AKE 455 Exam #1 Review Sheet

I will select six essays. You will answer two (50 points each) in two hours.

Do not repeat yourself in your answers!

1. Physical illness, mental health issues, disability, and substance abuse/addiction are reoccurring motifs in Southern Gothic literature. Elaborate on this statement using William Faulkner’s “The Brooch,” one work by Flannery O’Connor, and one work by Carson McCullers.

2. Foreshadowing is a literary device used by Southern Gothic authors to create suspense and heighten the grotesque. Discuss this statement using Carson McCullers’s “The Haunted Boy,” one work by William Faulkner, and one work by Flannery O’Connor.

3. Analyze how William Faulkner’s “Dry September,” Carson McCullers’s The Ballad of the Sad Café, and one work by Flannery O’Connor use the setting of the Deep South (i.e., geographical location, time period, weather, and climate) to reinforce the grotesque.

4. Explain how the character flaws of prejudice (e.g., sexism, misogyny, racism, classism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and xenophobia) and hubris shape the plots of Southern Gothic fiction by William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor, and Carson McCullers. Use one work by each author.

5. A devout Catholic, Flannery O’Connor routinely conveys the Biblical motifs of “good versus evil” and “Atheist versus Christian” in her literary works. Discuss how the two O’Connor stories we read use these motifs to highlight the differences between the Old South and the New South, and to illustrate the grotesque character flaws inherent in members of both groups.

6. How are the young protagonists in McCullers’ “The Haunted Boy,” “A Tree, A Rock, A Cloud,” and The Member of the Wedding forced by their surroundings to mature in abrupt and often disturbing ways?

7. Describe how the characters in Reflections in a Golden Eye search for love only to find disappointment and despair. Discuss the love triangles in this work, as well as the sexual expression and repression of the characters. How does the conservative, oppressive, and hypocritical society of the South punish LGBTQ+ identities and non-heteronormative forms of love?

"Abortion: Is a Woman a Person" by Ellen Willis delves into the controversy surrounding abortion in the United States. The essay explores the perspectives of both pro-life and pro-choice arguments, shedding light on why the issue remains highly contentious.

The pro-life argument, as presented in Willis' essay, centers on the belief that a fetus is a person with a right to life. Pro-life advocates contend that life begins at conception, and terminating a pregnancy is equivalent to taking an innocent human life. They emphasize the moral and ethical implications of abortion, viewing it as morally wrong and a violation of the sanctity of life. Pro-life supporters often advocate for legal restrictions on abortion and prioritize the protection of the unborn.

On the other hand, the pro-choice argument, also discussed in Willis' essay, advocates for a woman's autonomy and right to make decisions about her own body. Pro-choice supporters argue that a woman has the right to control her reproductive choices, including the decision to terminate a pregnancy. They emphasize the importance of reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and the right to privacy. Pro-choice advocates believe that access to safe and legal abortions is crucial for women's health, well-being, and equality.

The controversy arises from the clash of these opposing viewpoints. The pro-life argument is rooted in the belief that an unborn fetus should be protected and afforded the same rights as any other human being. It draws upon moral, religious, and philosophical beliefs regarding the value of life and the sanctity of human existence.

In contrast, the pro-choice argument focuses on the woman's right to make decisions regarding her own body and reproductive health. It highlights the importance of considering the woman's circumstances, well-being, and the complexities of pregnancy. Pro-choice advocates argue that limiting access to abortion infringes upon women's rights, disproportionately affects marginalized communities, and can lead to unsafe and illegal procedures.

The controversy surrounding abortion in the United States stems from these deeply held beliefs and conflicting values. Perspectives on personhood, the moral status of the fetus, and the balance between individual rights and societal concerns contribute to the ongoing debate. The complexity of the issue is further heightened by legal, political, social, and cultural factors, making it a deeply divisive topic in American society.

1. How do the Iroquois Creation Story and the Pima Stories of the Beginning of the World differ in their explanations of how the world was created?

2. In "The Story of the Creation," what role does the Great Spirit play in the creation of the world and its inhabitants?

3. How do the Iroquois Creation Story and "The Origin of Folk Stories" explore the concept of storytelling as a means of passing down cultural traditions and values?

4. Compare and contrast the themes of nature and the natural world in the Iroquois Creation Story and the Pima Stories of the Beginning of the World.

5. How do the Iroquois Creation Story and "The Origin of Folk Stories" reflect the cultural beliefs and values of their respective Native American tribes?

6. Discuss the significance of animals and their roles in the creation stories of the Iroquois and Pima tribes.

7. How do the Iroquois Creation Story and "The Story of the Creation" address the relationship between humans and the natural world?

8. Analyze the role of women in the Iroquois Creation Story and the Pima Stories of the Beginning of the World. How are they portrayed and what significance do they hold in the creation narratives?

9. Compare and contrast the narrative structures and storytelling techniques used in the Iroquois Creation Story and "The Origin of Folk Stories."

10. How do the Iroquois Creation Story, Pima Stories of the Beginning of the World, "The Story of the Creation," and "The Origin of Folk Stories" contribute to our understanding of Native American oral traditions and their importance in preserving cultural heritage?

1. How do the Iroquois Creation Story and the Pima Stories of the Beginning of the World differ in their portrayal of the origins of the world?

2. How do the creation stories of the Iroquois and Pima tribes reflect their respective cultural values and beliefs?

3. In what ways do "The Story of the Creation" and "The Origin of Folk Stories" contribute to the understanding of Native American oral traditions?

4. How do the Iroquois Creation Story and the Pima Stories of the Beginning of the World address the relationship between humans and nature?

5. How do the Iroquois Creation Story and the Pima Stories of the Beginning of the World explain the origins of natural phenomena, such as the sun, moon, and stars?

6. How do "The Story of the Creation" and "The Origin of Folk Stories" contribute to the understanding of the diversity and richness of Native American storytelling traditions?

7. How do the Iroquois Creation Story and the Pima Stories of the Beginning of the World convey the spiritual beliefs and values of their respective tribes?

8. How do "The Story of the Creation" and "The Origin of Folk Stories" explore the role of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and identity?

9. How do the Iroquois Creation Story and the Pima Stories of the Beginning of the World challenge traditional Western notions of creation and origin?

10. How have the Iroquois Creation Story, Pima Stories of the Beginning of the World, "The Story of the Creation," and "The Origin of Folk Stories" contributed to the broader understanding and appreciation of Native American literature and oral traditions?

The letter that Nora gets from Krogstad reflects the couple's private and kept information. It offers proof of the debt and fraud of Nora, both of which she did to preserve the life of Torvald. The letter's guarded and secret character represents the imprisonment and repression of the reality, along with repercussions of its revelation. The letter, in contrast to the tarantella, which signifies liberty and independence, represents captivity and the maintenance of deceit. The letter's purpose is to keep the facts hidden. It demonstrates how hidden information and deception can very well destroy credibility while creating a false sense of bliss. The letter further symbolizes the structure of the marriage of Torvald and Nora. Her choice of keeping the facts from her husband and to keep the letter buried demonstrates her inferior status in their marriage. Nora worries that disclosing the facts will jeopardize their relationship. The letter therefore represents her impotence and the constraints enforced on her. Additionally, the letter casts doubt on the play's notions of integrity and sincerity. It presents important issues regarding the essence of interaction and the ramifications of suppressing facts. It calls into question the concept that the ideal approach is to be truthful, asking people to explore the intricacies and repercussions of sharing or hiding truth. To sum up, the letter in the play contrasts with the tarantella. The tarantella refers to freedom and autonomy, whereas the letter depicts hidden facts and deceit. It challenges the notions of interaction and integrity, as well as cultural standards. The conflicting symbolism illustrate the intricacies and ambiguities of the characters and improve our knowledge of the subjects discussed in "A Doll's House."

Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House" tackles topics of stereotypes regarding gender and cultural norms. Nora Helmer, a presumably joyful wife of Torvald, eventually recognizes the unpleasant state of her relationship. Nora takes an important step that opposes established standards and pursues her independence. She objects to the norms of society and the responsibilities that have been allocated to her, preferring to focus on herself and what she wants to do. Nora leaves her home at the end of the play, signifying her escape from the oppressive place. In the theatrical work by Henrik Ibsen, I want to highlight an important symbol which is the tarantella dance. It represents the notion of independence and liberty, and questions conventional rules and stereotypes regarding gender. The tarantella dance, which Nora performs at a key point, expresses her determination for freedom. The dance is full of energy and passion, indicating Nora's strong soul that had long been hidden because she's been taught to be a obedient traditional wife. Nora dances the tarantella and feels free to be herself for a short period of time, not caring about what others expect of her. The tarantella dance in the play is especially noteworthy since it breaks the rules of what women were supposed to do during the 1800s. The performance by Nora challenges stereotypes about women as quiet and obedient, criticizing the established standards for them. The dance goes against what her husband named Torvald and people expect, and is a way of rebelling. In addition, The tarantella dance also represents Nora's enlightenment, coming to terms with her value as a person and the repressive character of the marriage in which she feels trapped. She is more and more conscious as she performs that she has been pretending to fit in with society and had to give up things to do so. Nora learns a lot about herself while dancing and feels more powerful. She realizes that she needs to stop living a life where she just follows others and starts making her own choices. Moreover, it embodies the concept of how things seem versus how they really are. Nora's dance at first glance may appear to be a straightforward, impromptu performance, but it actually has a more profound significance. It reveals the phoniness of the marriage of Nora and also calls into question the concept that things are what they seem. It portrays the couple's underlying wishes and conflicts that is underneath the manufactured exterior. The tarantella dance's ambiguity in the play encourages examination of cultural statndarts. It makes us think about the restrictions that conventional gender norms place on people and the negative effects of adhering to them. It encourages us to reflect on how we live and the various manners in which we could be repressing our actual identity in order to satisfy the expectations of people. It signifies the opportunity for growth as individuals and a state of freedom.  The letter, however, serves as a different kind of symbol in "A Doll's House" from the tarantella dance. It challenges the concept of interaction and trust in the play and refers to the topics of hidden truth and lies.

One of Hsu's most recognizable characters is "Blacky," a cute, black cat with large, expressive eyes. Blacky has become a central figure in Hsu's work, often appearing in various scenarios and narratives. Hsu's art often explores themes of love, friendship, and the importance of embracing one's inner child.

The potential influence of artificial intelligence on individuals has caused unease for South Korean thinker Byung-Chul Han. According to Han, the digital advancements that have led to fast-paced lifestyles have resulted in an "exhaustion society.'' Han criticizes the negative impact of AI and associated software such as GPT on creative expression and individuality. He argues that AI's algorithmic character has the ability to only copy patterns that already existed, thus restricting uniqueness. Han is worried that the integration of AI could lead to a manufactured reality. Yuval Noah Harari, a writer and historian from Israel, has a more complex perspective regarding artificial intelligence (AI). Although he recognizes the possible advantages brought by these advancements, he highlights the importance of thoroughly assessing their effects. Harari emphasizes the opportunity presented by AI and programs similar to GPT to amplify human abilities. He argues that artificial intelligence has the ability to examine on information, recognize trends. Nevertheless, Harari issues a warning regarding the safeguarding of personal information, monitoring activities, and the possibility of tyrannical governments or businesses exploiting it. Harari recognizes the benefits of immediate availability and worldwide dissemination of data through AI. Despite this, He acknowledges that the constant flow of data and abundance of misinformation can undermine public opinion and trust in institutions.In general, Han and Harari are of the opinion of the potential advantages and drawbacks that artifical intelligence can offer. Over the past decade, there have been notable developments in our daily lives due to the rise of technology and the digital age. There has been important changes in the way we interact and obtain knowledge. Nonetheless, this technology era has presented obstacles as well. Social media has faced criticisms for its participation in disseminating false information, creating societal divisions and creating space for online bullying. With the increase of information gathering and utilization by diverse institutions, worries about privacy have become more pronounced.The developments also have sparked concerns about the potential loss of employment opportunities. Turkey has incorporated AI technology in many fields. Below are a couple of instances: AI is being employed by medical facilities and hospitals to elevate the level of patient care in Turkey. One example of AI application is the use of algorithms for timely identification and assessment of illnesses like cancer. AI-driven medical imaging analysis tools are being developed by Turkish scientists and startups with the aim of supporting radiologists. Thus, they will be able to detect and diagnose with greater precision and speed. Turkish presidential candidate Sinan Ogan has said he will use AI in certain trials if he becomes president. Talking about it in an interview, he said ''To lighten the burden on the judiciary, we want to solve certain simple types of cases, such as traffic fines, through artificial intelligence without involving subjective judgment.'' Turkey's transportation industry is currently examining the use of AI technology in order to improve safety measures and effectiveness. An example of this is the employment of an AI-powered traffic control system by Istanbul's city council, which enhances the movement of vehicles throughout the urban area. Turkey is currently engaged in the exploration and experimentation of technologies, including vehicles that self-drives. The provided instances showcase the diversified employment of AI in Turkey across different domains. With the increasing progress of AI, it is anticipated that Turkey's technological sector will experience a surge in innovation as the scope of AI applications broadens.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's book "The Scarlet Letter" delves into profound aspects of human existence and tackles concepts including guilt and sin. The narrative takes place in Puritan New England during the 1600s, and centers on Hester Prynne as the lead character. She faces public ridicule and displays a scarlet letter "A" on her attire, signifying her affair. The book explores the aftermath of her deeds, along with the mental challenges that the characters encounter.

A key subject presented in "The Scarlet Letter" is the notion of wrongdoing and its effects on humans. In the Puritan society, Hester's act of adultery is viewed as a serious offense, and the scarlet letter serves as a prominent symbol of her behaviour. In the course of the novel, Hawthorne employs the scarlet letter as a strong sign that depicts Hester's act of adultery. It also portrays the repressive and critical character of the public. The Scarlet Letter's presence creates a rift between Hester and the community for reminding them of her transgression.

The novel delves into the theme of guilt. Hester is burdened by the responsibility of her wrongdoing and feels bad for her behaviour. Hawthorne effectively portrays the emotional burden that guilt inflicts on Hester's persona, as she grapples with both her own inner sense and the prejudices of society. Hester's sense of wrongdoing has an impact on her relations, notably with her child Pearl, and shifts her path towards making amends and embracing herself.

In addition, "The Scarlet Letter" explores the intricate nature of moral principles and the double standard prevalent in the Puritan community. Although Hester is shamed for her behaviour, individuals including the highly respected Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, have their own sins and faults in disguise. The conflict that Dimmesdale experiences within himself due to the guilt he carries and the image he upholds as an highly regarded religious leader prompts reflection on the genuine essence of ethics and the repercussions of leading a deceitful life. Hawthorne's criticism of the Puritan society highlights its inflexible moral code and tendency to judge others. He suggests that genuine morality requires the ability for empathy and to comprehend others.

The book also delves into the subjects of discovering oneself and forming one's identity. Hawthorne explores the concept of self-evaluation and individual development by delving into Hester's character. Hester undergoes a remarkable transformation from being a disgraced figure to becoming a determined and self-reliant individual who discovers her inner self amid hardships. The scarlett letter serves as a sign of her capability to surpass conventional norms and establish her individuality.

The author's literary approach in "The Scarlet Letter" is identifided by allegorical elements, intricate symbols, and profound mental insight. By utilizing complex depictions and references, a striking and suggestive ambiance is established, completely drawing us into the oppressive Puritan community. Even today, "The Scarlet Letter" is extensively scrutinized and researched due to its analysis of universal topics and of people. The author'S skillful narrative technique and deep understanding of human nature elevate "The Scarlet Letter" as a major contribution to American literary, continuing to inspire readers of all ages.

According to Sherry E. Adams' article ''Man's Relationship to Nature and Society in Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter'', One of the major themes of Nathaniel Hawthorne's book "The Scarlet Letter" concerns the intricate nature of human experience, with a focus on the interplay between people and their surroundings, both natural and social. The novel delves into the tensions that arise between personal space and the expectations placed upon us by the larger community. The book delves into the ways in which people in Puritan New England during the 17th century reconcile their relationship with the environment and fit into a critical social structure. "The Scarlet Letter" delves into the contradictions that surface when personal aspirations collide with norms. Hawthorne illustrates how nature can provide a sanctuary and serve as a representation of liberation, while society is depicted as an oppressive and critical power. The novel explores the conflicts, and results that come from the intricate balance between the dual worlds through figures such as Arthur Dimmesdale, Pearl, and Hester.

Slaughterhouse Cases/US v. Cruikshank

Dorothea Dix/Clara Barton: Dorothea Dix, who was born in 1802 in Maine, was an American activist who dedicated her time trying to enhance the care and support provided to individuals with mental health issues. She stood up for the improvement of services for people that dealt with mental illness, resulting in the establishment of various institutions throughout the country. She also held the position of Superintendent of Army Nurses for the Union. Born in 1821 in Massachusetts, Clara Barton gained worldwide recognition for establishing the American Red Cross. In the course of the Civil War, she offered service as a nurse for the soldiers. She ultimately established the American Red Cross, an institution with a focus on offering crucial aid across the US. Both of them were important figures who changed the healthcare industry and the way we help those in need. KKK: The Ku Klux Klan, also known as the KKK, is a group that champions white supremacy and has an extensive track record of advocating for dicrimination and aggression towards marginalized communities and individuals of different ethnicities within the US. The Klan emerged as a group in 1865, Tennessee and they aimed to uphold its white supremacist motives using harassment and brutality. The group has experienced numerous resurgences yet it has never fully ceased to exist. Despite efforts to completely eradicate it, the group and its principles are still very much alive today, often associated with incidents of hate-driven violence in the country. Emancipation Proclamation: On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order known as the Emancipation Proclamation in the midst of the Civil War. It announced the emancipation of all slaves in the Confederate states, signaling a big change in the Union's aims. Previously, they were only fighting to maintain the Union but with this order, combating slavery was an addition to their goals. The Emancipation Proclamation, however, didn't include all slaves because it solely involved the Confederate states that were dissent to the Union, and did not extend to states that supported them. Despite its limitations, it was still a huge milestone in the gradual abolition of slavery in US, setting the stage for Thirteenth Amendment. With the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865, the practice of slavery ended for good.