Invisible Man Essay Searching for Black Identity in a...

Invisible Man: Searching for Black Identity in a White World Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man was published at a time when America was racially divided. The novel presents the theme of the lack of black identity – a theme supported by the fact that the protagonist, Invisible Man, has no name. The reader knows the names of Dr. Bledsoe, Ras-the-Exhorter, Brother Jack and others - but the reader does not know the name of the main character. Ellisons leaves it to the reader to decide who he is and, on a larger scale, how white America perceives black America. Ellisons use of color is interesting. He uses color to contrast the differences between black and white America. Ellison describes the Tuskegee campus as a†¦show more content†¦One is his wife and the other his daughter. Mr. Norton quickly finds out that Trueblood is the father of both. Immediately Mr. Norton wants to speak with this man and to get to the truth of the situation. In the process he becomes ill and is in need of attention. Ellisons character takes him to the nearest place, a black whorehouse, where WWII black veterans confront him. Upset, Mr. Norton wants to return to the campus immediately. In Mr. Nortons world the campus is the only reality that fits in with his idea of black America. When Dr. Bledsoe finds out what happened he becomes very angry with the boy and decides to send him away. In Bledsoes mind the boy is guilty of gross stupidity. He made the mistake of showing the truth to Mr. Norton. In doing that he has seemingly weaken everyth ing Dr. Beldsoe has and says to him: Youre nobody, son. You dont exist-cant you see that? The white folk tell everybody what to think-except men like me. I tell them: thats my life, telling white folk how to think about the things I know about....But Ive made my place in it and Ill have every Negro in the country hanging on tree limbs by morning if it means staying where I am (Ellison 143). Not understanding, he goes to New York City with the expectation of returning in the fall. Once there he quickly learns that Bledsoe has no intentions of allowing that to happen. In time he meets up with a white lead civil-rightsShow MoreRelatedThe And Invisible Man By Toni Morrison And Ralph Ellison1726 Words   |  7 Pagesjustice. For many black individuals, their identity was non-existent, stripped away, leaving them powerless due to white power. Race, class, and economic standing are all social issues that are prominent in both Beloved and Invisible Man. Toni Morrison and Ralph Ellison are both American novelists who have created emotional stories based on raw and authentic black history. African-American individuals were immobilized, forced to be isolated while searching for an identity in a world that chose to seeRead More Invisible Man Essay: Self-Identity in Invisible Man1040 Words   |  5 PagesSelf-Identity in Invisible Man      Ã‚  Ã‚   In the novel, Invisible Man, the main character carries around a briefcase throughout the entire story. All of the possessions that he carries in that briefcase are mementos from learning experiences. Throughout the novel, the Invisible Man is searching for his identity and later discovers that his identity is in those items. As the narrator is leaving Marys house for the Brotherhood, he sees a Negro-doll bank in his room. He is angry that the dollRead More Invisible Man Essay: Identity and Invisibility1164 Words   |  5 PagesIdentity and Invisibility in Invisible Man      Ã‚  Ã‚   It is not necessary to be a racist to impose invisibility upon another person. Ignoring someone or acting as if we had not seen him or her, because they make us feel uncomfortable, is the same as pretending that he or she does not exist. Invisibility is what the main character of Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man called it when others would not recognize or acknowledge him as a person.    The narrator describes his invisibility by sayingRead More James Baldwins Stranger in the Village Essays896 Words   |  4 PagesStranger in the Village (1955), he alludes to emotions that are significant, dealing with conflicts that arise in the Swiss village. Of these emotions are two, astonishment and outrage, which represent the relevant feelings of Baldwin, an American black man. These two emotions, for Baldwins ancestors, create arguments about the Negro and their rights to be considered human beings (Baldwin 131). Baldwin, an American Negro, feels undeniable rage toward the village because of the misconception ofRead MoreThemes and Styles of Ralph Ellison3336 Words   |  14 Pagesnovel The Invisible Man to be the leading black author of the twentieth century. Although he had written many short stories and essays collected in the book Shadow and Act, The Invisible Man is his only novel. With this one novel, Ellison earned himself the 1953 National Book Award and acclaim b y the African American community for so accurately portraying the struggles a black American had to face in the 1930s. The writing style of Ellison is not typical of the writing style of other black authorsRead MoreExplication Of The s Story Presentation, A Fellow Classmate Of Mine Claimed That Invisible 1701 Words   |  7 PagesRational Investigations Of Truths In â€Å"The Significance Of Allusions In Trueblood’s Story† presentation, a fellow classmate of mine claimed that Invisible was an Existentialist, and not to offend but frankly in my mind that was so wrong. There is no way to prove that Invisible was a practicing Existentialist. While I agree that Invisible is searching for himself and there are several overarching Existentialist themes present in the novel, I do not believe that you can call him an ExistentialistRead MoreAnalysis Of James Wright s The Blues Essay2277 Words   |  10 Pageshad the closest intellectual and social relationship when Burke was writing A Rhetoric of Motives—and, I would add, when Ellison was writing Invisible Man. Crable points out that the Rhetoric is â€Å"the only one of Burke’s books to cite Ellison,† in large part because Ellison’s 1945 essay â€Å"Richard Wright’s Blues† (which called Wright’s just-released memoir Black Boy â€Å" a nonwhite intellectual’s statement of his relationship to western culture† that illuminates a â€Å"conflicting pattern of identification andRead More The Perception of African Americans in the Media and How it Affects Their Self-Identity3877 Words   |  16 PagesThe Perception of African Americans in the Media and How it Affects Their Self-Identity There has been much debate over the perception of African Americans in the media and how it affects their self-identity. It is easy to find examples of bias in portraying African Americans, but not a lot of causal research to prove that it causes problems with self-identity. A case can even be made that the amount of media presence by African Americans, whether biased or un-biased, has greatly helped to unifyRead MoreA Jew Of Gentiles By Mark Twain4267 Words   |  18 PagesA Jew of Gentiles In his essay â€Å"Concerning The Jews,† Mark Twain marvels over the historic ascendency of Jews in attempt to counter the burgeoning anti-semitism of his time: The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortalityRead MoreLangston Hughes Research Paper25309 Words   |  102 Pagesand Jim. Jim Hughes was a cold, difficult man, who was driven by ambition to make money and achieve respect. He had moved to Mexico to avoid segregation and racial injustice in the United States. As the manager of an electric company and owner of a ranch and mines, Jim expressed contempt for black Americans who continued to submit to segregation and live in poverty. Langston Hughes, 1933 (Library of Congress) Langston was not ashamed of being a black American. He had already written poems celebrating

Similarities Of Socrates And Machiavelli - 2045 Words

Despite living thousands of years ago, Socrates and Machiavelli were both influential thinkers whose works are still relevant today. These two great thinkers and philosophers wrote about and extensively studied political systems. The influences of their work can still be seen today in constitutions and governments around the world. Were it not for their transcendent works, there is a real chance today’s systems of government would look very different. While no governments today exactly match those advocated for by Machiavelli and Socrates, their writings surely influenced other thinkers later on in history. Both of these philosophers advocated for different leadership structures with the hope of creating fair and long-lasting states.†¦show more content†¦First, he said a leader must be liked by enough of his people to avoid any type of uprising. He believed that anyone who spoke out against the prince must be gotten rid of. This is a major violation of one’s r ights and something Socrates would have been outraged by. Plato starts The Apology by discussing how Socrates would teach the youth about his ideal government while openly criticizing the government of Athens. Socrates believed this type of free speech was necessary to form a fair and moral nation. Socrates also uses his trial as a symbol of free speech as he continued to speak out against the government there. He certainly would not have supported Machiavelli’s attempts to suppress free speech. Socrates goes so far as to say, â€Å"I made my defense speech like this: I much prefer to die having made my defense speech in this way than to live in that way† (The Apology 20). Here we see that Socrates is willing to die if it means he can speak freely. He truly thought free speech was the only way to check the government’s power and for the people to have a voice. At the time of his trial, speaking out against the Athenian government was almost unheard of and was considered a form of treason. Socrates wanted to use his trial as a way to criticize his leaders in the hope that more people would follow his lead. He believed free speech was necessary toShow MoreRelatedMachiavelli And Socrates Similarities1437 Words   |  6 Pagesway. This is the case with two philosophers, Socrates and Machiavelli, who both lived during times of internal political strife. Greece was divided into numerous city states that were constantly at war with one another and hundreds of years later, Italy would also experience this political fragmentation and violence. Despite having these identical environments, Socrates and Machiavelli adopted two very distinctive and contrasting perspectives. Socrates used his experiences and the environment thatRead MoreSimilarities Of Socrates And Machiavelli1669 Words   |  7 PagesBoth Socrates and Machiavelli emerged as renowned thinkers of their time because of their approaches to government that moved away from idealism and towards a rational and real approach. To understand why Socrates would be critical of Machiavelli’s concept of a Prince we must understand the similarities and differences between the two philosophers, and then analyze if Socrates would find his ruling system to be efficient. Socrates and Machiavelli value the qualities of a strong and fair ruler, howeverRead MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Machiavelli1197 Words   |  5 Pages Socrates and Machiavelli both grew up in times of political instability which formed and shaped their political beliefs. Machiavelli primarily discussed his view of how a leader should behave in the book: The Prince. A prince is an individual who is the leader of a state or group of people. Machiavelli’s version of a prince is very accurate but, Socrates would not support Machiavelli’s version of a prince. Machiavelli believed a prince must be domineering and aggressive, while Socrates viewedRead MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Machiavelli1905 Words   |  8 PagesEssay 1 While Socrates and Machiavelli lived over 1900 years apart, the dilemmas their societies faced draw many parallels. In Machiavelli’s â€Å"The Prince†, he demonstrates a wide-ranging set of rules and principles to be followed by a leader to ensure the steady maintenance of authority and stability in a state or principality. Not only would Socrates be opposed to many of the espoused views in â€Å"The Prince† on what creates a successful ruler, thereby society, but had he lived in Machiavelli’s â€Å"ideal†Read MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Machiavelli1084 Words   |  5 Pagesamong them were Socrates and Machiavelli, whose ideas regarding violence and its ideal usage to us inspired countless other prominent figures after their respective times. Socrates believed humans are imperfect and fallible, and should therefore avoid using violence. Machiavelli on the on the other hand considered violence a useful tool in achieving one’s goals . Considering both thinkers’ impacts on history, a question arises: whose concept of violence is more corrupting, Socrates’ or Machiavelli’sRead MoreSimilarities Between Machiavelli And Socrates1534 Words   |  7 PagesGovernment 241: Political Philosophy Professor Ives October 13, 2017 The morality which guided Socrates were an end all, be all for him. He did not wish to live without his search for truth. Socrates would see a Machiavellian Prince as self-centered, and void of morals. A Machiavellian prince would not appreciate the way Socrates carried himself and would see him as a challenge to his authority. Socrates would not support a Machiavellian society because most likely he would not be free to philosophizeRead MoreSimilarities Between Machiavelli And Socrates1250 Words   |  5 PagesMachiavelli and Socrates are two of the most influential figures in modern day political philosophy. These two individuals established the bases for our interpretation of the world and human political interaction. While they were separated by centuries and a significant geographic distance, it is fascinating nonetheless to ponder what they would think of each other. Sadly it is impossible to ask themselves and so we must instead turn to their writings in order to glean an ide a of what their opinionsRead MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Machiavelli1649 Words   |  7 PagesSocrates and Machiavelli both existed during times of political unrest. Both men sought different means of political leadership, and could be seen as activists of their times. During times of war and unrest, it was a bold choice that both men made to stand up for their beliefs and speak out against the system. However, Socrates wouldn’t have agreed with Machiavelli’s means and concepts of the Prince and his ideas for how a political establishment should function. Machiavelli’s means may have beenRead MoreSimilarities Between Machiavelli And Socrates1544 Words   |  7 PagesMachiavelli and Socrates agree on very little. While an initial reading of the two may elicit some comparisons, the goals of their respective philosophies rely on different foundations, and would therefore culminate in very different political results for society. Socrates would likely see in the Prince a selfish ruler, while Machiavelli would see in Socrates a dangerous idealist whose ideas would lead to instability and the death of the state in which these ideas were implemented. Machiavelli’sRead MoreSimilarities Between Socrates And Machiavelli1803 Words   |  8 PagesMachiavelli and Socrates were beings of their time. The world around them shaped their views, and their views have in turn shaped ours. While both lived through turbulent times, they do not share the same ideology. Socrates would dislike Machiavelli’s description of the ideal princ e, regardless of how the prince actually ruled. Socrates would oppose both how the prince got to power and keeps it, as well as the society over which he rules. Socrates assigned certain responsibilities to both the ruler

The History of Schizophrenia Free Essays

string(71) " schizophrenia an order of magnitude higher than the general populace\." The History of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with symptoms of emotional instability, detachment from reality, and withdrawal into the self. The word â€Å"Schizophrenia† is less than 100 years old. However the disease was first identified as a discrete mental illness by Dr. We will write a custom essay sample on The History of Schizophrenia or any similar topic only for you Order Now Emile Kraepelin in the 1887 and the illness itself is generally believed to have accompanied mankind throughout its history. There are documents that identify Schizophrenia can be traced to the old Pharaonic Egypt, as far back as the second millennium before Christ. Depression, dementia, as well as thought disturbances that are typical in schizophrenia are described in detail in the Book of Hearts. The Heart and the mind seem to have been synonymous in ancient Egypt. The physical illnesses were regarded as symptoms of the heart and the uterus and originating from the blood vessels or from purulence, fecal matter, a poison or demons. Some recent study into the ancient Greek and Roman literature showed that although the general population probably had an awareness of psychotic disorders, there was no condition that would meet the modern diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia in these societies. At one point in history, all people who were considered â€Å"abnormal,† whether due to mental illness, mental retardation, or physical deformities, were largely treated the same. Early theories supposed that mental disorders were caused by evil possession of the body, and the appropriate treatment was then exorcising these demons, through various means, ranging from innocuous treatments, such as exposing the patient to certain types of music, to dangerous and sometimes deadly means, such as releasing the evil spirits by drilling holes in the patient’s skull. One of the first to classify the mental disorders into different categories was the German physician, Dr. Emile Kraepelin. He used the term â€Å"dementia praecox† for individuals who had symptoms that we now associate with schizophrenia. The nonspecific concept of madness has been around for many thousands of years and schizophrenia was only classified as a distinct mental disorder by Kraepelin in 1887. He was the first to make a distinction in the psychotic disorders between what he called dementia praecox and manic depression. Kraepelin believed that dementia praecox was primarily a disease of the brain, and particularly a form of dementia. Kraepelin named the disorder ‘dementia praecox’ (early dementia) to distinguish it from other forms of dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease) which typically occur late in life. He used this term because his studies focused on young adults with dementia. The Swiss psychiatrist, Eugen Bleuler, coined the term, â€Å"schizophrenia† in 1911. He was also the first to describe the symptoms as â€Å"positive† or â€Å"negative. † Bleuler changed the name to schizophrenia as it was obvious that Krapelin’s name was misleading as the illness was not a dementia (it did not always lead to mental deterioration) and could sometimes occur late as well as early in life. The word â€Å"schizophrenia† comes from the Greek roots schizo (split) and phrene (mind) to describe the fragmented thinking of people with the disorder. His term was not meant to convey the idea of split or multiple personality, a common misunderstanding by the public at large. Since Bleuler’s time, the definition of schizophrenia has continued to change, as scientists attempt to more accurately delineate the different types of mental diseases. Without knowing the exact causes of these diseases, scientists can only base their classifications on the observation that some symptoms tend to occur together. Both Bleuler and Kraepelin subdivided schizophrenia into categories, based on prominent symptoms and prognoses. Over the years, those working in this field have continued to attempt to classify types of schizophrenia. Five types were delineated in the DSM-III: disorganized, catatonic, paranoid, residual, and undifferentiated. The first three categories were originally proposed by Kraepelin. These classifications, while still employed in DSM-IV, have not shown to be helpful in predicting outcome of the disorder, and the types are not reliably diagnosed. Many researchers are using other systems to classify types of the disorder, based on the preponderance of â€Å"positive† verses â€Å"negative† symptoms, the progression of the disorder in terms of type and severity of symptoms over time, and the co-occurrence of other mental disorders and syndromes. It is hoped that differentiating types of schizophrenia based on clinical symptoms will help to determine different etiologies or causes of the disorder. The evidence that schizophrenia is a biologically-based disease of the brain has accumulated rapidly during the past two decades. Recently this evidence has been also been supported with dynamic brain imaging systems that show very precisely the wave of tissue destruction that takes place in the brain that is suffering from schizophrenia. The 1800’s saw a slow progression towards an eventual schizophrenia definition. From the 1800’s on, schizophrenia history begins to gain ground as researchers began to understand the nature of the disease: Although the nineteenth century saw great strides towards a schizophrenic definition, â€Å"lunatic asylums† of the time were often little more than human zoos. For a fee, well to do ladies and gentlemen could tour the asylums, viewing the patients. No doubt the psychotic behavior of schizophrenics made them popular â€Å"attractions† during these degrading tours. Schizophrenia in Recent Times The start of the twentieth century saw, for the first time in schizophrenia history, a practical schizophrenia definition and the birth of effective treatments. In 1911 Eugene Beuler first used the term schizophrenia, and his schizophrenia definition includes symptoms such as blunted emotions, disordered thoughts, and loss of awareness. Then in 1957, Kurt Schneider created the schizophrenic definition still in use today, and is the first person in the long history of schizophrenia to list the currently accepted features of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia definitely has a very significant genetic component. Those who have a third degree relative with schizophrenia are twice as likely to develop schizophrenia as those in the general population. Those with a second degree relative have a several-fold higher incidence of schizophrenia than the general population, and first degree relatives have an incidence of schizophrenia an order of magnitude higher than the general populace. You read "The History of Schizophrenia" in category "Papers" The History of Schizophrenia Treatment in the Twentieth Century Schizophrenia history abounds in unusual treatments and bizarre â€Å"cures. † Indeed, the twentieth century stands apart from the rest of schizophrenia history because it saw the first effective schizophrenia treatment: the first antipsychotic drug was created in 1952. The twentieth century also saw some controversial schizophrenia â€Å"cures. † Portuguese doctor, Egus Moniz, developed the lobotomy in the 1930s. Moniz won a Nobel Peace prize for his work in 1949. The lobotomy procedure cut the nerve fibers from the frontal lobe to the interior of the brain, where emotions are generated. Patients were less agitated and aggressive after a lobotomy. Of course, patients were also left indifferent and with blunted emotions, but this didn’t squelch the lobotomy’s popularity as a schizophrenia treatment. Patients could be released from hospitals after lobotomies, saving both hospitals and family members money. Lobotomy procedures varied. American neurologist John Freeman created perhaps the most bizarre procedure. Freeman traveled America performing lobotomies for the benefit of audiences comprised of journalists and medical professionals: to call him a medical showman isn’t stretching the truth much. Freeman’s lobotomies were simple, quick, and medically preposterous. With the patient under anesthesia, Freeman placed an ice pick (yes, you read that correctly) into an area just above the eyeball. Using a hammer, he drove the ice pick into the patient’s brain to a depth of approximately one inch. Lobotomies fell into disfavor as people noticed patients often died from lobotomy-induced epilepsy or surgical infections. Severe brain damage was also shown in many cases (not that it should have required a study to prove an ice pick to the brain caused extensive damage). Still, between the 1940s and the 1950s over 40,000 Americans were lobotomized. Shock therapy was developed at the same time lobotomies were darkening schizophrenia history. Approaches to shock therapy varied. Some doctors used insulin injections; others preferred Metrazol or electricity. Insulin often left patients in comas. Both Metrazol and electricity caused seizures, and electric shock therapy often caused memory loss. Surprisingly, electroconvulsive therapy is still used to treat some cases of schizophrenia and severe depression. Current techniques are supposed to be much safer, but many medical professionals consider electroconvulsive therapy very dangerous, and something that should only be used as a last resort. Since schizophrenia may not be a single condition and its causes are not yet known, current treatment methods are based on both clinical research and experience. These approaches are chosen on the basis of their ability to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and to lessen the chances that symptoms will return. Medications For Schizophrenia: Antipsychotic medications have been available since the mid-1950s. They have greatly improved the outlook for individual patients. These medications reduce the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia and usually allow the patient to function more effectively and appropriately. Antipsychotic drugs are the best treatment now available, but they do not â€Å"cure† schizophrenia or ensure that there will be no further psychotic episodes. The choice and dosage of medication can be made only by a qualified physician who is well trained in the medical treatment of mental disorders. The dosage of medication is individualized for each patient, since people may vary a great deal in the amount of drug needed to reduce symptoms without producing troublesome side effects. The large majority of people with schizophrenia show substantial improvement when treated with antipsychotic drugs. Some patients, however, are not helped very much by the medications and a few do not seem to need them. No frames is difficult to predict which patients will fall into these two groups and to distinguish them from the large majority of patients who do benefit from treatment with antipsychotic drugs. A number of new ntipsychotic drugs (the so-called â€Å"atypical antipsychotics†) have been introduced since 1990. The first of these, clozapine (Clozaril), has been shown to be more effective than other antipsychotics, although the possibility of severe side effects – in particular, a condition called agranulocytosis (loss of the white blood cells that fight infection) â€⠀ requires that patients be monitored with blood tests every one or two weeks. Even newer antipsychotic drugs, such as risperidone (Risperdal) and olanzapine (Zyprexa), are safer than the older drugs or clozapine, and they also may be better tolerated. They may or may not treat the illness as well as clozapine, however. Several additional antipsychotics are currently under development. Antipsychotic drugs are often very effective in treating certain symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly hallucinations and delusions; unfortunately, the drugs may not be as helpful with other symptoms, such as reduced motivation and emotional expressiveness. Indeed, the older antipsychotics (which also went by the name of â€Å"neuroleptics†), medicines like haloperidol (Haldol) or chlorpromazine (Thorazine), may even produce side effects that resemble the more difficult to treat symptoms. Often, lowering the dose or switching to a different medicine may reduce these side effects; the newer medicines, including olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), and risperidone (Risperdal), appear less likely to have this problem. Patients and families sometimes become worried about the antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia. In addition to concern about side effects, they may worry that such drugs could lead to addiction. However, antipsychotic medications do not produce a â€Å"high† (euphoria) or addictive behavior in people who take them. Another misconception about antipsychotic drugs is that they act as a kind of mind control, or a â€Å"chemical straitjacket. † Antipsychotic drugs used at the proper dosage does not â€Å"knock out† people or take away their free will. While these medications can be sedating, and while this effect can be useful when treatment is initiated particularly if an individual is quite agitated, the utility of the drugs is not due to sedation but to their ability to diminish the hallucinations, agitation, confusion, and delusions of a psychotic episode. Thus, antipsychotic medications should eventually help an individual with schizophrenia to deal with the world more rationally. Treatment of schizophrenia depends upon a life-long regimen of both drug and psychosocial, support therapies. While the medication helps control the psychosis associated with schizophrenia (e. g. , the delusions and hallucinations), it cannot help the person find a job, learn to be effective in social relationships, increase the individual’s coping skills, and help them learn to communicate and work well with others. Poverty, homelessness, and unemployment are often associated with this disorder, but they don’t have to be. If the individual finds appropriate treatment and sticks with it, a person with schizophrenia can lead a happy and successful life. But the initial recovery from the first symptoms of schizophrenia can be an extremely lonely experience. Individuals coping with the onset of schizophrenia for the first time in their lives require all the support that their families, friends, and communities can provide. ———————– 1 How to cite The History of Schizophrenia, Papers

Long Distance Relationships in Shakespeares 44th Sonnet free essay sample

Nothing is more painful than not being able to be with one’s true love and long distance relationships often do not last. This can be caused by many elements that cannot be controlled. In Shakespeare’s 44th sonnet, the speaker reveals the obstacles of distance, time, and his physical self which block him from his lover. The poem begins with the speaker’s fantasy about overcoming the great distance between him and his lover. He has a theory that â€Å"injurious distance should not stop [his] way† if he were to transcend his physical body and become an idea (Line 2). Being human has hindered his ability to be with his partner. He envisions something lighter that cannot be weighted down because he sees his â€Å"flesh† as a heavy burden keeping him from his prize (Line 1). This fantasy brings him away from actuality for a while and gives him hope. The â€Å"thought† he refers to is intangible and able to float above land (Line 1). We will write a custom essay sample on Long Distance Relationships in Shakespeares 44th Sonnet or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Furthermore, he reveals that if this transformation were to occur, â€Å"despite of space† he would be brought to â€Å"where [his love] dost stay. (Lines 3,4). He is engrossed in finding an answer to his problem, because of the passion he feels for his partner. He dreams of a situation in which love overcomes physical barriers. Although his solution is impossible, it gives him some temporary relief towards the pang of loneliness. In the second quatrain, the poet further explores the options after his conversion into the weightless nature of a thought. Again he states that it would not matter how far away he was from his loved one, for he would be extremely portable. â€Å"For nimble thought can jump both sea and land. (Line 7) He presents this idea one again, further emphasizing the huge convenience of being in this state. Nothing would stand in the way of his beloved. In the last line of the quatrain, the speaker observes that he would arrive to his desired destination â€Å"as soon as think the place where he would be. † (Line 8) This is the first presentation of time as one of the obstructions keeping him from his companion. He longs to be there immediately but unfortunately cannot due to his circumstances. This vision has many conveniences, although it is not plausible in truth. The narrator comes to terms with his humanlike state in the final quatrain and admits that none of his wishful thinking will come true. The recognition causes him pain and he exclaims this by saying, â€Å"But ah! Thought kills me that I am not thought. † (Line 9) The very thing that caused him to hope now causes him grief. His despair is encouraged by the disappointment of not being granted his request. Also, he once again refers to the heaviness of his body, being â€Å"so much of earth and water wrought. † (Line 11) These two substantial elements fill him up and therefore tie him down. The human body can only do so much and his love is too far away for him to reach. Finally, he realizes he must submit and â€Å"attend time’s leisure. † (Line 12) He is at the mercy of time and is forced to be patient. However, he finds it hard to wait for the thing he longs for most. The poet has seen reality and knows he ought to accept whatever comes. The couplet shows the poet’s true grief and mourning for what he has lost. He summarizes his struggles when admits that he receives â€Å"nought by elements so slow. † (Line 13) His body moves to slowly for his liking. He does not receive anything from it of value and therefore is not satisfied. He does, however, receive â€Å"heavy tears,† which drain him and leave him even weaker (Line 14). He has no chance of seeing his lover any time soon and as a result, is left unfulfilled. The tears also bring him nothing but are â€Å"badges of either’s woe. † (Line 14) They symbolize the pain both feel towards their long distance relationship. He must accept this as his only honor. In this sonnet, the poet becomes a slave to the physical elements of nature. Although he longs to overcome these technicalities, he is forced to accept what is beyond his control. His lover is far away and they cannot be together. He attempts to defer his despair by dreaming of the endless boundaries of shedding the physical body. His love runs so deep he must find his only solace in this fantasy. However, because this situation cannot be, he only adds to his anguish making him even more miserable. He does nothing to help his case but shed a few tears.