Who Was Alex Supertramp - 983 Words

Who was Alex Supertramp? Alex Supertramp was merely an alias, or perhaps it was one of the numerous facets of Christopher McCandless. Mccandless’s life was documented in the national bestselling novel Into the Wild, authored by Jon Krakauer. After graduating from Emory University in Georgia, Chris decided to abandon all of his nonessential materialistic possessions and surrender to his desire of living in the Alaskan wilderness. There is an abundance of words that can be used to describe Chris McCandless, some of which may include perplexing, an extremist, obdurate, persistent, diligent, perspicacious, and so on. However, there is only one word that comes to mind when describing Chris’s ideology: Transcendentalism. This philosophy is based on the premise that in order to fathom the nature of truth, an individual must first evaluate the logical basis that governs the nature of practical knowledge. Christopher McCandless can be considered a transcendentalist due to the fa ct that he idolized other transcendentalists and their principles. He believed that all knowledge begins with self-knowledge, that individual happiness is dependent upon self-realization, and that one’s individuality is to be prioritized. The literary movement of Transcendentalism initially developed in New England as a response to the earlier literary movement known as Rationalism. Two prominent advocates of this literary trend, known as transcendentalism, were Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.Show MoreRelatedEssay on Death of an Innocent, by Chris McCandless 991 Words   |  4 PagesIn Death of an Innocent, Chris McCandless goes on a memorable and tragic journey into Alaska, but for most of his expedition he was known, not as Chris McCandless, but as Alexander Supertramp. The reason that he changed his name for his journey was because he is running away from his past and wanted to become the person he believed he really was. Chris McCandless had a very comfortable life of an upper-middle class citizen, with a good education and many opportunities. On a summer trip to CaliforniaRead MoreUse of Literary Techniques in Into The Wild, by John Krakauer1073 Words   |  5 Pagesauthors note, Krakauer gives a synopsis of his novel. He writes, â€Å"In April 1992, a young man from a well-to-do East Coast family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. Four months later his decomposed body was found by a party of moose hunters† (Krakauer, ANI). However, McCandless himself is unaware that the fate of his excursion will prove to be abominable. He believes that his own physical competence and superior intellect will guarantee his survival inRead MoreInto The Wild Transcendentalism Analysis1043 Words   |  5 Pagesa thrilling novel about a young man named Christopher McCandless, who leaves a materialist society and decides to journey into the wild. Christopher Johnson McCandless graduates from college and tells his parents that he is going to spend the summer traveling in his car, a used Datsun. He changes his name to Alex Supertramp in hope to start a new lifestyle, away from everything he knew. A natural disaster happens which forces Alex to abandon his car after it is damaged by a flash flood. He then loadsRead MoreAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Life On The Road1463 Words   |  6 PagesKrakauer wrote about Chris McCandless, a very famous traveler and an intelligent man, after his death in the book, Into the Wild. Chris McCandless was a 24-year old who finished college at the elite Emory University, but unexpectedly left his family and ultimately society, to live life in the wild. He decided to travel to Alaska under the name Alex Supertramp and mostly live dependent on the land with limited supplies and the aid of passerbys. Unfortunately, Chris ends up in death’s grasp in Alaska fromRead MoreFilm Analysis : Into The Wild1429 Words   |  6 PagesInto the Wild The movie Into the Wild is about a young man who finished his university education and through everything away. He did this because he wanted to go into the wilderness to find answers to his questions to his life. There are multiple scenes that moved me when watching this movie. The first scene that moved me was during a campfire scene with Jan and Chris. They were talking and Jan said that â€Å"You look like a loved kid, be fair.† Chris answered â€Å"Rather than love, in money, in faith,Read MoreUse of Literary Techniques by Jon Krakauer When Writing Into the Wild1585 Words   |  7 PagesAlexander Supertramp, in which many of the people that he came in contact with called him. In the novel Krakauer introduces Wayne Westerberg through a letter that Chris McCandless wrote to him â€Å" saying that â€Å" he wants him to know that he is a great man†. Jim Gallien was the second character introduced that McCandless came in contact with. Gallien noticed Alex hitch hiking and gave him a ride to â€Å"Denali National Park† and also discovers that Alex is going to Alaska. However, he notices that Alex doesRead MoreThe Journey Of Chris Mccandless1654 Words   |  7 PagesWhether McCandless was a vagabond, genius, whack job, free spirit, rebel, or poet, Christopher McCandless (also known by the pseudonym Alexander Supertramp) was unique among men. At an age when most upper-class kids begin their arduous climb toward becoming the next big thing, Christopher McCandless went in the opposite direction—he became a nobody. Through perusing Into The Wild, I have detested a ton of feelings for the most part outrage. I have never believed that such individual would remainRead MoreAnalysis Of Chris Mccandlessness In Into The Wild870 Words   |  4 PagesChris McCandless was a free spirit, unbound by the chains of society and an old soul who took pleasure, and fulfilled his lust for adventure, by tramping around the United States. Rather than living the normal life in civilization, Chris felt his love for nature stated when he abandons his family and lives off the land. Jon Krakauer, the author of Into the Wild wrote the book about Chris McCandless aka Alex Supertramp when he died of starvation in the Alaskan wilderness and made headlines. PeopleRead MoreWas Chris McCandless Prepared When He Went Into The Wild? Essay1357 Words   |  6 Pagesbelieve that he was poorly prepared for his journey. But there are a few people who believe he was prepared mentally, and an even smaller amount believe he was fully prepared. I believe that Chris only knew what he was doing mentally. He did not have the correct tools or the developed skills to survive, for an extended period of time in the wild. But, he did know what he was about to get himself into. He planned out the trip and knew exactly what his risk factors were. Chris McCandless was either preparedRead MoreInto the Wild, by Jon Krakauer1848 Words   |  8 PagesChristopher Johnson McCandless who ventured off to Alaska and tried to survive in the wild. McCandless grew up in Annandale, Virginia where he attended school and made very good grades, rarely bringing home anything below an A. His father, Walt worked for NASA for a little while, before starting his own business with Chris’s mother, Billie, out of their own home. They worked hard and for long hours to get the business up and running and it finally paid off. The McCandless family was wealthy, but had many

The Rush of Amphetamine Use the Need for Speed Free Essays

The Rush of Amphetamine Use: The Need for Speed Over the last century, Adderall and Ritalin have transitioned from respectable medications into designer drugs. Chemist L. Edeleano developed amphetamines in the late 1800’s primarily for respiratory ailments, but in time physicians noticed additional behavioral effects. We will write a custom essay sample on The Rush of Amphetamine Use: the Need for Speed or any similar topic only for you Order Now Now, people that are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD, ADD) and narcolepsy use amphetamines to alert and focused (CESAR). According to the Princeton University online dictionary, amphetamines are â€Å"a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression. † These prescription medications are some of the most popular and widely abused drugs among teens today, and are depended on for better performance in school, on sports field and are even used to aid weight loss. Because amphetamines and similar drugs reduce hunger, increase concentration, raise self esteem, and boost performance they appeal to insecure young people. These miracle drugs are most often abused by college and high school students because the medicine provides a sense of security that most users long for. Girls in particular use amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse for weight loss purposes. If a person takes too many lisdexamfetamines (a chemical like amphetamines in Ritalin or Vyvanse) or amphetamines, his body can build a tolerance which can cause increased dependency. The dangerous use of these drugs without the supervision of a medical doctor can be fatal. Like any other drug, amphetamines can become an addiction that can only be overcome with the assistance of a trained physician. Scientists designed amphetamines to be helpful for those with learning disabilities or mental disorders; however, the abuse of these chemicals causes psychological dependence, physical deterioration, and spiritual destruction. According to expert medical journal writer Ellen Bailey, when Dr. Heinrich Hoffman discovered learning disabilities like ADD and ADHD, parents were overjoyed and relieved that there was something they could actually do to help their children. Sir George F. explained to parents through his written lectures that it was not their fault that their children had attained uncontrollable behavior (2). Medical intervention could help, but the temptation to abuse the drugs followed the cure. Finding these drugs can be as easy as finding rock candy in a candy store. Desperate people who want amphetamines find â€Å"hole in the wall† doctors that will give them the prescriptions they need. Doctors who use these methods of treatment, for the most part, have their own practice firms and give the people what they want – not need. Because people love the doctors, they have high satisfactory ratings. Technically they are doing their job, and therefore are not reported for writing fraudulent prescriptions. There are several ways to take amphetamines; a few ways are: â€Å"ingested orally, crushed and snorted, dissolved in water and injected, or smoked (inhalation of the vaporized drug)† (CESAR). Some students use amphetamines as a shortcut to an â€Å"A† on a test or an easy way out of studying. What is so special about these drugs? What makes them appealing to students and adults without learning disabilities? Achievement through drug abuse is common; athletes use steroids to enhance their performance, and people who suffer from depression have â€Å"happy-pills† to help them be more at ease with themselves. Those who are compelled to over-achieve often use amphetamines. Because of intense peer pressure and a compulsion to achieve, students then fall into the trap of amphetamine abuse in an attempt to cheat the system. Amphetamines do help students and people with learning disabilities by allowing them to focus better and work more effectively. People with ADD and ADHD are missing certain chemicals in their brains that drugs like Vyvanse and Adderall can help. Margaret Lahey and Shari Rosen  from the Bamford-Lahey Children’s Foundation explain that the part of the brain that controls concentration uses a chemical called dopamine. It is an important neurotransmitter that does not work properly for people with learning disorders (Par 9). Adderall and other amphetamines supply this chemical for those people so that they are able to function as normally as possible. The outcome is the ability to function without restriction. Some suffering from anorexia nervosa have discovered another abuse of amphetamines in the form of dieting pills. Leading scientific experts Dr. John E. Blundell and Micah B. Leshem agree that hunger is severely suppressed while using amphetamines. In a recent study, the two scientists determined the following: The effects upon food intake of three dose levels of fenfluramine and amphetamine were compared in rats with bilateral or unilateral lesions of the lateral hypothalamus. †¦. At 8 weeks after operation amphetamine anorexia was significantly diminished in bilaterally lesioned animals whereas fenfluramine anorexia was significantly enhanced. Further tests carried out at 14 and 20 weeks after operation showed that amphetamine regained its anorexic potency in lesioned animals, while the enhanced potency of fenfluramine remained. The results are consistent with the belief that these two anorexic agents operate through quite separate sites and mechanisms of action. (Par 1) Because of the severity of the weight loss, it is extremely easy to fall into a deep psychological obsession and addiction. According to student John Monroe, diagnosed last year with ADD, within the first two weeks of taking Adderall, he lost a shocking ten pounds. He realized quickly how dangerous his weight loss would be if he continued taking the medications. Even though weight loss is not a motive for some taking the medications, the side effect still occurs. However, abusers sometimes take too much too often without even knowing it. Overdose can lead to hair loss, loss of menstruation in women, anemia, euphoria, body twitches, and even heart failure. Amphetamine abuse hurts you in more than the physical level; but also at the spiritual level. When sin entered the heart of man, so did the desire for self-acceptance. With today’s standards, some of the hardest trials a person can go through are perfectionist tendencies, fitting in with the word, and acceptance of self. If abusers have feelings of dislike towards themselves, their minds, or their bodies and do not feel perfect the way they are, they are telling God that He made a mistake in making them. God made each and every person in his image (New International Version Bible, Gen 1. 27); some people have difficulties learning while others do not. The rise of amphetamine usage in 12th graders is especially shocking. According to a recent study from the University of Maryland, 15% of 12th graders were using prescription amphetamines for nonmedical reasons (Cesar FAX). The graph below reveals the percentages of 12th graders using amphetamines to the usage of narcotics and where the students attained them. (Cesar FAX) An assumed argument against whether amphetamines should be legalized is that the medicine is not harmful to anyone if used in moderation and under a doctor’s supervision. If test results from a person without a learning disability reveal normal blood and behavior levels, that should be enough to make doctors realize that, if used under supervision and in moderation, the drug is safe. The medicine is more effective and safer for keeping a person focused and on target than smoking, and it gives the same buzz alcohol can give but without the risk of getting drunk. The danger is still deeper than mood swings or behavior problems. As stated before, Lahey explains that people who have learning disabilities have a dysfunctional neurotransmitter call dopamine (Par 9). In simpler terms, it means that the stimulation part of the brain is missing, and as a result, the brain automatically tries to find outside methods to release the chemicals it is lacking. People  with ADD have to fuel up their brains with things like physical activities, movement, and always doing something that stimulates their brains. Such impulsive behavior is not a conscious decision that people  with ADD/HD make; they really cannot help themselves. The behavior becomes a reflex action and they act in a hyperactive manner. The amphetamines help people with learning disorders like ADD and ADHD by supplying the dopamine that their brains are missing. If a person without such learning disabilities has too much dopamine, his or her body can go into overdrive and can create a resistance, causing the brain to need more; it becomes an addiction. One addiction can lead to a door of temptation that swings wide open for other drugs. Once one drug is dismissed by saying, â€Å"Oh, it is just a onetime thing†, the drug habit becomes a â€Å"onetime thing. † God provided doctors who can help a person with learning disabilities attain a sense of normalness and those without, He gave teachers, parents, and other people who can support them though any trial that may come God will provide for a person’s needs without using the easy way out and using counterfeit concentration or dieting habits. What many people fail to think about before taking amphetamines without prescription are the consequences. It is not worth losing family, friends, a job, or school and is certainly not worth the consequences of being charged with illegal drug use. Illegal amphetamine use may seem small and insignificant, but once one is addicted, it is nearly impossible to get rid of the ghosts of one’s past. The problem is not the me dication, but how mankind uses or abuses the medication. Works Cited Blundell, John E. , Micah B. Leshem. Central Action of Anorexic Agents: Effects of Amphetamine and Fenfluramine in Rats with Lateral Hypothalamic Lesions. † ScienceDirect – Home. Elsevier B. V. , Sept. 1974. Web. 04 Nov. 2010. Cesar FAX. â€Å"Friends and Family Are Most Common Source of Prescription Amphetamines and Narcotics Used Nonmedically by 12th Graders. † CESAR (Center for Substance Abuse Research). University of Maryland, 2 Feb. 2009. Web. 21 Nov. 2010. Ellen, Bailey, and Carson-Dewitt Rosalyn. â€Å"Behavior Drugs Children: An Overview. † Point of View Reference Center. EBSCO, 2009. Web. Oct. -Nov. 2010. Lahey, Margaret, and Shari Rosen. â€Å"Neurotransmitters and Learning, Memory and Developmental Disorders. †Ã‚  Children’s Disability Information. Children’s Disabilities Special Needs Information. Web. Oct. -Nov. 2010. Monroe, John S. â€Å"Having ADD. † Telephone interview. 9 Oct. 2010. Princeton University. â€Å"Amphetamine Definition. †Ã‚  WordnetWeb. Princeton University. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. University of Maryland. â€Å"Amphetamines. †Ã‚  CESAR (Center for Substance Abuse Research). University of Maryland, 2 May 2005. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. How to cite The Rush of Amphetamine Use: the Need for Speed, Papers

Short story Essay Example For Students

Short story Essay Outline briefly what the dilemma is and go on to discuss how the characters reaction to it gives you a deeper understanding of the story.  Roselily, a short story by well known author Alice Walker, is the tale of a black woman of the south facing a difficult decision on her wedding day. The story goes on to explain her circumstances and why this decision has to be made. During this essay I will explore this dilemma and how the characters reaction to it gave me a deeper understanding of the text. Roselily is a woman standing on the alter of her wedding and finding herself at a crossroads; Whether to live her life for herself or for her children; to marry a man she does neither love nor desire to ensure her childrens future or to leave and put her childrens future at risk. Roselily knows that should she marry this stranger who is to be her husband that she will not have the life she wishes for, that her life will be completely changed and they will move from the place she knows and loves to a cold inner city of the north. This is a huge dilemma and how Roselily reacts is portrayed as the story unfolds. Throughout the story Roselily, the antagonist Roselily herself faces a struggle between her conscience, wanting what is best for her children and her desire, wanting what is best for her. Roselilys reactions to this dilemma give us a deeper understanding of the story and of Roselily herself as a person  Roselilys reactions to the dilemma are evident in our understanding of the story. The first way in which Roselilys reactions to the dilemma is shown when in reference to her fiancà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. Her view on her soon to be husband never seems to be positive except when in regards to her children and him;  She loves his understanding of her condition. The condition being referred to her is the fact that she has children out of marriage in the first place, and to many different fathers. However, when talking about how she sees him as a person she is not quite so generous in her praise of him;  She does not even know if she loves him.  This reaction is vital to our understanding of the story as it shows the self sacrifice that Roselily will make in order to save her children from an uncertain future. Without this reaction we would not be sure if Roselilys feelings were a factor in this marriage, but this reaction clarifies that she does not have feelings for her fiancà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. Hence this reaffirms to what extent Roselily is prepared to go for a better future for her children and deepens our understanding of the text as a whole. The second way in which Roselilys reactions to the dilemma enhance our understanding of the text is through her reaction to the new way in which she must accustom her appearance and behaviour to suit her husband and his religion. It is not the sort of life she is used to. She imagines herself worshipping at her new place of worship;  She thinks of ropes, chains, handcuffs, his religion. His place of worship. Where she will be required to sit apart with covered head. This attitude towards his religion is immensely negative. It shows her resentment of the fact she is marrying this man and also heightens our awareness of the tremendous sacrifice she is making for her childrens benefit as this is a big change for her;  Even now her body itches to be free of satin and voile, organdie and lily of the valley. Memories crash against her. Memories of being bare to the sun. .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 , .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 .postImageUrl , .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 , .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168:hover , .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168:visited , .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168:active { border:0!important; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168:active , .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168 .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u468c3507ead9af271687211cc14f3168:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Shakespeare, Richard II: analysis of Richard as a king EssayThis also further highlights the sacrifice she is making and deepens our understanding of the texts as it shows how much Roselily hates to be covered up, and much prefers the exposure of her flesh. We are aware by this time that her husband is Muslim which would require Roselily as a Muslim woman to hide her body and her face from view. Hence her reaction to the idea of change for her husbands new religion also deepens our understanding of the text as it highlights the sacrifice which Roselily is making on behalf of her children. The final way in which Roselilys reaction to the dilemma deepens our understanding of the text is her opinion of the North of America and the South. The North of America, Chicago to be exact, is where Roselily would be moving if she were to marry this stranger she calls her fiancà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. Roselily does not see the North as a good place, but as a dirty bad one, whereas she views the South as a clean wholesome place. This is shown by the use of cinders as symbolism. The cinders used are to represent the badness in the world and Roselily talks about Chicago and her home town of Pantherburn like so;  In Chicago, a word she hears when thinking of smoke, from his description of what a cinder was, which they never had in Patherburn. Roselilys negative attitude towards Chicago emphasises her desire to stay in Patherburn, in the south, and that she does not think much of the North except that it carries opportunities for her and her children alike.  Roselilys decision to marry her suitor and move on to better things for her children even though it is not truly what her heart desires is hence unpredictable as the dilemma shows her happiness versus her childrens. Her reactions to several things about her new life deepen our understanding of the texts as a whole as with out these reactions we would be unawares to the dilemma in the first place. And so, the characters reaction towards her husband, her new religion and her new home enhance our understanding of the text as a whole.

Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge by My Chemical Romance free essay sample

This album will make you cry. It may anger you. It will make you question everything youve ever known about life and love, but it will have been worth all the confusion with My Chemical Romances 2004 album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge.With their second studio album, My Chemical Romance created what lead singer Gerard Way describes as a pseudo-conceptual horror story, a chilling tale of love, betrayal, and insanity foreshadowed by the bloodstained lovers on the cover. A masterpiece combining elements of emocore, pop punk, screamo, and alternative rock, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge will have you listening to the end. My Chemical Romance, a rock band from Jersey City, was formed by Gerard Way as a response to the 9/11 attacks. Gerard was originally a cartoonist (who actually designed this albums cover), but after 9/11 he decided to do something of substance with his life, hence the start of MCR. We will write a custom essay sample on Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge by My Chemical Romance or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The band, consisting of Gerard and Mikey Way, Frank Iero, and Ray Toro, have come a long way from their humble beginnings. They present a new, relentless style that evolves the sound of their debut album I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love into something deeper and more mature. Opening with the track Helena, My Chemical Romance begins Three Cheers with a passionate, haunting atmosphere that gives you the chills. Throughout the work, the instrumentals are truly striking, with MCR putting a variety of sounds on display. From the soft lull of Interlude that reminds you of a church hymn, the overpowering grief in The Ghost of You, to the indignant guitar of Im Not Okay (I Promise), every song builds on the previous track and offers something new. The vocals are one of the most unique aspects of the album. Gerard Ways voice reminds you of the angsty American teenager, but with a more serious, desperately emotional side that is surprisingly alluring. The lyrics of the album are also what makes it distinct. Instead of throwing together a random compilation of singles, MCR created a very deliberate concept album that tells a Shakespeare-worthy love story. This sets the bands newest offering apart from those of pop punk groups such as Fall Out Boy. Lines such as, Would I die for you? Well heres your answer in spades, and, Well meet again when both our cars collide, discuss the true meaning of unconditional love, as well as tough topics such as loss and suicide. The sheer emotion behind the songs and the tangible passion are what make it so compelling. Three Cheers may appeal to fans of Pierce the Veil and Black Veil Brides. In Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, My Chemical Romance doesnt just sing the songs, they live them, and the crazy surge of feelings that each track presents really pull you into the alternate universe of this album. Its a noteworthy experience. Certified platinum in three countries, be prepared to surrender all emotions and logic while listening to this record. Cheers!