Oryx And Crake: An Imbalanced Social Hierarchy
Ricky Tang
Contemporary Non-Fiction
Mr. Scot Slaby
19 Oct 2015
Oryx and Crake: An Imbalanced Social Hierarchy
Imagine going to work in one of the toughest areas of the city after graduating from a poorly endowed college, only to realize your best friend has everything together: an in-demand skill set, elite education, and a prestigious job in one of the most high-regarded areas of the city. It is just such a story in Margaret Atwood’s literary masterpiece Oryx and Crake; Jimmy portrays a lower class citizen living in the pleeblands (the slums) while Crake an elite living in a high profile gated community. Told through the perspective of Snowman (future Jimmy), this novel sees Jimmy and Crake’s friendship stumble over the years after high school.
…show more content…
Atwood satirizes our society’s values for one skill over another through the drastic differences in profession. In Oryx and Crake, those that are numerically inclined are treated like dukes while those that are verbally inclined are treated like peasants. Crake and his scientist counterparts not only live a more luxurious life, but are also more respected by the society. Crake graduates Watson-Crick with a job at RejoovenEsense, “one of the most powerful Compounds of them all” (Atwood 248). RejoovenEsense is not only one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies, but one of the most respected in the world for their research and development of the anti-aging pill. With that said, it is no surprise that high-level employees within the company are treated like royalty. Meanwhile, those that are verbally inclined like Jimmy have a hard time finding a job after graduating from Martha Graham. Jimmy knew it wouldn’t be easy for him to land a job right after graduating Martha Graham, so he spent the summer working for the Martha Graham library. The school asks Jimmy to throw away old books, but Jimmy refused to do so. This further accentuated the demise of the artistic and creative use of language. Clearly, those that work in non-scientific fields are despised by society, as Jimmy feels that “no one at AnooYoo was capable of appreciating how clever he had been” (Atwood 249). People with careers in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) receive higher pay and are valued more in the corporate world, while the verbally inclined work in word-driven fields such as advertising and receive very meager pay or benefits. Though such differences in social class exist in today’s world, they are undoubtedly exaggerated. Atwood delivers the message that due to the rapid advancement in technology, only those that work in such scientific fields are revered by society while
Blue Collar Brilliance Mike Rose Analysis
470 Words | 2 PagesThe article opened my eyes to see potential on how I can get more involved and find ways to learn more at work. The author was arguing that Blue collar workers versus people have degrees both get a form of education through their experience. In the articles he stated “Our culture—in Cartesian fashion—separates the body from the mind, so that, for example, we assume that the use of a tool does not
How Liberal Arts Colleges Are Failing America By Lloyd Bentsen
1040 Words | 5 PagesThe value of the STEM system (science, technology, engineering, and math) is steering the education world in a new and positive direction, although some may believe otherwise. In Lloyd Bentsen’s article, “the United States educational system will continue to fail our children,” he talks about how he disagrees with Zakaria, another writer stating his views on the STEM system. Bentsen believes the STEM system will benefit America. In Scott Gerber’s article, “How Liberal Arts Colleges Are Failing America,” he talks about how people can correlate their majors into entrepreneurship. Lastly, in Fareed Zakaria’s article, “Why America’s obsession with STEM education is dangerous,” he shares his belief that our obsession with STEM is just a way to overlook
Internal Conflict In Ethan Frome By Edith Wharton
211 Words | 1 PagesCovered by only a thick blanket of soft snow, desolate land stretches for miles in each direction. In the wake of another storm, calm wind whistles through barren trees. Slowly melting in the first rays of sunlight, icicles hang from the tips of tall evergreen trees. Grey buildings stand, with their wooden sides heavily weathered by the harsh winters endured. With deserted streets and quiet houses, Starkfield sleeps silently.
Nt1310 Unit 2
671 Words | 3 PagesMy wife and I had what could be outwardly viewed as successful middle class white collar careers. I as a uniform wearing union member and she as a licensed professional. We however had become firmly rooted in the blue collar, working class culture. As the author suggests, “(a) here and now sensibility, in activities and worldview.”
Theme Of Collectivism In The World Of Anthem
694 Words | 3 PagesTraits such as creativity, intelligence, and skepticism are highly valued and are noticeable in most famous scientists. For these reasons, it is logical that science is not highly valued in the totalitarian world in Anthem, since in the collectivist society, obedient and average people are rewarded, and people that stand out are punished. Equality 7-2521 knew he was smarter than his brothers, but stated “it is not good to be different from our brothers, but it is evil to be superior to them”, because the main concept of collectivism is unity, that “We are nothing. Mankind is all”, and by standing out, whether by being superior or inferior, you threaten that
Summary Of Mike Rose's Blue Collar Brilliance
843 Words | 4 PagesThat just basically states that more skills are used at the blue collar job level than at the white collar job level. I think Mike Rose was successful in being persuasive when he wrote this. I think he was successful because he not only states the jobs that require extra learning in the essay but he uses his own connection. He put his mother in the essay and talks about her work life and he puts in his uncle’s work life and talks about his transition to a higher position and the problems he had.
Social Structure In The Crucible
573 Words | 3 PagesThe Crucible The sun starting to set the air getting colder, but that doesn't stop a young group of girls from getting together. Dancing and chanting in the woods around a kettle over a small fire, yelling their wishes. This is where trouble all began, the blaming, the accusing, the deaths, because some people have a greater say in what happens over others. Arthur Miller flawlessly portrays the social structure of Salem through the use of power and social position in the town demonstrated by Reverend John Hale and Abigail Williams. Both characters abuse both their social position and power to control the minds of the rest of the town and convincing that one has performed witchcraft and is corrupting the minds of Salem.
Blue Collar Brilliance Mark Rose Analysis
776 Words | 4 PagesZachari Whipkey Professor Brandon Clay ENG141_03 Rhetoric & Intro Research Writing September 8, 2016 “Blue Collar Brilliance” by Mark Rose indicates the view that intelligence cannot be measured by the amount of schooling a person has completed. He describes that blue-collar jobs require more intelligence and skill than what people may think. He describes his experiences growing up seeing his mother as a waitress in coffee shops and restaurants. He portrays his mother as a dedicated and loyal woman who loved her job and put her heart and soul into her job as a waitress.
The Hunger Games Vs Handmaid's Tale Essay
480 Words | 2 PagesHowever, Atwood depicts the Republic of Gilead in “The Handmaid’s Tale”. Both “The Hunger Games” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” are dystopian novels that have many similarities, however they have some differences. Collins’ and Atwood’s novels hold similarities in their ideas of societal categories, identification of these sections, constant surveillance, and public punishments. In both societies, the citizens are split into groups. In Panem, there were 13 districts and in Gilead, there were many categories of men and women.
The Role Of Envy In The Crucible
1248 Words | 5 PagesConnections An old proverb states, “A shared joyed is a double joy, shared sorrow is a half sorrow”. This simple concept is much easier said than done. To feel joy double and feel sorrow half, we must develop and cultivate relationships with others. Throughout life people encounter many relationships that cause a variety of emotions, envy, greed, forgiveness, and loneliness.
Social Status In Things Fall Apart
1027 Words | 5 PagesThe tripartite novel “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, published in 1958 focuses on the changes taking place in Nigeria, as a result of colonization during the 20th century. Chinua Achebe’s pragmatics when writing the novel focused on changing the perspective of Western readers with regard to African society. He mainly wanted to falsify the assertions in books such as “Heart of Darkness” which he claimed gave people of African descent a dull personality. Social status is one of the novels’ main themes. Chinua Achebe successfully incorporates the importance of social status, giving readers the impression that for the Ibo society, social structure consists mainly of a hierarchy of both skill and strength.
Self-Destruction In Oryx And Crake
1806 Words | 8 PagesPsychologists and Pseudo-Scientists have long sought to explain the inborn human desire for self destruction. Selfishness against one’s own benefit, the urge to harm or take on harm for the sake of one’s own security, drinking, smoking, these clearly injurious thoughts and actions seduce individuals by an instinct Freud coins the “Death Drive” (Beyond the Pleasure Principle 30). Moreover, as advances in genetic engineering tear the veil between science fiction and fact, modern critics have questioned how this suicidal drive may push into uncharted frontiers. Such concerns have fostered a fear of unadulterated scientific progress captured within the works of Margaret Atwood. Oryx and Crake, especially, utilizes almost hyperbolic predictions of scientific innovation as evidence of a deeper self-destructive nature, and as justification for fear.
Social Class In The Hunger Games
259 Words | 2 PagesSocial class is an individual’s position in a stratified social order. Social class applies to the “Hunger Games” because there are people who have money and people who do not have money. The capitol has lots of money. They are wealthier than all of the districts, but some districts are more privileged than others, so they can train whoever is picked for participating in the Hunger Games. District 12, which is Katniss’s district, is a poor coal mining region that has no chance in the Games.
American Literature: Literature Changed Over Time
1749 Words | 7 PagesPayton Lehnerz English B CP Final Essay American Literature: How it Changed Over Time Literature has been a constant expression of artistic emotion throughout history. Over the course of the years, Literature has developed and changed due to America’s evolution. These changing time periods can be classified into 9 eras: Colonial, Revolutionary, Romantic, Transcendental, Realism, Modern, Harlem Renaissance, Beat Generation, and Postmodern. Throughout the changing history, new literary eras have begun in response to previous eras and events. American Literature has changed over time by adapting previous values, beliefs, and literary characteristics when a new era presents itself; this progression is due to changing societal views in
The Help Movie Analysis
3436 Words | 14 Pages1.0 INTRODUCTION The Help is an example of American drama film. It was released in August 9, 2011 and its length was 146 minutes and directed by Tate Taylor. The film was adapted to a novel, where there has been a long tradition of African- American women serving as “The Help” for upper-middle class white woman and their families. Descriptions of historical events of the early activities of thecivil rights movement are peppered throughout the novel, as are interactions between the maids and their white employers.
More about Oryx And Crake: An Imbalanced Social Hierarchy
Blue Collar Brilliance Mike Rose Analysis
470 Words | 2 PagesHow Liberal Arts Colleges Are Failing America By Lloyd Bentsen
1040 Words | 5 PagesInternal Conflict In Ethan Frome By Edith Wharton
211 Words | 1 PagesNt1310 Unit 2
671 Words | 3 PagesTheme Of Collectivism In The World Of Anthem
694 Words | 3 PagesSummary Of Mike Rose's Blue Collar Brilliance
843 Words | 4 PagesSocial Structure In The Crucible
573 Words | 3 PagesBlue Collar Brilliance Mark Rose Analysis
776 Words | 4 PagesThe Hunger Games Vs Handmaid's Tale Essay
480 Words | 2 PagesThe Role Of Envy In The Crucible
1248 Words | 5 PagesSocial Status In Things Fall Apart
1027 Words | 5 PagesSelf-Destruction In Oryx And Crake
1806 Words | 8 PagesSocial Class In The Hunger Games
259 Words | 2 PagesAmerican Literature: Literature Changed Over Time
1749 Words | 7 PagesThe Help Movie Analysis
3436 Words | 14 Pages