The Fourth State Of Matter Jo Ann Beard Pdf
The Fourth State of Matter is a personal essay by Jo Ann Beard that was originally published in the New Yorker in 1996. It is a poignant and powerful exploration of grief, loss, and the perseverance of the human spirit. The essay tells the story of a shooting at the University of Iowa, where Beard was working as a research assistant, and the aftermath of the tragedy. It also delves into Beard's personal life, examining her relationship with her dog, her struggles with loneliness, and her experiences working in the male-dominated field of physics.
Summary of The Fourth State of Matter
The Fourth State of Matter begins with Beard describing her work as a research assistant in the physics department at the University of Iowa. She recounts the day of the shooting, when a disgruntled graduate student entered the building and opened fire. In the chaos that followed, Beard took cover beneath a desk, where she remained until the police arrived.
The essay then shifts to Beard's personal life, exploring her relationship with her dog, Thomas, and her struggles with loneliness. She describes how the shooting affected her, recounting her experiences with PTSD and her attempts to cope with the trauma.
Throughout the essay, Beard weaves together themes of grief, loss, and the perseverance of the human spirit. She explores the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love.
The Importance of The Fourth State of Matter
The Fourth State of Matter is an incredibly important piece of literature, as it explores themes that are both universal and deeply personal. It is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones.
The essay also addresses issues of mental health and trauma, which are becoming more and more prevalent in today's society. By sharing her experiences, Beard helps to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourages others to seek help when they need it.
Finally, The Fourth State of Matter is an important work of feminist literature, as it explores the struggles of women in male-dominated fields. Beard's experiences as a woman working in physics highlight the obstacles faced by women in STEM fields, and her ability to persevere in the face of adversity is an inspiration to us all.
Conclusion
The Fourth State of Matter is a powerful and important essay that explores themes of grief, loss, and the perseverance of the human spirit. It is a reminder of the fragility of life, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones. It also addresses issues of mental health and trauma, breaking down the stigma surrounding these topics and encouraging those who are struggling to seek help. Finally, it is an important work of feminist literature, highlighting the obstacles faced by women in male-dominated fields and inspiring us all to persevere in the face of adversity.
