Wishing to be Mr. Skimpole

In Charles Dickens' Bleak House we are shown a dark portrayal of London life. But throughout the murder, deceit and corruption, one character remains aloof.

Mr. Skimpole is a self processed child in an adults' body. He claims to have no concept of the value of money or any knowledge of the legal system that entwines his closest friends. We are encouraged to believe that Skimpole truly does not engage in any sort of responsibility and as such, enjoys a carefree existence.

It is hard to read about the life of the whimsical Skimpole and not feel a twinge of jealousy. This is a man who is not concerned with the pressures enforced by society. Skimpole is not even committed to any past-time or hobby, but moves around freely as his mood changes. The man is in love with the natural way of living and even the very dutiful Jarndyce and Summerson cannot help but enjoy his company and forgive his innocence.

But in reality, no one would abide by this behaviour. While children are allowed some space from responsibility, this simply cannot extend into adulthood. But even besides this, we owe duty from the moment we are born. As we grow, we become even more indebted to our friends and family. While this can seem like a "trap" of responsibility, it is one that we cannot escape.

My blindness in this regard has caused me to fail in my duty to a friend and I do not deserve forgiveness for it.

-The English Student

Collective Responsibility

With the end of the Lisbon Treaty referendum arriving yesterday, we must look ahead to the future of our country.

Many prominent Lisbon supporters were quick to voice their disappointment at the rejection of this treaty on Friday. Dermot Ahern highlighted his own concerns that Europe was now facing "uncharted waters". However, while our political future is unknown, our democratic system is certainly secure.

This security does not come from any specific referendum issue and is certainly not a result of the rejection of Lisbon. Instead, it comes from the democratic process we have in place. While we may not agree with the outcome of a vote, it is essential that we stand by our system and recognise that the voice of the electorate must be followed. It is a testament to this country that all political figures have already recognised and stressed the importance of this collective responsibility.

However, it is a shame that this praise cannot be extended to the European Union in general. Many prominent E.U. supporters have begun to vilify the Irish as anti-European and anti-reform. These are the same leaders who decided that Lisbon can only be accepted if ratified in all member states. Consequently, it is the duty of European leaders to recognise that collective responsibility must be practiced on an international level, not just a domestic one.

We have collectively rejected this treaty. We must now collectively decide on a way forward.

-The English Student