Peter Skrzynecki †Belonging Essay Example Essay Example

Peter Skrzynecki – Belonging Essay Example Paper Peter Skrzynecki – Belonging Essay Introduction People experience a sense of belonging in varied and complex ways. How is this explored in the text you have studied? People have different experiences of belonging, some of these are positive and others are negative. This concept will be explored through the prescribed text, the poems Immigrant Chronicle by Peter Skrzynecki, the film Looking for Alibrandi directed by Kate Woods and the novel Ten things I hate about me written by Randa Abdel El Fattah. These texts highlight the different aspects of belonging in varied negative and positive ways. In the poem St Patrick’s college by Peter Skrzynecki there are various themes explored however a predominate theme explored is the persona’s sense of disconnection which he feels through his secondary education. He constantly feels detached from his school community, not engaging in any activity or forming relationships. Through the example; ‘Like a foreign tourist uncertain of my destination everytime I got off’ th rough the simile ‘like a foreign tourist’ the persona compares his everyday routine life to a tourist someone unaware of new surroundings. This demonstrates the persona as feeling emotionally and socially detached from society, comparing his world which is his ‘home’ to a place which is foreign to him. This is further depicted through this example; ‘Saw equations never understood/ rubbed of board/voices at the bustop/taking the right hand turn/ out of Edgar Street for good/ prayed one day mother would be pleased’. The listing of images through the use of verbs, saw, rubbed off, voices, taking and prayed suggest the time rapidly passing and emphasises the persona’s lack of connection to place. Peter Skrzynecki – Belonging Essay Body Paragraphs He doesn’t participate in any of these activities accentuating ideas of detachment and restriction of his character even up for his last days any growth of connection. As he states ‘someday’ this demonstrates that the persona is aware he hasn’t fulfilled his mother’s expectation and hopes. No achievements with the college have limited his ability to show his potential to make the most from his opportunity. Therefore, the schooling life of the persona is complex, as he feels he doesn’t belong and during his time he has experienced detachment and continual alienation. Similarly, the idea of complex feelings of belonging and alienation are explored in the film Looking for Alibrandi directed by Kate Woods, this depicts the complexity which Josie faces as she balances living within two worlds, her Ethnic Italian background and contemporary Australian society. The composer has implemented a medium shot of Josie showing her change the music from trad itional Italian to contemporary Australian music as a voiceover informs the audience that ‘I find this embarrassing you think they’d never left Sicily. This might be where I come from but do I really belong here? During this traditional gathering Josie changes traditional and appreciated Italian music to an alternative style which is frowned upon by her family. The voice over suggests that Josie is experiencing feelings of confusion about which culture she actually belongs too, this is demonstrated when her friends come pass and she leaves her gathering to move into a different environment. Her facial expression changes when she hears the beep by her friend, her dull bored face changes to a big smile as she rushes out. She refers to the gathering as ‘NATIONAL WOG DAY’ she uses derogatory language to describe her own cultural heritage. Through these techniques the responder is positioned to understand the division of her worlds, and the complexity which she experiences as she confused. Therefore Josie detaches herself from her cultural heritage as she is unsure where she should belong, as she experiences a negative sense of belonging as a direct consequence of her confusion of worlds. The poem 10 Mary Street by Peter Skrzynecki explores the notion of belonging; he and his family feel a sense of belonging as their home offers security and protection from the outside world. This is a place where the persona feels he belongs as he has been living there for 19 years and he and his family have carried out their everyday obligations. However this place of security is being demolished for industrial reasons, leaving the persona to feel uncertain. He describes his house as ‘The house stands/ in its China – Blue coat –‘through the use of personification of house standing this emphasises the personas sense of security and appreciation for his house. The ‘blue coat’ suggests the warm and vibrant life which t his house has, a sense of welcoming if offered by the use of colour. The persona feels a sense of protection and security which is an important element of belonging. It is evident that the persona is feeling a varied sense of belonging; he feels this through his home as he is able to be himself as he is protected from the alienation of the outside world. A negative aspect of belonging is evident as this area has been gazetted for industry, and his sense of belonging will also disappear. ‘We became citizens of the soil/ inheritors of a key/ that’ll open no house’ the use of ersonification ‘citizens of soil’ which suggests positive image for Australia yet it is contrasted by a negative image. The metaphor of the ‘ inheritors of the key’ should symbolise security however this instead shows a loss of cultural identity, as there sense of belonging will disappear as their home once brought this. Through the use of negative connotations ‘ that ll open no house’ this positions the responder to feel anxious and sadden as the past has gone, and the future seems uncertain as a sense of belonging has been lost and these migrants are left to feel alienated. It is evident that the persona felt positively about belonging through his home has he felt secure and protected however due to this loss he is left feeling alone and is experiencing a negative sense of belonging. A sense of the home being a place where one feels as though they belong is evident in the novel 10 things I hate about me written by Randa Abdel El Fattah which explores the experiences of the main character Jamilah as she seeks to hide her culture and identity in order to avoid being ridiculed by those around her. She aims to hide this from her peers to avoid being ridiculed by changing all about her, her hair colour and eye colour to move from a Muslim Middle Eastern girl to one with no culture. However through this example it is evident that she fee ls she belongs at home, ‘home is like my sanctuary for me. There I’m Jamilah. Not Jamie. I play my darabuka (Lebanese music instrument), eat my Lebanese food and listen to Arabic pop music. Through the use of short sentences it is evident that the character feels relieved when she is home, she is free to be who she really is and to embrace her culture. She feels protection and security at home free from the fear of being exposed and ridiculed for who she is and the culture she is apart of. When she is at home, she feels a sense of belonging, as at school she experiences the negative aspects as she is unable to build relationships with others and entirely be herself. It is evident that people experience different senses of belonging and at home, Jamilah feels a positive sense of belonging as she feels protected from society’s stereotypes about her identity. In the poem Migrant Hostel this shows the migrants during 1949 – 1951 and their treatment by the gove rnment as they were placed within Parkes. Migrants from all parts of the world living in this one place, uncertain of what is to come. The persona states; Nationalities sought each other out instinctively like a homing pigeon’ the simile like a homing pigeon emphasises the insecurity and vulnerability of the migrants as they seek out to people of their culture as they seek to find security and a sense of belonging. The comparison made is a bird that instinct is to fly home. The migrants are trying to belong by soughting each other out trying to make sense of their situation being restricted in one area feeling a sense of confusion and feelings of insecurity and alienation. It is evident that peoples experiences within Parkes varied some had positive and other more negative experiences at the hostel. This idea of confusion is further explored through the following example, to pass in and out of lives/ that had only begun/ or were dying. This gives positive connotations is that Australia is offering a chance to assimilate and embrace a new culture giving the migrants an opportunity to move into Australian society. However the negative connotation explored is dying outlining that whilst embracing a new culture this meant that ones heritage must fade away as a new culture is embraced. This gives a negative tone to the end of the poem as moving into this society migrants left behind their culture to move into this country of opportunity. Therefore it is evident that peoples varied experiences share both positive and negative notions of belonging. Within the novel, 10 things i hate about me, as in high school, the first weeks are about soughting out, students meeting people and figuring where they belong. Jamilah states; ‘Year 7, I’ve hidden the fact that I’m a Lebanese- Muslim to avoid people from assuming I drive planes into buildings as a hobby. Through the use of an analogy comparing driving planes into buildings as a hobby to the imag e of Lebanese- Muslims it shows the persona has sought her nationality before being stereotyped by those around her. The use of the dash signifies her hesitance and pause as she says Muslim, further showing her fear from the perceptions of people and their stereotypes. By changing who she is she has tried to protect herself from the continuing belief that the whole Muslim community engage in acts of terrorism. This positions the responder to understand her confusion about who she is, and her fear of how other may perceive. It is evident that varied and complex notions are associated with belonging. In conclusion, it is evident that through these various texts and experiences by differing characters the composers of each text have continually shown that people experience various senses of belonging through both negative and positive experiences. We will write a custom essay sample on Peter Skrzynecki – Belonging Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Peter Skrzynecki – Belonging Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Peter Skrzynecki – Belonging Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Ethan Frome essays

Ethan Frome essays Naturalism is commonly understood as an extension or intensification of realism. The intensification involves the introduction of characters of a kind... (Baym 1248). The novel Ethan Frome is an example of a naturalist work. Many factors are involved by the author in the structure of the book that relate it to this. The characters, and the deformities they suffer, are one aspect that depict a naturalist work of literature. "Characters from the fringes and lower depths of contemporary society, characters whose fates are the product of degenerate heredity, a sordid environment, and a good deal of bad luck" (Baym 1248). The characters, especially Ethan Frome, experience much bad luck throughout the course of the book. Upon appearance, it was apparent that his body was badly deformed. It often made people who did not know him and his story shocked and left in wonder. There was something bleak and unapproachable in his face; and he was so stiffened and grizzled I took him for an old man (Wharton 4). "The pressures of biology, environment, and other material forces in making people...who they are" (Baym 1249). The same smash-up that left Ethan with a malformed body, also affected Mattie Silver. The other woman was much smaller and slighter. She sat huddled in an arm-chair near the stove...Under her shapeless dress her body kept its limp immobility, and her dark eyes had the bright witch-like stare that disease of the spine sometimes gives (Wharton 118). She is also left deformed after the accident, or the rash and thoughtless decision Mattie and Ethan made to crash their sled. Each characters deformity, in actuality, is a result of or affected by the affair between them. Mattie and Ethan were distorted because of their decision, and Zeena had to deal with her illness while no one cared for her. ...but because they had successfully adapted to changing environmental condit...

How to Write Carnegie Mellon Universitys Essays 2018-19

With its application pool rising to record highs and an acceptance rate that keeps dropping (2017 saw a 10.8% acceptance rate spanning its seven colleges), Carnegie Mellon University is amongst the most selective institutions of higher education in this country. As the university becomes more selective, its supplemental essays provide an increasingly vital opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from the pack. For the 2018-2019 admissions year, CMU has announced that it will be using three entirely new prompts. This is your chance to show them something they’ve never seen before! Below, we’ll go into detailed explanation of what the prompts are asking—with tips, hints, and examples provided to ensure that you stand out. What CMU has done here is take a standard question— why this major —and ask it in a manner that will make you answer it a certain way. While the typical ‘why this major’ prompt gives students the freedom to focus on the past or future (i.e. how you developed an interest or what you plan to do with the major), this version of the question is asking you to focus on the former. A successful execution of this prompt will: 1) elaborate on the path that led you to choose your major and 2) show the adcom why you deserve to pursue this major at their school. The latter doesn’t necessarily need to be explicit. If you can do part one while showing drive, curiosity and all those good things that adcoms love to see, consider part two completed as well. Let’s dive in. There are essentially two methods for completing this prompt. The first is a narrative arc or anecdote. If there’s a moment where you said to yourself â€Å"this is going to be my major,† that could be a great story to tell! Perhaps you were in a robotics competition and after weeks of toiling, your robot finally moves. And that’s when you knew, you knew beyond a shadow of doubt, this was the path you needed to pursue. Here’s what telling that story does. First, it shows tenacity—even after weeks of failure, you didn’t give up. Second, it shows innovation. And third, CMU just happens to be known for offering a robotics major, so even without being explicit, you just told the adcom exactly why you belong at CMU! Stories are a great method for drawing in your reader and creating pathos. The trick, however, is to not get so caught up in the narration that you fill your 300 words without actually saying anything. If you’re going the anecdote route, ask yourself the following questions: Does the story I just told show why I’m passionate about the major I’ve chosen? Have I showed that CMU is the right place for me? Don’t say you want to pursue a major in underwater basket-weaving if CMU doesn’t offer that (just an example, but you get the idea). Do mention, either briefly or implicitly, how CMU would allow you to continue pursuing and developing your passion. If you can honestly answer yes to those questions, then you’re all set! Let’s move on to the second method of answering this prompt. I call it the brag sheet method. You may not be able to fully answer the prompt with just one moment or story. That’s okay! Not everyone has that kind of story to tell. An alternative is to briefly list key moments, progressions, or accomplishments leading up to your decision. Here’s an example: â€Å"From writing short stories as a seven year old to winning my first prose contest in high school, creative writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.† Unlike the narrative arc method, this example is neither a story nor a specific event. Instead, it shows how creative writing has been pivotal to my life for years. Though arguably less compelling than a story, this method has the bonus of demonstrating growth, long-term commitment, and development. Being that CMU is one of the only universities to offer a BA in creative writing, it also shows why I’m applying. This same method will work if you choose to talk about who or what inspired you. However , this comes with a warning. If you choose to talk about a person or work that inspired you, ensure that you don’t only write about said person or work. If the adcom learns more about the Pulitzer prize winner whose work inspired you than they do about you and your work, reassess! Submit your essay and we’ll get back to you with helpful edits. This prompt is a gift. Within the confines of the word limit, the options are endless. This is your chance to show the adcom exactly what makes you so special. But don’t get bogged down by the possibilities! So how do you know what’s worth writing about? Is there something you mentioned on your Common App that you feel the need to elaborate?   This should not be even remotely similar to the subject of your personal statement. Think of your essays as a portfolio; they should be complimentary without being redundant.  Ã‚   For example,   if your passions are science and wildlife, and your personal statement is about wildlife, make this prompt about science. Is there something you haven’t been able to mention anywhere that you’re dying to mention?   Let your personality shine through. Whether your passion of choice is volunteering with animals, taking apart computers, or almost anything else, it can have a place in this prompt. However, it shouldn’t be so random that it doesn’t say anything about you as an applicant. Here’s a good idea: â€Å" I collect postcards from all over the world because I love learning about new cultures.† See how this paints a picture of a student eager to learn and expand their horizons? Now here’s a bad idea: â€Å"I like watching Netflix in my free time.† Does that tell the adcom something that helps them envision a contributing member of the CMU community? Neither of the above? Just write about something you love. If you have a topic that you could talk about for hours, then here’s your place.   Note: this has to be entirely different than your answer for the previous prompt. The scoop : use this as an opportunity to show your personality and your passion. The caveat: don’t get overwhelmed by the possibilities. Narrow in on something pivotal to what makes you you, and make sure it still shows CMU why you’re a fit. The ideal : if you have a story, accomplishment, or passion that shows you possess drive, an entrepreneurial spirit, or a similar embodiment of the CMU spirit, here’s the place to prove it. What not to do: Don’t be redundant. If you’ve already said it in another CMU essay or in your personal statement, don’t say it again. This prompt is clearly one CMU values highly. They give you an additional 50 words, provide an introduction for the prompt, and attach more than one question. Spoiler: they care a lot about your answer. Let’s break down what this prompt is really asking because there are a lot of extra words. The overarching goal for this essay is to prove to CMU that you deserve their â€Å"diverse community of scholars, artists, and innovators.† They’re proud of their network. Why do you deserve to be a part of it? If offered access, what do you have to offer to their collaborative environment? These are all implicit questions, meaning they may not outright ask them, but they secretly want them answered. The only efficient way to ensure you account for all aspects of the prompt is to focus on one instance or example. Whether this is a long-term commitment (the teamwork you’ve encountered while playing football for the last four years) or one specific event (the time your group was falling behind on a school project, so you helped delegate roles to pull everyone together), the idea is the same. But don’t just start listing stuff. Here’s the format your essay should follow (and for clarity’s sake, I’ll continue with the previous example): The challenge : Regardless of whether you’re choosing the long-term or specific instance, your essay will be much stronger if you describe a challenge that had to be overcome. For example, you’ve been assigned to a group for a school project. The deadline is in a week, your group has communicated very little, and everyone seems to be inefficiently doing their own thing. The solution: Solve your challenge using teamwork. Bonus: try to show leadership qualities!   You realize your group needs to work together, so you get everyone together and delegate roles to get things done. With everyone working on a role that caters to their unique talents, the project comes together. The takeaway: What did you learn from the experience?   I learned that communication and teamwork allowed our finished product to be so much stronger than it otherwise would have been. The future: How will you apply the takeaway to the future? Don’t be afraid to make it CMU specific! In fact, this is a great opportunity to throw in a few sentences of ‘why CMU.’ Example:   Ã¢â‚¬Å"CMU is constantly collaborating with leading companies, amongst them Sony and CH Robinson, to create results that would otherwise not be possible. In this environment, I would use my own talent for robotics and seek complimentary talents to push the limits of what I can achieve.† The more specific you can be here, the better. Specific to you and specific to CMU. Be aware that the above scenario is a very generic scenario. You will create a much stronger essay by using this space to share an example specific to you. Whether this is the time you entered a design competition with a group of friends or painted a city mural with your art club, just make sure it’s pretty specific to you! If it’s a situation that can apply to every high schooler in the world, definitely reassess. So, there you have it! At the end of the day, you want your essays to answer the prompts in a way that screams ‘you.’ The more personality and you-ness in the essays, the better. Want help on your Carnegie Mellon application or essays? Learn about our College Apps Program . Want us to quickly edit your college essay? Submit it to our Rapid Review program , and we’ll get it back to you quickly with comments from our expert team.

Personal Income Tax and Revenue Forecasting Assignment - 1

Personal Income Tax and Revenue Forecasting - Assignment Example The lower tax rates are expected to stimulate economic activity and to encourage business to move from the shadow to the official (taxpaying) economy, so some of the revenue loss will ultimately be recovered. The Ministry of Finance forecasts collections of 7,789,000 markka (MK) for 2001. Data on tax collections are reported on the following page. Based on the information provided, the ministry definitely needs to revise its 2001 forecast. This is because the pace of tax revenue being collected is not coinciding with its revenue forecasting, which is 7.8 million markka. Basically, at its best point, the tax revenue averaged about 1.2 million markka, at the end of 1999 and 2000. However, the data in 2001 shows a significant drop compared with the past three previous years when tax revenues were compared. This means that it will probably take about 20 more years or so until tax revenue reaches 7.8 million markka, because if it took 3 years to get to 1.2 million in revenue—one multiples 3 by 7 and one gets the number of approximately 21 years to create that amount of revenue. Of course, revenue could increase exponentially in years to come, thus making the target goal of 21 years achieved in a faster time period. However, the important point to remember is that there are several factors that go into how such data is arrived at in the first place. So, supposing that Vardar’s markka strengthens as time goes on and that more people are able to pay taxes due to the economy being stimulated and people being freed up to make more money—it is entirely possible that the economy will grow significantly before the 21-year window of economic growth is due. It depends on if people can get the jobs to provide for their families and support the economy. What factors might influence the patterns seen in the data include a variety of things. In former Soviet

Accounting Terms and Concepts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Accounting Terms and Concepts - Essay Example Owner’s equity can therefore be determined by subtracting the value of all liabilities from assets’ value as shown in the following equation (Warren, Reeve and Duchac, 2011a). Communication of economic information to relevant stakeholders is one of the roles of accounting systems that ensure accurate data on an institution’s financial activities. Accounting systems also establishes frameworks for developing and managing organizational culture and interpersonal relations among an organization’s stakeholders. The systems achieve these through outlining values and standards for practice (Macintosh and Quattrone, 2010). Development of complex Information Technology systems has improved accounting work through computerized accounting and analytics for financial analysis. The technology has simplified the accounting process and improved accuracy through its electronic applications. Advanced Information Technology has also improved time efficiencies and ensures updated information for managerial functions (Warren, Reeve and Duchac, 2011b). Integrating accounting systems with systems of other departments in an enterprise is necessary because of its associated advantages to both accounting personnel and other users of financial information from other departments such as line managers and top managements. The involved data interoperability avails information to all internal stakeholders and therefore eliminates complete reliance on financial accountants for information, a factor that facilitates timely decisions in other departments. Integrating accounting systems also relieves accountants of the communication role and promotes their efficiency in consultancy services to other users of financial information. Further, integrated systems facilitate faster transfer of financial updates to all departments for informed decisions and actions (Maher, Stickney and Weil,

Communication Problems in the Workplace Essay -- Personal Narratives C

Communication Problems in the Workplace I work at Geneva Ace Hardware. My most important job, among my many duties, is to help customers. Usually everything goes ok, but there are always a few customers that can be hard to deal with. I’ve had to deal with Mexicans who can barely speak English. I’ve had to deal with Mexicans who use their 5 year old children/grandchildren as translators. I once had to deal with a Canadian couple whose accent was so rich; I would have about a 30 second delayed response to try to convert their English into my English. Then there are the people who just won’t accept my help because I’m only a kid. None of these people compare to the dude that was deaf. About a month ago I was standing in the main aisle of Ace chatting with Lambert, one of my coworkers. As we were talking, I noticed a guy approaching us. When I looked over my shoulder, I saw him stare right into my eyes, so I knew he needed some help. This was a big guy. He must have been 5’10† and 350 pounds, but it wasn’t exactly like he was fat. He was the kind of guy that had a lot of muscle, and then he had a layer of fat over that. This dude’s forearms were bigger than my lower legs. He had short, brown hair with a receding hairline. He had on work clothes, and he was sporting a big pair of wire-rimed glasses. These are the kind of glasses my grandpa would wear. This guy was probably in his late 40’s, but his karma made him appear much older. Anyway, as he’s approaching, I asked him if...

Stefan’s Diaries: Origins Chapter 29

When I next opened my eyes, I knew I was dead. But this death wasn't the death of my nightmares, with black nothingness all around. Instead, I could smell the faraway scent of a fire, feel rough earth beneath my body, could feel my hands resting by my sides. I didn't feel pain. I didn't feel anything. The blackness enveloped me in a way that was almost comforting. Was this what hell was? If so, it was nothing like the horror and mayhem of last night. It was quiet, peaceful. I tentatively moved my arm, surprised when my hand touched straw. I pushed myself up to a sitting position, surprised that I still had a body, surprised that nothing hurt. I looked around and realized that I wasn't suspended in nothingness. To my left were the rough-hewn slats of a wall of a dark shack. If I squinted, I could see sky between the cracks. I was somewhere, but where? My hand fluttered to my chest. I remembered the shot ringing out, the sound of my body thudding to the ground, the way I was prodded with boots and sticks. The way my heart had stopped beating and there had been a cheer that rose up before everything was quiet. I was dead. So then †¦ â€Å"Hello?† I called hoarsely. â€Å"Stefan,† a woman's voice said. I felt a hand behind my back. I realized I was wearing a simple, faded, blue cotton shirt and tan linen pants, clothes I didn't recognize as my own. And though they were old, they were clean. I struggled to stand, but the small, yet surprisingly strong, hand held me down by my shoulder. â€Å"Y ou've had a long night.† I blinked, and as my eyes adjusted to the light, I realized that the voice belonged to Emily. â€Å"Y ou're alive,† I said in wonderment. She laughed, a low, lazy chuckle. â€Å"I should be saying that to you. How are you feeling?† she asked, bringing a tin cup of water to my lips. I drank, allowing the cool liquid to trickle down my throat. I'd never tasted anything so pure, so good. I touched my neck where Katherine had bit me. It felt clean and smooth. I hastily yanked the shirt open, popping several buttons in the process. My chest was smooth, no hint of a bullet wound. â€Å"Keep drinking,† Emily clucked in a way a mother might do to her child. â€Å"Damon?† I asked roughly. â€Å"He's out there.† Emily pointed her chin to the door. I followed her gaze outside, where I saw a shadowy figure sitting by the water's edge. â€Å"He's recovering, just as you are.† â€Å"But how †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Notice your ring.† Emily tapped my hand. On my ring finger was a gleaming lapis-lazuli stone, inset in silver. â€Å"It's a remedy and a protection. inset in silver. â€Å"It's a remedy and a protection. Katherine had me make it for you the night she marked you.† â€Å"Marked me,† I repeated dumbly, once again touching my neck, then allowing my fingers to drop to the smooth stone of the ring. â€Å"Marked you to be like her. Y ou're almost a vampire, Stefan. Y ou're well into the transformation,† Emily said, as if she were a doctor diagnosing a patient with a terminal illness. I nodded as if I understood what Emily was saying, even though it might as well have been a completely different language. Transformation? â€Å"Who found me?† I asked, starting with the question I cared least about. â€Å"I did. After the shots were fired on you and your brother, everyone ran. The house burned down. People died. Not just vampires.† Emily shook her head, her face deeply troubled. â€Å"They brought all the vampires to the church and burned them there. Including her,† Emily said, her tone impossible to comprehend. â€Å"Did she make me a vampire, then?† I asked, touching my neck. â€Å"Y But in order to complete the transition, es. you must feed. It's a choice you have to make. Katherine had the power of destruction and death, but even she had to allow her victims that choice.† â€Å"She killed Rosalyn.† I knew it in the same way I'd known Damon loved Katherine. It was as if a cloud had lifted, only to reveal more blackness. â€Å"She did,† Emily said, her face inscrutable. â€Å"But that has nothing to do with what happens. If you choose, you can feed and complete the transition, or let yourself †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Die?† Emily nodded. I didn't want to feed. I didn't want Katherine's blood inside me. All I wanted was to go back several months, before I'd ever heard the name Katherine Pierce. My heart twisted in agony for all I'd lost. But there was someone who'd lost more. As if she'd read my mind, Emily helped me to my feet. She was tiny, but strong. I stood up and shakily walked outside. â€Å"Brother!† I called. Damon turned, his eyes shining. The water reflected the rising sun, and smoke billowed through the trees in the distance. But the clearing was eerily quiet and peaceful, harkening back to an earlier, simpler time. Damon didn't answer. And before I even realized what I was doing, I walked to the edge of the water. Without bothering to take off my clothes, I dove in. I came up for air and breathed out, but my mind still felt dark and dirty. Damon stared down at me from the water's edge. â€Å"The church burned. Katherine was inside,† he said tonelessly. â€Å"Y I didn't feel satisfaction or sadness. I just es.† felt deep, deep sorrow. For myself, for Damon, for felt deep, deep sorrow. For myself, for Damon, for Rosalyn, for everyone who'd gotten caught in this web of destruction. Father had been right. There were demons who walked the earth, and if you didn't fight them, then you became one. â€Å"Do you know what we are?† Damon asked bitterly. We locked eyes, and instantly I realized that I didn't want to live like Katherine. I didn't want to see the sunlight only with the aid of the ring on my finger. I didn't want to always gaze at a human's neck as if contemplating my next feeding. I didn't want to live forever. I ducked down under the surface of the water and opened my eyes. The pond was dark and cool, just like the shack. If this was what death was, it wasn't bad. It was peaceful. Quiet. There was no passion, but also no danger. I surfaced and pushed my hair off my face, my borrowed clothes hanging off my soaked limbs. Even though I knew what my fate was, I felt remarkably alive. â€Å"Then I'll die.† Damon nodded, his eyes dull and listless. â€Å"There's no life without Katherine.† I climbed out of the water and hugged my brother. His body felt warm, real. Damon briefly returned my embrace, then hugged his knees again, his gaze fixed on a spot far away from the water's edge. â€Å"I want it done,† Damon said, standing up and walking farther away toward the quarry. I watched his retreating back, remembering the time when I was eight or nine that my father and I had gone buck hunting. It was right after my mother had died, and while Damon had immersed himself in schoolboy antics like gambling and riding horses, I'd clung to my father. One day, to cheer me up, Father took me to the woods with our rifles. We'd spent over an hour tracking a buck. Father and I headed deeper and deeper into the forest, watching the animal's every move. Finally, we were in a spot where we saw the buck bowing down, eating from a berry bush. â€Å"Shoot,† Father murmured, guiding my rifle over my shoulder. I trembled as I kept my eye on the deer and reached for the trigger. But at the moment I released the trigger, a baby deer scampered into the field. The buck sprinted away, and the bullet hit the fawn in the belly. Its wobbly legs crumpled beneath it, and it fell to the ground. I'd run to try to help it, but Father had stopped me, holding on to my shoulder. â€Å"Animals know when it's time to die. Let's at least allow it the peace to do it alone,† Father said, forcibly marching me away. I'd wailed, but he was relentless. Now, watching Damon, I understood. Damon was the same way. â€Å"Good-bye, brother,† I whispered.