The Metamorphosis of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol Essay

A Christmas Carol, a tale that revolves around a man’s fate in the past, the present, and the future. Its story speaks of a man, a man called Ebenezer Scrooge, and the changes in which he goes through. ‘’Oh! But he was tight-fisted man at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, covetous old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dog-days, and didn’t thaw it one degree at Christmas.’’ This description describes Scrooge’s character brilliantly, it is on the second page of the novel and immediately hits you. I feel that Charles Dickens could not have described his character any better. In my opinion the last sentence has great relevance to the story and his attitude towards all things merry, especially Christmas: ‘’†¦his own low temperature†¦and didn’t thaw it one degree at Christmas.’’ Scrooge is a very cold-hearted, spiteful man, he is never cheerful or in any way nice to anyone. The only people who he at the very least endures or respects are men of great importance or wealth, but also his fellow businessmen. It would be easier to get blood out of a stone than to get Ebeneezer Scrooge to be merry; ‘’Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Scrooge has no wish to spend his time with anyone o... ... up the resulting change in Scrooge: ‘’He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man as the good old City knew†¦Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh,’’ So we see that Scrooge was indeed saved from the terrible fate that would have otherwise inevitably destroyed him. And also became a model citizen, who mended the error of his ways, strived for good and became a man with no burdens. Except, the burdens of his loved ones and the less fortunate. Works Cited Dickens, Charles. A Christmas Carol. Classics of Children's Literature. Ed. John W. Griffith and Charles H. Frey. 3rd ed. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1992.

How far, and in what ways, do you agree that the story Essay

‘Hamlet’ is a revenge tragedy; a genre originally developed by plays such as ‘The Spanish Tragedy’ by Thomas Kyd from 1585-1590. The genre is characterized by the inclusion of death, murder, betrayal, madness, poison, surveillance and the supernatural in the narrative – themes that all frequently occur in ‘Hamlet’. However to what extent does the story of Polonius, Ophelia and Laertes conform to this idea of a revenge tragedy; and more broadly, how does the story of the family conform to the genre of tragedy as a whole? One issue is how to define a tragedy; Thomas Heywood wrote: â€Å"Comedies begin in trouble and end in peace; tragedies begin in calm and end in tempest†, ‘Apology for Actors’, 1612. By this definition, tragedy generally can be summarised as a sequence of events that lead to the destruction of the majority of its characters. In this sense, the story of Polonius and his family conforms to the basic skeleton of a tragedy – by the end of the play Polonius, Laertes and Ophelia are dead. However the family’s story does not conform as simply to other definitions of tragedy. ‘[Tragedy] would look with a sceptical eye at what was happening in the world around’, M. Mangan (1991). ‘Tragedy would look with a sceptical eye’ implies that tragedy has the role of both viewing and criticising society. This concept can be applied to Polonius, a character remarkably similar to Queen Elizabeth I’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. Shakespeare spent the majority of his life under Elizabeth’s rule; hence the Elizabeth’s gentry may have aided Shakespeare in creating his constructs. Polonius is characterized by his long, rambling speeches, for example in Act 2 Scene 2; ‘Either for tragedy, comedy, history, pastoral, pastorical-comical, historical-pastoral, tragic-historical, tragical-comical-historical-pastoral unlimited’ The absurd repetition of the words ‘tragedy’, ‘comedy’, ‘history’ and ‘pastoral’ emphasize the loquaciousness of Polonius, but is perhaps also mocking Sir Francis Walsingham. Shakespeare is crafting a stereotype that spymasters are loquacious, obsequious characters. Perhaps Shakespeare is criticising society; society does not require spymasters spawning insincerity and deceit. If so, Shakespeare is using satire as a tool to portray this viewpoint. Polonius may be used by Shakespeare as a means to act as such a ‘sceptical eye’ on society, conforming to Mangan’s concept of the relevance of tragedy in real life. Aristotle was a key figure in defining tragedy, and stated in his ‘Poetics’ that a typical tragedy consisted of a noble protagonist, with a hamartia (tragic flaw), whose peripeteia (reversal of fortune) is brought about by an anagnorisis (moment of recognition). However it would be unwise to assume that Aristotle’s ‘Poetics’, written in c. 335 BC would still be completely relevant to Shakespearean tragedy, written some two thousand years later. However several aspects of Aristotle’s tragedy can be applied to Polonius and his family. Polonius has his tragic flaw: his obsession with spying. He tells Reynaldo before departing to France to spy on Laertes: ‘By indirections find directions out’ (Act 2 Scene 1) Not only does this indicate his unnatural interest in his son’s affairs, so much that he is willing to send a spy to observe his sons possible hedonism in Paris; but it also shows that he is experienced as a spymaster. Such advice is most likely to be learned from several years of manipulating people to his advantage. Essentially what he is saying is the most direct method of finding the truth is through being indirect, which holds to be true as we see later in the play with Hamlet’s ‘The Mousetrap’; a play within a play which exposes Claudius’ villainy through indirect and subtle methods. Furthermore on the topic of hamartia – Laertes has his tragic flaw of overreaction; a stark contrast to Hamlet whose tragic flaw is procrastination. When asked by Claudius what he will do when Hamlet returns to Denmark to avenge his father in Act 4 Scene VII, he replies ‘To cut his throat i’ the church. ‘ This directly mirrors the church scene, where Claudius is vulnerable yet Hamlet refrains from acting out his revenge. This displays Laertes’ as a traditional revenger, willing to act, unlike Hamlet who considers the legitimacy of the ghost’s claims before even considering revenge. Laertes does not take much persuading from Claudius. However it is this over-willingness to act that is the cause of his death. In his rage at the death of both his father and sister, he plots with Claudius to kill Hamlet; a move which kills him as he himself is poisoned by the sword intended for Hamlet. Over-willingness to act is Laerte’s hamartia; and so Laertes also conforms to this tragic skeleton laid out by Aristotle. However perhaps more tragic, although not conforming to Aristotle’s works, is the question; why is Laertes so willing to act? His father was voyeuristic, deceitful and loquacious – he used Ophelia as a tool to gain favour with the king, and spied on Laertes to ensure his name was not tarnished. He was a far from noble man, his life summarised accurately by his death; behind an arras spying on someone. In this regard, it is questionable whether Laertes’ brashness in relation to revenge is justified. From the aspects of Polonius’ character seen in the play, it does not appear that he was a ‘good’ father; in fact he seems villainous at times – for example when he disallows Ophelia to express her love for Hamlet, then makes her feel to blame when Hamlet puts on his antic disposition. It is questionable whether Polonius ‘deserves’ to be avenged. Hamlet seems to simply shrug off the murder of Polonius, noting of what the little worth he was when referring him simply as ‘guts’. This could be seen as tragic, as the worthlessness of Polonius’ character implies that Laertes died for nothing. One explanation is that Laertes may have been inclined to act out revenge with such little persuasion due to the fact Polonius was all he and his sister had. Since Hamlet put on his antic disposition, Ophelia lacked a love interest, as did Laertes assuming he did not have a lover in Paris; moreover they were not allowed to have a love interest due to Polonius caring too much about his image than the wishes of his children. With no love interests, and apparently no motherly figure, they were left with no figure of authority but Polonius, which may be the cause for Laertes’ brash attitudes towards revenge. Also likely is the concept of family honour driving Laertes’ revenge, a concept which an Elizabethan audience may have empathised with. The death of Ophelia in a modern day sense is considered tragic, like any suspected suicide. However during Elizabethan times her death would be considered on a more religious basis; the priest comments on the ‘questionable’ nature of her death, and whether it would warrant a Christian burial. This is an example of how the definition of tragedy shifts over time; even Laertes does not seem as shaken by the announcement of his sister’s death compared to his fathers, perhaps due to the nature of her death. Ophelia’s death is considered a tragedy in a modern day sense, but at the time her death not so much tragic, but rather symbolised the death of innocence in the play, as part of the build up to the climatic deaths in the final act. However, Ophelia’s death is an example of how ‘Hamlet’ is able to transcend traditional ideas on tragedy, and can hold relevance to modern day interpretations of what is considered tragic. In the 21st century, a tragic event is where an individual or group suffers to a greater extent than they are perceived to deserve. It could be argued that however you spin the story of Polonius and his family, they will always conform to this modern interpretation of tragedy, as well as the traditional tragedy theorised by Aristotle. Ophelia is being perpetually commanded and ordered throughout the play by the significant characters in her life; first Laertes, when he displays his disapproval of her intimacy with Hamlet, and Polonius when he conducts his own ‘play within a play’, ordering her to talk to Hamlet while he observes behind an arras. She has little to no freedom, despite the fact she has ‘done nothing wrong’; unlike her brother who had enjoyed the ‘primrose path of dalliance’ while in Paris, and the voyeuristic indulgence of Polonius. The death of Ophelia to a modern audience is tragic, so in this sense the story of Polonius and his family is a tragedy. I agree that the story of Polonius and his family should be considered ‘a tragedy within a tragedy’. Their story contains many of the frequently occurring aspects of a tragedy; death, love, murder, revenge and surveillance. As well as this, the family conforms to the concept of a tragedy as laid out by Aristotle. Finally, the story of Polonius and his family conforms to what is considered tragic in the present, as the tragedy has transcended the period in which the play was written. References Primary Text Shakespeare, W (~1600) ‘Hamlet’ London: Penguin (2005) Secondary Texts Aristotle (350 BC) ‘Poetics’ London: Penguin (1997) Heywood, T (1612) ‘An Apology for Actors’ New York: Scholars’ Facsimiles & Reprints (1999) Mangan, M (1991) ‘A Preface to Shakespeare’s Tragedies’ London: Longman.

Homeless Population And The Homeless Families - 1421 Words

This paper will talk about the homeless population and the homeless families. It will explore the multiple causes of family homelessness and the struggle has on homeless family life. The three main reasons for homeless families within America are the following: 1) the lack of affordable housing, 2) low income 3) Inadequate federal subsidy. This paper will also give possible solutions to family homelessness and improvement plans for the future. Home is where the heart is. -Pliny the Elder We have come dangerously close to accepting the homeless situation as a problem that we just can t solve.--Linda Lingle The McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 defined a homeless person as â€Å"an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence or a person who resides in a shelter, welfare hotel, transitional program or place not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation, such as streets, cars, movie theaters, abandoned buildings, etc.† Resent surveys conducted in the U.S. have confirmed that the homeless population in America is extremely diverse and includes representatives from all segments of society, including: the different gander, social class,color and age. The diversity among people that are homeless reflects how difficult it is to generalize the causes of homelessness and the needs of homeless people. 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Consequently, the at risk population that is facing harsh circumstances needs to have an environmentRead MoreThe Community Action Partnership Of San Luis Obispo County1431 Words   |  6 Pagesall of that area, there are only two active homeless shelters according to the San Luis Obispo Homeless Shelter Directory. The Maxine Lewis Memorial Homeless Shelter provides 50 beds year round, with anywhere between 25-35 additional overflow beds provided by one church every month. The Santa Maria Emergency Shelter Campus has 150 beds available for up to 90 days at a time. Our two homeless shelters can only house up to 235 occupants at a time (SLO Homeless...). At any given time, as I had mentionedRead MoreHelping The Homeless Is A Worthy Cause1502 Words   |  7 Pagesacross a homeless person? Do you give them money and try to help them out ? Or do you keep walking by like you saw nothing? 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The homeless population in the United States is at a staggering high, and many individuals are suffering because many lack employment/financial resources, housing resources, support from family and friends, and others negligence; such as natural disastersRead MoreCauses Of Homelessness1405 Words   |  6 Pagesinterventions to be able to help the homeless population, we must understand their mental health and behavioral needs. The information they all share in common are the factors why a specific type of population became homeless. The interrelation of homelessness and mental illness are informed by many factors such as; the lack of support, extreme poverty, substance abuse, lack of affordable health insurance, and lack of affordable housing. The homeless population shares d ifferent struggles when dealing

Critical Analysis of the Skull Beneath the Skin Essay

It could be said that The Skull beneath the Skin is quite typical of the crime genre, however P.D. James has somewhat subverted the genre. The novel incorporates a combination of Intuitionist, Realist and Hard Boiled styles of crime fiction. Usually crime novels fall into one of the three afore mentioned styles. Although obviously an Intuitionist or classically styled crime novel, Skull beneath the Skins as I have previously stated incorporates all three creating a unique novel while still following the traditions and conventions of the crime genre. This can be seen from this essay reference will be made to setting, dialogue, characterisation, dramatic irony, humour, narrative structure and the conventions of crime fiction. Setting is a†¦show more content†¦The reader is presented with a group of characters all struggling with troubled lives. Following the strictures of the Intuitionist text this serves the purpose of making all characters a suspect in the inevitable murder investigation. The reader is introduced to three main stereotypes throughout Skull beneath the Skin; the detective, the victim and the murderer/ villain. The detective in the Shull beneath the Skin Cordelia Gray is typical of the intuitionist text. Cordelia is not perfect but she seems to be morally better than all those around her in particular the occupants of Courcey Island. This particular trait makes her the ‘Goodie’ in the reader’s eyes. She is clever and apt at seeing through the deceptions around her. However she hides this behind a somewhat dithering exterior to make her job at Courcey Island less conspicuous. Also introduced in the novel is the character of Clarissa Lisle the victim. True to the Intuitionist style Clarissa is immoral and a completely despicable character who the reader cannot like at all. This puts more intrigue into the murder investigation because with such a nasty victim many people could have reason to want her dead. In this case almost everyone on Courcey Island has felt the bitter edge of Clarissa Lisle. The last major character stereotype that the novel S.B.T.S includes is the murderer/criminal. Generally as the name suggests the criminal is the person whoShow MoreRelatedHuman Body Systems Outline7161 Words   |  29 Pagesin your blood. Skeletal System Functions * Its 206 bones form a rigid framework to which the softer tissues and organs of the body are attached. * Vital organs are protected by the skeletal system. The brain is protected by the surrounding skull as the heart and lungs are encased by the sternum and rib cage. * Bodily movement is carried out by the interaction of the muscular and skeletal systems. For this reason, they are often grouped together as the musculo-skeletal system. 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Poverty Is A Social Problem - 2189 Words

Walking down the street in Missoula, Montana often brings you into contact with poverty. From the courthouse lawn to the sidewalks in front of the grocery stores there are many people who are homeless and begging for money and food. Living in this city for the majority of my life, I have been exposed to people in poverty everyday. This topic is of interest to me because I have worked with these people firsthand and seen their struggles within their lives. These people are often very warm-hearted and hard working but just cannot seem to get back on their feet. Many different organizations have been created to try and assist these individuals and families and help them to maintain a steady income, provide food for their family and achieve some level of financial stability. There are many different opinions of poverty that vary throughout the world but regardless of your personal ideas, the proportion of people who are in poverty is increasing at an uncomfortable rate. Poverty has become a social problem. With the changing nature of the governments, the power has shifted from being more representative to being controlled mostly by those who are at the top of the financial food chain. (Shah, 2014) Those who have the money to get elected to governmental positions receive spots in offices and those are the same people who have limited experience with people who are less fortunate. Therefore they tend to make decisions that give an advantage to those who are at the top of theShow MoreRelatedPoverty As A Social Problem796 Words   |  4 PagesPoverty Name: Institutional affiliation: â€Æ' Introduction Author Browning Cagney (2003), defines poverty as a state of inadequate resources and low living standards that cannot cater to basic human requirements. Poverty thus means lack of basic needs such as food, clothing, health institutes, and shelter. For most countries around the world, poverty is a prevalent social issue. 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Renal System Study Guide Free Essays

Renal System Study Guide Med/Surg I Major Functions of Kidney: Regulation of Homeostasis -Filters blood regulates contents (water content blood volume) -Maintain acid-base balance -Control fluid electrolytes -Excrete metabolic waste products -Control BP (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone) Urinary System Structure: Kidneys (produce urine), Ureters (transport urine to bladder), Bladder (stores urine), Urethra (conduct urine outside body) *Nephron- working unit of kidney *Kidneys receive 25% of cardiac output= approx. 1 Liter GRF= 125ml/min increases at night Renal Hormones: ADH- works in DISTAL CONVOLUTED TUBULE Aldosterone- made in ADRENAL CORTEX ANP- inhibits secretion of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone water absorption by kidney tubules Erythropoietin- stimulates marrow to make more RBC’s Renin- made released in JUXTAGLOMERULAR APPARATUS RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE decreased renal perfusion= low BP ;JGA releases renin ;Liver releases angiotensin I ;Lungs convert angio I to angiotensin II ; Increase in BP due to VASOCONSTRICTION, myocardial contractility, VOLUME INCREASE becase ALDOSTERONE is released by ADRENAL CORTEX ;Aldosterone causes sodium water to be REABSORPTION potassium excretion **** This stops once BP is normal because it is a NEGATIVE feedback system Lab Tests/Diagnostics: Creatnine- 0. 6-1. We will write a custom essay sample on Renal System Study Guide or any similar topic only for you Order Now 2 End product of muscle protein metabolism -reflects GFR, renal disease is the only condition to increase creatnine level (not effected by hydration status) BUN- 8-16 measures amount of urea (byproduct of protein metabolism in liver) -factors affecting BUN: hydration/ urine flow, hypoperfusion, metabolic rate, drugs, diet Elevated BUN with normal creatnine= DEHYDRATION/Volume depletion/low perfusion -Elevated BUN Creatnine= RENAL FAILURE/Dysfunction Specific Gravity- 1. 003-1. 030 measures ability of kidneys to concentrate urine -increased spec. grav = (more concentrated urine) dehydration, low perfusion, too much ADH -decreased sep. grav = (less concentrated urine) too much fluid, diabetes insipidus, or inability of kidneys to concentrate urine Creatnine Clearance- evaluates how well kidneys remove creatnine from blood -best estimate for GFR renal threshold of glucose = blood glucose level of at least 180 before it spills over in urine *bacturia- males 10,00 colonies, females 100 ,00 colonies of bacteria Renal Calculi/stones: Causes: dehydration, infection, change in urine pH, obstruction, diet, immobilization, metabolic factors S/S: CVA (Costal-vertebral angle) pain, N, abdominal distention, fever, chills, hematuria, pyruria DX: KUB, US, Urine cx, stone analysis, serum calcium phosphorus to detect hormonal problems TX: hydration/push fluids, abx, toradol (relaxes ureters), diuretics NSG: strain urine, stone analysis, push fluids 3-4L/day, teach diet s/s of obstruction Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis – bil. inflammation of glomeruli Causes: Strep infection, impetigo S/S: edema, azotemia, hematuria, oliguria, fatigue, HTN, na retention DX: elevated ASO (antistreptolysin-O titer), elevated electrolyte, BUN, Creatnine, KUB-bil kidney enlargement TX: relief of symptoms, bedrest, fluid sodium restrictions, abx, daily BUN creatnine, diet- high calories, low protein sodium potassium fluids. Acute Pyelonephritis sudden bacterial inflammation of kidney risk factors: urinary stasis, inablility to empty bladder (BPH/enlarged prostate), obstruction, sex, pregnancy, DM S/S: urinary freq. urgency, dysuria, hematuria, elevated temp, chills, flank pain, anorexia, malaise UA: show pyuria, hematuria, low spec. gravity, alkaline pH, proteinuria, gycosuria, kentonuria TX: abx, analgesic, reculture urine 1 week after abx complete NSG: antipyretics, increase fluids, monitor for fever Nephrotic syndrome -clinical manifestations caused by protein wasting secondary to diffuse glomerular damage usually after stress to immune system s/s: proteinuria, low albumin, edema, hyperlipidemia, hypovolemia nsg: low protein high calorie diet, i/o’s, sodium fluid restriction, weights, treat underlying cause Renal Failure Prerenal- obstructs flow to kidneys ex: CV disease, hypovolemia, peripheral vasodilation, severe vasoconstriction Intrarenal- poisions kidney tissue x: acute glomerular nephritis, pyelonephritis, sickle cells, lupus Postrenal- bladder obstruction, treteral obstruction S/S of Acute Renal Failure: anorexia, uremic breath, oliguria, n/v/d -elevated BUN/creatnine K+ -low pH, Bicarb, Hgb Hct Tx: reestablish effective renal function, high calorie diet, diet low in protein sodium potassium, restrict fluid, vitamin supplements, MONITOR FOR HYPERKALEMIA NSG: i/o’s, monitor electrolytes, h, vitals, check for pericarditis, small frequent meals BPH (Benig n Prostatic Hyperplasia) prostatic growth that may block urethra -blockage can cause UTI’s, delayed urinary emptying detrusor muscles weakends results in urinary retention– pt unable to urinate can cause uremia, bladder rupture peritonitis TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate) -surgery that uses a resectoscope to go in urethra clip out portions of prostate -continous bladder irrigation to prevent clots nsg: keep penis clean. never remove foley, Kegel exercises How to cite Renal System Study Guide, Essay examples

Mediocre Men in Charge free essay sample

In Catch-22, by Joseph Heller, the protagonist, Yossarian, is alienated from the other men in his combat group by his desperate desire for self-preservation and his lack of regard for the common ideals behind war. Instead of focusing on duty and patriotism, he merely focuses on surviving through the war. Because of this, he views anyone who takes any action that may get him killed—which often includes men on his own side—as an enemy. Yossarian’s alienation and differing views expose the backwards logic and inherent wastefulness of war and the bureaucracy that runs it. Behind all of his alienation is Yossarian’s basic desire to survive through the war, which ends up putting him at odds with many other men in his unit, who view death as patriotic, honorable and a necessity. Yossarian disagrees with them, and tries to ask Clevinger why he should have to die, â€Å"History did not demand Yossarians premature demise, justice could be satisfied without it, pro gress did not hinge upon it, victory did not depend on it† (68). Even though Clevinger â€Å"knew everything† (68), he could not answer the question. Yossarian knows that any sacrifice on his behalf will not actually contribute significantly to the overall war effort, and will just be a waste. Death, to the other men, becomes synonymous with victory, as victory is, in many cases, the only way to justify the death. The death is not a waste as long as it goes towards a successful outcome. As Clevinger tries to explain this to Yossarian, who rebuttals by saying, â€Å"‘Open your eyes, Clevinger. It doesnt make a darned bit of difference who wins the war to someone whos dead’†(123). While Clevinger focuses on the bigger picture, trying to justify his superiors’ actions, he has missed the fact that the wasted lives aren’t even allowed to enjoy the benefits of their sacrifice. Benefits Yossarian would like to enjoy, without the sacrifice. And anyone who tries to force sacrifice on Yossarian is, in his book, an e nemy, as he tells Clevinger, â€Å"‘The enemy, is anybody whos going to get you killed, no matter which side hes on, and that includes Colonel Cathcart† (124). In most cases Yossarian’s enemies are the ones who are supposed to be on his side; the Germans, who are supposed to be his real enemies, are only seen through anti-aircraft fire and bomb targets. Colonel Cathcart continually raises the number of missions required, and as a result puts each man in more individual danger. As a result, Colonel Cathcart is an enemy, even though he is a superior officer. As a superior officer, he should be concerned with the fate of his, but he is only ever interested in personal advancement, â€Å"He could measure his own progress only in relationship to others† (187), which Yossarian resents, because Cathcart’s attempts at progress frequently come at his expense. Yossarian resists, and Cathcart is bewildered, thinking it is a personal attack. â€Å"Yoassarin, whoever he turned out to be, was destined to serve as [Colonel Cathcart]’s nemesis† (210). He is blind to the sacrifices he continually asks of Yossarian and the other men. His ambition destroys or distorts any moral character he may have had, and blinds him. The blind ambition within military ranks is counter-intuitive and inhumane, leading to wastefulness and inefficiency. Men become tools to make their superiors look good. And the superiors will do anything to retain a good record. Official records are constantly falsified, useless trivialities such as tight bomb patterns are blown needlessly out of proportion, and circular logic used to keep the men in line. Catch-22 itself is the embodiment of all the circular, broken logic of the army. Men must fly their missions no matter what, as in the case of Orr, â€Å"Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr wou ld be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didnt, but if he was sane he had to fly them† (46), and thus there is no way for men to get out of the missions they would have to be crazy to go on. The logic is irrefutable because it is innately illogical. It is so irrefutable—and illogical—though, that it becomes an excuse to do anything, as in the case of the military policemen who kick the prostitutes out of their brothel in Rome. The policemen’s only explanation was â€Å"Catch-22,† which they did not even show to the prostitutes. Yossarian is mystified by the complete lack of judgment, and he does not understand the logic that controls him, which distances him further from the others in the army, who go along with it unquestioningly. Yossarian never seeks to become one of these sheep, and is constantly trying to break out of the system of unclear bureaucracy. A bureaucracy so incompetent that it will not recognize some men as dead, as in the ca se of Mudd, Yossarian’s short-lived roommate and it will pronounced men dead even when they are clearly still living, as in the case of Doc Daneeka. Yossarian is constantly frustrated by this, â€Å"he had gone to complain to Sergeant Towser, who refused to admit the dead man, [Mudd], even existed†(22) because there weren’t any records of him officially. This is clear ineptitude on the part of the bureaucracy, yet Yossarian is the only one to recognize it. For all its incompetence, the administration still controls everyone and everything, and its decisions have great weight. When Doc Daneeka is pronounced dead, even though he is clearly still alive, he loses all his possessions and is forced to live off the forest and a few some generous benefactors, who still don’t really recognize him as â€Å"living.† When his two enlisted men turn him away from his tent, Doc Daneeka realizes, â€Å"to all intents and purposes, he really was dead† (344) . The administration in control of everything is not only broken, but the men willingly go along with it. Yossarian fights the administration out of self-preservation, because it is the very thing forcing him to take on more combat missions. And, in the end, he finally does take the leap to break away. He deserts for Sweden, as he believes Orr has done. He realizes that he cannot fight the system while within the system; indeed, he cannot fight the system at all and hope to win. Its lack of logic gives it an undeniable sense of logic, and thus an unbreakable hold on its subjects. As long as the nonsensical holds the illusion of reason, it is untouchable. Only when one steps out of common reasoning—as Yossarian does by seeking only self-preservation instead of holding onto ideals such as patriotism—can he break the hold of the system.