a friend in disguise essay

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A Friend in Disguise

Posted June 05, 2018
Author Karen La Forge
Category In the News

Growing up in Farmville, VA, an area where education was stalled to combat integration in public schools during Massive Resistance , John, a 72-year-old African American male, reads at a 3rd-grade level. Although he cannot change the actions of the past, John is determined not to become a victim of the misfortunes he faced growing up. On his 60th birthday, John decided he would like to obtain his GED. After joining a tutoring session, John met a gentleman who at first glance he thought came from a different walk of life. The gentleman was around John’s age, but he was white and from a surrounding county. They sat in tutoring sessions for weeks never once speaking to each other. It wasn’t until they were given the assignment to pick a book to read that they acknowledged each other. They both selected the same book and were asked to read it together. John had his reservations. He knew why his education had stalled but couldn’t figure out why his classmate’s reading level was the same as his. In reading their chosen book, they found out they had much in common. They both enjoyed baseball, recognized the importance of the church and family, and that they both were proud of being hardworking men. But more importantly, they found that they were both impacted by the decisions of Massive Resistance. John never realized that there were white students who also had to deal with low education levels because they could not afford to attend private schools. Today John and who he found to be an unlikely friend remain in close contact. As we celebrate National Best Friend Day, this story is great example of books can unite people from all walks of life – even when they seem to have nothing in common. * Massive Resistance was a policy declared by U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr. of Virginia to unite other white politicians and leaders in Virginia in a campaign of new state laws and policies to prevent public school desegregation, particularly after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision in 1954.

“We must always remember that peace is a fragile thing that needs constant vigilance.”
National Flag Day

Karen La Forge

Karen is READ's Executive Director.

The READ Center

Address 5211 W. Broad Street, Ste 102 | Richmond, VA 23230

Email [email protected]

Telephone (804) 288-9930

Website http://readcenter.org

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“[The READ Center] has helped me pronounce words and to seek out other words that I might not have tried to use. I thank the tutors for their patience and willingness to help with a glad heart. It means a lot to me, being a student.”

“I volunteer because reading has been a blessing in my life, and I enjoy sharing my passion with others who hope to feel the same comfort and joy with books. Volunteers feel that we receive more than we give.”

“I am glad that I came to The READ Center because it has changed my life completely and it has been a joy to learn and I am going to continue to learn as much as I can. It’s been kind of hard working a full-time job and coming to The READ Center, but I’m not going to quit!”

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My best friend in disguise.

We’re too different to ever be best friends.

Growing up, I never believed them. Every time I heard that you and I would be best friends, we’d both walk away rolling our eyes with doubt. I can guarantee you always added a “that will never happen”, too.

We fight a lot. About everything; what you can and can not borrow, what time to leave for school, what do we want for dinner, if it's your turn or mine to do the dishes, and so on. Most of them are caused just because you're just trying to prove a point that I can't get everything that I want or that the world doesn't revolve around me. Anything that can be an argument, we make it one.

You and I are so different. We butt heads and never see each other's side. I'm reckless and carefree, sometimes selfish and stuck up. You're a natural caretaker and always worrying about everyone's problems. You'll worry about a spider's feelings as I'm about to squish it. I'm loud, and yes I will admit it, enjoy being the center of attention. You're quiet and keep everything bottled up.

But I was wrong.

I wouldn't be who I am today if you weren't the person you are. I'd be more selfish and conceited. I wouldn't care as much or love as deeply. I would never put other people first. Watching you, I notice that you're selfless. You love the way Mom loves and you always put other people first. You're hard working and independent. You're strong and tough. Being different makes us argue more, but I watch you and hope to be more like you one day.

Once, Mom made this new dish for dinner. She was so proud of it that we couldn't break her heart and tell her it was horrible. From across the table, we looked at each other, smirked, and chugged a whole gallon of milk trying to finish it. We even told her it was really delicious. (Our mistake because she made it again!) Without saying a word, you always know what I'm thinking. You'll burst out laughing and swear we were supposed to be twins. We would annoy everyone else in the room because they would have no clue what's going on. The best memories I have from life are with you, just laughing.

We’re still not perfect. You still get moody at me for eating your Cinnamon Toast Crunch or you'll raise your eyebrow at me when you see that I'm wearing your sweater without asking. I still get mad when your OCD kicks in and it takes you 3 hours to do something, like pick out a Christmas Tree.

Despite all that, I love you more than you'll ever know; more than I can ever express.

We fight, we laugh, we cry, we love.

Thank you for being my best friend in disguise.

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25 beatles lyrics: your go-to guide for every situation, the best lines from the fab four.

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The End- Abbey Road, 1969

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Dear Prudence- The White Album, 1968

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

Because- Abbey Road, 1969

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

All You Need Is Love, 1967

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

We Can Work It Out- Rubber Soul, 1965

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Come Together- Abbey Road, 1969

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

I Wanna Hold Your Hand- Meet The Beatles!, 1964

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-1967

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Strawberry Fields Forever- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Rain- Paperback Writer "B" side, 1966

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

Here Comes The Sun- Abbey Road, 1969

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

Saw Her Standing There- Please Please Me, 1963

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

Michelle- Rubber Soul, 1965

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

Revolution- The Beatles, 1968

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Eleanor Rigby- Revolver, 1966

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

With A Little Help From My Friends- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Hey Jude, 1968

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday- Help!, 1965

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

Let It Be- Let It Be, 1970

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all i got to give if you say you'll love me too. i may not have a lot to give but what i got i'll give to you. i don't care too much for money. money can't buy me love.

Can't Buy Me Love- A Hard Day's Night, 1964

All you need is love, love is all you need

All You Need Is Love- Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Blackbird- The White Album, 1968

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

In My Life- Rubber Soul, 1965

While these are my 25 favorites, there are quite literally 1000s that could have been included. The Beatles' body of work is massive and there is something for everyone. If you have been living under a rock and haven't discovered the Fab Four, you have to get musically educated. Stream them on Spotify, find them on iTunes or even buy a CD or record (Yes, those still exist!). I would suggest starting with 1, which is a collection of most of their #1 songs, or the 1968 White Album. Give them chance and you'll never look back.

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower..

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

1. "Haunt" your friends.

Follow them into their house and cause a ruckus.

2. Sneak into movie theaters.

Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health , says science

Considering that the monthly cost of subscribing to a media-streaming service like Netflix is oft...

Free movies...what else to I have to say?

3. Sneak into the pantry and grab a snack without judgment.

Late night snacks all you want? Duh.

4. Reenact "Hollow Man" and play Kevin Bacon.

America's favorite son? And feel what it's like to be in a MTV Movie Award nominated film? Sign me up.

5. Wear a mask and pretend to be a floating head.

Just another way to spook your friends in case you wanted to.

6. Hold objects so they'll "float."

"Oh no! A floating jar of peanut butter."

7. Win every game of hide-and-seek.

Just stand out in the open and you'll win.

8. Eat some food as people will watch it disappear.

Even everyday activities can be funny.

9. Go around pantsing your friends.

Even pranks can be done; not everything can be good.

10. Not have perfect attendance.

You'll say here, but they won't see you...

11. Avoid anyone you don't want to see.

Whether it's an ex or someone you hate, just use your invisibility to slip out of the situation.

12. Avoid responsibilities.

Chores? Invisible. People asking about social life? Invisible. Family being rude? Boom, invisible.

13. Be an expert on ding-dong-ditch.

Never get caught and have the adrenaline rush? I'm down.

14. Brag about being invisible.

Be the envy of the town.

But don't, I repeat, don't go in a locker room. Don't be a pervert with your power. No one likes a Peeping Tom.

Good luck, folks.

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble .

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

Top Creators

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19 People On Their Life’s Biggest Blessing In Disguise That They’re Now Actually Thankful For

https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=566057

1. “My surgeries. It was an awful time and made me suffer a lot, but I learned to see the good in everyone because everyone has their struggles. I learned life is about how are you after bad things, not before.” — Caleb, 24

2. “Losing my job at one place, which led me to another. This has happened twice now! When one door closes, another one really does open!” – Melissa, 31

3. “Having quite possibly the worst job ever. It was downright laughable how bad it was. But I needed it; anything less than outright torture and I would’ve stayed in a field that was wrong for me. However, since it was absolutely torture, I finally had enough and quit, and found a career field that I absolutely love.” – Abigail, 24

4. “Finding out you’re pregnant! HUGE blessing in disguise!” – Jeannie, 40

5. “Tearing my ACL. I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy, but it made me a better person. I didn’t have support from my high school teammates, and the recovery was hell. I had to grow a lot as a person; I learned how important it was to be caring towards people who are going through a hard time and to reach out to people who are starting to seclude themselves. I wouldn’t have gone to my college if I didn’t have my sport and I wouldn’t have met some of the most important people of my life.” – Molly, 22

6. “A really crappy group of friends that led me into some seriously “not so proud” moments, led me to my future husband who has pulled me out of some of the darkest emotions I have ever experienced.” – Grace, 24

7. “Getting dumped was the worst thing ever at the time, and some days I’m still upset over it. But I look back at all the awesome things I’ve done since, and you just know it was for the very best!” – Ash, 26

8. “A blessing in disguise for me was my stay in a psychiatric unit. After seeing the struggles of some of the people there because of drug use, it allowed me to empathize with my older brother whose a heroine addict. It helped me forgive him for what he did to my family and how he treated my mom. The resentment I had towards him had been such a big weight on my shoulders, but through that experience it was lifted.” – Mike, 21

9. “Not having a long term relationship in my 20s.” – Christina, 28

10. “My uncle was suppose to be in the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 for a job interview, but he didn’t get the call back. He was so upset he didn’t get the job, but it was definitely a blessing in disguise.” – Anna, 21

11. “Having my husband let go from the business we were supposed to take over together. That city was toxic. We would have been stuck there and we’ve had nothing but success since we left.” – Molly, 30

12. “Probably my two knee surgeries. They taught me to never take anything for granted.” – Kyle, 23

13. “My wife and I bought a duplex right after we married and the lady we we’re renting to moved. We thought we were going to have to sell the house because we couldn’t afford it anymore, but two days before we were going to sell someone rented the upstairs and they turned into almost a second mom for our daughters. The lady who moved out also suffered a back injury 3 weeks later and according to state law if you have a back injury you don’t have to pay rent.” – Don, 47

14. “Hands down having my daughter. I never ever wanted kids, like I DID NOT WANT THEM. When I found out I was pregnant I wanted to jump off a cliff. Newly married in the military, there were places I wanted to see without being “tied down” to a baby. The moment I had her, my life completely changed. I am the best version of myself I could possibly be. She makes me so fulfilled.” – Shelby, 25

15. “After failing many times to find a job when I was in Colorado I came back home and within a week I found a job that I love and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” – Alex, 24

16. “Getting dumped by the man I wanted to marry.” – Sara, 27

17. “I turned down promotion outside of my home state a few years ago. Place was a gold mine at the time, but now not so much. I wouldn’t be in the peak state I’m in now, met the people I have now, among other things, had I taken it. Listen to your heart and follow it. Always.” – Shane, 33

18. “A career ending injury in gymnastics, leading to a blessing-filled career in track!” – Tabitha, 23

About the author

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Disguise: Does It Reveal More than It Hides? Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

One of the things that make human life intriguing and to some extent captivating is the diversity and variation exhibited by various people as a result of their differing cultures, personalities and physical appearance. However, there are areas in life where being different may lead to some form of discrimination and therefore, disguising yourself to fit in with the rest presents the best chance for coexisting harmoniously with other community members.

I have at various times in my life been forced to disguise myself so as to fit into a group. In this essay, I shall examine one such instance and articulate the advantages and disadvantages that spring from disguising myself. This will help me identify if a disguise does indeed reveal more than in hides.

I have always viewed myself as a fashion conscious person and my taste in clothes and music attests to this. However, I am afraid of revealing my true personality; afraid to appear special by dressing up in a manner that is different from the other girls. I therefore wear the trendiest t-shirt and jeans or slacks and loafers in conformity with what my peers do.

If I were to be true to my nature, I would dress up in fashionable dresses and shoes. However, dressing up like this would definitely make me stand out from the crowd hence having me labeled as a snob or even worse, being shunned by my classmates and friends. Therefore, if only for these reasons, I conform to the dress code of my peers.

My disguise presents me with a number of advantages. The most significant benefit to me is that I avoid being stigmatized or bullied by my peers. This saves me from the rude remarks that I could be subjected to as a result of being different. As such, my emotional well being is guaranteed as I do not spend time defending who I am or dealing with the verbal insults from my peers. While this conditional acceptance by my friends is not ideal, I appreciate it as I have witnessed the effects that outright rejection by one’s peers can have on a girl.

Despite the advantages that my disguise presents, I sometimes feel like a fraud for conforming to the standards of others. Having being brought up in a family where standing up for my beliefs is important, I feel like a failure for not being able do stand up for what I believe in. The effort that I have to put in as I pretend to actually enjoy the dressing code of my friends is also a lot and sometimes not worth the compensation that I receive in the form of my peer’s acceptance and association

While my disguise does serve the primary objective of making me appear to fit in with the other girls, I sometimes get the feeling that my peers are not taken in by my pretense. While I can change my clothes, I can never get to change my attitude to the clothes that I am forced to wear.

As such I end up despising the clothes and I cannot bring myself to show the enthusiasm that my peers have when we go for shopping. This has resulted in my peers viewing me with suspicion as they suspect that this is not who I am. My disguise therefore does not fully work since a close look will reveal clearly that I am not what I pretend to be.

In this essay, I set out to give a scenario where I disguise whom I am so as to fit in with other society member. I have outlined the advantages that my attempts at fitting in present me with and the disadvantages from the same. From the discussion presented, it is clear that the disguise works but only to some extent. In my case, my disguise does hide more than it reveals but only to the casual observer. A keen observer will see more about me than if I did not bother to disguise myself in the first place.

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IvyPanda. (2018, May 9). Disguise: Does It Reveal More than It Hides? https://ivypanda.com/essays/my-disguise/

"Disguise: Does It Reveal More than It Hides?" IvyPanda , 9 May 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/my-disguise/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Disguise: Does It Reveal More than It Hides'. 9 May.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Disguise: Does It Reveal More than It Hides?" May 9, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/my-disguise/.

1. IvyPanda . "Disguise: Does It Reveal More than It Hides?" May 9, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/my-disguise/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Disguise: Does It Reveal More than It Hides?" May 9, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/my-disguise/.

A Blessing in Disguise: Embracing Life’s Unexpected Gifts

by English Plus | Jul 26, 2023 | Word Power

Introduction

Delve into the depths of the popular expression ‘A Blessing in Disguise,’ as we navigate through its practical implications in our daily lives. Learn how this simple phrase can illuminate unexpected positive outcomes from seemingly negative circumstances.

Audio Episode

Interactive transcript, episode transcript.

In the diverse landscape of the English language, there are expressions that resonate profoundly with our human experience. They mirror our stories, our triumphs, our trials, and shape our understanding of the world. One such phrase that holds a special place in our hearts and language is “A Blessing in Disguise.”

This is your host, Danny and this is English Plus Podcast.

The phrase ‘A Blessing in Disguise’ conveys a simple yet profound truth about life. It suggests that a seemingly adverse or unfavorable situation may lead to unexpected, beneficial outcomes. In other words, something that initially appears to be a problem or a setback could eventually turn out to be beneficial or advantageous.

While the phrase itself paints a vivid picture, its real essence is beautifully captured when we examine it in the context of our lives. Let’s ponder over some real-life anecdotes that illustrate this power of perspective.

Let me share with you the story of Emily, a brilliant software engineer. Emily had been working at a prestigious tech company for several years when suddenly, she was laid off due to company-wide budget cuts. It was a tough time for her. She felt lost, disappointed, and anxious about the future. But, as time passed, Emily began to use this period as an opportunity for self-improvement and exploration. She took up courses, expanded her skill set, and began freelancing. Soon, she found that she enjoyed the flexibility and diversity that freelancing offered. It gave her the time to pursue her hobbies and spend more time with her family. What initially seemed like a significant setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Here’s another one. Richard was preparing for a marathon. He had been training intensively for months, and he was all set to compete. However, a week before the event, he sprained his ankle and had to withdraw from the race. He was deeply disappointed. But during his recovery, Richard discovered yoga. He found that not only did it help his healing process, but it also improved his overall stamina and mental focus. Richard started incorporating yoga into his training regimen and went on to perform better in his subsequent races than he ever had before. The injury, which at first seemed like a terrible misfortune, proved to be a blessing in disguise.

As Emily’s and Richard’s stories suggest, the concept of a ‘Blessing in Disguise’ is all about perspective. It invites us to shift our focus from the immediate disappointment or setback to the potential benefits that might lie ahead. It’s about recognizing that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond.

Now, this is not to say that every hardship is easy to overcome, or that every challenge comes with an obvious silver lining. Life is complex, and it throws us curveballs that can be tough to handle. But ‘A Blessing in Disguise’ isn’t about denying these difficulties. It’s about cultivating resilience and adaptability. It’s about learning to look beyond the present moment and stay open to possibilities.

Moreover, it’s about understanding that growth often comes from uncomfortable places. It is during our hardest times that we build our strengths, discover our capabilities, and learn valuable life lessons. The phrase is a reminder that sometimes, what we perceive as a stumbling block is actually a stepping stone to something better.

“A Blessing in Disguise” also encourages us to embrace uncertainty. It reassures us that not knowing what’s around the corner isn’t necessarily a bad thing. After all, life is an unpredictable journey, filled with surprising twists and turns. It is in navigating these unexpected paths that we often stumble upon our most profound blessings.

So, what does this mean for us in practical terms? How can we incorporate this perspective into our everyday lives? It starts with acceptance – acknowledging that disappointments and setbacks are a part of life. Then comes resilience, the ability to pick ourselves up and keep moving forward. And finally, it’s about maintaining an open mind – staying receptive to the lessons we can learn and the opportunities that might emerge.

In essence, ‘A Blessing in Disguise’ is more than just a phrase; it’s a life philosophy. It reminds us that the clouds of disappointment often have a silver lining and that even in the face of adversity, we can find opportunities for growth and happiness. It invites us to embrace the unexpected, cultivate resilience, and celebrate the unpredictable beauty of life.

So, next time you face a setback, remember the phrase ‘A Blessing in Disguise.’ Let it offer you comfort, hope, and the strength to look beyond the present moment. After all, who knows? What seems like a problem today might just turn out to be your biggest blessing tomorrow. And that, my dear friends, is the true power of ‘A Blessing in Disguise.’ It teaches us to cherish the journey, with all its ups and downs, and always keep an eye out for the hidden blessings along the way.

Thank you for joining us on another enriching episode of English Plus Podcast. If this episode resonated with you or enriched your passion for the English language, please don’t hesitate to follow us on your preferred podcast platform.

We highly value your feedback. Your ratings and reviews not only help us refine our content, but they also allow us to connect with more language enthusiasts worldwide, amplifying our shared love for words.

For those eager to delve deeper and unlock exclusive access to our special audio series and bonus episodes, consider becoming a patron on Patreon. By doing so, you’re not just supporting our work but also opening up a treasure trove of knowledge just waiting to be explored.

Once again, I’m your host, Danny, grateful for your time and participation. Until we meet again in the next episode, remember, learning is a journey, and we’re glad to be a part of yours. Signing off for now, see you next time on English Plus Podcast!

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. » Idioms » A Blessing in Disguise

A Blessing in Disguise: Meaning, Examples and Sentences

Elaboration and examples:.

The idiom “A Blessing in Disguise” refers to a situation that seems unfortunate or undesirable at first, but eventually leads to a positive outcome. It suggests that sometimes things that appear to be negative or harmful may actually turn out to be beneficial in the long run. In other words, what initially appears to be a setback or misfortune may ultimately bring about positive changes or opportunities that one may not have anticipated.

For example, imagine a person who loses their job. At first, they may feel devastated and worried about their future. However, this situation may ultimately lead to new opportunities that they may not have explored otherwise, such as starting their own business or pursuing a different career path. In this case, losing their job was a blessing in disguise, as it opened up new doors for them that they might not have considered otherwise.

Similarly, a person may fall ill and be forced to take time off from work, which may seem like a negative situation. However, during their recovery, they may discover new hobbies or passions that they may not have had time for before. They may also develop a greater appreciation for their health and well-being. In this case, the illness may have been a blessing in disguise, as it provided the person with an opportunity to reflect, rest and reevaluate their priorities.

Overall, the idiom “A Blessing in Disguise” suggests that one should try to look for the positive aspects in seemingly negative situations. It reminds us that even in difficult times, there may be unexpected benefits or opportunities that can arise, and that a setback or challenge may ultimately lead to personal growth or success.

Sentences on “A Blessing in Disguise”

I was sad when my friend moved away, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I made new friends.

When my parents wouldn’t let me have a cookie before dinner, I thought it was unfair, but I realized it was a blessing in disguise because I had room for dessert.

I was nervous about trying out for the basketball team, but when I didn’t make it, it was a blessing in disguise because I found out I’m really good at soccer.

I was upset when it rained on my birthday, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise because we had an indoor party with games and pizza.

When my little brother broke my toy, I was mad, but it was a blessing in disguise because I got a new and better toy.

I didn’t want to go to summer school, but it was a blessing in disguise because I learned a lot and got ahead in math.

I was disappointed when my favorite TV show was canceled, but it was a blessing in disguise because I started reading more books.

When I got a bad grade on my test, I was sad, but it was a blessing in disguise because it motivated me to study harder for the next one.

I was scared to start at a new school, but it was a blessing in disguise because I made new friends and learned new things.

I was bummed when I didn’t get the part I wanted in the school play, but it was a blessing in disguise because I got to help with the costumes and had fun backstage.

I was really upset when I didn’t make the school soccer team, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise because I discovered my passion for cross country running.

When my phone broke, I was devastated, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I spent less time on my phone and more time doing other things.

I was disappointed when my family couldn’t afford to go on vacation, but it was a blessing in disguise because we had a staycation and explored our own city.

I was nervous about starting high school, but it was a blessing in disguise because I met new friends and discovered new interests.

I was angry when I didn’t get the lead role in the school play, but it was a blessing in disguise because I got to work behind the scenes and learn about stagecraft.

I was upset when my best friend moved away, but it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me the opportunity to make new friends and broaden my horizons.

When I was forced to give up my favorite hobby due to an injury, I was upset, but it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me the chance to explore new hobbies and interests.

I was upset when I didn’t get into the advanced science class, but it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me more time to focus on my other interests and activities.

I was sad when my summer internship was canceled due to COVID-19, but it was a blessing in disguise because I found an online program that allowed me to learn new skills from home.

When my parents couldn’t afford to buy me a new laptop, I was disappointed, but it was a blessing in disguise because I learned how to make the most out of the resources I had and became more creative in my work.

When I didn’t get accepted to my dream college, I was heartbroken, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I found a school that was a better fit for me.

I was devastated when my long-term relationship ended, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise because it gave me the opportunity to focus on myself and my own goals.

I was disappointed when I didn’t get the lead role in the school musical, but it was a blessing in disguise because I got to work on my vocal range and learn more about harmonizing with others.

I was upset when I lost my part-time job, but it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me more time to focus on my school work and extracurricular activities.

When I didn’t make the varsity basketball team, I was upset, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I discovered a love for dance and joined the school’s dance team instead.

I was frustrated when I didn’t get accepted to the art program I applied to, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise because I took a different path and developed my own unique style.

I was upset when my family had to move to a new state, but it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me the chance to experience new cultures and meet new people.

I was disappointed when I didn’t get a high score on my SATs, but it was a blessing in disguise because it motivated me to study harder and develop better test-taking strategies.

When I didn’t get into the summer program I applied to, I was upset, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I had more time to work on my personal projects and pursue my own interests.

I was sad when my best friend moved away, but it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me the opportunity to make new friends and expand my social circle.

Losing my job was tough, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it gave me the push I needed to start my own business.

Going through a difficult divorce was hard, but it was a blessing in disguise because it allowed me to find true love and happiness with someone else.

When my car broke down, I was frustrated, but it was a blessing in disguise because it led me to discover the benefits of biking to work and living a healthier lifestyle.

Having my flight cancelled was inconvenient, but it was a blessing in disguise because I ended up meeting someone special while waiting for the next flight.

Being rejected from a graduate program was disappointing, but it was a blessing in disguise because it allowed me to gain more experience in my field and ultimately led to a better job opportunity.

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness was scary, but it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me a new perspective on life and allowed me to appreciate the little things.

Getting passed over for a promotion was frustrating, but it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me the chance to pursue other interests and ultimately find a more fulfilling career path.

Having a long commute to work was exhausting, but it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me the opportunity to listen to audio books and learn new things during my daily drive.

Breaking my ankle was painful, but it was a blessing in disguise because it gave me an excuse to slow down and take a break from my busy life.

When my flight was delayed, I was annoyed, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I was able to catch up on work and have some much-needed alone time.

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Justin Morgan

A Fiend in Disguise in Joyce Carol Oates’ "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been"

Categories: Fiction

About this sample

Words: 1714 |

Published: Oct 26, 2018

Words: 1714 | Pages: 4 | 9 min read

Works Cited

Oates, Joyce Carol. "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" The Art of the Short Story. New York: Pearson Longman, 2006. 664-676.
"What Are the Seven Deadly Sins?" Bibleinfo.com . N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
Oates, Joyce Carol. "Humanism and Its Discontents by Joyce Carol Oates.” Humanism and Its Discontents by Joyce Carol Oates . Humanist, 27 Nov. 2007. Web. 01 May 2016.
Courtrights, Nick. "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been (Analysis & Interpretation)." Online video clip. YouTube . YouTube, 18 June 2013. Web. 01 May 2016
The Holy Bible: New International Version . Colorado Springs, CO: Biblica, 2011. Print.

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A Blessing in Disguise – Idiom, Meaning & Origin

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

It’s been almost fifteen years since my corporate job in Interior Design went south as the firm closed up. But that was a blessing in disguise because it pointed me in the direction of writing, and now it’s my full-time career. But what does the phrase a blessing in disguise really mean, and where did it come from? I’ll break it all down right here!

What Does a Blessing in Disguise Mean?

httpsgrammarist.comidiomblessing in disguise

The expression “it’s a blessing in disguise” has been around forever; I’m sure we’ve all used it. It’s an idiomatic expression that refers to any kind of situation that seems terrible, horrible, or unfortunate at first but then turns out to have surprising benefits or advantages that outweigh what was lost.

For example, surgical blessings in disguise could be when you break an arm and go in for X-rays, but they find a tumor that can easily be removed but wouldn’t have been found if you hadn’t broken your arm.

The Phrase a Blessing in Disguise Origin

The actual origin of the common phrase “a blessing in disguise” is often attributed to the work of an English writer named James Hervey and a specific hymn called Reflections on a Flower-Garden that he wrote in 1746. The excerpt says, Good when He gives, supremely good, nor less when He denies; E’en crosses from His sovereign hand are blessings in disguise.

Is a Blessing in Disguise an Idiomatic Phrase?

Yes, “a blessing in disguise” is considered an idiomatic phrase because its meaning cannot be inferred from the literal meanings of its individual words.

Synonyms for the Phrase a Blessing in Disguise

How else can you say a blessing in disguise? I’ve got a few ideas for you!

The silver lining
A fortunate turn of events
Happy little accident
Stroke of luck

How to Use a Blessing in Disguise in Sentences

httpsgrammarist.comidiomblessing in disguise 1

These “a blessing in disguise” sentence examples will paint a better picture of how to use the phrase in conversation and writing.

Turns out, losing half of my freelance jobs was a blessing in disguise because it created lots of time to work on my book.
Missing my flight to Ontario was a blessing in disguise. I bumped into an old high school friend at the airport while waiting, and now, we’re dating.
Failing that hard exam was definitely a blessing in disguise. It made me realize how much I needed to study next time to cut it into this course.
My husband’s asking for a divorce was a blessing in disguise I never knew I needed because I fell in love with our divorce lawyer, and I’ve never been happier.
Getting violently ill on our girl’s trip vacation was a blessing in disguise. It made me realize that I really needed to slow down and make some serious changes in my life.
Our old house burned down, but it was a blessing in disguise because our insurance covered building a brand-new home in its place.
Getting pregnant at such a young age was a blessing in disguise for me. I was scared at first, but my son was the best part of my life.

Looking at the position the organization is in at this stage of its rebuild, it is likely a blessing in disguise that the talented wideout turned down a long-term contract offer. ( Sports Illustrated )

Anything Can Be a Blessing in Disguise

I always think of my favorite painter, Bob Ross. Whenever he made a slip-up in a painting, he’d stay calm and simply say, “it’s a happy little accident,” and proceed to use the mistake to create something new in the painting. That’s a blessing in disguise.

No two ways about it
Nosebleed section
Not all it’s cracked up to be

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"A Hero in Disguise"; My best friend had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

EF_Team2 1 / 1708 Oct 31, 2007 #2 Greetings! This is a well-written and moving essay! I like tone, which is simple, yet poignant. I have just couple of editing suggestions: But a pitiful math grade does not define life ; there comes a point where I have to get over it and move on. - These are two independent clauses, so use a semicolon instead of a comma. It was through his courageous act that I was able to appreciate the simplest joys in life, Good work! Thanks, Sarah, EssayForum.com

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Angel in Disguise Summary in English

An Angel in Disguise Summary is the story of a little girl, Maggie. An unidentified poor woman dies from excess consumption of alcohol. The village had outcast her due to this addiction. However, the villagers felt sympathetic to her death. Hence, they arranged a proper funeral for her. That woman had three children. A farmer decided to adopt the eldest son John, aged 12 years, thinking he could assist him in his fieldwork. Then, Mrs Elli begrudgingly adopts Kate, who’s a few years too young to work in any factory. She complained of her being undisciplined.

However, the youngest child, Maggie, was left alone due to her poor health. She fell from a window at a very younger age. That fall damaged her spine. Thus, she was permanently bed-ridden. Everyone suggests sending her to the poor house, however, no one makes an effort to do something about it.

After the funeral, everyone leaves without even a glimpse at Maggie. However, Joe Thompson lingers. Joe works as a wheelwright in the village. He makes wooden wheels for wagons and carts. Although he looks to be a rough man, he is kind and loves children. To his disgrace, he and his wife are incapable to have kids. Maggie sees all the villagers retiring and also recognizes Joe still standing outside her hovel. She calls out for him and requests not to leave her alone.

Joe knows his wife, Jane Thompson very well. He was sure of her not being very happy to see Maggie. Yet, he carries her to his home. His thought turned true. His wife was not pleased to see her. Also, she asks his husband to get rid of her at the earliest.

In answer, he says that he had read many a time in The Bible that people helping children shan’t be unrewarded. Joe also requests her to put aside the bitterness of her heart. Furthermore, h asks her to look at the pity condition of Maggie. She is motherless, homeless and permanently bed-ridden. Although Mrs Thompson doesn’t say anything to her husband, her heart melts a little for Maggie.

Joe tells his wife that he will make errands the next day to send Maggie to the poor house. Then, he leaves for work. However, later, in the night, he sees Mrs Thompson sitting by Maggie’s bed and talking or rather Maggie’s answering Mrs Thompson’s questions. He felt the need to keep the matter of Maggie aside. Thus, he chooses to remain quiet on this matter.

He goes to see Maggie and the theme for a bit. While having supper Mrs Thompson asks her husband as to what he’s going to do with the child. Joe tells that he would let her go to the poorhouse the next day. Mrs Thompson doesn’t say a word. However, Joe notices that years of bitterness has finally begun to fade off. She takes food for Maggie into her small room and waits for her to finish it.

The innocence, sweetness, unconditional love and gratitude of Maggie for them fills the gap that had been created in Mrs Thompson’s heart. She tells Joe about her desire to keep Maggie for a couple of days more. However, that day never came. They remain together forever, as a family.

Conclusion of An Angel in Disguise

The story gives a strong message that love can conquer anything in the world. Unconditional Love can soften even a stone-hearted person.

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The wonderful summary thank you for this.

They did not belong to the family of gorden cook and you also didn’t write the spelling correct it’s James cook 😶😑

What’s funny is that Miss Fairchild said the line- “Money isn’t everything. But people always misunderstand things and remain stupid-” when she herself misunderstood the situation.

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Devil In Disguise

By lynellee

Video Script:

“Where are You Going, Where Have You Been” is a short story by Joyce Carol Oates about a young girl Connie who is plagued with vanity and selfishness. One night this young teen meets a mysterious new boy, Arnold Friend, who turns out to be much older than her. Arnold is a deceptive character that attempts to lure Connie into his car based upon his knowledge of her flaws. Through physical descriptions and language, Oates portrays Arnold as a deceptive and complex character, capable of manipulation through a false identity.

Arnold Friend is the main antagonist within this short story. He sees Connie out with her friends one night, and is immediately infatuated with the girl. As the story progresses, Arnold makes it his goal to convince the young teen to agree to a romantic relationship with him. In order to pressure her, he shows up to her house uninvited and eventually threatens Connie until she complies.

Within Oates’ initial description of Arnold is mention of his “convertible jalopy painted gold” (1). Connie first sees the car when she is out with her friends at a fast food restaurant downtown. The car appears again during Connie’s second interaction with Arnold in her driveway, in which he first points out his name, Arnold Friend, painted along the side (3). Oates’ choice in name is significant because it can be closely compared to a name given to the devil, ArchFiend, implying that this character may have similar qualities. Additionally, the fact that Oates alters the name to be “Friend”, shows the nature of the relationship that Arnold wishes to pursue with Connie. The car is a jalopy, which is the name for an older car in poor condition. Yet, the car is painted gold, a symbol of wealth and high status (1). The gold paint job is representative of how Arnold is a traditionally bad character that is hiding behind an inaccurate and deceiving appearance.

Oates describes Arnold in a way that makes him appear fake and deceptive towards Connie. The first detail Connie notices when Arnold arrives at her house is the pair of metallic sunglasses that he is wearing to cover his eyes (3). Whenever Connie looks at him she sees a reflection of herself, implying that Arnold is the embodiment of the girl’s vanity. As Connie talks with Arnold outside, Oates continually describes the manner in which Arnold stands. When he is still he is “leaning back against his car as if he were balancing himself”, and when he moves he is “lurching” and “wobbling” (4-6). Arnold’s lack of bodily control in the clothing he is wearing suggests that he is dressed in a way that does not suit his normal appearance. He wants to fully take on the role of a boy that would appear desirable to Connie so as to successfully lure her into his car. During their interaction Connie even notes that he was dressed in a way that normally appealed to her when meeting boys (4). However, this fascade does not resonate with Connie because of her discomfort within the situation. She says that she is familiar with his looks and his “singsong” and “mocking” voice, but still she does not find herself wanting to give in to Arnold’s invitation to get in his car (5).

Language choice is another significant factor when analyzing Arnold’s character. He speaks with confidence, and almost arrogance, because he believes that this will attract Connie, a vain girl. Arnold appears uninvited at Connie’s house the following day, much to her surprise. Their interaction begins when Arnold says “‘ I ain’t late, am I?’”, implying that she was awaiting his arrival (2). Arnold’s tone builds upon his characterization because it supports his deceiving nature as a rude, assertive teen that would appeal to Connie. He takes advantage of her interest in his car to lure her off the stairs and into his vicinity. Arnold holds his friendly and welcoming tone with Connie as he says “Dont’cha wanta see what’s on the car?”, referring to its interesting paint job (3). His informal use of language makes it seem as if he has a prior relationship with Connie, and that he is talking to his girlfriend, rather than delusionally preying on a young teen. Eventually Arnold’s true nature begins to show as he demands Connie to get into his car: “We ain’t leaving until you come with us” (6). It’s in the final portion of the story that Arnold begins to lose his friendly and comforting tone, and threatens Connie and her family, showing that he was only acting in a way to comfort the girl, yet still take advantage of her. Had Connie gotten in Arnold’s car earlier on in their interaction, Arnold would’ve appeared less predatory, however this would not match his true identity. The language choice and shift from kind to threatening accurately characterizes Arnold as deceptive within the story’s plot.

The combination of Arnold’s physical attributes, his car’s paint job, and his language style depict the deception within his made-up identity. They also allow him to successfully pressure vain Connie to get into his car with him. While it is unclear what eventually happens to Connie, it is evident that she has seen the error in her flaws, and how they have led her to this compromising situation. Arnold’s character is representative of the devil in many ways, and serves the purpose of teaching a lesson to the narrow-minded teen in this fictitious story. While one might begin to feel sorry for Connie in many ways as the plot unfolds, Oates makes it abundantly clear that it was Connie’s own selfishness that contributed to her ultimate downfall. This story portrays the idea that people are capable of deceiving others in order to take advantage of them. Additionally, Oates seems to suggest that people that are selfish or have character flaws attract individuals that possess similar traits. Themes found within this story are significant in a real-world setting, and should be further scrutinized in today’s climate with the frequency of predatory relationships. Oates gives a unique perspective by hinting that Connie’s fate was a result of her own actions, which is an opinion that is largely frowned upon in current times. It is uncertain whether or not Oates intended for this story to be cautionary towards young teens, yet it still delivers a disturbing and beneficial message that we should continue to explore.

Works Cited

Oates , Joyce Carol. Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been . Epoch Magazine , 1966.

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Twelfth Night

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Theme Analysis . Read our .

Characters in Twelfth Night constantly disguise themselves or play parts in order to trick those around them. Some of the most notable examples of trickery and role-playing in Twelfth Night are: Viola disguising herself as the page-boy Cesario ; Maria and Sir Toby playing their prank on Malvolio ; and Feste dressing up as the scholar, Sir Topas. More subtly, Orsino's rather clichéd lovesickness for Olivia and Olivia's just-as-clichéd response as the unattainable mourning woman bring into question the extent to which these characters are just playing these roles, rather than truly feeling the emotions they claim to be experiencing.

Through the constant performance and role-playing of his characters, Shakespeare reminds us that we, like the characters, may play roles in our own lives and be susceptible to the role playing of others.

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Essays in Disguise

Learn about this topic in these articles:, discussed in biography.

…& Other Words (1978) and Essays in Disguise (1990), and Baseball and Lesser Sports (1991). In 1995 Sheed published In Love with Daylight: A Memoir of Recovery, about his battle with alcoholism and cancer of the tongue and his disappointment with the professionals who treated him. His last work, the…

Green spending has a new ally: Republicans, including on Long Island

Long Island Republican Reps. Nick LaLota, Anthony D'Esposito and Andrew Garbarino, among others, have written a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson asking him to avoid “prematurely repealing” the energy tax credits that are part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Credit: Howard Schnapp

This guest essay reflects the views of Liam Denning, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy. He wrote this for Bloomberg Opinion.

House Republicans’ doughty opposition to green spending has cracked in the face of a devious opponent: green spending.

Speaker Mike Johnson just received a letter signed by 18 members of his caucus urging him not to mess with the clean technology subsidies embedded in the Inflation Reduction Act, a law that half of them voted against (the other nine are freshmen elected a few months after it passed). While the signatories deplore the "partisan process" by which the IRA passed — under budget reconciliation — they also say they "hear from industry and our constituents who fear the energy tax regime will once again be turned on its head," if Republicans win big in November and decide to dismantle the law. The result could be a loss of promised jobs and investment and perhaps abandoned, half-built factories left as a permanent reminder in their districts.

Two months ago, I published an exhaustive analysis of where cleantech manufacturing projects were being built or planned, down to the House district level, in conjunction with my Bloomberg Opinion colleagues and Jeff Davies, founder of EnerWrap ..., which specializes in data-driven insights on the U.S. energy system.The bottom line is that the overwhelming majority of the more than $200 billion of planned investment and about 195,000 expected jobs — benefiting from subsidies embedded in the IRA and the bipartisan infrastructure and jobs act — are slated for Republican districts. We concluded: "As billions of dollars flow into red districts, the probability of a clash between ideological purity and economic pragmatism is growing."

It hasn’t taken long for the first tangible evidence of that clash to show up.

The signatories are an interesting bunch seemingly motivated by different objectives. The easiest to understand are the 10 representing districts where projects are slated to be built or have companies headquartered there which have announced such plans. As of June, when we published our analysis, those districts accounted for about $23 billion of investment and 18,000 jobs, or roughly 10% of the national total. Two districts account for much of that: Rep. Buddy Carter’s 1st district in Georgia and Rep. Mark Amodei’s 2nd in Nevada, which rank second and third for planned cleantech manufacturing investment in the entire country.

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Another factor at play, however, is relative moderation, both in terms of behavior and positioning. "On average, the signatories skew moderate and represent purpler districts than House Republicans as a whole," says Kevin Book, managing director at Clearview Energy Partners LLC, a Washington-based analysis firm.

The signatories also tend to vote more moderately than the Republican caucus as a whole, with a few notable exceptions like Carter and Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana’s 9th district. Notably, two of the signatories, Rep. Andrew Garbarino of New York’s 2nd district and Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska’s 2nd, have no planned cleantech manufacturing projects in their districts but were among the 13 House Republicans who voted for the bipartisan infrastructure and jobs act.

The other element of moderation likely at play here is a desire to be perceived as such ... . As the chart shows, there’s a purple theme running through this letter. A dozen of the signatories represent districts classed as competitive by the Cook Political Report, with seven of those outright tossups. Strikingly, five of the signatories hail from districts in New York, with four of those being freshmen in districts that voted for President Joe Biden four years ago [including Anthony D'Esposito (CD4) and Nick LaLota (CD1)].

When you’re the red representative of a purple place, it is common sense to advertise your reasonableness. Another thing that’s common sense: Not voting away a slew of money and jobs for your own constituents. This week marks the first sign of this realization dawning ahead of November.

This guest essay reflects the views of Liam Denning, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy. He wrote this for Bloomberg Opinion.

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Guest Essay

The Emotion I Didn’t Expect as a New Parent: Regret

Three colored drawings of an adult’s hands holding an infant in their lap.

By Miguel Macias

A journalist, audio producer and public radio reporter based in Spain.

This essay is part of How to Live With Regret, a series exploring the nature of regret and the role it plays in all our lives. Read more about this project here .

When friends ask me how I’m feeling 18 months after my daughter was born, I usually tell them that it has been wonderful. Sometimes, though, if I’m feeling particularly confessional, I will smile coyly and say: “Well, this is not the life I wanted. But the life I had before was not the life I wanted, either.” I say it in a cheeky, half-joking way, hoping the gravity of the comment will go unnoticed. But it’s not a joke.

Since my daughter, Olivia, was born, I have cycled through a huge range of emotions. I expect many of them would be familiar to any parent: joy, exhaustion, deep love, confusion, wonder, exasperation, happiness, sadness. But there is another, quieter, emotion that comes up every now and then. It’s a feeling that’s so difficult to talk about, so universally taboo, that I feel nervous expressing it even to the people closest to me: regret.

Since I was a teenager, I knew that I did not want to have kids. I did not budge for decades, and I had quite the battery of reasons for feeling this way, from the emotional to the practical — the biggest one being that there were simply too many things I wanted to accomplish in life, and a baby would surely get in the way.

When I was young I dreamed of becoming a famous filmmaker, traveling the world making documentaries. It hardly seemed like a good way to raise a kid. But I also just never had any interest in babies or kids. Rather, I felt resolved, ironclad in my conviction that I would never be a father.

But things change. I settled down. And at 47, my life didn’t look like the one I had once envisioned for myself. To be clear, I have a lot to be proud of. I do work that I care about as a radio producer and reporter, and I’ve been fairly successful. But I didn’t set the world on fire. I am not traveling the globe chasing major stories and winning Oscars. And over time the reasons I’d held onto for why I did not want to have children slowly faded.

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A Friend in Disguise. Growing up in Farmville, VA, an area where education was stalled to combat integration in public schools during Massive Resistance, John, a 72-year-old African American male, reads at a 3rd-grade level. Although he cannot change the actions of the past, John is determined not to become a victim of the misfortunes he faced ...
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A time your opinion was changed. A friend in disguise. A frightening or dangerous experience. Difficult decisions that gave fruitful results. The biggest risk you ever took. Descriptive essay topics An embarrassing moment. My first memory. My Tears of joy. The beauty of the starry sky. In the heart of Africa. Reflective essay topics A time you were embarrassed. Conquering your biggest fear ...
19 People On Their Life's Biggest Blessing In Disguise That They're Now
"A blessing in disguise for me was my stay in a psychiatric unit. After seeing the struggles of some of the people there because of drug use, it allowed me to empathize with my older brother whose a heroine addict.
A friend in disguise essay
A friend in disguise essay . Answer: A Fiend in Disguise in Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" Connie, a 15 year old in Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" is a prideful and churlish girl who has a habit of belittling others and boasting about her good looks.
Disguise: Does It Reveal More than It Hides? Essay
I have at various times in my life been forced to disguise myself so as to fit into a group. In this essay, I shall examine one such instance and articulate the advantages and disadvantages that spring from disguising myself. This will help me identify if a disguise does indeed reveal more than in hides. I have always viewed myself as a fashion ...
A Blessing in Disguise: Embracing Life's Unexpected Gifts
The phrase 'A Blessing in Disguise' conveys a simple yet profound truth about life. It suggests that a seemingly adverse or unfavorable situation may lead to unexpected, beneficial outcomes. In other words, something that initially appears to be a problem or a setback could eventually turn out to be beneficial or advantageous.
The Path to Success: How Failure Is A Blessing In Disguise
The Path to Success: How Failure Is A Blessing In Disguise Category Life Topic Failure, Fear, Success Words 951 (2 pages) Downloads 128 Download for Free Essay grade Good Read Review Important: This sample is for inspiration and reference only Get Custom Essay
A Blessing in Disguise: Meaning, Examples and Sentences
Learn the well-known English idiom 'A Blessing in Disguise,' with its meaning and examples of its usage to be used into your communication.
The Hidden Gift: Failing as a Blessing in Disguise
Failing is a blessing in disguise, a paradoxical statement that challenges conventional notions of success and failure. This essay explores the profound concept of failure as an unexpected gift, a source of growth, and a catalyst for personal development. Through an exploration of real-life examples, psychological insights, and philosophical perspectives, we will unravel the transformative ...
A Fiend In Disguise In Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where
A Fiend in Disguise in Joyce Carol Oates' " Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" Connie, a 15 year old in Joyce Carol Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" is a prideful and churlish girl who has a habit of belittling others and boasting about her good looks. At first, the story seems to be about a self-absorbed and sexually active smug girl who gets herself ...
A Blessing in Disguise
Turns out, losing half of my freelance jobs was a blessing in disguise because it created lots of time to work on my book. Missing my flight to Ontario was a blessing in disguise. I bumped into an old high school friend at the airport while waiting, and now, we're dating. Failing that hard exam was definitely a blessing in disguise.
Sometimes When You Lose a Friend, it is a Blessing in Disguise
Just before the lunch incident, a mutual work friend had separated from her husband. The classrooms of my two friends were in close proximately to each other.
"A Hero in Disguise"; My best friend had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
My friend was diagnosed with Leukemia; UBC- Experience / Activity [4] ~ 2014 - Undergraduate "each fresh crisis is an opportunity in disguise" - Grade My SAT Essay [2] ~ 2012 - Writing Feedback "A blessing in disguise" UF Admissions Essay [3] ~ 2010 - Undergraduate
What is your critical analysis of "An Angel in Disguise" by T. S
"An Angel in Disguise" by T.S. Arthur is a short story that reflects Victorian Age morals. The story highlights the evils of idleness and intemperance, and throughout the plot, the author ...
An Angel in Disguise
Critical Appreciation of An Angel in Disguise An Angel in Disguise is a short story by T.S Arthur which beautifully demonstrates the power of love in a situation of hopelessness. Written in the voice of a third person omniscient narrator, the story makes a strong case for compassion towards the downtrodden and tries to draw a clear connection between love and happiness.
An Angel in Disguise Summary and Analysis
In this article, you will be reading an angel in disguise summary, a short story, written by the distinguished 19th-century American author as well as editor Timothy Shay Arthur in the year 1851.
An Angel in Disguise: Summary & Quotes
In ~'An Angel in Disguise,~' T.S. Arthur explores the concept of compassion. Explore the background and summary of this work. Discover quotes from the story and identify its theme.
Devil In Disguise
One night this young teen meets a mysterious new boy, Arnold Friend, who turns out to be much older than her. Arnold is a deceptive character that attempts to lure Connie into his car based upon his knowledge of her flaws. Through physical descriptions and language, Oates portrays Arnold as a deceptive and complex character, capable of ...
Essays In Disguise by Wilfrid Sheed
A collection of essays and essayistic reviews by Wilfrid Sheed, on a variety of topics: J.D. Salinger, Hemingway, the Catholic Church, the Mafia, and his English dad.
Deception, Disguise, and Performance Theme in Twelfth Night
Get everything you need to know about Deception, Disguise, and Performance in Twelfth Night. Analysis, related quotes, theme tracking.
A friend in disguise essay
Find an answer to your question a friend in disguise essay
Essays in Disguise
Other articles where Essays in Disguise is discussed: Wilfrid Sheed: …& Other Words (1978) and Essays in Disguise (1990), and Baseball and Lesser Sports (1991). In 1995 Sheed published In Love with Daylight: A Memoir of Recovery, about his battle with alcoholism and cancer of the tongue and his disappointment with the professionals who treated him. His last work, the…
Green spending has a new ally: Republicans, including on Long Island
This guest essay reflects the views of Liam Denning, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy. He wrote this for Bloomberg Opinion. House Republicans' doughty opposition to green spending ...
Weekly Tarot Card Reading Horoscope: Week of August 12, 2024
Read your weekly tarot card reading horoscope by zodiac sign - aka your Cosmo Tarotscope - for the week of August 12, 2024.
Hermès's Nadège Vanhée Shares Her Inspirations
The Hermès women's wear artistic director Nadège Vanhée shares her creative touchstones.
Opinion
This essay is part of How to Live With Regret, a series exploring the nature of regret and the role it plays in all our lives. Read more about this project here.. When friends ask me how I'm ...

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A Friend in Disguise

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And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble .

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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19 People On Their Life’s Biggest Blessing In Disguise That They’re Now Actually Thankful For

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Disguise: Does It Reveal More than It Hides? Essay

A Blessing in Disguise: Embracing Life’s Unexpected Gifts

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