Friday, May 16, 2008

Reflecting on Case of Imprisoned Women

I.
Austria Stunned by Case of Imprisoned Women
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/29/world/europe/29austria.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2&hp&oref=slogin
New York Times
April 29, 2008

II.
Two weeks ago, an Austrian man confessed to imprisonment, sexual abuse, and incest of his daughter. Joseph Fritzl began abusing Elizabeth since she was 11 years and kept her locked in a claustrophobic cellar from 1974 until now. He impregnated his daughter several times, and after the death of the seventh child, Fritzl threw the corpse in the incinerator. Elizabeth’s children only recently saw daylight for the first time in their lives.
The cast has left thousands of people in disbelief, wondering how such an atrocity could have occurred.

A) This article could relate to the AP World History theme “The relationship of change and continuity from 8,000 BCE to the present”. Centuries earlier, this occurrence would still be a shocking outrage. However, in the modern day world, it is remarkable how no one knew that Elizabeth was being tortured in a basement chamber all this time.
B) This is not the first appalling act that has occurred in Austria. In 1998, an Austrian schoolgirl was kidnapped and hidden in a cellar for eight years, until she escaped in August 2006. It is astonishing that two horrifying crimes occurred in the same period in Austria, which is considered very peaceful nation.
C) The point of the view of the article is that of a American male working for the New York Times.
D) The author’s choice of words indicates that he is horrified by this incident and believes Mr. Fritzl is a horrible man. This is not significant, however, as any decent human being would feel this way.
E) The point of view missing within the article is Elizabeth Fritzl, who has yet to come out to the public. Her perspective on her father’s sexual abuse and what affect the imprisonment had on her life is very important
F) I am truly astonished that such a horrible act occurred. I can’t even imagine Elizabeth’s life of being sexually abused since she was 11 years old. That Mr. Fritzl's wife had no idea of Joseph's abuse and improsement of their daughter is not comprehendible. Also, Fritzl’s comment “I’m no monster, I could have killed kids” to another source makes me want to scream. People like Elizabeth should not have to be tortured because of another’s man insanity.

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