Miniature Draculas The Vampires of the Tropics - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1061 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2019/05/13 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Dracula Essay Did you like this example? The word vampire brings to mind a myriad of spine tingling images; eyes as red as the fresh blood dripping from a pale chin, an eerily wing-like cape flapping in the wind of a misty night, a worryingly well-preserved crypt in an old abandoned castle. Or perhaps the more modern interpretation of a beautiful and brooding young man, as dark as he is handsome, is what comes to mind. Very rarely would one find someone to which the word vampire would immediately conjure images of small furry creatures who spend their days cuddling, grooming each other, and feeding others, who have missed a meal of blood, from their own supply. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Miniature Draculas: The Vampires of the Tropics" essay for you Create order In reality, the later description is far more accurate. Their diet of blood gained them the name vampire, after the legends of the bloodsucking monsters of the night, but these tiny creatures have more in common with a flying ball of fluff than a Transylvanian Count. Vampire bats, though often considered frightening or repulsive, are in fact fascinating creatures who show a depth of compassion and familial bonds which humanity would do well to learn from. The three living species of vampire bats; the common Desmodus rotundus, the hairy legged Diphylla ecaudata, and the white winged Diaemus youngii, can only be found in the New World tropics with the exception of a single hairy legged vampire bat found in the state of Texas in the year 1967 which would have had to wandered some 700 km north from its breeding population in order to be found where it was (Chiroptera  · Phyllostomidae  · Diphylla Ecaudata). Otherwise, the common vampire bat can be found from Mexico to as far south as central Chile, the hairy legged vampire bat can be found all over Central and South America, and the white winged vampire bat can be found mostly in South America with a sliver of territory reaching as far north as central Mexico. All three species of vampire bats prefer a tropical to subtropical habitat, as they cannot survive in a temperate climate. They tend towards remaining in the rainforest, at least until the lure of bountiful prey brings their col onies towards the farms of rural areas. All vampire bats live on a diet of blood. Common traits across the species that assist in their dietary activities are; an anticoagulant agent in their saliva, few, but razor-sharp teeth in their gums and cheeks, and a heat sensor-like organ in their nose. However, the separate species display distinct differences in prey and hunting techniques. The common vampire bat preys mostly on cattle and other large mammals. The bat can typically only consume about two tablespoons of the thick protein rich blood, before becoming full nearly to bursting (Sartore). The white winged vampire bat feeds, instead, on the fat rich blood of birds, usually drinking from the pad of the backmost toe, or the blood vessel rich brood patch. However, in 2017, there were recorded incidents of white winged vampire bats, which had previously been thought to exclusively prey on birds, having DNA from human blood in their feces. This discovery was disturbing on many levels as the bats that had evolved specifically to process fat heavy bird blood were now drinking the protein rich blood of humans. This was made even more shocking in the context that previously the bats had been observed to consistently choose to fast rather than feed on protein heavy pig or goat blood. In addition, risk to the human and bat populations were significant, as the bats had already lost concerning amounts of habitat and prey prior to this discovery from humans encroaching on their territory, never mind the violent reaction from a fearful human population. The humans being at risk for transmission of highly deadly diseases from the bats (Horton). The hairy legged vampire bat also feeds on birds, but thankfully has not yet been observed consuming human blood. Otherwise they show similar hunting methods to the white winged vampire bat. An interesting hunting technique has been observed which involves a bat mimicking the behavior of chicks to a domestic hen. The bat nuzzles the chest of the brooding hen. She responds by opening her wings and fluffing out her feathers, unknowingly giving the vampires access to her brood patch and underwing area (Schutt). Despite two of the three species feeding on fat heavy blood, vampire bats do not accumulate much, if any, fat. As a result, missing even one feeding can be disastrous for an unsuccessful vampire bat. However, this fact is the reason for a heartwarming interaction between bats, if a successful bat sees that a fellow bat has gone hungry it will regurgitate a portion of its meal to the hungry bat, very similarly to how a mother bird feeds her chicks. Perhaps most astonishing of all, this compassionate act has been frequently observed taking place between bats from different family groups and even different colonies. Additionally, a bat that has been helped in the past will often reciprocate and also be more likely to pay it forward and help another bat who is hungry, showing a capacity for empathy and even kindness. Vampire bats of all kinds form complex relationships, not dissimilar to human, dolphin, or primate relationships. They have been observed to form friendships based on mutual grooming. They have been known to sometimes show preferential treatment to family members in regard to feeding a hungry bat. Indeed, the charitable act of sharing food also shows some sort of social safety net for the bats to fall back on (Griffin). This, alongside the hunting tactic using a hens motherly instincts, shows that, not only do vampire bats form complex social bonds, they understand those of other animals as well. This displays a level of intelligence that some might find surprising. Vampire bats, though potentially unsettling at first, are intelligent, loyal, and compassionate creatures who lead complex and interesting lives. Though their blood-based diet makes every meal a crucial one, the close bonds they form with others gives them a safety net to fall back on. Their importance to the ecosystems they inhabit could not be overestimated. Indeed, far from their Transylvanian namesakes, these bats could be accurately described as friendly flying puffballs who simply require a droplet of blood now and again. Humans could stand to take a few lessons on compassion and charity from these tiny Draculas.

Essay on The Witch Hearings in The Crucible by Arthur Miller

The Witch Hearings in The Crucible by Arthur Miller There are strong parallels between Arthur Millers The Crucible and the history it depicts and the reign of terror that the 1950s era of McCarthyism repeated. These two historical events are linked by several commonalities: a lack of intelligent discussion, public hysteria, threats, fear and finally, the presumption of guilt rather than innocence. Miller convincingly uses fiction and dialogue to recreate a very real moment in history, which due to the timing of the plays release may also have been purposely created as a response to the actions of Joseph McCarthy. Joe McCarthy defiantly states, I have in my hand a list of 205 cases of individuals who appear to be either carrying†¦show more content†¦The tone of these remarks is strikingly lighthearted considering that the punishment for this invisible crime is death. The word hope implies, with a bit of sarcasm, that it would be much easier for all concerned if the witches would just come forward and admit they are evil. S ince this is impossible it is the responsibility of the good citizens of Salem to do it for them! Danforth refuses to pardon the prisoners or postpone their executions because he sincerely believes in their guilt. He does not want to cast doubt on the justification of the hangings of twelve previous condemned and the sentence of hanging for the seven remaining prisoners. It would not be fair to the twelve already hanged if the seven remaining prisoners were pardoned. Basically, Danforth is saying that in order to be fair to twelve unfairly hanged people, seven more have to confess to crimes they did not commit or die for them. Throughout history there are many examples where fear and hysteria pervade and wrongs are committed against innocent people. The most obvious is the idea of guilt by association, which is clearly evident in both the play and the hearings. Joseph McCarthy was a tormenter. Hundreds of innocent men and women had their lives destroyed due to his greed. Mu ch of the suffering he directlyShow MoreRelatedI’m Not a Witch†¦ or a Communist! I Plead the 5th! Essay1089 Words   |  5 Pagesoccurred during the Salem witch trials in 1692. During this time period, it was thought that witches were infiltrating the religious Puritan societies. The suspicion of witchcraft in Salem caused hysteria among the townspeople, which lead to the destruction of many good Christian people and their families. Arthur Miller, who was arrested during the McCarthy era, wrote The Crucible, a play about the 1692 Salem witch trials, to expose the absurdities of McCarthy’s â€Å"witch hunt†. 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In the rigid structure of Puritan settlements, there was minimal room to explore life, especially if you were a young Puritan woman. Women were required to sit silently and obey their husbands, take care of the children and the house, and attend church like good Christian wives. However, as in all human beings, these women had temptations and sinful natures. In The Crucible, ArthurRead MoreCommunism And Communism In Arthur Millers The Crucible711 Words   |  3 PagesSimilar to, in 1953, Arthur Miller an American playwright, scripted the play titled â€Å"The Crucible†. The McCarthy hearings of the 1950s inspired the notable play. Consequently, after the hearing, McCarthyism became a vociferous campaign carried out by Senator Joseph McCarthy, which accused people of communism. To declare, Miller uses an analogy using the events of the Salem Witch Trials of 1693 t o expose the ugly truth behind communism and McCarthyism. To begin, the word crucible derived from theRead MoreSocial Criticism in Arthur Millers The Crucible1003 Words   |  4 PagesSocial Criticism in Arthur Millers The Crucible The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller, is a chronological narrative including a large cast of characters with a constantly moving setting.* The Crucible is a dramatization of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and an allegory of the McCarthyism period. Throughout the play, Miller explores the destruction of freedom by the ignorant and tyrannical society in which his characters live.* By exhibiting how easily a member of the community can become

Hunting Snake and Cockroach Free Essays

The poems â€Å"Hunting Snake† and â€Å"The Cockroach† are very different but also vastly similar poems. The predominant language feature that is common in both poems is an extended metaphor – this is used in â€Å"Hunting Snake† to represent the colonisation of the Aborigines in Ancient Australia, and in â€Å"The Cockroach† to represent human nature, values and the way we live our lives. The poem â€Å"Hunting Snake† is obviously a poem about a group of people coming across a snake, staring in awe at its beauty and dissimilarity and then moving on. We will write a custom essay sample on Hunting Snake and Cockroach or any similar topic only for you Order Now Wright uses a lot of sibilance in this poem, perhaps to emphasise the snake. However if we explore deeper we notice that the poem is not about this at all – in fact it has an exceptionally different meaning. The entire poem is an extended metaphor for the colonisation of the Aborigines in Australia – the snake represents the Aborigines and the persona represents the colonisers. Although the colonisers saw the incredibly beautiful and unique Aborigines, they simply looked at each other and walked on – this is exactly what happens during every colonisation. The colonisers do not think about anyone else’s feelings, just their own personal or monetary gain. Hunting Snake is a poem about ancient beliefs and values, and the way that humans acted many years ago. In comparison, the poem â€Å"The Cockroach† is also one that addresses the issue of human nature and values. Kevin Halligan uses a cockroach to portray a ‘disgusting’ creature, one that many people are eager to kill and get rid of. Cockroaches also have a very nomadic lifestyle – they scurry about from place to place, never settling down and are always â€Å"on the go†. Halligan wishes for us to compare the cockroaches’ lifestyle with our own – the scampering motion of the bug is a reflection of his (and all humans’) nomadic lifestyle. By describing these frantic movements he is saying something about how most of us live our lives and our incapability to settle down – we are all in a hurry to move on to the next chapter in our lives, the next milestone, the next day, month, or year. This poem is set in modern day, it is written as if the cockroach is inside a house or a building, not outside like Hunting Snake. This technique helps to give us a better understanding of the poem – we can more easily relate it to human nature and our own lifestyles. How to cite Hunting Snake and Cockroach, Papers

Lennie analysis Essay Example For Students

Lennie analysis Essay Lennie, a character in the novel Of Mice and Men, was a timid good hearted man whose personality, appearance and nature set him apart from others while enabling unique friendships to flourish. Lennies humble personality helped him develop a number of these relationships on the ranch. Candy, a tall stoop shouldered old man, was the first person Lennie met on the farm. Candy always carried a big push- broom in his left hand and was a quiet soul, Just like Lennie. Lennie felt sympathy for Candy being that he had lost his hand right here on this ranch. His right hand referred to is dog that had been shot the day Lennie had arrived on the ranch. In hopes of bringing up Candys spirits, Lennie invited Candy to Join him on the pursuit of a dream to buy a little piece of land. The land signified freedom and a chance for a real home Lennie and Candy both. Crooks was the negro stable buck who had a crippled back where a horse kicked him while working on the ranch. Crooks wanted nothing more th an to share in this dream with Lennie and Candy. Crooks even offered to lend a hand for nothing in return Just for the opportunity to share in this dream land. Lennie as a good listener which helped to build a relationship with Crooks; a relationship desperately needed by Crooks since he was considered somewhat of an outcast due nls color. one 0T tne otner rancn nanas, curley, naa a wlTe wno was DeautlTul wltn her bright cotton dress and her little sausage curls all in place around her head. She loved the thought of pursuing dreams too and even shared with Lennie how she coulda made somethin of herself. Her dreams were slowly shattered being married since she cant talk to nobody but Curley. Curlys wife breaks the rules to talk to Lennie nyway because he is the only guy that will actually listen to her and be a friend. Lennie was benevolent, but similar to animals due to his below average intelligence and overpowering strength. Lennie resembled a bear with his incredible strength and his gangly presence which frightened people. Lennie was a huge man who walked dragging his feet, the way a bear drags his paws. Although his presence could be alarming, his paws brought him happiness and protection as he dabbled his big paw in the water while entertaining himself or as he covered his face ith huge paws and bleated with terror when Curley was abusing him. Lennie Small could also be compared to a mouse with his absentminded behavior, his battles of helplessness and the inability to make decisions for himself. These behaviors are exhibited when Lennie doesnt react to Curlers abusive blows until George says get Im Lennie. Lennie relies on George so much to make decisions for him that Lennie becomes uncomfortable when George is not around. Not sure of how to act for himself, Lennle squlrms unaer tne 100K ana moves nls Teet nervously wnen otner people look at him or try to talk to him. Mice are skittish creatures that tend to avoid trouble and circumstances where they may feel threatened. Lennie is the same way as he avoids talking or even looking at people to refrain from getting in trouble. Unlike a bear and a mouse, a dog will obey his master and be eager to please. George could be considered the master of Lennie as he tells him when he aint gonna say nothin, or who he aint gonna talk to. Most dogs have a short attention span as well which is closely related to Lennies character. Lennies brawny appearance and mental struggles set him apart from everyone lse on the ranch. Lennies mental disabilities were caused from lack of education and inexperience in learning to care for himself. Education wasnt held in high importance so Lennie never had the opportunity to learn how to read or speak correctly. .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd , .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd .postImageUrl , .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd , .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd:hover , .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd:visited , .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd:active { border:0!important; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd:active , .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u9a3b145d53720a7fb2dd2bf74bb8e4cd:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Grapes Of Wrath By Steinbeck (974 words) EssayLennies speaking skills did not have a chance to form since George always seemed to answer for him in every situation. Lennie was also a hell ofa good worker who could put up more grain alone than most pairs can. The other workers were laborers but did not have a strong desire to please like Lennie possessed. Lennie believed that if he worked eally hard, he could prove to George that he was responsible enough to tend to the rabbits; something that made Lennie very happy because he was obsessed with soft tnlngs. Lennie usea to nave a piece 0T velvet tnat nls own Aunt Clara naa given to him but over time he lost it. Lennie then moved onto bigger objects that were soft such puppies and even on to humans. People found him to be weird when he so badly wanted to feel that girls dress or started stroking her hair which ultimately made him an outcast of sorts. This obsession with soft things led to a sorrowful loss of innocence and the shameful demise of Lennie.