Why is the name of the Edmund Pettus Bridge ironic Essays

Why is the name of the Edmund Pettus Bridge ironic? ( irony : a situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that seems to be the opposite of what might be expected Scoring Guide: 95: Response correctly identifies the basis of the irony and explains in in clear and organized language. Question is restated, underlying facts are identified, ironic relationship is explained, conclusion offers closure. The name of the Edmund Pettus Bridge is so ironic because it was named after a man who was the head of the most notorious white terrorist group in Alabamathe Ku Klux Klan, and which is where part of the Civil Rights Movement took place. The Edmund Pettus Bridge is very important in U.S. history because it was where the Civil Rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, ended, representing a true iconic structure during the Civil Rights Movement era. Although, before it was created into an icon for racial equality, it was a representation of the white supremacist movementthe Ku Klux Klan. As John Giggie, a professor at the University of Alabama, explained, the bridge was named after the head of the most notorious white terrorist group in AlabamaEdmund Pettus. Therefore, even though this bridge was very important to the Civil Rights Era, it can also be seen as the icon for white supremacy. Hence, this is where the irony of the bridge can be seen. Norma Lawrence who lives near the br idge, stated that, the Edmund Pettus Bridge has been there for her whole life, explaining that that part of history is very important, since it preserves the racial and civil rights part of history of Selma, Alabama. As Norma Lawrence explained, this bridge is not just notorious, but also represents the Civil Rights Movement. It is where the Civil Rights Movement participants walked, even though they didn't know it was named after a notorious Ku Klux Klan leader. They did not know and the citizens of Selma did not know for all these years, which is the irony. In conclusion, these are the reasons that support the fact that the name of the Edmund Pettus Bridge is ironic.

Observation of Nature Essays

Observation of Nature Essays Observation of Nature Essay Observation of Nature Essay Observation of Nature in my backyard. With my notebook in hand, I sit down on the swing bench on my back porch. Tuning into all my senses, I close my eyes, I slow my breathing, and I deepen my concentration. Free from visual distractions, I calm my mind and lay down to take in what I could observe through my auditory senses. I feel the warmth from the sunshine above. I feel the gentle breeze. I open my eyes and squint at the change in light. Eyes narrowed, I survey my surroundings. The clear sky didnt have a single cloud to block the rays of the radiant sun. As I began to relax, I could start to sense a feeling of peace as I gazed at the outstretched deep blue canopy above and felt the penetrating warmth that emanated from the sky. Every once in a while a cool breeze would pass by and ease away the suns intense heat bath for brief moment. A bee crawls on a beautiful lavender lilac, taking its pollen. It gracefully lifts itself into the air, its wings moving so fast it appears is if they’re standing still. I watch as it slowly moves from flower to flower. The chirping of the cicadas and crickets echo throughout the foliage. The flowers and plants gently sway in the wind. I observe further still, doing my best not to move, just to take in the atmosphere. It’s truly marvelous, the detail and creativity of God’s creation. A bird hops on the ground; it looks up at me with its big blue eyes, full of so much curiosity. I look up at the beautifully vibrant blue sky; I see the clouds, so high above, each with their beautifully detailed shapes, slowly moving in the same direction as if the rest of the world is standing still. I stand up, barefoot, still in awe. I slowly walk forward, the boards creaking as I step off the deck and onto the soft soil of the lawn. The grass feels good between my toes. As I see all this happening around me, it finally sinks in how full of life my environment is, and how much I can find in somewhere as close as my backyard. I never took the time before to just peacefully sit and survey nature, analyzing it detail. It was an incredibly valuable experience and I now have a whole new appreciation for God’s creation. But more importantly, it has made me realize how distant I have been lately, and has given me both the need and the desire to draw closer to my heavenly Father.

Financial analysis research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Financial analysis - Research Paper Example In the execution and development of any business, the financial planning aspect is given utmost importance. The reason for giving so much worth to this element is because of its magnitude and intensity. Positive calculations and feasibility of organizational processes on the financial basis indicate business to flourish in the future (Chandra 24). The strategic dimensional examination by the organization is carried out by financial and accounting analysts. The time frame involved in business mounting and expected returns are highlighted by the financial forecasters. The rationale of revealing this information is to escort organization why they should or should not opt for the business commotion (Chandra 31). The purpose of this paper is to elucidate about the financial analysis of Coca Cola. Core steps of the financial planning and analysis along with categories of financial planning are depicted too. The paper enlightens that to what extent financially Coca Cola stands and what are its strengths and weaknesses. The paper also notifies the positioning of Coca-Cola's biggest competitor; Pepsi Cola's financial condition. Coca Cola- Company Introduction Cola-Cola is the largest beverage brand in the world. The operational activities of the organization are widespread in more than 200 countries. With more than 500 brands and 90,000 employees, Coca-Cola holds promising place in the beverage industry and is considered as the market leader. The company has divided its operational activities into six groups- Europe, North America, Latin America, Pacific, Eurasia and Africa and Bottling investments. The financial positioning of the company throughout the years has been remained promising. Pepsi Cola International is the biggest competitor of Coca Cola and retains prominent position in the industry too. The business endeavours of Coca Cola are far more than Pepsi, and financial analysis of the previous years indicate Coca Cola's lead in the industry (Clarkson 18). Financ ial Analysis and Planning- Core Steps The business environment assessment is the preliminary segment in the financial planning commotion. In this segment, it is determined either the market atmosphere is competitive enough to execute business activity or not. Alongside the economic conditions of the region are determined. Moreover, the legislations or laws passed in favour and against the respective business ventures are scrutinized by the financial analysts. Their role remains to monitor market inclination, approximate the chances of implementation and make precise decision about the viability of market. After business environment assessment segment, business vision and objectives confirmation is determined. Fundamentally the dissection of organizational goals and objectives is detected. Concise understanding about business preference and tendency to operate is scanned by the financial analysts (Chandra 40). The summarization of all the costs attached in the performance of business is illustrated in the financial plan. Business activity has to bear certain risks too which are emphasized in the financial reporting final charge sheet. The financial plan ultimate verdict is presented to the decision making body of the firm so that they would asses either it is possible to opt for the business option or not. The steps elaborated needs to be followed in the same direction, because inter-dependency is attached with each other. The termination, escape or mingling up

Equity and Trusts Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Equity and Trusts Law - Essay Example The researcher states that a will is normally made in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the will. In a situation where the witnesses become beneficiaries, the will can be contested and invalidated under court’s guidance. After making the entire necessary directive, the testator should append their signature at the end of the will to indicate that everything else above the signature should be followed to the latter. If a clause or any kind of statement is made under the signature, such is considered null and void and cannot be implemented by the court. On 2nd January a one Mr. Clive made a will bequeathing Jamie and Muhammad  £100,000 absolutely. He also bequeathed his sister  £ 50, 000 indicating that he had communicated to her the purpose of this amount. A day before he made the will he had explained to Muhammad that he wished that the  £100,000 be held in trust for Ruth an old friend of his. He, later on, informed Karen that he had an illegitim ate child named Katherine whom he wanted to be taken care of after he was gone. He asked Karen to be his administrator and Karen Obliged. The law of equity states that equity seeks to deliver justice and not in halves. This means that where there is a need for justice such will be given; no more or less. The courts have been noted over the years to strictly observe the wishes of a dead man more than those of greedy relatives left behind fighting for something they did not create or help in any way to create. Despite the fact that Katherine is an illegitimate child, the will left behind by his father is enough indication that the deceased wanted the child taken care of when they are going to. Mr. Clive’s will has not left any ground for a challenger to stand on in court and an attempt by the widow Jane to challenge the will might turn out tone a big undoing for the widow. Once a will has been made and parties have been allocated gifts or any other kind of inheritance, the only way to nullify such a will is by proving that the testator made the will under duress and or was not in the right frame of mind when he was making the will.

Cultural Change in New York Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Cultural Change in New York - Essay Example This paper tells that the artists move to New York City because of the increasing developmental opportunities and the facilities provided for the promotion of arts. The diversity in culture is also due to the great opportunities New York City offers. A large number of immigrants from various regions of the world has also diversified the culture of New York City and the original culture of the city has now been replaced by a culture which is an amalgamation of the cultures of various different regions of the world and the modern urban culture. The various changes that took place in the culture of New York City can be accounted for a large number of immigrants that came to live in the city. The current culture of the New York City is an amalgamation of Indian, Irish, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Caribbean and Jewish culture because of the large number of immigrants from these regions living in New York. Various different events of these communities were added to the cultural calendar of N ew York City during the 20th century. Comparing to other regions in the US, New York City has received more immigrants from foreign countries and that is why the effect of foreign culture is not that evident in any other areas. The development that took place in various cultural aspects of New York during the 20h century is the largest in the history. Dance, for example, was modernized in the 20th century. The various genre of dance was developed during the 20th century which included contemporary ballet which eventually led to the emergence of the New York City Ballet, the largest dance company of that time.

Attachment Theory And Implications For Therapeutic Counselling Social Work Essay

Attachment Theory And Implications For Therapeutic Counselling Social Work Essay Outline your understanding of attachment theory and describe the implications of this for therapeutic counselling? Illustrate your answer with reference to clinical work. Consider the implications of this theory in a modern society, which has many alternative family structures. Introduction: What is early attachment theory? John Bowlby originally proposed attachment theory and defined attachment as any form of behavior that results in a person attaining or retaining proximity to some other differentiated and preferred individual, usually conceived as stronger and/or wiser (Bowlby, 1973, p. 292). Attachment or bonding is the developing relationship to parents, a carer or carers and is necessary for ordinary development. Childrens attachments can have an impact on the rest of their lives. Attachment behaviours begin early in life. This trusting relationship which is developed in infancy forms the foundation for a childs development. If children have a secure attachment, they will grow up to view the world as a safe place and they will be able to develop other emotions. However, children who experience early separation and loss will express this through their behaviour. A secure attachment will lead to better general coping skills, and the cost of insecure attachment may lead to isolation (Bowlby, 1969). In this essay I will present material about attachment theory. I will explore the different views and my aim is to relate it to clinical work. My illustrations will be drawn from theory and personal experience. Theory: According to Vera Fahlberg (1988) the most common causes of attachment problems, the highest risk being in the first two years of life, are sudden or traumatic separation from primary caretaker through death, illness, hospitalisaton of caretaker, or removal of child from the care of the established attachment figure/figures. Furthermore, she claims there are other causes for attachment problems which include physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect of physical or emotional needs, illness or pain that cannot be alleviated by caretaker, and frequent moves and/or placements i.e. foster care, adoptions and changes of caretaker within the family setting. John Bowlby (1988) believes if no bond or attachment is formed during early life the child is more likely to be unstable and anxious as an adult. The work of John Bowlby seems to have been the most influential in attachment theory and I feel Bowlby highlights the important implications for the counselling relationship. Before Bowlby the behaviour of infants to seek attachment with adults was thought to be about an instinct to search for food (Bee, 1999). Bee (1999, p. 42) cites Freud (1856-1939) as saying love has its origin in attachment to the satisfied need for nourishment. Freud suggested that the baby forms a bond with its mother by satisfying its hunger. He calls this stage of development the oral stage which begins soon after birth. Freud believes if the child satisfies this related need then it should promote a feeling of pleasure therefore, returning to a comfortable state (Bee, 1999). However, according to Fahlberg there is some evidence that the social needs are more important to the attachment process than meeting the physical needs. Fahlberg refers to Ainsworths (1913-1999) 1952 findings, social interactions, not routine care, are the most important part of mothering (Fahlberg, 1988, p.27). Erikson (1902-1994) however, shared most of Freuds basic assumptions, but differed between inner instincts, and outer cultural and social demands. Unlike Freud who placed central emphasis on inner instincts. However, Erikson named his developmental stages as psychosocial stages as he believes a person goes through different stages through their lives. To be able to reach self acceptance they must first fully develop each stage. If this does not happen then problems will arise (Bee, 1999). According to Bee (1999) Erikson describes the first stage as basic trust versus mistrust. Bee went on to say Erikson believed that the behaviour of the major caregiver (usually the mother) is critical to the childs establishment of basic sense of trust. (p.45). Therefore, if the caregiver responds to the child consistently, in a way the child has become accustomed, and responds in a loving and predictable way, then trust will develop. However, he believes if that doesnt happen, and the child has had inconsistent care then mistrust may develop, which may lead to anxiety. Erikson believed that development went on through the entire life span, as the child, and then the adult developing a sense of ever-changing identity (Bee, 1999). However, John Bowlby disregarded these theories of attachment, believing instead that the process was much more complicated. He put forward the idea that babies look for physical closeness, comfort, food and familiar interaction (Bowlby, 1988). The young childs hunger for his mothers love and presence is as great as his hunger for food (Bowlby, 1969, preface xiii) John Bowlby brought this concept to the fore and as Robert Karen states in his book, Becoming Attached, Bowlbys theory was bold, full of common sense, speculative but grounded in science, and threatening to the older views (1998, p.101). However, all three theorists seem to agree that healthy secure attachments are very important for human development. Attachment helps the child: attain full intellectual potential; sort out what he or she perceives; think logically develop a conscience; become self-reliant; cope with stress and frustration; handle fear and worry; develop future relationships; reduce jealousy. (Fahlberg, 1988, p.13) According to Ainsworth (1913-1999), attachment is an affectional bond that has been established by having a continuous loving and caring relationship with another human being. an affectional bond is a long enduring emotional tie to a specific individual (Leather, 2004, pp.21-25). Studies of children raised in institutions have shown that adequate physical care is not enough. A primary person to whom the child can become attached, who responds to the childs needs and who initiates positive activities with the child is indispensable. Attachments are formed by the constant repetition of two very positive cycles of interaction: The arousal relaxation cycle and The positive interaction cycle Fahlberg, V. (1988) Fitting the Pieces Together. (Practice Series: 17) British Agencies for Adoption Fostering: The following diagram illustrates a successful interaction between the caregiver and child. The child cries because of its need for food, caregiver feeds the child, the child becomes calm, therefore the childs needs have been met which will then establish a secure and trusting attachment. This cycle must be completed to ensure a healthy development. Fahlberg, V. (1988) Fitting the Pieces Together (p. 25) The next diagram illustrates the positive interactions between caregiver and child. The caregiver interacts and plays with the child, meeting social needs, the child responds, therefore building a childs confidence. Fahlberg, V. (1988) Fitting the Pieces Together (p. 27) If the babys needs are not met consistently then the baby doesnt develop trust, becomes full of rage and perceives the world as a dangerous place. This is then carried through into adulthood, causing feelings of insecurity through to sociopathic behaviour depending on the degree of mistreatment or abandonment for the individual (Fahlberg, 1998). The three patterns of attachment are: Secure Attachment exploration from secure base active seeking of contact upon reunion. Anxious/Avoidant Attachment independent exploration active avoidance upon reunion. Anxious/Resistant Attachment Poverty of Exploration Difficulty separating on reunion. Source: Mary Ainsworth (1979).Research. Jeremy Holmes stated in his book John Bowlby Attachment Theory, Mary Ainsworth (1982) first used the phrase secure base to describe the ambience created by the attachment figure for the attached person. The essence of the secure base is that it provides a springboard for curiosity and exploration. (Holmes, 1993, p. 70) John Bowlby believed that a secure base was the most important aspect of parenting a central feature of my concept of parenting, the provision by both parents of a secure base from which a child or an adolescent can make sorties into the outside world (Bowlby, 1988, p.11). Cultural Implications: Studies in other countries support Ainsworths belief that some form of secure base is needed for all infants, however, there are indications that behaviour may have to be interpreted differently in other cultures. According to Helen Bee (1999, p.192) German researchers, for example, have suggested that an insecure/avoidant classification in their culture may reflect not indifference by mothers, but explicit training towards greater independence in the baby (Grossmann, Grossmann, Spangler, Suess, Unzner, 1985). Furthermore, in Japan a greater valuing of emotional interdependence is associated with limited separation experiences, therefore heightening the distress experienced by many Japanese infants (Harwood, Miller Irizarry 1995. p.14) Therefore, it would appear that the infant behaves in a manner that responds to the maternal behavior that is both intuitive and reflective of the behaviour in its community. It is stated in Helen Bees book The Growing Child some form of secure base behaviour occurs in every child, in every culture. (1999, p.192). Bee says, we have a long way to go to understand how cultural differences affect the development of children but they form a significant backdrop for all development and to understand nurture, we must first understand the part culture plays (1999). Children are born into a diverse range of family structures and these structures may change during the course of childhood. Attachment theory highlights the role of the primary caregiver and in the process puts the spotlight on the person who is most likely to undertake this role in our society the mother. This can lead to argue against mothers working. Wyse (2004) states, Once the child has developed an attachment they will protest at separation from that preferred person and will show fear of strangers (p. 23). However, Vera Fahlberg says the attachment figure does not have to be the childs mother. The initial bonding can be the father or even an adoptive or foster mother, as long as the care is consistent during the early years of development. Of course there are many alternative family structures and views have changed over the years. Many people feel marriage is outdated and prefer to just live together. There also is the difficulty that surrounds divorce and the impact this has on young children. According to Robert Banton Jack Straw, the home secretary, stated in a document called Supporting Families (1998) changes in family organization we have mentioned are really linked to the social problems (2004, p.33). With rising divorce rates, social acceptance of sexual relations outside marriage and single sex partnerships will all have an impact on the way in which children are raised and by whom. I believe parenting practices have a greater effect on children than marital status. I divorced my husband when my children were still at school. I maintained a healthy relationship with my ex-husband because I felt it was important for the children to still see us as a family unit. I was determined that my children had constant access to their father and that he played a part in their upbringing. This has certainly had an impact on my children and they often said it was a better arrangement than two unhappy people living together. Blakeslee Wallerstein stated in their book Second chances: Men, women and children a decade after divorce when referring to children from divorced families, They fear betrayal. They fear abandonment. They fear loss. They draw an inescapable conclusion: Relationships have a high likelihood of being untrustworthy; betrayal and infidelity are probable (1989, p. 55). Although my children experienced the trauma of divorce, I feel I kept that disruption to a minimum. Clinical references and Personal insight: Following the birth of my first child, I chose to go back to work when she was six weeks old. Childcare was shared out between my husband, my cousin and my aunty and this situation continued for some time. I then made the decision to send my daughter to nursery when she was three, but she would not settle and screamed hysterically when I left her. When I picked her up she would cling to my legs and cry if I talked to anyone on the journey home. This seems to follow the pattern of insecure attachment. In Dominic Wyses book, Childhood Studies an Introduction, Leather cites stages of separation behaviour as observed by Robertson and Robertson may be unwilling to trust parent if/when they return, or may become very clingy and refuse to let parent leave them in any situation (2004, p.23). However, my daughter is now in her late twenties, she suffers from periodic bouts of depression and anxiety attacks. She doesnt seem to be able to settle into long term relationships, but in spite of that, in her working environment she is a confident adult holding a managerial position. I feel however, my daughter has inherited traits from her father as he suffers with bouts of depression; furthermore, two of his siblings have had a mental breakdown. Leather says, children take traits from both the mother and father such as physical features, but they can also inherit illnesses (2004) There is now a large body of evidence saying that children are capable of forming attachments to two or three caregivers and if the care arrangements are of good quality, and the quality of parenting has been established, then the child stands to benefit. Furthermore, Fahlberg says, it is not unusual to share the job of mothering and that the child, providing the quality of care is good and that it is consistent, can do just as well as those attached to one caregiver (1994). My daughters carers were consistently part of her growing up therefore; I feel the hereditary factor does play its part in her development. However, after my son was born I chose to give up my job and stay at home. My son didnt experience separation from me as an infant until the age of four when he settled into nursery with no problems. As an adult he seems to cope much better with stress and frustration and he is extremely confident and self reliant. This seems to bear out the positive effects of attachment therefore, highlighting that the relationship formed in early development seems to create a prototype for future relationships. It is interesting to reflect on my own parenting. My mother died when I was twelve and I became the little mother to my father and brother until my father died fifteen months later. This has left me with my own insecurities to deal with. According to Bowlby women who have lost their parents at an early age not only are they likely to have marital problems, after the birth of a child, they can also have difficulty interacting with their child (Bowlby, 1988). Unfortunately, as I said earlier my marriage did breakdown, but I dont believe I had difficulty interacting with my child. On the contrary, I feel I was over protective, because of loosing my parents, and I was anxious for my daughter. This may have contributed to my daughters dependency on me. Furthermore, I take into account that she was the first-born and therefore she had been the sole recipient of my attention. It would have been a different experience for her brother. Through personal development I am aware I have carried through, into adulthood, a lot of unresolved issues. There have been moments where I have felt a great dependence on my therapist and I worked very hard being the perfect client for my therapist to accept me. However, through exploration of my own attachment history I was able to recognise why I felt this dependency and need for acceptance. As my relationship with my therapist grows I feel I am able to be more honest about my feelings. I believe it is through establishing this warm trusting relationship I am able to work towards self acceptance, and as my confidence grows I feel more comfortable with who I am, therefore I no longer feel a need to please others to earn acceptance. This has highlighted how a client, with similar insecurities, may feel in the therapeutic relationship. Like me, the client will bring his own history into the counselling relationship and I feel the therapist needs to be able to acknowledge, with a deep understanding the insecurities the client may be feeling. I feel it is important to explore the clients relational history to establish whether there may be an issue of dependency. It was not easy to explore negative feelings that have been buried for so many years, but my therapist was able to provide a safe space for this to happen. Therefore, although I had my secure base ripped from under me at an early age, I feel my therapy is now my secure base where I can unravel my history and make some sense of it. This intimate relationship I have established with my therapist has allowed me to challenge, explore and take risks with the confidence of feeling accepted. intimate attachments to other human beings are the hub around which a persons life revolves, not only when he is an infant or a toddler or a school child but throughout his adolescence and his years of maturity as well, and into old age (Bowlby, 1980, p. 422). Conclusion: There seems to be an agreement between all the theorists that a secure attachment between a mother and infant is the ideal first relationship, and that relationship is of primary importance. Feeling secure and having your needs met by a consistent caregiver, within all cultures during the early years, is imperative to a healthy development. I feel attachment is the same across all societies, and that fundamentally all children need a secure base. Relationships are of fundamental importance in: the development of personality and sense of self; the difficulty clients bring to therapy (relations with the self and relations with other people); the therapeutic process (the therapy relationship is the heart of the process) Paul, S. and Pelham, G. (2000, pp. 110 -126). Relationships are important for our wellbeing. Whilst attachment types have helped me to understand my history, they have also helped me to understand the important elements for development. Attachment is about a close relationship, and its impact last from cradle to grave. It is now accepted that this relationship can be with more than one person as long as the care is affectionate, consistent, and provides a secure base. It is also agreed that separation from the caregiver during infancy will predict how an individual forms relationships as an adult. As a counsellor it is important to be aware of the different attachment behaviours to be able to provide that secure base from which the client can explore his/her own relationship history. Therefore, the counsellor needs to be able to provide support with deep understanding, Bowlby says,.it is the emotional communications between a patient and his therapist that play the crucial part (Bowlby, 1988, p.156)

Essay on Whartons Ethan Frome: Despair -- Ethan Frome Essays

Despair Ethan Frome   Despair is not anonymous, it has a name, and the name is Starkfield.   "Guess he's been in Starkfield too many winters." This significant phrase describing Ethan Frome in the prologue of Edith Wharton's novel, Ethan Frome, provides insight into the most major theme portrayed in this story. The imagery of the harshness and despair of winter, first brought up in the prologue, is present in every aspect of this book. Winter describes the character of Zeena as well as the character of Ethan after the "smash up" which contrasts that of Mattie, Ethan's true love. It is also used to illustrate the themes of silence and isolation, and darkness and despair. Zeena is a character often portrayed using harsh winter imagery. She is characterized as controlling, insensitive, and rather unattractive. This is evident in Ethan's perception of her prior to her doctor's visit when he says that she is sitting in "the pale light reflected from the banks of the snow." The images of snow which first appear in the prologue symbolize this character's personality. The fact that Ethan connects his wife with the severity and strength of winter snow illustrates that he envisions her as stringent and powerful, characteristics he dislikes. Throughout the novel, Ethan is attracted to true inner beauty, something he believes Zeena lacks. He considers his marriage a mistake and attributes it to the fact that he met Zeena at a time when he felt isolated and alone, another major theme in the book. After his mother died one winter, he needed companionship and attached himself to Zeena. Ethan resents winter because he associates it with the death of a loved one. Due to his isolation, Ethan overlooks Ze... ...e what Ethan becomes after the "smash-up." Ethan is essentially dead spiritually and the author uses the desolate imagery of wintertime to show this. The narrator also describes Ethan's appearance by saying, "He looks as if he was dead and in hell now!" Ethan's world is dark despair after the accident. He realizes that there was no escape from Starkfield and the harsh reality of the dead winters. He is at the mercy of winter and is forced to see what his love, Mattie, has become. Ethan's appearance at the end of the prologue represents what he strives to avoid throughout the novel, a tragic end. The prologue introduces several of the novel's major themes, the most prominent being that of winter harshness. Hence, it foreshadows the major events in the book and provides insight into the personalities of the characters. Essay on Wharton's Ethan Frome: Despair -- Ethan Frome Essays Despair Ethan Frome   Despair is not anonymous, it has a name, and the name is Starkfield.   "Guess he's been in Starkfield too many winters." This significant phrase describing Ethan Frome in the prologue of Edith Wharton's novel, Ethan Frome, provides insight into the most major theme portrayed in this story. The imagery of the harshness and despair of winter, first brought up in the prologue, is present in every aspect of this book. Winter describes the character of Zeena as well as the character of Ethan after the "smash up" which contrasts that of Mattie, Ethan's true love. It is also used to illustrate the themes of silence and isolation, and darkness and despair. Zeena is a character often portrayed using harsh winter imagery. She is characterized as controlling, insensitive, and rather unattractive. This is evident in Ethan's perception of her prior to her doctor's visit when he says that she is sitting in "the pale light reflected from the banks of the snow." The images of snow which first appear in the prologue symbolize this character's personality. The fact that Ethan connects his wife with the severity and strength of winter snow illustrates that he envisions her as stringent and powerful, characteristics he dislikes. Throughout the novel, Ethan is attracted to true inner beauty, something he believes Zeena lacks. He considers his marriage a mistake and attributes it to the fact that he met Zeena at a time when he felt isolated and alone, another major theme in the book. After his mother died one winter, he needed companionship and attached himself to Zeena. Ethan resents winter because he associates it with the death of a loved one. Due to his isolation, Ethan overlooks Ze... ...e what Ethan becomes after the "smash-up." Ethan is essentially dead spiritually and the author uses the desolate imagery of wintertime to show this. The narrator also describes Ethan's appearance by saying, "He looks as if he was dead and in hell now!" Ethan's world is dark despair after the accident. He realizes that there was no escape from Starkfield and the harsh reality of the dead winters. He is at the mercy of winter and is forced to see what his love, Mattie, has become. Ethan's appearance at the end of the prologue represents what he strives to avoid throughout the novel, a tragic end. The prologue introduces several of the novel's major themes, the most prominent being that of winter harshness. Hence, it foreshadows the major events in the book and provides insight into the personalities of the characters.