Sylvia Plath Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sylvia Plath - Essay Example Sylvia Path had a way of making words change into pictures and imagery. Her works have been very beautifully cited as works of art in the field of literature. Sylvia Plath was born in Boston, in October 1932. She was born as a first child to Aurelia and Emil Plath, who was a biology professor at the Boston University at that time. When Sylvia turned eight, her father died of lung cancer and Aurelia Plath had to work at two places to support the family. This was the time when Sylvia's first drawing and poem were published in Boston newspapers. (Liukkonen, 2000) She got her intitial education from Phillips Junior High School, where she maintained very good grades. She started writing poetry for the literary magazine in her school also, by that time. She won an award in the National Scholastic's Literary Contest, in addition to the Carnegie Institute's Achievement Certificate, which was a very honorable award. In 1950, after graduating from Bradford High School, she got admitted to Smith College on a full scholarship. However, after returning home from New York, she found out that she had been rejected at Harvard's Summer School's Literary Class. She tried committing suicide by taking sleeping pills, due to the great depression caused by this news. After graduating, she won another bright scholarship to Cambridge University, England. This was an important period of her life as she continued to shine with her academia achievements and then met a British poet, Ted Hughes. After getting married, four months later, they shifted to Boston where Plath enrolled in Robert Lowell's poetry classes at Boston University. (Welz, 1999) In 1960, after her first child was born, Sylvia got her first major work published, that being called "The Colossus and Other Poem". This also included 'Lady Lazarus' and 'Daddy', in which Plath indulged in open, expressive poetry. This was a difficult time for the author, since she was overcome by suspicions of Ted Hughes's infidelity. These suspicions came true when Ted left Sylvia devastated and financially over burdened, for another woman. "Every woman adores a Fascist, The boot in the face, the brute Brute heart of a brute like you". (From 'Daddy', 1966) Plath died on February 11, 1963 in London by committing suicide. She was a commendable author and her works create a sense of emotion in the reader. Her tombstone still reads the pride achieved through her literary work. Sylvia Plath is considered a legend. And there is no doubt, to why so. Her Works: Besides, having The Bell Jar, as her most awarded piece of work, Sylvia's other poems also attracted praise and recognition. Some of these include (Liukkonen, 2000) Three Women, 1962 - radio play, BBC Uncollected Poems, 1965 Crossing The Water, 1971 A

Health and environmental effects of diesel pollution Essay

Health and environmental effects of diesel pollution - Essay Example Some of these particles are often directly released into the atmosphere while others are formed when they are mixed and react with other pollutants in the atmosphere. These particles often come in various sizes. Fine Particles (PM2.5). These are also known as fine particles and usually measure up to 2.5 microns in diameter. These are seen in almost all sources of fuel combustion, from automobiles, wood burning, industrial plants, and power plants. With their diminutive configurations, they are likely to deeply penetrate the lungs and respiratory system. Where large concentrations of this fine particulate matter are formed, a haze is usually apparent. Coarse Particles (PM10). These are particles which measure about 2.5 to 10 microns and are derived from various sources like natural wind, erosion of soil, or airborne residue from industrial plants. These particles are often visible to the naked eye, and can appear collectively as haze, dust, or soot. Particle pollution always presents a significant risk, however, the risk is usually greater: During calm weather when pollution usually accumulates or builds up In and around factories, especially during busy hours and along near busy roads. When smoke is emitted from wood stoves, fireplaces, forest fires, and other burning vegetation. Health Effects of Particle Pollution & Who is Most at Risk The lungs and the heart are usually affected during particulate pollution. Studies suggest that the initial response to short-term exposure to particle pollution is coughing, along with minor throat irritation. Where larger particles are involved, the lung function is often reduced, along with the rate of respiration and cardiovascular function. Various studies have already been carried out associating fine particles with various health issues, including: Asthma and chronic bronchitis Acute respiratory symptoms, with coughing and chest tightness Decreased lung function, usually felt as shortness of breath Heart attacks Prematur e death among individuals with an existing heart or lung disease These conditions often cause issues with work and school activities. Moreover, the possibility of emergency room visits and admissions is often increased with these conditions. As for longer-term exposures, more health issues often become apparent, life expectancy is often reduced, and other health issues often become exacerbated. The following "sensitive groups" are often vulnerable to health issues with exposure to high levels of particulates: Children, since their lungs are still in the development stage Elderly, especially those already suffering from cardiovascular diseases Those who are asthmatic or who are already suffering from any respiratory problems. In addition, healthy adults who experience respiratory difficulties when exposed to fine particulates may also be affected by the pollution since they are likely to breathe deeply and exert more during exercise or work. Environmental Effects of Particle Pollutio n As was mentioned previously, significant amounts of coarse and fine particles usually create a haze which can affect visibility and compromise visual range to a significant extent. Airborne particles and droplets also usually remain in the air for long periods of time and sometimes even travel great distances. As they settle in a particular place, they may cause damage to surfaces; they can acidify lakes and other bodies of water, and cause significant damage to plants and animals. Nitrogen Dioxide