The Corruption of Innocence
It has struck some leaving a lasting impact while others just let it go by. Some would see it as corruption, and others see everyday life. I see it as the pure loss of innocence in a world of corruption. This new issue has risen in today s generation leaving no one free of it wrath. This has not been the first we have seen of this. The loss of innocence has been referred to over years by many authors, but now we come to see it in our lives a lot more frequently. According to authors like Emerson and Salinger, who although wrote their pieces so far apart, feel everyday in life the American Character is faced upon with the corruption of innocence that takes away from their unique American Character.
In his book, The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger focuses on the theme of innocence for a large amount of time. Holden constantly refers to everyone as being a phony and that they had lost their innocence, which had been corrupted when they matured and were exposed to society. The society had exposed them to the real world and made them think in order to survive they must follow others. Holden goes in part of the book about jobs he likes and starts to describe job of a lawyer and says how they are sincere and try to save innocent lives, but then he goes on to think about how they are probably phonies and only doing it to be hot-shots and makes lots of money to impress society. (Salinger 172) The outcome of his thoughts was that everybody had conformed and followed each society s ideas, which upset Holden because no one was free of corruption accept the children of society, like Ally. Holden sees it as a major issue in the book and serves as a major role of Holden s throughout the book. The issue even leads to the title of the book in the sense that it is named after his supposed job he wishes to under take as a Catcher in the Rye. He wants to be a catcher in a field of rye and little children who catches children from falling off the cliff and being corrupted by society. (Salinger 173) Therefore, in fact the theme of innocence has a significant role in this book.
Another author who also uses the role of innocence and corruption as a major theme is Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay Self-Reliance . Emerson goes on for pages about how not to be affected by other s opinions because this will corrupt your ideas. He also says not to conform to others ideas but stay true to your own. One sentence he goes on to say that who is man must be a nonconformist. (Emerson 494) This relates to the role of innocence because the criticism people say about your ideas will only corrupt your way of thinking and lead you to act phony to please others. This leads to the thought that you should not be influenced by what others say because you are your own person and you should stay with your beliefs. He also goes on to say in one paragraph that It is easy in the world to live after the world s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with the independence of solitude which can go on to mean that it is easy to follow others ideas when in the crowd and easy to follow your own ideas when alone, but it is a truly great man who can follow his own beliefs among a crowd. (Emerson 495) This again shows that a truly great man is a man whose ideas and beliefs had not been corrupted by the thoughts of society, yet a person whose innocence had been preserved in a sea of corruption.
Ultimately, when we look at both texts and how the authors, Emerson and Salinger, use the role of innocence as a major part we can see that they both have strong opinions on it. So when we search for why is innocence such an important issue in the American character who better to find the answer from but these two who themselves show such a preserved innocence in our sea of corruption. Considering that in their writings they use the constant idea of being yourself and the preservation of innocence, which is the only defense you bare from a corrupted society of phonies. The authors have shown that they know about corruption and its effect on society and the American Character. The issue of innocence is so important to the American Character because the traits of the character are primarily based upon innocence and do not deal in terms of reality. If the innocence of the American Character were lost then all of the American Character would be lost, because then American would not hold true to its values but hold the values of others. This would totally bring down the view of the American Character, which is why innocence is such an important issue addressed by Emerson and Salinger.
Другие работы по теме:
The Ball Poem Essay Research Paper THE
The Ball Poem Essay, Research Paper THE BALL POEM by John Berriman This poem is about losing something that you love, and learning to grow up. It is about a little boy, who for the first time in his young life, is learning what it is like to experience grief at the loss of a much beloved possession his ball. To us, the loss of a ball is of minor consequence, and our reaction to it is to say O there are other balls .
K Essay Research Paper 2a Why does
K Essay, Research Paper 2.a) Why does the Athenian jury convict Socrates, and why does Socrates maintain his innocence? b) Do you think it was right for Socrates to accept his punishment of death without fleeing, even though he thought he was innocent?
Catcher In The Rye Theme Essay Research
Paper J.D. Salinger uses Holden Caulfield?s anti-heroic characteristics to develop the theme of innocence and childhood. Holden is afraid of growing up and would prefer to remain an innocent child. He seems unable to face the responsibilities that come as one gets older. His continued flunking at school shows this. ?They kicked me out.
Innocently Executed Essay Research Paper Innicent men
Innocently Executed Essay, Research Paper Innicent men have been executed in the United States. According to a report published by the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, or the NCADP, 23 innocent men have been executed in the U.S. this century. About 4.5 people are wrongly convicted of capital crimes each year.
Confederation An Act Or A Pact Essay
, Research Paper Kenneth Pang 1/4/96 CRIME AND PUNISHMENT Ever since the beginning of modern society, crime and punishment have been linked together. Depend on the seriousness of the crime, those who break the laws are punished accordingly. As the amount of homicide increased in the passed several years, people are demanding tougher punishments for more murder.
Tragedy Essay Research Paper What makes a
Tragedy Essay, Research Paper What makes a tragedy tragic? Though the dictionary makes the word tragic seem like an accident or a bad happening, I think what makes a tragedy tragic is more than events, which occur through out a piece of writing. It is more of a feeling than a physical action or specific event.
Billy Budd Essay Research Paper There is
Billy Budd Essay, Research Paper There is much to be said about innocence. If one is with innocence than one can do no wrong. But that is not all to be said. Innocence is not always a good thing. It could make one naive or blind
To The Virgins To Make Much Of
Time Essay, Research Paper The title To the Birgsin, to Make Much of Time, gives the hint as to the meaning of the work. We gleam from the title that Time is going to be significant. However, we cannot know what the context of time is without benefit of reading further. We also learn that Virgins, play an integral part of the work.
To Kill A Mockingbird Ce Essay Research
Paper To Kill A Mockingbird CE In ‘To Kill a Mockinbird’ by Harper Lee, I believe that the title of the novel was very significant. It is significant due to the fact that the word ‘Mockingbird’ was symbolic for the innocence, security and happiness in the novel.
Catcher And The Rye Innocence Essay
, Research Paper There is a time in a person s existence when they loose their innocence. No longer are they sheltered from the harsh outside world, they are a part of it. They are now corrupt. A process that engulfs all and is only stopped by death. These are the thoughts of Holden Cauffield right before he has a mental breakdown.
Ideas That Go To Washington Essay Research
Paper People?s ideals have a certain innocence about them, just as people themselves do. The ideals held by the respective characters in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Passing, all vary in degrees of innocence. The ideals of most men are innocent at the core, but have become jaded and hidden behind the cynicism and realization of maturity.
Lost Innocence Essay Research Paper I think
Lost Innocence Essay, Research Paper I think an event that proves I deserve the word ?lost? would be from this summer when I was on vacation. It would be my loss of innocence. It all happened right after my dad, his friend and I
Montana 1948 Essay Research Paper MONTANA 1948ESSAY
Montana 1948 Essay, Research Paper MONTANA 1948 ESSAY QUESTION Montana 1948 is about the loss of innocence and the painful gain of wisdom. Discuss. In Montana, the summer of 1948 held a series of tragic events which were to have a permanent and decisive impact on David and his parents. This chain of events were to turn David?s young life and that of his family upside down forever and which was to so angrily lead him out of childhood, destroying his innocence and youthful naivety in the process.
William Blake Essay Research Paper LifeThe progression
William Blake Essay, Research Paper Life The progression from innocence to experience to “higher innocence” is an essential part of life that William Blake discusses through his poems. In the state of innocence of the human
Innocence Vs Evil Essay Research Paper Too
Innocence Vs Evil Essay, Research Paper Too much innocence is not always a good thing, but a little helps from doing wrong. In the case of Billy Budd, innocence was not an important factor, therefor it did not save Billy’s life. His ignorance partly reflects his lack of experience. Billy can’t read or write so he knows little about the world except what he has seen out at sea.
Billy Budds Innocence Essay Research Paper Billy
Billy Budds Innocence Essay, Research Paper Billy Budd~ There is a lot to be said about innocence. If one is with innocence, than one can so no wrong but that isn?t all. Innocence is not always a good thing. It can make a person na?ve or blind to certain or all evils, which would seem as if they were blind from the world.
Innocence Essay Research Paper InnocenceAccording to the
Innocence Essay, Research Paper Innocence According to the dictionary innocence means that people do not know the bad thing of life or believe everything that you told. Children are innocence. They are living under their parents? protection so that they could not understand the bad thing of the real life.
Eleven Essay Research Paper The author Sandra
Eleven Essay, Research Paper The author Sandra Cisneros, captures the innocence and insecurity of a teennageer named Rachel, that experiences a mixed of emotions during scholl when
Mask Of Innocence Essay Research Paper The
Mask Of Innocence Essay, Research Paper The Mask of Innocence Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, produces a ‘new’ Macbeth toward the middle of the book. Macbeth, in his violent and bloody killing spree, ends up killing people ranging from the king, Duncan to his best friend, Banquo, and many others. While doing so, Macbeth, in order not to be suspicious must wear a ‘mask.’ To hid the real, guilty Macbeth and show an innocent, grieving man, who luckily becomes king through all the blood shed of good people. “There is nothing that gives more assurance than a mask.” Collette said this in 1966.
The Catcher In The Rye An Innocence
Lost Essay, Research Paper The Catcher in the Rye is a book by J. D. Salinger and the story of a boy named Holden Caufield. He is no longer innocent, but exposed to the world. Phoebe, Holden’s sister, is the opposite she is quite the innocent, never really being exposed to the world outside her protective bubble.
Nath Essay Research Paper Nathaniel Hawthornes short
Nath Essay, Research Paper Nathaniel Hawthorne?s short stories ?The Birthmark? and Rappaccinni?s Daughter are both tragic tales of women being taken advantage of. In each account a young woman is skillfully led to her downfall by a loved one she trusts. In each case Hawthorne includes an inconceivable innocence about the woman.
Innocence
& Experience Essay, Research Paper Innocence to Experience Innocence and experience helps to raise questions in the readers mind to expand the focus on the concepts by the author. Most people develop beliefs through many sources such as media, personal observations, experiences, friends, or teachers.
Lennie And Charlie Essay Research Paper In
Lennie And Charlie Essay, Research Paper In the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’, by John Stienbeck, a mentally challenged man, Lennie, loses his innocence and his dream, of owning his own ranch with rabbits, when he accidentally breaks a woman’s neck. In the novel ‘Flowers or Algernon’, by Daniel Keyes, another mentally challenged man, Charlie, loses his innocence and dreams, of being like everyone else, when, through the aid of an operation, realizes people were making fun of him rather than being his friends.
Explication Of Blake Essay Research Paper The
Explication Of Blake Essay, Research Paper The poetry of William Blake is renowned for its critique of society and injustice as well as expressing strong religious influences. Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience were written concerning the destiny of the human spirit and the differences between how children and adults view and understand the world.
Blackberry Picking Essay Research Paper In Seamus
Blackberry Picking Essay, Research Paper In Seamus Heaney’s “Blackberry-Picking” the use of vivid diction, juicy imagery, infantile rhythm, and simple form conveys to the reader the deeper meaning of life’s own mortality and childhood’s innocence through the literal description of a memorable adolescent experience.
Bless Me Ultima Essay Research Paper The
Bless Me, Ultima Essay, Research Paper The loss of innocence in life is an inevitable process. Losing one s innocence comes merely by growing up. The philosophy of the loss of one s innocence is a definite theme in the book Bless Me, Ultima. This theme is displayed throughout the entire story and plot of the novel.
ArabyLoss Of Innocence Essay Research Paper Loss
Araby(Loss Of Innocence) Essay, Research Paper Loss Of Innocence In James Joyce s Araby the boys loss of innocence may be confusing and even painful but at the same time it is important . It begins his journey into adulthood . The boy in Araby is experiencing something all young men experience , the first crush .
Billy Budd Essay Research Paper In
Billy Budd Essay, Research Paper In Henry Melville s novel Billy Budd, the protagonist, Billy Budd, is a young impressed sailor aboard an English Battleship. Billy shows his actions toward a Christ Figure through his innocence and ignorance, which he shows while interacting with Claggart, the ships Master of Arms.
Maggie A Girl Of The Streets Essay
, Research Paper INNOCENCE VS. EXPERIENCE It is believed that the world exists in two fashions, innocence and experience. Neither can exist without its opposite. Innocence is where humans begin, and they must pass through experience on their way to heaven. One figure from turn-of-the-century literature are prime examples of innocence lost which characterize this idea.
The Chimney Sweeper Essay Research Paper The
The Chimney Sweeper Essay, Research Paper ?The Chimney Sweeper? From Songs of Innocence William Blake?s Songs of Innocence comprises ?songs of happy cheer? about field and flower, hill and stream, and the innocence of child and lamb, as seen through the eyes of a child (World Book vol.2 pg 314). In one excerpt, ?The Chimney Sweeper,? Blake, through religious symbolism, gives the image of an innocence child living a life of hardship and grief that gains comfort from the knowledge that God will deliver him to a better life in heaven.
Thank God For Believers Essay Research Paper
A single lie entangled my thoughts with confusion, Like rumors through a hallway, the lie continues to grow. Now spun is a web of wire. I dread the day of truth and innocence.
Loss Of Innocence Essay Research Paper The
Loss Of Innocence Essay, Research Paper The Loss of Innocence Certain childhood experiences are missed out by some people because of mishaps early on in life. Any unfortunate event could cause the loss of innocence and make a child mature before his or her time. This event or experience would cause them to sacrifice their innocence.
Im Black Your White Essay Research Paper
Jim Johnson Ethnic & Minority Group Relations Collaborative Learning Group # 2 I?m Black, You?re White, Who?s Innocent? 1. Steele portrays innocence as power. ?Seeing for Innocence?, Steele sees as, ?a form of seeing that has more to do with one?s hidden need for innocence than with the person or group one is looking at.?
An Explication Of To The Virgins To
Make Much Of Time Essay, Research Paper The tiltle To the Virgins, to Make much of time, gives a hint as to the meaning of the work. We gleam from the title that Time is going to be significant. However, we cannot know what the context of time is without the benefit of reading further. We also learn that Virgins plays an integral part of this work.