Poverty

Nicole Kraimer

Mrs. Parkinson

English III

8 April 2016

The Pathos of Poverty

Poverty. It’s a word that can begin to pull on heartstrings without any explanation, yet when dumpster diving and the reality of homelessness are brought into the picture, the empathy begins to fade and judgement can take its place.

Lars Eighner had personal experience with this life which gave him the tools to build a sense of 

empathy among people when reading his writings. Eighner shares his dream of being able to have a stable 

life one day and no longer worry about where to sleep and where to eat but he recognizes that this dream is

only  dream. “Although I hope to get off the streets so that Lizbeth can have a long and comfortable age, I 

know this hope is not very realistic” (Eighner 722). To think that basic necessities, like a place to sleep at 

night, are so farfetched and practically unattainable makes people feel sorry for the homeless. This helps 

open people’s eyes to the reality of poverty. A reality where the homeless don’t want a house for

themselves but for someone they are caring for. The young, childlike connection Eighner has to his dog 

helps people see that he is innocent. He is just a person dreaming for more.

Of Mice and Men

Nicole Kraimer

Mrs. Parkinson

English III
15 March 2016

Of Mice and Men

Segregation. What caused it? It’s apparent that segregation did not simply arise one day and it’s not the result of one effort either. Segregation is the consequence of ignorance, leading to a false sense of superiority as we fear the unknown.

When we can’t predict every little move, it scares us. Our ignorance gets in the way of us embracing other cultures. We just assume we are right and move on. Segregation was still very prominent during the Dust Bowl. In a conversation between Crooks and Lennie in Of Mice and Men, the segregation of the time is utterly apparent.  “‘...You ain’t wanted in my room. ‘Why ain’t you wanted?’ Lennie asked. ‘Cause I’m black…’” (Steinbeck 75). In this scene, Crooks recognizes that people view him differently and he experiences specific limitations because of his race.

Segregation is something that we have advanced beyond in our society, yet racial prejudice can still be found in some areas. Education is the key to move past this. Educating ourselves about other cultures, lifestyles, and ways of living. Exposure to a variety viewpoints builds empathy and compassion among people, allowing us to have a greater acceptance of all.

Harlem Renaissance Poetry

Nicole Kraimer

Mrs. Parkinson

English III

7 March 2016

The Power of Command

Langston Hughes.  An incredibly influential Harlem Renaissances poet. But why? Why did Hughes have such a big impact? The answer, commands. At a time where many creative artists turned inward and reflected their inner thoughts and emotions, Hughes looked outward and tried to catalyze change. Hughes uses tactful language to prompt change in society. Instead of allowing people to infer what’s wrong and needs to be changed, Hughes tells people using eloquent language.

Hughes’ use of tasteful diction allows him to have the power to command people to take action, yet he isn’t perceived as demanding or manipulative. In his poem, “Let America be America Again”, Hughes writes, “The land that never has been yet- and yet must be, the land where every man is free” (Hughes 56-57). Hughes purposeful word choice gives him the power to command without overstepping his boundaries and repelling people.