Extinction and Evolution in Oryx and Crake

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Extinction and Evolution in Oryx and Crake

The book Oryx and Crake shows a lot of interest in in human and natural history and also in the history of life and death on earth. Throughout the book we see modificated animals and genes and the construction of new viruses and immunities against illnesses and other things. These things can be described as an acceleration of evolution. There is also a game that actually gives Crake his name in the book. It is called “Extinctathon”, and its purpose is to memorize and catalogue the list of species that have gone extinct.

https://www.google.com/search?q=extinction+and+evolution+in+oryx+and+crake&rlz=1C1CHBD_deUS761US761&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiGx5WkuozeAhWM54MKHaCvB8kQ_AUIDigB&biw=1584&bih=772#imgrc=2iSQtD2_WEUuaM:

When you read the book, it is easy to understand that Snowman (Jimmy) sees the extinction of his own species, the Homo Sapiens Sapiens, as a great deal and he is really affected by that. The extinction of the Homo Sapiens Sapiens was caused by Crake´s virus, which he purposely invented to wipe out humanity and create space for his own creation, the Crakers. Snowman starts comparing himself to the Crakers. He sees the difference between him and them. While he is suffering with infections and starvation, he sees the Crakers who are perfectly suited to survival in any given circumstances.

The Book Oryx and Crake clearly addresses the human arrogance. Humans go, throughout the storyline, from controlling evolution (creating new species like the Crakers) to becoming an extinct species themselves (wiped out by self-invented virus and replaced by self-invented new species) and being actually replaced by the better adapted Crakers.

Dominik König

The Consequences of the Brexit

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

The Consequences of the Brexit

It all started with a referendum on June 23, 2016, when the majority of British people voted for the Brexit (in other words “British exit” from the EU), which means to leave the European Union (EU). The benefits of belonging to the unified monetary body no longer outweighed the costs of free movement of immigration. Prime Minister Theresa May submitted the Article 50 to the EU on March 29, 2017. This means, that Britain has time until March 29, 2019, to negotiate these six main points:

https://www.google.com/search?q=brexit&rlz=1C1CHBD_deUS761US761&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjh15PvvIzeAhVI-6wKHXr8A8AQ_AUIDygC&biw=1584&bih=772#imgrc=GtkdfgxlkEmaiM:

1. The U.K. does not want to continue allowing unlimited EU immigration.
2. The two sides must guarantee the status of EU members living in the U.K., and vice-versa. The same applies to work visas, which are not currently required.
3. The U.K. wants to withdraw from the European Court of Judgment.
4. The U.K. wants a "customs union" with the EU. They will not impose tariffs on each other's imports. They are free to tax imports from other countries.
5. Both sides want to continue to trade.
6. The EU will require a cash settlement from the U.K. to meet existing financial commitments. Recent negotiations put the figure at 40 billion to 55 billion euros.

For the Brexit to be successful, the withdrawal plan must be approved by the European Council, the European Parliament and the 20 EU countries with a majority of 65 percent of the total population.

If the Brexit is successful there will be changes and consequences for Britain and the EU.

First of all I want to show the advantages for Britain after the Brexit. The main point and main advantage of the Brexit for Britain is that they can stop the flow of people from the EU and prohibit the entrance of refugees from Afrika and the Middle East. The United Kingdom will also be able to tax without EU guidelines. There also won´t be any EU membership fees anymore.

Now I will talk about the disadvantages of the Brexit for Britain. The major disadvantage for Britain after the Brexit is that the growth of the UK will be slowed. But not only the growth will be slowed, Britain will also have to pay an extra 3 million pounds over two years because of the exit fees. Another major disadvantage for Britain will be the loss of tariff-free trade status with all other members of the EU. Exports of British goods will be more expensive, because of the tariff raises. As a result British products will be higher priced and therefore less competitive than exports from other EU members. At the same time prices for import goods will also rise. Through this rise of import prices an inflation would be created and would lower living standards in the United Kingdom at the same time.

Secondly I want to show the consequences of the Brexit for the EU. With the Brexit vote, anti-immigration parties could gain strength in the EU. If these parties get strong enough and gain enough followers in France and Germany, they could actually force an anti – EU vote. If would of those two countries would leave it would loose it most robust economies and the EU would be very likely to dissolve.

Dominik König  

Danger of Knowledge - Frankenstein

Monday, October 15, 2018

The Danger of Knowledge – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

“After days and nights of incredible labor and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter.” (Shelley 34)

https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+of+frankenstein+book&rlz=1C1CHBD_deUS761US761&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjLn5ma-oneAhUN2qwKHbMDCSwQ_AUIDigB&biw=1584&bih=772#imgrc=s8rKLnmfsOSxnM:

The book Frankenstein shows the Danger of Knowledge in one very specific way, it shows how a man ruins his life by his thirst of knowledge. But the theme “Danger of Knowledge” is not only shown by Victor Frankenstein himself, it is also shown by two other characters in the book: The monster and Robert Walton. Mary Shelley believes, that the desire to achieve this dangerous knowledge leads to self destruction for all three characters in the book, not matter if the caused damage is minimal or severe.

After a long time of research and studying, Victor Frankenstein believes that he is able to create life by the use of electricity and body parts of dead men. After Victor Frankenstein successfully brought his creature to life he first shows some kind of concern about his creation and its possible effects. He is also not sure how to “employ” it in the right manner. “When I found so astonishing a power placed within my hands, I hesitated a long time concerning the manner in which I should employ it.” (Shelley 35) Even tough he hesitated at the beginning, he eventually decides to take action. This is a very important point shown by Shelley here, because it shows Victors willingness use his knowledge despite the risk and ignore his conscience. If we take a closer look and really think about it, the only reason why Victor created this monster was his own creed. He wanted to proof the others and himself that he is able to do something no one else can do. As a result of his action, he and his family are haunted by the monster. By using his knowledge, Victor Frankenstein played the role of God, creating life out of something dead. But unlike God, he is not able, or not willing to take care for his creation and therefore pays the price for his own mistake.

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBD_deUS761US761&biw=1584&bih=772&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=U1nFW5_1OoLIsAWL6JLoBg&q=gif+of+haunted+victor+frankenstein&oq=gif+of+haunted+victor+frankenstein&gs_l=img.3...1444.1444.0.2585.1.1.0.0.0.0.79.79.1.1.0....0...1c.1.64.img..0.0.0....0.sUGlOcNRVPs#imgrc=zp6R1il4jQr6OM:

The next character in Frankenstein, who is pursuing some kind of dangerous knowledge is Robert Walton. Robert Walton desires to surpass all explorations by humans and reach the North Pole; which seemed impossible and ridiculous and that time, just like Frankenstein´s pursuits. As he gets ready and sets out for an adventure he keeps writing letters of his journey to his sister. But Walton is also very unsure about where his journey will lead him and what will happen on this journey. “I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with a sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of a man.” (Shelley 1-2) Robert Walton continues to pursue his views until he meets Victor Frankenstein, and hears his story. After hearing Frankenstein´s story he realizes the consequences of Frankenstein´s actions, and also realizes that there possible consequences from his own actions. He learned the danger of knowledge in Frankenstein´s story and therefore end his own voyage as a result.

 

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBD_deUS761US761&biw=1584&bih=772&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=Yl_FW8fzKMW1tgXN_J6wCQ&q=stuck+ship+a+the+north+pole&oq=stuck+ship+a+the+north+pole&gs_l=img.3...4185.8510.0.8644.27.27.0.0.0.0.73.1448.26.26.0....0...1c.1.64.img..1.11.646...0j35i39k1j0i67k1j0i10k1j0i19k1j0i5i30i19k1j0i8i30i19k1j0i8i30k1.0.MX33dihbLZs#imgrc=UkQk5jZIpHPlmM:

The third and last character in Frankenstein, who pursues dangerous knowledge is the monster. The monster comes across many experiences which make his suffering worse throughout the book. It also goes trough great extents to learn how to interact and speak to people. As we can see, the monster tries and eventually manages to become a human being through education and interaction. There are many examples in the book showing the monster experiencing new things, which makes him more like a human being. Through gaining all this knowledge about humans and all sorts of things of the human world the monster hopes to be no longer excluded and attacked by the human society. When the monster fails and it backfires on him, he seeks revenge in a violent way. After the death of Victor Frankenstein no one really knows what happens to the monster. But it is surely proven by the example of the monster, that the search of knowledge can be very dangerous.

What are your thoughts on the danger of knowledge in regards to Frankenstein? Do you think Mary Shelley tried to show her own struggle and concern about danger of knowledge in her work? Let me know down below in the comments. 

Dominik König

A Royal Baby

Though this is not literature, it is big British news. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex are expecting a baby! The Royal family is what comes to mind when I think of all things British. The Windsors, the family that is currently reigning, have made a huge impact on the United Kingdom. The current leader, Queen Elizabeth, is Britain's longest reigning monarch. She has been on the throne for 66 years! During her time on the throne the first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, was elected, and even a British scientist invented the world wide web! Back in May, Prince Harry married an American actress, Meghan Markle. Now six months later they are expecting their first child, due in spring of 2019. This royal baby will be the seventh in line for the throne. The royal baby will be making a huge impact on the Royal family’s history due to being the first in the line to have British and African-American lineage. This brings up the question of will the baby be British, American, or both? The baby will be undeniably British, and it will more than likely be born at St. Mary’s in London. But, unless the Duchess of Sussex renounces her American citizenship before the baby is born the future royal can have dual citizenship. The Windsor family has shaped the United Kingdom, and British culture for over 100 years. This new Royal baby is going to change the history of the Monarchy forever. I am personally so excited for this new addition!

Here is the link to the official press release! https://www.royal.uk/duke-and-duchess-sussex-are-expecting-baby

  

The Duchess' first appearance expecting! 

-Savanna 

Recreating Sherlock

Sherlock is a British crime drama television series, that's based off Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short stories about the character Sherlock Holmes. In the film, Sherlock is starred by Benedict Cumberbatch and his right-hand-man Dr. Watson is starred by Martin Freeman. The two British actors have worked in many films together and have very good chemistry with one another. They have many different roles in movies and television series and working in Sherlock together is no hassle for the two. Basically, they're both phenomenal actors and I highly recommend anything they are starred in.

The main reason I want to talk about recreating the character Sherlock in today's society is very important and if not executed well could leave a bad impression on British culture. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first introduced the Sherlock series in 1887 and didn't conclude until 1927. That's 40 years of Sherlock Holmes that kept being made fresh. If I were to ask you if you knew who Sherlock Holmes was, most people would be able to easily say that he was a detective. The reason for this is because of how iconic this series was and how important it was to the world at the time. These stories were very popular and now almost anyone could tell you who Sherlock Holmes is. I have never even read a single one of the Sherlock stories but I still know exactly who he is and who is sidekick is. That just goes to show you how iconic these characters are, and that's why I think it's important whenever they decided to recreate the series into a modern television show.


Because of how important Sherlock was to British culture and how much it impacted the world, I think recreating the show needed to bring it back in the manner the novels were intended. Now I never read any of the stories but I did watch all of the show and I can say it was amazing. It is hard for me to show how well the TV series represented the stories because of not having read the stories but after doing some research I can say there are a lot of differences. First off there are only 13 episodes of Sherlock while there are many different stories. One of the main themes about Sherlock is that it's based on current time. This is the major difference between the show and the stories. The stories were based in the time period that it was written. The television show is based in the time period that it was filmed. So obviously there are major differences in technological advances but I think the show does a very good job of integrating that element into the show. The producers could have kept the time period the same by creating Sherlock in the setting that the stories were in, but I feel as if they wanted to recreate Sherlock as a character in today's setting.

I highly recommend this show mainly because of how interesting a character Sherlock Holmes is. In the stories, he is the mastermind detective who can solve basically any riddle. And this is why I believe it's important whenever the stories get carried over in today's culture. Now I can't talk about how well the stories are transferred over into the show, but I mainly want to talk about the importance of it and why it's important. Sherlock Holmes is such an iconic character and there's a reason for it. He is the person to go to for problem-solving. He solves every single problem that is brought up to him and he takes action with. Sherlock has been referenced in many different shows and movies as well because of how iconic he is. Most people I know could give me a very vague description of who Sherlock Holmes is, even never having read any of the stories. That's why I feel it's so important that he gets brought back in the same way that he was created. Had the producers of Sherlock changed the theme of his character at all, it could change how everyone sees him today. A good description of Sherlock's character in the film is mysterious, genius, intriguing, unique, determined, and a little selfish at times. He doesn't find himself having time for a relationship because his work is more important to him. In the stories, Watson describes Sherlock as being a machine and that's exactly what he's like in the film. Since Sherlock is such an iconic character it's very important that all these themes are transferred over into the film and they were. The film does an amazing job at portraying Sherlock as a very mysterious but genius character. There is no one that is still alive from when Sherlock was originally created and re-creating him in film, is very important for his recreation. Had these key themes not been implemented into today's Sherlock, the character could've been completely misunderstood by the newer generations. I can guarantee that not many people who have been born recently, haven't read any of the Sherlock stories. However, there are plenty of people who watch the film and that's why it's important when recreating him. Had the film represented Sherlock in a completely different way than in the stories, he would be completely changed as a character, and the iconic person he was when he originally was created, would be lost. But I think the show did a good job of creating the same character Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did. I can't compare the actual stories, but after doing research, the character was nailed almost spot on. I know there were big differences in the main plot, but Sherlock Holmes was recreated in the right fashion.

Ian Ransonet

The World's #1 Storyteller

When thinking of British literature many think about Chaucer, and William Shakespeare, usually not any of the modern day writers. When I think of British Literature I think of one of my favorites, modern author Roald Dahl. Even though he died before I was born, I would still say he is modern literature based on the time period he lived in. Roald Dahl originally worked for the Shell Oil Company for five to six years up until the beginning of World War II, in my opinion one of the most interesting times in the world’s history. With the world’s largest war underway, Dahl decided to leave the Shell Oil Company to enroll in the Royal Air Force. Once a member of the Air Force Dahl was trained as a military pilot. I grew up in a city with a large Air Force Base, so I know becoming a pilot is no easy task. It was as a Royal Air Force pilot that Dahl was involved in a plane crash that ended his career and service as a military aviation pilot. After being removed from the Royal Air Force as a pilot he was moved to Washington D.C. to work in the British Embassy as an assistant air attache. It was during his time serving in the British Embassy that he was encouraged to begin writing, mainly about the plane crash that ended his career as a pilot. Dahl’s work, Shot Down Over Libya, also known as A Piece of Cake, was published anonymously in the Sunday Evening Post. A year later Dahl began working on a drawn story about the Royal Air Force folklore. Walt Disney heard about this and the two began to work on the story together. This story, The Gremlins, was published under Walt Disney. It was not until the novel Some Time Never, was published that Dahl published under his own name. This book was about his time in the Royal Air Force and was directed towards adult readers. His next publication was a short story named Kiss Kiss, which was also directed towards an audience of adult readers. A few years later, Dahl met his soon to be wife and feel in love and they moved back to England to start a family. Once back in England, Dahl and his wife began having children. Having children as an inspiration, Dahl published his first famous children’s book, James and the Giant Peach. His next publication was one of his most popular, still being remade today, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This story is Dahl’s most well known piece of writing. The amount of pure imagination in this book is amazing to me. I think Dahl brings a dream to life in this story. In 1971, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was made into a movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which Dahl also wrote the screenplay for. The movie was nominated for an Oscar, and a Golden Globe. Though the movie did not win either award, this film is still known as a cult classic film. This movie was one of my favorites as a child, and I always wished I was Charlie when he was in the factory. I loved the Oompa Loompas and I wanted to go to the factory even though I knew it was not real. Another book Matilda is one of my favorites. Even though Dahl had many publishings between Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, these are two stories that impacted my childhood.  Most people when they hear the Matilda they think of the movie Matilda (1996) instead of the book which was much better, no surprise. Unfortunately Dahl did not get to write the screenplay for the movie because it was produced after his death. I loved this book and the movie. The book and the movie are very similar story wise. One of the main differences that I find interesting is that in the book Matilda’s powers are seen more as miracles instead of supernatural acts. My sister and I used to love reading the book together. Dahl actually thought the book had many mistakes. I do actually enjoy the movie more than I do the book. I think this is because I used to watch the movie all the time when it would come on ABC Family. I saw the movie before I even knew it was a book. I know these two stories are his most popular so I guess I am not a “die hard” fan. But, these two stories alone impacted my childhood, and made me love Roald Dahl. I think that his early adult life was what sparked his love for writing. With his passion for writing he has changed the world and is still known as the world’s number one storyteller. 

-Savanna

 

Was Joseph Conrad Racist?

 

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is the of the most well-known pieces of literature. It's a piece of fiction, but follows Conrad's own experiences. In the novella, we follow Kurtz as he recounts his time in Africa and in his journey down the Congo to confront Marlowe.

 

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Conrad's depiction of the Congo and the native people is problematic. They are not seen as humans and always referred to by their skin color and differences in features. He appears to make them more demonic in nature than humans. They are presented without much speech and as Achebe points out in his essay, the woman that was Marlowe's mistress is presented in a negative light opposed to Marlowe's betrothed. 

 

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This depiction is problematic because it says that those from Africa are not human. The Congo River itself is presented as a snake with its winding turns. The Congo River is presented as swallowing up those who enter and turning them into savages. This means that the natives are savage in nature and are not human. Conrad was stuck on his obsession with society and could not see that even though these humans looked different they were still different.

 

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Achebe makes a lot of valid points about Conrad's piece being racist. I agree with him in that respect. I don't think Conrad was racist for his time period. I'm sure he was quite progressive and had a lot of ideas or beliefs that pushed boundaries. However, I believe that Heart of Darkness shows that he was racist by the lens of today. His actions and representation of the native people of Africa are negative and do not humanize them. 

 

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Conrad may have not been seen as a racist while of Heart of Darkness was published and become mainstream but that's because racism was glossed over and most of the time it was ignored when it was presented in texts. It is unavoidable to see in this day and age and it is obvious that Conrad had racist beliefs due to his cultural upbringing. If he presented in the natives as demonic because of those reasons we will never know, but we can infer that they may have had some pivotal role in developing his conceptual view of the Congo and the native people.

What are your thoughts on Joseph Conrad being a racist? Was Achebe right? Let me know down below in the comments.

See you soon,

Sarah Johnson