A Summary of Robert Harris’ Pompeii Essay

The novel â€Å"Pompeii† is basically about one of the most famous natural calamities in known history, the explosion of Mount Vesuvius. Robert Harris should be commended for the immense research that he had infused in the text, both on history and engineering. Readers are treated to a blast to the past particularly during the time of the Romans. The timeline of the narrative is set a few days before the infamous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, an explosion said to be more powerful than the atomic bombs of Hiroshima, an explosion that lasted for a whole day and a whole night. The book is rich in vivid description of the setting, tension between characters, and subtle twist and turns. These elements amalgamate to produce an effect of heavy build-up which would make the novel as explosive as an angry volcano, and yet at the same time undeniably stunning. Throughout the text, enriching history and impressive engineering details are interwoven. This aspect of the novel was particularly interesting because readers would realize and appreciate the importance of aqueducts. The novel shared that it was the ingenious water supply that enabled the Romans to prosper amidst the hot climate. The novel was also written in a modern tone that made it easy to follow. And just like the effect of â€Å"Titanic†, the readers of â€Å"Pompeii† already knew that the volcano is about to explode, but the characters do not. This aspect of the novel is one effective technique to keep the readers turning the pages. Characters Attilius – is the hero of the story. A young engineer from a family of aqueduct engineers. An intelligent person who actions are always guided by reason. He still mourns the death of his wife. Pliny the elder- leader of the fleet who helped Atillius to get to Pompeii. The character in the novel is actually a real figure in history. Revered as a person of knowledge and leadership. Corelia – the young daughter of Ampliatus. The object of affection Attilius. Reminded him of his deceased wife. Exomnius – The aquarius who mysterious vanished without notice. Later in the plot, it would be revealed that Exomnius was a corrupt aquarius in connivance with the more corrupt Ampliatus. Ampliatus – The main antagonist of the story. A former slave turned rich through claiming the properties of his dead master. A greedy and self-righteous businessman. Could only be described as selfish and detestable. Corax – Subordinate of Attilius whose job is overseer. Looks down on Ampliatus probably because of he is older. Brebix – A strong hardworking man who respects Attilius’ position Massavo – a porter with a large head. He posses a cheery attitude. Plot The protagonist of the story is Marcus Attilius Primus. He was assigned to be the aquarius of major aqueduct, the Agua Agusta, which was sixty mile aqueduct. This was an important task because the Agua Agusta is the source of water to all the cities in the Bay of Naples. Even though the task at hand is tremendous, Attilius was determined to do the job. It seems that aqueduct engineering is running through the veins of Attilius. He came from a family of aqueduct engineers. He is a quite a young engineer, even his physical appearance does not lie about his young age. He is viewed by his subordinates as too young to be an aquarius at his age of 27. The term â€Å"aquarius† pertains to the title given to the main engineer of the aqueduct, the one who responsible for the aqueduct. An aquarius could translate to hydraulics engineer. His youth made it difficult for him to gain the respect that he deserve from his work gang. With Attilius in command, his subordinates acted and did their job underperforming, as if it was against their will. One of his subordinates heckled â€Å"boys should stick to their books† (Harris 3). But of all his subordinates, it was Corax, the overseer, who had given him a difficult time. The plot would gain momentum when Attilius received a new assignment. A stack of mystery would build up in the plot. From this point on, the novel would have a detective-story-like taste to it. Attilius reasoning and his talent in problem solving is put to the test. Then comes a mystery that would make Attilius wonder. The previous aquarius of the aqueduct (named Exominus) had mysteriously disappeared. In addition, the area, which the aqueduct is suppose to supply water, is experiencing drought. And as additional concern, fishes die because of the water. Attilius investigates the mystery of why the fishes had been dying. He soon discovers that there was sulfur on the water and the substance was killing the fishes. During this point of the text, Numerius Popidius Ampliatus, the main antagonist, enters the scene. He was a former slave who was liberated when his master died in an earthquake. Ampliatus accumulated his riches by claiming the properties of his deceased master. He seemed to got away with his mischief because no relative came to claim the properties. Actually, it was Ampliatus who was the owner of the fishery where the fishes were killed due to the sulfur contamination. He blamed the slave responsible for the fishery. It should be noted that the fishes that were killed were of the expensive kind. And in a truly villanous act, he fed his own slave to eels. He even seemed to enjoy the sight of the slave being devoured by the eels. As he himself were not born as a slave. Then Corelia tried to save the poor slave. Corelia was a charming, young, and kind woman. The irony in her character is that she is the daughter of the detestable Ampliatus. When Attilius saw Corelia, the woman immediately reminded him of his deceased wife. And from there on, their romance would bloom gradually. Readers would soon witness what Ampliatus is really planning. The villain wants to be the provider of water to Pompeii. In his evil plan, he was in connivance with Exomnius, the aquarius who disappeared. Exomnius was actually corrupt and was stealing from the imperial treasury. Amidst all of these mysteries, the receding flow of water to the Bay of Naples had entirely stopped flowing from the aqueduct. And because he was the aquarius, Attlius had to find a the source of the problem. He concluded that there must have been a blocked section of the aqueduct. Attilius would receive some help from Pliny the Elder. Pliny the Elder was the commander of the fleet that was docked in Misenum. From then on, Attilius organized an expedition to go to Pompeii with the mission of clearing of the blocked section of the aqueduct. During this part of the narrative, Pliny the Elder’s characteristics seemed to mirror that of Attilius. The former was a man of knowledge and of good leadership. The same goes for the latter, but he seemed a little bit unrefined probably because of his young age. The line â€Å"Pliny never had difficulty in issuing for it was the essence of his command† is in contrast to how Attilius was treated by his subordinates during the initial portion of the novel (173). Attilius and Pliny the Elder discovered that there were thousands of Roman coins (or sesterces) at the bottom of the aqueduct. They also realized that Exomnius was plotting to retrieve the coins for himself. Then the complications stated earlier in the novel had started to resolve themselves. Corelia brings Attilius documents that would put a stop to his father’s wrong doings. Then the highlight of the novel would be of course the eruption of Vesuvius. Pompeii and neighboring was completely ravaged. Ampliatus died because he did not want to leave his property. He was truly a greedy man until the very end. Pliny the Elder also died while helping other people to safety. Attilius went back to save Coreliia not mind the risk. The two somehow managed to locate each other. And even though they had tried, escape was seemingly impossible. Fortunately, Attilius knows the underground passageways below the aqueduct. Water was already filling in, they decided to dig even though they know they could be either drowned or buried alive. The book concluded with Attilius and Coreila managing to dig their way through the aqueduct. It was not cleared as to whether the two had survived. However, the last sentence says that there was a man and a woman who came forth the ruined aqueduct after the explosion. Conclusion The complications that Attilius had to face became microscopic when it was compared to the eruption of Vesuvius. The story is derived from one of the most famous natural calamities in history. Fortunately, the novel was far from being a disaster but rather a stunning showcase of how could nature silence us in our petty concerns. Work Cited Harris, Robert. Pompeii. NY: Random House. 2003

In the Country of Men Woman Essay

-Automatic sense of powerlessness initiated by the cultural environment of Libya’s patriarchal society in which woman are severely oppressed. Matars setting in a figurative landscape of Libya in which males obtain an overriding dominance assists in creating a world in which powerless woman is a norm. From the outset of the novel, women are portrayed as weak and incompetence demonstrated by Kareem’s descriptions of a woman’s menstrual cycle as â€Å"a curse† . This criticism from a mere child demonstrates how woman are considered below children in the society’s hierarchy. Matar emphasizes the oppression of woman through the act of Mama being immobile during sex. This heightens that lack of power possessed by woman and the ability for the outside patriarchal society to infiltrate a household and be present in even the most intimate situations. lack of respect of woman rights within the society is evident with the severe extremities associated with her arranged marriage. Locked up and sex against will, notion that father would execute ultimate power by killing her without compunction highlights how a woman is merely a chattel in the society. -Rarely called by names highlighting limiting role as bearer. I must be a good wife, loyal and unquestioning†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Puts make up on, Baba asks why no lunch yet, tells her what to pack= Men have control and ability to take action while woman are powerless relying on men for permission.. 2) However, Matar demonstrates how power is more individual than cultural with Mama’s ability to choose how she reacts to specific situations resulting in obtaining power to save Baba. Mama develops power after her intervention with Um Masoud leads to the successful saving of Baba’s life, awakening Mama to the subtle yet influential power she possesses. -Matar makes a statement that individual power is an inherent characteristic, as Mama discovers happiness throgh recognizing her own ability to wield power. This is demonstrated to the allusion of the story of â€Å"Scheherazade†. Although she condemns Scheherazade’s actions, scorning the heroine’s actions to save herself simply for life itself, Mama displays action similar to those of the novel woman. Her actions parallel those of the heroine, ultimately harnessing hidden power to outsmart and influence, saving Baba in  the process. She ultimately uses power of rationality and realism to act- pragmatic Despite the men acting in ways that are idealistic rather than realistic, Mama shows ultimate power of knowledge that in this particular society, resistance is futile and best not be engaged. Matar highlights how in order to survive; a person must acquiesce to regime. Becomes â€Å"darling of the house† and becomes a woman who is able to cope with her life in juxtaposition to at the beginning of the novel where she succumbed to the consumption of alcohol as an escape mechanism. On a deeper level, Matar invites us to view her behaivour as a response to a world full of suffering and lack of control. Therefore, her divergence from alcohol consumption supports the newfound harmony harnessed within her relationship. 3. Mama is powerful in the sense that she is able to influence thoughts within her son, ultimately controlling his departure to Egypt. -Mama’s use of storytelling of her â€Å"black day† has the ability to influence young Suleiman and implicates him in guilt and a duty of care -Results in him â€Å"dreaming of saving her†. Power over Suleiman When combined with alcohol problem, her power over him is manipulative, with Suleiman standing up to Baba stating â€Å"all you men are the same†. Uses power of persuasion to arrange Suleiman’s â€Å"safety† as he leaves for Egypt is a deceitful maneuver that echoes her own marriage. Suleiman describes her â€Å"ruthless, steely certainty that made her send me away†. Hence, IN THE DENOUEMENT OF THE NOVEL, Mama accesses her inherent power 4. Um Masoud – Matar’s juxtaposition of Mama and the other principle wife, Um Masoud, in the novel demonstrate how inequality is not shared throughout all households Um Masoud, who is married to a RC member, is seen to wield major influence over her husband. Um Masoud reminds her husband of his catechism â€Å"She is our dear neighbor† It is she who intercedes on Mama’s behalf to save Baba which is partly acknowledged by Mama who â€Å"What if they can’t or wont help us†, detailing Um Masoud’s ability to save Baba Further relishes her power-playing role to a point in which is unhealthy and warped is demonstrated by her ordering of Suleiman to take a slice of cake to the â€Å"gentlemen sitting in the car†. ordering Suleiman to act in kindness towards  a man who has been spying on his family and involved in the execution of his best friends father. Demonstrates Matar’s presentation of intricate an complex presentation of characters. Not black and white. UM MASOUD ENJOYS HER ABILITY TO WIELD POWER, BOTH POLITICALLY WITH HUSBAND AND OUT OF SHEER PERSONAL JOY. Women have inner ability to choose how they react, may not be discovered until catalytic events enhance maturity. Power is a by-product of authority demonstrated by Um Masoud whose close proximity to power is able to inflate ego.

The Emergence of a Hookup Culture in Contemporary American Culture Essay

The Emergence of a Hookup Culture in Contemporary American Culture - Essay Example One of the factors that could have contributed to the growth of the women’s liberation movement is the loss of traditional gender roles in modern American society. While previously women were confined to their homes, they were now gaining recognition in their greater roles for the development of the society, and for the first time their functions were not limited to traditional homemaker and child-rearing roles. There were more women seen in public doing things that were expected to be done by men, such as getting a college degree, working in an office, or under public service. These women were able to achieve something, which also gave them the mindset that they can do anything that a man can do, aside from the traditional gender roles that were assigned to them. Having an advanced education opened up not just the avenues for other career opportunities, but this also changed how many women view relationships, including sex. This shift from being an at-home person to being see n in public did not only give additional career choices for women, but also additional freedom in relationships, whether sexual or romantic in nature. Starting from the 1960’s when the concept of dating was starting to lose its hold on college culture, the idea that having non-committal sex with others becomes a much more lucrative choice for most people, especially women since there is no hassle of having to choose between getting tied down to a relationship or having to bear children over expanding careers (Bogle 2007: 779). This way of thinking has made most women liberal in terms of their sexual freedom, and it is assumed that the engagement to such behaviors was not only rebellious in nature, but also helped in spreading the culture of casual sexual encounters since there were many people who were much more open-minded about it (Shukusky and Wade 2012: 495). Despite the fact that there has been an increase in the number of women engaging in casual sexual encounters, ther e has been an observed trend in the slow progress of moving from

Community Work Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Community Work - Research Paper Example Although our community strives to provide diversity for all individuals in many ways Cascade Maryland lacks opportunities for ethnically diverse individuals. At my profession I often assisting in providing treatment to individuals composed of different races. Like many other individuals in our community I was born in America. My ancestors immigrated to America from Germany in 1785. According to Washington County Maryland (n.d.), our town was "a city founded by German immigrants in 1762" (pp. 2). Our community does not have a large foreign born population. Encountering individuals with accents is a rarity. From 1995-2000 the foreign born population was 0 (City-Data, n.d.). Community work manuals and texts are relevant to me as an individual. I believe these readings are meant to address people like me. I would imagine the minorities living in this community may struggle with understanding these work manuals; as they are not designed for them based upon their cultural make-up. Approximately 95% of individuals living in this community speak only English and no other languages at home (City Data, n.d.). The remaining five percent that utilize different langue at home are compiled by languages such as Spanish (.3%), European (1.9%), or Asian (2.8%). Perhaps the lack of cultural diversity can be attributed partially to the history of our state. Our state is home to many historical battle sites and monuments. Maryland being one of the thirteen original colonies formed was effected by west bound expansion during the 1800's leading many immigrants to settle in other states. Due to the geographical location of our state finding immigrants is not a common occur rence. In the past I have encountered skeptism from minorities I have treated in my profession. I remember during the O.J. Simpson murder trial talking to an African American woman about the trial. With the evidence present by the media we both agreed that we felt that he was guilty of the crime. Some time passed before the verdict in the trial was read and I thought very little about the conservation as I did not see the woman for treatment regularly. After the verdict was read the woman called my human resources department claiming that I was a racist. I do not believe my actions constituted racism as I was merely stating an opinion in the discussion we were having. The human resources department for the facility I work for did not believe this constituted racism either. However, I have learned not to discuss trials, politics, or other controversial views and/or opinions with the clients I treat out of fear for the potential negative ramifications that could occur for stating my opinion ; even when the client initially agrees with my opinion. Our community is composed equally of half women and half men. My age is slightly older than the rest of the community. Our community consists of people mainly child bearing age. My children are grown and on their own. I am the proud grandparent of seven grandchildren and a prouder great grandmother to two young children. . According toThe United States Census(2000),18.6% of the population is over the age of 55. Unlike few others in my community I am a widow. My husband died suddenly in 2007. Of the people in my community the widows 9% are widowed. Of this 9% the majority (7%) are women. I believe that the community is well represented politically

The Ethical Aspects of the Nurses Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

The Ethical Aspects of the Nurses - Case Study Example Most of the time, I enjoyed my work as a nurse, loved my job, and did not encounter any difficulties. One day, I noticed an ethical dilemma brewing. A patient had been admitted on my floor that was dying of full-blown AIDS. He was housed in one of the two isolation rooms on the floor. I noticed that none of the nurses were going in the room on a regular basis to perform the normal nursing duties they should have been doing as they were doing with the other patients on the floor. That alone would have posed enough of an ethical dilemma, but what I noticed next placed the situation in a territory nowhere near where it should have been. The other nurses were sending Certified Nursing Aids and untrained student nurses into the room with the AIDS patient. This was clearly because they did not want to risk catching the disease themselves. I can say this with confidence because they were having these CNAs and student nurses do things to the patient that they simply were not qualified to do. Examples of what these workers were being sent into the room to do were to draw blood work, give shots, and work with other hazardous bodily fluids and materials. It was clear to me that not only was this ethical dilemma forming right in front of my eyes, but it was also very likely illegal. I was at a loss regarding what I should do at the time. It felt like I would be betraying my fellow nurses by turning them in. However, I knew it was wrong to send unqualified workers into the room with the patient to perform tasks that they were not trained to do. The primary ethical reasoning used in this case was deontological ethics. According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2009, pg. 1), â€Å"The word deontology derives from the Greek words for duty (done) and science (or study) of (logos). In contemporary moral philosophy, deontology is one of those kinds of normative theories regarding which choices are morally required, forbidden, or permitted.

Response essay over 2 articles Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Response over 2 articles - Essay Example According to Hoye, â€Å"on several occasions the US supreme court has determined that state laws and practices have violated basic Americans liberties† (Maxwell et al 65). Although the law clearly stipulates different rights accorded to individuals that allow them to be off the government interference, there is a limit to it. It is the duty of the Supreme Court to interpret the law and determines the extent of violation. On several cases in Texas State, the Supreme Court was confronted with issues that would deny individuals their rights to liberty. First, in 2005, Thomas Van Orden brought a case against the state of Texas for allowing a six-foot by four-foot granite monument displaying the Ten Commandments on the grounds of a capital building. Orden felt that this is against the rights to religion given by the states by the first amendment. Despite a five against four votes, the judge ruled in favour of Texas State. The first amendment gives the right to freedom of worship a nd prohibits the government or a state from passing legislation that prefer one religion to another. This ruling means that the Supreme Court has the right to make a different interpretation from the rights given to the states. Secondly, an appealed case of Greg Johnson versus Texas State depicts how the Supreme Court can deny individuals the rights of expression. A law exists in the US that demands to honour the flag as a consecrated object. Tampering with the same means dishonour and desecration of the flag. In 1984 summer, in Dallas, Johnson who was leading other protesters burned the flag of US. The Supreme Court found him guilty of desecration of the flag and sentenced him for one year in prison with some fines. However, Texas criminal of court appeals overturned this ruling based on the first amendment that gives individuals rights to freedom of expression. Johnson’s conduct was expressive and thus protected by the first amendment and the fourteenth amendment. Again, th is depicts that Supreme Courts can make mistakes, which are subject to correction through appeals by other courts. Lastly, although Texas courts have the most appeals cases compared to other states, arguably, they rank top in the number of cases reported for capital punishments (Maxwell et al. 66). Apparently, this is fostered by poor politics in the state that undermines individualism and the rights of the citizens. The state seems to live in the old times when this was acceptable. Therefore, nobody questions the existence of Sam Houston sculpture that represents the capital regime. Additionally, privacy rights advocate for abortion of innocent children against the human rights Governor EJ Davis and His Legacy for Texas Gauging from past leaders, the type of leadership offered by various governments determines the support they get from their subjects. This paper will examine the government of E J Davis, different policies he passed to his subjects and the balance between personal l iberty and order. Many historians describe the government of Davis as the worst in Texas leadership history. Although, Davis was an honest, intelligent, and had a great vision for Texas, the type of people he chose to lead with were not equal to the task. Davis mistrusted the former Texas confederates who were bright enough to assist in his leadership. Davis used state power to enforce civil rights and political rights of former

Patient Nutrition Health Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Patient Nutrition Health Assessment - Essay Example The recommended is 1900 calories (ICMR, 1989). The protein intake is about 25 grams when she needs about 45 grams (ICMR, 1989). Total fat is about 30% (when it should be less than 20%) and mainly constituting saturated fat and dietary fibre is only about 10% (when it should be 30%). Except for some iron and calcium in the breakfast and some vitamins in the snacks, her diet is poor in vitamins and minerals. Also, there is increased consumption of non milk extrinsic sugars in the form of coke and cookies. The diet does not contain fresh fruits or vegetables or starchy staple foods. Nor does the diet contain any milk. Of course, the amount of alcohol is in moderation (consider pregnancy and lactation). Due to the excess calorie intake and predominance of saturated fats and sugary foods, Ana is at risk of chronic diseases like obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis and chronic pulmonary disease. Consumption of acidic foods and non milk extrinsic sugars (like in coke, pastries, chocolates) are cariogenic and are the beginning of periodontal diseases (Moynihan,10). Also, diet poor in minerals and vitamins can lead to multi-vitamin deficiencies, anemia and malnutrition. Improper diet can also have a psychological effect leading to depression. It is important to suggest dietary recommendation to this patient and this must be done by talking to the patient personally and in detail and not just mentioning in a single statement. The importance of good nutrition and the consequences of poor nutrition must be stressed upon. First of all, it is advisable to take food three to four times a day. The total calorie value of food should not exceed 2000 k cals. According to the National Food Guide (Moynihan,10) to an adult’s diet, bread, cereals and potatoes should comprise one third of the diet and preferably whole grains. Another