The Five People You Meet - 1381 Words

The thought provoking novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, portrays that closure and meaning for life can be discovered even after death. After dying, Eddie the protagonist goes to heaven where he meets five people, whose own lives are ultimately affected by his decisions. Whether those five people were family or complete strangers, each life is shown to be inter-connected with Eddie s, as they explain to him his journey and life’s purpose. The novel The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom, demonstrates that whether intended or not, actions do have consequences and these, can lead to feelings of sacrifice, regret and forgiveness. The notion of sacrifice is demonstrated throughout the novel. To start off, while fighting in the war, Eddie, was under the command of a selfless military captain. Each time the troops would leave enemy territory, the captain, would himself physically step outside the vehicle to ensure the area was clear prior to advancing. In the pr ocess of scouting one such area, he accidentally stepped on a land mine and blew up. While in heaven the captain says to Eddie, â€Å"I didn t die for nothing, either. That night we might have all driven over that land mine. Then the four of us would have been gone† (Albom 93). In this way, sacrifice can be seen through the captain’s will to save his troops. The characters of Mickey Shea and Eddie s father are portrayed throughout the novel as nearly brother like. After being fired from his job, MickeyShow MoreRelatedThe Five People You Meet1587 Words   |  7 Pages The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a novel written by Mitch Albom that follows the life and death of a man named Eddie. Eddie was a war veteran and worked in maintenance at the Ruby Pier amusement park. Eddie felt he lived his whole life in the shadow of his father and ended up being just like him, working at this park. As the park changed overtime, so did Eddie. He went from an enthusiastic young-spi rited man to a grumpy and regretful old man. On his 83rd birthday, Eddie died as a result ofRead MoreThe Five People You Meet In Heaven Analysis782 Words   |  4 PagesFor my research project I have chosen to discuss the plot, the characters, and the symbolism of the novel â€Å"The Five People You Meet in Heaven† by Mitch Albom. This novel was rated # 1 on the New Your Times Bestseller. The plot is divided up into five elements: the exposition, the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution. In the exposition we are introduced to Eddie the main character. We learn that Eddie is 83 years old and is the maintenance man at Ruby Pier. In the expositionRead MoreEssay On The Five People You Meet In Heaven1116 Words   |  5 Pagescorrelate and nothing really appears to have any purpose at all. After reading Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven, I began to realize that those assumptions were false. As you read about Eddie’s last moments, you enter into the world of his past memories and gain insight on why all things in life, big and small, are crucial to something much greater than we can fathom. The Five People You Meet in Heaven not only touched on some key ideas studied in psychology, but major themes experiencedRead MoreThe Five People You Meet In Heaven Analysis718 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"The Five People You Mee t in Heaven† In the book â€Å"The Five People You Meet in Heaven†, it talks about one man’s life and death and how it all led to that. As an old man he isn’t happy with his life and doesn’t understand the point of his death, but going into the book it brings out many characters who help to teach him the reasons why. Going into heaven, Eddie learns the importance of many things and understands his life has a meaning. Marguerite taught Eddie the true meaning of love. When he wentRead MoreOf Mice And Men And The Five People You Meet1083 Words   |  5 PagesMen† and â€Å"The Five People you Meet in Heaven† literary analysis Characterization and symbolism throughout the two books Of Mice and Men and The Five People you Meet in Heaven incorporate the theme brothers keeper. A brothers keeper is someone who looks over and protects one and other, in other words a guardian angel. The main character in The Five People you Meet in Heaven Eddie s life is turned around on his birthday when he is killed and put into heaven where he meets five people who dramaticallyRead MoreThe Five People You Meet In Heaven Character Analysis1239 Words   |  5 Pagestheir conflicts. This is true of characterization in the novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, written by Mitch Albom. The main character, Eddie, demonstrates dynamic characterization throughout the novel. Readers can empathize his general conflicts and how he resolves them. Eddie can also be perceived as a character with many physical and emotional traits. In these ways, the main character in the novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, has numerous and sig nificant character traits that impactsRead MoreMitch Alboms, The Five People You Meet in Heaven1070 Words   |  5 PagesIn Mitch Albom’s, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, the author centers the story around Eddie’s life, beginning with his death. â€Å"It might seem strange to start a story with an ending. But all endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time† (1, paragraph 1). The most important thing in this story that we must all understand is that although we may not know it, somehow our lives all have a common intersection. â€Å"No story sits by itself. Sometimes stories meet at corners and sometimesRead MoreThe Five People You Meet In Heaven. By: Mitch Albom. .1769 Words   |  8 PagesThe five people you meet in heaven By: Mitch Albom Setting Pier with ferris wheel, photo booth, and roller coasters Ruby Pier 1940-1980 Characters Eddie- the protagonist, Eddie was killed on his 83rd birthday and then he wakes in heaven Marguerite- Marguerite is Eddie s wife who he meets at Ruby pier The captain- The captain is Eddie s commanding officer at war Eddie’s mother- his mother was known his mother was known as for her tenderness Eddie’s father- Eddie was abused by his fatherRead MoreEssay on Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom1098 Words   |  5 PagesFive People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom This isn’t technically a book that I read when I was in the properly defined age group, but looking back at this book it is probably the book that has had the largest impact on my life, and had it been out when I was younger would have been a book that I would have read. I read this book after I had finished reading Tuesdays with Morie by the same author. Now I have read a lot of books in my life and I can’t think of one that has had a more profoundRead MoreAnalysis Of Mitch Alboms The Five People You Meet In Heaven1054 Words   |  5 Pagesthat we seem to be irrelevant in our lives, could lead to a life-changing outcome for another. This is evident in the novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, though the life of Eddie, the mechanic at Ruby Pier, who believed that his life was pointless. However, when Eddie died, he was enlightened of the effects his life had on others. In the novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom, during his time in the milit ary, Eddie realizes his impact on others through encounters in heaven

African Americans in the Reconstruction Era - 1518 Words

The Reconstruction era was put into effect by Congress in 1866 and lasted until 1877. Reconstruction was aimed at reorganizing the Southern states after the Civil War. The reconstruction plan granted the means for readmitting the southern states into the Union, and tried to come up with the methods by which whites and blacks could live together in a non-slave society. Americas position as a country was established on principles of freedom but those beliefs were weakened by slavery. At the end of the Civil War, many blacks felt that they were entitled to start collecting the benefits that had been denied for so many years. Being able to vote, own land and have a voice in political affairs were all goals that they believed were reachable.†¦show more content†¦However, it had been used to grant all the personal liberties and rights conveyed in the Bill of Rights. Among other things, this prohibited ex-Confederate leaders from holding political office, and also gave the freedm en their citizenship. The rejection of the 14th Amendment paved the way for the Reconstruction Act of 1867; this dismantled all Southern governments and launched military control over the South. The Reconstruction Act guaranteed freedmen the right to vote under new state constitutions and required the Southern states to approve the 14th A With the addition of African American votes in the southern elections and the help of Carpet Baggers and Scalawags, the Republican Party gained almost complete control over the South. Throughout this time, the ranking of freedman was significantly increased, and by 1868; many state legislatures had African American delegates. All of America, as well as the South, had to be rebuilt, and, despite the Souths hostile resistance, African-Americans were slowly and gradually becoming part of this nation. The long-awaited citizenship for Blacks was confirmed in 1868, by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. By 1870, the 15th Amendment had been added to the Constitution, which gave blacks the right to vote. The 15th Amendment forbids the states from denying the right to vote to any person on account of race, color, or previous condition ofShow MoreRelatedAfrican Americans During The Reconstruction Era1629 Words   |  7 PagesDuring The Reconstruction era, African Americans faced many obstacles on their way to success. Reconstruction of the United States refers to the remodeling that took place after the civil war. The country was injured in all areas. Its society, eco nomy and physical structure had been In January of 1863; President Abraham Lincoln lifted the chains off thousands of African Americans’ shoulders by releasing the Emancipation Proclamation. Unfortunately, this relief was short-winded. The EmancipationRead MoreReconstruction Era of the United States and African American Community803 Words   |  4 Pages92. In 1865 an appointment was held between representatives of an African American community in Savannah, Georgia and Edwin Staunton, Secretary of War, and Major General Sherman concerning topics of the freedman in Georgia. Land was set aside, 40 acres, and a mule that could no longer be used by the Army to establish a community of their own. 1. Black leaders believed that owning land was essential to freedom because by them owning their own land they would be able to support themselves by themselvesRead MoreThe End Of The Reconstruction1318 Words   |  6 Pages1860’s there was an Era that started called the reconstruction. The main purpose for the reconstruction was to give African-American people full political and civil equality. However, it was very tough to do this, especially since most white in the south didn’t want the African-Americans to have the same rights as themselves. During this Era there were multiple good things that happened, yet, there were also many bad things that happened. For instance, during the reconstruction the 14th amendmentRead MoreThe Reconstruction Era Was A Success1490 Words   |  6 PagesThe Reconstruction Era was a Success Shortly after the Civil War ended in 1867, President Abraham Lincoln’s new objective was to unify the union and the confederate states into what was formerly known as the United States of America. This time period is known as the Reconstruction Era, starting with the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in 1865 and ending with the implementation of the Compromise of 1877. The Reconstruction Era was a time period full of political, economicRead MoreReconstruction Of The Reconstruction Era1587 Words   |  7 PagesThe Reconstruction Era was known as a time to reconstruct the United States of America by the expansion of governmental power that began in 1865. â€Å"There were two central problems that animated Reconstruction; providing justice for freedmen and facilitating national reconciliation. (A New Birth of Freedom, pg. 1) After the 12 year span, reconstructing the nation succeeded in only a few of the goals that were set out to achieve within those 12 years that it was in progress. The Reconstruction’s intentionsRead MoreReconstruction Era1650 Words   |  7 PagesReconstruction 1 The Reconstruction Era Jessica Onken American History Since 1865 Professor Tim Johnston August 2, 2010 Reconstruction 2 The Reconstruction Era The reconstruction era was a difficult time for the African American slaves from 1865 to 1877 because the slaves were freed and there were no jobs for them, had very little or no education, and had very limited opportunity in the south. Reconstruction was one of the most critical periods in American History. The CivilRead MoreThe Reconstruction-Era Essay731 Words   |  3 PagesThe Reconstruction-Era The Reconstruction-era offered numerous opportunities to African-Americans, by attempting to secure the rights for ex-slaves, but the opportunities presented even more obstacles to them. The thought of freedom intrigued the African-Americans at first, but many of them quickly changed their minds after experiencing it. Henry William Ravenel, a slaveowner, proclaimed, When they were told they were free, some said they did not wish to be freeRead MoreThe Reconstruction Era During The Civil War910 Words   |  4 Pagesone time African Americans were treated poorly this country wouldn’t be what it is today without what African Americans went through. They have had such a major impact on music, movies, literature, sports, and many other things. The Reconstruction Era took place after the end of the Civil War. It lasted from 1965 to 1977. It was the North’s way of making peace with not only former slaves, but the South as well. The Reconstruction Era attempted to better the lives of African Americans by makingRead MoreAnalysis of The Reconstruction Period1087 Words   |  5 Pagesthese African Americans and the South’s ever-growing hatred towards this group, African Americans were left to suffer harsh discrimination and horrible conditions. Africans Americans were left without homes, education, jobs, or money. Reconstruction was the Radical Republicans’ attempt to try and bring the Confederate states back to normal and unite both the South and the North into a whole country once again. Reconstruction was also set to protect and help the newly freed African Americans assimilateRead MoreThe Legacy Of The Civil War Essay1593 Words   |  7 Pagespain. Veteran William Lloyd Garrison describes few of many changes that occurred after the Civil War, including the abolishment of slavery and the African American being granted for the first time in history the right to vote. As the civil war came to an end, the United States began to establish an undivided nation. This era known as the reconstruction era is described as â€Å"meaning literally the rebuilding of a shattered nation. (verterans of the civil movment, n.d.) Reconstruction’s main goal was to

Salem Trials A Lesson from History Free Essays

Salem was taken from the word, â€Å"Jerusalem†, seat of Christianity. This is where Christ trudged on and lived a holy life but became ironically symbolized in America by people become crazy. It has gained notoriety due to cruelty that pervaded in 1692 in that village in Massachusetts. We will write a custom essay sample on Salem Trials: A Lesson from History or any similar topic only for you Order Now â€Å"Time is the Mother of Truth and Truth the Daughter of Time† (Hale), scholars have studied documents surrounding that incident in Salem. The truth was told through documented events of those fateful days when those innocent people were tagged as ‘witches’. The people of Salem acted on suspicion without substantial bases for accusing one hundred fifty villagers of a crime that is ‘witchcraft’. They have admitted to a mistake that was horrible, became a controversy for ages, and a lesson for humanity. (Hale) Several factors influenced the villagers to act in such frenzy: politics, religion, and hysteria. For lack of a strong leader who can effectively give direction to the people’s thinking, the incident went out of hand. Even the leaders themselves were controlled by the situation, perhaps, due to hidden interests as well. P. S. Nissenbaum) Internal bickering in the community is not exceptional for it also occurs in other New England communities at that time. Add to it a weak institution that can handle the population. They were claiming to see an apparition of the witches at their beds. (P. B. Nissenbaum) Having them hanged will not make any difference using that argument. The devil can harm them in whatever form us ing their kind of thinking. It is incomprehensible how individuals can be united to wreak havoc upon other individuals. People of such ignorance have been put together to teach humanity how extremism and stupidity can cause such a tragedy. The lives of the people who were innocent of a crime that is witchcraft which was not proven enough were put to waste due to the cruelty that beset upon them. They had to suffer in jail and have to go through torture because their co-villagers were obsessed with the idea of a devil that is lurking around their lives and is causing an illness which they do not understand. They used the words: â€Å"fits†, â€Å"odd postures†, â€Å"foolish, ridiculous speeches†, â€Å"distempers†, etc. o describe what are being manifested by the victims of witchcraft as they said. (P. S. Nissenbaum) One was seen crawling on the floor during an attack. (P. S. Nissenbaum) The symptoms that were being manifested by the said victims of witchcraft could be epilepsy. This illness has always been associated with demonic possession which can not be cured. The stig ma that can be brought upon the individual experiencing this can be enormous that it is convenient to blame it on somebody performing witchcraft upon him/her experiencing it. This can be genetic and in Salem during that time, having fifteen children in a family was the average. It is not negligible to note that this disease could be running in families. Not to mention the hysteria that came with it. Children were manipulated by adults to say things or even their musings were interpreted to mean according to how they wanted it to mean. (P. S. Nissenbaum) The colonies of England included Massachusetts which was under the laws that govern these colonies. In England, witchcraft was a capital crime as declared in 1641. Chronology of Events Relating to the Salem Witchcraft Trials) Anyone suspecting of witchcraft activities were hanged by the stake. The colonial village of Salem was a staunch believer of the Bible. They took to the letter every bit of the Scriptures. They have become extremists that they have forgotten that ‘love’ was taught by Christ primarily. The ministers who were at a loss in governing the villagers conveniently blame witchcraf t as the culprit in the disunity eminent among the folks. Disputes led the villagers to falsely accuse innocent citizens in response to the hysteria that pervaded them. The early ministers who led them were also blinded by their desire for territory. It was a difficult time for this colonial town. Land was getting scarce while families were becoming big. They work very hard on their farms only to be obliterated by blights. (P. S. Nissenbaum) Children were not allowed to play: girls were taught to spin yarn and help in the household while the boys were brought by the men to help them to hunt. They did not have the opportunity to play as normal children would. These children were deprived of the happiness of childhood. It is not surprising if they would deliberately act out abnormal behavior because opportunities to play were rare. It is possible that acting out those eccentricities was a form of ‘play’ for these deprived children. Their sense of awe and wonder were suppressed by the adults. Their words were twisted by the older ones to serve their purpose. (P. B. Nissenbaum) They lived at a time when there were no other forms of entertainment but chores. It was also a time for New England to be established. Institutionalizing law and order was especially difficult in this part of the colony. Political disputes were prevailing in terms of who would minister the community. They were like a flock in need of a shepherd. But the shepherds who should be taking care of them also have vested interests. They carry within them their wants and needs. The chronology of events is very telling about man’s desire for power and control. The judicial system was used and manipulated according to the whims of the judges. (Chronology of Events Relating to the Salem Witchcraft Trials) The humble investigation of John Hale speaks of how erroneous the system is in handling the cases in Salem. With all humility he explained that what transpired in Salem was a lesson learned for humanity. Quoting from the Scriptures, he reiterated that the innocent must not suffer. (Hale) The evidence against them was obviously weak based on spectral evidence that Governor Phipps opposed. (Chronology of Events Relating to the Salem Witchcraft Trials) He was able to save lives due to be hanged in the Gallows. After fourteen years, one of the accusers, Ann Putnam, publicly apologizes for her actions in 1692. The event in 1692 was very unfortunate for the people in Salem. Hysteria emanated in that village due to numerous factors. One would see how religious extremism can drive people to do harm towards others which are contrary to the teachings of religion. Greed and desire for power can attribute to people’s insensitivity and delusions. It was formally admitted as a mistake by the government of Massachusetts in 1957 (Chronology of Events Relating to the Salem Witchcraft Trials) and a good reminder for everyone of the cruelty that occurred centuries ago. This is a lesson learned which must be avoided. It is important that judicial system must be respected by honoring facts; biases must be avoided; and the right to be represented must be observed. Law and order are present for people’s protection. These should not be used to cause harm to a nation’s citizens. Leaders appointed are also responsible of the people’s safety. They must safeguard the lives entrusted them. It is important for them to ensure that due process must be served in the courts. This incident must never happen again. 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