Latin American religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Latin American religion - Essay Example African based religions in Central America include Santeria, Vondoo, Condomble, and others. The development of these religion dates back to the time when the Africans started arriving in Central American states.This was during the era of slave trade when they were brought to work in sugar plantation of the colonialist. There religion developed from a mixture of African culture of the slave who had settled in the sates. The early development of these religions was based on the need to have the Africans united in the foreign land. These realigns were based on the principle of truth, justice, righteousness, harmony, order and reciprocity. They were based on the need to have self sustainable and the notion of being self empowered in the foreign land. They had a sense of individual and communal appeal. The growth of these religions in Latin America could have followed amore direct root since most of them were prohibited. The prohibition of these religions made them stronger. They grew to be some of the most important sycretic religion in Latin America.Due to the prohibition of the practice of these religions, they did not make a nationals appeal but remained practice mainly by the individual African community that has started them. With time they came to be indentified with the Africans an identity that remains up to date. In light of this the national suppressing of these religions was different rand therefore they remained active in the country where they were more practiced. For example, Voodoo survived the religious assault in Cuba, Brazil, Dominic Republic and other part of Central America where it is practiced to date. Condobmle survived only in Brazil where it is practices up do date. Even up to date, there religions have remained racialized according to the community that started practicing them early. It was due to repression of these religion which made them stay limited to the African groups although there have been some degree of acceptance of the religion in the region. The process of nationalisation and acceptance of these religions have taken along time due to the confinement of the religion to the practicing communities alone. Judaism Judaism is the religion that has been spread to all parents of the world by the Jew. It is the main religion that has been carried out from Middle East to the whole world by the Jews. The coming of the religion in Latin America is associated with the coming of Jews in the region. They date back to the time when Christopher Columbus and his voyage reached America in 1492. There were around seven Jews who sailed with Columbus on the voyage. When the came to American they stated practising their religion which they have been carrying on with them to all parts of the world. They spread to Latin America where they established their religion in areas where they occupying. Like in other parts of the world where the Jews settled they have been able to keep their religion Jews has emerged to be one of the accepted religion in Central America although it has remained to be loyal to the Jews alone. It has remained exclusive practiced by Jews whoa re still living in Latin America. Judaism has been shown to be one of the religion that developed along tradition African religions in America having developed since 15th century to the 21st century and was likewise repressed and lacked a nationwide appeal for a long time. The process of nationalization of the Jewish religion has been slows like the other region. This has been based on the fact that Jews has reamed conservatively as a Jews religion alone and has been identified with the Jewish community alone. However it has remained to be one of the major religions in the region. Judaism was able to survive the spread of the catholic religion which was brought by the Spanish who discovered the land. Islam Islam has been one of the growing religions in the world in the recent past. It has been growing in number since it arrived in the region. Islam came

To what extent can global geopolitics in the period since 1989 be Essay

To what extent can global geopolitics in the period since 1989 be described as a 'clash of civilisations' - Essay Example Between the 1940s and 1989, global citizens were held hostage to recurring conflict between the world’s two largest superpowers which never reached a full militaristic situation as a result of both superpower’s capability to impose mass destruction against the other (Gaddis 56). However, since 1989, many states have developed more technological capacity and economic strength, making powers other than the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc more influential in geopolitics. Since 1989, more geopolitical power spread throughout emerging militaristic and economically-sound states has changed the dynamics of political relationships throughout the world. This essay explores the Gulf War, theory regarding global capitalism and U.S. unipolarity to describe how geopolitics, today, has led to a clash of civilisations. Between 1980 and 1988, Iraq had been engaged in a lengthy war against Iran, sparked by unsettled border disputes between the two nations. Iraq, a once-wealthy and prosperous nation, was witnessing its economic strength diminishing as a result of continuously funding a costly military effort against its rival. During this war, Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest oil producers, began to fear that if Iran won this conflict, it would create an Iran hegemony that would ultimately threaten national security of Saudi Arabia and its oil-related revenues. Saudi Arabia had loans $26 billion USD to Iraq as a dual effort to ensure that the Shia in Iran would not gain substantial political power. Kuwait, another oil rich nation, had also loaned Iraq $14 billion USD to assist Iraq in its military objectives against Iran. By 1990, Kuwait refused to simply forgive this $14 billion dollar loan even though Iraq was convinced that the eight year-long war had achieved an oppression of Iran’s growing strength (Watson, George, Tsouras and Cyr 61). The Saudis, additionally, placed considerable pressure on Iraq to begin loan

Frankenstein and Darkness by Lord Byron

Frankenstein and Darkness by Lord Byron The Romantic period is probably one of the most significant periods of change in literature. It is during this period that a lot of high quality works were produced be it in literature, art or music. Apart from being rich in poetry the period can be seen as an exaltation of the imagination. This was replacing the rational thought which had overcome Europe at the time. The Romantics also saw themselves as prophets and used their works to prophesise about the future of mankind. Due to this it is interesting to investigate whether these prophesies of the future of mankind have actually come true. The essay will look at how exactly the two romantic writers of Frankenstein (Mary Shelley) and the poem Darkness (Lord Byron) and what these two writers prophesised in their works. Also in the end see whether what the writers are trying to portray in their texts can be applied to modern day. References to other romantic works by William Wordsworth and William Blake also aid in this investigation. The essay reaches a conclusion that the various themes displayed in the texts can be applied to modern day and do serve as a warning as most of which these writers feared would happen to mankind is actually taking place to this day. As a final point, that indeed their warnings are justified. Introduction Throughout the ages it can be observed that they were a lot of periods of change that happened throughout the history of literature. These include the Victorian era. One of the most influential periods of change happens to be the Romantic era. The word suggests that this era was based on peoples appreciation of love and romance. All the same, though love was a common theme during works of the time the Romantic of era was in actual fact a movement in the creativity of artists and writers of the time. This movement was not just a shift in the mind sets of those involved with literature but it also involved art and music. The movement began in the late 1700s in Western Europe and continued towards the mid 1800s. In the 1700s there were a lot of advancements being made by the European people including advancements in science and social changes such as the Industrial Revolution. Majority of these changes were brought forth by the Age of Enlightenment that went through the 18th century which saw the awakening of scientific thought, the overthrowing of the conquering religious knowledge and the change in European philosophy as a means of finding reason in the world. It also saw the beginning of the Industrial Revolution which took over Europe during the 18th century. The Romantic era was basically a rebellion against the scientific and rational thought that gripped Europe during the previous age of enlightenment. This rebellion saw the shift from rational thought to more concentration on emotions, passion for life and nature. Other important themes of the Romantic era were nationalism, freedom and liberty. These themes formed the ideals of most Romantics and they displayed them through all their works. Romantics also concerned themselves with using their works as a means of displaying human society and its link with nature often spoke of the future of mankind. They saw themselves as prophets of the future and used heir works as warnings of the future. One of the most influential works of literature written at the time is the poem Darkness by Lord Byron. The poem was written in 1816 in the midst of very strange events which people thought at the time were signs of the apocalypse. That year was known as the year without a summer due to darkness which had over shadowed the land which originated from the volcanic ash cloud of the eruption of Mount Tambora a volcano situated in Indonesia the previous year. Unfortunately the people in Geneva did not know this and went into a panic believing the apocalypse was near. The chaos and activity of the time were the inspiration behind Byrons poem. In addition he wrote his poem as a means of writing about the calamity which will take over mankind if immoral behaviour is continued. Another important work is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Mary Shelley was the wife of another famous poet by the name of Percy Shelley. The book was written while on a visit to the Swiss Alps with Percy at the Lord Byrons home. Here due to the unseasonal rain they had to remain indoors and entertained themselves with ghost stories. Due to the urging of the Lord himself a competition was set to see who would write the creepiest story and Mary took the prize through the writing of her book Frankenstein; Or The Modern Prometheus which is the full name. The book is based on the story of a young ambitious scientist who sets out to create life but ends up creating a monster. This book is a metaphor for what would become of mankind if they continue to tamper with nature. The theme of nature and its destruction is a common theme in a lot of Romantic works. In this paper the manner in which these two writers warn the reader of the misfortune that will take over mankind by looking at various themes and methods the authors use to expose them. Also reference will be made to other works of the Romantic period to show the similarities and differences of the works. Chapter 1: The Theme of Nature in the Works The theme of nature was very prominent in many Romantic works. It was believed that nature possesses an ability to revitalize the mind and help man escape from the constraints of civilisation. The root of these beliefs also come from the fact that the Romantic period arose from the time when Europe was undergoing the Industrial Revolution which saw the destruction of forests and beautiful scenery to make space for factories and mills for industrial purposes. According to them, nature was viewed as a sublime Godly creation which was to be appreciated and not destroyed. This is portrayed through the setting of the texts and the many creative ways the writers made lucid descriptions of nature. In Frankenstein, Shelley uses elaborate description of the scenery to display this. Looking at the first letter from Richard Walton, he describes sensations he feels as he walks through the streets of St Petersburg, I feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheeks, which braces my nerves and fills me with delight. The beauty of the environment around him inspires him to continue his voyage to the north pole and increases his excitement about the beauty of the north pole which is he is so eager to see. Throughout the novel it can be noted how nature uplifts and provides some healing for both the monster and Victor Frankenstein. Another famous work is the poem Daffodils also known by the title I wondered lonely as a cloud by William Wordsworth, a celebrated Romantic poet. Wordsworth wrote this poem after taking a walk with his sister admiring the daffodils in the fields surrounding him. Similar to Mary Shelley, he paints an ostentatious image of the beauty of the flowers their ability to invite him to enjoy them through use of language. He describes the flowers as fluttering and dancing as if to say the movements of the flowers are as gentle as the fluttering of butterflies and birds in the breeze and their motions graceful as if they were dancing. The use of imagery was also very important tool for the Romantics to exhibit their message and aid the reader in appreciating the beauty of nature they often portray. There, Margaret, the sun is for ever visible; its broad disk skirting the horizon and diffusing a perpetual splendourà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Here, Walton describes in his first letter to his sister Margaret, how the sun spreads over the horizon at the North Pole. The words perpetual splendour further enhance the beauty of the region. In Daffodils, Wordsworth also refers to the power of nature to enlighten his heart from sadness, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦For oft, when on my couch I lie/ In vacant or in pensive mood,/They flash upon that inward eye/Which is the bliss of solitude;/And then my heart with pleasure fills,/And dances with the daffodils. The words vacant and solitude describe his empty state of mind. The daffodils flash appear brightly within his inward eye which is his imagination filling his heart with pleasure. These are all demonstrations of the power nature has over the individual as portrayed by the Romantic writers. Chapter 2: The Consequences of the Pursuit of Knowledge One of the major themes in Frankenstein is the pursuit of knowledge and its consequences. The prior to the Romantic period was the Age of Enlightenment which saw a rise of rationalism and continuous significant scientific advancements. These concerned Mary Shelley and other Romantic writers. The concern was they saw this rationalist movement as man trying to meddle with the laws of nature. This is the foundation of the character of Victor Frankenstein. At the age of 17, Frankenstein goes off to university where he meets many intellectuals and wise professors who inspire him to pursue natural science. Sadly, this inspiration eventually turns into an obsession. I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation. From this we see how Frankenstein aspires to achieve greater accomplishments than philosophers before him. He also aims to overcome nature. This means he aims to overcome God himself for God be the creator of nature. Due to this obsession, he sacrifices all his time, energy and health to create life, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦with unrelaxed and breathless eagerness, I pursued nature to her hiding places. It was on a dreary night of November, that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. This opening line of Chapter Five sets a dark, depressing, and cold scene which gives a feeling of foreboding as a means of warning of events to come. Words such as anxiety, agony depict the depressing scene of the coming to life of the monster. Shocked at the hideousness of his creation he laments, How can I describe my emotions at this catastropheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ as a part of reinforcing his shock there is a use of exclamation marks as he says, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Beautiful! Great God! This is ironic, in that Frankenstein had sought to create life as a means of being able to uncover nature and certifying himself to be greater than God. Ironically, he calls upon God upon his failure though he never mentions God before. The monster is described to have yellow skin, lustrous black hair and pearly white teeth which form a horrid contrast with his watery eyes, dun white sockets his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips. This image painted of the monster depicts how he was created to have beautiful features yet upon his awakening, they come together to form a hideous being. The eyes in their sockets also give a sense of sadness within the monster. The monster is therefore an unnatural being with human features. Unable to bare the being he had created he runs of to his room. He begins to develop fever like symptoms. He recalls the monster as, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the wretch the miserable monster I had created. The use of the word I demonstrates his selfishness and how he does not even consider how the monster feels. The fact that he does not give the monster a name and refers to it as the creature or the wretch, demonstrates his disappointment and dislike for that which he has created. Through these different devices Mary Shelley allows the reader to visualise the scene and have a share in the experiences of the characters. Nonetheless, it may be possible that the monster is a metaphor for scientific creations created with the intention of beauty going horribly wrong. This can be paralleled to the pursuit of knowledge and how it can have dire consequences for in the story it can be seen that the monster brings death and destruction. Chapter 3: The Consequences of the Immorality of Mankind The poem Darkness, creates grisly apocalyptic images of the earth and mankind at their demise. The opening line of the poem Darkness by Lord Byron along with the title of the poem already prepares the reader of the grim mood displayed in the poem. I had a dream, which was not at all a dream. Here the narrator of the poem describes having an experience similar to a dream which but turns out to be more of a nightmare not in his mind but in reality. Basically, Byron speaks as though he had a premonition of the grave future ahead for mankind. This opening just as the opening of chapter five of Frankenstein, It was on a dreary night of Novemberà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ is foreboding and gives a sense of grief and impending doom. The inspiration behind this poem was not only due to the very strange events of the time which made people believe in the coming of the apocalypse but also immoral acts of mankind. The Industrial Revolution had also provoked a lot of social unrest. Countless underprivileged European citizens moved from their rural countryside homes to work in factories. They worked under very harsh conditions and were paid vey low wages. This exploitation was all in the name of greed and the pursuit of wealth and prosperity in the advancing European societies. These inhumane acts in the name of gaining wealth and gaining status were part of the inspiration behind another famous Romantic works. One such work is Jerusalem by William Blake which was inspired by the writers condemnation of the products of the Industrial Revolution. Written in 1804 Jerusalem later became a patriotic hymn during the First World War and is used as a national anthem for England at certain sporting events. This piece speaks of England being a special land and a possible candidate for the building of a New Jerusalem given the possibility that Jesus Christ visited the land as a boy. In essence, the poem Jerusalem gives hope to the society where as lord Byrons poem speaks of death and destruction giving no sign of optimism of a brighter future. The poem has no obvious structure. It is an 82 lined poem of free verse. It is not divided into any stanzas and is therefore continuous but there is a large use of punctuation marks to break this continuality. This is very evident through lines 78 and 79. The waves were dead; the tides were in their grave, /The moon, their mistress, had expird before; These repetitive breaks portray the disturbance of he natural flow of nature and life during this catastrophe hitting the world. They also help vary the tone and speed of the poem. At the beginning it is slow and calm displaying the gloom of the world, then fast and chaotic and finally slow and calm again to portray the doom taking over the earth. Nature is also at a standstill and seemingly dead as the lightless world. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The winds were witherd in the stagnant air/ And the clouds perishdà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ and The rivers, lakes and ocean all stood still/ And nothing stirrd within their silent depths. It seems nature too has died due to the disappearance of light. Byron uses a lot of interesting words to expose the pure gloom and doom he experiences in the events of the poem. The poem itself is centred on the disappearance of light from the earth. Words which accentuate this theme are, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦swung blindà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ blackened dull gloomà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ In addition, the light is described as despairing. In other words, it is as if it is non existent. Fear is also exposed as he talks of how it has overcome the people and how even the toughest of animals were tame and tremulous. Onomatopoeic words such as shrieked, gnashed, howled, hissing, describe the sounds. The fact that there are a lot of sounds creates a certain degree of chaos. Furthermore, the sound of the forests crackling as people try to make fire to light up shows the desperation. The main image in this piece is that of mankind turning into beasts due to the desperation to find light. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the wildest brutes/ Came tame and tremulousà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The more frightening creatures are also consumed by fear to the point that they began to pose no danger and instead the humans became the monstrous ones. Images used to enhance this are, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦vipers crawldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Hissing, but stinglessthey were slain for foodà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The vipers which were now harmless were being slain. The word slain puts an emphasis on the cruelty now consuming the humans. The images used in Darkness can also be linked to apocalyptic images used in the bible. Matthew 24:29 reads, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. This is similar to Byrons imagery of, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The bright sun was extinguishd, and the stars/ Did wander darkling in the eternal space, Rayless, and pathless, and the icy earth/ Swung blind and blackening in the moonless air. In the desolation and men becoming beasts Byron adds, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦there was no love leftà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ which can be a reference to Matthew 24:19, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. The disturbance in the peace is enhanced when the writer states, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦And War, which for a moment was no more/ Did glut himself again: a meal was bought/ With bloodà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ This demonstrates that war had arisen again with man fighting and killing each other just for food. This can be compared to the war referred to in Jerusalem by William Blake. Firstly, a sense of evil of the unjust is also displayed in Wordsworths poem. The dark satanic mills the poet describes are a reference to the mills and factories built during the Industrial Revolution causing all the social unrest which he protested against. The word satanic fully highlights how Blake views the mills as sinister due to the unjust manner in which workers were being treated. In the 3rd stanza he speaks of gathering up arms in order to fight against the evil brought forth by the mills. On the other hand, it turns out the war he refers to is more of a mental fight for he says, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦I will not cease from mental fight, / Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand/ Till we have built Jerusalem/ In Englands green and pleasant land. In effect, Jerusalem is a tool in restoring peace and tranquillity in England. The poem itself is more of a call to the English people to rally against the iniquitous acts done to them due to Industrial Revolution. It also gives a sense of hopefulness that freedom and harmony can be restored to the human race. In contrast, Lord Byrons poem does not speak of hope that in the end light which is seen from the last line, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Darkness had no need/ Of aid from themShe was the Universe. This line is as if to say nothing can save the human race from the cruel end they have subdued themselves onto by their immoral acts. Darkness is finally personified and the fact tat it is compared to the universe shows the vast degree to which darkness has taken over the world. Chapter 5: The Symbols of Light and Fire in the Two Texts Symbolism is a very important literary tool used to convey different messages and present ideas and emotions to the reader. The most important symbol in the texts is the symbol of light. In Frankenstein light symbolises knowledge and discovery. This is first illustrated when Richard Walton asks, What could not be expected in the country of eternal light? Walton is clearly vey optimistic about reaching the north pole and looks forward to the enlightenment which will be brought forth by the voyage. The light is a positive object both Walter and Frankenstein try to reach in the hopes of gaining knowledge and enlightenment. Lord Byron uses light to represent life and the balance between nature and the human race. It also represents morality and discretion of man. The disappearance of light means, firstly, the loss of morality of people, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ men forgot their passions in the dread/ Of this their desolationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Secondly, a break in the balance with men turning into beasts and beasts becoming tame. The end result is chaos, gloom and the destruction of nature. This is what the darkness represents in the poem; consequences of mans loss of morality. Likewise, the scene set for the opening of Chapter five of Shelleys book is dull and cold taking place under half-extinguished light giving a foreboding effect of the consequences of Frankensteins work. Fire is a more dangerous version of light which can be created by man. Although fire provides light it also burns and causes pain as discovered by the monster while he was by himself in the forest in Chapter 11. How strange, I thought that the same cause should produce such opposite effects. Normally, to create a fire there must be a spark. Frankenstein collects his materials and then infuses à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦a spark of being into the lifeless thingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ This spark could symbolise the starting of a dangerous fire. In Darkness, the disappearance of light causes the world to become void/à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ a lumpà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ in other words, an empty place. This results in people becoming desperate for light and they try to create their own light, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The habitations of all things which dwell/ Were burnt for beaconsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Forests were set on fire. The desperation only causes more destruction as they destroy nature by setting it to fire all in the search of light. The symbol is further enhanced through the full name of Mary Shelleys Book which happens to be, Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus. In context, the Greek God Prometheus was assigned by Zeus, the god of the sky and the king of the Greek gods, to form man out of water and Earth. However, against the orders of Zeus, he gives man the knowledge of fire. He was then severely punished for this deed and defying Zeus by being tied to a stake where everyday an eagle came to eat his liver. Victor Frankenstein can be compared to Prometheus, as his attempt to acquire more knowledge for himself and mankind only brought dire consequences resulting in the deaths of the ones he loved. Though he did not give fire to humanity he gave the gift of the secret of life, the spark of being but withal it still remains unknown exactly what this spark really is. Similar to Prometheus defying Zeus, Frankenstein tries to defy God and he too is punished for it. CONCLUSION Romantic writers prided themselves with being individuals and Mary Shelley and Lord Byron clearly pay testament to that. These two texts are all very unique though there are some similarities the main one being the ability of the writers to warn of the future. Other writers vey well known woks which waned of the fall of mankind In Frankenstein, the monster is basically an unnatural being. The coming to life of the monster brings an aftermath of death and destruction. In addition the anxiety which Frankenstein experiences could be an illustration of the anguish mankind will suffer from due to these scientific advances. The use of religion i.e. the defiance of God in Frankenstein and apocalyptic imagery in Darkness further enhance their warnings. The question is. were the Romantic writers correct? The answer is yes. The world has changed with wars and global warming, terrorism, corruption and immense poverty being just some of the troubles of the world.

A Comparison of Tragedy in Hamlet, The Book of Job, and Oedipus Rex Ess

Interpretations of Tragedy in Hamlet, The Book of Job, and Oedipus Rex    For ages, man has pondered upon the roots of destiny. Is the outcome of a man's life determined by human qualities and failings, the meddling of a divine power, or simple fate? Shakespeare's Hamlet made the argument that tragedy is caused by human folly. The idea that divine intervention is at the root of human suffering is put forth in the Book of Job. In Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, fate is given as the root of man's suffering. Three divergent perspectives on the origins of calamity exist within the tragedies Hamlet, Job, and Oedipus Rex. Shakespeare's Hamlet enforced the idea that Human suffering is a result of human faults. Hamlet possesses extreme indecisiveness, but at times exhibits dangerous recklessness. Both contribute to his ultimate destruction. The majority of the play consisted of Hamlet deciding when, where, and how to kill Claudius, the murderer of his father. When Claudius is alone praying, Hamlet had the perfect chance to avenge his murdered father, but he decided to postpone the act. "Up, sword, and know thou a more horrid hent. / When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage" (Hamlet III.iii.88-89). If Hamlet had simply slew Claudius at that juncture, the situation would have never complicated; the story would have been over. Such innocents as Hamlet's mother, Polonius, Laertes, and Ophelia would have never met tragic ends. Although Hamlet possessed the fault of indecisiveness, at times, he exhibited a recklessness that led to suffering. When Hamlet was in his mother's room he heard a rustling behind a tapestry that he presumed was Claudius. He decided to kill the man behind the curtain without checking to make sure th... ... misfortune is a matter of fate that cannot be changed by any mortal actions. All provide a valuable insight into one of life's greatest quandaries: the root of tragedy.    Works Cited Green, Joel B., & Longman, Tremper (Eds.). Holy Bible -- The Everday Study Edition. Dallas: Word Publishing. 1996. Shakespeare, William. The New Cambridge Shakespeare: Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Ed. Philip Edwards. Cambridge: Cambridge U P, 1985. Sophocles.   "Oedipus Rex."   An Introduction to Literature, 11th ed. Eds. Sylvan Barnet, et al.   New York: Longman, 1997.    Works Consulted Fox, Robin Lane. The Unauthorized Version: Truth and Fiction in the Bible. New York: Vintage, 1991. G. K. Chesterton, "Introduction to The Book of Job",   The Hebrew Bible In Literary Criticism, Ed. and Comp. Alex Preminger and Edward L. Greenstein, (New York: Ungar)

Red Handed

Title: I was a disappointment to my Dad 2004 was the year my father developed a taste for schedules and routines. It was, and still is, his way of making sure that things are in order, and I suppose it was his way, when we were younger, of ensuring there was some consistency in our daily lives. When Mum left, I think that was all he could think to do – giving us something fixed, something to fall back on, something to let us know that our world still stood firm even as his was falling apart. It was never really the same, our world; he was never really the same. Mum has always been the spontaneous one.She had always done things whenever she felt like it. I suppose that was why she could leave us just like that. She had never been one for commitment. After she left, my father came up with The Schedule. We had to follow it, and by then we were so desperate to keep one parent that we paid attention. He took great pride in us following it for a while. The Schedule gratified him. I remember Fridays were pizza days; they only had the regular pizza then, not the triple cheese extravaganza they do now, something for which I am utterly thankful; on Thursdays we took trips to the parks.It did not matter which park it was or how many times we had been there before. We just went on Thursdays. Matt, three years my junior, and I, would see how many flowers we could find that had at least an insect hovering over them while Father stared blankly into the distance, occasionally, he would smile. Then there were Tuesdays. On Tuesdays, I was to finish whatever assessment Dad asked me to do. I would put in my best effort to have them done to perfection and always long before he came to pick us up at Aunt’s.I would, upon entering his new black BMW, brandish out the assessment to show off to him and I had always been a honest boy so he never tore the answer key out before. Each time, his eyes would light up and tell me I was a good boy and off we would go home where he w ould mark my work and explain my mistakes (which I rarely have) to me. Followed by that, we would be off for dinner at the place I chose but since Matt was still six, Dad did not give him any assignment which meant he had no say in what we were going to have for dinner and he always beg with me to choose Macdonald’s.The World was going to be all right for one more day. Dad’s smile told me so. That particular Tuesday, the day of The Incident, I came face to face with something I wish I never again have to face, but yet I see it time and again, lodged in my guilty mind. The day started off the same way. It started off right. I think that was the worst part, the fact that things could have just taken sudden about-turns. Breakfast, school, Aunt’s. I was nine and I remember feeling, no, knowing that I had forgotten something. That vaguely familiar sense of unease that plagues everyone starts with the innocence of childhood mistakes, I suppose.What was it, the thing t hat I had forgotten? I could not remember. Put away my toys? Done. Helping my brother tie his shoelaces? Done. So what was it? Something was out of order. Something did not belong. Five more minutes left before we had to leave. Ignoring that nagging feeling, I dragged my brother out of another series of ‘Transformers’. He as usual quietly obeyed me as he begged, â€Å"can we have Macdonald’s please? † That was then the realization that dawned on me was like a slow burn. I could feel my skin prickling. My blood seemed to become warmer as it made its way to my head. I had not done my assessments!Dad is going to ‘kill’ me but I only have five minutes left how much can I finish? Oh no! Instinctively, I reached for a pen and told my brother he could watch for another five min. The time slowly ticked by. Five minutes, four minutes†¦ I was out off time! That was when I came up with my idea an idea I wished I had never done. I flipped to the book and found the page I needed to copy. Done! Just on time! I then dragged Matt out of Aunt’s who was as always decisively happy we were leaving. Sitting on the stoop, I could feel Dad finding out I had copied but there was no way because my work was usually perfect. Where is Dad? Where is he? Huh? Where? Where? Why is he not here yet? Huh Bro? † Now Matt was whining about Dad being late. In my unease, I could not even tell him to shut up and he must be surprised by my stillness because he casted a curious glance at me. Before Matt could ask what happened, Dad pulled up along the kerb, his car coughing up exhaust fumes. I pretended to sound as if everything was normal. I waved my assessment at him, my banner of proof. When we reached home, Dad turned over to the answer key and started marking. Little known to me, I had left three evidence there.Firstly, I had left a blue pen mark on the answer key, Secondly; I was doing Primary 5 work so I could not have possibly have got ten full marks, lastly, I had sneezed while copying down the answers so there was still mark of my sneeze. Then I saw that flicker. I saw that flicker in his eyes. Realisation, disappointment, rejection. It was only for a split second but, yes, it was there, the disappointment. I could almost hear him: â€Å"How like her mother she is; how like her mother she is. †He must have known that I had seen the flicker too because then, just like that, I could see him almost willing himself to cast that critical thought aside.I Know he was not able to do so because two years from The Incident, when I do talk to him, something which had grown progressively rare in those days, I still see that flicker in his eye. I never showed him my work after that day and I now mark my own work, he too never asked. Now, every Tuesday, I am often so overwrought I can only find comfort having left a mark on the answer key. I would always recall that Tuesday when I was nine, It was that Tuesday when I s aw that disappointment come to stay in my father’s eyes and no, oh God no, that for the first time, it had been me who had put it there.

Marketing Blockbuster

Blockbuster is an entity in operation of varied websites which are aimed at protecting individuals work from external piracy.   Its administration follows a responsive schedule of administrative activities through which it can provide its service to its customers in the most efficient manner.   Service is organized through the online, where personal information is collected for the processing of such protection to piracy of materials from its users.   In all its activities it exercises high marketing orientations for its services to its current user and even non-user. Strengths: By the nature of its activities, its services are offered for the protection of piracy in people’s production and works.   Firstly, this is an adaptative feature with Blockbuster, where it can even capture many users in respect to the current problem in piracy of copyrighted work and other materials.   Piracy has been voiced as a global problem, which has called for many sanctions, laws and regulations for the protection of individuals work.   There have been many attempts by many governments in order to control the state of piracy among productions.   To Blockbuster, they attempt to formulate a strategy that works to protect piracy in productions have had it get many customers who try to seek refuge in their work against piracy. Either, it has a diversified plane of the customers that it serves in which case, Blockbuster serves varied discipline of materials against piracy.   Through this, it can thus reach many varied character traits and customers work productions Block duster has wide spread website advertisements that captures many customers. Such a method helps to reach many customers. Weaknesses The organizational structure of service to customers consists of a system of broad requirements where it has to collect wide range personal information from its customers.   Such system has been composed of too informal and bureaucratic requirements that only work to outweigh the strengths born to its customers.   Either, the exercise of joining the organization by the customers has also been too expensive in terms costs. This problem has even led to failure by most interested parties to join the system for their services.   The system also addresses on specific requirements for the customers to join it, where some specific requirements to the work under protection is required.   This has worked to outweigh most of the customers to joining the system. Opportunities Due to its varied nature of its operations, Blockbuster has the potential of expanding and even reaching many people.   Its operation is based on voluntary basis where any interested individual can join the organization.   It’s highly non discriminative in terms of geographical, ethnic or even racial grounds.   With this modality, it invites all interested people who can join their service provision. Either, its operations are done online which reduces the effect of distance barrier for people in receiving their services. It can therefore attract many people through more online administration.   Due to the expanding nature of protection to materials in the globe, Blockbuster have a broad arena of expanded horizons in giving services to its customers who are highly in an attempted to seek protection of their work against piracy. (McConnell, 2004) Threats Its high administrative requirements for personal material which is too inefficient to the people may bring a high competition issues by its competitors which may finally lead to them being outweighed.   Either, the general administration policies seek to reduce the interest of its customers from joining the organization in the complaint of bureaucratic requirements for customer’s service.   Either, selectivity to material under protection results to a reduced interest by making people in joining it to complain of their inability to meet the requirements for their admission. Marketing strategies Blockbuster marketing consists of varied modalities that are aimed at improving its marketing system.   A coordinated marketing strategies approach enables it to prevail in the market, which is full of other competitors. Perhaps the most evident marketing strategy attribute with Blockbuster is its decentralized positioning.   Unlike other firms which work only within a limited radius of customers’ service, Blockbuster uses online system to reach its customers.   This is a strategy that seeks to lower distance inefficiencies for services to customers. For Blockbuster, perhaps its biggest success comes from the nature of tits activities branding.   It is known to be a service provider in relation to provision of protection on piracy to peoples work.   With its services brand category, the organization attracts many customers who seek such services.   Either, piracy evident in a broad range of production works helps the organization to reach many customers. In order to capture the interest of many customers, Blockbuster has used an attractive package in pricing its services.   Its price is relatively low and varies substantially to the work under piracy protection.   Generally, Blockbuster has used a low price cost for its services which even makes it to compete with its competitors in the market.   Due to its high turnover, it has even increased in expansion over the past two years. Blockbuster offers a broad range of piracy protection services to its customers.   Such works are copyrighted material, electronic digital work and different patent righted works. The nature of its services is both on small and large scale service provisions which ensure that, it serves all the possible customers in the market. Such service is strictly devised to be online to secure different market efficiencies and economies.   This is perhaps a good market strategy that helps it to reach its customers easily. Perhaps the greatest marketing strategy that is evident with Blockbuster is its dynamic placement of it operational centers.   It consists of online provision of piracy protection service to its customers. Such method of service provision is non-discriminatory to the distances and thus customers can be served from varied places.   This decentralized marketing system helps it capture more customers. (Smith, 1997, p.112) It uses various promotion strategies to expand its catchments area; firstly, it has developed a broad internet advertisement that seeks to reach many people at different places.   Internet advertising is indiscriminative to place and other advertising inefficiencies.   Such methods help to capture many customers at cheap cash. Above internet advertising, Blockbuster has administered a personal selling strategy where it has employed its agents who personally visit customers at different point. Such agency system helps even to improve on the firms’ popularity to those who may not be aware.   Above general sales, the agents help to sale on the business stakeholder ship of the firm. The organization has engaged in diverse various promotions on its products.   It has offered cost advantages to huge customers who are offered with price reductions and other after sale services.   Other cost efficient allowances are given to new members.   Other promotions services are free offers on purchase of some service in regard to service offered or even time frame aspect. (Smith, 1997, p.59) Above all, the promotion behaviour has high sense of public relations to its customers.   Its administrative layout is designed to provide the highest customer relations that ensure developed interest by the customers to the firm’s services.   The frame of administrative structure focuses on ensuring the high customers satisfaction above efficiency and low cost of service. Reference Smith, G. (1997) The Oxford History of World Cinema. Oxford: Oxford University Press McConnell, A (2004) Making Wal-Mart Pretty: Trademarks and Aesthetic Restrictions on Big  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Box Retailers.   Duke Law Journal, vol. 53