’s End Essay, Research Paper
Elliot D Nielsen
ENGL 330
Prof. Huff
10/19/00
User Friendly in Childhood?s End
In Arthur C. Clarke?s novel Childhood?s End, people or beings use each other for
selfish reasons. Sometimes it is subtle, even subconscious; other times it is a blatant
usage. Three obvious examples occur and kind of chase each other around in a triangular
fashion. 1) The Overlords use humans/humanity. 2) The Overmind uses humans. 3)
The Overmind uses the Overlords. Humans also attempt to use the Overlords even
though the Overlords are omnipotent and seem to already have humanity?s fatal future
planned out. Other than these overlying uses, small examples exist between characters
throughout the novel. These will be cited and explained in a somewhat chronological
order.
Earth and the Overlords
One of the first instances is Wainwright and the Freedom League using Stormgren
for information about the Overlords. ?Next time you speak with the Supervisor, Mr.
Stormgren, ask him that!? (17), says Wainwright referring to why Karellen won?t show
himself. Wainwright and the league want information like this so they can form their
revolt against the Overlords? takeover.
This brings about one of the bigger uses: The Overlords need a human mediator
to communicate with the rest of the world on a personal level. On page 36, Joe says,
?…but the Overlords have to use human agents.? Karellen uses Stormgren to speak to
Earth.
In the chain of events surrounding Stormgren?s capture, Joe and the kidnappers
are holding Stormgren hostage. They use him to try and gain information. ?You know
what our motives are here…you are the only man who can tell us anything of the
Overlords,? (40) says one of the leaders. This turns into a reciprocal situation when from
Stormgren?s thoughts it is written, ?There were acute minds here, and perhaps they could
uncover something new? (41). Also, ?…he [Stormgren] was hoping that they might help
him unravel Karellen?s secret? (42-43). So, while this undercover organization seeks
information from Stormgren, he takes advantage of the circumstance in an attempt for the
?acute minds? to help him solve his puzzle. These little reciprocal use situations take
place many times throughout the novel.
While Stormgren is reminiscing the events of the kidnapping, he realizes that with
all of Karellen?s power, Karellen could have saved him at anytime. He thinks, ?It was
more than obvious now that Karellen had used him as bait? (49). Then, Karellen puts a
tracer on the terrorists and lets them go. He gives them their freedom, but uses this to his
advantage. ?I can trace their movements anywhere on Earth…far better than locking them
up,? (48) says Karellen.
Despite the small examples cited in the first section of the novel, the larger theme
is the Overlords getting the human race to conform to their ideas. The Overlords are
turning the inhabitants of Earth into a well-oiled machine. This process will allow them to
use the planet and people–whether it be for research and knowledge or the collection of
specimens–how they want before its future end.
The Golden Age
Right from the start, ?…with a human child resting on either arm,? (68) Karellen
uses children as an additional cover for his alarming body structure. This brilliant idea
helps present his harmlessness.
Rupert is a rich selfish prick who uses all the material goods he can to impress his
guests. He greets George and Jean with his image projector and George?s reply is, ?Have
you ever known Rupert not to get anything he wanted? (78)? The couple go on to discuss
how nice his new house is. Rupert refers to Rashaverak as ?Rashy? around his guests and
treats him as an equal at most. Concerning this, George states, ?…[Rupert] likes to show
off, and he?s got no tact? (84).
Rupert uses his guests for self-gratification. Clearly, the majority of the people in
attendance are mere acquaintances who get the opportunity to spend an elegant night at
Rupert?s. The narrator suggests, ?[a]bout three-quarters…[are] perfect strangers? (79).
On a reciprocal note, Rupert also uses the Overlords and the Overlords use
Rupert. Rashy gets to read from the ?psychic phenomena? library, and Rupert gets an
image projector for personal use. ?Just a bit of bargaining? (87), explains Rupert, to strike
his egotistic deal.
The other significant example from the second section of the book is Professor
Sullivan helping out Jan. Jan goes five kilometers deep in the ocean because he thinks he
can use Sullivan?s position and wisdom to get aboard an Overlord ship. After the initial
meeting and exchange of ideas, Jan thinks, ?Right into my hands? (120), referring to
Sullivan.
The Last Generation
George uses Jean. He might have been in love with her once, or thought he
was–at least enough to live and raise a family together. Now, their partnership has
allowed them to move into Athens and appear to be upstanding citizens. It seems
George?s intent to move there was with disregard for Jean?s ideas or happiness. Granted,
she ends up being quite happy, but George?s push to move was so he could take part in
the fine arts offered in Athens.
Gene?s interest is for the children. ?[T]he children would love it. That…was all
that mattered? (142), she says. A kiss from George is described as ?perfunctory? (143).
He is busy with plans for the future, ?…too much occupied by his work and his children?
(150).
This passage from George sums up his thoughts for Gene and their partnership:
?George looked down at her with sympathy, but nothing more. He was
fond of her: she had borne his children and was part of his life. But, of the
love which…George Greggson had once known towards…Jean Morrel,
how much remained? His love was divided between Jeff and Jennifer…and
Carolle. He did not believe that Jean knew about Carolle.? (165)
Since the Overlords found out that Jean was special at Rupert?s party, they?ve
been monitoring her. They?ve waited for her offspring so they could observe them and
possibly further their understanding of the Overmind. This is quite possibly the entire
reason the Overlords use the human race. They appear to be helping humanity when all
along they were preparing the world for the Overmind. They were selfishly playing God
so that when the children started to mutate, the Overlords could examine them and maybe
gain more knowledge about their own masters. Why else would they have saved Jeff from
the tsunami?
While the Overlords are carrying out their various side projects to gain knowledge,
the Overmind is using them. ?And you [Rashaverak] do not resent being used as a tool by
the Overmind,? (206) asks Jan. For whatever specific reason the Overmind needs the
Overlords, it is unclear, but it is evident that the Overmind must have the Overlords for the
implementation of their harvesting process.
In a similar way the Overmind uses the human race. In its higher power of
existence, it preys off of colonies of beings. The Overmind continues to search for more
overall power, maybe? Whatever its reasons are, with regard to human morals, the
Overmind uses humanity?s last offspring to further the development of its being.
Clarke, Arthur C. Childhood?s End. New York: Ballantine Books, 1953.
Другие работы по теме:
My Life As A Poet Essay Research
Paper Are the philosophical, educational, and sociological theories of childhood reflected in literature for children? If so, how? To what extent does Aesop contribute to our understanding of many early children’s books?
Zoo Story Essay Research Paper Jerry s
Zoo Story Essay, Research Paper Jerry s Problems In Edward Albee s The Zoo Story, Jerry has trouble distinguishing between emotions of love and anger, because of his unhappy childhood. This is shown repeatedly throughout the
Internet
– Pornography Essay, Research Paper The Internet is an amazing and informative tool. Today, and in years to come, it will without a doubt become the cornerstone for education and communication throughout our society. However, it is currently not regulated by governmental laws and guidelines. It’s contents are accessible to all users – including children! With the explosive growth of Internet usage throughout the world, it is the individual user who needs to take the appropriate precautions to regulate the potentially damaging content found throughout this rapidly expanding new medium.
Technology And The Future Who
’s In Control Essay, Research Paper Jackie Herren (5), 3CA Advanced Composition August 19, 1996 Technology and The Future, Who?s In Control? Technology significantly shapes the way we live today, and is no less of a significant influence than religion or government for determining how we will live tomorrow.
Internet Usage Essay Research Paper Are Mainstream
Internet Usage Essay, Research Paper Are Mainstream Scientific Researchers Using the Internet to its full Multimedia Potential? As a research presentation medium, the Internet has been designed to offer vastly more to publishers than easy text access. It’s astoundingly simple to incorporate photographs, diagrams, illustrations, sounds, animations, movies and all kinds of non-text content into a website using today’s user-friendly web development software.
Internet Search Engines Essay Research Paper The
Internet Search Engines Essay, Research Paper The internet was established as a back up for the military in case of a nuclear attack and all normal communication were cut off. By establishing this form of communication the chain of command would have a way to pass down information and important orders. The military abandoned this idea and gave it to the higher education system.
The Twig Is Bent Essay Research Paper
As The Twig Is Bent After reading the last chapter in As The Twig Is Bent I started thinking. What was the whole purpose of the actual writing, What ideas and attitudes was he trying to convey and how does Terry Lane the author shape the readers response through different techniques and conventions.
Venus Essay Research Paper afgararg
Venus Essay, Research Paper afgararg www.TheFirstTime Become Super User Become Regular User LOGIN: Super LOGIN: Regular FAQ Links Mail Us News Advertise Copyright Credits Press DateGuide The Junction The X Network
Search Engines Essay Research Paper Search EnginesA
Search Engines Essay, Research Paper Search Engines A search engine is an online service that can aid a user in finding a web page that contains particular content the user is looking for. There are many different search engine services on the web. They are primarily distinguished from each other by the way they gather their information.
Comparison And Contrast Aunt And Uncle Essay
, Research Paper Aunt and Uncle Through a Niece’s Eyes The old axiom “opposites attract” certainly seems true in regard to my aunt and uncle. Despite a physical resemblance, their differences outnumber their likenesses. The most distinctive differences are in their childhood backgrounds, political views, and personalities.
BakerS Childhood Essay Research Paper The excerpt
Baker?S Childhood Essay, Research Paper The excerpt explains Baker?s childhood growing up in the 1930s. He lived in Belleville, NJ with his younger sister Doris, and his single mother. This story to talks about Russell growing up and how his mother pushed him to work and be responsible as a young adult, but all he wanted to do is listen to ?Dick Tracy meets the Stooge Viller? on the radio reading his book.
Jane Eyre Childhood Essay Research Paper HOW
Jane Eyre Childhood Essay, Research Paper HOW DOES OUR CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AFFECT OUR LIVES Certainly every experience we have not only in our childhood but also in our entire life affects it either in a positive or a negative way. Experiences in our childhood are more important because those are the ones that bring up our character and personality.
Patricia Lynch
’s Childhood Essay, Research Paper Patricia Lynch was born in Fairhill in Cork on June 4th, 1894. Patricia’s mother, Nora Lynch, a noted storyteller, filled Patricia’s early childhood with fascinating stories and folklore.
Au Revior Les Enfants Essay Research Paper
592099243 Au Revior Les Enfants The movie Au Revior Les Enfants ,or Goodbye Children translated, has a lot of symbolism that applies to the film?s theme and subject in its title alone. The theme of childhood, innocence, and adulthood-growing up and the subject of the movie is seen in the title and throughout the entire film.
Looking Beyond The Sexes Essay Research Paper
A woman gets pregnant, and her boyfriend leaves her. In Karen Horney?s ?The Distrust Between the Sexes?, she explains how a person?s psychological history causes him/her to distrust people of the opposite sex because of certain expectations they might have. Longings for happiness, childhood reflections, and childhood conflicts are all things that invent these expectations.
Alcohol Problems And The Family Life Cycle
Essay, Research Paper I feel that alcohol causes problems not only to the user/drinker but also to their spouses, children, and other family members.Problem drinking can change the roles played by family members in relation to one another and the relationships that surround them. As a family member develops this problem, the drinker may fail to perform his or her functions as a breadwinner, to the support their children or to complete chores.
Cognitive Artifacts
& Windows 95 Essay, Research Paper Cognitive Artifacts & Windows 95 The article on Cognitive Artifacts by David A. Norman deals with the theories and principles of artifacts as they relate to the user during execution
An American Childhood Essay Research Paper Based
An American Childhood Essay, Research Paper Based on Peter S. Hawkins’ Review An American Childhood, by Annie Dillard, is a happy memoir of Annie’s own life, a child of a well-to-do Pittsburgh family.
Hum Essay Research Paper APPLICATION Bill
Hum Essay, Research Paper APPLICATION: Bill Report FILE NAME: Bill.cpp AUTHOR: Grace Hopper (Change Grace’s name to yours) COURSE: CSC 102 Section 1 (Use the correct section number)
Programming Under The Wizard
’s Spell Essay, Research Paper The computer is a tool that has become indispensable to the modern family and company. In flourishing so successfully the computer has passed from incredibly complex and unusable to anyone
The Changing Office Essay Research Paper The
The Changing Office Essay, Research Paper The Changing Office Over the last decade or so many changes have been brought about to the traditional office structure. First there were typewriters, then word processors and copy machines, then there was the whole computer revolution and today information cant do anything quick enough.
Big Friendly Giant Essay Research Paper The
Big Friendly Giant Essay, Research Paper The BFG Beginning: My book is about a Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who goes around every night in different towns and blows dreams, that he captures, into little
The Childhood Essay Research Paper It has
The Childhood Essay, Research Paper It has been noted that people consider their childhood as a nostalgic period. The childhood is one of the three main stages of life: childhood, adolescence, and adult age. Childhood might be the nostalgic period but is it the happiest? In this paper we shall demonstrate that childhood could be considered as the happiest period.
David Mamet And Amy Tan Essay Research
Paper In David Mamet?s essay ?The Rake: A Few Scenes from My Childhood? and Amy Tan?s story ?Jing-Mei Woo: Two Kinds,? the authors describe their personal
Provencher Brief Essay Research Paper Facts Motorist
Provencher Brief Essay, Research Paper Facts: Motorist located a roadside rest area. The user of the roadside rest area fell on the stairs. The fall caused an injury, which consisted of a fractured right ankle.
The Computer Mouse Essay Research Paper The
The Computer Mouse Essay, Research Paper The Computer Mouse The computer mouse is a common pointing device, popularized by its inclusion as standard equipment with the Apple Macintosh. With the rise in
Windows 95 The O S Of The Future
Essay, Research Paper Windows 95 the O/S of the Future The way of the computing world is changing at a neck breaking pace. People are looking for computers to be easy to use, and to make life easier for them. The
Computers In Business Essay Research Paper In
Computers In Business Essay, Research Paper In the business world today, computers and the software applications that run on them basically control a well organized business. Every major
Pbs Essay Research Paper PROCESS BASED SECURITY
Pbs Essay, Research Paper PROCESS BASED SECURITY, WHAT IS IT AND HOW IT WILL CHANGE YOUR COMPUTER?S LIFE This note is for the purpose of explaining a new way to implement operating system security called process-based security. First, an explanation of traditional operating system security is given. Next, an explanation of process-based security is given.
Mobile Alerts Essay Research Paper Mobile Alerts
Mobile Alerts Essay, Research Paper Mobile Alerts – Concept Paper. What is Mobile Alert? Mobile Alert is the text message (SMS) sent to a mobile phone as a result of occurrence of an event for which the mobile user has registered the request for getting the notification.
Childhood Essay Research Paper We were then
Childhood Essay, Research Paper We were then Children with nothing but Childhood. We played kiss Tag and suicide which Was merely a game with Throwing, and running, and Touching the side of the
Current Information Technology Environment Essay Research Paper
Current IT Environment: As a company that will be operating exclusively in the medical field we need to take a look at the predecessors or forerunners to our company to see what IT systems they used to make them successful. Of course we will only use this information as a model to develop and adapt our own model of IT that will be tailor made for our business.