Why must religion be based on faith rather than on knowledge Research Paper - 1

Why must religion be based on faith rather than on knowledge - Research Paper Example Are these thoughts about God born out of knowledge or out of strong faith? Philosophers contended that the infinity of God cannot be comprehended by the limited capacity of human beings to understand His greatness. Ancient and medieval philosophers have in fact attempted to empirically grasp God’s existence, albeit done purely through intellectual pursuits. Various theological positions were made and written. Augustine of Hippo, who hailed from North Africa and have converted from Manichaenism to Christianity, posited that thought credo ut intelligengiam or ‘I believe so that I may understand.† Such assert that human reason is essential only for those who possess faith and thus, human being’s rational capacity to reason is effective in obtaining general knowledge about the world and of God. He viewed that part of the innate nature of human being is to commit evil acts. This, for him, is integrated in the Divine plan which allowed persons to choose to do good or evil. The unbearable consequences of bad acts always made human beings choose do what is good. Advocate of naturalism perceived that God is everywhere. He is with nature and in the plurality of realities. They argued that God unify everything and can be known through the layers of emanation which flows with the Divine essence. Plato’s philosophy of idealism, on the other hand, made such epistemic principle that God is intangible, an impersonal entity encompassing the causes of all ideas. Plato professed that God is an abstract, timeless and unchanging reality. God is an absolute being and an eternal being (Plato, 2003). He professed that the perception of God separated the physical world from the intelligible realm (Plato, 2003). Thomas Aquinas (1993), also a medieval thinker, argued that theology is not an object of science and is only philosophically pursued by understanding the metaphysics of God’s existence. He however considered the divine thoughts are scribed in a sacred

Dead Poets Society essay Essay Example for Free

Dead Poets Society essay Essay What ideas about discovery are conveyed by Peter Weir’s ‘Dead Poets Society’ and one other text? The process of discovery has the ability to greatly impact an individual resulting in them having new ideas and perceptions on themselves and others. These ideas differ for all individuals as each has their own experiences and develops from them in unique and personal ways. This is clearly evident in the film ‘Dead Poets Society’ by Peter Weir as it is a text which significantly focuses on the concept of contrast. Throughout this concept viewers are allowed an in-depth demonstration of the protagonists Neil Perry and Todd Anderson’s negative and positive experiences which have been caused by their strive to achieve individualism after a new English teacher John Keating introduces his pupils to poetry and free thinking attitude. ‘Firework’ a song co-written and performed by Katy Perry is also a text which conveys that discovery is a process that can lead to enlightenment and enable one to be more acceptant of who they once they disregard the socially constructed expectations that mass media communicates. Throughout Perter Weir’s ‘Dead Poets Society’ viewers are able to understand that discovery itself is a process of transformation that can lead to new ideas which in turn have positive effects on an individual. This can be seen in the scene where Professor Keating educates his students the act of conformity. When Keating states its definition as â€Å"the difficulty of maintaining your own beliefs in the face of others† the audience are able to identify the contrast between the professor Keating and principal Nolan’s attitudes and values towards educations throughout the mise-en-scene displaying Nolan in a small, dark and mysterious room caged by the large steel poles representing the strict and prestigious nature of the institution. This allows the audience to realise that the students are able to better develop their skills when allowed to be free from the forces of conformity the institution brings. When the students are told to find their â€Å" own walk† it clear that they do so to achieve becoming their own unique individual. Furthermore, during the ending of the film a full shot is utilised to capture the majority of students standing on their tables portraying the extent to which professor Keating has made an impact on his pupils. Earlier in the film Keating too stood on his table to â€Å"remind himself to look at things in a different way† hence it can be said that his student are following in his footsteps allowing the professor to depart from  the academy without any regret. Even though discovery may lead to new understandings and perceptions these may not result in positive ways but will also have the ability to result in negative outcomes for both individual and those closes by .As a result of Keating’s newly introduced philosophies, protagonist Neil Perry further endeavours to fulfil his passion and desire to become an actor however does so by forging his father’s signature on a consent form that would allow him to perform his act. When Neil’s father objects to him p ursuing his dreams, he is told that he will â€Å"go to Harvard and become a doctor†. Through the use of the low camera angle looking up towards his father, strong facial expression displaying authority and superiority are apparent. As a result viewers are able to comprehend that Neil is in no position to change or even slightly alter his father’s decision. However, when Neil’s mother advises that he â€Å"get some sleep† a close up of the individuals face presents a mysterious and worrisome smile resulting in the creation of suspense and confusion in the audience. The mise-en-scene displaying a weak and still hand behind a table centimetres away from a gun, viewers are able to reach the tragic conclusion of Neil Perry’s death in a confronting and unexpected way. ‘Firework’ a song co-written and performed by Katy Perry is a text which significantly exemplifies the experience of discovering something that has been concealed by of society and in particular the expectations that are constantly forced upon individuals through mass media that must be disregarded to proceed to the new finding. The music video features a number of characters overcoming numerous social issues such as body image, homosexuality, bullying, the effect of conflict between parents on their children and the acceptance of having a medical illness. Throughout the chorus the term â€Å"firework† is used to symbolise the spark inside all individuals that must first be â€Å"ignited† or in other words believed in to enable them to achieve their goals and accomplish their dreams. Additionally, fireworks are used as visual metaphors to represent the time when one becomes enlightened and acceptant of who they truly are regardless of what society expects of them. In conclusion, both texts ‘Dead Poets Society’ by Peter Weir and ‘Firework’ by Katy Perry complement each other in the sense that they both successfully provide the audience with diverse concepts and ideas of discovery. Whether they may be negative or positive,  each educates viewers in having varying ideas about the consequences that may be caused by ones decision after they access new, original understandings and perceptions of themselves.

Essay on Social Hierarchy in The Tempest -- Tempest essays

Social Hierarchy in The Tempest  Ã‚        Ã‚   During Shakespeare's time social classification was much more rigid than today and some members of society were considered superior to other members. Shakespeare provides an example of this rigid social structure through his play, The Tempest. Shakespeare illustrates how superior men differentiated themselves from lesser beings on the basis of race, financial status, and gender. Through the character of Prospero, Shakespeare provides and example of one, who had reason to feel superior, yet treated others equally and with the respect due to them.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Tempest reflects Shakespeare's society through the relationship between characters, especially between Prospero and Caliban. Caliban, who was the previous king of the island, is taught how to be "civilized" by Prospero and his daughter Miranda. Then he is forced to be their servant. Caliban explains "Thou strok'st me and make much of me; wo... ...lson. "Shakespearian Superman" The Tempest D.J. Palmer (ed.) Macmillan & Co. 1968 Murray, J. Middleton. "Shakespeare's Dream" The Tempest D.J. Palmer (ed.) Macmillan & Co. 1968 Palmer, D.J. Shakespeare's Later Comedies: An Anthology of Modern Criticism. Harmondsworth, Penguin, 1971. Shakespeare, William. The Tempest. 1611. Ed. Stephen Orgel. New York: Oxford UP, 1994. Tillyard, E.M. "The Tragic Pattern" The Tempest D.J. Palmer (ed.) Macmillan & Co. 1968   

Fast and Furious Movie Analysis Essay

This scene is the last scene of the movie. It takes place at the old home that the crew lived in when the first movie came out. The crew(Dom, Brian, Letty, Mia, roman, Tej, Han, and Brian’s child) are gathered together in the yard. Starting the scene Roman comes out of the house and tells Tej not to burn the barbeque again(implying that this wasn’t the first time it had happened, with Tej replying that he never burned it before. Then it the scene switches focus to Brian, Mia, and their son in which Brian explains that the house’s air quality and traffic isn’t the best, but he thinks that he will learn to like it. Mia focuses on showing him the garage and explaining that it was the place where he could build his first car with daddy. A few moments after she said that, Dom responds â€Å"First car better be a charger jack†, which Brian gave a confused look to and replied â€Å"You mean a skyline†. Letty chuckles as Dom argues â€Å"Like I said he’s a Toretto†(fact bring that Brian’s last name was O’Connor). O’Connor smiles back and responds â€Å"You’re confusing the kid†, as Dom then asks Mia if she was going to let him get away with those words(even though all this was just playful, loving arguments). The focus goes to Han, Tej, and Roman as they discus Hans plan to move back to Tokyo, something he feels that he has to do because of the plans he made with his girlfriend, whom had died in the earlier scene. Tej wonders if he was really going to leave, and after Han confirms it, Tej says â€Å"You know we got your back, whenever you need it†. The men nod to each other and seconds later Hobbs and Elena enter the scene, as Roman makes a joke and Hobbs retaliates. Hobbs, in his stiff posture, walks up to Toretto(Dom) and O’Connor and openly expresses that they are now free of all their crimes. Excitement arises, â€Å"Wasn’t half bad having you work for me†, says Hobbs. â€Å"Now we all know you were working for me Hobbs†, Dom replies. Brian interferes says that they agree to disagree and thanks Hobbs for what he has done. As the men are gathered, Letty approaches Elena(Tej expressing to Roman that it must be an awkward encounter), and thanks her for everything she had done for Dom and her, then continues by implying that she was an amazing woman. As the two talk they go back and forth about Dom and end off on good terms, even though it was the first time they had met and they were both in love with the same man. Once again the scene switches to Hobbs and Dom, as they stand side by side. Dome takes a step forward(looking straight ahead past Hobbs) â€Å"Not bad for a cop† he says with a smirk. As Hobbs does the same he replies â€Å"I never thought I’d trust a criminal†. â€Å"Till next time†, they both say to one another and part ways. Hobbs gives Elena the sign to head out, but Dom stops her and explains â€Å"You don’t have to go†. Elena informs him that it was not her place, but that this was his home and her home was with the police force. She kisses him and walks away. The original crew mentioned in the beginning of the paper come together at the lunch table and laugh amongst each other, Dom asks Letty, â€Å"Any of this feel familiar to you?†, â€Å"No†¦ But it feels like home†, she responds after taking a sip of her beer. The scene comes to an end as they say grace as a family. Scene 4 Concept: Primary Groups For this scene, the concept of a primary group will be applied. According to the book, Communicating In Groups:Application of Skills, Adams and Galanes define primary groups as â€Å"groups formed to meet primary needs for inclusion and affection†(Adams and Galanes). Although this type of group can be used for a work type situation, it is mostly connected to a close type relationship. Each member shows motives such as: love, caring, avoiding feelings of loneliness, sharing, feeling cared about. These are successful only when the members decide to let go of some freedom as individuals. A primary group can come in many different forms, such as friends, sororities, fraternities, etc. However, the group from fast and furious 6, demonstrate the main form of a primary group, a family(even though almost all of them are not blood related). For example, the way Brian and Dom argue about which car the O’Connor’s son will first build, going back to their competitive spirit on what type of car was best. Although they were disagreeing with each other, their words were all out of love for the child and one another. Another example of this concept is the conversation between Han and Tej. Although Han individually wants to go out to Tokyo for himself, he has the support of his closest friends(the crew), and you know this when Tej say â€Å"You know we got your back, whenever you need it.† By saying this, it shows that they care for each other, which is an important factor to be a primary group(need to be caring). To become a primary group I had addressed that you must be willing to put away your individual desires. A prime example of this was the one on one discussion that occurred between Hobbs and Dom. Once again, Dom says â€Å"Not bad for a cop, as Hobbs replies â€Å"I never thought I’d trust a criminal.† The word trust in these few words is key. As a primary group, a family, you must trust one another and although neither of the two men had got along with each other in previous matters, they became somewhat close and finally put aside their individual attitudes to welcome each other in as one unit. According to Preserve Articles, there are some more points in being a primary group, two of which are physical proximity and identity of ends. Physical proximity is â€Å"connected with the fusion of personalities within the group†(Bhatt), which is exemplified as each of the members get together at the end at one table and enjoy a nice lunch together. This is a symbol of closeness within the characters. Identity of ends is â€Å"connected with the fusion of personalities within the group†(Bhatt). As this point of the article states, a primary group usually sees the world through the same Letty says â€Å"No†¦ But it feels like home†. Letty had lost her memory, which is revealed in an earlier scene of the movie, but they way that she says everything feels like home implies that she was one of them, and that she also seen the world in a very similar, if not the same way as the others(identity of ends). This is the only scene in which the whole clip is based off of the group being a primary group rather than a secondary group.

Dashain: The Festival of Nepal

Dashain Festival of Nepal INTRODUCTION Dashain is the biggest festival in Nepal. Dashain is celebrated by Nepalese people with great excitement. It is normally in the month of October but sometimes in late September. This festival is the longest and the most important of all festivals in Nepal. It falls in the best time of the year when fruits, vegetables and other foods are in plenty. And, all animals are well fed and healthy. It is said that Dashain is a celebration of the victory of the gods over the wicked demons.More sophisticated people think it as a message that good will always wins over bad in the end. And, we all should stand on the side of the good even when the bad side may look to be stronger. THE PREPARATION Before the first day of Dashain starts, people clean their houses, clean up the barns, paint white and red colours on the walls, paint the windows, repair the Aangan, repair the barns and trails in the villages, and paint the temples, schools and shelters with white clay. They buy new clothes, lots of food and spices.Then the celebration begins. THE FIFTEEN DAYS OF DASHAIN The fifteen days are said to mark the various events in the war between the gods and the demons. These fifteen days of Dashain are celebrated as follows: * Day 1: Ghastapana:Â  It is the first day of moon and represents the start of the battle. All weapons and tools in the households are gathered, cleaned and put in a room where Goddess Durga’s worship is commenced. Seeds of corn and barley are planted in a large planter of leaves and kept in dark in the worship room.These seeds would have grown to be yellow seedlings (Jamara) by the ninth day, when they are offered to Vishwa Karma and to all worshippers on the tenth day. * Day 2-7: Dwitia to Saptami:Â  Represent the continuation of the battle. * Day 8: Ashtami:Â  Animals are sacrificed in the temples of Goddess Durga asking for her help to win the battle. * Day 9: Nawami:Â  People worship Durga in mass. Everyone goes to temple of Durga. Also Vishwa Karma (god of creativity) is worshipped at the room where all tools and weapons were kept and the tools are finally released from the room.All machinery like sewing machine, cars, carts and grinding mills are stopped and offerings are made to Vishwa Karma asking to protect from accidents and mishaps. This day signifies that everyone gets ready for the final battle. * Day 10: Vijaya Dasami:Â  Goddess Durga defeats demon Mahishasur. Good finally wins over the bad. Victory is celebrated with exchanges of blessings and best possible food one can afford. Elders in the family give blessings to the young and put Tika and Jamara on their forehead. People are supposed to pay honor to and get blessings from the all surviving elders in the family clan.All people seem to be on the move as they try to visit as many relatives as possible to collect the most possible blessings. * Day 11-14: Ekadashi – Chaturthi:Â  These days are for visiting elders tha t were too far to visit on the tenth day. Also if some difficulties prevented us from reaching home and elders. So Tika continues throughout Dashain. * Day 15: Purnima or Kojagrat Purnima:Â  Dashain ends on the day of full-moon. On this day, people stay at home and rest. Laxmi (the goddess of wealth) is worshiped on this date. People are now ready to work and acquire virtue, power and wealth.In Dashain, you want a tika from an older person in your family or from anyone. You want to receive blessings from as many wellwishers as you can. First you start in your family. The oldest person in your family gives Tika and blessings to the youngest then the second youngest and so on. Anticipation, fun, hope, blessings and friendship come to you in Dashain, especially when you are close to your relatives and friends, and not in a far-away land and alone. You still write to your relatives or call them if you can and get thier thoughts and blessings even when you are far-far-away!

Bridge at Remagen in World War II

Bridge at Remagen in World War II The capture of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen occurred on March 7-8, 1945, during the closing stages of World War II  (1939-1945). In early 1945, American forces pressed towards the west bank of the Rhine River during Operation Lumberjack. In response, German forces were ordered to destroy the bridges over the river. As the lead elements of the US 9th Armored Division approached Remagen, they found that the Ludendorff Bridge over the river was still standing. In a sharp fight, American forces succeeded in securing the span. The capture of the bridge gave the Allies a foothold on the eastern bank of the river and opened Germany to invasion. Fast Facts: Bridge at Remagen Conflict: World War II  (1939-1945)Dates: March 7-8, 1945Armies Commanders:AlliesLieutenant General Courtney HodgesMajor General John W. LeonardBrigadier General William M. HogeCombat Command B, 9th Armored DivisionGermansGeneral Edwin Graf von Rothkirch und TrachGeneral Otto HitzfeldLXVII Corps A Surprise Find In March 1945, with the bulge caused by the German Ardennes offensive effectively reduced, the US 1st Army launched Operation Lumberjack. Designed to reach the west bank of the Rhine, US troops quickly advanced on the cities of Cologne, Bonn, and Remagen. Unable to halt the Allied offensive, German troops began falling back as the fortifications in the region were penetrated. Though a withdrawal over the Rhine would have been prudent to allow German forces to regroup, Hitler demanded that every foot of territory be contested and that counterattacks be launched to regain what had been lost. This demand led to confusion along the front which was worsened by a series of changes in command an unit areas of responsibility. Aware that the Rhine posed the last major geographic obstacle to Allied troops as fighting moved east, Hitler ordered the bridges over the river destroyed (Map). On the morning of March 7, lead elements of the 27th Armored Infantry Battalion, Combat Command B, US 9th Armored Division reached the heights overlooking the town of Remagen. Looking down at the Rhine, they were stunned to find that the Ludendorff Bridge was still standing. Built during World War I, the railroad bridge remained intact with German forces retreating across its span. Initially, officers in the 27th began calling for artillery to drop the bridge and trap German forces on the west bank. Unable to secure artillery support, the 27th continued to observe the bridge. When word of the bridges status reached Brigadier General William Hoge, commanding Combat Command B, he issued orders for the 27th to advance into Remagen with support from the 14th Tank Battalion. Racing to the River As American troops entered into the town, they found little meaningful resistance as German doctrine called for rear areas to be defended by Volkssturm militia. Moving ahead, they found no major obstacles other than a machine gun nest overlooking the town square.  Quickly eliminating this with fire from M26 Pershing tanks, American forces raced forward as they expected the bridge to be blown by the Germans before it could be captured. These thoughts were reinforced when prisoners indicated that it was scheduled to be demolished at 4:00 PM. Already 3:15 PM, the 27th charged ahead to secure the bridge. As elements of Company A, led by Lieutenant Karl Timmermann, moved onto the bridges approaches, the Germans, led by Captain Willi Bratge, blew a 30-foot crater in the roadway with the goal of slowing the American advance. Reacting swiftly, engineers using tank dozers began filling the hole. Possessing around 500 poorly-trained and equipped men and 500  Volkssturm, Bratge had desired to blow the bridge earlier but had been unable to secure permission. With the Americans approaching, the majority of his  Volkssturm melted away leaving his remaining men largely clustered on the east bank of the river. Ludendorff Bridge and Erpeler Ley tunnel at Erpel (eastern side of the Rhine) – First U.S. Army men and equipment pour across the Remagen Bridge; two knocked out jeeps in foreground. Germany, March 11, 1945.   National Archives and Records Administration Storming the Bridge As Timmerman and his men began pressing forward, Bratge attempted to destroy the bridge. A massive explosion rocked the span, lifting it from its foundations. When the smoke settled, the bridge remained standing, though it had suffered some damage. Though many of the charges had detonated, others had not due to the actions of two Polish conscripts who had tampered with the fuses. As Timmermans men charged onto the span, Lieutenant Hugh Mott and Sergeants Eugene Dorland and John Reynolds climbed under the bridge to begin cutting the wires leading to the remaining German demolition charges. Reaching the bridge towers on the west bank, platoons stormed inside overwhelming the defenders. Having taken these vantage points, they provided covering fire for Timmerman and his men as they fought across the span. The first American to reach the east bank was Sergeant Alexander A. Drabik. As more men arrived, they moved to clear the tunnel and cliffs near the bridges eastern approaches. Securing a perimeter, they were reinforced during the evening. Pushing men and tanks across the Rhine, Hoge was able to secure the bridgehead giving the Allies a foothold on the east bank. The Ludendorff Bridge on March 17, 1945, approximately four hours before its collapse. National Archives and Records Administration Aftermath Dubbed the Miracle of Remagen, the capture of the Ludendorff Bridge opened the way for Allied troops to drive into the heart of Germany. Over 8,000 men crossed the bridge in the first twenty-four hours after its capture as engineers frantically worked to repair the span. Infuriated by its capture, Hitler swiftly ordered the trial and execution of the five officers assigned to its defense and destruction. Only Bratge survived as he had been captured by American forces before he could be arrested. Desperate to destroy the bridge, the Germans conducted air raids, V-2 rocket attacks, and frogman assaults against it. In addition, German forces launched a massive counterattack against the bridgehead with no success. As the Germans were attempting to strike the bridge, the 51st and 291st Engineer Battalions built pontoon and treadway bridges adjacent to the span. On March 17th, the bridge suddenly collapsed killing 28 and wounding 93 American engineers. Though it was lost, a substantial bridgehead had been built up which was supported by the pontoon bridges. The capture of the Ludendorff Bridge, along with Operation Varsity later that month, removed the Rhine as an obstacle to the Allied advance.

The Aspern Papers Essays

The Aspern Papers Essays The Aspern Papers Essay The Aspern Papers Essay This obsession results in arrogance and greed, consuming the Narrator and leading to his ultimate regret. I. The Balance of Value and Privacy There is little reason to think that this story is meant to highlight the balance between value and privacy. Although the Narrator and his partner find great value in the works of Jeffrey Aspire, there is very little indication that others share in this desire to see the works. In fact, the Narrator himself mentions, after referring to Aspire as a God, that he and his partner had recognized IM most. 1 Additionally, Mrs.. Preset knew nothing of the significance of Miss Bordeaux in spite of having lived in Venice for 15 years. Mrs.. Preset also recognizes the Narrators obsession when mentioning that the Narrator appeared to be seeking the answer to the riddle of the universe. 2 This is not to say that Jeffrey Aspire is not well known or that his papers would not have been sought by others Miss Bordeaux mentions he was all the fashion3 when she was young but it is unlikely that his desire to make the papers public potentially justifies his deception. Not only is there a lack of reason to believe that the papers hold great value to others, there is little reason to think that privacy considerations of Miss Bordeaux are meant to be compelling. There is an expectation of privacy with matters and documents that individuals choose to keep private, if even for the simple fact that they should have the ability to do so. This is especially true of valuables and personal mementos. However, James downplays the importance of the papers being kept secret. Although Tina mentions that Miss Bordeaux loves them4 and is Very fond f them,5 she says nothing to imply that Miss Bordeaux would be particularly upset if others had read the papers. In fact, Tina reveals that Miss Bordeaux fondly talked Of Aspire twenty years ago and Tina mentions that she did not believe anything in the papers would be painful to Miss Bordeaux. Although Miss Bordeaux likely knew for a considerable time that the Narrator was scheming to get the papers, she presents him with the portrait of Aspire. She knows that showing him the portrait will only increase the danger of the papers being taken, which indicates that concealing the papers was not the most important consideration for her. Rather, it seems that Miss Borderlands primary motivation in her dealings with the Narrator is to acquire as much pecuniary profit as possible. The Narrator remarks multiple times that her interest in money was off-putt Eng, mentioning that he couldnt get used to the idea that this vision of pecuniary profit was most what drew out the divine Juliann. 6 Additionally, after Miss Bordeaux dies, Tina mentions that she believes Miss Bordeaux meant to tell her that she would have approved of the Narrator having the papers if he married Tina. Miss Bordeaux is not concerned with keeping the papers hidden for her privacy, but instead she keeps them hidden because she does not want to give anything away freely that she could instead use to enhance her financial standing and Titans wellbeing. Although we can not be sure of Miss Borderlands intent, James absolutely fails to highlight the importance to Miss Bordeaux that the papers be kept secret. Lastly, James leaves little question as to whether the Narrators actions are warranted. The Narrator himself admits that he is sorry for the hypocrisy and duplicity that he must engage in, UT that he has no other option than to continue his course. He does not attempt to use the need for the papers as a justification of his actions, but merely the reason for them. The Narrators actions are clearly objectionable, as evidenced by his thoughts that he could sleep with Tina to mask his deception and that he enjoyed the idea that Miss Bordeaux could die at any moment, giving him the opportunity to pounce on her possessions. 7 The lack of known value of the papers, the lack of showing that their revelation would cause harm, and the obviousness that the Narrators actions are unethical indicate that it was not James intent for the reader to struggle with whether or not the Narrator is validated in seeking the papers by deception. However, most readers still sympathize with the publishing sco undrel. 8 II. The Curse of Obsession While driven by his obsession, leading him to deceive and attempt to steal, the Narrator fails in the very way he feared he might upon arriving at the home. As he predicts, it leaves him without another arrow/ for his bow. This defeat, and the reason we feel so connected to the Narrator in his quest s likely what led James to remark in the preface that he might have looked up Miss Claremont had he known of her whereabouts and he luckily not had to deal with the difficult option. 10 Although the Narrator overcomes nearly every obstacle along the way, he does so at significant cost. Because the Narrator misreads Miss Borderlands and Titans abilities, he thinks he is being cunning and deceptive, all the while falling into Miss Borderlands traps. Initially, he desires to be housed by Miss Bordeaux, however he pays roughly 10 times the value of the lodging. He also desires to be seen by her, which exults in purchasing additional flowers for the garden. Later, he wishes to see a portrait of Aspire and makes that known to Tina. Subsequently, Miss Bordeaux presents the portrait in the garden but keeps it from his possession. At each of these obstacles, he pays greatly or provides information about his motives and plans without gaining significant information in return. Miss Bordeaux does not show him the portrait because he wants to see it, but because she wants him to see it. Has he no reason to think that Tina made his request known to Miss Bordeaux and she knew that he was seeking the papers? He absolutely does, but he is unable to look past the urge to obtain the papers and see that he faces a true adversary in Miss Bordeaux. Not only does each victory cost the Narrator greatly, he also suffers when finally achieving his goals. At the very beginning of the story he mentions to Mrs.. Preset that he had been unable to touch the hands of someone Aspire had touched or look into a single pair of eyes into which his had looked. 1 1 He ends up beholding Miss Borderlands extraordinary eyes at the cost Of being caught in the act of trying to find the papers and being horribly ashamed. 2 In the end, he acquires the portrait of Aspire that he wanted, however it represents a very painful memory, such that whenever he looks at it he can scarcely bear [his] loss. 13 What he has lost is perhaps the most debated topic of the story. The Narrator overcomes all of the obstacles he faced in his quest to get the papers, however when presented with the opportunity to discover them, he is unab le to meet the request of marrying Tina. All of his work and deception has led him to the very moment where all he needs to do is accept, but he slips. Are the papers the loss he IS referring to? Or is it perhaps the opportunity to marry Tina? Many possibilities can be offered as the reason for his loss, which is why the Narrator clarifies to the reader that he is referring to the papers. Regardless of the reason for his loss, the reflection and honest statement that he can scarcely bare the loss makes it clear that he has suffered greatly through these endeavors. But shouldnt we view this as him getting his just deserts? Although he acts badly in attempting to acquire the papers, James makes it clear that the Narrator is not a bad person generally.