Analysis of Gail Tsukiyama's novel The Samurai's Garden Essay

Analysis of Gail Tsukiyama's novel The Samurai's Garden - Essay Example As highlighted by Stephen, apart from the fact that his parents were searching for a recuperating place for him, they were also protecting his younger sister from being infected by his disease. In Tarumi; Stephen is cared for by Matsu, a reticent housekeeper and a master gardener. During his continual stay with Matsu, Stephen learns Matsu’s secret and gains not only physical strength, but also profound spiritual insight. Analysis Throughout the novel there is an underlying sense of society being out of place, characterized with crazy ideas of honor and the fact that there was a war going on. This is reflected in the quote below; "When I first arrived at Tarumi, I wondered how Matsu could spend so much time in the garden. But the more time I spend here, the easier it is to see there's something very seductive about what Matsu has created." Stephen, Autumn, p. 31. The undoing stories of his new friends, war, and family eventually brings him to the beginnings of wisdom, love, hon or and loss. The basic argument of the novel is loyalty and honor found in Japanese culture. The significance of the novel’s title is attained through the complex relationship that exists between the characters and the physical adversities and conflicts they face. Gail Tsukiyama also alludes to one’s ability to build upon life as opposed to mere acceptance. Themes Coming of age By the time Stephen prepares to spend time at Tarumi, he was a mature man. However, his maturity is more revealed from the interaction with others and their impact they had on him. "When you're well again, this period of your life will simply be a quiet memory." Stephen's father, Autumn, p. 20. In this quote, Stephen father encourages Stephen of his illness and this gives him a lot of hope and hence mental maturity. The novel starts with Stephen feeling as if he has been exiled. Regardless of these feelings, he is anxious to be kind to the old caretaker of his family beach house and he and Matsu soon find a common ground. The time spend between the two makes Stephen realize that he actually has less knowledge about Matsu as a young man when his family visited the beach house on vacation. As Matsu introduces him to the surrounding environment, Stephen also becomes acquainted with Matsu’s friends who include Sachi and Kenzo. The closer he becomes with these two the more he learns about their lives and entanglements. "When some of those who had the disease were no longer wanted by others in town, they took what few belongings they had and went up into the mountains." Matsu, Autumn, p. 23. In the end, we learn as Stephen does about life, loyalty to family and friends, attachments, betrayal but most importantly is the unconditional love. The authors’ writing is crystalline and delicate as shown in her evocation of time and place. This quite tale of affection between people whose countries are at war speaks of humanity that transcends geopolitics. As witnessed in t he novel, Stephen becomes more and more ingrained in the daily lives surrounding the beach house while Japan begins to invade China. While the main characters of the novel have transverse their own difficulties and hardships; bringing every character to experience their own individual loneliness and sorrow is a true revelation that people are characterized by necessary tools to survive despite of the world. This

The Value of University Education Research Paper

The Value of University Education - Research Paper Example Gradual developments in the field of educational grading and prescribed patterns of course designs in various trades evolved the institution of higher education centers called the universities. Presently, the academic sector of the entire globe is monitored by different universities according to the standards and expectations set by them. As the employment sector has grown enormously out of proportion with equal rise in merit expectations and with the conceptual development in business thoughts, employers have identified the need for acquiring high-end brains among the university graduates. Under the prevailing conditions in which successful university education is becoming the paramount demand for acquiring a position in better companies, a comparative study of the values of the two educational streams – university graduation and high school graduation – is necessary for better understanding the prospects of the students from either stream. Strength of University Gradu ation The prime edge of the university education is it adds value to the knowledge of individuals from the socio-ethical perspective beyond the limited time-bound courses most of the students learn for fixing their position in the job market. While studying in a university campus, the students get elaborate exposure to different cultural and ethnic groups. This exposure takes them to the heights where they shine in the glory of technical aspects of their educational trade with ethical concern and social responsibility. According to certain observations â€Å"university degrees provide students with the knowledge and skills that help make their lives meaningful and rewarding, and strengthen their contributions to society† (â€Å"Ensuring the values†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). A graduation from a reputed university doubtlessly guarantees all spheres of qualification for the student – spiritual strength, academic excellence, forbearance and sprit of competition, which eventually tur ns them fit for adapting to changing conditions of professional ambience. The spiritual merit of an individual plays a vital role in the formation of his successful personal life with capabilities to accept challenges and workout plans for action in a perfect way. From the academic point of view, students obtain grass-root level standard of knowledge with enough practical experiences and the element of group learning by studying in a university. The prospects of patience containing competitive spirit help students frame sufficient amount of self discipline which is a requirement for achieving higher targets. Moreover, a graduation from the university enables them to prepare themselves for better careers or for choosing higher education in various streams of excellence. The provision for graduate level expectations set by universities also helps students and educators estimate the desired standards of education students are expected to attain from their university graduation. This sy stematized training and evaluation pattern helps the hirers and policy makers in designing the courses according to the standards set for the academic as well as professional qualifications for separate careers. Benefits of university education – individuals and society The importance of higher education from a university is reflected in the field of modern business world. It also provides better living standards and stability of income for the successful candidate as the investors of business