Benzodiazepines For Therapy The Benefits And The Dangers Biology Essay

Benzodiazepines For Therapy The Benefits And The Dangers Biology Essay The benzodiazepine family of drugs is a complex group of substances that have garnered controversy and attention from the media since they broke onto the medical scene in 1957 (Center for Substance Abuse Research, 2005). As with other drugs, more and more people began to use benzodiazepines and negative side effects such as addiction and withdrawal eventually were revealed. (Ashton, 2005, p. 249). Benzodiazepines, however, should not be looked at with a negative connotation. They are relevant and useful medically when used and prescribed responsibly and dependence does not occur (Center for Substance Abuse Research, 2005). Benzodiazepines have both positive and negative aspects that must be examined to form a fair opinion about the drug, its uses and effects. So, what exactly is a benzodiazepine? They are defined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (2008) as: Any of a class of drug used as antianxiety agents, muscle relaxants, sedatives, hypnotics, and sometimes as anticonvulsants. Under the Controlled Substance Act they are classified as a Schedule IV drug (Benzodiazepines). When someone takes a medication that is a benzodiazepine, they may encounter symptoms such as slurred speech, confusion, feelings of fatigue, and gastrointestinal upset. There are many varieties of benzodiazepines used and prescribed today. These include more popularly known medicines such as Xanax, Valium, and Rohypnol. These substances work as depressants in the body, accounting for their sedative effects (Center for Substance Abuse Research, 2005). When talking about benzodiazepines, it is important to know that no two benzodiazepines are created equally. They are prescribed for different reasons that will be addressed later and present a variety of withdrawal symptoms when dependence occurs. They can be taken in a pill form, shot into the blood stream using a needle, and some can even be taken sublingually. Finally, benzodiazepines are split into two groups: those that are short-acting and those that are long-acting. The latter will linger for much longer in the body (Center for Substance Abuse Research, 2005). The first benzodiazepine was created in a laboratory by scientist Leo Sternback. It was not until nearly thirty years later in the 1950s, that benzodiazepines were marketed for medical use as an anti-anxiety medication (Center for Substance Abuse Research, 2005). Research of the drug created new medications for new uses which grew until the 1970s. By then, benzodiazepines topped every other group of drugs in the world, in the times that it was prescribed. Even though prescriptions have trailed off since then, over-prescription is still seen as troubling to many (Ashton, 2005, p. 249). Benzodiazepines pose benefits for a variety of ailments and disorders. First, they are useful hypnotics for individuals who suffer from insomnia. Like with nearly all cases of benzodiazepine prescription, they should only be taken for a small period of time, with one month being the longest. Benzodiazepines can help with anxiety as well. It should be carefully considered by the doctor that the patient has severe anxiety that is disrupting their life. Again, this should be for the short period of time because benzodiazepines can be highly addictive (Benzodiazepines, 1997). People who have intense panic attacks or strong phobias that are not eased by other methods could be candidates for benzodiazepine prescription (Ashton, 2005, p. 250). Another benefit is that benzodiazepines have been shown to drastically relieve muscle spasms that are caused by epilepsy (Benzodiazepines, 1997). For example, the Epilepsy Foundation of America endorses the use of Valium for emergency, ongoing seizures. It is the gold standard in this situation because Valium is able to go through the blood-brain barrier in a short period of time, saving lives and decreasing the risk of brain damage in the patient (Medicines for Epilepsy). These properties are also useful for people who maybe be going through alcohol withdrawal, where convulsions are a possible risk factor (Ashton, 2005, p. 250). The most important factor when discussing benzodiazepines is having control over the substance. Benzodiazepines stop being beneficial when the patient has to exceed their dosage in quantity or length of time, or they are used no longer for a medical purpose. For example, an individual who uses a benzodiazepine for recreational use, or to help them unwind is not using the drug properly. This can lead to negative effects of the drugs such as addiction, dependence, and losing effectiveness of the drug (Benzodiazepines, 1997). In her article, The Diagnosis and Management of Benzodiazepine Dependence, (2005) Heather Ashton writes Present criteria for substance dependence include tolerance, escalation of dosage, continued use despite efforts to stop and knowledge of adverse effects, other behavioural features, and a withdrawal symptom. Benzodiazepines meet all of these criteria (p. 250). As seen in these few examples, benzodiazepines are a dangerous group of substances. This is especially true when they are not strictly controlled, overprescribed or misused. Being dependent upon benzodiazepines is dangerous because long-term use of these substances can amplify the symptoms they were used to treat. Anxiety problems and depression can be worsened when people overuse benzodiazepines and then begin to experience withdrawal symptoms (Benzodiazepines, 2007). When benzodiazepines are misused and abused for years there is a risk that this person will then have problems with learning new things and paying attention. There is also the risk that people who take benzodiazepines can hurt themselves through accidents because increased dosages of the medicines can put them in an altered state of mind where they are more likely to fall and hurt themselves (Ashton, 2005, p. 250). Over-prescription is a problem in the United States that ranges from pain killers to antibiotics. Benzodiazepines are not exempt from this group. Whether it be from overworked doctors or individuals working the system to gain more and more prescriptions, benzodiazepine abuse leads to dependence (Ashton, 2005, p. 249). The United States Drug Enforcement Administration reported that in 1999 approximately 100 million prescriptions for benzodiazepine drugs were written (Benzodiazepines). All opinions aside, this is an astonishing number. Over-prescription also leads to the problem of the drugs ending up on the streets. Some varieties can even be conveniently found on the World Wide Web (Ashton, 2005, p. 252). Diazepam, better-known by the name Valium, is one of the more popular types of benzodiazepines that are sold illegally. These are potentially dangerous, controlled substances that do not belong on the streets (Benzodiazepines). Why is it that benzodiazepines are so likely to cause dependence? Individuals with no previous problems of abuse can be prescribed for the drugs incorrectly, take the drugs for too long, and find that they are unable to wean themselves away from them (Benzodiazepines: Risks, 1997). Tolerance is usually the number one cause of dependence in users of benzodiazepines. On some occasions the patient may be prescribed one benzodiazepine that after a period of time that can range for weeks or months, stops giving them they affect they need. A second type of benzodiazepine will then be prescribed. In the end this cycle is keeping the patient from receiving helpful treatment for their ailment, and the patient is unable to withdrawal (Ashton, 2005, p. 250). Benzodiazepines are different from other drugs that we may think of when we hear words like dependence and addiction. Unlike street drugs like crack and methamphetamines, benzodiazepines are usually taken by people with no intention of getting a high or fix as previously described. This is a problem that needs to be addressed in our society. What a sad thing that some of our health professionals that we pay so much through insurance or even out of pocket, for whatever reason cannot be responsible enough to look out for the well-being of their patients. The patient may not seek treatment and try to quit taking the medications by themselves. In this instance, the withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines are no cake-walk and can include high anxiety levels, convulsions, and delirium (Ashton, 2005, p. 251). People who find that they are dependent upon benzodiazepines do have a high chance of around 80 percent of overcoming it when the process is aided by professionals, and the addict is willing to change (Ashton, 2005, p. 253). Maybe its a stretch, but this could be seen as a possible benefit of the drugs. People trying to get off the drugs are usually administered less and less of them until the doses are completely stopped. In some cases, if the user stops cold-turkey, especially with stronger benzodiazepines, the withdrawal will be much more intense (Center for Substance Abuse Research, 2005).

Feminist Theories on Sexuality

Feminist theorists Camille Paglia and Foucault give opposing views on the topic of women and their sexuality as they addressed topics such as homosexuality and pornography as ways of expressing sexual desires and the role a woman plays in society in reference to her sexuality. Camille Paglia, a graduate of the University of Arts in Philadelphia, America, has strong feminist views in relation to women’s sexual preferences. Paglia is a bi-sexual female, who came from an Italian, Catholic household with an overprotective and strict family. While watching an interview with Paglia, she stated that through her years growing up, as a girl she was expected to follow certain rules and was (like many girls) led to think in a certain manner for situations such as rape, prostitution and sexual desires. Paglia was opposed to this, as was seen in her countless numbers of affairs which she had with women, despite being married to a man. This shows that Camille Paglia is pro-homosexuality. She allowed herself to explore and believed that the dignity and freedom of women could not be gained through the overprotective barriers parents and society puts up. By her supporting lesbianism, it also shows her strong views on her personality and disregard for what society thinks of her. Another point Paglia brought up was that women are never straight forward when it comes to sexual desires. She made reference to this when she discussed the numerous reports on accused rape. Paglia said that many women are provocative, and send wrong â€Å"signals† to guys. They are the cause of the accused â€Å"rape†, yet they are quick to blame the man who simply acts on the woman’s actions. Women report cases of rape for simple hand contact, which is mostly due to the woman’s lead. Women need to express their desires and not feel ashamed of it. Paglia says that women want sex as much as man, whether with a female or male, they should be upfront. Camille also discussed women in pornography. Many women see pornography as a disgrace and disrespectful view towards a woman and her body through these videos, pictures and other forms of porn; however Camille believes that a woman should have the right to portray herself and her sexual desires through any source of media and angle she wants. A woman has full rights to her body and sexual desires and should not be stopped from expressing it. She is against modern feminism because she believes that women have a right to these things, and that women need to stop blaming men and become self reliant, independent and accept that they are differences between men and women that cannot be changed. Women also have pornographic minds, and whilst other feminists will be opposed to women expressing themselves and being involved in prostitution and pornography, she disagrees. Throughout an interview with Camille, she made it very clear that she was pro-pornography, as she mentioned this numerous times to emphasized that women need to be strong on their desires and not be judged on their preferences. (female-female; male-female; male-male). This proves her point that women must be able to accept who they are and have the ability to show it, and not be restricted because of gender barriers and expectations of society. The role of women and their sexual preferences and desires are based on the current situations in society. This point is shown through the theories by Foucault. Through history, culture determined how sexuality was originated. Foucault believed that as time progresses, the idea of lesbianism and bi-sexual relations are growing. These desires are only present because of the new cultures and society that is present now. For example, in the 1800s, women were not allowed to choose their own mates or express their sexuality, and this is still present even now in the 21st century in some areas. The change in this tradition only occurred through time and what was seen as the new norm and custom in the society. The episteme of society determined the sexual desires and preferences in a particular era and the way they think. (Episteme is the way a specific culture approaches the world). Foucault believes that as society transitions, their thoughts and views also change due to the ideology itself shifting. Another point Foucault made was related to sex and women’s role in sex. Sex is seen as a social construct that is constructed through the exercise of power relations. Sexual nature is produced through society. Foucault stated that before, in previous generations, there was never a big focus on sex, whereas now, the desire for sex is increasing and will continue to increase in years to come. The world is culturally constituted and the body is seen materially through the eyes of man. Men use women for sex, and whilst women may think they are equal, men view them as sex objects. Feminists, as mentioned previously, deny having sexual tendencies and sexual preferences, and unlike Camille Paglia, who believes this is false, Foucault agrees with this statement. He relates this statement to his theory that sexual tendencies and desires are based on society’s ideology, rather than natural desires. Like Paglia, Foucault mentioned the role of women through pornography as well. However his views differed from Camille’s as he believes that pornography is an invention by man used to de-humanize women and socially constructs her oppression. He does not believe that women have a desire to produce porn, but instead they are manipulated into thinking that is what they want and they only please men, rather than expressing themselves and pleasing their own self. Foucault’s approach to a woman’s sexuality is based on the views of society and the manipulation in each era, mostly endorsed by man upon women. Camille Paglia believes that men and women have natural qualities and that they should not base their choices on what men demand of them, but on what their desire is whereas Foucault believes a woman’s sexuality is determined on society and the manipulation of men on women in reference to sex and sexual activities and preferences. I agree with Camille Paglia’s theory that women are different from men and must become their own individual, independent and free from reliance on man. A woman must take charge of her body and her sexual desires and not be expected to pretend that they are not naturally inclined towards sex. Camille expresses a pro-pornography mind and I agree that a woman should not be degraded for expressing her desires through pictures, videos or sex itself. Women should be allowed to freely express themselves without being restricted and judged by society and men. Also, as Camille Paglia stated, men should not be blamed for everything, and women should stand up for themselves and show everyone what they want. Camille is also pro-prostitution. A woman has full rights to her body and only a woman can determine what she wants to do with her body. A woman has the right to participate in any sexual act she desires, because it is only her decision. Women are categorized, according to Paglia, as having more emotional and sexual desires than men, but are not able to show it. Paglia’s point of this categorization is to show that women do not express their sexual desires freely because they are not allowed to show it. Whether it is true or not, I agree that a woman should have the freedom of being able to share their â€Å"wants† and â€Å"needs† without having to feel ashamed or self-conscious. Paglia says that the only way for this to happen, is if women begin to stop waiting, and start acting on becoming independent and taking personal responsibility, without blaming other people for your problems or your limitations. Feminist theories on sexuality show the rights of a woman in their ability to express and have sexual desires and preferences, and how they portray these elements. On one hand, Camille Paglia argues that women should take the initiative to become independent and not rely on man, and be free to express their natural sexual desires. On the other hand, Foucault believes that men control women, and a woman’s sexuality is determined on the stage of society and the transitions in the ideology of the culture and society. The both theorists contrast each other in theories in their views on a woman’s sex life. The belief that men construct society is supported by Foucault and opposed by Paglia. Homosexuality is supported by both theorists in different ways. Foucault believes it is due to the transitions in society, where as Paglia believes that it is due to natural inclinations. Their different approaches to women’s sexuality were well analyzed and represent the two different views from feminists. Feminist theories on sexuality vary according to the theorist, and each person has a different view on whether a woman has a right to express her sexuality or whether certain acts are frowned upon when done by a woman because of a woman’s expectations and stereotype.

Redcoats, Patriots and Bunker Hill Essay

As the winter of 1783 drew near, the last of the British troops sailed from New York leaving behind an independent nation. A land destined to be the richest and most powerful state in the galaxy of nations. It is possible that some of the redcoats marching into the dreary ship that cold November day had attacked Bunker Hill eight years ago, and stared at astonishment at the hail of bullets coming their way from the muskets of the patriots. The British had gone on to win the battle but at enormous cost, losing more than half their men. It was supposed to have been an easy battle. Their superiors, the officers of the most powerful army on earth had thought that they would overwhelm the enemy and had opted for a frontal assault, only to see their men mowed down repeatedly by a thinking and able enemy. The Battle of Bunker Hill has been enveloped in hagiography by every American historian as a victory in defeat, an American Dunkirk and as one of the first military engagements of the war of independence. It is all this and much more. Its’ importance in shaping history also lies in the two crucial mental victories it gave to the American troops. First, it changed forever the stereotypical image of the Patriots being a rag tag bunch of homegrown militia who could function adequately only under the competent and trained officers of the British army. Second, it brought immense pride to the Patriots and served as a rallying cry, a force mobiliser for the many engagements that were to happen in the next eight years. The British were confident of their military prowess and with good reason. They had fought the French all over the world in The Seven Years war, which lasted from 1756 to 1763 and â€Å"lock(ed) horns (with them) on every continent where the two had outposts†. (Allan, T., P 100)   They had mobilized troops effectively over vast distances, achieved tremendous expertise in military logistics and training and won brilliant battles. The firepower and strength of their navy enabled them to blockade ports and intercept supplies. Canada and Florida had come to them from the French and the Spanish after the Treaty of Paris and British hegemony extended over huge tracts of the inhabited world. The world was theirs to rule and they were a truly awesome military power. The Patriots were in their eyes a motley group of undisciplined part time soldiers, made up of planters, traders and frontiersmen with very little knowledge of arms and the mechanics of warfare. In America, the colonists had fought alongside the redcoats against the French and the Spanish in The Seven Years War but always under the command of British officers. In fact, they had been badly mauled when the Indians of the Northwest went on the warpath in 1763, and had turned in desperation to the British for succor. â€Å"The colonial militia was unable to master them, and in the end it was British regulars who put down the uprising.† (Allan, T., P 101) Many of the militia had joined only for personal advancement. As Lieutenant Scott, a Bunker Hill veteran was to say later â€Å"I lived in a country town; †¦ I was very ambitious †¦ I was asked to enlist as a private soldier; †¦ I offered to enlist upon having a lieutenant’s commission, which was granted. I imagined myself now in a way of promotion if my captain was killed; I should rise in rank, and should still have a chance to rise higher. These, sir were the only motives of my entering into the service; for as to the dispute between Great Britain and the colonies, I know nothing of it† (Sommers, R.J.) Thus, notwithstanding the small setbacks on their way to Boston, a very confident British army looked ready to overrun Boston in the summer of 1775. As the British ships began to arrive with troops ready for battle, Major General John Burgoyne was to remark â€Å"What! Ten Thousand peasants keep 5000 king’s troops shut up! Well, let us get in and we’ll soon find elbow room.† (Allan, T., P 107) General Thomas Gage, the British Commander in Chief, shared this brashness. A few days before the battle, he had written to say, â€Å"They will undoubtedly be lions whilst we are lambs, but if we take the resolute path they will undoubtedly prove very meek.† (Allan, T., P 108) As day broke on June 17, 1775, about 1200 ill equipped and under trained American soldiers were readied on Breed’s Hill to face the advancing redcoats. As thousands of people watched from the top of churches and houses in nearby Boston, 2500 British troops, supported by heavy cannon fire from the ships attacked the American barricades at three in the afternoon.. The patriots, under the command of Colonel William Prescott let the British come right up the hill before opening fire, practically from where â€Å"they could see the whites of their enemy’s eyes† (Battle of Breed’s Hill/Bunker Hill) Casualties were heavy and the redcoats retreated in consternation. The battle lasted for nearly three hours before American ammunition ran out. The British had to make three charges before they could take the defenses on the hill. The last charge was at bayonet point with the heavily outnumbered Americans fighting with rifle butts and rocks until they were ordered to retreat. One of the last to leave the American lines was, General Joseph Warren. The hero lingered only to lose his life with a gunshot in the temple. The cost to the British was terrible. The hollow victory lost them a thousand men including many officers; nearly forty percent of their total force. The militia lost four hundred.   The British then went on to capture both the hills and Charleston was cannon balled until it burnt to the ground. After Bunker Hill, a chastened Thomas Gage wrote, â€Å"They showed a conduct and spirit against us they never showed against the French, and everybody has judged them from their former appearance and behavior.† (Allan, T., P 108) The British would never forget Bunker Hill. It was the pushover that never was, the small dune on the outskirts of Boston where the Americans proved they could fight. The fighting was to continue for six more years during which time redcoats and patriots were to engage in battle as north as Quebec and as south as South Carolina. Most of the fighting however continued in the broad vicinity of Bunker Hill, on the seaboard between Philadelphia and Boston. At last, on September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed and Britain recognized the independence of its American possessions. The war that had started at Bunker Hill, in the summer of 1775 finally ended. The infant nation stretched from Georgia in the south to the Great Sea in the north, from the Mississippi in the West to the Atlantic in the East. The Bunker Hill Monument stands on Breed’s Hill, in an overdeveloped area in Boston. There is no hint or sign of the redcoats or the patriots who volleyed and bayoneted here more than two hundred years ago. Works Cited Allan, T., ed., â€Å"Winds of Revolution†, History of the World 1700-1800, Time Life Books, (1990), ISBN 07954 0984 8 Battle of Breeds Hill/Bunker Hill, â€Å"Military Science†, WPI, (2004), 21 June 2006, Sommers, Richard J. â€Å"Ambition.† Parameters 30.4 (2000): 171. Questia. 21 June 2006 . Bibliography Allan, T., ed., â€Å"Winds of Revolution†, History of the World 1700-1800, Time Life Books, (1990), ISBN 07954 0984 8 Bailyn, B., â€Å"The Battle of Bunker Hill† The Massachusetts Historical Society, (2003), 21 June 2006, Battle of Breeds Hill/Bunker Hill, â€Å"Military Science†, WPI, (2004), 21 June 2006, Battle of Bunker Hill 1775, HistoryCentral.com. (2004), 21 June 2006, Beard, James Franklin. â€Å"Cooper and the Revolutionary Mythos.† Early American Literature 11.1 (1976): 84-104. Questia. 21 June 2006 . Sommers, Richard J. â€Å"Ambition.† Parameters 30.4 (2000): 171. Questia. 21 June 2006 . Webster, Daniel. Daniel Webster’s First Bunker Hill Oration. New York: American Book Company, 1910. Questia. 21 June 2006 .

The Poetry of Walt Whitman Essay - 1645 Words

Walt Whitman is considered by many to be one of the greatest poets of the nineteenth century. Whitman grew up in New York and was a member of a large family, having eight siblings. Only four of these siblings lived to adulthood. His father was an alcoholic, which led to Whitman becoming more like a father-figure than a brother to his siblings. Whitman quit school at the age of eleven. He then worked as a journalist, as a carpenter, as a teacher, and as an editor before focusing on poetry. Whitman is most well-known for his book of poems, Leaves of Grass. Whitman could not find a publisher interested in his poems; therefore, he published them himself. Whitman rereleased this collection of poems several times, each time with the addition of†¦show more content†¦Whitman deplored slavery and was even fired from his job as an editor for his outspoken views on the subject. Whitman saw Lincoln as someone who wanted to put an end to slavery and as someone who would put his words int o action. Whitman took a great interest in The Civil War. His brother served in the war and Whitman volunteered as a nurse at an army hospital in Washington, D.C., where he dressed the wounds of injured soldiers, as well as read to them, and wrote letters for them to their families. Whitman gave lectures on President Lincoln almost up until his own death. Whitman was greatly disturbed by the assassination of President Lincoln and wrote these poems as a tribute to him. The most popular and the most analyzed of these poems is When Lilacs Last in the DoorYard Bloom’d. Laurie Lanzen writes, â€Å"this is a poem whose rich and sacred beauty and rapture of tender religious passion leave it unique and solitary in literature, and will make it the chosen and immortal hymn of death forever† (Lanzen, 544 ). Even though Whitman never mentions President Lincoln by name in the poem, according to whitmanarchive.org, this poem â€Å"was published in the fourth edition of Leaves of Grass in 1867 under the heading President Lincoln’s Burial Hymn† (whitmanarchive.org). This has come to be considered as one of the best poems ever written by Whitman. When Lilacs Last in theShow MoreRelatedWalt Whitman Poetry Essay1685 Words   |  7 PagesWhitman’s Contribution to American Identity Walt Whitman’s portfolio of poetry was a crucial staple in the American identity. Whitman used his poetry to contribute to the evolution of self-reliance, human freedom and concepts of democracy. These influences can be seen throughout all of his poems, but more relevantly in â€Å"Song of Myself†, â€Å"For You O Democracy† and in â€Å"Live Oak, with Moss†. After analyzing these works thoroughly, Whitman has undeniably aided in the development of American identityRead MoreWalt Whitman Poetry Analysis1949 Words   |  8 PagesThe concept of the soul is universal, but for Walt Whitman, the term is inexplicit. The notion of the soul is the essence or embodiment of something, which Walt Whitman realizes, but fails to keep the idea constant in Leaves of Grass. However, to the reader, the word â€Å"Soul† seems to hold a great importance to Walt Whitman. Connections of the â€Å"Soul† and body are found all over Whitman’s poetry, which is a source of his self-identity. It is mostly capitalized throughout the corpus and repeated severalRead MoreDemocratic Individualism in Walt Whitman Poetry1663 Words   |  7 PagesWhitman’s Poetry Walt Whitman will remain as a well-known, superb poet. Clarence Brown stated, the words of someone speaking on Walt Whitman, â€Å"He is the only one of the conventionally recognized American poets who is worth reading† (37). Walt Whitman is a poet that writes with purpose. His poetry seems to attempt to teach the more desirable behavior and traits for Americans. It depicts the ideal American democrat, peace maker, and a well-rounded person, in general. Not that Walt Whitman is only aboutRead MoreAnalysis Of Walt Whitman s Poetry1034 Words   |  5 Pages Walt Whitman changed poetry in the United States and all around the world. Walt Whitman did not follow the normal tradition of poetry. Walt Whitman started writing in free verse. Free verse is an open form of poetry. It does not use meter patterns or rhyme. Free verse lets poets talk with freedom. Although, Walt Whitman wrote many poems, but his â€Å"Song of Myself† interested me. This piece of poetry consists of dif ferent small poems that describe different circumstances from a life. For example, topicsRead MoreWalt Whitman And Allen Ginsbergs Poetry1332 Words   |  6 Pagesinner moonlight; don t hide the madness. You say what you want to say when you don t care who s listening.† Walt Whitman was a brilliant writer of his time, a writer that created a voice for the masses to no longer be a mass, but an individual. He was truly a pioneer of his generation, a revolutionary in thought, and this is not his quote. Due to his paralleled lifestyle to Walt Whitman, Allen Ginsberg learned and drew inspiration from such works as â€Å"Leaves of Grass† to apply towards his own bookRead MoreSex Sexuality in the Poetry of Walt Whitman3834 Words   |  16 Pages but have fallen back on fond dreams of the future (by Walt Whitman, qtd. in Miller, Sex and Sexuality) SEX AND SEXUALITY IN THE POETRY OF WALT WHITMAN Perhaps, in the following essay I put a quart into a pint pot, because I intend to puzzle out, or rather, find and give a deeper insight into Walt Whitmans sexuality that is still a question on agenda. There are readers and critics who state that it is a shame to humble his poetry to this level, but I think that he was homosexual in his eraRead MoreWilliam Blake s The Tyger And Walt Whitman s Poetry841 Words   |  4 PagesThe two poems that have to deal with the philosophies of human nature are William Blake’s â€Å"The Tyger† and Walt Whitman’s â€Å"Song of Myself.† Blake’s poem is based off the Romantics and Walt Whitman is an American Naturalist that is based off free verse a form that he created. William Blake’s poetry is considered through the Romantics era and they access through the sublime. The Romantics poetry through the sublime is beyond comprehension and spiritual fullness. A major common theme is a nature (agnosticRead MoreDeath, a Theme in Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman ´s Poetry1145 Words   |  5 PagesWalt Whitman and Emily Dickinson’s poetry is very different; however death seems to be a familiar topic amongst both poets. Opposites attract, and you could say the same for Whitman and Dickinson because though they have different writing styles both repeatedly write about death. Once more, although both Whitman and Dickinson have many different feelings about death, they also share many similar feelings about it as well. Although Walt Whitmans poetry is rather long and quite simple and Emily DickinsonsRead MoreThe Poetry of Walt Whitman versus William Carlos Williams Essay1744 Words   |  7 PagesThe Poetry of Walt Whitman versus William Carlos Williams Perhaps the most basic and essential function of poetry is to evoke a particular response in the reader. The poet, desiring to convey on emotion or inspiration, uses the imagination to create a structure that will properly communicate his state of mind. In essence he is attempting to bring himself and the reader closer, to establish a relationship. William Carlos Williams contends that art gives the feeling of completionRead More Dickinson Vs. Whitman Essay1229 Words   |  5 Pages Dickinson vs. Whitman After receiving five years of schooling, Walt Whitman spent four years learning the printing trade; Emily Dickinson returned home after receiving schooling to be with her family and never really had a job. Walt Whitman spent most of his time observing people and New York City. Dickinson rarely left her house and she didnt associate with many people other than her family. In this essay I will be comparing Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman. Emily Dickinsons life differs greatly