smelled of potpourri. Across the room, two glass doors stood open to a lavish balcony, where a light breeze played beneath a glistening cloud-swept moon. Langdon tried to remember how he had gotten here†¦ and where here was. Surreal wisps of memory sifted back into his consciousness†¦ A pyre of mystical fire†¦ an angel materializing from out of the crowd†¦ her soft hand taking his and leading him into the night†¦ guiding his exhausted, battered body through the streets†¦ leading him here†¦ to this suite†¦ propping him half-sleeping in a scalding hot shower†¦ leading him to this bed†¦ and watching over him as he fell asleep like the dead. In the dimness now, Langdon could see a second bed. The sheets were tousled, but the bed was empty. From one of the adjoining rooms, he could hear the faint, steady stream of a shower. As he gazed at Vittoria's bed, he saw a boldly embroidered seal on her pillowcase. It read: HOTEL BERNINI. Langdon had to smile. Vittoria had chosen well. Old World luxury overlooking Bernini's Triton Fountain†¦ there was no more fitting hotel in all of Rome. As Langdon lay there, he heard a pounding and realized what had awoken him. Someone was knocking at the door. It grew louder. Confused, Langdon got up. Nobody knows we're here, he thought, feeling a trace of uneasiness. Donning a luxuriant Hotel Bernini robe, he walked out of the bedroom into the suite's foyer. He stood a moment at the heavy oak door, and then pulled it open. A powerful man adorned in lavish purple and yellow regalia stared down at him. â€Å"I am Lieutenant Chartrand,† the man said. â€Å"Vatican Swiss Guard.† Langdon knew full well who he was. â€Å"How†¦ how did you find us?† â€Å"I saw you leave the square last night. I followed you. I'm relieved you're still here.† Langdon felt a sudden anxiety, wondering if the cardinals had sent Chartrand to escort Langdon and Vittoria back to Vatican City. After all, the two of them were the only two people beyond the College of Cardinals who knew the truth. They were a liability. â€Å"His Holiness asked me to give this to you,† Chartrand said, handing over an envelope sealed with the Vatican signet. Langdon opened the envelope and read the handwritten note. Mr. Langdon and Ms. Vetra, Although it is my profound desire to request your discretion in the matters of the past 24 hours, I cannot possibly presume to ask more of you than you have already given. I therefore humbly retreat hoping only that you let your hearts guide you in this matter. The world seems a better place today†¦ maybe the questions are more powerful than the answers. My door is always open, His Holiness, Saverio Mortati Langdon read the message twice. The College of Cardinals had obviously chosen a noble and munificent leader. Before Langdon could say anything, Chartrand produced a small package. â€Å"A token of thanks from His Holiness.† Langdon took the package. It was heavy, wrapped in brown paper. â€Å"By his decree,† Chartrand said, â€Å"this artifact is on indefinite loan to you from the sacred Papal Vault. His Holiness asks only that in your last will and testament you ensure it finds its way home.† Langdon opened the package and was struck speechless. It was the brand. The Illuminati Diamond. Chartrand smiled. â€Å"May peace be with you.† He turned to go. â€Å"Thank†¦ you,† Langdon managed, his hands trembling around the precious gift. The guard hesitated in the hall. â€Å"Mr. Langdon, may I ask you something?† â€Å"Of course.† â€Å"My fellow guards and I are curious. Those last few minutes†¦ what happened up there in the helicopter?† Langdon felt a rush of anxiety. He knew this moment was coming – the moment of truth. He and Vittoria had talked about it last night as they stole away from St. Peter's Square. And they had made their decision. Even before the Pope's note. Vittoria's father had dreamed his antimatter discovery would bring about a spiritual awakening. Last night's events were no doubt not what he had intended, but the undeniable fact remained†¦ at this moment, around the world, people were considering God in ways they never had before. How long the magic would last, Langdon and Vittoria had no idea, but they knew they could never shatter the wonderment with scandal and doubt. The Lord works in strange ways, Langdon told himself, wondering wryly if maybe†¦ just maybe†¦ yesterday had been God's will after all. â€Å"Mr. Langdon?† Chartrand repeated. â€Å"I was asking about the helicopter?† Langdon gave a sad smile. â€Å"Yes, I know†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He felt the words flow not from his mind but from his heart. â€Å"Perhaps it was the shock of the fall†¦ but my memory†¦ it seems†¦ it's all a blur†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Chartrand slumped. â€Å"You remember nothing?† Langdon sighed. â€Å"I fear it will remain a mystery forever.† When Robert Langdon returned to the bedroom, the vision awaiting him stopped him in his tracks. Vittoria stood on the balcony, her back to the railing, her eyes gazing deeply at him. She looked like a heavenly apparition†¦ a radiant silhouette with the moon behind her. She could have been a Roman goddess, enshrouded in her white terrycloth robe, the drawstring cinched tight, accentuating her slender curves. Behind her, a pale mist hung like a halo over Bernini's Triton Fountain. Langdon felt wildly drawn to her†¦ more than to any woman in his life. Quietly, he lay the Illuminati Diamond and the Pope's letter on his bedside table. There would be time to explain all of that later. He went to her on the balcony. Vittoria looked happy to see him. â€Å"You're awake,† she said, in a coy whisper. â€Å"Finally.† Langdon smiled. â€Å"Long day.† She ran a hand through her luxuriant hair, the neck of her robe falling open slightly. â€Å"And now†¦ I suppose you want your reward.† The comment took Langdon off guard. â€Å"I'm†¦ sorry?† â€Å"We're adults, Robert. You can admit it. You feel a longing. I see it in your eyes. A deep, carnal hunger.† She smiled. â€Å"I feel it too. And that craving is about to be satisfied.† â€Å"It is?† He felt emboldened and took a step toward her. â€Å"Completely.† She held up a room-service menu. â€Å"I ordered everything they've got.† The feast was sumptuous. They dined together by moonlight†¦ sitting on their balcony†¦ savoring frisee, truffles, and risotto. They sipped Dolcetto wine and talked late into the night. Langdon did not need to be a symbologist to read the signs Vittoria was sending him. During dessert of boysenberry cream with savoiardi and steaming Romcaffe, Vittoria pressed her bare legs against his beneath the table and fixed him with a sultry stare. She seemed to be willing him to set down his fork and carry her off in his arms. But Langdon did nothing. He remained the perfect gentleman. Two can play at this game, he thought, hiding a roguish smile. When all the food was eaten, Langdon retired to the edge of his bed where he sat alone, turning the Illuminati Diamond over and over in his hands, making repeated comments about the miracle of its symmetry. Vittoria stared at him, her confusion growing to an obvious frustration. â€Å"You find that ambigram terribly interesting, don't you?† she demanded. Langdon nodded. â€Å"Mesmerizing.† â€Å"Would you say it's the most interesting thing in this room?† Langdon scratched his head, making a show of pondering it. â€Å"Well, there is one thing that interests me more.† She smiled and took a step toward him. â€Å"That being?† â€Å"How you disproved that Einstein theory using tuna fish.† Vittoria threw up her hands. â€Å"Dio m? ¬o! Enough with the tuna fish! Don't play with me, I'm warning you.† Langdon grinned. â€Å"Maybe for your next experiment, you could study flounders and prove the earth is flat.† Vittoria was steaming now, but the first faint hints of an exasperated smile appeared on her lips. â€Å"For your information, professor, my next experiment will make scientific history. I plan to prove neutrinos have mass.† â€Å"Neutrinos have mass?† Langdon shot her a stunned look. â€Å"I didn't even know they were Catholic!† With one fluid motion, she was on him, pinning him down. â€Å"I hope you believe in life after death, Robert Langdon.† Vittoria was laughing as she straddled him, her hands holding him down, her eyes ablaze with a mischievous fire. â€Å"Actually,† he choked, laughing harder now, â€Å"I've always had trouble picturing anything beyond this world.† â€Å"Really? So you've never had a religious experience? A perfect moment of glorious rapture?† Langdon shook his head. â€Å"No, and I seriously doubt I'm the kind of man who could ever have a religious experience.† Vittoria slipped off her robe. â€Å"You've never been to bed with a yoga master, have you?†

Melvilles Bartleby the Scrivener. †Literature Essay

Melvilles Bartleby the Scrivener. – Literature Essay Free Online Research Papers Melville’s â€Å"Bartleby the Scrivener.† Literature Essay No real hero is presented to the reader in Melville’s â€Å"Bartleby the Scrivener.† The narrator of the story seems to be an ordinary man. He does not exhibit any noteworthy features that would deem him a hero. He is a lawyer, an occupation that sometimes requires someone to be a hero but he is â€Å"one of those unambitious lawyers who never addresses a jury, or in any way draws down public applause.† He is an â€Å"eminently safe man.† From these descriptions we can see that he does not seem to possess the â€Å"hero gene.† From the start of the novel, we see the narrator talk about this man Bartleby. He describes Bartleby as â€Å"one of those beings of whom nothing is ascertainable.† There is an aura of mystery surrounding this Bartleby and one can’t help but anticipate hearing more about him. It is this kind of building up that makes the reader think that maybe Bartleby might be some sort of hero, a man among men. We also see the description of the lawyer’s other scriveners. They are an odd bunch that display no real characteristics of being heroes. The lawyer is a person whose â€Å"profound conviction is that the easiest way of life is the best† and the only reason he keeps his scriveners is because it would be too difficult to hire a new bunch. From the time that the lawyer hires Bartleby, the narrator paints a picture of Bartleby as a mysterious man. There seems to be a story behind all this and we are waiting for it to unfold. The fact that Bartleby’s only comments are â€Å"I would prefer not to† only add an air mystery around him. Who is this Bartleby and what is his story? What is he hiding and what is he going to do? This initially makes him look like he might be a hero and even the narrator plays up Bartleby as some mysterious stranger. As we get further and further into the novel, the same old comments from Bartleby start to wear thin. He never does anything. Sure he is a hard worker at the beginning but he ends up quitting his job altogether and doesn’t even seem to respect the lawyer. It is like watching a balloon slowly run out of air. It was exciting watching and waiting what this Bartle by would do but the fact is that he never does anything and there is nothing heroic about that. In fact, it seems to be quite pathetic. He seems to be nothing more than a vagrant who does not care about the people who are trying to help him out. The lawyer tries his best to get some reaction out of Bartleby but nothing works. This is commendable but it is not heroic. Just a strange story about a strange man. Research Papers on Melville’s â€Å"Bartleby the Scrivener.† - Literature EssayWhere Wild and West MeetHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of Self19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andStandardized TestingGenetic EngineeringComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoThe Spring and AutumnThe Effects of Illegal Immigration