Fighting for What is Right in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray...

Fahrenheit 451 is a classic book read by many generations. It is known as a science fiction bookabout the future. The author of this novel is Ray Bradbury, who loved writing since he was a little boy. Bradbury’s book Fahrenheit 451 was published in 1953. Bradbury died in 2012, but he lives on in the words of his 50+ books he had written. Fahrenheit 451 , which was previously titled The Fireman, is his most well known book, and even though only 190 pages, it explains almost everything happening in the book. Fahrenheit 451 will live on for many decades. Fahrenheit 451 is set in the future, in America, where people do not read books, go outside, or be creative in any way. A lot of people just watch tv. The main character, Guy Montag is a†¦show more content†¦I like Mildred because of how empty and unaware she is portrayed as. After she swallowed pills for a failed suicide attempt, all she does is watch tv. She doesn’t live in the real world, she just sees these other lives. Mildred is obviously miserable, but at the same time she felt emotionless The only thing Mildred loved was the television. She sat there all day, watching soap operas and such. She doesn’t seem like a human being- she seems dead now. I wouldn’t ever want to be like Mildred Montag- but I definitely think she is an interesting character. I believe that the theme of the story is that you should fight for what’s right. Montag didn’t know anything about books but he burned them because that’s what he was told to do. Once he started reading them he knew what he was doing was wrong. He wouldn’t stop reading because that’s what he loved, even if it cost him his life. He escaped and ‘destroyed’ his life to read. On page 178 it says, â€Å"Some of us have had plastic surgery on our faces and fingerprints. Right now we have a horrible job; we’re waiting for the war to begin, and, as quickly, end.† The men who Montag met at the railroad tell him how much they have had to go through just to read, but in the end it is worth it. I liked the book a lot. I don’t usually like sci-fi books, but this book I did like. I liked the fact that Montag’s views change completely, from burning books to protecting them. I didn’t like how he killed his boss, because I feelShow MoreRelatedFahrenheit 451 Critical Essay1607 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Lintang Syuhada 13150024 Book Report 1 Fahrenheit 451 Critical Essay Human beings are naturally curious. We are always in search of better ideas, and new solutions to problems. One of a basic idea of Indonesia has been freedom of thinking and a free flow of ideas. But in some societies, governments try to keep their people ignorant. Usually, this is so governments can keep people under control and hold on to their power. In trying to keep people from the realities of the world, these oppressiveRead MoreThe Life Of Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury989 Words   |  4 PagesDehumanization in Fahrenheit 451 Humans typically have traits setting them apart from other species in the world, such as a conscious, feelings, and personal interests. Dehumanization remains a collective theme among dystopian literature; it occurs when someone treats a group of people as less than human, which strips them of human characteristics. Often times, the dehumanization of others does not go as far as physical harm or violence; however, it has the same negative result. Without necessaryRead MoreFahrenheit 451 and There Will Come Soft Rains793 Words   |  4 Pagesof foreshadowing. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and â€Å"There Will Come Soft Rains,† by Ray Bradbury are an example of similar stories by sharing some of the same qualities. These two readings can be said to be identical in some ways by containing a common idea of negative effects of war and the value of the natural world but can be contrasted by being consisted of two different kinds of main characters. Fahrenheit 451 shows these aspects throughout the novel. In Fahrenheit 451 Mrs. Phelps saysRead MoreA Flame-Filled Foreboding Essay1224 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"There are worse crimes than book burning. One of them is not reading them.† The author of the novel in question, Ray Bradbury, said this statement regarding censorship and book burning, a main topic in his most famous novel Fahrenheit 451. The novel is set in a futuristic dystopia in which books and other activities that don’t offer instant gratification (such as being a pedestrian) are banned, and in the case of books, burned. The protagonist of the story, Guy Montag, goes about a journey of self-discoveryRead MoreFahrenheit 451 Literary Analysis822 Words   |  4 Pagesor risk his life for something as simple as words on a page, brings readers into the corrupt society of Fahrenheit 451. In the novel Fahrenheit 451 author Ray Bradbury illuminates the idea that censorship creates an uninformed problemat ic society and knowledge sets you free; this becomes clear to readers when Guy Montag becomes aware and begins a quest for knowledge, while simultaneously fighting against a society that embraces censorship. The people in Montag’s society live meaningless lives, whereRead MoreEssay on Censoring the Pages of Knowledge1688 Words   |  7 Pagesown any books. How would you feel if you had someone burn your house because you have books hidden within the walls? One of the most prevalent themes in Ray Bradburys novel Fahrenheit 451 is the idea of censorship. In Bradburys fictional world, owning books is illegal. A firemans job is not putting out fires like one may assume. In Fahrenheit 451, a fireman has the job of starting fires. Firefighters start fires in homes containing books. If this were reality, there would be no homes to live inRead MoreFahrenheit 451 By George Orwell1931 Words   |  8 Pagesthese stories. In his novel, Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury describes a distant world in which the idea of censorship was exaggerated to such an extent that it was illegal for any literature to exist, and if found books are burned by the firemen. Similar to Bradbury’s society, 198 4 by George Orwell includes a corrupt government where members of the Party are under surveillance at all hours of the day, and the worst crime committed is thinking anything different from what the central leader, Big BrotherRead MoreAnalysis Of Ray Bradburys Fahrenheit 4511113 Words   |  5 PagesWhat you give is what you get Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist and author of the book Death and Dying, once imagined that, â€Å"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths.† The text’s collection focus on Ray Bradbury’s science fiction, Fahrenheit 451 discusses about the growth and struggles of Guy Montag’s beliefs against his society. Montag is a fireman and hisRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4512451 Words   |  10 PagesRay Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, is a prime example of social criticism. The story sets in the 24th century where people race jet cars; the author’s idea of the future. It shows a flawed social structure, controlled by the media and government with banning and burning of books, and suppressing society’s minds from history. Their logical thought was that it would keep society from thinking too much, which in turn would prevent bad thoughts, and to keep them â€Å"happy all the time†. The book tells a storyRead MoreRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 4511592 Words   |  7 Pagesconstantly suffocated with what the world wants us to perceive is becoming a strenuous task. From the grocery store to the rooms of our very own homes nothing seems to be of our own conscience anymore. Yet we are able to turn a blind eye to this fact. Why’s that? Just take a few seconds to think to yourself, â€Å" How long [has] it [been]since you were really bothered? [Bothered ]about something important, about something real?†(pg) Ray Bradbury s book Fahrenheit 451 although written in 1953, was

Marbury vs. Madison Free Essays

Marbury vs. Madison (5 U.S. We will write a custom essay sample on Marbury vs. Madison or any similar topic only for you Order Now 137, 1803) involved an application for a writ of mandamus against the then Secretary of State Madison, directing him to deliver to Marbury his commission as a Justice of the Peace for the District of Columbia.   In determining whether or not mandamus would lie, the Supreme Court made a four part inquiry involving the following questions, to wit: 1) whether or not the applicant Madison has a right to the commission he demands; 2) in the affirmative, whether or not the laws of the United States afford him a remedy for its violation; 3) in the affirmative, whether or not mandamus is the proper remedy. The case is considered a landmark case, because it was the first time that the US Supreme Court, through then Chief Justice Marshall, enunciated the doctrine of judicial review, i.e., that the Supreme Court has the power to review federal or state legislation, or acts of government officers and other individuals, to determine whether or not they are in consonance with the provisions of the Constitution, and to strike down such laws and acts if they are found to be unconstitutional.   Specifically, Chief Justice Marshall stated that: â€Å"†If an act of the legislature, repugnant to the constitution, is void, does it notwithstanding its invalidity, bind the courts, and oblige them to give it effect?†¦ It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is†¦If two laws conflict with each other, the courts must decide on the operation of each (5 U.S. 137, 178).   So if a law be in opposition to the constitution; if both the law and the constitution apply to a particular case, so that the court must either decide that case conformably to the law, disregarding the constitution; or conformably to the constitution, disregarding the law; the court must determine which of these conflicting rules governs the case. This is of the very essence of judicial duty† (5 U.S. 137, 179). Over the years, the doctrine of federal and state judicial review has been developed and enhanced, despite there being no express provision on its grant to the judicial branch of government under the constitution.   In interpreting the constitution, there are generally six forms of construction that are usually applied, i.e., historical, textual, structural, doctrinal, ethical, and prudential (Fallon, 1987). The historical construction centers on the original legislative intent behind the provision, while the textual interpretation involves the text itself, and the structural interpretation contrasts the text with the structure given in the constitution.   Ethical and prudential considerations generally involve a determination of whether or not it would be proper, ethical, or wise to make a ruling.   The doctrinal form of construction involves another doctrine, that of stare decisis. The complete Latin term is stare decisis et non quiete movere.   Literally translated, it means â€Å"stand by decisions and do not move that which is quiet.†Ã‚   The doctrine of stare decisis or of case precedents is one of the central tenets of a common law legal system.   Past precedent generally circumscribes the leeway by which a court can address a certain issue, because the rule is that once something has heretofore been judicially determined, then that is all there is to it.   â€Å"Stare decisis is usually the wise policy, because in most matters it is more important that the applicable rule of law be settled than that it be settled right. . . . This is commonly true even where the error is a matter of serious concern, provided correction can be had by legislation.   But in cases involving the Federal Constitution, where correction through legislative action is practically impossible, this Court has often overruled its earlier decisions.   The Court bows to the lessons of experience and the force of better reasoning, recognizing that the process of trial and error so fruitful in the physical sciences, is appropriate also in the judicial function† (Burnet v. Coronado Oil Gas Co., 285 U.S. 393, 1932). For some justices, the doctrine of stare decisis would be no doctrine at all, if overruling justices gave reasons that did not go beyond pointing out that the previous decision was wrong (Nelson, 2001).   This presents a huge burden on the exercise of judicial review, especially since cases hinging on the constitutionality of statutes are usually considered landmark cases and are the basis for applying the stare decisis doctrine. The main arguments against the doctrine of judicial review are against its validity, in that, as mentioned, it is not specifically vested as a power of the judiciary in the constitution, and that it goes against the doctrine of stare decisis.   The proponents of the validity of judicial review would rely on the broad definition of judicial power under the constitution, and the fact that it has been long recognized and accepted in other common law jurisdictions. If judicial review were considered an absolute power, it would definitely undermine the common law doctrine of stare decisis, because judges and justices would be given free reign to determine what the law is and apply their interpretations on a case to case basis whenever they saw fit.   However, to think that either judicial review or stare decisis are absolutes would be absurd, because no government power is absolute. Instead of focusing on an apparent conflict or adverse relationship between the two, it is submitted that despite the criticisms against judicial review, it is an inherent function of judicial power, and should be harmonized with the stare decisis doctrine.   One author proposes thus: â€Å"Even in cases of first impression, judges do not purport to have unconstrained discretion to enforce whatever rules they please.   Many of their arguments appeal instead to external sources of law, like statutes or established customs. These external sources of law will often be indeterminate and incomplete; they will leave considerable room for judicial discretion.   But unless they are wholly indeterminate, they will still tend to produce some degree of consistency in judicial decisions.   If †¦the primary purpose of stare decisis is to protect the rule of law by avoiding an endless series of changes in judicial decisions, we may be able to achieve this purpose without applying a general presumption against overruling past decisions. We may, in short, be able to refine the doctrine of stare decisis to take advantage of the consistency that would tend to exist even in its absence† (Nelson, 2001).   The doctrine of stare decisis is about stability, while judicial review is about fairness and justice.   Applying both and harmonizing their purposes would allow for flexibility and wisdom, especially in cases when past decisions are not on all fours with the facts of the case at hand. Reference List: Burnet v. Coronado Oil Gas Co., 285 U.S. 393 (1932) (dissenting opinion by Justice Brandeis). Fallon. (1987). A Constructivist Coherence Theory of Constitutional Interpretation. 100 Harv. L. Rev. 1189. Marbury vs. Madison, 5 U.S. 147 (1803). Nelson, C. (2001). Stare Decisis an How to cite Marbury vs. Madison, Essay examples

Harnischfeger free essay sample

Describe clearly the accounting changes Harnischfeger made in 1984 as stated in Note 2 of its financial statements. In the 1984 the corporation computed depreciation expense on plants, machinery and equipment by using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. These changes were made to provide a more equitable allocation of the cost of the plants. 2. What is the effect of the depreciation accounting method change on the reported income in 1984? How will this change affect profits in future years? Harnischfeger new method was insignificant; the changes were noted as an increase in net income by $11 million or $. 93 per common and common equivalent share. 3. What is the effect of the depreciation lives change? How will this change affect future reported profits? The corporation has changed its estimated depreciation lives on certain U. S. plants, machinery, and equipment, which increased net income for 1984 $3. 2 million or $. 27 per share. 4. The depreciation accounting changes assume that Harnischfeger’s plant and machinery will last longer and will lose their value more slowly. We will write a custom essay sample on Harnischfeger or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Given the business conditions Harnischfeger was facing in its primary industries in 1984, are these economic assumptions justified? The consolidation of the statements of the operations indicates that the revenue in 1983 was declining as well as the uses of assets. 5. In Note 7, Harnischfeger describes the effect of LIFO inventory liquidation on its reported profits in 1984. Describe what is meant by LIFO liquidation and how liquidation affects a company’s income statement and balance sheet. If a company decides to perform a LIFO liquidation, the old costs will be matched with the current higher sales prices. Thus, a cost to using the LIFO liquidation method is higher tax liability if prices have risen since LIFO was adopted. The expected tax advantage of LIFO turns into a disadvantage because older, lower costs (of older inventory) are matched with current revenues. Another cost may be lost sales. The LIFO liquation on Harnischfeger net income has increased by $2. 4 million or $. 20 in fiscal year 1984. 6. Note 8, states Harnischfeger’s allowance for doubtful accounts. I believe this was a business strategy. Unfortunately their profit declined from the previous year ($5. 3 million). 8. Note 11, describes a number of changes in Harnischfeger’s pension plans in 1984. Describe these changes as clearly as you can. What are the economic consequences of these changes to Harnischfeger and its workers? * The company changed its rate of return for determining pension expense. The rate 1984 rate was of 9% compared to 8% in 1983 and 7. 5% in 1982. * Harnischfeger restructure the pension plan, this action allowed them to educe the pension about $4. 0 million in 1984. * The company recaptures $39. 3 million in excess plan assets from the pension plan restructuring and led to a $3. 93 million pretax gain in 1984 The economic consequence to Harnischfeger and his workers are that they will only fund at the minimum the required under the ERISA of 1974. 9. How did the pension plan changes affect Harnischfeger’s financial statements in 1984? Are these c hanges likely to affect future profits? Harnischfeger changes in the pension plan: * Net income increased by $3. million * The pension expense was reduced in 1984 by $4 million * Last, Harnischfeger was able report positive cash flow I do not foresee Harnischfeger being affected with their new alignments. Reason being, is because they were well over-funded. The over funding most likely came from the restructuring in 1983 of 45% workforce. In fact, the new pension plan would increase the minimum pension benefits. 10. Summarize all the accounting changes Harnischfeger made in 1984 and their effects on pre-tax profits and cash flows in 1984. Below are the changes that were made in 1984: Change in Sales recognition strategy with Kobe Steel No net effect on pre-tax profits and cash flows in 1984; Change in reporting period for certain foreign subsidiaries No net effect on pre-tax profits and cash flows in 1984; Change in Pension plan Increased pre-tax profits and cash flows in 1984; Change in bad debt allowance ratio Increased pre-tax profits and cash flows in 1984; Reduction in Ramp;D expenses Increased pre-tax profits and cash flows in 1984; Change in depreciation method from accelerated to straight-line – Increased pre-tax profits and cash flows in 1984; Extension of depreciate lives Increased pre-tax profits and cash flows in 1984; Liquidation of LIFO inventories and Increased pre-tax profits and cash flows in 1984; 11. Accounting statements are used by investors, lenders, customers, employees, and governments in dealing with Harnischfeger. Among these groups, who is most likely to â€Å"see through† the above accounting changes, and who is least likely to do so?