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Byelikov in “The Man in a Case” Short Story by Chekhov Essay

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Table of Contents Introduction Belikov: Character Description Analysis of Byelikov’s Interactions with Neighbors Personal Examples and Experiences Significance of Personal Freedom Conclusion Works Cited Introduction “The Man in a Case” is one of the most remarkable and well-known short stories by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. It begins when a teacher Burking and veterinarian Ivan Ivanych are settling down for a night in a shed of Prokofy, whose wife became an “obsessive solitary” (Loehlin 95). They started to discuss other anti-social people, and this is how Burkin began the narration about Byelikov, a teacher of Greek and the main character of the story. It is possible to say that through the image of Byelikov, a lifeless and constrained individual, Chekhov warns readers that any person can unwittingly imprison him/herself in a “case” or a “shell” by fixating on an unwritten set of rules and restrictions. Dependence on conventions may turn into disease and prevent one’s rapprochement with others. Based on this, it is valid to presume that loneliness and freedom are two major themes in “The Man in a Case.” However, the implicit criticism of excess conservativeness is another significant motif in the story. The example of Byelikov demonstrates that strict adherence to conservative norms does not allow any spontaneity and change in individual lives and the community in general. In this way, it may be argued that when people condemn others and try to make everyone live according to their conservative ideas, it prevents the expression of individuality and interferes with the natural development of society. Belikov: Character Description The image of Byelikov was developed by the author as an opposition to life and freedom: he represented rigidity of rules and bureaucracy, which have nothing natural in them. Rehman et al. define the character as “a psychologically shrunk and socially enfolded person” (4). He was completely detached from other people. It is even possible to say that he deliberately sought solitude and separation, and fenced off from others by different means: “He wore dark glasses, a sweater, stuffed his ears with cotton wool, and when he sat in a cab, he wanted the top up. In a word, the man showed a constant and insuperable yearning to enclose himself inside a shell, to wrap himself up you might say in a way that would isolate him, protect him from external influences.” (Chekhov 13-14) While a peculiar manner of dressing represents only one, extrinsic side of the issue, blind compliance with rules, as well as the fear of everything that even a little bit deviated from a standard and created an insignificant disturbance to a quiet life in the shell, formed a kind of an internal constraint. These internal barriers were the thing that cut the character’s link to reality and, at the same time, protected him from it. As Burkin, the narrator in the story, noted, “reality irritated him, frightened him, kept him in a state of constant alarm” (Chekhov 14). It seems those fear and irritation translated into the pursuit of permanent order and responsibility to maintain it in Belikov. Analysis of Byelikov’s Interactions with Neighbors The character’s behavioral features and introverted mindset largely affected the way he interacted with his colleagues, students, and other neighbors. Not only did he try not to break the rules himself, but he also felt extremely uncomfortable when others deviated from norms. Thus, he observed other town residents and always let them know if they or others did something “wrong.” For instance, Burking says that Byelikov “had a strange habit of coming into our apartments. He’d arrive at a teacher’s place and sit in silence as if he was spying out something” (Chekhov 16). Because of this, the character’s colleagues felt “oppressed…with his prudence, his mistrustfulness, and his tidy all-encompassing judgments” (Chekhov 15). Probably out of fear or maybe because they had nothing to oppose Byelikov, they did not object to him too much. They accepted and surrendered to his complaints, preferring to make changes in accordance with his conservative views. Thus, even though Byelikov also was a teacher like the majority of people whom he visited and observed, the habit of constant surveillance as well as the town residents’ reactions to Byelikov, indicate that, on a particular level, he was perceived as an authoritative figure because of his moral values and ideals. At the same time, as Rehman et al. state, although Byelikov had “a great sense of his moral responsibility,” his neighbors felt “a sort of tediousness in his company and had a kind of trepidation from his ethical ideology” (4). He did not let anybody live freely and made them adjust to his own views and made them afraid of everything. This is the reason why everyone felt a sort of relief when Byelikov eventually died. Get your 100% original paper on any topic done in as little as 3 hours Learn More Personal Examples and Experiences It is possible to say that in the real world there are a plethora of people as reclusive as Byelikov, as well as those who see the propaganda of their personal moral philosophies as an important duty. Moreover, when creating the character, Chekhov himself could be inspired by real-life examples: eccentric educators in the school he attended and the author’s father who “may have tyrannized over his children” (Loehlin 4). I would not say that in my life, there is such a grotesque figure surveilling every step others take like Chekhov’s character. Nevertheless, probably like many people, I had to rethink and change my behaviors when hearing someone’s disapproving opinions time after time. It seems many people have something of Byelikov in them because everybody sticks to their own beliefs of what is right and wrong. The only difference is that some individuals are more flexible in accepting unconventional and unusual things, while others are not. Like in all times, today one may be condemned by anybody for the smallest things starting from the manner of dressing, dietary habits and ending with the choice of romantic relationships, profession, confession, overall lifestyle, and so on. Although such condemnation may come from individuals, it can be regarded as a form of societal pressure in general because it has the purpose of making one conform to certain rules and expectations accepted within the community. I can say with certainty that I was influenced by people similar to Byelikov mostly when I was younger. They mainly were the authoritative persons such as teachers and other adults. In modern society, it is almost a norm for adults to oppress children, who are most of the time full of energy and unusual ideas, who are eager to take risks and explore new things. During my upbringing and early social integration, such behaviors were generally not approved. Like the man in a case, parents and teachers tended to forbid a lot of innocent things we liked to do as children because they were afraid that something bad might come out of it. Although it may seem reasonable to control children as they do not have enough life experiences, it seems that many of the fears and constraints I have now, as well as negative opinions I may sometimes impose on others, originate from childhood and the time when my behavior and views started to be shaped in accordance with particular norms. Nevertheless, nowadays, being aware of the importance of individuality and having respect for diverse perspectives on life, I try to never fall under the influence of Byelikov-like people. Today, I usually regard open condemnation based on personal preferences and subjective views, even if they are consistent with the ideas of the dominant ideology, as a sign of indelicacy and bad manners. In my opinion, there is no obligation to accept it and comply with it. Significance of Personal Freedom Overall, the problems of surveillance, societal pressures, compliance with norms, and excess conservatism raise the issue of personal freedom, which is eloquently described and criticized by Chekhov in “The Man in a Case.” As stated by Simmons, the motifs of “aspiration for freedom, freedom from all the stuffy conventions of life, from the regimentation of authority, the imbecility of functionaries, from everything that tyrannizes and debates the human spirit” are traced in many of Chekhov’s stories (425). Considering this statement and the findings of the character analysis, it is possible to suggest that the abundance of conventions and stereotypes can make a real personality fade and disappear. It means that the fear of new and unpredictable things can destroy individuality and make a person pitiable and helpless, unable to express even the simplest emotions. At the same time, the aspiration for freedom about which Simmons talks is introduced in Chekhov’s shorts story with the image of Kovalenko, a new geography teacher, and Byelikov’s antagonist, as well as his sister. These characters did not accept the life in the “case.” We will write a custom Essay on Byelikov in “The Man in a Case” Short Story by Chekhov specifically for you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More They are represented in the story as symbols of freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and love for life. People like Kovalenko and his sister pose a significant threat to any form of conservatism and conformity. The fact that they became the cause of Byelikov’s death only verifies this assumption. According to Rehman et al., “when Byelikov dies and he is in his coffin his looks are calm and complacent which is the very proof of his love for his Shell” (4). It means that death was the only way for the character to fulfill his ultimate goal of detaching from life, its unpredictability, and diversity completely. Conclusion “The Man in a Case” makes a reader think if he or she encloses him/herself in a similar psychological shell as Belikov. It also makes a person reflect on the way his or her personal beliefs and views affect the manner of interaction with others, and the overall effects on their lives. Chekhov demonstrated that physical and psychological constraints, prejudices, and stereotypes cannot make a person or anybody around him or her happy because a psychological “case” is always associated with stagnation and the lack of newness. It is possible to say that the story has implications for both individuals and society as a whole. The author shows that each person can be an agent of social conventions and norms. At the same time, people can become agents of social change as well by rejecting all possible constraints and having the courage to express their true personal qualities. Works Cited Chekhov, Anton. About Love: Three Stories by Anton Chekhov. Biblioasis, 2012. Loehlin, James N. The Cambridge Introduction to Chekhov. Cambridge University Press, 2010. Rehman, Hafiz Javed, et al. “It is very fine thing no doubt, but….let’s hope no evil will come out of it, Psychoanalytical Criticism of Anton Chekhov’s Short Story A Man Who Lived In the Shell: Procrastinate Belikov.” Research Journal of Language, Literature and Humanities, vol. 2, no. 5, 2015, pp. 1-5. Simmons, Ernest J. Chekhov: A Biography. LLC, 2011.
PSY 115 San Diego State University Effects of Divorce Reflective Paper.

I’m working on a psychology writing question and need an explanation to help me learn.

Like many aspects of society, divorce has become much more accepted and much more common in modern times. Although it can happen at any age, divorce is generally associated with middle adulthood and the idea of having a mid-life crisis. Erikson addresses this as Stagnation vs. Generativity. This is certainly one contributor to divorce as people look to make changes in their lives.Why do people get divorced? There are two obvious reasons. One is constant bickering, some people just really don’t get along. The same passions that may have lead to love and marriage initially now lead to arguments about almost everything (most commonly people argue about money). The other is infidelity, extramarital affairs. This is often viewed as a betrayal on a number of different levels and for many it is a deal breaker with no going back. There are also a few less obvious reasons. One concerns the expectations people have regarding marriage. The nature of the relationship is going to change and some people have trouble with that. Certainly things can be done to spice things up occasionally, such as romantic getaways. But expecting the same degree of passion and romance as when first married on an ongoing basis is unrealistic. Yet some people have difficulty adapting to such changes.Another factor that I often mention, though few other people do, is that people are living longer. Marriage is often described in terms of ’till death do you part.’ And in times past people had the decency to die. They died from disease, injury, childbirth and a plethora of other reasons. So marriage was a 15-20 year commitment before one or the other died. And then one was free to start over with someone else if they wished. Now people are far less likely to die, and marriages can span 45-50 years or more. Over that time frame both individual’s may change a great deal. You often hear of people lamenting that their spouse is not the same person they married. And so they divorce since that is now the only way out. Divorce rates are actually high among the elderly as they retire and suddenly are spending lots of time getting to know who their spouses have become over all those years when they spent most of their time at work.Another thing you’ll often hear people talking about is the idea of ‘staying together for the sake of the children.’ I’ve never been an advocate of this. If a couple really isn’t getting along, and there’s very little chance of things improving, divorce may actually be a benefit. Children sense tension in the home. And that can make them uncomfortable, insecure and lead to maladaptive behaviors in order to cope (drugs, sex and other risky behaviors). How is this helping? An amicable divorce may actually provide a more stable and nurturing environment for all concerned than a couple staying in a seriously troubled marriage.For this discussion I want you to think about a divorce from different perspectives. How are the principle parties affected? How are the children affected? The child’s age often plays a large role in how much a divorce affects them. Very young children may adapt well and see it as another change much like starting school. Older teens may be so absorbed in their own lives and relationships that they don’t pay that much attention. It’s often children in late childhood and early adolescence that have the biggest problems when parents divorce, often thinking something they did contributed to the stress and breakup of the marriage. And what about other family members, such as grandparents and in-laws? Their opportunities to visit, interact with the children and so forth may be altered a great deal.We all know people who have gotten divorced. Odds are that a number of you went through the divorce of your parents. Some of you may also have been divorced yourselves. Consider any such case and discuss the effects as mentioned. What was the worst consequence? What was the best? What advice might you offer someone going through a divorce or the divorce of close friends or family members? And, of course, respond to classmates and share your experiences.
PSY 115 San Diego State University Effects of Divorce Reflective Paper

Does Money Buy Happiness? Essay

Whether or not money can buy happiness is a continued debate. Billions of people in all parts of the world sacrifice their ambitions and subconscious tensions on the altar of profitability and higher incomes. Millions of people dream to achieve the level of wellbeing, when earning money will no longer be a problem to them. Legal or illegal does not really matter, as long as these strategies lead individuals to the desired monetary outcomes. Professional economists assert that more money does not buy happiness. As a result, it makes no sense for people to pursue money. Yet, the reality is quite different, as money, wealth, high incomes, and wide opportunities which they open make people extremely satisfied. Based on the current knowledge of economics, the opportunity costs of pursuing money can be extremely high. Therefore, it is better to pursue money for a purpose rather than for its own sake. People always wanted more money. Money inspired professional economists and bank robbers. Millions of people would even try to sell their souls for a reasonable sum of money. Nevertheless, the debate on whether or not money can buy happiness continues to persist. Globalization and consumerism have turned money into the main criterion of individual and professional success: the more money you earn the better person you are. However, professional economists suggest that money does not make people happy. The current state of research claims that, despite the rapid increase in personal incomes, the percentage of people who consider themselves happy has not changed (Lee, 2005). Similar disconnects between income and happiness were found in most advanced economies, including Japan, Europe, and the United Kingdom (Lee, 2005). However, the general inconsistency of these research results is too obvious to ignore. First, what does it mean for people to be happy? Professional economists may have profound knowledge of economic concepts but can hardly make happiness measurable. Second, can people be happy with their incomes if they always want more? Most probably, at any given point, individuals will feel dissatisfied with what they have and will try to obtain more. I agree that money buys happiness, but this happiness is never constant. This idea is further supported by Lee (2005), who assumes that people will make all sorts of sacrifices to get money, but their happiness will be temporary at best. Lee (2005) relies on the two main premises. First, “happiness people realize from having more income results from having more relative to others in some reference group, not from having more absolutely” (p.389). Simply stated, individuals always compare their incomes and positions to those of other individuals. They want to have more relative to what others have or can have. However, their happiness wanes as soon as others achieve a better social position, income, or level of wellbeing. Get your 100% original paper on any topic done in as little as 3 hours Learn More Second, the nature of sensory adaptation in humans explains why people are never happy with what they have: human receptors become irresponsive to the continuous presence of one and the same stimulus (Lee, 2005). As a result, the more money individuals earn the happier they become; however, with time, money turns into boredom and no longer brings happiness. Obviously, it does make sense to make money, since money is the main instrument of exchange and the source of unlimited opportunities for everyone. Money opens the gateway to a broad range of material and nonmaterial values, including health and education. We should never belittle the significance of money merely because it brings only temporary satisfaction (Lee, 2005). Yet, it is always better to pursue money for a purpose rather than for its own sake. Money for the sake of money makes little sense. Money is not the end but only the means of achieving some goal, like purchasing a new house or curing a sick child. Moreover, a common increase in individual wealth is always a positive externality, as richer countries experience lower childbirth mortality, fewer traffic deaths, better health, and longer life expectancy (Lee, 2005). We live in society and our wealth necessarily benefits others, through taxes and charity. Therefore, it always makes sense to pursue money to improve individual and societal wellbeing. The opportunity costs of pursuing more money can be extremely high. Opportunity costs are everywhere, as every decision necessarily involves tradeoffs. Individuals sacrifice their families and personal wellbeing to become successful, rich professionals. Others apply to illegal activities and decisions to earn their wealth. In my own life, my decision to become educated was associated with major opportunity costs. First, the costs of education impose a heavy burden of financial obligations on me. I could use this money to meet other life goals. Second, I spend more time at work and earn more money; I lose considerable earnings each time I pursue a better grade. Third, not all courses are equally pleasant: some courses seem not to be tailored to the specific needs and demands of the student majority (Frank, 2005). I could use this time to improve my knowledge of the disciplines that are important for my future career. To a large extent, the dollar cost of education does not reflect all opportunity costs. Yet, many students forget that higher education provides a variety of benefits that helps to decrease most, if not, opportunity costs. Statistically, college and university graduates earn $14,000 a year more compared with their non-educated counterparts (Anonymous, 2003). The social value of higher education is difficult to underestimate (Porter, 2002). Education enhances workplace productivity and stimulates professional growth. Therefore, the marginal utility of a university degree increases. We will write a custom Essay on Does Money Buy Happiness? specifically for you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Almost all economists treat opportunity cost as the main economic concept (Frank, 2005). Every single decision is inevitably associated with one or more opportunity costs. These involve explicit and implicit costs of other opportunities (Arnold, 2008; Baumol

Film Review: “Silenced” by Hwang Dong-hyuk Essay

help writing Silenced is a movie based on the events happened in one of the Korean schools in 2005. This film released in 2011 presents the problems which may exist in any society where corruption, influence of particular people, ill vision of the life and absence of the strong and legal regulatory bodies create terrible conditions that lead to the more terrifying outcomes. The problems raised in the movie are social and should bother the whole society as being based on the realistic events, it means that there may be many places where disabled children are treated in the same cruel way. Silenced is a movie that dwells upon the physical and sexual abuse of children who attend special school for disabled children. The problem is really important and impressive as children are not protected due to their social status and disabled children who are unable to tell about their problems, who are afraid of telling adults about abuse as they fear physical or sexual punishment. Trauma as one of the particular aspects of the movie should also be considered as those children who are abused in childhood are unable to perceive this world adequately. Their vision of the reality is changed and there are no guarantees that such children will grow up deserving members of the society as the traumas they get influence their perception of the modern world, people and events (Levine and Kline “Trauma’s scope – sources ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary” 18). Children abuse is considered as a great problem, however, trauma based on the physical and sexual abuse is rarely treated, however, this is one of the most important aspects doctors should pay attention to while treating children (Levine and Kline “What is trauma?” 3). Silenced is about sexual and physical abuse of disabled children who are not protected at all, about trauma they get and the attempts of one person to solve the problem, but illegal society, corruption and careless attitude of others do not give him an opportunity to complete the task effectively and at once. Get your 100% original paper on any topic done in as little as 3 hours Learn More The movie starts with the period when Gang In-ho is on his way to a school for hearing-impaired children in Gwangju. At his first day, he faces the problem, as to take a position he is to pay. Then, he sees more terrible things. Children at school are abused, he observes how a teacher severely beats a student, then he hears cries but others say to him that this is a norm for disabled children. Finally, he gets to know the truth, but the problem is that no one wants to deal with this case as the main abuser is a school director who is a respected person in a city and who has much influence in the place. Therefore, Gang In-ho appears in a terrible situation, on the one hand, he cannot look at violence and illegal abuse which takes place at school, on the other hand, he needs money to pay for the operation of his daughter. The situation is complicated by the fact that to pay for the position Gang In-ho had to mortgage a house. In-ho teams up with human rights activist Seo Yu-jin, but their attempts seem to be wasted in vain. The play of the actors does not impress, frankly speaking. Most of the emotions and reactions are based on the human mercy in relation to abused children. Gang In-ho seems to be the most emotionless person in the whole movie, the director of the school and the vise director also do not express any emotions on their faces, just the attitude to children, the actions these people do and the words they say to children make the audience understand their feelings and emotions. We will write a custom Essay on Film Review: “Silenced” by Hwang Dong-hyuk specifically for you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, the film is in grey color that adds to the perception of the reality. It is impossible to say that it is either an advantage or disadvantage, it just supports the movie tone and makes the perception of the film deeper. Sochi’s review is mostly based on the movie plot not on the personal perception that makes the film view procedure more subjective without influence of objective opinion from the side. The movie does not carry any entertaining features. Being initially a social creation, it makes people think about the problems which exist in this world. In most cases people do not notice what happens in the surrounding world, or do not want to notice, but Silenced is the movie which must be seen. People should see how those who have the power to influence the city authorities have an opportunity to do whatever they like as they are sure that the whole city including police and church community try to cover the truth. I was really impressed with the movie. There were the places which I could not watch due to the cruelty. Even though the play of the actors is rather primitive in some cases, I suppose that it adds to the realistic tone which must be present in this movie to make others think about global social problems. Works Cited Levine, Peter A. and Maggie Kline. “Trauma’s scope – sources ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary.” Trauma through a Child’s Eyes. Beckley: North Atlantic Books, 2007. Print. Levine, Peter A. and Maggie Kline. “What is trauma? A working definition.” Trauma through a Child’s Eyes. North Atlantic: Bodes Beckley, 2007. Print. Silenced. Dir. Dong Hyeuk Hwang. South Korea, 2011. DVD. Not sure if you can write a paper on Film Review: “Silenced” by Hwang Dong-hyuk by yourself? We can help you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Sochi, Stanislav S. “Do-ga-ni.” IMDb. 2011. Web. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2070649/plotsummary

COM 1102 Florida Institute of Technology Differentiates Human Beings Discussion

COM 1102 Florida Institute of Technology Differentiates Human Beings Discussion.

Reflection PaperRead Langston Hughes’s poem “Harlem” below. Lorraine Hansberry used part of the third line of Hughes’s poem for the title of her play. Write a reflection paper describing why you think Hansberry found the line appropriate for the title and in your analysis explain what the “dream deferred” refers to and how it can also relate to the family in Hansberry’s play. You should connect specific lines of the poem to specific characters from the play to more fully draw connections in your analysis.Parameters: 350 to 450 words (typed )“Harlem” by Langston HughesWhat happens to a dream deferred?Does it dry uplike a raisin in the sun?Or fester like a sore –And then run?Does it stink like rotten meat?Or crust and sugar over –like a syrupy sweet?Maybe it just sagslike a heavy load.Or does it explode?
COM 1102 Florida Institute of Technology Differentiates Human Beings Discussion

University of South Florida Biomats for Pain Treatment Discussion

University of South Florida Biomats for Pain Treatment Discussion.

DO BIOMATS REALLY WORK ??Biomats are an effective substitute for painkilling drugs such as aspirin because the heat from the far infrared rays dilates the blood vessels increasing circulation, releasing tension and soothing aching muscles. Health practitioners and clients have also reported: Improved immune system.If you have ever heard of the BioMat, you are probably wondering does the BioMat really work. The answer to this question actually lies in your own experiences. Have you ever been sitting at your computer, feeling sluggish, tired, and depressed? Have you found that a simple walk in the sun helps your mood immensely? Even a quick shower can be relaxing and uplifting. These are the sorts of things that bio-mats emulate. It uses infrared heat, negative ions and amethyst to bring the revitalizing science of nature into your home. But how exactly does it do that? And how do you know that it really works?First, the BioMat uses infrared heat; this is the same heat that comes from the sun. In fact, far infrared heat warms us the most and penetrates deep into our bodies to heat our cells and blood vessels. This helps blood flow and carries oxygen more efficiently. The infrared heat in the BioMat is the same effect as natural sunlight.And the BioMat doesn’t stop there. It also creates negative ions, which naturally occur by the ocean, under waterfalls, and even in your own shower. The movement of wind and water are two natural ways in which negative ions are produced. Negative ions make us feel energized and rejuvenated; positive ions make us feel sluggish and lethargic. Homes and office buildings typically have incredibly low negative ion counts, while mountains and oceans have the highest.Finally, the BioMat uses amethyst to amplify the effects of far infrared heat and negative ions. Amethyst has been proven to serve as an infrared conductor and produces ions. Like a magnifying glass, the amethyst layer increases and amplifies all of the BioMat’s benefits, creating an atmosphere of energy and healing that mimics that of nature. Amethyst also helps remove what doesn’t serve the body.Ultimately, the BioMat does what the sun and the earth do: it creates heat and energy, directs it into your body via a natural superconductor (amethyst), and allows your body to work at its fullest potential, moving oxygen and other nutrients through your blood to the places that need it the most. So, if you’ve ever felt refreshed by a summer day walk or a cool, refreshing waterfall, then the BioMat will work for you!*******************************************************I also copied the words for this from another website.Your pets will love the BioMat … and they instinctively “know” it is good for them!We strongly encourage you to place a waterproof cover on the BioMat before any pet uses it. This protects your BioMat from fluids, hair and dander.Using the BioMat technology for pets can help them eliminate toxins, as well as be an element of preventive care.As their owner, you are providing a tool that feels good to them – you may have to encourage your pets to move over (or off!) so you can use the BioMat!The powerful combination of the triad works in a couple of different ways for pets: 1) if your pet is hyperactive, a BioMat treatment may help calm them, or 2) if your pet is low-energy and lethargic, the BioMat may boost their energy and regenerate them.We suggest starting with lower temperatures in the beginning and increasing the temperature and duration over time.Invest in the best for yourself and your pets!
University of South Florida Biomats for Pain Treatment Discussion