Throughout the song of Radioactive- Imagine Dragons; the singer continuously hints about his extreme battle with anxiety and depression that he faces in his life. He then goes on to speak about how this world has transformed in to such a different place, where nobody can be trusted these days, and that we are about to face some big events that are coming up
In verse one, line 1 "I'm waking up to ash and dust."In this line the narrator is describing the end of the world, since this song was released in 2012, which was the year many people feared would be the end. And shortly after those fear were put to bed, came the North Korean nuclear threats, which many people feared as well. Both of these main events give credibility to the idea that it was the end of the civilized world we lived in. But since the line sounds more depressing rather than predicting, as well as the fact that he uses 'waking' rather than 'will wake up to', this refers to the world we are living in right now also and not only the future. As we know of course there are loads of political and economic issues our world faces today, that could be dangerous to the planet.
Verse one, line 2: "I wipe my brow and I sweat my rust." As we can tell, the singer is using some sort of metaphor here since he says that humans sweat rust. As we know humans do not sweat rust, and by using this metaphor in the song, he is implying that humans are brainwashed and controlled these days like they are just like robots.
Verse one, line 3: "I'm breathing in the chemicals." This line in the song could have two meanings; firstly, the singer could be referring to an aftermath of any nuclear disaster that has happened or more likely that is about to happen. However, this line could also refer to smoking, since cigarettes and any other smoking material includes the process of breathing in chemicals. Additionally, in the music video of this song, right immediately after this line, we can see a man smoking. So again, this line could have a double meaning.
Verse one, line 6: "This is it, the apocalypse, whoa." In this line, the singer does not mean literally the apocalypse itself. He uses the powerful word 'apocalypse' to describe a dramatic change in either an individual or a government that he is currently witnessing, or about to witness.
Verse one, lines 7,8: "I'm waking up, I feel it in my bones. Enough to make my systems blow." Again, similar to the lines we witnessed before, the singer is using some extremely powerful words to indirectly get his point across, just like he used 'apocalypse' previously to describe drastic change. However here he says "I'm waking up." He's trying to say basically that he has finally come to realization of what is happening around him, and that he's ready to change. Similarly, like when he compared humans to robots previously; here he says he has a system. What the singer is trying to get across in those lines is that he has finally come to realization to kind of find the solution, and he believes that this solution is enough to make his system blow.
Verse one, lines 9,10: "Welcome to the new age, to the new age." Here we can tell that things have changed in the song for the singer, in a positive way. Those lines also may have many meanings, and the 'new age' can be referred to as different things. It could just be a new start for the writer himself and his personal life; or the writer could be referring to the new nuclear age we live in.
Verse one, lines 11,12: "Whoa, whoa, I'm radioactive, radioactive. Here the writer is trying to explain that he is unstoppable by using a metaphor by saying that he is radioactive.
Verse two, line 6: "This is it, the apocalypse." The singer ends this song with some strong words by saying that it is the apocalypse. This can't be a good sign, and that we are heading to the inevitable truth.
In conclusion, This song is an extremely meaningful song, that can be taken in many different views, and can be taken quite literally or metaphorically. The Singer uses metaphor for almost every line, and not only metaphor but some powerful ones too.
Monday, September 7, 2015
Monday, August 24, 2015
Summer
The school year ended during the month of ramadan; and immediately after the end of the school year I made my way to Jordan. It was great to take my mind off school work for a while, re live some great memories, and most importantly spend time with my family and friends who I haven't seen for a long time. In my point of view, nothing really changed. The roads, buildings, and areas were all identical and the exact same. It was a different type of vacation compared to the past couple of years where I would visit countries I have never been to before around Europe.
Despite it being a short and enjoyable trip in visiting my home country, that trip helped me realize and appreciate many things. I came to realize that I'm blessed to be living the life I'm living in Abu Dhabi, after seeing that many of my friends are limited to options when it comes to where and what they would like to study, remembering the way we drive, and of course after witnessing the struggles many of the Jordanian people face and live through in their daily lives. This has motivated me to put even more effort into my schoolwork this upcoming school year.
My vacation was enjoyable but now it's time to get back to reality as I'm looking forward to get done with this final year of school. Now that I'm back in Abu Dhabi, its probably time to get started with my summer work.
Despite it being a short and enjoyable trip in visiting my home country, that trip helped me realize and appreciate many things. I came to realize that I'm blessed to be living the life I'm living in Abu Dhabi, after seeing that many of my friends are limited to options when it comes to where and what they would like to study, remembering the way we drive, and of course after witnessing the struggles many of the Jordanian people face and live through in their daily lives. This has motivated me to put even more effort into my schoolwork this upcoming school year.
My vacation was enjoyable but now it's time to get back to reality as I'm looking forward to get done with this final year of school. Now that I'm back in Abu Dhabi, its probably time to get started with my summer work.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Paper 2 practice
3) Discuss the significance of social status in things fall apart and comment on its contribution to characterization.
Things fall apart is a post colonial novel written by a nigerian author, Chinua Achebe in 1958. The novel is linked with many traditional and religious aspects of an Ibo community located in Nigeria. One of the important and main aspects of the story is social status. Things fall apart offers the reader an insight into the Ibo world and culture, and how they live their lives.
Social status plays a crucial and significant role in the novel things fall apart as it drives many of Okonkwo's actions throughout the story. It was made clear throughout the novel that Okonkwo (the tragic hero) had a fear of ending up like his father or showing any hint of femininity or that he has any weakness in him. Due to this fear he had of not ending up like his father, Okonkwo reacted extremely violently in certain circumstances, worked hardly, and achieved a well respected status in his community.
In the Ibo culture, a man or woman's social status was always determined by his value, and what he brings to the community, rather than his legacy. Okonkwo was a respected character since he was extremely hard working and worked his way up to achieve his goals; unlike his father, who contrasts Okonkwo and never achieved anything special or gained titles like Okonkwo had. Okonkwo wanted to specifically differ from his father's laziness and poor lifestyle, and he did that in many different ways such as: being brave in wars, his yam crop which earned him a good amount of money, and showing off his wrestling skills.
Okonkwo's first big and major step to success which got him his well respected and great status in his village, was when he received the help of Nwakibie (a wealthy clansmen) who handed Okonkwo eight hundred seed yams which was twice the amount Okonkwo asked for. Nwakibie helps Okonkwo start his personal wealth and his respected status in society.
Later in the story, Okonkwo begins to face challenges to maintain and keep his social status and not to lose it. Okonkwo commits reckless acts that he doesn't emotionally agree with in order to maintain his status, such as: Stabbing his adopted son Ikemefuna with a machete, as well as joining the party that will have him executed, just so he doesn't appear to be weak in front of everybody and lose his trait of bravery. He then also beats his wife in the 'week of peace', due to the fact that she didn't get his dinner how he wanted it and when he wanted it. (It was unknown and impossible for anyone to commit any sort of violence in the 'week of peace'). Okonkwo also fails to adapt to the colonization of the white missionaries, which then led to him killing a white messenger. He was desperate for power and to maintain the image of power in himself, but he doesn't realize that he is negatively affecting his people. All these reckless actions finally lead to Okonkwo's downfall. It can be argued that one of the main factors that led to Okonkwo's downfall, was the idea of maintaining and not losing his social status.
Things fall apart is a post colonial novel written by a nigerian author, Chinua Achebe in 1958. The novel is linked with many traditional and religious aspects of an Ibo community located in Nigeria. One of the important and main aspects of the story is social status. Things fall apart offers the reader an insight into the Ibo world and culture, and how they live their lives.
Social status plays a crucial and significant role in the novel things fall apart as it drives many of Okonkwo's actions throughout the story. It was made clear throughout the novel that Okonkwo (the tragic hero) had a fear of ending up like his father or showing any hint of femininity or that he has any weakness in him. Due to this fear he had of not ending up like his father, Okonkwo reacted extremely violently in certain circumstances, worked hardly, and achieved a well respected status in his community.
In the Ibo culture, a man or woman's social status was always determined by his value, and what he brings to the community, rather than his legacy. Okonkwo was a respected character since he was extremely hard working and worked his way up to achieve his goals; unlike his father, who contrasts Okonkwo and never achieved anything special or gained titles like Okonkwo had. Okonkwo wanted to specifically differ from his father's laziness and poor lifestyle, and he did that in many different ways such as: being brave in wars, his yam crop which earned him a good amount of money, and showing off his wrestling skills.
Okonkwo's first big and major step to success which got him his well respected and great status in his village, was when he received the help of Nwakibie (a wealthy clansmen) who handed Okonkwo eight hundred seed yams which was twice the amount Okonkwo asked for. Nwakibie helps Okonkwo start his personal wealth and his respected status in society.
Later in the story, Okonkwo begins to face challenges to maintain and keep his social status and not to lose it. Okonkwo commits reckless acts that he doesn't emotionally agree with in order to maintain his status, such as: Stabbing his adopted son Ikemefuna with a machete, as well as joining the party that will have him executed, just so he doesn't appear to be weak in front of everybody and lose his trait of bravery. He then also beats his wife in the 'week of peace', due to the fact that she didn't get his dinner how he wanted it and when he wanted it. (It was unknown and impossible for anyone to commit any sort of violence in the 'week of peace'). Okonkwo also fails to adapt to the colonization of the white missionaries, which then led to him killing a white messenger. He was desperate for power and to maintain the image of power in himself, but he doesn't realize that he is negatively affecting his people. All these reckless actions finally lead to Okonkwo's downfall. It can be argued that one of the main factors that led to Okonkwo's downfall, was the idea of maintaining and not losing his social status.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Okonkwo character analysis
Chinua Achebe introduces the protagonist Okonkwo using both indirect and direct characterization throughout the novel things fall apart. Okonkwo is introduced into the story as a powerful man, with a strong personality, and as a professional fighter. Due to his strong personality he is capable of leading a group or a tribe. He is a fearless character who values many things in his life and is loyal to his tribe, family, village, and religion. There is some evidence in the beginning of the story that Okonkwo is a loving person, when he really loved his daughter Enzima, however he hid the love of his daughter so he doesn't look so feminine and so he could still look like a strong person and character.
As the story continues, Okonkwo makes many major mistakes which turned his life around for the worse, from a fairly decent life to a poor one. He accidentally shoots his wife, as well as killing his own son ikemefuna, and killing ezudu's son. His life turns around, and he ends up killing himself due to his careless actions.
Chinua Achebe, the writer chose to have a tragic hero (Okonkwo) in the play, in order to show the life of an african society and community, and they're daily struggles they face to solve the problem of colonization.
The character of Okonkwo is also used to show the audience that western colonization at the time was a horrible thing for Africa, since he hung himself in the end of the novel. Okonkwo's fall wasn't the only in the story, as there were many other characters that faced the same issues over western colonization, however his was the one that stood out most considering the fact he decided to hang himself.
As the story continues, Okonkwo makes many major mistakes which turned his life around for the worse, from a fairly decent life to a poor one. He accidentally shoots his wife, as well as killing his own son ikemefuna, and killing ezudu's son. His life turns around, and he ends up killing himself due to his careless actions.
Chinua Achebe, the writer chose to have a tragic hero (Okonkwo) in the play, in order to show the life of an african society and community, and they're daily struggles they face to solve the problem of colonization.
The character of Okonkwo is also used to show the audience that western colonization at the time was a horrible thing for Africa, since he hung himself in the end of the novel. Okonkwo's fall wasn't the only in the story, as there were many other characters that faced the same issues over western colonization, however his was the one that stood out most considering the fact he decided to hang himself.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Paper 1 speech analysis practice
We shall fight on the beaches is the common title given to a speech given by the former British leader Winston Churchill. The speech was delivered to the House of commons British Parliament, in 1940 during World War 2 warning the parliament of a possible German attack. In this analysis I will identify the use of literary techniques and rhetorical devices throughout the speech.
"At any rate that is what we are going to try and do. That is the resolve of his Majesty's Government-every man of them. That is the will of the parliament and nation."
The above lines are said by Churchill in the very beginning of the speech, and makes it clear who the intended audience of this speech is. We know that the targeted audience of the speech are the people and public of Britain; However the above lines tell us that the intended audience is the parliament more specifically rather than the nation in general. We know that because he says: "That is the will of the parliament and nation."
"Even though the large tracts of Europe and many old famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail."
This quote in the speech makes two significant statements, and also lets us know the overall purpose of the speech. In the above lines, Winston Churchill reminds and states that many strong European nations have collapsed and defeated by nazi Germany in the past, However he shows his intentions of keeping his country stable, safe, and not surrendering to any nation and especially nazi Germany no matter what.
"I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone."
Those lines above are the opening words of Winston Churchill's speech. The opening of the speech makes the purpose clear as well. Churchill once again assures and repeats that Britain should be safe and successful during the brutal war. The overall purpose of the speech is to have his nation Britain is to defend themselves incase there are any attacks aimed towards them during the World War.
Throughout his speech, Churchill continues to use repetition, exaggerating the importance on how Britain should have itself ready for anything and the worst, while also reminding the parliament about the other great nations that failed in wars previously.
"Even though the large tracts of Europe and many old famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail."
Once again going back to this quote, Winston Churchill installs fear into his parliament and the public by constantly using the strategy of repetition, constantly repeating that many great nations have failed before.
Churchill's tone in this speech sounds very inspirational, and is extremely confident. Throughout the entire speech, he shows belief in his people and country, However he also inserts some fear.
"I have myself, full of confidence."
This is one of the many lines where Churchill shows his optimism and confidence in his people and nation. He speaks in an inspiring tone, especially when approaching the end of his speech when he talks about what they need to do to keep themselves safe from enemies such as nazi Germany. He inspires the parliament and his people.
Overall, I think this speech was delivered nicely by the former British leader Winston Churchill. He is constantly optimistic and confident of his nation's abilities throughout the speech, and on the other hand he also warns them of threats and other nations, trying to make them fear. Many rhetorical devices are used throughout the speech, which is what makes it a great speech, since a speech without rhetorical devices cannot be successful. There was also a lot of repetition throughout the speech.
"At any rate that is what we are going to try and do. That is the resolve of his Majesty's Government-every man of them. That is the will of the parliament and nation."
The above lines are said by Churchill in the very beginning of the speech, and makes it clear who the intended audience of this speech is. We know that the targeted audience of the speech are the people and public of Britain; However the above lines tell us that the intended audience is the parliament more specifically rather than the nation in general. We know that because he says: "That is the will of the parliament and nation."
"Even though the large tracts of Europe and many old famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail."
This quote in the speech makes two significant statements, and also lets us know the overall purpose of the speech. In the above lines, Winston Churchill reminds and states that many strong European nations have collapsed and defeated by nazi Germany in the past, However he shows his intentions of keeping his country stable, safe, and not surrendering to any nation and especially nazi Germany no matter what.
"I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone."
Those lines above are the opening words of Winston Churchill's speech. The opening of the speech makes the purpose clear as well. Churchill once again assures and repeats that Britain should be safe and successful during the brutal war. The overall purpose of the speech is to have his nation Britain is to defend themselves incase there are any attacks aimed towards them during the World War.
Throughout his speech, Churchill continues to use repetition, exaggerating the importance on how Britain should have itself ready for anything and the worst, while also reminding the parliament about the other great nations that failed in wars previously.
"Even though the large tracts of Europe and many old famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail."
Once again going back to this quote, Winston Churchill installs fear into his parliament and the public by constantly using the strategy of repetition, constantly repeating that many great nations have failed before.
Churchill's tone in this speech sounds very inspirational, and is extremely confident. Throughout the entire speech, he shows belief in his people and country, However he also inserts some fear.
"I have myself, full of confidence."
This is one of the many lines where Churchill shows his optimism and confidence in his people and nation. He speaks in an inspiring tone, especially when approaching the end of his speech when he talks about what they need to do to keep themselves safe from enemies such as nazi Germany. He inspires the parliament and his people.
Overall, I think this speech was delivered nicely by the former British leader Winston Churchill. He is constantly optimistic and confident of his nation's abilities throughout the speech, and on the other hand he also warns them of threats and other nations, trying to make them fear. Many rhetorical devices are used throughout the speech, which is what makes it a great speech, since a speech without rhetorical devices cannot be successful. There was also a lot of repetition throughout the speech.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Monday, February 2, 2015
My most meaningful takeaway
Today in class we had a group discussion about two different texts we read over the winter break; How to tame a wild tongue and Woman Warrior. After discussing the two different texts in groups, we were asked to identify what was our most meaningful takeaway from this activity.
For me, there was a quote that really stuck with me, and that was from the first story which was 'How to tame a wild tongue.' The quote was in the fourth paragraph: "Who is to say that robbing people of its language is less violent than war?"
I completely agree with this quote since it states that robbing someone of their language isn't just a normal crime, but they compare it with war which tells us that its a much bigger issue. The message of the quote is to basically let us know that when you take away someones language, you are also stripping them from their culture and identity as well. Once the person is stripped from his language he then has no power.
My most meaningful takeaway from the story and text 'Woman warrior' was how the Chinese girls were really quiet and unable to communicate enough when they were forced and placed in American schools; they only spoke when they were really required to by their teachers. But then, when they were placed back into the Chinese system and schools, they were different people, and were able to communicate more with their peers and teachers. This relates back to the topic of language and power and how mother tongue and language can really affect power.
For me, there was a quote that really stuck with me, and that was from the first story which was 'How to tame a wild tongue.' The quote was in the fourth paragraph: "Who is to say that robbing people of its language is less violent than war?"
I completely agree with this quote since it states that robbing someone of their language isn't just a normal crime, but they compare it with war which tells us that its a much bigger issue. The message of the quote is to basically let us know that when you take away someones language, you are also stripping them from their culture and identity as well. Once the person is stripped from his language he then has no power.
My most meaningful takeaway from the story and text 'Woman warrior' was how the Chinese girls were really quiet and unable to communicate enough when they were forced and placed in American schools; they only spoke when they were really required to by their teachers. But then, when they were placed back into the Chinese system and schools, they were different people, and were able to communicate more with their peers and teachers. This relates back to the topic of language and power and how mother tongue and language can really affect power.
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