In "The Execution of Tropmann," Ivan Turgenev examines the morality and effectiveness of capital punishment after attending the execution of spree killer Jean-Baptiste Tropmann and being horrified by the "medieval procedure" of the event.
The purpose of the essay is to question the purpose of capital punishment and the ethics of the procedure. Turgenev asserts that the purpose of public executions, crime deterrence, is lost on the public. Turgenev observes that soldiers were present at the execution, despite the rule against this, because lawlessness among the crowd was feared, paradoxical to the idea that the execution is meant to provide civilians with an example of law and order. This ideal was indeed lost on the public, as members of the crowd would shout random, wordless phrases and chant folk tunes, showing that for the common folk, the execution, designed to bring order, was little more than a show. The procedure of the execution is also brought under moral scrutiny, as it requires "undressings, dressings, hair-cutting, [and] journeys up along corridors and up and down staircases" by the condemned, and the entire procedure goes on for half an hour before the execution. Turgenev also establishes his belief killing a human being for any reason, as he states Tropmann's face "could have been described as handsome," in an attempt to gather reader sympathy for Tropmann.
The strengths of Turgenev's argument include the reactions of the crowd to the execution and demonstrating the drawn-out procedure of the toilette du condamne. These points show the purpose of the public execution is not apparent to the public and creates sympathy for the condemned. His description of Tropmann as polite and handsome while maintaining innocence also causes doubt in the reader as to if Tropmann actually committed the crime he was accused of. The argument is weak in that the execution it describes is not typical of all forms of capital punishment. If an execution was made private and quick, Turgenev's argument would not stand up. The argument also primarily appeals to emotion as opposed to logic or authorities on the subject.
Turgenev's tone could be described as uneasy, disgusted, and indignant. At the beginning of the text, he stands that he only attended because he was invited and did not want to be considered a coward, and later regretted his decision. He is disgusted and shocked by members of the crowd, who seem not to understand why they are there and treat the event like a party. He also shows disgust at the drawn out toilette procedure.

Blog #15

Ehrlich describes cowboys as tender individuals, contrary to the stereotypical cowboy in American culture. She describes them as caring for their animals and being awkward in relationships because they don't know how to express their emotions. She uses a tone of admiration in describing the cowboys. This fits her purpose because cowboys are typically admired for traditional masculine characteristics. Ehrlich, on the other hand, admires them for more traditionally feminine reasons. Her admiration shows that this androgyny is a positive characteristic. This helps convey her purpose because it lets her show all the feminine characteristics the cowboys possess that she admires.

Blog #14

I agree with Sante that all three of these reasons contribute to the loss of secrecy. The breakdown of the KGB and the releasing of documents was by definition a major loss of secrecy, as the KGB was a secret police force. However, in this case I don't think the loss of these secrets is a bad thing. Sure, people need to know that there are things left to discover, but I'm sure many Russian families want to know the real fate of Dmitri after he insulted the Communist Party. Not all secrets should be kept. The internet, on the other hand, causes an extreme loss of secrecy. Nowadays, people will pour their entire life stories onto the internet for others to read for entertainment purposes. Some content posted on the internet shouldn't have been, and unlike other forms of media, once something is on the internet, it's probably going to be there forever, in one for or another. The culture has contributed to the breakdown of secrecy by encouraging people to reveal their secrets to everyone, and is somewhat tied in with the internet.

Blog #13

If public schools were to teach ethical principles, they would have to be based on the Golden Rule. This would include values such as honesty, integrity, and an opposition to stealing. Religious values and gender roles should not be taught. These have a tendency to change, and are not accepted by everyone. It would be disrespectful to teach children opinions that their parents may not agree with. However, moral standards such as those based on the Golden Rule are agreed upon, integral to the function of society, and as such, should be taught. Values that differ based on religion or culture should not be taught. Values based on the Golden Rule are integrity, empathy, and honesty. Values that differ based on culture include gender roles, sexual ethics, and religious values.

Blog #12

Truly great films have to explore a theme, and must do so in a convincing fashion. The argument for this theme is the plot of the film, while acting serves as a device. If a movie is lacking in one of these three areas; theme, plot, or acting, it cannot be great. Examples of great films include Full Metal Jacket and The Wrestler. Full Metal Jacket dealt with the idea of the Duality of Man, which is the idea that everyone has two conflicting sides to themselves. It featured very tense scenes, which added to the grittiness and made the film feel real. The acting portrayed the emotions the soldiers went through well. The Wrestler explored themes of isolation, and the acting by Mickey Rourke was highly emotive, and the viewer was able to understand his isolated, depressed point of view.

Blog #10

Nobodiness is a person's feeling of worthlessness. Someone who believes they are a nobody is likely depressed. They are inherently self-defeating; as they believe they are nobody, they believe there is nothing they can do to make themselves worthy or to help society.

A sense of nobodiness may result from being treated poorly by peers. If one is ridiculed or belittled, they may lose their sense of self worth and feel they have no reason to exist. It may also result from being in an important position above other people and failing at an important task, to the severe disappointment of these people. If their raison d'etre was to do something for them, they may lose their sense of self.

Blog #9

I already believed most of the subjects discussed in Tuesday's with Morrie, especially the idea that one most form a unique culture of their own and the idea that the current culture is too materialistic. As such, it didn't change my beliefs so much as it reinforced them and actually made me think of applying them. Many people know deep down that material possessions are unimportant compared to relationships, but don't apply them to their life. So many of society's values are corrupt, such as judging a person's worth on how much money they make and not how much they are enjoying life. As such, one must form their own culture or they will lose sight of what is important for happiness.