Trick Endings essays

Trick Endings essays In the Tell Tale Heart, we are not led to the twist at the ending differently. Poe uses the element of terror throughout the entire story. He does this first by having a nameless narrator. This creates a sense of mystery. Then the narrator states that he loves the old man, but his eye was irritating him to the point he plotted the old mans murder as a result. However, he makes this statement in a calm and collective voice. He then says that he is not crazy; he says this repeatedly, which leads the reader to believe that he is. The fact that the narrator is completely calm when he murders the old man and that he is pleased at what a good job he did makes the reader question even more the narrators sanity. When the narrator invites the cop in as a way of boasting, Poe adds the sound of the old mans heartbeat to add the element of suspense. The narrator begins to think to himself, screaming inside himself, and silently yell at the police officer for mocking him. it is the soun d of the old mans heartbeat that drives the narrator to confess. If the heartbeat and the narrator speaking to himself was not added to the ending, then the reader would not be led to think that he would not get away with the murder. Poe is famous for this particular style of writing. In the Monkeys Paw, you are led to the twist at the ending differently. You are led to believe that the parents would wish back their son and live happily ever after. Jacobs uses the element of coincidence and mystery tied together. Mr. White wishes for 200,000 pounds, and he gets his wish in an unexpected way. His wish was granted when he was paid compensation after Herbert, his son, was killed in a factory accident. Mrs. White then demands that Mr. White wish for the son to return from the dead. At this point the reader would assume that Mr. White would wish for his son and the story would have a pleasant ending. However,...

Modern Chinese Engagements Wed Love and Tradition

Modern Chinese Engagements Wed Love and Tradition In the past, Chinese parents and matchmakers arranged marriage engagements. The engagement consisted of six courtesies: a  marriage proposal, asking for names, praying for good fortune, sending betrothal gifts, sending invitations, and welcoming the bride. Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match A family would hire a matchmaker, and the matchmaker would go to another family’s home to seek a proposal. Then both families would consult a fortune teller who analyzed the man and woman’s birth dates, times, names, and other vital information. If they were deemed compatible, a marriage deal would be brokered. Betrothal gifts would be exchanged and a wedding planned. While some families may still opt for an arranged marriage or set their children up with their friends’ children, most modern Chinese find their own soul mates and decide when to get married. The man often presents the woman with a diamond engagement ring. But many Chinese engagement traditions including the exchange of betrothal gifts, a bridal dowry, and consultation with a fortune teller remain important today. Betrothal Gifts as a Tradition Once a couple decides to get married, the groom’s family customarily sends gifts to the bride’s family. These commonly include symbolic foods and cakes. In some provinces, however, tradition  dictates that the groom must give his future in-laws money for the privilege of marrying their daughter, often in excess of $10,000. Once the bride’s family accepts the gifts, the wedding cannot be called off lightly. Bridal Dowry as a Tradition In the old days, the bridal dowry consisted of the gifts a bride brought to her husband’s home after marriage. Once a woman married, she left her parents home and became part of her husband’s family. Her principal responsibility shifted to her husband’s family. The value of her dowry determined a woman’s status in her new household. In modern times, a dowry serves a more practical purpose in helping the couple get set up in their new home, where they usually reside independently of the grooms parents. A brides dowry may include a tea set, bedding, furniture, bathroom accessories, small appliances, and her personal clothing and jewelry. A Fortune Teller Consultation Before confirming an engagement, the families consult a fortune teller to ensure the couples compatibility. The fortune teller analyzes their names, birth dates, birth years, and birth times to determine if they can live in harmony. Once the fortune teller gives the OK, traditionalists seal the engagement with three matchmakers and six proofs: an abacus, a measuring vessel, a ruler, a pair of scissors, a set of scales, and a mirror Finally, the families consult a Chinese almanac to determine an auspicious day for the wedding. Some modern Chinese brides and grooms choose to announce their engagement and deliver their wedding invitations with traditional double happiness cakes, though many others forego this tradition in favor of a standard card sent through the mail.