Will the Barbarians Ever Arrive Scapegoating in the Writings of Coetzee and Primo Levi - Literature Essay Samples

Both Waiting for the Barbarians by J. M. Coetzee and The Drowned and the Saved by Primo Levi deal with the weighty themes of dehumanization, oppression, and the darkest sides of humanity. Similarities between the apparatus of oppression depicted in both works become immediately apparent. Both the SS and the Third Bureau dehumanize their victims to prevent their torturers from feeling an excess of guilt. In Coetzee’s work, this process is manifested through the aimless war against the barbarians and the endless â€Å"wait† for them to attack the Empire. However, it is arguable that the barbarians will never actually arrive; indeed, the title is simply a metaphor for the classic scapegoating of marginalized groups as described by both Levi and Coetzee. Although all human beings are capable of committing atrocities, certain groups have a proclivity towards oppressing others, due to cultural patterns, systemic advantages, and historical examples. To absolve their guilt, the y wait for their scapegoats to prove themselves equally ferocious. This theory can be proven by examining the largely fabricated crimes of the barbarians, the distribution of blame in the Nazi Lagers, and the natural dynamic of the oppressor versus the oppressed. The barbarians will never arrive because they are not the monsters that the Empire has painted them to be. Instead, the so-called barbarians are an oppressed native people who have been pushed from their land by an insatiable empire that fabricated crimes against them to justify expansion. The tall tales about the barbarians are a classic example of colonial paranoia. The settlers have been tricked into believing that the barbarians are a dangerous force, so that the Empire can continue to expand with a clear conscience and without dissenting opinions. The ideas that the settlers have about the barbarians are largely fabricated. For example, the narrator states that â€Å"The barbarians come out at night. Before darkness falls the last goat must be brought in, the gates barred, a watch set in every lookout to call the hours. All night, it is said, the barbarians prowl about bent on murder and rapine. Children in their dreams see the shutters part and fierce barbarian faces leer thro ugh [†¦] The barbarians have dug a tunnel under the walls, people say† (141). In this quote, there is an emphasis on the hearsay aspect of these fears. The alleged barbarian behavior is completely based on what people are saying, rather than fact. To alleviate the guilt that the tormenters might have felt for harming these people, the wardens of the Empire dehumanized the barbarians and turned them into the enemies of the state. This strategy prevented their underlings from suffering from a bad conscience. The significance of â€Å"waiting for the barbarians† as a phrase is that the settlement is waiting for the barbarians to prove themselves to be the evil intruders of their imaginations. It is my opinion that the barbarians will never actually come because the author is trying to prove the point that the scapegoats of oppression are hardly as destructive as they are painted to be. This idea of oppressors wanting their victims to prove that they deserve oppression is one of the main themes in The Drowned and the Saved. The entire structure of the Lager was designed to distribute shame and guilt among victims who were not truly at fault. By having positions like that of Kapo, the Nazis could rationalize the oppressive system that they were operating. By forcing members of the camp to subjugate each other, the Nazis could believe that they were punishing people who deserved to be punished. Nowhere is this clearer than in the horrors of the Special Squad. The Nazis forced a Special Squad of prisoners to do the actual work of operating the gas chambers, not only to distance themselves from the labor, but to shift the guilt. Levi states that, â€Å"this institution represented an attempt to shift onto others- specifically, the victims- the burden of guilt, so that they were deprived of even the solace of innocence† (53). Moreover, I think this operation was u ndertaken so that the Nazis could prove to themselves that their prisoners were in fact worthy of being oppressed. In a similar sense to the frontiersmen of Coetzee’s work, the Nazis were â€Å"waiting for the barbarians† to emerge among their prisoners. Levi articulates this idea when he explains the soccer match that was played between members of the SS on guard and the Special Squad. He believes that these two groups could play a game together because they were on an â€Å"equal footing.† He states, in the voice of the Nazis, that â€Å"it is consummated, we have succeeded, you no longer are the other race, the antirace, the prime enemy of the millennial Reich; you are no longer the people who reject idols. We have embraced you, corrupted you, dragged you to the bottom with us† (55). I think that this passage represents a scenario in which the â€Å"barbarians have arrived†. By forcing the prisoners to commit such an act, the camp authorities ha ve dragged them through sin to make them into people worthy of hating as barbaric and despicable. Both literary examples play into the larger narrative of the oppressor versus the oppressed that has guided human history as a common dynamic. Coetzee argues in Waiting for the Barbarians that different groups cycle through history as the oppressors at different times. He argues this through the example of the Empire, stating that when a group becomes imperial, they become the oppressors. He puts forward this idea through an image of Colonel Joll slaying barbarians one by one, â€Å"[. . .] until at last he finds and slays the one whose destiny it should be (or if not he then his son’s or unborn grandson’s) to climb the bronze gateway to the Summer Palace and topple the globe surmounted by the tiger rampant that symbolizes eternal dominion† (154). Although Coetzee’s point that all groups have the capability to become the oppressive ruling elite is apparent, this point is open to strong disagreement. There is a general trend throughout history of the oppres sors versus the oppressed that favors a certain type of group. On this argument, I tend to side with Levi, who considers that perhaps the Germans themselves had specific attributes that made them prone to oppressive rule. Militaristic societies, like Germany and its Prussian predecessor, have an easier time swallowing oppression because their militaries operated in a similar fashion. Additionally, there is a general pattern indicating which groups are more likely to be targeted for oppression. Historically, any groups that differed from the white, European elite have been the ones who are easily subjugated. Coetzee articulates this oppression of difference, asking â€Å"How do you eradicate contempt, especially when that contempt is founded on nothing more substantial than differences in table manners, variations in the structure of the eyelid?† (58). Precisely this point leads me to disagree with Coetzee’s idea that the barbarians themselves could someday become the o ppressive elite. Unfortunately, throughout history, groups have been marginalized to the point that they have become synonymous with â€Å"the oppressed†. Certain groups have been oppressed for so long, that it would be difficult for them to overcome the systemic disadvantages imposed on their communities. Because of this, there remains a clear hierarchy of the oppressors and the oppressed, that cannot be reversed without a destruction of the traditional systems and historical advantages and disadvantages tied to each group. Levi and Coetzee expose their readers to the darkest aspects of human nature. Both works show how far human beings can sink into hatred, to the extent of committing unspeakable horrors on other human beings. However, amid describing these events, both authors manage to analyze the psychological motives of violent oppressors, along with oppression’s impact on their victims. In wrangling with these themes, one can locate a parallel in the way both books deal with the scapegoating of the â€Å"other†. In order to alleviate their own guilt and shame, the oppressive class must find a reason to justify its hatred of the oppressed group. By fabricating lies about the barbarians and creating a â€Å"grey zone† in the Lagers, the Empire on the one hand and the Nazis on the other, demonstrated a recurrent dynamic between the historically marginalized and their torturers. Both the Nazis and the Empire were waiting for the barbarians to appear in their victims, but they were searching in vain. To find the truly barbaric, they needed only to look within themselves.

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Essay On Elie Adkins - 1109 Words

Trials and Tribulations of Adele Laurie BLue Adkins INTRODUCTION May 5, 1988 in North london, England an inspiring, successful artist was born (â€Å"Adele†). Adele has been very successful throughout her career. Her music is loved by so many people not just in the UK, but also across the world. How did she do it and what has inspired her? Growing up with her parents being split up and being the only child Adele’s mother taught her to be unique (â€Å"Adele†). Adele had set her goals at a young age and had big dreams she’s now achieved so much in her life. Her mother put her in BRIT a performing arts school at a young age (â€Å"France†). Neither of her parents were musical, but who would’ve known she’d become so talented. So where exactly did she get†¦show more content†¦They inspired her to make music and sing. When she was 15 years old she would listen to 40s music (â€Å"Adele†). She appreciated the older music and artists whom had soul in their voices. Adele should give all the glory to MySpace. MySpace is a social media site where Adele started to post music that she had composed and wrote (â€Å"Adele Biography†). XL Recordings found her music on her page and soon after she received a record deal (â€Å"Adele†). Many people love the sound of her different voice because it had a lot of soul in it(â€Å"Adele Biography†). Her songs are also known for the American rb style and Jazz style (â€Å"Adele Biography†). Chasing pavements and Hometown glory brought her to fame (â€Å"Adele†). At age 19 she released the album 19 which was named after her age at the time in 2008 just like all her following albums were named (â€Å"Adele†). Chasing pavements from the album 19’ was a hit (â€Å"Adele†). Three years later her album 21 was released in 2011 (â€Å"Adele†). Even though 21 wasn’t supposed to be as successful as it was, She received a Grammy for it (â€Å"France†). The album also sold 30 million copies (â€Å"France†). She performed on SNL and was discovered in the States (â€Å"France†). Soon her songs became the most sung on x factor and also other singing shows. Many of Adeles songs are about love and relationships. Her songs sometimes send mixed signals to Adeles fans. Her song chasing pavements seem to be about her giving up or keep chasing for some guy. Some

Then, Now, and Forever free essay sample

Countless runs ferment within my shoes. They know every single divot and curve to my feet, down to the last pinky toe. They have been with me in victory and defeat; indented with pain and supported by valiance. They store all the progress that I have made and still leave room for the betterment that is to come. My sneakers, in yellow and navy blue decor, swing off the back curve and into the last straightaway. They are adjoined to my feet, not only by white braided shoe laces, but bound tight in a double lace knot within my heart. Discovering the power to run mirrors Ponce de Leon withholding the fountain of youth; the endless possibilities that can await, and the art of testing one’s limits beyond means imaginable. Over the grass hills, mud paths, and other rigid terrain, my shoes hug my feet. They are my supporters and bounce me off one step to the next, despite the grimacing-pained look on my face. We will write a custom essay sample on Then, Now, and Forever or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page My sneakers will not quit. They refuse the lingering benches that they pass by on long runs, and withdraw from the temptations of assuaged breaks. My sneakers have been there from the beginning. Wrapped around by three distinguished Adidas lines, encoded with races past, present, and future, they lead the way. Sometimes my shoes give into the wile of a trail,, little pebbles of asphalt knock the metal spikes out of their allotted space, altering their design. Quickly, new spikes replace old ones. This time, they are ready to take the beating; going through the highs and lows of each course; slopes of extreme incline, and puddles camouflaged by fallen leaves of brown and yellow, all encrusted by dirt and gravel. Other times, my shoes are misled. They overstep their perfect stride and land back on the ground in an acute formation. One by one my shoes hit, but it only takes a few more steps until their stride is restored to its natural flow, disregarding the treacherous locomotion they have endured through miles of jaunt. The shanks of my shoes remain completely in tact, withstanding the rough and rigid terra firma, staying true to their original contour. Making the transition from trail to mondo surface is no match for my shoes. Coated with a sweet white mesh, they run. When the gun goes off and it is time for my shoes to take flight, they force my feet in an upwards motion; perched up by the pressure on my toes. My shoes move; a gazelle running through shrubbery. It only feels natural. They hit the red track, they pass the big number one imprinted in white, they cross the line. Done. But, they are never actually done. They will never stop. My shoes will keep moving. They will test my limits; they will exceed all expectations, including my own. They will be determined to run faster, stronger, better. The pursuit of determination radiates yellow with a lining of navy blue. The yellow, solely embodying the will to dispel whatever challenges may lie ahead. The blue, representing my shoe’s humility, my shoe’s preparedness that other shoes may and can run faster. Both harmoniously jibe, forever morpheme. My shoes are ready. They left the starting line a long time ago. They have made their own course. The shoes are mine, the shoes are me.

Common Application Essay Topics That Can Help Your College Search

Common Application Essay Topics That Can Help Your College SearchThe most common application essay topics include classroom teaching, physical education, history and personal development. Some people are using the content to write about career planning. You should be sure to spend some time brainstorming about what would interest you.A student-centered essay about learning to change your mind can become a little lengthy if you do not have many ideas to work with. This is not an essay for the short side of things. Make it something that will attract attention to you and your story.Writing about a new hobby or interest can add to the excitement of the essay. This can be a long essay, and it should not be picked over by those reviewing your application. Think about how many other students like what you have written and do not skip this section. When you try to add something from your past to this chapter, make sure you don't forget to get back in the story.Any career choices, career goa ls or personal questions that can be answered with an honest answer should be included in the essay. Every student is different, so this will be a rough draft, but one that can be worked on. Students should be encouraged to ask about what they would do if they had the chance to do anything.This is a period for you to show off your writing skills as well as your interviewing skills. You want to be able to build on your good points and develop weaknesses. If you can't work on that in one sitting, think about moving on to a different part of the essay.Consider editing the essay after you submit it for this reason. Check for spelling errors, grammar mistakes and poor essay structure. If you cannot find a problem with your essay, then take a break for a while and try again. Use a variety of sources to find different interests. Look at the next time you have to write about something that interests you. It can become very overwhelming, but you need to stay in control.A student resource cen ter can be a great place to begin. There are numerous online resources and you may even find a site that has a sample paper. Keep searching until you find something that is relevant to your future education.

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