Month: May 2019
The Case for and against Assisted Dying
In homes across the world, millions of victims are suffering from fatal and terminal illnesses.With death knocking on their door, should these people have to endure pain and misery knowing what is to come? The answers to these questions are very controversial. Furthermore, there is a greater question to be answered”should these people have the right and option to end the relentless pain and agony through physician assisted death? Physician-Assisted Suicide PAS is highly contentious because it induces conflict of several moral and ethical questions such as who is the true director of our lives. Is suicide an individual choice and should the highest priority to humans be alleviating pain or do we suffer for a purpose? Is suicide a purely individual choice? Having analyzed and even experience the effects of physician assisted suicide, I promote and fully support its legality and provisions.
Physician assisted suicide PAS or physician assisted death PAD is the voluntary ending of oner's life primarily by taking a lethal substance (usually a barbiturate) prescribed by a physician (Friend, Mary, & Louanne, 2011, p. 110). In each case, the patient has explicitly come to the conclusion to expedite his or her own death owed to a terminal illness.? Four of fifty states in the United States have legalized physician assisted suicide: Oregon, Washington, Montana, and most recently Vermont (May 2013). On Nov. 8, 1994, Oregon was first to legalized physician assisted death. Through ballot measure, the Death with Dignity Act legalized the process of physician assisted death but under strict protocol. Similarly, the state of Washington passed Ballot Initiative 1000 and Vermont passed the Patient Choice and Control... act”both similar acts legalizing physician assisted suicide. However, Montanar's State Supreme Court ruling in Baxter v. Montana allows physician assisted death with no legal protocol in place (Procon.org., 2012). The states permitting PAS are obligated to follow a list of set conditions: the patient should be a resident of the said state and 18 years of age or older. Secondly, the patient should be capable of making and communicating health care decisions for him or herself. Thirdly, the patient must be diagnosed with a terminal illness that will lead to death within six months. Interested patients must also provide the request for termination in writing to the physician. In addition, physicians are expected to inform patients to alternative means of care including hospice care and other medications. Only after precautions evaluation, the laws then permit patients to make the ultimate life ending decision.
A pathologist from Michigan, Dr. Jack Kevorkian was one of the first to participate in PAS (Strate, Zalman & Hunter, 2005, p. 25). There are documented writings discussing the severity of his patients: those who seek him out have deteriorated by slow, painful degrees and wish to exit from their infernos on Earth before they deteriorate cognitively and/or choke to death (Zeldisr's, 2005 p. 130). Many of his patients explain how they feel their own body withdraw and turn on itself; and not even being able to eat or go to the bathroom (Friend, Mary and Louanne, 2011, p. 116). stress that dignity and integrity are very personal matters; it is probable that being dependent on others to perform basic activities of daily living threaten a patientr's dignity and thus determine when an explicit request for PAS is made. Perhaps to deny someone the ability to limit their suffering is cruel.
My main argument in support of PAS bears the concept that every capable human being has the right to decide on the way he or should wants to live. This very definition of right of independence should be protected and extended to individuals suffering from terminal conditions and therefore should possess jurisdiction of how and when they die (Weir, 2002, p. 33). Every individual should have the choice to experience a quality life and turn away any suffering and pain. Therefore, terminally ill patients should be allowed to die in dignity without independence and control being stripped from them.
In addition, one may say that the sanctity of life is greatly reduced upon gaining the diagnoses of an serious sickness (Kopelman & Allen, 2001, p. 203). After a diagnoses of a terminal disease, life is consumed by the master status of sickly experience. It will be defined by continuous hospital visits and long hospital activity such as surgeries. Lives of patients never are the same; reduced to a bed ridden life facing sympathies from close family and friends. I recently had the opportunity to experience my grandmother go through this dreadful lifestyle until her demise a week ago. I truly believe that the agony and torment is not worth going through knowing that death is imminent.
Terminal illness has the propensity to reduce individuals from strong, flexible and respected individuals to feeble suffering individuals who completely contingent on family or nurses for dehumanizing aspects of survival. Moreover, the mental capacity, hearing, vision, and other sense began to deteriorate swiftly and drastically. My family and I had to witness this worsening state, as do other families. I can truly say it was traumatic even for me. I can only remember a few vivid and lively experiences of my grandmother, due the fact that her image in her last months cloud my mind. When the patient eventually dies, the only memories left with the family are the sorry state of their loved one who died a sorry death (Stevens Jr., Kenneth R. 2006 p. 200). Why should anyone who lived a great and dignified life end in such a despondent state? To avoid such undignified death, PAD for terminally ill patients should be accepted and legalized in all states.
In contrast, I have found that there are many arguments that are for the prohibition of PAS. One that seems to be the more obvious one is that of health care providers. The medical community is very outspoken on this topic; it goes against the role of health care providers as healers. A health care providerr's primary concern is to first cause no harm (Kopelman, L. M., & Allen, K. D. 2001, p. 203). Physician assisted suicide obliterates the confidence one should have between their doctor. What will a patient think if it is known that their doctor helped and promoted someone else's death? Of course, sometimes a doctor can not cure a disease, but how would a patient feel knowing that the doctor gave up on another patient and persisted the suicide to occur. Would this idea make more than a few patients uncomfortable? Furthermore, it has been argued that PAS distorts the healing purpose of medicine (American Medical Association 1992). If physicians help kill patients, it can be seen as harm. Even though this argument is sound and does cause many problems, case must be weighed against the needs of the individual patient.
Another reason many are against PAS is that they believe it could lead to involuntary euthanasia (Stevens Jr., Kenneth R. 2006, p. 198) There is a fear that select groups and ethnicities would be targeted. Therefore, in order to prevent the spread of euthanasia, non-supporters (of PAS) believe that PAS should be prevented from being deemed lawful.
There are many arguments for and against assisted suicide, the answer of whether it is right or wrong remains unanswered. For one, PAS is an ethical issue that is dependent on a personr's values, morals, religion, and experiences. In general, deciding whether one is to live or die is a sensitive topic and can stir up strong emotions and opinions. I believe the ending of oner's life should be left in the hands of that one individual and nobody else. People say all the time ""It is your life, do with it as you want"", but why should this expression change when it is applied to death? Individuals should be free to determine.
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The Case For and Against Assisted Dying. (2019, May 31).
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https://studydriver.com/2019/05/page/2/
A Natural Law View on Assisted Suicide
To the common person, the term natural law may not hold much significance or may register in their mind as a type of law that is of the earth or based on nature. While this may seem like the right definition, it is not the case. The idea of Natural law is one which has a very broad range of application and is generally misapplied when the term is incorporated in the topics of science, philosophy, history, theology, and law. According to allaboutphilosophy.org, Natural Law is a moral theory of jurisprudence, which maintains that law should be based on whatr's correct. (1) Furthermore, they state that Natural Law is discovered by humans through the use of reason and choosing between good and evil. (1) Because of this, Natural Law is seen as a consistent method of reason which can be held universally in its standards of morality and ethics.
A commonly debated topic which is rooted in morality is that of assisted suicide and whether the actions taken by the one committing suicide and the one helping are moral or not. Assisted suicide and euthanasia are topics which have been looked at in the United States as uncommon practice for much of the early 1900s until the mid-70s and 80s, which is when the idea began to gain pubic attention and traction within the Supreme Court. The general idea in question when it comes to assisted suicide, is whether it is moral for a person to decide that they are ready to die and for someone to help them accomplish that desire. While over the years, the general view has been that suicide and assisted suicide is wrong and by all costs should be avoided. By looking at assisted suicide through the lens of Natural Law, I believe that assisted suicide could be allowed to let people could choose their own death. The only problem with this idea is that Natural Law is a body of unchanging moral principles which is regarded as the basis for how all humanity conducts themselves. This means that everyone would have the opportunity to choose assisted suicide if they so desired. Professor Robert George recognizes the Natural Law as central to the Western tradition of thought and morality, politics and law. (2) Furthermore, Americar's founding fathers sought to create institutions and procedures that enshrined those basic, natural rights that people possess, not as privileges or opportunities granted by the state, but as principles of Natural Law which it is the moral duty of the state to respect and protect. (3) Through this, people may believe that they have the right to act in whatever way they see necessary, which can be defended by saying that it is within the Natural Law for them to act in this manner. The aspect that they are not addressing is whether the actions are moral or not, which in the case of assisted suicide, they do not appear to be moral.
Although there has been much debate on whether assisted suicide decisions fit within the boundaries of Natural Law, there has been a push from the opposition on whether the rights from the Natural Law should be upheld and whether the justifications by Natural Law can bridge the gap between the schools of thought of Christianity and that of secular ethics within todays world. Craig Paterson speaks on how the laws of nature describe how physical entities act, Laws of nature are descriptive not prescriptive. These uniformities or regularities simply are. Physical entities do not deliberate on how they behave; they do not choose to act or not according to laws of nature. (4) He goes onto say that Natural Law is concerned with how the rational human being should act. I agree that human beings were created with minds and a will which makes them capable to make reasonable decisions after giving deliberation and thought to the situation. By their complex creation and by having the freedom and will to choose to act as they please, humans should have the ability to behave in a way that mere physical entities are not able. (4) By the above definition, this would allow human beings to choose to participate in assisted suicide if they gave it reasonable thought and deliberation and found it to be in their best interest. A reasonable human being would not choose to do something if it were not in what they saw as being in their own best interest or would provide them with optimum happiness.
So where does this fall into the ethics of Natural Law? The Natural Law can be defined as a group of principles of right action which prescribes behavior for situations of morally significant choosing. (5) In the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Natural Law is the rational creaturer's participation in the eternal law. (6) This definition implies that there are principles which have been reasoned from the Natural Law which are applicable to all people and should be used as common knowledge. Furthermore, the Bible alludes to the Natural Law as being written on the hearts of all men (7), while Aquinas referred to the general principles as being impressed on human reason by nature. (8) Any reasonable person can discern that they have within themselves the Natural Law which should provide them with the knowledge needed to help them make the appropriate decisions in whatever situation they may face. The Natural Law, whether we seem to realize it or not, influences many of the decisions that we make every day. Whether we act out of selfishness when given the opportunity or if we act selflessly and do the moral thing, we are being influenced by the Natural Law which can play such an influential role in our lives.
This question of whether we are acting morally selfish or selfless can come into question when talking about the topic of assisted suicide. While some people may not be in favor of allowing assisted suicide, one could argue that by not allowing assisted suicide you are being morally selfish and inconsiderate of the person who is requesting this. The person who is asking to be allowed to end their own life in the manner that they wish, could be going through a very difficult disease or may simply have peace with dying at that given time. While some people may not agree with this means of dying, it is not up us to decide the fate of that other person. On the contrary, some people not in favor of assisted suicide may suggest that it is not that individualr's decision on whether they should end their life. And it is certainly not ours to say what they can or cannot do with the time God has given them on earth. What we can do is encourage them to live in a way that honors God and in most peopler's eyes that would mean not committing assisted suicide or assisting someone in suicide no matter the circumstances that they are in.
Giving a Biblical take on the moral law, as mentioned before in Romans 2 2:15 it says that the Natural Law has been written on the hearts of all men. (7) Since it is written in the Bible that the Natural Law is written on the hearts of all men, it should be presumed that the Natural Law should follow the moral standards of the Bible. With this said, in Exodus 20:13 it says, You shall not murder (9) which a reasonable person should stretch to the standard of You shall not murder or help someone murder. In relation to assisted suicide, the person killing themselves and the person administering or aiding in the suicide are both breaking the sixth commandment of the Bible. The big question is why is something as vile as breaking a commandment given to us by God, a commandment which is supposed to be written on the hearts of all men, so easily and frequently committed? I believe that the discussion of whether assisted suicide is moral and whether it follows under the views of Natural Law is simply a mockery of the commandments of God. While we are called by God to show others compassion and mercy, I do not see how taking oner's own life and assisting in that action could be necessary and morally just by society or the government. I mention the government since it is the government who passes the laws and makes it legal to commit and to assist in assisted suicide. A government and nation which is supposed to be One nation under God (10) and by that mention, a government and nation which abides by laws given to us by God through the Bible.
On the opposition of this opinion, people who do not see the need for there to be a Natural Law or for us to follow or do not recognize the Natural Law, would most likely argue that they have the freedom and ability to decide their own fate. While this may be true, and as Americanr's we are given the right to many things which can determine how our lives play out, we should not overlook the power which we are given with these decisions. The right or the ability to take oner's own life is a decision which we should not have. And if someone is considering making that decision, they should be more than sure about that very final and decisive decision. Furthermore, a person who is in favor of the ability to choose assisted suicide would most likely argue that not everyoner's circumstances would be the same and that there are certain circumstances which should allow for assisted suicide. For example, if an individual was in a very serious accident and there was nothing that could be done to end the pain and save their life, one could argue that the individual should be given the option to be taken off life support.
Although the individual who would die is not the one administering the ending of the life support, the doctor doing it would be assisting in the death of the patient. In many peopler's eyes, this situation would seem morally just and reasonable for the practice of assisted suicide to be deemed legal and morally just. In relation to assisted suicide, the person requesting the treatment is often critically ill or has a terminal disease. In cases like these, it could be deemed rational to allow them to choose assisted suicide as a means to end their suffering. Whereas if someone were not terminally and was just having a run of bad luck with work, or injuries, they should not be able to choose assisted suicide. If the person is able to recover and return from the difficulty that they are going through, then they should not be able to choose assisted suicide. My point is, that only people who are terminal and have incurable diseases or who are in excruciating pain, in many cases would be the only ones able to participate in assisted suicide.
Another argument in favor of assisted suicide is that what if someoner's quality of life is not at the optimum level and that there is nothing which could be done to improve it besides dying? If someone does not see their quality of life improving, then they would argue that they have the right to make their life better by ending it. While this might just seem outright ridiculous to some of us, it may seem rational to others. The need to be in control of their life is just as important as being alive and when an individual is not willing to give up that control, they take their own life to maintain that control. Regarding Natural Law, one with this view of dying to maintain control and happiness would say that within the moral principles there should not be a standard to measure happiness. Meaning that not everyone will find happiness in the same things that every other person will. It could be argued that this may be one of the best arguments in favor of assisted suicide. That people should be able to pursue their optimum happiness however they see fit and that there should be no hindrance on this. Normally this pursuit of happiness comes at a price, one where in normal lives we must give up something simple to have something else. In the case of assisted suicide and happiness, the thing being given up is a personr's life, which to the reasonable person would seem to be extreme measures to achieve happiness.
While this seems to be a decent argument, I still believe that a reasonable person would see the actions associated with assisted suicide as ones which should not be allowed on a regular basis but only under extreme circumstances. Based on the Natural law, I do not see how assisted suicide is aligned with this law. Although I personally do not agree with it, I could see how one may request that assisted suicide be allowed if it were the only option of someone to end their pain and suffering of which there would be no other alternative other than death. In these rare cases I think that assisted suicide could be morally just by society. Furthermore, it would not fall under the Natural Law if it were not a law set in uniform for all of humanity. It would seem to go against the Natural Law if it were only applied to some people and others it was not. This is saying that some people would have a kind of excuse to be able to commit assisted suicide while others were not allowed. If this would be the case, I would say just outlaw the practice of assisted suicide all together to eliminate any possible biases in the selection of who can and who cannot commit assisted suicide. This determination of who would be allowed would need to come from the government and in that case, there would be many hurdles to climb in order to get the law passed and there would be many people opposed to the idea of assisted suicide to be legal. I also believe that the criteria of who can commit assisted suicide and who is not would be very complex and would incorporate a process which would take so long that the people who are ill and request assisted suicide would die naturally before they could commit assisted suicide.
In conclusion, a Natural law view would deem the act of assisted suicide as unjust and morally wrong, except for the cases when it is the only possibility for an individual to achieve happiness and be relieved of pain and suffering. While this may be a very general interpretation, I think that it is the only way that laws could be written which would allow people to use assisted suicide legally. While I personally am not in favor of assisted suicide, I do recognize how some people may see assisted suicide as being the only means to achieving happiness and relieve suffering. In the end, I firmly believe that we are to respect the gift of life which God has given us and that we are commanded to treat it with the utmost respect and honor.
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A Natural Law View On Assisted Suicide. (2019, May 31).
Retrieved November 3, 2025 , from
https://studydriver.com/2019/05/page/2/
New Life Chopin Story of an Hour
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New Life Chopin Story of An Hour. (2019, May 31).
Retrieved November 3, 2025 , from
https://studydriver.com/2019/05/page/2/
Should Physician-Assisted Suicide be Legal in Every State?
Physician-Assisted Suicide, or PAS, consists of a terminally ill patient requesting to end their life on their own terms rather than letting the diagnosis determine their time of death. Patients are requesting to die with dignity instead of living their last moments in agony. Some can say that Physician-Assisted Suicide should not be an option. One can argue that human dignity and life are sacred or that doctors have a specific role in keeping their patients alive, but should anyone have a say so in how you choose to live or die? With the rising costs of healthcare, suffering through a painful diagnosis, and laws that protect the patient and the person administering the lethal medication; Physician-Assisted Suicide should be legal in all 50 states.
People are diagnosed with terminal illnesses every single day. One of the first conversations a Physician will have with a patient is palliative care options which begin at the time of diagnosis. This offers the patient a care option when there are no known cures for their illness. In severe cases, the Physician might directly request that the patient is put in hospice. While palliative care offers hope for a cure, hospice may be suggested if the patient has a terminal illness which would lead to death in a shorter amount of time with only a treatment plan specialized for maintaining a patientr's comfort.
Both options are extremely expensive since most insurance companies do not cover all services rendered under palliative or hospice care. Many insurance plans cover some palliative care services, such as pain management. But they tend not to cover services delivered by registered nurses, social workers and chaplains. Many Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance plans offer scant or no coverage of home visits, coordination of care, wound care, social and spiritual counseling, 24-hour hotlines, advanced care planning and family support(para 14). While palliative care reduces the number of hospitalizations and frequent trips to the emergency room, the average cost for receiving this service is $95.30 per day (Ollove). If a patient is put directly on hospice, Medicaid will pay all expenses while Medicare pays for most services. Those on Medicare are still responsible for paying room and board if they are in a nursing facility, emergency care, and any medication attempting to cure their illness (Fay). All these additional costs to pursue care quickly add up. If the alternate option of PAS was legal, that number would drop drastically. The most well-known medication for induced death is known as Seconal. When prescribed under the Death with Dignity law, this medication can cost upwards of $5,000. Due to an increase in price, alternate mixtures have been developed in order to cut costs. The phenobarbital/chloral hydrate/morphine sulfate mix has been found to produce a similar effect and has lowered the cost of PAS from $5,000 to $500 (FAQS). Physician-Assisted Suicide would not only help lift financial burdens placed on the patients and their families, but it would also help prevent them from suffering.
Being diagnosed with a terminal illness is the first step on a long journey of pain, discomfort, and suffering. Depending on what diagnosis a patient receives will determine the amount of strain that will be placed on their body before they expire. Cancer is one of the leading causes of patients requesting Physician-Assisted Suicide. The effects of cancer itself are detrimental to oner's health and the treatment options that are provided inflict more suffering. The side effects of treatment can include pain, nausea, swelling, memory loss, and becoming more susceptible to infections (Side Effects of Cancer Treatment). Along with cancer, AIDS also takes a toll on oner's body. Once one is infected, they can expect to experience thrush, shingles, weight loss, and sores. As their infection grows, so does their unpleasant symptoms. The later stage of AIDS induces bacterial infections, fever, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy, tuberculosis, and pneumonia (Mtwisha). There are several terminal illnesses that take a toll on everyone who is diagnosed. Patients should not be expected to live out their days in agony and their families should not have to watch them suffer. Legalizing PAS would put an end to their suffering and let the patients end their life on their own terms when they are ready.
Choosing PAS is a viable option that is now legalized in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and DC along with Montana by Supreme Court ruling (State-by-State Guide to Physician-Assisted Suicide). Although Physician-Assisted Suicide is legal, there are specific eligibility restrictions that the states must follow. The patient must be a resident of the states listed above, they must be 18 years or older, and must be mentally competent. Patients must also be diagnosed with a terminal illness that will lead to their passing within a six-month period. Patients must also be able to take their prescribed medication without assistance. There are no exceptions to any of these rules. To obtain the dosages of medication, the patient must first make an initial oral request for the lethal medication. The physician who receives the request must be licensed in the patientr's state and the request must take place in that state. Secondly, the physician must confirm that the patient meets all criteria and they are also responsible for discussing all alternative care options. A second physician must confirm the illness, life expectancy, and mental competence of the patient. If one physician finds that the patientr's judgement is flawed, a psychological evaluation will need to be done before the patient can move forward with the PAS process. After both physicians find that the patient meets all criteria, the patient must wait a minimum of 15 days to make the second oral request. Once the second request is made, the prescription is written. At any given time, the patient can change their mind. They can choose to not fill the prescription or if the prescription is already filled, they can choose not to take it.(How Death with Dignity Laws Work). These restrictions help protect the patient who chooses PSA and Physicians that administer the medication.
Most believe that a doctorr's main objective in their career is to keep their patient alive. In specific cases, they are right. When doctors know that the patient can make a recovery with little to no consequences of the diagnosis, they are expected to do whatever it takes to make sure that they do not have to call time of death. Doctors also must keep the patientr's best interest in mind. There should be an option for patients that have no cure available to them to pass before the diagnosis takes over them and they are no longer that person that everyone else had known. Human dignity and life itself are considered sacred. Keeping someone alive is not the only way of showing dignity. What life does someone have when he or she is no longer able to enjoy it? The pain from terminal illnesses alone is enough for a patient to lead a miserable life. Human dignity and the sacredness of life is the quality of life, not the quantity. Dignity comes when someone is suffering, and people offer their support with all choices made by that patient and standing with them in their time of need.
Physician-Assisted Suicide should be legal in all 50 states. Patients should not have to suffer until their diagnoses take their life. Patients deserve to die with dignity without spending the rest of their lives in pain and the financial burden that continuous healthcare places on them. Laws have been placed to protect not only the physicians but the patients as well. Patients should have their voices heard when it comes to their own lives especially when dealing with something as serious as life and death.
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Should Physician-Assisted Suicide Be Legal in Every State?. (2019, May 31).
Retrieved November 3, 2025 , from
https://studydriver.com/2019/05/page/2/
What Happened in the Story of an Hour?
In 1894, There was a great story written by Kate Chopin. The story was called the story of an hour. The story focused on the main character Mrs. Mallardr's The story starts with lots of excitements but then ending not the best thing that you would think that could happen. There are so many insights that shows so many different points in this story that makes it really.
The story really talks about: What the message is about?
What action might be given? (Clugston,2014). There may be some answered in why was this marriage was so dysfunctional. Was the marriage lacking communication, freedom, confinement and mortality. Dysfunctional marriage might have something to do with how the wifer's where to be toward their husband back in 19 centuries. Women were only allowed to cook, clean and care for the children. Women were only supposed make their husband happy with pleasure. Women had no rights they couldnt no show their emotions an anyways. If a woman worked which was not very often. They had to give there husband the money they do make. In a marriage is there a true love?
Mrs. Mallard found out about her husband death while on the train. That not only her husband was not dead after all. How would you explain to someone that this happen? When the message was told. She became sick to the point she started having heart problems. In which at this point causing her more damage to her heart the freedom has to deal with how her marriage, and how bad her heat was. Her freedom was token away suddenly when she was confined to are place. When her husband passed she thought she had her freedom. And it was given back. When she realized her husband was still alive. Her happiness and joy and came crashing down.
The story happened so fast. The Changes were so drastically in her. Mrs. Mallard had an hour to really process what has happen to her husband. But then a minute later she found out that the news she heard about her husband was not true. When she found out her husband was gone she thought she had a life the way she may have wanted. That all changed when she found out about her husband and that he was still alive. Her dreams came to a big halt when she found out that someone might have been gone then turns out they werent. This news came to be the scariest moment in her life. The emotions that Mrs. Mallard had to over come from the death of her husband. Caused her own death instead. Her freedom that she thought she may have had was all token away just like that. Mrs. Mallard could not handle anymore and caused her heart to end.
The readers were able to really understand more about the characters in the story. There were many different views have things have went through the story. The person who wrote the story was compassionate and made Mrs. Mallardr's thought seeing to the sensible and more reasonable. There was still something that she might be scared of. But she would keep to herself.
Mrs. Mallard felt that reaching out to the sound and the world around her was something she need to do. Mrs. Mallard my have been in one of that dysfunctional marriage. But the way that was out of her marriage was not what she was hoping for she wasnt not happy in her marriage. Mrs. Mallard thought she was finally free. After hearing about her husband death. But that turned not to be true. Her freedom was exciting but scared for her at the same time. The narrated wrote that Mrs. Mallard was being a little selfish and not caring about her husband.
The story of Mrs. Mallard life the of emotions, that really ended her life. Some detachment was there. Mrs. Mallard idea of a marriage may have been wonderful but the last things she wanted was her freedom. They were other characters in the story that you may not have heard. There was her sister Josephine and Richard friends husband. The story ended was she dying was so fast. But the shocked she had developed made her unable to go on with her life. The shock happens when she found out that her husband was still alive and that her freedom was no longer hers. So, the stress from hearing the news broke her causing her heart to into shock.
In conclusion, there are still many un answered question on why this all did happen. What really did happen to Mrs. Mallard? Did she really died are was a trick to get out of her marriage? The story was short so they had to make sure that there were some elements that can support the point view. The story leaves it so us readers have to decided what really went on.
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What happened in The Story Of An Hour?. (2019, May 31).
Retrieved November 3, 2025 , from
https://studydriver.com/2019/05/page/2/
Doctor Assisted Suicide
While taking your own life may be wrong, Doctor-assisted suicide should be acceptable because the patient or individual may feel the need to undergo the process of Doctor-assisted suicide because they are suffering from something that may be making life difficult for them. Also, people may feel the need to undergo a procedure like this because they feel like it is their only hope and they just want to be put to rest. The individual most of the time is experiencing something that some people cannot around them cannot understand and they feel like they are trapped in an unbearable situation that they cannot cope with and feel the need to ask a doctor for help and put them to sleep. Again it may seem wrong but Doctor-assisted suicide is the better alternative to having to suffer through all the problems and deep pain that the person may be facing. On the other hand it also it helps the individual finally be relieved of all the pain that they may be feeling on the inside and out. Although it may seem unlikely but there is a possibility that a person gets themselves into a terrible situation resulting in a horrible injury but it is possible. Chances are that someone might be put in a situation as grave as this. If so I should be legal for the person to make their own choice and chose to take their own life because this procedure gives them something that medicine cannot give them.
A good example of a people who may need this procedure might be patients that are Terminally ill meaning that they have a disease that is not able to be cured. These people would rather be put to sleep than to have to suffer the rest of their life knowing they have this disease that causes them such great pain and will never be cured. In a situation like that the person may believe that the best choice is to be put to death. Also being put to death by a Doctor is also the best choice for a terminally ill patient because it reduces the fear of the patient because he knows that his death will be painless and he wont have to live through his current pain and suffering. The important part of the topic is that people understand that these patients are not choosing to Die because they want to simply just die. They are asking to be put to death because they are in such deep pain and suffering that they cannot express to others. This specific procedure is currently only available in 7 States and for the procedure to be approved "the physician must be a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) licensed to practice medicine by the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Oregon. The physician must also be willing to participate in the Act." (CNN) The Doctor also has to verify that the patient is a resident of the State that the procedure is legal in.
The problem with this is that this is currently only legal in 7 states but all people should have the right to be put to death if they really have to need to undergo the process but that is for the State to decide on. People should have the right to chose to die. If the Individual feels the need to do it it should be completely legal to do so but the law states that As soon as one takes steps to end the life of another, they may become criminally liable for homicide. (HG Legal Resources) but it really does not make much sense. People should be able to be put to death if they want to because it is their own body but the law forbids this practice for a reason that remains very unclear to the public. The reason Physician Assisted suicide is illegal is not clearly stated by the court of law but the other main argument is that such practices are immoral and state that Doctors who commit these crimes have violated many of the rules and values that they agreed to follow when they became a doctor. (LEP). But many believe against this because it's not immoral if the patient is suffering and really needs this procedure. It is more immoral to let the patient suffer just because people believe it's not ok for a person to be put to death but people do not have the slightest idea of what these people might be going through. But then again this is still immoral in the eyes of the law and the public. The choice belongs to the person who feels the need to die not the law that forbids this act.
There are many people in the United States and even in the World that need this procedure because they dont want to suffer through something, not even their worst enemy deserves. There are innocent people that have Terminal illnesses and each one of them have to fight through the pain, the tears, and sorrow to have to put up with another day of agony knowing that they will never be cured just because it is immoral and illegal to be put to sleep by a Doctor who is only trying to calm the patient down and finally put them at peace. The people should have the right to make the choice they think is best for them. The Practice Doctor Assisted Suicide should be acceptable and legal for anyone with the need of it because they do not deserve to suffer what they are going through.
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Physician-Assisted Suicide: the Law and Professional Ethics
The discussion to make physician-assisted suicide legal has created mixed reactions among the US citizens. Despite its ethical prohibitions, some people continue to express their interest in the act. People have increasingly shown their concerns and fears regarding how their lives will end. Some people have voiced out their opinions on euthanasia, and surprisingly, a section of them continue to advocate for the legalization of the process. Others have expressed their disgrace in the debate surrounding legalization of the process as it is against the ethical code of living. As a result, the American College of Physicians (ACP), continue being attentive to all concerns raised by people. It makes sense that patients suffering from some terminal, painful illnesses and patients from tragic accident experience a lot of pain and some may prefer death to life. Cases of this type lead to a debate on whether physicians should be allowed to terminate life.
In a society where the laws of land give everyone a right to life, a discussion about whether people have the right to end their lives under whichever conditions have attracted divergent views among citizens. Although it is the wish of most people to live long and enjoy life, some life situations like excessive pain after an accident or a long severing resulting from terminal diseases may make life unbearable forcing some people to prefer death to life. As a result, most Americans are concerned whether on whether dying patients have the right to acquire assistance from a physician (Emanuel et al. 78)
The debate has drawn its fair share of critics as against work ethics for the physicians and patients who subscribe to the belief that one has the right to die peacefully should have their concerns addressed (Battin and Margaret P 67). However, before the rights of such citizens are treated, difficulties posed the procedure should be discussed. For instance, it has proven quite hard to control euthanasia. Whatever the case, the decision to grant terminally ill patients the right to euthanasia should be considered. Patients autonomy should be respected, and the argument that is aiding patientr's sickness is in line with the role of a physician to relieve pain and suffering in ailing people.
It is argued that allowing physicians aide in the death of a pertinent is a breach of their ethical traditions. Although it is quite understanding as the traditional physicians work ethics are centered in caring and protecting patients lives, the wish of the patient should be granted (Quill et al. 246). The suffering of dying patients may be unbearable as a result of nausea, extreme pain and other physiologic conditions like anxiety and depression (Emanuel et al. 80). In such circumstances, some patients prefer to be given the freedom of timing the time of their demise. Medical assistance to such patients should be checked. Similarly, the role of medicine to relieve pain through induced death under patients wish should be considered. The main subject in euthanasia debate should be the patient and not the physician.
The possibility of people taking advantage of the right to physician-assisted death is still a significant concern. Sometimes people undergoing solvable problems in life such as stress resulting from family and marriage conflicts and tough economic times may choose death over living. The rights to euthanasia should be limited to conditions of extreme pain and possibly long time coma and severe memory loss. Measures prohibiting people from taking advantage of medically and physically and psychologically solvable problems should be put in place. Such an action can bring order and prevent people from taking power. The decision to end life should be exclusively left to patients to avoid cases of ill-fated physicians killing eternally ill patients in life supporting machines and intensive care units (Battin and Margaret P 70). Patients expressing the will to euthanasia should have their conditions examined to determine their fate. For instance, patients suffering from some diseases or in stages of illness can be advised appropriately upon medical cross-examination. Should such patients choose euthanasia, their wishes can be granted.
A judge named Stephen Reinhardt backed the claims whether anyone has the right to assisted suicide in the United States. When presented with the case whether any person has the right to euthanasia, Judge Reinhardt ruling stated that any adult person who has lived almost all his/ her life has the paramount liberty to select a civil and humane death instead of being subjected to a natural diapered state when if they are terminally ill. This was one of the landmark rulings that defends aided suicide. People should therefore not be subjected to severe suffering by denying them the right. Human beings suffering from terminal illnesses have rights just as healthy people and should be not be subjected to inhuman suffering when they can choose to end their lives peacefully.
Nonetheless, terminating life should not be the case in the United States. Continued improvements in medicine have produced drugs capable of treating severe human pain. Although medicine may not address some conditions today, future advanced in the area may come up with such medications. Additionally, society should learn to give people nearing the end of their lives good care both emotionally and physically. A 1997 research in the United States by IOM about approaching death found out that there was insufficient end-of-life care in the country. Research from proceeding years has backed up the claims. Cases of patients receiving poor or no care at all during their weak moments are quite familiar. The society should learn to give adequate care and support to their ailing and terminally suffering people. Adopting such a culture would reduce the number of people seeking aided death.
The observation that most people worry about how they will die should be looked in to keenly. Americans should consider subscribing to programs that take care of people in their end of life moments. Disease prone and ailing older adults should be moved to nursing homes where they can receive quality care and diet in their dying moments (Quill et al. 245). Americans should also prioritize palliative care which takes care of terminally ill people and families. People should be encouraged to plan for palliative care programs which would take care of their conditions in case they become terminally ill.
Finally, research in the United States has documented the elderly and people who have cancer as prone to subscribing to euthanasia drugs. For instance, research in Oregon State in 2014, established that 69% of people taking lethal medication had cancer while 68% of all those taking the drugs were above the age of 65 years. From the findings, the government and the society should increase their support care and compassion to such groups of people. Aided death should be used severe critical conditions of acute suffering and for elderly people with terminal illnesses. The country revises physician-aided suicide law and sets in combat regulations to allow terminally-ill people choosing euthanasia death path enjoy their right.
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Physician-Assisted Suicide: The Law and Professional Ethics. (2019, May 31).
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Symbolism in the House on Mango Street
Coming of age is like a plant, starts off as nothing but a seed, small, sweet, and innocent but slowly over time begins to grow into something much bigger. Much like a plant is a person, that can grow and learn and this can be seen in the novel House On Mango Street written by Sandra Cisneros. The beginning of the novel shows the sadness felt by Esperanza having to constantly move from house to house, always having to share, having the responsibility of her younger sister Nanny, living in a neighborhood where she feels unwelcomed, struggling with her identity, and finally making friends but not being able to share how she truly feels because they dont understand her experiences.
Towards the middle readers can see a little transformation on the way Esperanza acts and thinks, which is more adult-like. At the end is where Esperanza grows the most she gets a job and learns to deal and cope with multiple deaths. In the novel The House On Mango Street written by Sandra Cisneros uses Figurative language, symbolism, indirect characterization, diction, and selection of details to portray the theme of coming of age and how both good and bad experiences play an important role on how and when someone grows and matures in life.
In the first vignette The House On Mango Street Sandra Cisneros uses a selection of details to show a theme of coming of age and how certain experiences can cause people to grow up in different ways. For one thing, the author states but what I remember most is moving a lot (Cisneros,1). This detail can show readers that moving a lot can mean getting to know a whole new neighborhood, never having real friends, and having to constantly try to make new friends, doing all of this many times can lead to depression and loneliness. This supports the theme of coming of age because it shows how people start off as, which is sad and alone. Another key point, is when the author states Each time there seemed to be one more of us (Cisneros,1).
This detail shows that since her family was growing, and not only did she grow up poor, but also had to look after and take care for each child. This ties back to the theme of coming of age because being able to look after someone other than yourself shows responsibility and if someone is responsible then their growing up and beginning to mature. All in all, the theme coming of age occurs multiple times in the text to show that both good and bad experiences are an important factor in growing up, such as being faced with the struggle of moving from house to house and having the responsibility of younger siblings.
In the second vignette Hairs Sandra Cisneros uses figurative language to show the theme of coming of age and how environments and family can play a role on the amount of time it takes someone to mature. To point out, the text states And me, my hair is lazy. It never obeys barrettes or bands (Cisneros,6). This example of personification personifies the author's hair as lazy, this shows the personality of the author to be lazy and disobedient, never following the rules. This example upholds the theme of coming of age by showing how the author starts off as, as a person, readers will begin to see the transformation from lazy and childlike to adulthood throughout the novel. Another example, stated is But my motherr's hair, my mother's hair, like little rosettes, like little candy circles all curly and pretty (Cisneros,6). This example of a simile compares Esperanzar's motherr's hair to candy and rosettes, which show the loving, caring, and safe feeling the mother brings to her children. This defends the theme of coming of age because the environment and nature a person is being raised in provides an idea to how the person will grow up and how fast they will mature. All things considered, the Sandra Cisneros successfully uses figurative language to portray the theme of coming of age in her novel and shows how environments in which a person is raised in or lives in can have an effect on how and when a person grows up.
In the third vignette Boys and girls Sandra Cisneros uses symbolism to portray the theme of coming of age and how having siblings or people to look after put people on a fast path to maturity and growing up. For example, the text states And since she comes right after me, she is my responsibility (Cisneros,8). This evidence symbolizes Nenny, Esperanza's younger sister, to be a responsibility and a chore showing how since she is older than Nenny she is given the responsibility of looking after her.
This example supports the theme of coming of age by showing how the responsibility given increases based on how old a person is. Another example, is when the author states Until then I am a red balloon, a balloon tied to an anchor (Cisneros,9). The example symbolizes the color red as her bright and vibrant personality, the balloon as freedom, and being tied to an anchor as having the responsibility of Nenny and the experience of growing up poor on Mango Street. This example confirms the theme of coming of age by showing how Esperanza is growing up and being responsible instead of worrying about herself and following her dream of having a best friend, she takes care and looks after her sister. To conclude, Sandra Cisneros does a good job portraying the theme coming of age in her novel The House On Mango Street and showing readers how people who have siblings may mature faster than those who don't because they are given the responsibility of looking after others.
In the fourth vignette My Name Sandra Cisneros uses indirect characterization to show the theme coming of age and how thinking of oner's future and trying not to follow in someoner's wrong path of life shows growth and maturity. For example, the text states I would like to baptize myself under a new name, a name more like the real me, the one nobody sees (Cisneros,11). This example shows that Esperanza is lost, she has no idea who she is, except for the fact that the name she has now is not the real her. This upholds the theme coming of age because it shows how Esperanza is confused on her identity and needs more time to figure it out in order to grow. Another example, is when the author states I have inherited her name but i dont want to inherit her place by the window (Cisneros,11). This example shows Esperanzar's thought and how she is hopeful, because she hopes she doesnt turn out like her grandmother, sad and lost. This supports the theme coming of age because it shows how Esperanza is thinking of her future and wants what is best for her, which is something that an adult would think about, which shows growth. Altogether, Sandra Cisneros uses indirect characterization to show a theme of coming of age and how people thinking about what they what for their future is a big step towards maturity.
In the fifth vignette Cathy Queen Of Cats Sandra Cisneros uses negative diction to show a theme of coming of age and how the type of people someone hangs out or associates with can affect how well that person grow up. For example, the author states words such as away, bad, and farther (Cisneros,13). This example of negative diction shows the struggle Esperanza is going through, being in a neighborhood that is deteriorating because people like her are moving in. This upholds the theme coming of age because it shows how Esperanza feels misplaced and unwelcomed in a neighborhood she just moved into. Another example is when the author states words such as baby, big, and skinny (Cisneros,13). This example of negative diction shows the type of person Cathy is, which is sweet, kind, and pure to be taking in and caring for all these different types of cats. This confirms the theme coming of age because it shows the difference between Esperanzar's friend Cathy and her new friends to come who will end up being the opposite. All this shows, Sandra Cisneros conveys the theme of coming of age through the use of negative diction in her book and shows how the type of friends someone has will have an effect on the way the person grows up.
In the sixth vignette Our Good Day Sandra Cisneros uses symbolism to show the theme coming of age and how choices made by people affect the way they grow up in life. For example, the text states Two new friends and a bike too (Cisneros,15). This example symbolizes happiness because Esperanza finally has the friends she has been dreaming about and a new bike which can symbolize freedom to go anywhere, and she doesnt have to share these new things with anyone especially Nenny which is what makes it a good day. This ties to the theme coming of age because it shows how Esperanza is progressing into an adult, having things to herself and not having to share with her sister like a little kid. Another example, is when the text states Dont talk to them, says Cathy. Cant you see they smell like a broom (Cisneros,14). This example can symbolize the dislike Cathy has for the girls, it shows how Cathy looks down on Rachel and Lucy, but Esperanza is drawn to them because they share her status as an outsider. This example supports the theme coming of age because it shows how little Esperanza thinks about her choices, she chooses to pay for friends who seem to be trouble rather than keep the good and sweet friend she has now. Given these points, Sandra Cisneros uses Symbolism to show the theme coming of age and how the choices people choose to make have a toll on how well someone grows up.
In the thirteenth vignette There Was An Old Woman She Had So Many Children She Didnt Know What To Do Sandra Cisneros uses indirect characterization to show the theme coming of age and how people shouldnt have to take responsibility for random people who are obnoxious and reckless, but should instead focus on themselves and try to grow as person. For instance, the text states The kids bend trees and bounce between cars...they think its funny. They are without respect for all living things (Cisneros,29). This example shows that the kids are careless and obnoxious, never showing respect for others. This confirms the theme of coming of age because it shows how selfish people can be in the beginning, not caring about anyone they might hurt, and it shows how much growing they still have to do. Another example, is when the text states No wonder everybody just gave up, Just stopped looking out (Cisneros,30). This example shows how the people on Mango Street are maturing, and are learning not to worry about selfish people. This supports the theme coming of age because it shows how people are choosing to get away and not deal with childish and reckless people, instead they ignore them and grow. In a final analysis, Sandra Cisneros uses indirect characterization to portray the theme coming of age in her novel and show how people mature best when they dont have to worry about reckless and selfish people because they are given room to grow and mature.
In the seventeenth vignette The Family Of Little Feet Sandra Cisneros uses symbolism to show the theme coming of age and how the decisions someone makes in a situation shows how mature that person actually is. For example, the text states Lucy, Rachel, and me tee-tottering like so. Down the corner were men cant take their eyes off us. We must me Christmas (Cisneros,40). This example symbolizes adulthood, their wearing shoes that only adults would use and act and walk like adults. This connects back to the theme coming of age because it shows how Esperanza is growing up and starting to look like an adult and wear things that adults would. Another example, is when the text states But we dont like it we got to go (Cisneros,41). This example symbolizes adult thinking, because it shows how the girls knew that what was happening wasnt right and was probably dangerous and decided to get out of that situation as fast as possible. This upholds the theme coming of age because it shows how the girls were finally thinking as adults because most kids wouldnt have left so quickly and might have taken the dollar the bum was trying to give them. In brief, Sandra Cisneros uses symbolism to portray the theme coming of age and how if someone tries to act and think like an adult then that can make them grow up and mature faster.
In the twenty first vignette The First Job Sandra Cisneros uses selection of details to show the theme coming of age and how getting a job and solving real life struggles is a really great step towards maturity because it shows responsibility. For example the text states Aunt Lala said she had found a job for me (Cisneros,54). This example shows how Esperanza is stepping up as a person and is getting a job. This ties back to the theme coming of age because it shows the responsibility that is coming Esperanzas way, having a job is not easy at all, but she is doing it anyway and now will have her own money to spend. Another example, is When lunchtime came, I was scared to eat alone (Cisneros,54). This example shows how she is being forced to overcome new challenges she is faced with in a new environment. This upholds the theme coming of age because being able to adapt to an unfamiliar environment is a skill that most adults have and that means Esperanza is becoming an adult. On the whole, Sandra Cisneros uses selection of details to portray the theme coming of age and how though life people are faced with difficult challenges and it is their responsibility to find a way to solve and adapt to these challenges.
In the twenty eighth vignette Sire Sandra Cisneros uses Selection of details to show the theme coming of age in her novel and how being in a relationship can be both negative and positive when maturing and growing up. For example, the text states that I had to prove to me that i wasnt scared of nobodyr's eyes, not even his (Cisneros,72). This example shows how much Esperanza has grown throughout the book, she is trying to prove to herself that she is better than she thinks she is by showing herself sher's not scared. This defends the theme coming of age because it shows that she is doing this for herself not for the benefits of others, proving that she has grown since the beginning of the book. Another example, is when the text states I want to sit out bad at night, a boy around my neck and wind under my skirt (Cisneros,73). This example shows the need for someone, someone to be with and to have, like how Lois has Sire. This supports the theme coming of age because it shows how Esperanza is becoming a woman, and wants someone to be around with her through her life. Summing up, Sandra Cisneros uses selection of details to show the theme coming of age and how being in a relationship can either speed up or slow down the process of maturing.
In the thirty first vignette Rafaela Who Drinks Coconut And Papaya Juice On Tuesdays Sandra Cisneros uses indirect characterization to show the theme coming of age and how helping those in need makes people a better person and more respectful and responsible. For instance, the author states Gets locked indoors because her husband is afraid Rafaela will run away since she is too beautiful to look at (Cisneros,79). This Shows how Rafaela is hopeless, she gets treated miserable, being locked in a house all day can make a person sad and depressed. This connects to the theme coming of age because it shows how Rafaela needs help, even though she is grown she is still treated like a child who needs to constantly be watched and monitored just because of her beauty. Another example, is when the text states We send it up to her in a paper shopping bag she lets down with a clothesline (Cisneros,80). This example shows how the people on Mango Street and Esperanza are compassionate people, because they helped a person in need. This supports the theme coming of age because its shows how Esperanza has grown and now is the one helping people instead of being the one who needs help. As demonstrated, Sandra Cisneros uses indirect characterization to show the theme coming of age and how doing good and helping others proves that someone is growing up and taking care of the people who need it.
To sum up, the novel House On Mango Street written by Sandra Cisneros uses figurative language, symbolism, indirect characterization, negative diction, and selection of details to portray the theme of coming of age and how when someone acts, talks, thinks, and dresses like an adult they are more likely to grow and mature faster than those who dont and act like a child. This shows that people mature and grow up faster when they make good choices and hang out with the right people, not worrying about people who act selfish and have reckless behavior with no regards for anyone but themselves. A person that is coming of age is like a plant, small and pure but gradually over time transitions into something that is much bigger, an adult who is responsible, affectionate, and nurturing towards others.
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Symbolism in The House on Mango Street. (2019, May 31).
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Esperanza’s Identity in the House on Mango Street
Always feeling accepted is a feeling that s hard to have on a regular basis. Acceptance is something we all should want to give and to receive but is also something everyone struggles with whether you're the one accepting or the one being accepted. In the book " The House on Mango Street", Esperanza struggles with her home life and her friendships. Esperanza's name especially makes her feel divided from others. One of the first struggles that I come across when reading this book is she "compares" herself to another character named Ruthie who is according to the text " Ruthie, tall skinny lady... is the only grown-up we know who likes to play." (67) Esperanza realizes that Ruthie is more physically antiquity than her. Even so, she still accepts her like how she says in the book, ' We are glad because she is our friend." (69) On the contrary, she feels sad because she doesn't blend or fit in with some of the other kids. She would just like to be accepted by anyone no matter the difference between them. How Esperanza comes off is that she is disappointed in her lack of maturity compared to others she surrounds herself with and wants to be able to be accepted for who she is not based upon her maturity level.
Esperanza wants to change her name so that she can see herself as her own, instead of accepting a name that traces back bad history. She seems as if she wants to divide herself from her family so that she and only she can live her own life the way she pleases, and changing her name to fit her is like taking that first baby step to then run a mile. Esperanza then becomes more aware of her outter appearance and considers herself “beautiful and cruel” (88) so others, maybe including the opposite gender will like her but will also know not to mess with her, and she challenges that pharase in my opinion by becoming friends with Sally. After she is hit with a cruel reality, she doesn’t want to coincider herself as “beautiful and cruel” anymore, but once again is now unsure of who she is anymore and where she belongs. Esperanza decides she does not need to change herself to feel apart of her surroundings or her peers. She accepts herself and decides that the biggest way to set herself apart from everyone else and to embrace herself is to become a poet and write.
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The House on Mango Street: Esperanza’s Home is in her Heart
Itr's been about five years since youve heard from me last, so I guess I should catch you up on what happened. I was eager to start high school. I had a job and friends and started to figure out who I was. A lot has changed since then. Some for better and others for worst. You see, May 18th of last year is a day Ill never forget. That day, the class I would have been enrolled in graduated. That is the day I would have graduated high school. When I was younger, I knew being able to afford a catholic school education was nearly impossible for my family, but despite my doubts, I saved all of my money. However, those broken stairs at my house finally collapsed. All of my savings went into fixing them. After that, I had to quit my job. That man that forcibly kissed me kept making advances and I knew it would not get better. I could not find another job after that. With no money saved up, I was forced to dropout of high school just like some of the other girls on Mango Street. I should have been able to experience high school. On the day of what would have been my graduation, I knew my time on Mango Street was at its end. I went home and took off for the nearest train station with only my books, papers, and a few of my favorite things.When I left, it broke my heart, but I knew I would come back for my family and so many others. That is what I had always promised to do.
When I got to the station, I had forty-two dollars from babysitting. My main focus was food and a ticket. To save money, I picked the cheapest ticket I could find, which would take me to New York City. My train left in the evening, so I found a bench and claimed it as my own. I just sat there. No one noticed me. I saw little girls who got pushed around by men much older and stronger than them just how it happened to me. This reminded me of all the reasons why I needed to write about and fight for women when I got New York. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I almost missed my train. Before I knew it, an old man was calling through the speaker Next train to New York. As the train moved, I was filled with panic because I realized I had no place to stay. I decided to find the closest shelter when I got there. I had twenty-two hours to get all of my plans figured out.
When I got to New York, I got a map and off I went to The Bowery Mission. I stayed for two and a half months. They helped me get a job on the street near a little shop where I sold pizza and water. While there, I met a woman named Athena. She was thirty-two and had one child, Logan. Her husband kicked her out after three years of abuse and she had nowhere to go. After saving my money and finally rented a small apartment, I remembered Athena and her son and how so many other women on my street were just like them. It reminded me of how much I missed my family and how Id go back for them someday. I still sold pizza and water, but tried to write a book about the struggle of women in my free time. I began to doubt myself because so many publishers told me people dont want or need to know about all these problems. No one thought I could do it, so I started to believe them. One day, after another failed attempt, I hit rock bottom and stopped writing. I went on for three months and didnt write at all. Then after work one day, I saw the most beautiful pair of shoes I have ever seen in my life. I knew if I got my big break, I could afford my house on a hill, those shoes, and be able to bring my whole family to New York. Those shoes represented everything I have wanted and worked for in life. With my dreams closer in reach than ever, I vowed to never give up again.
Finally, I met a publisher named Olivia. Her mom had been killed by her husband after he abused her. She reminded me of my mom with her curly hair, eyes I could look at forever, and her skin soft as snow. I remembered how deeply I needed to see my family again so, I showed her what I had so far. Her eyes lit up and I could tell she would never doubt me and I finally found someone to help me pursue my dreams. I kept writing. I devoted day and night to it, sometimes being late for work, but it was all worth it. I was going to show the world Mango Street. All the abuse on Mango Street. The fear, rejection, and mistreatment on Mango; I would show it all. My story is something otherr's can call their own and it will finally be heard. Everything I wanted was coming true. I was looking for houses, got recognized at a convention for upcoming writers, and even visited Athena and her child. I could finally help other girls while having my dream job. Being alone in New York, when I hardly fit the mold of a typical New Yorker, made my heart break when I thought about my family too much, but a voice deep in my mind reminded me I had to go back.
My life turned upside down in a short year. I got better at writing, left my first home on Mango Street and I planned to release my first book. I also planned to go to Mango soon. I needed to document the emotion and experience it gave so people can see the real Mango Street. I knew I needed to get my family out of there and help so many women. Women who sat at their window every day would finally be able to make something of their lives. With my words I can help show that anything is possible, no matter race or where you grew up. I may not have the best life or be the most important person in the world, but when people ask who I was, a little girl with a strong voice can say I changed her life and made a difference. The street I lived on taught me falling doesn't mean you have to stay down. Mango Street will always be my first house and shaped me into the person I am today, but I now know that it is escapable and that it will never take me back again.
Yours truly,
Esperanza
Did you like this example?Cite this page
The House on Mango Street: Esperanza's Home Is in Her Heart. (2019, May 31).
Retrieved November 3, 2025 , from
https://studydriver.com/2019/05/page/2/
