Components in Milk and Isolation of Milk Protein (Casein)

Components in Milk and Isolation of Milk Protein (Casein) Contents 1.1Â  Introduction 1.2Â  Objective 1.3Â  Materials used 1.4Â  Methodology 1.5Â  Result 1.6Â  Discussion 1.7Â  Conclution Referance 1.1Introduction Milk is a complex biological fluid with high amount of proteins, lipid and minerals. Milk plays a major role in a healthy, balanced diet throughout lifetime. Milk having Proteins, Vitamins, carbohydrates and other minerals.Caseins, lactalbumins, and lactoglobulins are some proteins in milk. Milk from domesticated ruminants, primarily cow, sheep, goat, camel and buffalo, are major sources of dietary calcium and, in countries where commercially available milk is fortified, of dietary vitamin D (Clemens et al., 2014). Casein is a sort of protein found in dairy items, for example, milk, yogurt, chocolate, ice-cream and foods. Casein protein, whether it originates from sustenance or from a supplement, could be a valuable addition to diet with a few benefits. Casin helps to digest food fast ,it can take 7h to digest (Samuels, 2014) Milk holds 3.3% total protein. Milk proteins hold each of the 9 essencial amino acids needed by humans. Milk proteins are blended in the mammary organ, however 60% of the amino acids used to manufacture the proteins are from the cows eating diet. (Milkfacts.info, 2014) The total protein part of milk is made out of various particular proteins. The essential gathering of milk protein is casein. the distinctive caseins are different atoms but are comparable in structure. All different proteins are found in milk. (Walter and Hurley, 2014) Caseins got proper amino acid composition that is critical for development and improvement of the nursing youngs. (Walter and Hurley, 2014) A protein is an unbranched polymer in which the monomer units are amino acids. All the more particularly a protein is a peptide less than 50 amino acids are available. Proteins arranged into two: fibrous and globular.fibrous proteins are proteins which peptide chains are organized in long strands or sheets. Globular proteins will be proteins that have a tendency to overlap again on themselves into compact spheroidal shaped. Globular proteins dont form inter molecular between protein units and are all the more effectively solubalized in water . Because that they hold all the amino acids key for building blood and tissue, and can manage life and normal growth . Milk holds three proteins that are caseins, lactalbumins, and lactoglobulins (spurlock,2014) 1.2 Objective To Understand and isolation the components which are present in milk and isolation of milk protein (Casein). 1.3 Materials used Albumin solution Solid ammonium sulphate Ethanol Sulphur salicylic acid Trichloroacetic acid Lead acetate solution 1% Acetic acid Milk powder Filter cloth Ether Test tubes Beakers Funnel Bunsen burner Test tube holder Electric balance Watch glass 1.4 Methodology Protein precipitation Precipitation by salt Half saturation with ammonium sulphate To 3ml of albumin added equal volume of ammonium sulphate solution. Mixed and allowed to standed for 5min. filtered and performed the Biuret test with the filtrate Full saturation with ammonium sulphate To 3ml of albumin added solid ammonium sulphate with mixed until the solution is saturated and stand for 5min. filtered and performed the Biuret test with the filtrate. Isoelectric precipitation To 3ml of casein added 3 drops of bromocresol green indicator. Added 1% acetic acid drop by until a green color is obtained which indicates that the pH is closed to4.6 Precipitation by organic solvents To 2ml of albumin was added with 4ml of ethanol. Mixed and let it stand. And observed the reaction Precipitation by acidic agents Albumin 1ml was added an equal volume of picric acid solution. Observed the3 formation of thick precipitate. repeated the test with trichloroacetic acid and sulphosalicylic acid. Precipitation by heavy metal ions To 1ml of albumin, added to 10 drops of lead acetate solution. Observed the formation of precipitate. Repeated the test with lead nitrate solution Precipitation of heat and Acid Took 10ml of albumin to the test tube, hold the test tube over a flame in slant position and boiled the upper part of the solution .A cloudy white precipitate will be observed in the heated portion. Added a few drops of 1% acetic acid . coagulation was take place and albumin is precipitated. Isolation of casein from milk Milk powder of 17.5g was taken into a beaker. 62.5ml of warmed water at 450C was boiled by using Bunsen burner and added into the beaker which is containing milk powder. The milk powder was well stirred. 10% of acetic acid was added drop wise into milk powder solution and stirred well until the solution changes from milky to pale yellow. Then the solution was filleted well and taken into a beaker, and 15ml of ethanol was added to the filtered casein, it was kept for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes the casein with ethanol was filtered and dried well by using filter paper and tissue papers. The well dried casein was weighted and weight was recorded 1.5 Results Test Observation Inference Ppt by Heat/acid When heating there was a ppt form after adding acetic acid the ppt diffused. There fore these methods can be used for the ppt protein Ppt by heavy metal ions White ppt was formed when lead nintrate was added By the addition of heavy metals protein can be ppt Ppt by acidic agents A thick ppt was formed Positive,there fore via this method protein can be ppt Ppt by organic solvents White ppt was formed Positive, then using organic solvent protein can be ppt Full saturation with NH4SO4 White ppt formed 1.6 Discussion The casein isolation, Kept temperature 45 degrees for avoid excess heat and dilute acetic acid was added as drop by drop. It is important that the heating not be excessive because this conditions hydrolyze the lactose into its components, glucose and galactose before its isolation Adding of Calcium carbonate to the original beaker containing the liquid, neutralized the excess acetic acid and precipitated the initially soluble protein, albumin. This step ensures the liquid contains only the lactose and albumin was poured away from the lactose(Chemistry.mcmaster.ca, 2014) Casein is not properly dry All of the calculations were done 1.7 Conclution Obtained casein after isolation; 12.25g %yield = (12.25/17)x100 = 72% Caseins have an appropriate amino composition, it’s important for the growth of young.This protein in dairy animals.so many pepole allergic to milk, but trully they allergic to the components that milk contains: the casein and the lactose. Evacuation of these items especially the casein permits people with hypersensitivities to endure milk. The information is totally useful for peoples who can`t eat immoderately milk (Leonce, 2014) References Chemistry.mcmaster, (2014) Chem2O06 1997/98 Experiment 11.[Online]. 2014. Available at: http://www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/~chem2o6/labmanual/expt11/2o6exp11.html. (Accessed: 15 July 2014). Clemens, R., Hernell, O, and Michaelsen, K. (2014) Milk and Milk Products in Human Nutrition.[Online]. 2014. Nestlenutrition-institute.org. Available at: http://www.nestlenutrition-institute.org/Resources/Library/Free/workshop/BookNNIW67/Pages/booknniw67.aspx. (Accessed: 14 July 2014). Leonce, D. (2014) Biochemistry Practicals.[Online]. 2014. Academia.edu. Available at: http://www.academia.edu/3491493/Biochemistry_Practicals. (Accessed: 15 July 2014). Milkfacts.info, (2014) Milk Protein | MilkFacts.info.[Online]. 2014. Available at: http://www.milkfacts.info/Milk Composition/Protein.htm. (Accessed: 14 July 2014). Samuels, M. (2014) Casein Protein Benefits | LIVESTRONG.COM.[Online]. 2014. LIVESTRONG.COM. Available at: http://www.livestrong.com/article/86604-casein-protein-benefits/. (Accessed: 14 July 2014). Spurlock, d. (2014) Isolation and Identification of Casein From Milk Course Notes. [Online]. 2014. Homepages.ius.edu. Available at: http://homepages.ius.edu/dspurloc/c122/casein.htm. (Accessed: 14 July 2014). Walter, L. and Hurley, (2014) Milk Composition Proteins. [Online]. 2014. Ansci.illinois.edu. Available at: http://ansci.illinois.edu/static/ansc438/Milkcompsynth/milkcomp_protein.html. (Accessed: 14 July 2014). Qualification Higher National Diploma in Biotechnology Level 05 Module Name Protein precipitation and casein from milk Module Number 2 Name of Candidate S.Mayurathan Submission Date 15 July 2014 Word Count 1056

A Space Odyssey Film Analysis English Language Essay

A Space Odyssey Film Analysis English Language Essay A Space Odyssey revolves around the theme of evolution. This is a story about how man is overwhelmed by technology. The story follows the evolution of man from man ape. The film also takes into account humans evolution in to the future which involves humans creating Artificial intelligence. This idea develops out of humans use of the tool and eventually evolving beyond their biological needs. HAL represents this evolution but also warns of the problems that can arise when man creates artificial life. HALs malfunction is one such problem that warns of the advancement of technology where humans do not have full control. HAL begins to think on its own and digress from its original programming. HAL also shows signs of evolution as he begins to show emotion that he was not programmed to have. HAL becomes aware of himself and acts to make choices. This can be seen as HAL acts to defend himself for his continued existence. Stanley Kubrick is able to address the idea of evolution through spe cial effects . This can be seen as the effects for the time of the film were realistic with the representation of outer space. This was one of the first films to depict no sound in space. This film raised questions about the relationship between humans and artificial life. Kubrick is also able to accomplish a way of getting the relationship between human and technology across with little to no dialogue in the film. He attempts to portray events visually or with sounds that would have usually been used through dialogue. The basis of 2001: A Space Odyssey is that man has reached a point technologically with their tools that the next evolution step would be consciousness of artificial life. This can be seen through the HAL 900 computer. HAL is an artificial intelligence and an onboard computer of the spaceship Discovery. HAL is capable of speech and emotion. HAL 9000s voice is soft but is able to mimic human emotions which is very eerie . HAL maintains the ships functionality while the crew act as mechanics make the crew seem almost obsolete as Kubrick hints at the end of human evolution through technology. The films effects add to the theme of human evolution. The images of people walking upside down inside the windows of the flying spaceship gave great use of the camera angles. This image was a favorite of mine that added to the theme of human evolution. The film also used the effects of the monolith as a turning point in the history of man . The realization of this monolith gives way to the making of weapons eventually leading humans into space. As nature is replaced with technology a sense of individuality is lost and humans have no emotion. This film demonstrates a world that has sacrificed wisdom for knowledge. The monolith shot gives the viewer an example of using lines to direct the eye to a specific point. This is a good special effect that stood out. The music adds to the imagery that emphasizes how big the universe really is. The first scenes of space are enhanced by a classical soundtrack. When inside, the soundtrack is lively. However, outside things are silent .Kubricks ch oice of music ranged from conventional to odd. As a result, the music fit the storyline. The character performances in the show are robotic. The astronauts seem to just be janitors and seem unnecessary to the overall mission. This does add to the effect in the movie. The first characters are of prehistoric Earth and are apelike. An alien monolith appears to them and they quickly evolve to use tools and weapons. The film pioneered front projection in mainstream movie production. This can be seen with the weightless scene disconnecting HAL. The disconnection of HAL was one of the key shots in the movie. The film was a pioneer in front projection in mainstream movie production. This can be seen with the weightless scene disconnecting HAL. The disconnection of HAL was a memorable screen shot worth noting. All in all, the many effects in 2001: A Space Odyssey add to the theme of evolution .

Essay on Lies and Self-realization in A Dolls House -- Dolls House es

Lies and Self-realization in A Doll's House    In Ibsen's play,   A Doll's House,   the characters willingly exist in a situation of untruth or inadequate truth that conceals conflict.   Nora's independent nature is in contradiction to the tyrannical authority of Torvald.   This conflict is concealed by the way they both hide their true selves from society, each other, and ultimately themselves.   Just like Nora and Torvald, every character in this play is trapped in a situation of untruth. "A Doll's House", can be misinterpreted as simply an attack on the religious values of Ibsen's society.   While this is certainly an important aspect of the play, it is not, however, Ibsen's main point.   "A Doll's House" established a method Ibsen would use to convey his views about individuality and the pursuit of social freedom.   The characters of "A Doll's House" display Henrik Ibsen's belief that although people have a natural longing for freedom, they often do not act upon this desire until a person or event forces them to do so. Readers can be quick to point out that Nora's change was gradual and marked by several incidents.   A more critical look reveals these gradual changes are actually not changes at all, but small revelations for the reader to see Nora's true independent nature.   These incidents also allow the reader to see this nature has been tucked far under a facade of a happy and simple wife.   In the first act, she admits to Christine that she will "dance and dress up and play the fool" to keep Torvald happy (Ibsen).   This was Ibsen's way of telling the reader Nora had a hidden personality that was more serious and controlling.   He wants the reader to realize that Nora was not the fool she allows herself to be seen as.   ... ...in A Doll's House is the importance of the individual and the search for self-realization.      Works Cited Brunsdale, Mitzi. "Herik Ibsen."   Critical Survey of Drama.   Ed.   Frank N. Magill.   Englewood Cliffs, NJ:   Salem Press 1986. pg982. Clurman, Harold.   Ibsen.   Macmillan, 1977, pg223.   Rpt. in Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism.   Ed. Sharon K. Hall. Vol. 8.   Detroit:   Gale, 1982. pg154. Heiberg, Hans. 1967. Ibsen. A Portrait of the Artist. Coral Gables, Florida: University of Miami. Ibsen, Henrik. "A Doll’s House." Perrine's Literature.   Forth Worth:   Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1998.   pp. 967-1023 Shaw, Bernard.   "A Doll's House Again."   The Saturday Review, London, Vol. 83, No. 2168, May 15, 1897:   539-541.   Rpt. in Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism.   Ed.   Sharon K.   Hall.   Vol. 8. Detroit:   Gale, 1982. pg.143.   

Robert Browning :: essays research papers

My Last Duchess, by Robert Browning, is an example of a dramatic monologue. A dramatic monologue is a kind of narrative poem in which one character speaks to one or more listeners whose replies are not given in the poem. The Duke is speaking to an envoy about his fisrt wife who is apparently dead. From what he is telling him, one can conclude that he is arrogant, domineering, and very insecure about his relationship. The Duke of Ferrara was a very arrogant man. He did not seem to care about the happiness of his wife, only his own. He did not like the fact that she found happiness in other places beside himself, as if he should be the only life in her life. He could not understand how she could rank his nine thousand year old name with more simpler things such as her white mule that she rode on the terrace, an act of kindness from an "officious fool" and the "drooping of the daylight in the west." His wife, no doubt, had no idea he felt that way but he could not discuss it with her, blaming it on the fact that he had no skill in speech. He let the problem persist until he no longer could stand it and finally "gave commands" that in one way or another caused her death. Another problem that he had was that he was too domineering. This is evident in the fact that he went to the extreme and killed his wife just because she did not conform to his image of a perfect wife. He wanted things to be his way regardless of how she felt. He now talks about his last duchess as if she were simply a thing painted in a picture to be admired. Other evidence that supports the idea of him being domineering is shown when he told his envoy that no one but him could touch the curtain that covered the picture. It is almost as if he has marked his territory and if anyone crosses the line they would be "dealt with" accordingly. Lastly, on the way down to meet his company he proudly points out his bronze sculpture of Neptune taming a sea horse. This is probably the embodiment of his whole mentality. He wanted to tame his wives into perfect women. Insecurity is something that we all feel at one point or another in our relationships.

ancestry: roots :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The experiment calls for us to trace our ancestry in any manner possible and trace where we as an ethnicity came from. I decided to concentrate on my mothers’ side of the family because it is more interesting and something other members in my family have already started to investigate. I choose not to concentrate on my fathers’ side because being Mexican is the general term people associate me with. I wanted to elaborate on the other part of my culture, being Native American.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From the stories my great grandmother told my mother back in the day, we have always known that we were Native American Indians. When my mother was told these stories it was not that big of a deal to be Indian, therefore she did not pay much attention to detail. After my great grandfather died, we found out his brother was receiving benefits from certain Indian tribes and was entitled to land. This information made my mother and her siblings start to question their original background in specific detail. When they contacted their uncle he had no information for them and told them that he would not share how he was able to receive benefits. He told my aunt that he wanted the family to work hard and not accept free money. My aunt explained that she just wanted to know about her father, who was deceased by now, so my great uncle shared some stories with her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We found out that my great grandfather was from the Mascalero-Apache tribe in New Mexico. He was born in New Mexico, Katilino Quivas, in the late 1890’s. He was kicked out of his own tribe for marrying my great grandmother, who was from a different tribe. Some people in my family say that he was the chief of the tribe, so then did he kick himself out? We are not sure if that is true and are trying to find literature on the notion. What we do know is that he changed his last name from Quivas to Beltran. At that time there was a lot of segregation and hostility towards Indians. His brother notes that it was better to be considered Mexican than Indian at the time, for Indians were lower than Blacks. They concealed their Native American background and hid the fact that they were from a tribe. Katilino Beltran then joined the army and fought in World War I. ancestry: roots :: essays research papers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The experiment calls for us to trace our ancestry in any manner possible and trace where we as an ethnicity came from. I decided to concentrate on my mothers’ side of the family because it is more interesting and something other members in my family have already started to investigate. I choose not to concentrate on my fathers’ side because being Mexican is the general term people associate me with. I wanted to elaborate on the other part of my culture, being Native American.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From the stories my great grandmother told my mother back in the day, we have always known that we were Native American Indians. When my mother was told these stories it was not that big of a deal to be Indian, therefore she did not pay much attention to detail. After my great grandfather died, we found out his brother was receiving benefits from certain Indian tribes and was entitled to land. This information made my mother and her siblings start to question their original background in specific detail. When they contacted their uncle he had no information for them and told them that he would not share how he was able to receive benefits. He told my aunt that he wanted the family to work hard and not accept free money. My aunt explained that she just wanted to know about her father, who was deceased by now, so my great uncle shared some stories with her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We found out that my great grandfather was from the Mascalero-Apache tribe in New Mexico. He was born in New Mexico, Katilino Quivas, in the late 1890’s. He was kicked out of his own tribe for marrying my great grandmother, who was from a different tribe. Some people in my family say that he was the chief of the tribe, so then did he kick himself out? We are not sure if that is true and are trying to find literature on the notion. What we do know is that he changed his last name from Quivas to Beltran. At that time there was a lot of segregation and hostility towards Indians. His brother notes that it was better to be considered Mexican than Indian at the time, for Indians were lower than Blacks. They concealed their Native American background and hid the fact that they were from a tribe. Katilino Beltran then joined the army and fought in World War I.

Performance Management systems Essay

1. What is the main goal of a Performance Management System? Performance management systems are designed to improve both individual and organisational performance by identifying what skills are needed to perform a role, providing regular feedback and assisting the employees in their career development. The overall aim is to equip staff with the competencies and commitment to deliver on shared organisational goals . 2. Why is it necessary to develop and implement a Performance Management System? A well developed performance management system assist to develop staff and can result in significantly improved output and performance, which ultimately leads to improved results for the organisation. Without a well developed and implemented performance management system, an organisation can risk poor staff performance and a high turnover of staff due to lack of support. 3. What are the three stages of Performance Management? †¢ planning for performance – setting performance goals, establishing performance standards and setting performance expectations, identifying developmental goals in work (action) plans †¢ performance appraisal – observing, documenting and assessing performance †¢ performance improvement – providing regular feedback, review performance appraisal, rewarding excellent performance 4. List the four groups who are involved in Performance Management? †¢ your team †¢ you, as a supervisor †¢ human resource professional †¢ union representatives. 5. Why is it necessary to ensure that performance management and review processes are consistent with business objectives and policies? Staff performance plans must be based on the overall aims and objectives of the organisation so as to ensure that each staff member is working cohesively towards the same goal. They must also adhere to organisational policies so as to ensure that they are fair and consistent across the organisation. This also assures that they comply with legislation (that is, presuming that the policies set out stipulate this). 6. Write a paragraph explaining why you think performance evaluations are necessary and the method/s that you consider best to be utilized. I think the importance of performance evaluations is twofold. In my experience, working in an extremely under-resourced organisation, it has been very difficult for me in the past to gain feedback from my supervisors about my performance. One to one time with a manager is rare. This has at times resulted in frustration because I have felt as though I have not been able to gain direction in my work. I fear that at times this may be the case for the staff that I supervise also. Therefore, I believe that on one level performance management systems are extremely important as a method of support for staff. On a more obvious note, performance management systems can also lead to improved output and performance of individuals, which ultimately leads to improved results for the organisation. In terms of what method I believe to be most effective, I believe that there are some core principles that must be followed. The plans should be developed with staff so as to ensure owndership, implementation must be consistent and timely (3 month reviews shouldn’t be undertaken at 7 months! ). 7. Why is it important that both managers and employees receive suitable training in how to handle performance review interviews? Without training about how to handle performance review interviews, there is a very big risk that the appraisal will not be effective and even more concerning is that it could prove counterproductive and damage the supervisor/employee relationship. Training equips managers and team leaders with skills to conduct positive appraisals. It assist employees to understand the new relationships and how performance issues are openly discussed and resolved. Training sessions also can assist employee to see how their work links to the goals of the organisation. 8. Explain why and how often you think performance appraisals should be held? I believe performance appraisals should be held after 3 months in a role and then every 6 months following this. I write this in the context of the organisation for which I work. One to one time with your manager is difficult in our organisation and I believe that in the past this has led to staff feeling very unsupported. There has been quite a high turnover of staff in some programs and I believe that this could be addressed by stronger support systems in place from management. While some may argue that appraisals at such regular intervals can be difficult for managers to implement due to time constraints, I believe firmly that this investment will be returned in increased staff output. 9. Why is it important to recognize the contribution of your work group members and why should you do this? Recognising the contribution of group members is an important method of motivating staff. It reinforces positive contributions and shows their importance to the organisation. If the contribution of staff members is not recognised, it risks losing the motivation of a team who may feel that their work is for no purpose and is not appreciated. We all need a thanks! 10. List three pieces of legislation that are related to performance management †¢ Fair Work Act (2009) †¢ Workplace Health and Safety Act (1995) †¢ Awards/Enterprise Bargaining Agreements/Union Collective Agreements. 11. How would you devise a training plan incorporating both monitoring and coaching for individuals with poor performance? It is important to spend time to time to try and understand why a staff member may have poor performance. This is important in determining what action to take – be that formal training or coaching. The following points – from the course book – I would certainly include in any coaching I was to undertake: †¢Good coaches challenge employees and ask questions that help the employee to discover how to improve. †¢Coach when you wish to focus attention on any specific aspect of the employee’s performance. †¢A coaching meeting should focus on just one or two aspects of performance. †¢Any more than that and employees won’t remember the main impact of your meeting. †¢Keep coaching conversations brief and between 5 to 10 minutes long. †¢Being an effective coach requires understanding what motivates the members of your team. Remember that people are motivated in different ways. Be sensitive to the things that drive your people to perform. †¢When things are performing well, take the time to understand what is working and why. †¢Good coaching is guiding, not telling or doing. †¢Allow the employee to own the problem and its solutions. Ask them: ‘How finally feels as though she is getting somewhere. In terms of monitoring, I would plan more regular catch ups with the staff member (perhaps monthly) to discuss progress. I would continue to implement reviews at the times stipulated by organisational policy. I would also ask for regular feedback from the staff member. 12. How can you provide support services if required? †¢Provide details of union representatives †¢HR representative details †¢Training options †¢Set up future one-to-one meetings †¢Work manuals †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"buddy† system in which staff member is teed up with competent staff member 13. If the individual continues to perform below expectations what process would be necessary to implement? If the poor performance continues, it may be necessary to give a written warning to the staff member. This is discussed further in question 20. 14. Why is it necessary to document and record performance? Documenting and recording performance can lower the risk if a person chooses to challenge a negative appraisal. Holding records of poor performance may assist to cover an organisation legally if the employee raises an unfair dismissal claim Documenting good performance is also important so as to avoid claims of favouritism for example of undeserving staff members. Documenting performance also makes it much easier when the time for appraisals comes around, particularly for managers who are managing a large number of staff. 15. Explain the term â€Å"interpersonal conflict† Interpersonal conflict is the most apparent form of conflict for workplace participants. It is a disagreement or differing views between two or more people over a particular idea, thought, or action.. Also language and personality styles often clash, which can create conflict in the workplace. ref http://www. mediate. com/articles/donaisB2. cfm 16. How does interpersonal conflict affect the workplace? Interpersonal conflict is is easy enough to observe in the form of office politics, gossip, and rumours. It can lead to a negative work environment, with groups forming within the workplace. Unless these conflicts are resolved, they can lead to a very challenging and unfriendly workplace. In more extreme cases, interpersonal conflict can lead to charges of harassment and discrimination or at least the feeling that such things exist.

Literature and Culture Essay

I. Literature – General Introduction â€Å"Literature is my Utopia. Here I am not disenfranchised. No barrier of the senses shuts me out from the sweet, gracious discourses of my book friends. They talk to me without embarrassment or awkwardness† (Helen Keller) Keller could not have been more correct in this insight about literature, and scarcely would anyone who has had a lifetime with the written word raise any issue about its faultlessness. Man with his complex, often unfathomable and unpredictable thoughts, feelings and actions, and many times restrained by societal norms from openly exposing what he has inside him, considers literature as a socially acceptable vehicle for unrestrained self-expression. Literature is life. It is a mirror of man’s desires and aspirations, his ambitions and accomplishments, his fears and anxiety, his joyful and fulfilling moments. Through it, he records his experiences of triumphs and downfalls, laughter and anguish, determination and indecision—from things phenomenal to matters mundane. It is only through literature that the human mind is able to successfully transcend all material barriers to reveal its essence which constitutes the â€Å"isness† of man’s being. Literature, then, is the totality of humanity. The famous French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre succinctly said it all in the following line: â€Å"If literature is not everything, it’s not worth a single hour of someone’s trouble† (http://www. brainyquote. com/quotes/keyword/literature. html). What is Literature? ? So broad and deep is the extent and scope of literature that putting up a definition for it is almost like limiting its parameters. However, for academic purposes, it will be relevant to explain what the concept encompasses. ? On a general perspective, anything that is written is classified as literature. ? On a stricter sense, however, and across cultures and ages, literature is associated with a poem, or a fiction article, or a stage play, a book or a classroom lesson. ? Literature, as the body of written works of a language, period or culture, and produced by scholars and researchers, reminds us of stories, epics, sacred scriptures and classical works of the ancient and modern times. Literary works are portrayals of the thinking patterns and social norms prevalent in society. Classical literary works serve as a food for thought, imagination and creativity. ? A literary article should interest, entertain, stimulate, broaden the imagination and experience, or ennoble the reader (Roberts 2). It springs as an idea from the need of its creator to get across a thought or feeling. The writer starts from an experience or set of experiences, real or imagined, which he thinks he needs to share with his public. Working on his creative tablet, he recreates the facts to reflect true-to-life happenings, or invents incidents, places, and characters and puts thoughts into the latter’s minds and words in their mouths. Or he may decide to compress an otherwise long factual or imagined story in a few metered or rhythmical lines. The result is an original text that satisfies its creator’s purpose– a literary article, an imaginative literature. ? Kirszner & Mandell explain that the word â€Å"literature† immediately stirs in the mind the concept of â€Å"imaginative literature† (1). Imaginative Literature is one which temporarily transports the reader to a different world, away from the physical and emotional realities of his existence, where he could be free to view the world with his own eyes and heart. Imaginative literature is not confined to print. A substantial number of orally transmitted imaginative literatures have set the traditions in their respective genres and have remained among the most respectable pieces in the literatures of the world. Why should we value literature? Literature that is imaginative can have far-reaching effects on the reader (Kirzner & Mandell 2-3).? The characters, scenes, images, powerful language, and carefully and masterfully developed plot can delight the reader and offer him an ephemeral escape from the stiffness, boredom, even cruelty of the world around him. ? It can transport the reader out of the limits of his time and space, and get him into seeing another possible phase of life. Meaningful insights can be drawn from wholesome literary texts. ? It can bring him to a level where he is able to see his life more objectively, up close and personal. This is because literature reveals truths about humanity. More than a mere description of people and what they do, literature brings the reader to a slice of virtual life in which he (the reader) consciously experiences his humanity. This is an added value of literature. ? It is an avenue for him to view and understand his own experiences and those of others. Reflecting can make him more sensitive to the needs of others and his own. Literature, then, can serve as a value guide as well as a lead to an analysis of values and meanings about the realities in life. ? Imaginative literature is founded on facts—history, pure science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, mathematics, and other branches of knowledge. The information load it carries can be another added value to the reader. Similarly, literature that is imaginative has marked values for the writer (Krizner & Mandell 3). ? It is a creative avenue for self-expression. A writer can unravel the ill-effects of cultural patterns and norms, and can suggest ways to remedy a stinking system through the characters of his short story, novel, or play, or the persona in poetry. Also, he reveals his individuality and uniqueness as a writer in the way he manipulates the elements of his genre—character, setting, language, format, and style. ? It is an expression of common cultural values. A writer has his own mind about a problem or issue, but that â€Å"thought† is molded by the collective sentiment, aspiration, philosophy, value, even fears of the community or cultural group he belongs to. Literature provides opportunities for the transport of these ethnic or cultural thoughts, feelings, and biases to peoples across cultural borders. It is in this way that literature can stand as the conscience and consciousness of the community which created it. Literary Genres and Culture Traditions in literature include classifying works into literary types or genres. Genre classification can have several advantages (web. nchu. edu. tw/~chtung/1986. doc. 2-6). ? It can bring about an order or a system in the handling of literary texts and, in effect, facilitates choice of materials akin to one’s interests, which can result in greater understanding and appreciation. For example, a reader who has an ear for musicality and rhythm will pick up a poetic text more likely than he would a book of fiction. ? It has resulted in the writing of standards for each genre. With the aid of these writing standards, literary creators are able to craft their works more systematically. Thoughtfully going over the standards for a drama will aptly arm a novice writer to focus on what the audience will look for in a play. Conversely, a critic who is familiar with genre standards will know exactly what to look for in a literary work.? The existence of genre classification is one avenue that can lead to the meeting of minds between the reader and the writer. When the brain has identified beforehand what it is looking for in a text (schemata-text matching through knowledge of specific genre), comprehension of the text will be less stressful, less threatening and more enjoyable. Culture-based Literary Traditions 1. Genre Classifications. The presence of traditional and universally recognized genres does not dictate the uniformity of genre classifications and the standards for each genre. Not all genre classifications are present in all places, and not all places observe the same standards for each classification. Every culture has its own genre, owing to the variations in the experiences and aspirations of the people in each culture. For example ? The sonnet which is common in western traditions is not well known in China or among the Arab nations ( Kirszner & Mandell 2). ?The kabuki play of Japan has as yet no counterpart in western countries (Kirszner & Mandell 2). ? We still have to see a counterpart of the Filipino pasyon in other literary traditions. 2. Narrative organization conventions. The standards on the presentation of events in a plot can vary from culture to culture specifically with orally transmitted literature (Kirszner & Mandell 2). For example: ? Some native American and African stories dating to the early stage of cultural development are arranged spatially, not chronologically as is the tradition in almost all cultures. All incidents that took place in one setting are narrated, then the narration moves to focus on all the incidents in another setting, and so on until all the events are completely retold. Even character development is not given as much focus in some traditional African and Native American stories as it is in present-day fiction (Kirszner & Mandell 3). 3. Character development. Present-day fiction puts much emphasis on the identity and the development of character. This is not so in some traditional African and Native American stories. Kirszner & Mandell state that in some of these narratives, characters are sometimes not named and can even switch roles towards the end of the story (3). Genre Classifications and Time Earlier literary works were grouped more generally than those in the present. Contemporary literature is lumped into four big groups—prose fiction, poetry, nonfiction prose, and drama (Roberts 3) while earlier traditions recognized three groups– fiction, non-fiction and poetry. The drama in its traditional form used verse, which explains why it was categorized as poetry. Although not markedly divergent from the present literary groupings, the â€Å"old† genre classification reflects those which societies then considered to be what mattered most. The Genres of Literature Critics could not seem to agree on one best way literary writings should be grouped; however, most authorities name four categories for classifying literature (Roberts 3). 1. Narrative fiction or prose fiction. This is the literary type which first comes to mind when the word fiction is mentioned. Narration, or retelling past events, is what makes fiction what it is. ? Narrative fiction gives an account of a series of events, factual or imagined but mostly imagined.? One character, the protagonist, or a few characters is/are at the center of these  events, causing them to happen and or causing him to be transformed. ? He is confronted with a problem, the solution of which is his primary concern, and the action he takes towards its resolution is the reason for his transformation. He may or may not overcome the problem. ? Some events in fictional narratives are drawn from historical incidents but fictionalized through change of names, places, and time, and a slight tweak in the plot. ? Through narrative fiction, the author is able to express his thoughts about a problem or issue, and/or is able to entertain. Classifications of Narrative Fiction a. Myth. This prose fiction, which punctuates the literary beginnings of practically every cultural group, is a story centered on how the gods related to humans—how certain places, beings, and places came to be, how the gods’ biases made some people’s lives fulfilling and rendered others’ lives miserable, how conflicts among the mortals affected the gods or vice versa. Myths can also be about struggles among cultural heroes, each one representing the time-established beliefs of a particular cultural group. b. Parable. This is a short narrative about some ordinary experiences of a group of people and is meant to connect to the teaching of a certain moral, or the hammering home of a philosophical, social, religious, or political teaching. The Jewish tradition best exemplifies the use of parables. c. Romance. This refers to lengthy Spanish and French stories of the 16th and 17th centuries, especially about the adventures and ordeals of the royalty and the members of their court. It can also refer to modern formulaic stories describing the growth of an impulsive, profound and powerful love relationship. d. Short story. Owing to its comparative brevity, this is the most popular type of narrative fiction. The plot may revolve around one or two main characters facing a difficulty. There are high as well as low points in their lives but, almost always, each one’s life will not go back to exactly the same point where it began. Because of the little space dictated by the shortened form of the text, interactions and relationships resulting in changes in character, no matter how subtle, are described briefly. e. Novel. This is a short story in extended form. Length being its advantage over the short story, the novel permits the full and sometimes exhaustive development of the interactions that lead to changes in some characters’ disposition, thoughts, feelings, or aspirations (Roberts 5). 2. Poetry. A poem is a literary form that â€Å"expresses a monologue or a conversation grounded on the most deeply felt experiences of human beings† (Kirszner & Mandell 522). ? It is acclaimed as the oldest and the most popular among the literary forms. ? It is the most variable in length, running from a few syllables, as in the Japanese haiku, to hundreds of stanzas, as in the epic.? The language is compressed in a few lines or verses arranged in conformity with the principles of form, rhythm, and sometimes meter and rhyme. ? It has a rich imagery and suggestive forms of expression, making it the most puzzling and, therefore, the most open to multiple interpretations. These qualities make poetry â€Å"unique† (Roberts 5). ? Among earlier cultures, for example, Greek and Roman, poetry served as a vehicle for the expression of the spiritual and the philosophical. With the passing of time, poetry has gained an added value—that of expressing the most profound ideas and the deepest emotions of humanity. Across the cultures of the present, poetry remains to inspire, to delight, and to serve as a vehicle for the concerns of the heart (Kirszner & Mandell 522). Classifications of Poetry f. Narrative poetry. This is a story in verse, of which there are two familiar forms: i. Epic. Apparently the more familiar of the two, an epic is a narrative account in verse of the accomplishments of a heroic figure, a folk hero who exhibits extraordinary physical powers and superhuman dispositions, of gods, and other supernatural entities. The account covers a wide expanse of time and place, and reflects the cultural characteristics of the people who wrote it. Although some epics are credited to particular authors, others are ascribed to their countries or cultures of origin. This is because epics of old were handed down orally, in plain verse or in song, and, as a result, grew and developed as they passed from one generation to the next, eventually mirroring the evolution of the people’s traditions and norms. Of worldwide renown are The Iliad of Homer, The Aeneid of Virgil, Beowulf of the Anglo-Saxons, and Mahabharata of the Hindus. ii. Ballad. Like the epic, the ballad traces its origin to oral tradition. Originally intended to be sung, this narrative poem carries one outstanding characteristic–its use of repetition of words and phrases, including a refrain. g. Lyric Poetry. This poem does not attempt to tell a story. Possessing a very personal and subjective nature, it conveys the speaker’s feelings, biases and aspirations, state of mind, and perceptions in a melodious mood. Lyric poetry sub-types include the following (Kirzsner & Mandell 525-526): iii. Ode. This is a long lyric poem which is, generally, on a serious subject, such as an important concept (for example, freedom), person, or any other entity in nature (for example, the sun) and with a formal poetic diction and meditative mood. The poem centers on the speaker’s observations about the subject and usually winds up with an effort towards shedding light on an emotional problem. Owing to its Greek origin, it is often intended to be recited or sung by two choruses. iv. Elegy. This lyric sub-type is meant to mourn the passing of a specific person. As such, it is characterized by a melancholy and plaintive mood and an ending that offers consolation. It may also reflect what the author considers to be mysterious, uncertain, or strange. v. Pastoral. In contrast to the elegy, the pastoral has a light, happy, even romantic mood as it celebrates the simplicity and idyll of country life. vi. Occasional poem. This poem is meant for a particular event, for example, a wedding, the installation of a prominent church leader, the putting up of a landmark, or a president’s inaugural. vii. Poems on everyday activities. Poems are sometimes written to express the writer’s feelings or describe his experiences about day-to-day events, for example, going about the daily chores, herding the animals back to their corral, or riding the trolley. viii. Aubade. This poetic form is specifically written to celebrate or lament the coming of a new day, specifically the arrival of morning. Dawn is often welcomed with joy and hope, but it can also bring despair to a persona who sees it as a signal to leave his lover. ix. Meditation. An ordinary object can be used as a vehicle to consider important, more serious issues. A poem that is focused on this is called meditation. Kriszner and Mandell cite Edmund Waller’s Go, Lovely Rose as an example (526) in which the speaker tells the rose meant to be delivered to his lady love his message for the lady. Far more important than his words of adoration is his advice for the lady not to waste the charm and time bestowed upon her since time flies and beauty fades in no time. x. Dramatic monologue. In this poem, the speaker addresses one or more listeners who is/are absent. In the process, the speaker unravels the dramatic aspect of the situation and reveals his psychological and emotional side of the issue at hand, which is usually less interesting than how he (the speaker) treats it. Some authors use the term dramatic lyric. xi. Some authors classify the epigram, a verse in two to four lines with characteristic wit and sarcasm, under lyric poetry Cited as a classic example is Alexander Pope’s On the Collar of a Dog (voices. yahoo. com) which runs in two lines. In most cases, however, an epigram is not a stand-alone piece but forms part of a longer poetic composition. xii. Other cultures have their own types of lyric poems, e. g. , ghazal in Urdu, and rondeau in French. h. Satirical Poetry. As far back as the days of the Roman empire, poetry was already used as a powerful vehicle for political purposes. This tradition continues to these days. Many who are disgruntled with any system or structure choose to amplify their bitterness and discontent artistically through carefully crafted satirical poems. Poetry can have several forms. i. Sonnet. It comes in 14 lines arranged in three quatrains and a couplet [Shakespearean or English] or an octave and a sestet [Petrarchan or Italian]. The iambic pentameter is generally used in sonnets. ii. Cinquian. It has five short lines with the following pattern: line 1 – one word or 2 syllables; line 2 – 2 words or 4 syllables; 3 words or 6 syllables; 4 words or 8 syllables; 1 word or 2 syllables. iii. Haiku. This is a verse of Japanese origin consisting of three unrhymed lines of 5 – 7 – 5 morae (quantity of time equivalent to a short syllable). A traditional haiku carries a word pertaining to the seasons and a cutting word, called kireji, used at the end of one of the three lines. Incidentally, there is no English equivalent of the cutting word concept (www. poemofquotes. com/haiku). iv. Tanka. Like the haiku, tanka is a Japanese verse but consists of five lines. The first and third lines carry five syllables each while the rest of the lines have seven syllables each. v. Concrete poem. This poem uses typography—the appearance of the printed text—to enhance its message. Thus, visual elements such as punctuation marks, symbols, and arrangement of words on the printed page, or the shape of the poem, are elemental in driving home the writer’s message. A poem about the magical sounds of a bell is shaped like a flower, while one that has nature as subject may take the shape of a tree or a bird. Visual poems, pattern poems, and size poems are examples of concrete poems (www. poemsofquotes. com/articles/concrete-poetry. php). vi. Blank verse. This type of verse uses unrhymed iambic pentameter. vii. Free verse. Unlike the blank verse, this type of verse may be rhymed or unrhymed but does not observe a fixed meter. 3. Drama. This literary genre is meant to be presented on stage. Actors portray the events in the story as though these were happening in the  present. Like narrative fiction, there is a problem around which all action revolves. At the center maybe a single character or a small number of characters who carry the burden of resolving the conflict and on whose actions and thoughts the attention of the audience is largely focused. The protagonist may overcome the problem or may be overcome by it. Unlike in a narrative fiction, the audience in a drama are able to actually witness the fictional events as they happen, making the experience direct and closer to life than in narrative fiction. i. Tragedy. Often associated with the bizarre and the disastrous, and in keeping with Greek tradition, this type of drama is focused on â€Å"treating serious subjects and involving persons of significance† (Kirszner & Mandell 917, citing Aristotle’s Poetics). ? At the center of the drama is a character, the protagonist, who is noble, respected, perfect from almost all angles, except for one flaw which is not obvious at the start but which will later manifest to a very crucial point that will suffice to cause his downfall. ? A very important lesson is conveyed here—man’s condition in life is one of  nobility. ? The purpose of the play is to bring the audience to an experience of pity for the central character as he wrestles with the trials in his life and with experiences of fear of going through the same situation. ? The audience is expected to leave the theater with the resolution to not follow the tragic path which the central character of the play took. j. Comedy. This type of drama sits on the other end of the spectrum. It is designed to â€Å"treat themes and characters with humor and typically has a happy ending† (Kirszner & Mandell 917). ? The main character is an ordinary individual whose life is open to the public, and whom the public knows to be carrying a mask of his true self all along. ? The comedy is meant to take away that mask from the protagonist and to reveal to the audience his simplicity and foolishness, his lack of understanding of things, his being â€Å"selfish, hypocritical, vain, weak, irrational, and capability for self-delusion† (Kirszner & Mandell 917). ? Ironically, it is the comedy that brings entertainment and laughter to the audience who, unknowingly, is the subject of criticism of the action in the  play. k. Farce. This is a humorous play. But unlike the comedy, the plot does not depend on the development of a character but on a situation that is exploited ingeniously. The term can speak for itself. 4. Nonfiction Prose. Any literary form not falling under any of the categories just mentioned is classified as nonfiction prose. This group consists of a wide array of fact-based and fact-oriented written materials presenting judgments and opinions and which are created mainly as sources of information. News reports, feature articles, essays, editorials, textbooks, and biographical and historical works fall under this category. Recently, there has been a marked increase in the interest for biographical and historical works, a good number of which have become bestsellers. Many schools have shifted to biographical and historical novels for required student readings. REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. The statements that follow are supported by the foregoing discussions except one. Find that sentence. l. Literature is a potent vehicle to convey a personal longing. m. The most extreme of human experiences are the only ones considered as worthy literary materials. n. Man’s freedom of self-expression can be best exemplified by the almost limitless breadth of possibilities in literature. o. Reading a literary text is experiencing the writer’s unspoken regret or praise. 2. Find the sentence which is not supported by the foregoing discussions. a. Defining literature is not always necessary. b. Imaginative literature can be a rich source of lessons about living life. c. A well written literary text can cause a change in a person’s disposition. d. Written literature has always been the better tradition. 3. Which of the following statements best paraphrases the opening quote? a. Literature is the source of Helen Keller’s highest point of contentment. b. Keller and her friends read literature a lot and find much meaning from it. c. Being blind and deaf, Keller finds literature reading as the best pastime. d. Keller’s friends love to hear her share with them what she has read and what she thinks about them. 4. Imaginative literature differs from other literary forms in the following ways except one. e.Imaginative literature builds on a writer’s personal experience and shares it factually with the reader. f. Mundane and extraordinary human experiences are vividly recreated and accented with some of the writer’s imaginative thoughts. g. Imaginative literature is everything that transports the reader to a different world, stimulates his creative mind, and appeals to his sense of values. h. Man’s most profound thoughts and feelings are expressed in symbols and images. 5. Which three (3) statements are not supported by the discussions on the value of literature? i. Every literary text has its own place in the arena of values.j. Longer texts, such as the novel and the drama, have a more profound reader-impact than shorter ones, such as proverbs and haikus. k. One of the added values of literature is that it requires interpretation and analysis of meaning. l. Literature has to be historical for it to be prized. m. A song expressing a prisoner’s longing for immediate freedom is an ethnicity-inspired literary piece. 6. C. S. Lewis is quoted to have said: â€Å"Literature enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the desert that our lives have already become. † This quote supports the idea that: n. Basically, literature is based on world knowledge. o. Literature brings entertainment to its audience. p. Available in every literary text are several insights about meaningful living. q. Literature enables the reader to grasp the meaning of his experiences and those of the people around him. 7. Which of the following statements is not true about poetry? r. It dates back to the earliest years of man’s literary experience. s. It is strictly metered, rhymed, and rhythmical. t. It can capture the most profound and the most ordinary human experience in a few words. u. The poet’s message is cloaked in rich symbols and other forms of evocative expressions. 8. Although sometimes classified as poetry, romance is proprietarily a type of narrative fiction _____: v. owing to its length. w. because it is basically intended to give an account of past incidents in story format. x. since it is situated at a definite past time and space. y. because it is about adventure. 9. The following is an English translation of a Bilaan poem attributed to pre-colonial times. [Bilaan is a tribal group of southern Mindanao, which is the second biggest island in the Philippines and is situated in the southernmost part of the archipelago. The early people were renowned hunters and food gatherers (blog. travelpod. com/travel-blog-entries/aliawan/1/1262268183/tpod. html)]. The language of the people is also called Bilaan. ) Read the poem carefully to be able to answer the question below. LAMGE What can we do? Oh, what can we do? This is our work, this we should do. Oh my, how, oh how is this to go on? Continue, then come back when you reach the top. â€Å"’Tis not there! ‘Tis not here! † they said. We’ll try till we can make it. It’s not here, according to them, but don’t relax Don’t be surprised. They’re still far. Let’s hurry! (Lumbera & Lumbera 11) What sub-type of poetry is Lamge? a. a poem on everyday activities. b. occasional poem. c. pastoral d. meditation 10. Which of the following work values were prized by the early Bilaans as evidenced by the poem LAMGE? z. creativity and leisure {. individual recognition and prestige |. collaboration and achievement }. autonomy and compensation 11. Study the following excerpts then identify that which is not taken from imaginative literature. ~. â€Å"EDSA’ (the name of the highway in Metro Manila that runs north to south from Caloocan to Baclaran) has become the popular designation of the revolt which began as a military mutiny on February 21 [1986] and developed into a popular uprising in Manila that culminated in the flight of the dictator and his family to Hawaii, U. S. A. on February 24, 1986. The revolt established the presidency of Corazon Aquino which was marked by the â€Å"restoration† of pre-Martial Law society† (Lumbera & Lumbera 364). . â€Å"It was raining the morning of the execution. I remember how brackish and crimson was the sky. God has sliced open the sun, spilling its innards, carving out its heart. That sun had never seemed the same to me ever since. The cold air scraped the insides of my lungs and chilled my nape. It was the first dawn I had awakened to. The first time to witness the pained violent birthing of light† (Lumbera & Lumbera 377). . â€Å"And so we talk/ our words trying to capture/pain caroming/like the balls of ivory/ Our voices rise/and fall/ as we sit in a circle/ racing our other lives/ the beginnings/ of love/ rich and red/ as the felt on the board† (Lumbera & Lumbera 422).   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Matumal ang pasada nang buong umagang iyon at naipasiya kong igarahe muna sa bahay and minamanehong taksi kesa magsayang ng gasolina. Pababa na ako nang sa paglingon ko’y nasulyapan ko ang clutch bag na iyon sa may paanan ng likurang-upuan. Kinabahan ako at patawarin ako ng mga anak kong gusto kong lumaking matitino, lumabo sabi nga ang tingin ko sa tama’t mali, sa masama’t mabuti. Paano kung limpak-limpak na pera ang laman ng clutch bag? Kung bara-barang ginto o alahas kaya? Isosoli ko pa ba? Managot kaya ako kung saka-sakali? † (Lumbera & Lumbera 422). (The trips were far between the whole morning and I decided to  temporarily drive home the cab rather than [keep going through the streets and] waste gas. I was about to get down when in a glance I noticed that clutch bag at the foot of the backseat. I began to feel restless and my children whom I wanted to grow responsible [may they] forgive me, my sense of right and wrong, good and bad, blurred. What if the clutch bag contained stacks of money? What if it had bars of gold, or jewelry? Will I return it? Will I answer for my action just in case? ) 12. Choose the excerpt that is taken from imaginative literature. . â€Å"Home making is really border making: it is about deciding who is in as well as who is out. I began this project on Filipino Americans in San Diego at the border—the U. S. -Mexico border. Since the mid-1970s, the militarization of the U. S. -Mexico border region has intensified. From San Diego to the Rio Grande Valley, armed U. S. federal agents patrol key border points to block ‘illegal’ crossers—to keep ‘them’ from invading ‘our’ homes. Since 1994, ‘Operation Gatekeeper,’ a high-profile blockade-style operation, has turned the San Diego-Tijuana border region into a war zone, pushing immigrants to attempt more treacherous crossings in the forbidding mountains and deserts east of San Diego† (Espiritu 205-206). â€Å"In the annals of human adversity, there is etched a cancer, of a breed so malignant that the least contact exacerbates it and stirs in it the sharpest of pains. And thus, many times amidst modern cultures I have wanted to evoke you, sometimes for memories of you to keep me company, other times, to compare you with other nations—many times your beloved image appears to me afflicted with a social cancer of similar malignancy† (Rizal, Dedication of Noli Me Tangere).