James Cameron’s Science Fiction film Terminator II Essay Example for Free

James Cameron’s Science Fiction film Terminator II Essay James Cameron’s Science Fiction film Terminator II uses various conventions of Sci-Fi to not only engage viewers, but entertainment them. Science fiction uses various futuristic elements to convey powerful comments about society. This is most effectively done through his powerful and relatable social comments. His central social comments force audiences to question their own world and like all Sci-Fi texts explore how possible this actually is. The dominant social comment explored by James Cameron is that Technology will be our downfall. Other social comments that are also relevant are that humans have an intrinsic need to adhere towards morals and ethics that can’t be taught and that it is in the human race’s nature to destroy themselves. James Cameron clearly explains the social comments through various film techniques. Similarly, Henry Slesar’s short story ‘Examination Day’ relies heavily on its powerful social comment to effectively engage readers. While both texts make significant social comments, various other sci-fi conventions are also used to keep responders entertained. The dominant social comment that entertains the audience in an effective way explored by James Cameron is that technology will ironically be our demise. Cameron cleverly juxtaposes the opening scene of the hustle and bustle of lively Los Angeles to the close up traffic in 2029. However, in this shot the cars are destroyed and an empty playground further indicates the dystopian world of our society. The diegetic laughter of the girl on the swing and the non-diegetic music in the background creates suspense. The extreme white fade out to a dramatic close up of the empty swing swinging back and forth which then brings us to the close up camera shot of a human skull being crushed by the terminator clearly reveals that technology will lead to our demise. With the war of the robots being shown in the opening scene, audiences can immediately conclude that the genre of thriller is brought to the film as suspense is immediately introduced in the opening scene. This war indicates from the outset that technology will be our demise. While the irony of machines destroying humanity is immediately established as a significant social comment in this sci-fi text, Cameron begins to explore the characteristics of humanity in his second social comment. Throughout the film, Cameron relies on the humorous juxtaposition between the T100 and John Connor to highlight the emotional and idiocentric characteristic that are inherently human. It is through this and several other film techniques that Cameron’s second social comment is explored; that being human, is not something that can be taught. The moral and ethical justifications that are intrinsic to being human is clearly explored in the scene where John attempts to explain why, You can’t just go around killing people. John’s dialogue is contrasted with the T100s question; why not? close up camera shots of their contrasting facial expressions highlights this significant idea, that de spite our natural inclination destroy ourselves, reason and morality is only inherent to us Johns invalid explanation, because you just can’t †¦ this stuff is important, highlights the barrier between machine and human. Through this social comment audiences can easily link the text to the science fictional genre. This barrier is further explored when John humorously attempts to humanise the Terminator. Through various satirical scenes Cameron reveals humanitys saving grace is intact their emotions which are ironically aligned to weakness. When the T100 asks, why do you cry? The T100’s crying motif mixed with several film techniques symbolises the disparity between machines and humanity. In an age where technology is seen to advance the human mind, the T100s inability to understand why people cry highlights the superiority of humans, we just cry. Again further explaining the social comment we can still relate the film to the sci-fi genre. The third idea explored by Cameron is the ironic self- destructive behaviour of humanity. Using real life examples Cameron attempts to create a logical link between the creation of the destructive, abominable Terminators and the weapons that are already leadi ng us into destruction it is in your nature to destroy yourselves. While the terminator metaphorically highlights the paradox of our constant creation of destruction, it is the female protagonist Sarah Connor, who provides a fresh face and new insight into sci-fi revealing the contrast between the destructive creation of men and the beautiful, creation that only women are privileged to endure, â€Å"Fucking men like you built the hydrogen bomb. Men like you thought it up You dont know what its like to†¦ create a life All you know how to create is death . Her use of repetition and expletives highlights Cameron’s feministic approach to this social comment, symbolising men’s obsession with creating destruction. This not only makes this sci-fi film unique and original in its exploration of this common theme, it also allows audiences to question why humans are so obsessed with playing God. Similarly to Terminator II the short story Examination Day also explores Sci-fi convections in similar ways. Like ‘Terminator II’, ‘Examination Day’ is driven by its powerful and dramatic social comment. While subtly revealed to be set in the future, unlike ‘Terminator II’ this is not the dominant focus in the text. While the commentary is different to that of Terminator II, both texts entertain audiences primarily by focusing them to question their own lives like all sci-fi text, thus posing the ‘what if’ question. The short story ‘Examination Day’ hyperbolically explores a world where governments obtain ultimate control. This is brought to the readers in the opening paragraphs when Dickies parents are discussing a â€Å"Government intelligence test they give children at the age of twelve†. It is â€Å"the moisture in his mother’s eyes† when readers are aware that the story they have been told has contrasted what really is happening. Even though the links to sci-fi aren’t as clear as the ones in Terminator II we still see the connection through the thriller genre. As both Mr and Mrs Jordan try to avoid the conversation about the test suspense begins to develop as we understand that the test will possibly resemble a big part in the Jordan family’s life. As Mr Jordan explains the details of the test further we learn that the government will provide Dickie with truth serum. In this event readers are immediately informed that the government play a big role in everything which is making civilization less utopian and more dystopian. Is through little key things during the story we can see a resemblance to a futuristic world such as ‘Terminator II’, â€Å"Your classification number is 600-115†. Unlike Terminator II this short story utilises various literary techniques to explore this powerful social comment, relying on descriptive language and body gestures to capture the mystery and anxiety relating to this exam. Furthermore the repetitive image of the moistness of his mother’s eyes heightens suspense, hinting towards the significance of this Government intelligence test. Like Terminator II’ this text uses various sci-fi conventions such as the embedded thriller genre to effectively engaging audiences, k eeping them entertained. As the denouement reveals the unpredictable twist, we regret to inform you†¦ his intelligence quotient is above government regulation, the disturbing social comment become clearer †¦whether you wish his body interred by the government, or would you prefer a private burial place? Slesars clever use of inversion as Dickie fails the intelligence test because he is too smart, seems to be warning readers about the dangers of power and control, and the need for people to be more engaged and aware of governments and other organisations that may abuse their power. Like most sci-fi texts, Examination Day challenges our own world, and contemplates what may happen if we do not take more responsibility and interest in the powerful bodies that govern the people. Again, it is this dramatic yet relatable social comment that most effectively engages readers by shocking them much like Terminator II. While Terminator II looks at humanitys ironic destructive nature and dangerous over reliance on technology, Examination Day focuses on humanitys often gullible and negligent over reliance on powerful forces such as the government. While both texts are strongly driven by the relevant and powerful social comments, both texts follow the conventions of sci-fi through their mutual futuristic settings, advanced technology as well as the utilisation of other genres within; specifically the thriller genre. Along with powerful film and literary techniques, both texts entertain audiences.

Odour of Chrysanthemums: observations Essay -- English Literature

Odour of Chrysanthemums: observations ‘‘Odour of Chrysanthemums’’ was written between the end of the Victorian period in 1901, and the beginning of World War I in 1914. It was a time when England was still a powerful international force, and the head of a huge empire that extended from India to Nigeria, which demonstrated England’s political power and also provided a vast market for its manufactured goods. During the nineteenth century, England’s industrial machine had developed the factory system, which produced surplus goods for export. ‘‘Odour of Chrysanthemums’’ focuses on a dramatic moment in the life of Mrs. Elizabeth Bates, the accidental death of her husband, Walter Bates. The story develops in three major stages. The story begins with a description of the sights and sounds of a bleak mining village at the end of the mine’s afternoon shift. Mrs. Bates calls her son, John, in for the evening meal and provides a light snack for her father, a train driver, while chiding her daughter, Annie, about being late from school. She is also upset because her husband ...

Reasons for Ethical Standards in the workplace Essay

Ethical standards guide individuals and the company to act in an honest and trustworthy manner in all interactions. These standards should encourage employees to make the right decisions for the company, not the individual, and give them the courage to come forward should they notice dishonest and unethical behavior. Company programs focused on ethics help lay out company standards and expected practices as they relate to ethical behavior and decisions. This can include providing clear guidance on common ethical dilemmas, such as using the phone at work for personal long-distance calls or using company software programs for personal projects. Management often sets the tone for expected ethical behavior and actions in the workplace. The actions and behaviors of management, and other senior staff, help steer departments and employees toward proper and accepted business practices. Part of this responsibility includes enforcing rules, guidelines and policies fairly and equally across all levels of the organization. Managers may also be tasked with helping employees navigate ethical dilemmas and solving difficult situations to keep the corporation on the right path. It’s very difficult to define ethics in the workplace. Generally,â€Å"being ethical† involves conducting yourself in accordance with accepted principles of right and wrong. Ethics is a matter of using integrity-based decision-making procedures to guide your decisions and actions. In the workplace, being ethical may involve acting morally right, being honest, not cheating your employer, co-workers, or customers, not stealing from from the supply closet, and generally treating your co-workers well Other ethical situations may involve harassment, inappropriate use of the Internet, outside-of-work activities, etc. If your workplace lacks ethical standards, your employer risks losing valuable employees and customers and possibly even more Federal laws impose heavier penalties on employers Some of the primary forms of employee misconduct or unethical behavior include the following: ââ€"† Misrepresenting time or hours worked; ââ€"† Lying to supervisors; ââ€"† Lying to co-workers, customers, vendors, or the public; ââ€"† Misuse of your employer’s assets; and ââ€"† Lying on reports or falsifying records. As you can see, there is a widespread need for ethics in your workplace. A code of ethics can provide guidelines for your

Violence in Beowulf - 719 Words

Violence in Beowulf Beowulf is an epic poem written in Anglo-Saxon times, by an unknown poet. Beowulf is a Geatish man who rescues the Danish people from evil, and helps save his own country from destruction. Beowulf, renowned for his bravery, and known as the strongest man alive, acquires the help of fourteen thanes to sail with him to Denmark. There he is involved in two battles with two evil monsters. He then fights another battle in his homeland with a Fire dragon. Without violence in Beowulf, heroism would be impossible as evidenced by Beowulf’s battles with Grendel, his mother, and the Fire dragon. Beowulf first shows his heroic nature in the fight with Grendel. After all the men in the great hall of Heorot fall asleep, Beowulf†¦show more content†¦Grendel’s death however, was not quick and ruthless like those he inflicted to his victims. His death was slow and tortuous, as Beowulf ripped his arm right off. Grendel wasis forced to run away and escape emin ent death. He had plenty of time to suffer and think about was had happened, a very painful death indeed. I believe that having Grendel die this way is a far more severe punishment than a quick and painless death. The monster comes to the horrible realization that heShow MoreRelatedTheme Of Violence In Beowulf844 Words   |  4 Pageswe see violence as a way to cope with all types problems. Humans have used violence as a way to resolve issues since ancient times. The poem â€Å"Beowulf† was written between the eighth and eleventh century by an anonymous author. The poem recounts the story of a brave warrior, named Beowulf, who battles three great monsters. Two of the monsters, Grendel and Grendel’s Mother, terrorize the people of Daneland and the third monster, the Dragon, lives in Beowulfs homeland. The epic poem â€Å"Beowulf† illustratesRead MoreTheme Of Violence In Beowulf1010 Words   |  5 PagesBeowulf was written around 800 C.E., and the exact author o f the poem is unknown. The story was set in Europe during medieval times. The Danes in the story used a type of Feudal government. Simply put, the king would give his constituents things and in return they would pledge their loyalty to the king. Hrothgar is the kin g of the Danes and is described in the poem as,† noble king, our dear lord, friend of the Danes, the giver of rings† (49). This shows Hrothgar’s generosity good will towards hisRead MoreViolence and Societal Change in Beowulf Essay1305 Words   |  6 Pagescalled violence and the potential for it resides in every single person on this earth. Whose violence conquers all? It is hard to measure the significance of violence, especially when it can cause so much destruction and death as well as stimulation. However, violence cannot simply be explained as male testosterone since women have and continue to demonstrate the ability to be violent as well. It also cannot be explained as a by-product of rage, jeal ousy, greed, or stupidity. No. Violence is an innateRead More The Natural Violence of Human Nature as Shown Through the Epic Beowulf868 Words   |  4 PagesThe Natural Violence of Human Nature as Shown Through the Epic Beowulf Violence is the way of the game in the world of Beowulf. It is how things get done. It is what people care about. The songs in the Mead Hall are all sung of the great violent epics that took place in the times long gone. When there is no violence that can be perpetrated, these cultures tell stories of violence, so as to release this need for aggression that is somewhere deep with in them. This is in many ways like theRead MoreViolence Brought by Violence1464 Words   |  6 Pagesexactly one thing: violence† (Chomsky). The history of the world is full of blood, greed, and violence. There has only been wars instigated by the rich, powerful and greedy. Violence often lead to more violence which will cause pain everywhere or somewhere in this world (Solter). Just as Issac Asimov once said, â€Å"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent† but things tend to heat up and move up to the next level. Violence, especially in wars, only leads to further violence due to ma ny differentRead MoreBeowulf : Virtue And Community1658 Words   |  7 Pages Beowulf: Virtue and Community Larry Chambers ENG/235 05/06/2016 Colette Wanless-Sobel â€Æ' Beowulf: Virtue and Community Beowulf is set against a background of feuding and warfare amongst the Danes, Frisians, Jutes, Swedes, and the Geats. Heroes the likes of Beowulf and Wiglaf stand proudly among other figures from history such as Hygelac, Hrothgar, and Ingeld. Although, in a modern sense, the poem cannot be considered historically accurate, Beowulf offers a familiar look intoRead MoreBeowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Comparison Essay1443 Words   |  6 Pageslife or death fight for his loved ones. These unworldly characters help the readers to perceive the story in a more in-depth way; they make readers bringing up different question for their appearance, purpose, and the idea they symbolize. Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, two of the earliest great stories of English literature, do not disappoint the readers and present us with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, the Dragon, and the Green Knight. The two poems similarly describe the protagonists’Read MoreA Subtle Metaphor For Women And Sexuality1133 Words   |  5 PagesBoats are used in a subtle metaphor for women and sexuality in Beowulf. The boats Beowulf sails upon are described with surprisingly sensual language that stands out from the rest of the poem’s descriptions. The author writes of the â€Å"foam at her neck†, â€Å"her curved prow†, and his intention to â€Å"ply the waves†, all of which seem sensually coded. It is a small detail that boats, graceful and powerful objects, use female pronouns in Beowulf, but it is interesting. Using feminine pronouns mixed with vagueRead MoreBeowulf: The Canonization of Anglo-Saxon Literature into Modern Popular Culture769 Words   |  4 Pages The cover of the November, 1975 comic book Beowulf: Dragon Slayer features a red-haired, horn-helmeted Beowulf swinging a large broadsword at a purple-caped villain also bearing two razor-sharp swords. As Beowulf rears up on his steed, a bikini clad woman, cloth slightly aside to reveal the shadow of a buttock is drawn falling, face filled with terror. In the background, a rising full moon and silhouetted gothic castle keenly set an atmosphere of dread and foreboding. Above the emboldenedRead MorePaganism In Beowulf1411 Words   |  6 PagesPagan ideas and values were a large influence in the creation of Beowulf due to the period it was created in. As the narrative was passed down by mouth Christianity views were slowly developed into the story. The poem was written after Anglo-Saxons were Christianized, but it is evident that pagan views were still in their mindsets. With these ideals still present, paganism and Christianity were woven into the story, and we see a mix of heroic ideals and self-sacrificing virtues that create a story