Dickens & education in Hard Times Essay Example for Free

Dickens education in Hard Times Essay In Hard times we see two versions of the world of education. The first view is that of Thomas Gradgrinds and his model school. A place where facts are valued and imagination is regarded as unimportant. This is the utilitarian view. The second view is contrasted with the utilitarian view and is that of Mr Slearys circus. This is a place with much knowledge valuing both imagination and education. A place without the wealth of the Gradgrinds but much in humanity. This is the fanciful world. I think Dickens is telling us that there are many different ways of bringing up and educating children. It is about getting the right balance between education and imagination. For example Sissy was brought up by her father and didnt go to school but was quite well educated as she used to read to him, but her father let her use her imagination as she read the wrong books from Gradgrinds point of view. Which were about Fairies and the Hunchback and the Genies. But when she went to Gradgrinds house to live there she was cut off from having an imagination, as so was struggling to learn facts. The reader knows this as Sissy says, I am O so stupid! when really she isnt stupid at all, it is just that she has been forced to be brought up the utilitarian way, which is the wrong way for her, as she is used to having a balance between education and imagination but Gradgrind hasnt allowed it. She became low spirited, but no wiser. This is because she has an emotional memory and so she cant learn the facts because she is being taught with a utilitarian view and so she cant attach a feeling to what she is being taught. This is how Dickens implies that different people learn different ways and at different rates. For Gradgrind it could be argued that it was the right way for him as he was educated by his father the utilitarian way. He became a model pupil and owned a school. The reader knows that he was a model pupil as Dickens tells us five young Gradgrinds were models everyone. And They had been lectured at from their tenderest years. And in Gradgrinds eyes this had worked so He intended every child to be a model. But what Gradgrind doesnt realise is that all children are different and need to be brought up different ways, which is what Dickens is suggesting to the reader.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Prevention Strategies

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Prevention Strategies Until the 1990s, STDs were commonly known as venereal diseases: Veneris is the Latin genitive form of the name Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Social disease was another euphemism. Public health officials originally introduced the term sexually transmitted infection, which clinicians are increasingly using alongside the term sexually transmitted disease in order to distinguish it from the former. According to the Ethiopian Aids Resource Center FAQ, Sometimes the terms STI and STD are used interchangeably. This can be confusing and not always accurate, so it helps first to understand the difference between infection and disease. Infection simply means that a germ-virus, bacteria, or parasite-that can cause disease or sickness is present inside a persons body. An infected person does not necessarily have any symptoms or signs that the virus or bacteria is actually hurting his or her body; they do not necessarily feel sick. A disease means that the infection is actually causing the in fected person to feel sick, or to notice something is wrong. For this reason, the term STI which refers to infection with any germ that can cause an STD, even if the infected person has no symptoms-is a much broader term than STD. The distinction being made, however, is closer to that between a colonization snd an infection, rather than between an infection and a disease. Specifically, the term STD refers only to infections that are causing symptoms. Because most of the time people do not know that they are infected with an STD until they start showing symptoms of disease, most people use the term STD, even though the term STI is also appropriate in many cases. Moreover, the term sexually transmissible disease is sometimes used since it is less restrictive in consideration of other factors or means of transmission. For instance, meningitis is transmissible by means of sexual contact but is not labeled as an STI because sexual contact is not the primary vector for the pathogens that cause meningitis. This discrepancy is addressed by the probability of infection by means other than sexual contact. In general, an STI is an infection that has a negligible probability of transmission by means other than sexual contact, but has a realistic means of transmission by sexual contact (more sophisticated means-blood transfusion, sharing of hypodermic needles-are not taken into account). Thus, one may presume that, if a person is infected with an STI, e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, it was transmitted to him/her by means of sexual contact. The diseases on this list are most commonly transmitted solely by sexual activity. Many infectious diseases, including the common cold, influenza, pneumonia, and most others that are transmitted person-to-person can also be transmitted during sexual contact, if one person is infected, due to the close contact involved. However, even though these diseases may be transmitted during sex, they are not considered STDs. Primary STD Bacterial Chancroid Granuloma inguinale or (Klebsiella granulomati) Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) Syphilis (Treponema pallidum) Fungal Tinea cruris, jock itch, may be sexually transmitted. Candidiasis, yeast infection Viral Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B virus)-saliva, venereal fluids. (Note: Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E are transmitted via the fecal-oral route; Hepatitis C (liver cancer) is rarely sexually transmittable and the route of transmission of Hepatitis D (only if infected with B) is uncertain, but may include sexual transmission.) Herpes simplex (Herpes simplex virus 1, 2) skin and mucosal, transmissible with or without visible blisters HIV/ AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)- venereal flu. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)- skin and mucosal contact. High risk types of HPV are known to cause most types of cervical cancer, as well as well as anal, penile and genital warts.. Molluscum contagiosum (molluscum contagiosum virus MCV)-close contact Parasites Crab louse, colloquially known as crabs or pubic lice (Phthirius pubis) Scabies (Sarcoptes scabi) Protozoal Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis) Sexually transmissible enteric infections Bacterial Shigella Campylobacter Salmonella Viral Hepatitis A Protozoan (parasitic) Giardia Cryptosporidiosis Above pathogens are transmitted by sexual practices that promote anal-oral contamination (fecal-oral). Sharing sex toys without washing or multiple partnered barebacking can promote anal-anal contamination. Although the bacterial pathogens may coexist with or cause proctitis, they usually produce symptoms (diarrhea, fever, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain) suggesting disease more proximal in the GI tract. These diseases can cause various forms of cancer long term, malnutrition, and weight loss. For immuno-compromised individuals (such as with HIV), these infections can often cause severe weight loss, weakness, and death. Cryptosporidium is the organism most commonly isolated in HIV positive patients presenting with diarrhea. Pathophysiology Many STDs are (more easily) transmitted through the mucous membranes of the penis, vulva, rectum, urinary tract and (less often-depending on type of infection) the mouth, throat, respiratory tract and eyes. The visible membrane covering the head of the penis is a mucous membrane, though it produces no mucus (similar to the lips of the mouth). Mucous membranes differ from skin in that they allow certain pathogens into the body. Pathogens are also able to pass through breaks or abrasions of the skin, even minute ones. The shaft of the penis is particularly susceptible due to the friction caused during penetrative sex. The primary sources of infection in ascending order are venereal fluids, saliva, mucosal or skin (particularly the penis), infections may also be transmitted from feces, urine and sweat. The amount required to cause infection varies with each pathogen but is always less than you can see with the naked eye. This is one reason that the probability of transmitting many infections is far higher from sex than by more casual means of transmission, such as non-sexual contact-touching, hugging, shaking hands-but it is not the only reason. Although mucous membranes exist in the mouth as in the genitals, many STIs seem to be easier to transmit through oral sex than through deep kissing. According to a safe sex chart, many infections that are easily transmitted from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth, are much harder to transmit from one mouth to another. With HIV, genital fluids happen to contain much more of the pathogen than saliva. Some infections labeled as STIs can be transmitted by direct skin contact. Herpes simplex and HPV are both examples. KSHV, on the other hand, may be transmitted by deep-kissing but also when saliva is used as a sexual lubricant. Depending on the STD, a person may still be able to spread the infection if no signs of disease are present. For example, a person is much more likely to spread herpes infection when blisters are present (STD) than when they are absent (STI). However, a person can spread HIV infection (STI) at any time, even if he/she has not developed symptoms of AIDS (STD). All sexual behaviors that involve contact with the bodily fluids of another person should be considered to contain some risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Most attention has focused on controlling HIV, which causes AIDS, but each STD presents a different situation. As may be noted from the name, sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted from one person to another by certain sexual activities rather than being actually caused by those sexual activities. Bacteria, funia, protozoa or viruses are still the causative agents. It is not possible to catch any sexually transmitted disease from a sexual activity with a person who is not carrying a disease; conversely, a person who has an STD got it from contact (sexual or otherwise) with someone who had it, or his/her bodily fluids. Some STDs such as HIV can be transmitted from mother to child either during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Although the likelihood of transmitting various diseases by various sexual activities varies a great deal, in general, all sexual activities between two (or more) people should be considered as being a two-way route for the transmission of STDs, i.e., giving or receiving are both risky although receiving carries a higher risk. Healthcare professionals suggest safer sex, such as the use of condoms, as the most reliable way of decreasing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases during sexual activity, but safer sex should by no means be considered an absolute safeguard. The transfer of and exposure to bodily fluids, such as blood transfusions and other blood products, sharing injection needles, needle-stick injuries (when medical staff are inadvertently jabbed or pricked with needles during medical procedures), sharing tattoo needles, and childbirth are other avenues of transmission. These different means put certain groups, such as medical workers, and haemophiliacs and drug users, particularly at risk. Recent epidemiological studies have investigated the networks that are defined by sexual relationships between individuals, and discovered that the properties of sexual networks are crucial to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. In particular, assortative mixing between people with large numbers of sexual partners seems to be an important factor. It is possible to be an asymptomatic carrier of sexually transmitted diseases. In particular, sexually transmitted diseases in women often cause the serious condition of pelvic inflammatory disease. Prevention Main article: Safe sex Prevention is key in addressing incurable STIs, such as HIV herpes. The most effective way to prevent sexual transmission of STIs is to avoid contact of body parts or fluids which can lead to transfer with an infected partner. No contact minimizes risk. Not all sexual activities involve contact: cybersex, phonesex or masturbation from a distance are methods of avoiding contact. Proper use of condoms reduces contact and risk. Although a condom is effective in limiting exposure, some disease transmission may occur even with a condom. Ideally, both partners should get tested for STIs before initiating sexual contact, or before resuming contact if a partner engaged in contact with someone else. Many infections are not detectable immediately after exposure, so enough time must be allowed between possible exposures and testing for the tests to be accurate. Certain STIs, particularly certain persistent viruses like HPV, may be impossible to detect with current medical procedures. Many diseases that establish permanent infections can so occupy the immune system that other diseases become more easily transmitted. The innate immune system led by defensins against HIV can prevent transmission of HIV when viral counts are very low, but if busy with other viruses or overwhelmed, HIV can establish itself. Certain viral STIs also greatly increase the risk of death for HIV infected patients. Vaccines Vaccines are available that protect against some viral STIs, such as Hepatitis B and some types of HPV. Vaccination before initiation of sexual contact is advised to assure maximal protection. Condoms Condoms only provide protection when used properly as a barrier, and only to and from the area that it covers. Uncovered areas are still susceptible to many STDs. In the case of HIV, sexual transmission routes almost always involve the penis, as HIV cannot spread through unbroken skin, thus properly shielding the insertive penis with a properly worn condom from the vagina and anus effectively stops HIV transmission. An infected fluid to broken skin borne direct transmission of HIV would not be considered sexually transmitted, but can still theoretically occur during sexual contact, this can be avoided simply by not engaging in sexual contact when having open bleeding wounds. Other STDs, even viral infections, can be prevented with the use of latex condoms as a barrier. Some microorganisms and viruses are small enough to pass through the pores in natural skin condoms, but are still too large to pass through latex condoms. Proper usage entails: Not putting the condom on too tight at the end, and leaving 1.5 cm (3/4 inch) room at the tip for ejaculation. Putting the condom on snug can and often does lead to failure. Wearing a condom too loose can defeat the barrier. Avoiding inverting, spilling a condom once worn, whether it has ejaculate in it or not, even for a second. Avoiding condoms made of substances other than latex or polyurethane, as they dont protect against HIV. Avoiding the use of oil based lubricants (or anything with oil in it) with latex condoms, as oil can eat holes into them. Using flavored condoms for oral sex only, as the sugar in the flavoring can lead to yeast infections if used to penetrate. Not following the first five guidelines above perpetuates the common misconception that condoms arent tested or designed properly. In order to best protect oneself and the partner from STIs, the old condom and its contents should be assumed to be still infectious. Therefore the old condom must be properly disposed of. A new condom should be used for each act of intercourse, as multiple usage increases the chance of breakage, defeating the primary purpose as a barrier

Eleven Minutes Written By Paul Coelho Summary English Literature Essay

Eleven Minutes Written By Paul Coelho Summary English Literature Essay Once upon a time there was a prostitute called Maria. The novel Eleven Minutes is about a young adult named Maria who finds herself through travelling around Europe in order to achieve her dreams to become famous. Although this was not what she achieved she found love even after she was certain she will never find true love. Maria experiences what she thinks love is at a very young age. From the age eleven she fell in love with her neighbour and hated him when he didnt love her back, she then had many boyfriends and experienced the depths of relationships until she decided she didnt need a boy and promised to never fall in love again. At the age nineteen she decided she wanted to pursue her dream and persuaded her boss for a week holiday. After travelling to Rio de Janeiro she met a Swiss man who offers her work as a Samba dancer in a nightclub in Geneva. Realising dancing was not her passion, she quit the job and searched for work as a model but found herself being offered money for one night with an Arab man. This night led her to the brothel, Copacabana in Rue de Berne where she began work as a prostitute as she enjoyed the easy money and the way she got it. Here she worked many nights but only befriended one colleague, Nyah, as many other women saw her as a threat to their profession. The dehumanizing profession caused her to shut out her body and mind to any connection with love and her life now revolved around something that took eleven minutes which was the time Maria found that was actually spent having sex. As Maria only worked at night, she spent her days at the library, befriending the librarian and taking out books on many different subjects such as how to learn French, books about sex and farm management. She also explored the city which led her to the Road to Santiago where she meets a Swiss painter, Ralf Hart. Hart as a painter, loved her light that she gave off and asked if he could draw a portrait of her. This encounter caused Marias body and soul to become reintegrated because of the love and passion she shared with him although they first argue and he disrespects her profession. One particular client however, enabled her to experience pain yet reach a sense of pleasure from sex known as sadomasochism. This brought her to realise that pain and pleasure can relate. Although she experienced this, she didnt tell Ralf Hart and one day he introduced her to a different sense of pain that helped her to travel beyond any other pleasures. After several meetings with Ralf Hart, often at his house they shared something she didnt share with any other clients. She fell hopelessly in love with him as he brought her to rekindle her soul as it was only destroyed from her profession. Maria then felt she needed to leave Rue de Berne because of her feelings and travel home to her family regardless of the fact that if she worked for just six months longer, she could have given her family everything they desire. She then buys a ticket to Brazil, disappointed that she hadnt filled her suitcases with souvenirs as she has wished. Before travelling back home she wanders around the ci ty grasping the concepts, saying goodbye to those she had grown close to. During this time, the reader begins to learn about the librarian as Maria listens to what she has to say after she has read many books about sex after ordering them for the library. The librarian explains her life to Maria and although Maria does not know what to say, she simply listens and allows the librarian to express herself. However, Maria does ask if she had ever had an affair and although she did, she never told this to Maria. In the evening saw Ralf for the last time, or at least what she thought would be the last time as the love they experienced with each other brings them closer than past relationships. Ralf Hart becomes the hopeless romantic and meets Maria in the airport and the words The End appear on the cinema screen. Narrative Style This novel is written in third person singular with an omniscient style but however shifts to first person singular when Maria writes in her diary; She grew prettier and prettier, and her sad, mysterious ways brought her many suitors. and Everything tells me that I am about to make a wrong decision, but making mistakes is just a part of life. What does the world want of me? This therefore indicates that there is an epistdary style to the novel as Marias thoughts are shared through diary entries. The pronouns he and she are frequently used and characters are continuously addressed by their names. The novel is also written with an intrusive style; But if, one day, someone should decide to tell her story, she would ask them to begin it with just as all the fairy tales begin: Once upon a time. Character Analysis Maria: is an independent, selfless young lady who dreams of success which she will go out of her way to achieve. This is shown through her determination and even during her self-destroying profession she longs to achieve her dream she had since she was a little girl even though this is achieved through an adventure which causes her to change from being the innocent young girl she was. Maria is caring woman, this characteristic is portrayed through her nights with many clients as she not only gives them sexual pleasure but she also relieves them of their problems by discussing their life problems and situations. She is also a friendly lady as although Ralf Hart first offends her profession she still continues to talk and resolve the tension which then leads to a friendship and then a relationship. Her friendliness is also shown through her relationship between the librarian and her work colleagues although they see her as a threat. Maria is also devoting as she spends the money she pe rsonally earned on her family in order for her family to succeed in life by buying a farm for her family. Language Diction Eleven Minutes is a descriptive novel that uses informal language often including language commonly used amongst many people. There are many conversations in the novel between the characters, especially dialect between Maria and her sexual clients as well as between herself and Ralf Hart and Maria and the librarian. Techniques of creative writing are used such as personification; Geneva would just be the face of a man she loved and whom had loved her. There are also quite a few rhetorical questions which emphasize the situation and allow the reader to become involved with the situation in the novel. Several long sentences are used to describe feelings or objects; She was beginning to realise that after long months of self-control, the pressure, the earthquake, the volcano of her soul was showing signs that it was about to erupt, and the moment that this happened, she would have no way of controlling her feelings. Short sentences are also used to make an impact and emphasize the meani ng, for instance; She was terrified. Imagery The imagery is evident throughout the novel because all stimuli are aroused. Tactile imagery is evident when Maria sleeps with many different men because of her profession. The novel is very descriptive when Maria and Ralf Hart discuss their sexual relationships and when he seeks her as a customer; Maria felt Ralfs hand on her waist, his cheek pressed to hers and the music Thank God was too loud for them to talk. This description of Ralf and Marias encounter therefore links to auditory imagery as one can imagine the sound of the music around them. There is a sense of smell when Ralf caresses Marias face with his fingers; she can smell just a hint of ink on them, a smell that will stay there forever, even if he washes his handsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Visual imagery is foreseen throughout the novel when Maria enters the church before leaving back to Brazil. The novel explains traditions of a church; splendid stained-glass windows and empty cross; she was confronted not by an instrument of to rture, by the bloodied body of a dying man, but by a symbol of resurrectionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Taste imagery is evident when Maria has experience with a variety of foods, in Brazil she can only afford sandwiches and occasionally restaurants however, in Switzerland she eats more extravagantly and dines at more expensive restaurants after she is employed at The Copacabana. Themes The theme of discovery, pain and loneliness is evident throughout the novel as Maria had to experience pain throughout her life in order to discover her true self. Loneliness is shown through the novel as Maria was lonely and her soul and mind was lost in order for her to continue with her difficult career choice. Discovery also relates to this as she discovered herself from having made love with Ralf Hart and she began to feel much happier and realise that she had found love and that her soul was rejuvenated. The theme of sexual relations is represented deeply throughout the novel as Maria is a prostitute and has many sexual relationships throughout the novel because of this. Sex in the novel is a very dominant theme especially when Ralf Hart helps Maria to discover that sex is sacred and goes beyond ones soul. This theme may link to love and romance as Maria falls in love with Ralf Hart and they begin a relationship together after she flies home from Switzerland to Brazil. Setting This novel has various different settings which all motivate the novel in various ways. Whilst Maria is a young girl, the novel is set in Brazil in a secluded town. At nineteen she travels to Rio de Janeiro, a famous city for its carnival celebrations and many dances. These two scenes encourage the novel because as a young girl her parents are poor and as she begins to travel she wants to earn a decent salary to be able to support her family. As a young girl Maria also dreams to have the typical lifestyle and a glittery life and by moving from a secluded area to a populated town, Marias dream is truly reflected. The novel then takes the reader to Geneva in Switzerland then to Rue de Berne, down town from Geneva where sadly she becomes a prostitute but meets Ralf Hart. Genre The genre of Eleven Minutes is romance because of the relationships between Maria and her clients. Although Maria didnt fall in love with her many clients, she fell in love with a man who had occasionally entered The Copacabana and then paid for a night with her. The two endured sex and love and experienced what is called sacred sex in the novel. The genre could also be true life drama as the story line is based on a persons life but is altered in ways so that it isnt simply a biography. I say this because Maria experiences prostitution that is portrayed through everyday life although it is often not spoken about. Aspects I liked I enjoyed the fact that Maria finally realised that prostitution was not the way she should live her life and that although after another year she would have earned enough money to pursue her lifelong dreams and give her parents the life they had dreamed of, she left Geneva in order to live her life a better way. The novel also helped me to gain insight that there is a different side of earning a living and that prostitution is a settlement that young women make. I also enjoyed the fact that Ralf Hart went through effort in order to please Maria at the airport. It was the typical tender moment that every hopeless romantic will love. Despite this, I didnt enjoy that the novel ending in this way as I felt that the ending was a clichà © in comparison to the novel. I feel that the reader is able to imagine the ending before actually reading it which spoils the novel as it involves deep discussion about prostitution but then changes to a typical romance. Recommendations I would recommend this novel to any high school child that is sophisticated and mature to read about sexual relationships and prostitution. The novel is very open regarding the subjects sex and love and defines that sex without love is of no use. Saying this, I would specifically recommend this novel to teenage girls over the age of 17 because the theme, prostitution can be offensive to those who do not have an open mind. The novel discusses prostitution which is not an everyday topic although it can be a part of everyday life for certain people and it involves deep descriptions about sex and the discovery of sex in different ways. I would also recommend this novel to a woman who feels that they were once just a sexual object for men as the novel suggests female sexuality although it is explained through prostitution.

Merchant of Venice Essay: Shylock - Antagonist or Victim?

The Merchant of Venice: Shylock - Antagonist or Victim?  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   In The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare, there appears Shylock - a Jew. As the play unfolds Shylock is seen to be the villain and is portrayed as being cold, unbending, and evil.   Shylock can easily be assumed to be the antagonist in this play or, after careful research and study, he can also be viewed as persecuted individual who resorts to revenge as a last resort after he has been pushed too far.    To fully understand the character of Shylock we must first look at Elizabeathen attitudes towards Jews.   In the sixteenth century Jews were rarely if ever seen in England.   In the Middle Ages Jews had fled to England to escape persecution in France under the Normans.   They were granted charter in England by Henry I in return for a percentage of their profits from trade and moneylending.   It is here that the stereotype of Jews lending money was started.   Because of the tariffs placed on them by the crown Jews took to charging high interest rates to secure profits for themselves.   Here we see echos of   Shylock with his usury. Finally the Jews were ordered out of England in 1254 by Edward I. They did not return to England until the later half of the seventeenth century. (Lippman 3-4) Jews were also viewed as devils by Elizabeathan audiences.   Old stories portrayed them as "blood-thirsty murders" that poisoned wells and killed Christian children for their bizarre Passover ritual!   als. (Stirling 2:1)  Ã‚   These were the stereotypes which Shakespeare's audience held in regard to Jews.   Shakespeare himself had never seen a Jew but he goes to great lengths to humanize Shylock even while perpetuating the stereotype.    In Act 1:3, before Shyl... ...d, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is?   (III,i,54-59)    At this point in the play it seems that Shylock is no different from any other man except for the fact that his religion has made him in outcast from society.   Our understanding of this fact does not lessen the horror we feel at his cruelty towards Antonio, but we are able to remember that the passion for revenge is a common human failing and not the unique characteristics of a ferocious and inhuman monster as the Elizabeathans believed. (Lippman 3)    Works Cited: Lippman,   Laura.  Ã‚   Merchant of Venice   Princeton, NJ: Peterson's Guides, 1999. Stirling, Grant. "Shakespeare and Anti-Semitism: The Question of Shylock." February 1997. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/7221. Merchant of Venice Essay: Shylock - Antagonist or Victim? The Merchant of Venice: Shylock - Antagonist or Victim?  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   In The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare, there appears Shylock - a Jew. As the play unfolds Shylock is seen to be the villain and is portrayed as being cold, unbending, and evil.   Shylock can easily be assumed to be the antagonist in this play or, after careful research and study, he can also be viewed as persecuted individual who resorts to revenge as a last resort after he has been pushed too far.    To fully understand the character of Shylock we must first look at Elizabeathen attitudes towards Jews.   In the sixteenth century Jews were rarely if ever seen in England.   In the Middle Ages Jews had fled to England to escape persecution in France under the Normans.   They were granted charter in England by Henry I in return for a percentage of their profits from trade and moneylending.   It is here that the stereotype of Jews lending money was started.   Because of the tariffs placed on them by the crown Jews took to charging high interest rates to secure profits for themselves.   Here we see echos of   Shylock with his usury. Finally the Jews were ordered out of England in 1254 by Edward I. They did not return to England until the later half of the seventeenth century. (Lippman 3-4) Jews were also viewed as devils by Elizabeathan audiences.   Old stories portrayed them as "blood-thirsty murders" that poisoned wells and killed Christian children for their bizarre Passover ritual!   als. (Stirling 2:1)  Ã‚   These were the stereotypes which Shakespeare's audience held in regard to Jews.   Shakespeare himself had never seen a Jew but he goes to great lengths to humanize Shylock even while perpetuating the stereotype.    In Act 1:3, before Shyl... ...d, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is?   (III,i,54-59)    At this point in the play it seems that Shylock is no different from any other man except for the fact that his religion has made him in outcast from society.   Our understanding of this fact does not lessen the horror we feel at his cruelty towards Antonio, but we are able to remember that the passion for revenge is a common human failing and not the unique characteristics of a ferocious and inhuman monster as the Elizabeathans believed. (Lippman 3)    Works Cited: Lippman,   Laura.  Ã‚   Merchant of Venice   Princeton, NJ: Peterson's Guides, 1999. Stirling, Grant. "Shakespeare and Anti-Semitism: The Question of Shylock." February 1997. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/7221.

My Personal Ethics Essay -- being an ethical decision maker

According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, ethics is defined as â€Å"moral principles that govern a person’s or group’s behavior.† Therefore, in an ideal world, ethics should play the ultimate role when making a decision. If ethics are the principles which guides one’s behavior then, ideally, all decisions should be made entirely based on ethics. Unfortunately, such is not always the case. A few problems arise when one tries to make an ethical decision, especially as a leader. First, ethics may mean different things to different people. For example, my religious and spiritual beliefs are the foundation for what I deem ethical. However, for someone else, ethics might be based on laws or their own personal understanding of what is right or wrong. Generally, I do believe there are some behaviors that all can agree upon as being ethical or unethical. For example, most people understand that stealing from someone or murder is wrong. However, it is difficult, at times, to have similar ethical expectations of others as one does of themselves because of these differences in the understanding of ethics. Additionally, there are times when it might be easier for a leader to make an unethical decision for an immediate gain or to appease the wants of others. Examples of these include leaders who embezzle money or use other schemes to make money quickly or unlawfully. For most leaders, making ethical decisions tends to be the goal. I firmly believe that more often than not, leaders do make ethical decisions for the betterment of their organization or business. There are cases when making an unethical decision might be easier, but the true character of a leader is tested when they are confronted with such a decision. Making the easier ... ...ply share with others what I believe and value. I also communicate my personal ethics through my actions. If my decisions are made according to my ethical beliefs, then others should be able to recognize, through my behavior, what my personal morals are. Overall, being an ethical decision maker is important to me. As a leader, I understand that I play a part in establishing what is considered right and wrong, based on my actions and decisions. My hope is to always be an example, and being ethical is the foundation of setting a good example for others. The old adage, â€Å"actions speak louder than words† rings true in relation to ethics. I aim to show people what my moral principles are based on my actions. At times, it can get difficult because I might let emotions cloud my judgment, but after all, doing the right thing for the sake of others is most important to me.

Anti-hero on Clockwork Orange and the film Unforgiven

The Idea of an antithesis to an anti-hero began its first appear in literature as early as in the Greek novel Don Quixote, but the bloom of a modern time anti-hero can be traced back to the period of Romanticism. Through the view of an anti-hero, we are ultimately challenged to look at ourselves and our contemporary world and recognize the complexity of human condition.In Clockwork Orange and Unforgiving, the dichotomies relationship between two protagonists Alex and Will Mummy has demonstrated our deeper understanding of the notion of an anti-hero. Alex represents the common men chained by society and their own insignificance and shaped by his world. In abstract, he is Just a representation of his world; the â€Å"†¦ Slot machines†¦ † At the train station symbolizes the corruption of contemporary morals and that Alex is Just another reflection of this world. Similarly, the subverted motif of milk in the text exposes a dual Image of Innocence and transgression.Far fr om being symbols of purity and nurture, â€Å"Innocent milk† which Alex drinks portrays the child-Like act contaminated as an instrument to heighten their inclination for â€Å"ultra violence†, furthering the idea hat Alex is a product of his environment. In other words, Alex is the inevitable socially and environmentally influenced personality of our nature and our world. Also, Alex shows common traits of anti-hero, the absolute lack of masculinity and heroism through his acts of violence and impotency.His vandalism In the train â€Å"†¦ To pass the three minute ride†¦ † Suggests that violence Is a source of entertainment and amusement In the matters of something as simple and common as time. Even though his brutality and ignorance are immature and despicable, it is also that sense of free rein to his violent impulses which makes him human. When violence is used against him and makes him â€Å"good†, it implies that that goodness is inauthentic and only driven by deterministic mechanism.Therefore, Alex illustrates that true goodness comes from within and evil is necessary in being a complete human being. On the other hand, Will Mummy depicts a starkly opposite anti-heroic qualities to Alex but an anti-hero that Is far Innately human condition. The literal metaphor of Will Mummy rolling in mud emphasizes everything he sacrificed to become a decent paternal figure. Likewise, he recognizes and accepts his past morally baseless man that killed †¦ Everything that walks or crawls at one time or another. † , and thus indicating he is debased of any pretension.The close shot of Will rejecting a â€Å"free one† represents his self-actualization which pervades the film until Will divorces his quest. Throughout the film, his Incessant allusion to his wife as the reason for his arc of change highlights that we as humans are complex, more confusing and more relating by our nature. Moreover, the old western setting in unforgiving effectively lends itself to the anti-hero. In such harsh and desolate environment, Will's financial hardship leads IM to be morally ambiguous to survive and allows him to commit villainous acts for good reason.In addition, the sense of lawlessness In the Old West empowers the significant role of the sheriff as the absolute personification of law. Similar to Will ruthless enforcements. Not only that, Little Bill's dramatic foil highlights the utilization of violence in Will's morally ambiguous quest. Through Will, we can identify the scarred humanity innately progressing through the world. In the comparison of Alex and Will Mummy, amalgamation of good and evil, use of violence and ironic moral ambiguity could be understood as a full-value representative of an anti-hero.It is clear that in spite of differences in background and social frailties, both protagonists employ violence in defense of individuality or to survive. The dark side of Will's nature resurfaces at the en d revealing his failure to remain a noble man, and Alex is deprived of the possibility to choose which signifies free will and existence of the self. Moreover, the visual depiction of Will and Ale's anti-heroism motivates us to reflect more on our self-actualization and positions us to hate and feel moral ambiguity bout the character and towards the character.They are portrayed to have flaws but held fast to their true nature, and thus show the real human nature. To conclude, the two dichotomous characters are Juxtaposed and combined to represent two anti- heroes that we can realistically and sympathetically relate to in spite of their undesirable true nature, furthering that they are necessary and fundamental part of human nature. Therefore, the realistic traits of an anti-hero exemplify the complex human nature and ultimately connect us to their lack of conventional greatness and our own world and humanity.

Legalize It

Legalize It In 2000, George Bierson’s â€Å"Marijuana, the Deceptive Drug†, was published by the Massachusetts News. Bierson concludes that marijuana is harmful in many ways, including brain damage, damage to the reproductive system, and weakening of the immune system. He also attempts to convince the reader that marijuana is a â€Å"gateway drug† that leads the users to venture into much harder drugs. I believe that research to support anything can be found if one is looking hard enough, but that the fallacy of Bierson’s conclusion is due to his research seeking facts to support an already-assumed conclusion.Based on my research and my own personal experience, I have found that several of his points, when looked at logically, do not reach his conclusion. One of Bierson’s strongest supporting claims is of the physical harms of marijuana. He argues that Heath's tests of the monkey's brain seemed to show conclusive evidence of brain damage; however, h e fails to mention that the tests were later discredited: the monkeys were given extremely high doses, doses exponentially higher than that of the average recreational or medical marijuana user, and the test’s sample size was too small.More current studies of people who are heavy marijuana smokers show no evidence of brain damage; in addition, the American Medical Association has officially endorsed the decriminalization of marijuana. I find this to be quite a bit more compelling than an outdated and poorly executed test. His claims of damage to both the reproductive system and the immune system are again based on invalid experiments of doses administered to mice and other animals, not humans.Moreover, several studies of the effects of marijuana on the human reproductive and immune systems have failed to demonstrate adverse effects. One of the longest standing arguments against the use of marijuana is that it gives users a â€Å"gateway† to harder or more illicit drug use. Bierson states in his article that â€Å"Marijuana is the seed from which the scourge of drug abuse grows. If we stop the marijuana, we will stop the rest of drug abuse†. I have several issues with this statement: first, the simple fact that many heroin and cocaine users used marijuana first does ot conclude that the latter is the result of the first. Bierson’s vehement argument against marijuana alone become suspect, as most of these heroin and cocaine abusers had also previously used alcohol and tobacco. According to government surveys, a conservative estimate of 80 million American have tried marijuana in their life, and 20 million admit to using it recently; if marijuana were truly a gateway drug, we would see a higher percentage of regular users.Instead we are seeing an even smaller percentage of abusers of cocaine or heroin. In fact, most people who use marijuana most often quit on their own before the age of 34. In Holland, marijuana has been partially decr iminalized since the 1970's. Reports show that the use of cocaine and heroin has significantly decreased, thus contradicting the hypothesis of marijuana as a gateway drug. Instead, these statistics appear to point to the conclusion that marijuana is more likely a substitute for harder drugs rather than a launching pad.While I do feel that Bierson has failed to present conclusive evidence of the harmfulness of marijuana through the points made, it is not a proper statement to claim that marijuana is â€Å"harmless† either. Even though the properties of marijuana have shown not to be physically addictive, one can become psychologically addicted. However, this is true of just about anything that can give one pleasure, such as chocolate, gambling, or shopping. No substance will be safe for everybody, under all circumstances, or when used in excessive amounts.For example, over-the-counter medications can be deadly for those who are allergic or who overdose. On the other hand, mari juana overdose has never been a sole reported cause of death: the amount of cannabinoids required to have a lethal effect are more than 40,000 times the necessary dosage for intoxication, making it highly unlikely that a person would be able to or could be able to achieve such a concentrated amount in their bloodstream. This is a severe contrast to alcohol, where one can very easily bring about one's demise, and at only a mere four times the legal limit.Marijuana continues to be a relevant controversial issue in society today, as many states included decriminalization and legalization proposals on their ballots. It can be very difficult to know which side to support, partially due to the media propaganda, some of which even contradicts itself in its fervor. This is likely the result of many wealthy and influential organizations that have a financial interest in this issue, from the pharmaceutical companies who stand to lose profits from legalization, the governments who stands to ga in from taxation, or the â€Å"dealers† who will be put out of business with the elimination of the black market.It seems that those with a vested interest in the legalization or continued criminalization of marijuana will pull whatever strings necessary to sway public opinion to their side. This may include creating, supporting, or merely citing biased or invalid research to support the desired conclusion, just as Bierson has done in his article.