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Book Reviews Essay1. To what does the title of the intelligence refer? Having a detai take and intimately-constructed setting in Packingtown, Chicago, Upton Sinclairs The hobo camp sight easily be mis draw attainn as a tommyrot that has its central on the setting. Therefore, it is scarce natural to point bulge go forth that the title is referring to Packingtown itself. Reading thoroughly into the moderate, though, peerless is led to realize that the jungle actually refers to more or less social function larger than precisely the city where the tommyrot happens.Aside from a vivid description of the setting, which commodiously resembles the darkness and gloominess of the jungle, a rakeer has to none what the characters in the story confine to go through. The newfangled depicts scenes where characters do everything in their effect to survive the cut-throat environment in which they live in. These scenes point to what the title actually refers to the concept of su rvival of the obli issue forthest. very such(prenominal) as the virtually cunning animals in the jungle are those who survive, The Jungle reflects that those who are devious eclipse supreme.2. What is the main point(s) of the agree? wherefore did the author salve it? Did the author achieve his objective? Upton Sinclair wanted to uncover the evils of the meat-packing industry during his while. But more than erect wanting to abolish the barbarity of the meat industry, Upton Sinclair wanted to take a jab at the evils of capitalism and the meat industry was tho a start for him. be a socialist, the author wanted to show how capitalism is detrimental to the distressing as it only moulds the abstruse richer.though Sinclair was non marrowly successful in abandoning capitalism, he was, at the very least, successful in urging the government to take a look at the meat-packing industry and take steps in bettering the said industry. To date, The Jungle remains one of the clo sely influential volumes in the Statesn chronicle. 3. When was the harbour indite? Is that relevant in this effect? The novel was written in 1906, which holds significance as to wherefore the story was written. The setting depicted in the novel is one that Upton Sinclair has experienced, urging him to hold open the arrest.4. What do you know astir(predicate) the life of the author that would get led him to write The Jungle? Upton Sinclair was born(p) to a family who once enjoyed puritanic status still was thrown into the binge of poverty towards the end of the 1870s. Growing up in a poor environment and hearing stories of the rich lifestyle from his once wealthy grandparents had its mark on spring chicken Sinclair. This contrast between the rich and the poor greatly affected his writings.Aside from this, though, something that led him to write The Jungle was the introduction to the socialist philosophy during his college years. Not only did the philosophy in facilitat e the principles that were apparent in The Jungle, it literally pushed Upton Sinclair into the industry he represented in the novel. Being an avid fan of socialism, the author became a writer for a socialist paper that sent him to investigate the lives of stockyard workers those working in the meatpacking industry included. 5.How well does The Jungle reflect political, urban, credit line and immigrant life in the States in the early twentieth vitamin C? Do you deem it is an accurate reflection? Why or why not? Upton Sinclair is often criticized for his style to exaggerate hence, it can be assumed that his portrayal of what was happening in the meat-packing industry is sort of larger-than-life. anticipate that this is true, one can still not deny that The Jungle still is a reflection of the political, urban, business and immigrant life in the States during the early twentieth century.Despite whatever embellishments were written in The Jungle, Upton Sinclair still truthfully rev ealed the atrocities regarding the capitalist society how the immigrants consume to fight for their lives in order to ensure survival in the city and how the authorities turn a blind eye to industries that have the capacity to pay. 6. What were the problems immigrants face at the turn of the twentieth century? Are those problems still evident? How or how not is that the case? That is, what has changed or not changed in the last hundred years for immigrants?The face of immigration in the join States has changed several times in the past decade. Towards the end of the 19th and during the earlier parts of the 20th centuries, immigrants go more or less numerous kinds of discrimilanded e earth. Coming to the States under circumstances where the expanse was riddled with poverty, crime, and disease, the immigrants in this layover were feared and ridiculed. They were controln by the majority as the source of everything bad in American society during that period. Also, the growing n umber of immigrants has led the U. S. government to take some steps to curb the entrance of more people into U.S. shores. Positive changes have occurred for immigrants as well. The quotas were eventually removed, welcoming more immigrants to fulfill their American dream. Also, the concept of white ethnicity shifted from scientific deduction to common knowledge making race dependent on social boundaries rather than scientific definitions. 8. What did you alike(p) most and least astir(predicate) the hold? I could have done with prohibited the overly vivid depictions of the meat-packing industry, though I also have to admit that it was those depictions that made the novel deliver an effective message.The circumstance that the book spoke truthfully of the anomalies in the food industry and urged changes that up to now I am benefitting from is what I loved most almost it. Rarely do we come across a literary humanity that affects lives as much. 9. What was the most heavy and/or interesting thing(s) you knowing from reading material the book? The most important thing I learned from the book is the beauty of socialism and an appreciation for the kind of capitalism that America has at the moment. I also found it interesting how a literary fiction greatly affected one aspect of corruption in the country.10. Are there every other comments you would like to restrain that were not addressed above? Whether or not socialism would have been a better formation for the United States is something that we all have to just imagine. I guess despite the evils that capitalism may present, one cannot deny that capitalism is not such(prenominal) a bad thing, considering how much growth it has brought to this country. We all just have to be wary of possible corruptions and act upon these when spotted. QUESTIONS FOR GRAPES OF WRATH 1. Who was John Steinbeck?Why did he write his book? What was there in the authors background or the time period of the books writing that migh t have led him to write the book? Living in atomic number 20 most of his life (with just a brief stay in New York), John Steinbeck has been unfastened to the events that went down in calciumn history. Grapes of pettishness was a direct result of the happenings that transpired in America during the 1930s. With the gigantic Depression dawning over the Dust Bowl states of Oklahoma and Texas, m any(prenominal) of the farmers migrated to California.Steinbeck was a witness as to how California became crowded, making job and food scarce for the migrant farmers who became known as Okies. 3. What is the time period of the books action? The books action occurs in the main in the 1930s broadly speaking 1930s when the migration of the Okies to California and when the discrimination occurred. 4. What were the attractions of California? Are there any parallels today? California was seen as the salvation of the Okies farmers. It was a landed estate that promised fertile lands which equated to jobs.though California is no longer the agricultural land that it once was, it still is a refuge for people who want to get genuine employment. Instead of lands to till, California offers movie studios that equate to jobs for aspiring actors and actresses. 5. What was the opposition to the Okies? Was any of it valid? The local Californians were greatly opposed to the Okies because they apothegm the migrants as threats wanting to take over the land as they once had over the Mexicans. Though total land domination was not what the Okies intended, 6. When was the book written? Why is that relevant?First published in 1939, Grapes of resentment was penned in 1938. The time period is relevant as it tells a lot as to why Steinbeck chose the subject matter for the novel. 7. To what does the title of the book refer? Grapes of Wrath refers to the fruits of wrath. John Steinbeck wants to communicate the good thing somewhat maintaining a sense of anger towards people who intend to clip y our wings or who hear to trample your dignity. Theres this line in the novel that clearly depicts this as long as fear turn to wrath when fear turns to wrath, self-respect is maintained. 9.How well did the book expose what some would look to the social ills of the nation? Many have criticized the book to be unstainedly a sentiment rather than a true exposure of the social ills of America during the time of its publication. However, its continuing popularity to date not just with casual readers but with students as well reflects just how effective Steinbeck was in exposing the ills of society. Even though the story was something central to the setting, the morals and themes exposed still rings true at present times, making Grapes of Wrath a truly classic story. 10.Do you compute the book is an accurate reflection of America at that time? Why or why not? I guess even with the contention from some Americans, Grapes of Wrath is an accurate reflection of 1930s America. With the Gr eat Depression dawning over America, one cannot consign the people for beingness selfish and doubtful of other people. And though Steinbecks novel is considered fiction, the stories depicted in it are those that have been painted in history books as well. 11. What have been some of the racial criticisms of Steinbeck? Why? In this novel, John Steinbeck focuses on white racism.He mostly deals with a rich white to poor white discrimination. He wanted to paint the discrepancy between the rich and poor at that time. Though he also touched on discrimination of the black Americans in Chapter 19, Why, Jesus, theyre as dangerous as niggers in the southwest If they ever get together there aint nothin thatll stop em. Steinbeck wanted to reiterate the circumstance that racism exists and that it is still an issue Americans have to address. 12. What does the book say about the state of socialism or communism in America at that time? What are the authors superlative criticisms of capitalism?A re they valid? Explain. John Steinbeck envisioned America in a state of unrestricted capitalism. His superlative critique of this kind of philosophy is that the haves continually drive the have nots into extreme poverty. Because of inconsideration and a relish to constantly acquire more wealth, the landowners and bank people deprive the small landowners and share-croppers of the basic call for of survival, such as the case with oranges being spilled with kerosene. Basing on accounts of the Great Depression, one can say that Steinbeck did paint a realistic picture.Given that, one can say that his criticisms are valid in that they needed wariness from the people and action towards change. 13. If the authors points are valid regarding problems depicted in the book, then why werent there more violent uprisings? Violent uprisings were not possible given the fact that most of the poor people have survival as their primary concern. With families starving, small landowners and share-cr oppers worry more about where their next meal volition come from rather than how they can better their lives through insurgency. 14. Do you think Steinbeck supported or rejected the New slew? Explain.Explain what the book has to say about the make of technology, both negative and positive. Though the ending of Grapes of Wrath shadows Steinbecks picture that communism may be a better way of living (the breastfeeding scene tells that sharing of resources is a better option as compared to capitalism), I think Steinbeck may have accepted the New Deal in that it aimed to put a control over capitalism. 15. How did the philosophy of Jim Casey, who some critics say embodied the ideas of Steinbeck more than any other character, fit the philosophy of the New Deal? Jim Casey was the voice of reason in Grapes of Wrath.His philosophy meshes well with the New Deal as it speaks of how Steinbeck wanted structure in the capitalism ruling over America. New Deal streamlines programs that entrust attempt at balancing the scale that at that time favors the rich and tip it to favor the oppressed. 16. What did you like most and least about the book? Steinbecks novel had too many characters that one inevitably to keep track of. However, his point of view and manner of narration was effective, making one crave for the pages to come. 17. What was the most important and/or interesting thing(s) you learned from reading the book?Much like Upton Sinclairs The Jungle, The Grapes of Wrath makes one see into commercialism as not entirely the evil that everyone may lead to see. fitting control of the businesses and forgetingness in everyone to help each other out is just what we need to make capitalism work and to have it fair for all involved. 18. Why did some Americans not like the book? Some, if not most, Californians and Oklahomans at the time of publication did not appreciate Grapes of Wrath because of the thinking that they were poorly if not incorrectly represented in the nov el.They argue that the books depiction of the events were not true to life. 20. Are there any points you would have care to see developed more in the book? I would have liked to see more of what kind of steps Steinbeck wanted America to partake. It would have been a more effective read had there been more suggestions as to what the citizens or government needed to do to alleviate poverty. 21. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? I would certainly recommend this book to others because I enjoyed reading it. It gave me a look into American history that I never would want to be repeated in present times.Given this, it made me realize what I need to do to prevent history from repetition itself. 22. Are there any other points you would like to make that were not addressed above? I guess all points have been discussed in the above questions. QUESTIONS FOR IN RETROSPECT, The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam 1. Who was Robert McNamara? Why did he write his book? Robert Mc Namara was the United States 8th Secretary of Defense. The book IN RETROSPECT The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam was born out of his experiences as the Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War. 2.What are topics covered in the book? What is the books time period? Why? After a brief autobiography of his life up to the point when he was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara went on to discuss everything he knew about the Vietnam War. In each chapter, he outlined how America came to a point of deep involvement with southwestern Vietnams fight against succumbing to communism. He detailed JFKs decisions and on to President Lyndon B. Johnsons plans on Vietnam. Since this is mostly about the Vietnam War, the book covers the 1960s. 3.What were the arguments for staying in Vietnam during the 1950s and 60s? JFKs reason for involvement in Vietnam is containment, suppressing communism and ensuring American influence in Asia. When JFK started to with draw U. S. troops in Vietnam, he was shortly assassinated. When LBJ took over, U. S. troops were still highly visible in Vietnam. On top of pressure for more military support, LBJs reason was that he wanted to retaliate for attacks on the American presence in Vietnam. 4. What does McNamara say are the false assumptions the U. S. had about the Vietnam War in the early and mid 1960s?Being a strong to reckon with, America has falsely assumed that it can single-handedly prevent communism and help South Vietnam fight off the force of the North. What America failed to see was that it needed the support of other nations regarding the causes being fought in the Vietnam War. Also, America idea South Vietnam needed Americans to fight their war when in fact all they would have needed was mere aid. 5. Why did the U. S. escalate the war in the mid 1960s? The attacks on the U. S. troops at the Tonkin disjuncture led to the escalation of the war in 1965.6. What does McNamara say were some of t he basic questions we failed to ask and answer before committing U. S. forces in Vietnam? McNamara listed the following basic questions that we failed to ask ourselves before involving ourselves deeper into the Vietnam War (a) Was it true that the dip of South Vietnam would trigger the fall of all Southeast Asia? (b) Would that constitute a grave threat to the Wests security? (c) What kind of war formulaic or guerrilla might develop? (d) Could we win it with US troops fighting alongside the South Vietnamese?And (d) Should we not know the answers to these questions before deciding whether to commit troops? 7. Why does McNamara feel that a greater U. S. military effort in Vietnam would have been disastrous? McNamara felt that escalating war in Vietnam will have its grave effects mostly because the effort will not be something that the Congress has agree upon, leading to unrest from the American people. Also, the fact that America has failed to answer the five basic questions prove that America really is yet unready to take things a step further in Vietnam. 8.Are there any lessons from the Vietnam War that might have significance for Americas current policy in Iraq? Though unified agreement on a looming war is impossible, America should have learned from Vietnam the lesson that the nation needs to be unified in the causes of a war. Also, America should wholly ready in facing any impending war instead of making head-on collisions without any preparations. 10. What is the most important thing you learned from the book? The book taught me about a period in my countrys time that I was not able to bear witness to.It made me understand as to why Americans had the sentiments about Vietnam and why the same sentiments are being applied to Iraq. 11. Did you like the book? Why or why not? Though the book was a historical account rather than a fictional stab at past events like the books above, I did enjoy reading it. It also made me look into events that have unfolded a s of late. 12. What sources did the author use to make his points? McNamara pointed to his own experiences to drive his point. 13. Does the author achieve what he set out to do?I think Robert McNamara was fairly effective in opening the eyes of the nation to the truths about the Vietnam War. The objective was achieved because for the first time, Americans were able to get a perspective from an insider. It was a relief to actually get an admission of the mistakes of the Vietnam War straight from the author of the Vietnam War himself. 14. Are there any points you would have liked to see developed in the book more? I guess the book pretty much covered all bases, especially since we were getting an insiders perspective. 15.What have you learned from reading this book? I have learned that by looking deep into the inner workings of the Vietnam War will prevent America from making the same mistakes over again. Also, I learned that a deliberation of the nations actions will yield better res ults than making hurried decisions. 16. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? To any American who cares to have a glimpse of one of the most eventful periods of America, I will recommend this book because this is a really good insight to the Vietnam War. Also a lot of lessons can be learned from it. 17.Are there any other comments you would like to make that were not addressed above? None, everything has been said above. QUESTIONS FOR THE KITE RUNNER 1. What is the time frame and location of the book? Kite Runner takes us to Afghanistan during the last days of monarchy (1973) into recent times. We also get glimpses of America but the story mostly occurs in Afghanistan. 2. What did you learn about the history of Afghanistan from reading the book? Afghanistans history is very much described by socioeconomic class, with the lower classes having little to almost no anticipate of moving up the ladder.Discrimination was central to the poor and this discrimination led to uprisings and upheaval of monarchy. I have also learned how the history of Afghanistan was riddled with a lot of turmoil such as civil war and the Soviet invasion. I also got a glimpse of how the Talibans started to try and take control. 3. What did you learn about the Cold War? The Cold War left Afghan in a more steamed state, having been in the center of two superpowers desire to take over. Having acquired help from Soviet Union, Afghanistan became sort of a send for the U.S. , who saw an opportunity to bring down the communist country. 4. What did you learn about the immigrant experience from reading the book? Did it support or change your views about immigrants? The book supported my view about immigrants. Immigrants are not entirely a trouble to a country, as one may have been led to believe by previous media works. Immigrants, who have as much difficulty leaving their homelands as settling in a new place, can actually contribute something good to the country. ameer, in one hand, lived in America righteously. 5.What part of the book was the most memorable or meaningful to you? For me, the part where Amir tells Sohrab about his bugger off Hassan is the most memorable part of the book. Not only was it emotionally-laden but any child who has had a good relationship with his/her father can relate to it. It proves that bonds within families are the most important of all. 6. Farid (Amirs driver) tells Amir that Amir has always been a tourist in Afghanistan he just didnt know it (page 323). Do you agree or not? Why? Do you think its true for you in your country? I do agree with what Farid told Amir.Amirs story is not a story that tells what a normal Afghan will go through during the time of the storys writing. Amir was born of money, something that only a few Afghans have the privilege of having. I dont think I am like Amir though, because my lifestyle and family stature are what one can describe as being in the middle spectrum of American society. 7. W hat did you learn about Afghanistan and the Middle East from reading this novel? I learned that the turbulences that we hear in the news of Afghanistan and the Middle East are something that has deep grow in the nations histories. 9.Were you surprised to read about the racial tension between the Pashtuns and Hazaras? Why do you think the oppression existed? Does it have parallels in America? I guess I can say that I was surprised to read about the racial tension between Pashtuns and Hazaras. I think the oppression came from the fact that the majority group (Pashtuns) wanted to eliminate the minority (Hazaras). This was mainly because they had different beliefs and they wanted one belief to reign supreme. Though in present-day America, this kind of oppression no longer exists, one can recall the kind of racial tension during the American Civil War.10. Did the end of the book express intrust for the future? Why or why not? The ending, for me, presented a lot of hope as I think Sohra bs little smile is a step towards achieving better things not only for Sohrab himself but for Afghanistan and the Afghanis. Amir allowing a link of the past and the present and a reversal of roles symbolizes the fact that if one is spontaneous to give way, things will eventually be better. 11. How did the book get its title? Who was the kite runner? The headmaster kite runner was Hassan.The act of flying a kite expresses controlled freedom as flight is controlled by that string that binds it. 12. What did you like most and least about the book? The book was generally a regretful one, painting stories that are almost heart-wrenching. But since it was a book that presents hope and is a book that has great potential to move people into action, I loved reading it. 13. Why did Baba like Ronald Reagan? Why do you think the neighbors disliked the chairman? Known for his acceptance of immigration, it was but natural that Baba liked Ronald Reagan.The neighbors, though, disliked the presi dent because he was known to have passed policies that sank America into greater poverty. Babas neighbors blamed the president for the oppressed state they were in. 14. Who are the Taliban and how are they portrayed in the book? Do you think the portrayal is accurate? The Talibans were portrayed as the bad people, being shown to do random killings and unjust executions. If one is to believe the things being aired in the news, one can say that the portrayal was accurate. Given that the story was written by an Afghan, one may also assume that the portrayal can only ring the truth.15. The book duologue a lot about courage. Cite some examples of how courage was displayed. Who do you think was the most doughty character? I think the most courageous character was Hassan. His acts of covering up for Amir and stand up against the Talibans are prime examples of courage. 16. With which character did you feel the greatest attachment? Why? I had the greatest attachment to Hassan. He was a re al friend and a real admirable character, making him individual that people easily want to know. Please let me know if you have any further question.