Day: February 4, 2024

Introduction: Jack London and “What Life Means to Me”

Jack London and “What Life Means to Me” are interrelated as the former is the writer of this autobiographical essay in which he delves into existential questions and personal reflections. Jack London has been an excellent author and pioneer of science fiction. In his autobiographical essay, “What Life Means to Me,” he has beautifully built the argument of shunning materialism after finding that it is rotten to the core.

Jack London and “What Life Means to Me”

The essay starts with his argument that he has dreamed to go up the ladder of status and wealthy since his childhood. He starts his life seeing dreams of going at the top in the social hierarchy of classes to become a person having noble and glorious thoughts and deeds like that of the educated and upper class. However, he sees that his “ideals and illusions” about that upper class are his handicaps.

Money, Jack London and “What Life Means to Me”

Then he turns to the remarkable way of becoming rich by investing money in government bonds, but soon he discovers that it is actually a slow way of becoming a rich man. The real way is to start a business, as he experiences by selling newspapers and doubling his earnings at the same spot. This makes him sick of the working class who always use their muscles, which become weary and worn out with labor. Following this, he becomes “The Prince of the Oyster Pirates” and starts his piracy business but soon faces huge losses and leaves it. Finally, he hits upon the idea of using his mind to reach the top, and it works well. With a lot of reading and hard work, he becomes a socialist but finds that all the demagogues, politicians, and other professionals who seemed noble and glorious to him are materialistic, eating up the lower classes through exploitation.

Moreover, he finds the glorious ladies of the upper class very materialistic and “sentimentally selfish.” This leads to his disillusionment with this upper class. He engages in brawls with several people over their hypocrisy and their way of life exploiting the lower classes. By the end, he finds that it is “the same everywhere”: a pursuit of more money and more wealth, often achieved through “crime and betrayal” of other human beings.

Conclusion: Jack London and “What Life Means to Me”

Finally, he becomes so disenchanted with this life of artificiality, crime, and betrayal that he once again joins the working class, where he finds sincerity and faith. By the end, he declares that his faith lies with the working class. In fact, his conclusion is that the pursuit of wealth does not bode well for humanity, as his biographical details provide ample evidence of this.

The essay serves as a critique of capitalism. He posits that on the surface, becoming a rich man may seem glorious and noble, making others feel jealous or envious. However, it involves the exploitation of the lower working class. Even in socialism, the upper crust comprising professionals exploit the lower class by pretending to represent them. However, this is all “crime and betrayal,” prompting him to aspire to return to the same class he had left.

Works Cited: Jack London and “What Life Means to Me”

Williams, James. “The Composition of Jack London’s Writings.” American Literary Realism, 1870-1910, vol. 23, no. 2, 1991, pp. 64–86. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27746444. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024.

Relevant Questions about Jack London and “What Life Means to Me”

1. Jack London and “What Life Means to Me” illuminate the impact of personal experiences and struggles on the essay’s themes and perspectives. How do London’s own challenges shape the narrative within the text?
2. How does Jack London, in “What Life Means to Me,” skillfully navigate the complexities of nature and the human condition, utilizing literary devices to convey profound ideas and reflections?
3. In “What Life Means to Me,” Jack London’s exploration of the human condition is rooted in the socio-economic context of his time. How do the historical conditions of London’s era shape the essay’s themes, and how do these themes resonate with readers in the present day?

Introduction: “Braveheart”

When I first watched “Braveheart,” I was truly enchanted by the charisma that the hero cast upon the people around him, especially the audience experiencing it for the first time. The physical aura that Mel Gibson embodied for this particular movie exceeded expectations. Portraying William Wallace, he embraced the full personality of a Scottish warrior with his long-flowing hair, short leather jacket, and tall leather boots, appearing as a true hero of ancient times.

Driven by the desire for revenge after the death of his beloved wife, Murron, he united all the tribes, trained them, and initiated a full-scale war against the English King Longshanks. He proved himself worthy of being a hero. William Wallace wasn’t just a bold and courageous young man; he exhibited the agility and cleverness of a Scottish commoner. Taking action to save others and secure freedom for his homeland, Scotland, against the cruelties of the English King and nobility, he showcased intelligence during battles and compassion for his compatriots, defining the hallmarks of his personality.

Despite facing cowardly treachery from Robert the Bruce and several other noblemen, he persevered, refusing to give up even when sentenced to the gallows. His inspirational leadership continued even after his death, reminiscent of a Grecian hero, ultimately leading his followers to achieve freedom. In short, William Wallace embodies all the qualities of a true hero.

Hero of “Braveheart”

William Wallace emerges as the hero of Braveheart, with Mel Gibson portraying him as a character embodying all the essential characteristics of a true hero. Not only is he a courageous and bold young man, but he also possesses the intellect and agility of a skilled Scottish warrior.

His journey begins with the tragic loss of his father and brother in a treacherous act, leaving him to survive under the care of his uncle Argyle. Despite the challenges, he holds onto the memory of his beloved Murron, who had expressed sympathy by giving him a flower on the death of his family. As he matures, Wallace becomes a robust and agile young man, continuing his love story with Murron. The two marry in secret, defying a law that required brides to spend their first night with the local magistrate.

When the local army of Longshanks learns of the secret marriage, the magistrate and his guards attempt to claim Murron. A skirmish ensues, leading to Murron’s arrest and subsequent execution for rebellion. William Wallace retaliates, attacking the soldiers and gaining widespread support from the locals. In this moment, Wallace demonstrates his courage to stand up against injustice, his boldness to launch an attack, and his leadership qualities in rallying people under his banner. This rebellion becomes a pivotal point, showcasing Wallace’s heroism as he leads his people to overcome oppression and tyranny.

Traits of Hero of Braveheart

Additionally, William Wallace exemplifies sympathy and moral integrity. While the personal grudge stemming from the soldiers’ attempt to claim his wife fueled his initial resistance, Wallace’s discontent ran deeper. Recognizing the widespread suffering under the oppressive laws of Longshanks, he felt a profound empathy for his people, motivating him to initiate a struggle for freedom.

At the point when he gathers them under a unified banner, Wallace decides not to wait for the English king’s attack. Instead, he leads an invasion of English garrisons, demonstrating his proactive approach and commitment to liberating his people. His actions go beyond personal vendettas, revealing a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

This sense of empathy is further emphasized when he instructs the princess to distribute all the gold and money among the poor. Despite facing challenges and ultimately not succeeding in his quest for freedom, Wallace leaves a lasting impact on the common Scottish people. His spirit instills a sense of determination that persists even after his death, ultimately leading to their victorious struggle for freedom.

Persona of Wallace in Braveheart

William Wallace’s multifaceted personality adds depth to his character in “Braveheart.” Firstly, he emerges as a skilled warrior, excelling in swordsmanship and archery, surpassing others in combat skills. Beyond his personal prowess, he displays leadership qualities, rallying various warring tribes under the banner of Scotland and leading them into battle against the forces of Longshanks.

A noteworthy aspect of Wallace’s character is his ability to inspire passion. Described by Robert Bruce as a fighter who exudes passion and motivates others to follow him, even his enemies are captivated by this fervor. Despite being a formidable warrior, he expresses a desire for peace, emphasizing his relatability as a common man who envisions a family life in times of tranquility.

His friendships are evident when he unites with the Irishmen on the battlefield, showcasing a camaraderie that transcends borders. However, the film also depicts Wallace with almost semi-godlike qualities, portraying him as invincible and capable of reaching any point or disappearing at will. Despite this portrayal, he remains grounded, often seen interacting with common people, emphasizing his humanity.

The film presents a nuanced view of Wallace, highlighting both his exceptional qualities and moments of vulnerability. While he may appear as a romantic hero enjoying life or a god surveying his valley, the reality of his humanity is revealed when he faces challenges, such as struggles to unite all Scottish nobles or when he is captured. These contrasts make him a complex character, resembling both a Grecian hero and, at times, the agile and intelligent Odysseus from ancient tales. William Wallace, in essence, is a real man navigating the complexities of the real world, leaving an indelible mark on history.

Conclusion: Braveheart

However, despite all this, he is a common character who, through sheer intelligence and courage, emerges as a hero and becomes a towering personality. His courage, love for others, and the realization that freedom should be for everyone make him an endearing character above all others. He always shows one or the other excellent part of his character, and that is what makes him a great hero.

Works Cited: Braveheart

1. Film: Braveheart. Dir. Mel Gibson. Perf. Mel Gibson. 1995.
2. Review: James, Caryn. “Braveheart (1995) FILM REVIEW: BRAVEHEART; The Splashy Epic Finds New Life in the 13th Century.” The New York Times, 24 May 1995. Web. 10 February 2014. http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=990CE2D71E3CF937A15756C0A963958260.

Relevant Questions about Braveheart

1. How does Mel Gibson’s performance contribute to the overall impact of “Braveheart,” and in what ways does he bring depth to the character of William Wallace?
2. In Caryn James’ review of “Braveheart,” she mentions the film finding new life in the 13th century. How does the historical setting enhance the storytelling and make the film resonate with audiences?
3. “Braveheart” is often praised for its epic and splashy nature. What cinematic techniques or directorial choices by Mel Gibson contribute to the grandeur and scale of the film, and how do they impact the viewer’s experience?