The Gap Between Development And Underdevelopment - 1361 Words

In Walter Rodney’s book he emphasizes the difference between development and underdevelopment. According to Rodney, development is defined as a many sided process involving individuals, social classes, and society as a whole. At the level of the individual it’s represented by increased skill, greater freedom, creativity, self-discipline, responsibility and material well-being. Rodney paid more attention to material well-being, freedom and skill at this individual representation. For Rodney the individual development is directly linked to the development of the state. For the second side of development, social class/group, Rodney states that development implies an increasing capacity to regulate both internal and external relationships. For the society as a whole, development shows how man has the ability to overcome downfalls and better their lives through making use of the earth’s resources available to him. In Rodney’s book, he points out how Africa fits into these definitions of development, but more so how they fit into the definition of underdevelopment. Developed states are characterized by being highly industrialized, they have low unemployment, improved social services, advanced farming industries with the technology to produce more in less time and with fewer people. Underdevelopment should not be understood as the opposite or lack of development but the very low level of development of a particular state when in comparison to other states (especially wealthierShow MoreRelatedDependency Theory vs Modernization Theory1322 Words   |  6 Pagesexplanations of underdevelopment differed, experts such as Brooks and Hallward viewed the natural disaster in Haiti to be so destructive mainly due to its poverty. By diminishing the level of poverty in countries such as Haiti, it is possible to make them less vulnerable to many of the problems they face. To reduce poverty it is important for societies to accept development strategies. What exactly is development and how can it be achieved? Development is a process in which we attempt to bri dge the gap betweenRead MoreThe Causes Of Poverty And Underdevelopment1564 Words   |  7 PagesThe causes of poverty and underdevelopment are related in both the theories of Modernisation and Dependency. These theories discover and explain views regarding the modern world, existing relationships and differences between the Third World and developing countries. Both theories have similarities and differences in their approaches to poverty and undeveloped countries. Both suggest solutions offering different strategies to improve the gaps and communication between developed and underdevelopedRead MoreThe Causes Of Poverty And Underdevelopment1563 Words   |  7 Pagesof poverty and underdevelopment are found in both theories of Modernisation and Dependency. Both of the theories discover and explain their views regarding the modern world, existing relationships and differences between the Third World and developing countries. The theories both have similarities and differences in th eir approaches to poverty and undeveloped countries. Solutions are suggested by both theories, giving different strategies to improve the gaps or connections between the developed andRead MoreEscaping the Traps to Find Success692 Words   |  3 Pagesdifficult to escape all the traps. 2. Inequality Factors 3. Government 4. Developing Nations 5. Corruption 6. China ´s Private Sector 1. It is possible but difficult to escape all the traps. Poverty trap/underdevelopment trap is created when the poor don’t have ability to gain sufficient amount of credit to get out of the trap for generations. If inequality is enormous, the poor cannot get access to loans for their children’s education and for them to start aRead MoreEssay on Taking a Closer Look at the Modernization Theory1117 Words   |  5 Pagesinvention of the concepts of development and underdevelopment is attributable to the former U.S. President Harry Truman, in a speech in January 1949, stressed the need to help the underdeveloped countries. In an international context of profound change following the Second World War and the process of decolonization that followed, the United States , then became superpower , proposed to establish a new world order in which the conflicting worldviews stand down mutual development ; The aim is to enableRead MoreRelationship Between The Slave Trade And Africa1055 Words   |  5 Pagesresearch to find if there is any relationship between the slave trade and Africa’s current underdevelopment, used data from different shipping records and historical documents reporting slave ethnicities, and he came up with estimates of the number of slaves exported from each country in Africa during Africa’s four slave trades. He found a robust negative relationship between the number of slaves taken from a country and its subsequent economic development. Which means, the slave trade can be consideredRead MoreModernization Theory Vs Dependency Theory1227 Words   |  5 Pagesexplanations towards underdevelopment, experts like David Brooks and Peter Hallward have described the natural disaster in Haiti to be brutally destructive primarily due to its poverty. With this said, by reducing the poverty level in countries such as Haiti, it is possible to avoid the many dis asters that they face. Reducing poverty means that society must accept development. What is development and how can it be achieved? Development is simply to break the barrier between development and underdevelopedRead MoreEssay on Urban bias as a major impediment to rural development1594 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Urban bias has been presented as a major impediment to rural development because it perpetrates discriminatory policies which create and perpetuate disparities between urban and rural areas and consequently the development of urban areas at the expense of rural areas. This paper examines how urban bias, to a large extent, is the major impediment to rural development owing to its skewed policies and to down development approaches. Urban bias proponents, chief among them Lipton (1977), argue thatRead MoreThe World Of World War I1293 Words   |  6 Pagespillars: the gold standard, free trade, communication and transportation, and capital and labor labor mobility. After facing two world wars and a worldwide economic depression, economists and governments from around the world implemented several development strategies. Some strategists tried to rebuild the order from before World War I in a more flexible and stable way while others bucked the traditional world order all together in an attempt to develop more quickly. While import-substituting industrializationRead MoreWhat Are 5 Key Points Made By The Speaker?872 Words   |  4 Pagescountries. He also compared the income distribution in the world and found out that there wasn’t a gap between rich and poor anymore and that there were a lot of countries that were in the middle and had 24% of the income. Looking at the graph, the actual distribution was mounded shaped while it used to be a bump. He shows that it is dangerous to use average data because there is a lot of differences between countries and that policy makers have to take that into consideration while designing the laws

The Debate Between Creation And Evolution - 2145 Words

The debate between creation and evolution has been around for a long time. For much of it, it has presented a choice between the two. Some claim that you either believe in God or evolution, not both. Others, that you have to choose young earth creationism simply because theistic evolution is not a viable option. Still more present young earth creationism as a naive understanding of both the Bible and science. However, since each position has evidence in support of it and against it, it is in no way true that any of them present us with an undeniable position of definite accuracy. Furthermore, the idea that there is only a choice between creation and evolution is false. Indeed, there are more positions than even creationism and theistic†¦show more content†¦It is for this reason that the debate is also not between science and Christianity. Each advocate for each position is attempting to reconcile the apparent differences between science and Christianity. It is simply the cas e that they each take a different approach and give different amounts of authority to science and a literal interpretation of Genesis. The first position is that of young earth creationism. Additionally, this is what most people mean when referring to â€Å"creationism.† This is primarily due to the fact that the creationists visible in the public eye during the creation-evolution debate were most likely to hold young earth creationist views. Additionally, the terms â€Å"recent earth† or â€Å"recent creation† have been used to refer to this same position. These terms clearly define their position as one in which the creation of the world occurred somewhat recently, that is, the world is young. However, it obviously doesn t provide us with much information beyond that. To begin with, how young is the world? In order to help answer this and other questions concerning young earth creationism, biologist and philosopher of science Paul Nelson and philosopher John Mark Reynolds, both fellows of the Center for Science and Culture under the Discovery Institute, present with their viewpointShow MoreRel atedEvolution Is A Highly Argumentative Topic, Today s Society1021 Words   |  5 PagesPayne 1 Jared Payne English 11 Mrs. Brown 5 December 2014 Pro-evolution: Why? Creation versus evolution is a highly argumentative topic, especially in today’s society. A recent debate, between Bill Nye â€Å"The Science Guy† and Ken Ham, has sparked even more controversy over this particular topic. A poll administered by Gallup shows that forty-six percent of Americans believe God created humans as they are now ten-thousand years ago, and that the only reliable dating system is the Word of God (LovanRead MoreEssay on Creation vs. Evolution1348 Words   |  6 PagesCreation vs. Evolution Ever since the publication of Charles Darwins The Origin of Species was published there has been an ongoing debate between science and religion. Scientists have formulated many theories as to the origins of man and to the creation of the earth, whereas religious groups have one main creation theory, based on the Genesis story of The Bible. These theories, however, are not the cause of the debate because the different theories are simply myths meantRead MoreThe Effects Of Clinical Depression On An Individual s Dreaming1485 Words   |  6 PagesFreud and Jung. Hall devised this theory through standardized dream content scoring inventories. He used this method to demonstrate that the most frequently occurring images or ideas were not peculiar events but rather routine social interactions between the dreamer and their most regular acquaintances. The psychological factors that affect one’s dreaming would be any type of mental disorder such as depression, anxiety, multiple personality disorder, etc. These disorders change the individual’sRead MoreCreationism Isnt Science but Belongs in Schools Essay849 Words   |  4 Pagesevolved from bacteria. It has become a recent debate in schools which one of these and countless other theories should and should not be taught. The debate has centered itself between creationists, those that believe in a mythological theory, and Secular humanists, those who believe in a theory known as evolution. It has become questioned whether creationism should be taught in schools along side the evolution theory. In an essay discussing this Niles Eldredge arguesRead MoreEssay about Creation Science1400 Words   |  6 Pagestheory of evolution do not conflict with belief in a Creator. However, fundamentalist Christians such as Ronald Reagan and Jerry Falwell, have co-opted the term creationism and it is now difficult to refer to creationism without being understood as referring to fundamentalist Christians who (a) take the stories in Genesis as accurate accounts of the origin of the universe and life on Earth, and (b) believe that Genesis is incompatible with the Big Bang theory and the theory of evolution. Thus, itRead MoreThe Origin Of Life And Evolution1744 Words   |  7 PagesGallup Institute in 2004 showed that an approximate of 42% of Americans believe that humanity was created by God, 18% believe in an evolution directed by God, and only 26% of them support Darwin’s theory. In Great Britain, a survey performed by BBC to a 2000 people sample found that 52% said to believe in non Darwinian explications for the origin of life and evolution. In a more recent survey done in 34 countries by Science magazine, which included the United States of America, Japan and 32 EuropeanRead MoreEssay on Creationism vs. Evolution: How did it really happen?1163 Words   |  5 PagesCreationism vs. Evolution: How did it really happen? Ever since 1859 and the publication of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin1, his first publication of his observations, much debate has come about concerning the issue of how life on earth came to be. Both the Creationists and Evolutionists believe in the Big Bang theory of creation of life; however, the mechanism for the development of new life provides the conflict. Evolutionists believe the cause of life on earth to be accidentalRead MoreConflicts Between Science and Religion1662 Words   |  7 PagesIn science, evolution is one of the basic templates for understanding the biology of an organism or ecological unit. Essentially, it is the change in inherited traits of a population through a process called natural selection in which only the strongest traits are appropriately adapted to the environment in question. Those traits from parents who are healthier and live longer are then passed down to future generations where the traits are amplified if the organism thrives. Evo lution, then, is theRead MoreThe Louisiana Science Education Act Essay1728 Words   |  7 PagesIn the United States, evolution and creationism remain a controversial issue as far as which method should stay in science classes across the globe. How was the earth created? How were humans created? These are questions that arise in most science classes. Many students require an explanation of why people exist. There are those who would oppose evolution, and there are those who oppose creationism. Is there a significant difference between these methods? Several states have passed regulations thatRead More Creationism vs. Evolution Essays1663 Words   |  7 PagesCreationism vs. Evolution This paper will focus on the huge controversy between Creationism and Evolution. I will provide two opposing viewpoints on this subject. First, the discussion will focus on the question of why many people believe that God created the universe and all living things. On the other end of the spectrum, scientific information will be presented that substantiates the evidence against the existence of God. This creationism counter-argument known as evolution has its roots

Social Origins of Educational System

Question: Write an essay citing and describing examples of problems in the American educational system, such as lack of financial support, dropout rates, and low levels of academic achievement. Describe ways in which the U.S. educational system helps perpetuate social inequality in some cases, while helping to reduce it in others? Answer: Education is of great importance to individuals as well as the society. The absence of which will lead to the loss of all the gathered knowledge and all conduct standards. Educational systems differ across countries. This paper is focussed on discussing some problems in the American educational system. In spite of its highly developed economy, The U.S. is facing some serious challenges in its educational system which has become a matter of concern. Family, economic and social demands sometimes lead students to drop out before completing high school education (Archer, 2013). Dropout rates are observed to be lowest in Asian American students followed closely by whites. But the dropout rates of Hispanic, Native Americans and blacks are almost double to that of Asian and whites. The dropout rate is very high among minority students. The best schools are almost always private, the fees of which cannot be afforded by the poorer students. There are different rates of funding even for public schools. Mostly the schools in the poorer areas experience a lack of funds as the funding of schools are sometimes attached to property taxes (Bowles, 2014). This makes high quality education less accessible to students residing in poorer areas. Another defect of the American education system is giving English the status of the second language (ESL). It is mandatory for the refugees, immigrants, and their children to learn English as a Second Language (ESL) for functioning in the country. They are sometimes identified as having lower test scores which sometimes fails in measuring their academic abilities. Some critics are of the opinion that a major fault of the modern Education system of the U.S. is that it lacks focus on the results. The system doesnt expect the students to meet high achievement standards, and the primary emphasis of the policy-making circles is on the process of education rather than the analysis of the results of education. Many schools of The U.S. focus on social values, attitudes and beliefs of the culture that is dominant and the influences of the minority are mostly ignored (Dewey, 2013). In schools, a sorting of the students is made on the basis of their interests, skills, talents, test results, family background, etc. The schools sort students in groups and programs with a view of maximizing human capital. But merit is not the basis of this sorting, and some sociologists opine that it further increases the social inequalities as the underprivileged students are denied access to the same programs, groups, and classes. The policymakers are taking steps for reducing the inequalities by trying to bring about a more or less standardized curriculum. Efforts are being made to focus more on learning opportunities and outcomes (Valenzuela et al., 2014). Another policy recently devised is the differential quality of schooling for blacks and whites. Many private organizations are coming forward for supporting the underprivileged students financially. Thus, it is evident that the American education system suffers from social inequalities, high dropout rate, lack of funds and some other drawbacks. The educational system is trying to perpetuate the inequalities on one hand and devising methods to reduce it on the other. Reference list Archer, M. S. (2013).Social origins of educational systems. Routledge. Bowles, S. (2014).Schooling in capitalist America: Educational reform and the contradictions of economic life. Haymarket Books. Dewey, J. (2013).The sources of a science of education. Read Books Ltd. Valenzuela, J. P., Bellei, C., Ros, D. D. L. (2014). Socioeconomic school segregation in a market-oriented educational system. The case of Chile.Journal of Education Policy,29(2), 217-241.

Robinson Crusoe and The Tempest Essay Example

Robinson Crusoe and The Tempest Paper Throughout Shakespeares The Tempest and Defoes Robinson Crusoe, the protagonists roles as omnipotent rulers change dramatically. In this essay, I aim to compare and contrast Crusoe and Prosperos roles as rulers, specifically focusing on their relationships with others through which their omnipotence is demonstrated. As much as Defoes Robinson Crusoe is a story of survival against all odds and a spiritually fulfilling life lived in solitude, it also makes clear a persons need for society, and in Crusoes case, the need to be a leader within the societal structure of the 17th Century world. Defoe clearly defines Crusoe as ruler of his islands society. However, even before he is shipwrecked, Crusoe exercises power and authority, the tendencies of a ruler, over his fellow men. Most noticeable is Crusoes exploitation of slavery. Slavery was a key component of society within the British Empire and is first found in the novel when Crusoe himself is enslaved, kept by the captain. Upon escaping, Crusoe despite his disgust at his miserable enslavement bends a slave-boy, Xury, to his will by force after briefly considering drowning him. He offers the boy a choice; to either be faithful to him or to be thrown over-board. We will write a custom essay sample on Robinson Crusoe and The Tempest specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Robinson Crusoe and The Tempest specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Robinson Crusoe and The Tempest specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Crusoes immediate assumption of power over Xury tells us three things about rulers within the social hierarchy that Defoe was a component of. Firstly, due to Xurys foreign descent, Crusoe, an English man, considers himself instantly to be the master. Secondly, Crusoes maturity granted him ownership of the boy despite the fact that they were both slaves. Lastly, Crusoe believed the boy to owe him a life-debt due to Crusoes planning and initiation of their escape. Crusoe goes as far to consider that Xury may not be deserving of such slavery, calling him a better counselor than himself. Further more, Xury notifies Crusoe of, a lance, among the people they spot on their travels. Even though this observation may have prevented a life-threatening situation, Crusoe is proudly omnipotent as never in thought, word or deed gives thanks to Xury; though he recognizes the good advice, and keeps a safe distance. Crusoe, in accustom with his society, treats slaves as little other than possessions, even though a reader would expect sympathy from a man who has experienced slavery first-hand. Even when he is no longer permitted to trade in slaves publicly, he embarks on a secret voyage to kid-nap his equal share of negroes. Defoe presents Crusoe as a man who it seems will go to any extent to greaten his rule over others. He possesses a birth-given right to power in Defoes society, owned by all white, imperialist peoples as well as those with wealth and seniority. Slavery featured no less in the society in which Shakespeare wrote The Tempest, thus it is also found within the play. Just as Crusoe is established by Defoe as a master of others, Shakespeares play features a protagonist, Prospero, possessing two slaves, Caliban and Ariel. Unlike Crusoe and Xury, it is not entirely through saving their lives however, that Prospero becomes a ruler. It is by the use of knowledge and also the art of magic that Prospero acquires, and overpowers, his slaves. Undisputedly, Prospero reigns supreme within the social hierarchy of The Tempest, and although Ariel and Caliban possess a more unique magic then their master, they are in his debt as Xury is in Crusoes and are his slaves until he sees fit to free them. Neither of them are as seemingly content with their enslavement as Defoes Xury is Ariel begs for his freedom, reminding Prospero of the worthy service he has performed, how he has; Told thee no lies, made thee no mistakings, servd Without or grudge, or grumblings. Prosperos response is remarkably similar to one that Crusoe would inevitably give if ever challenged, he reminds Ariel of the way in which he saved and freed him, from what a torment, and more terrible previous master, The foul witch Sycorax. Calibans rebellions are far less pleading and more insulting, cursing Prospero with, wicked dew. Prospero responds with punishment an exertion, demonstration, and reminder of his omnipotent rule causing Caliban to suffer; cramps, side-stiches, that shall pen thy breath up ach pinch more stinging Than bees that made em. Although written a century apart, Shakespeare and Defoes opinions are synonymous. Both believe that power is held by those who free others for their own prosperity, and this exists in both presentations of their ruling protagonists. Crusoes power augments upon being ship-wrecked. He elevates himself from the position of Master to King, even going as far as to recognize the island as his, little kingdom, and his shelter as his, castle, he even administers justice upon the birds who threaten his crop! Although Crusoe is isolated, elements of materialistic society are found in his self-proclaimed wealth, having, two plantations in the island; one my little fortification or tent, and my country habitation. Such is Defoes description of Crusoes surrounding habitat that it seems almost luxurious it is definitely comfortable. However, no matter how Defoe presents Crusoes power and wealth in solitude, the author makes it clear that Crusoes omnipotence is meaningless as he is effectively only ruler of himself. Crusoe recognizes his need for another to represent the lower classes, and/or slavery in his imperialistic empire. He arrogantly fanaticizes that he may be, able to manage one, nay, two or three savages, in, whatever I should direct them. He rationalizes that acquiring such slaves is his, only way to go about an attempt for an escape, but from Defoes previous portrayals of his character specifically his domination of others to fulfill his superciliousness it is obvious to the reader that a slave would only complete his kingdom, giving him subjects to rule over. Fridays arrival upon the island is eagerly and frightfully anticipated by both Crusoe and the reader. Defoe makes it so through Crusoes many years deliberation over the footprint in the sand. In the past, Crusoe has feared sickness and Gods judgment upon his soul, but now he spends years fearing the arrival of men into his domain. It is not only the cannibals weapons he is afraid of for he is armed with seven muskets and made inconspicuous by a self-cultivated forest he fears opposition to his position of authority. Crusoes unjustified fear undermines his position of power as he is aptly armed to tackle anything other than a small, imperialist army. Crusoe has dreamt that a man would come running towards his hideout and that he would take him in and make him his servant. In reality, Crusoes rule falters in his indecision; he procrastinates, not immediately offering Friday safety but instead watching him flee murderous savages. A critic has said that many white-dominated narratives, such as Robinson Crusoe, have shaped the cultures and beliefs of the colonized, placing them at the ultimate mercy of the colonizer. This description exactly matches Defoes creation of Friday and Crusoes relationship and how Defoe depicts Crusoes advantageous use of it to restore his own power and arrogance. Defoe immediately places Crusoe in a position of power over Friday due to the life debt owed by Friday to his new master, similar to Xurys, Calibans, and Ariels situations. When naming the slave, Crusoe chooses the name Friday as a constant reminder of, the day I savd his life. This comparatively effortless saving of Fridays life on Crusoes behalf causes Friday to, set my foot upon his head swearing to be my slave for ever. This is not an image of service; it is undoubtedly one of slavery. More noticeably, Crusoe teaches Friday to call him master before teaching him any other English. Fridays purpose it seems is as little more than reinforcement to Crusoes emerging, omnipotent rule. Crusoes intentions, however, are good, if conceited, as his reaction to Fridays willingness to serve him is: I took him up nd encouraged him all I could. The fact that Friday possesses a faith other than Christianity causes Crusoe to call him a poor savage. True, as Crusoes faith has increased, so has his quality of life, but he dismisses the, brutish and barbarous, savages own beliefs, referring to his kind as blinded, ignorant pagans. Many aspects of Crusoe, beside his language and religion are utterly alien to Friday, and Defoe presents these as instilling uncertainty and fear. In reaction to Crusoe shooting a goat with a musket, Friday, came and kneeled down to me o pray me not to kill him. Crusoe, recognizing his fright, chooses to abuse this new found power by loading the gun, and not let him see me do it. Although Defoe describes the events with almost a farcical sense of humor, how it caused confused astonishment, in, the poor creature, the reader is more accustomed to Crusoes mannerisms and recognizes how he is exploiting his omnipotence simply for the fun of terrifying his only human company. Correspondingly, Prospero also possesses knowledge different to the natives he encounters. Similarly to Crusoe, he assumes this knowledge to be entirely superior and this creates distinctive parallels between Crusoe and Friday and Prospero and Caliban. Upon enslaving Caliban, Prospero teaches the spirit his language, in this sense, he strengthens his position as ruler, giving himself the means to converse with Caliban, leading to greater domination and control. It is an entirely selfish act, and Caliban describes his only benefit as the following: You taught me language, and my profit ont Is I know how to curse. Crusoe and Prosperos situations of rule are analogous, although, unlike Crusoes treatment of Friday, Prosperos attitude towards Caliban is cruel. He frequently insults Caliban, calling him; poisonous slave, got by the devil himself. Soon after, he goes even further, calling him, a devil. Caliban, similar to the negroes and savages Defoe describes, is at the bottom of social hierarchy. Unlike Crusoes slaves, however, he is not human, and is therefore considered even lower by his master, functioning to represent native cultures suppressed by European Imperialist societies. Prosperos abuse of Caliban leads to extreme paranoia. The spirit, upon noticing Trinculo, believes he is a spirit sent to torment him. He lies close to the ground, terrified that Trinculo might find him, and when Trinculo begins attempting to speak to Caliban, he apologizes as he would to his ruler, Prospero: Do not torment me prithee: Ill bring my wood home faster. Further more, Caliban and Ariel, like the slaves found in Defoes novel, are natives and it is the white colonialists assumptions that they are masters over them. Calibans claim that the island is his own, by Sycorax my mother, is met with insults from Prospero who calls him a, lying slave, showing 16th Century English societys attitude to foreign slaves, that they are permitted to possess only what is granted to them by their colonizing masters. However, Prosperos words and deeds as ruler over Caliban are not entirely unjustified. Shakespeare reveals that in the past, Caliban attempted to rape Miranda: In mine own cell, till thou didst seek to violate The honour of my child Prosperos insults and treatment of the spirit are consequence of horrific intentions in the past. Further more, Caliban is presented by Shakespeare as a naturally subservient character as shortly after meeting Stephano and Trinculo; he begs to serve them. As a native, he possesses greater knowledge than them, and yet he immediately begins to kneel to him [Stephano], calling him a god. Calibans willingness to serve a new master shows extreme imprudence as Stephano could treat him far worse then his current ruler, Prospero his rationality destroyed by Stephanos celestial liquor. Once again, Caliban is shown to be dominated by those possessing knowledge unknown, or property alien to him. In this sense, Prosperos rule of Caliban is not as imposed as it is sometimes shown, as Caliban naturally conforms to such dominance. Just as Crusoes role as King becomes one of Master with Defoes introduction of Friday; with the arrival of even more people, whom he also rescues from savages, his status of King is restored: My island now peopled, and I thought myself very rich in subjects how like a king I lookd. With his power, and, undoubted right of dominion, Crusoe has found supplementation to his haughtiness, and an almost capitalist existence things worlds away from his previous despair upon being ship wrecked. Crusoes status on the island is elevated even further when he frees the English Captain from the mutineers. At first, the captain believes Crusoe to be a God-sent angel. Upon realizing his mistake, the Captain and his crew choose to serve Crusoe, recognizing him as an English sailor, and calling him Governour. Once again, others feel obliged to serve Crusoe, his omnipotent rule relies on their willingness to repay the debt they owe. In contrast to Friday, his father, and the Spaniard, the Captain as a leader of men himself questions Crusoes authority, challenging Crusoes ownership of members of the mutinous crew. Throughout all the situations in which Defoe places Crusoe as a ruler, no one has ever disagreed with him. It is the pairs striking similarities which cause the Captain to challenge Crusoes rule. They are both English, middle-class, merchant sailors, who, by no fault of their own, have found themselves in situations of grave peril. Unlike the savages, the Captain is not scared by Crusoes weapons. I would even go as far as to suggest that he recognizes Crusoes arrogant manner, as that of 17th Century England. Crusoes restrained anger does little to quell what could be seen as subtle rebellion against his rapidly fading omnipotence, as upon witnessing two prisoners begging the Captain to spare their lives, the Captain pretended to have no power without Crusoe. The Captains authority over his mutinous crew has been restored whereas Crusoes power, over his people, has diminished. With the arrival of others on Prosperos island, the rulers status, opposite to Crusoes, increases. Prospero is in control of everyone who happens to visit, intentionally or otherwise, and he acknowledges this, using it to shape the direction of the play towards his will and overarching aim. Shakespeare presents Prospero less as a character but more as a divine, inventive force behind the plot, the most obvious example of this being his forming of the Tempest. Prosperos role as a director blossoms towards the end of the play. Like Crusoes slaughter of the savages, he exercises judgment upon others, acting Godlike when he prevents Antonio and Sebastian from committing murder he protects the innocent. In a reversal of power, Prospero is even in control of his mutinous brother Antonio. As Prospero explains to Miranda, Antonios actions, and evil nature, forced them to leave Milan, reducing Prospero to (in his own words) an, incapable poor man. Conversely, away from Italy and ship-wrecked on his brothers island, Antonios control is lessened to the same level as his fellow voyagers. Even Alonso, the King of Naples, is powerless when plunged into Prosperos magical domain, shown in his fearful words in Act II, scene iii; O, it is monstrous: monstrous: Methought the bellows spoke, and told me of it, The winds did sing to me: and the thunder (That deep and dreadful organ pipe) pronouncd The name of Prosper. The elaborate and powerful language that Shakespeare uses to describe the Kings fear is reflected in Prosperos own elaborateness as ruler and he simply, but terrifyingly, sums up his position of complete omnipotence in Act IV, scene i: t this hour lies at my mercy all mine enemies: Shortly shall my labors end, and thou Shalt have the air at freedom. Prospero is Shakespeare, in control of the characters lives and ultimately, the plot. In no other Shakespearean play is one single character given such omnipotent rule, and in the Epilogue, Prospero likens himself to a playwright, asking the audience for their applause of his creation: Let your indulgence set me free. In conclusion, both Defoes character Robinson Crusoe and Shakespeares Prospero are at times, if not permanently, omnipotent rulers over their fellows. Prospero differs from Crusoe in his conscious decision to end his rule whereas Crusoe cannot help but leave his subjects on his island to continue his legacy. Both their rules originate and increase due to possession of knowledge alien to the natives they come into contact with, and by saving lives in selfish acts of apparent chivalry. However, the protagonists acts seem more significant, questionable even, to modern audiences and readers, who view the characters as racist or presumptuous when they are merely adhering to the society into which they were created.

Scarcity of the World essays

Scarcity of the World essays The science of economics depends on whether society lives in abundance or scarcity. The economy is the careful management of wealth or a system of producing and distributing wealth. Abundance is having more than enough, a great plenty. Scarcity is the belief that nothing is plentiful. It is usually hard to get. Society today is involved in one big competition. People are always competing to get the things they need or want in life that will make them happy. People dont worry about the starving people that dont have the things they need because people are so worried about not having enough for themselves. It seems like people are so worried about scarcity that they will do anything to survive. They dont want the effects of scarcity, not having enough of what they want or need. Palmers argument is excellent. His idea is easily comparable to the story of Jesus feeding of the five thousand. The way Palmer breaks down the story of Jesus feeding of the five thousand and compares it to the world now really makes us think about some things. First of all, why have that many people, including myself, not thought about this and taken action. The assumption of scarcity really must have got a hold of society very fast. The assumption of scarcity has been taken up by most everyone including myself. It would make a lot more sense if everyone would come together in little communities and help each other to develop abundance instead of everyone feeling threatened by anyone else and choosing to walk the road alone. When you are by yourself, you are living in a world of scarcity because you can only depend on yourself and how much money you have. You dont have the reassurance that, if you needed help or something lent to you, that you could go to someone in yo ur community that would be able to help you. When you are alone you only have what you know. Scarcity is worse when it comes to emotiona ...

HAHA! Stop it, You’re Killing me! Professor Ramos Blog

HAHA! Stop it, You’re Killing me! HAHA! Stop it, You’re Killing me! â€Å"Smile because it confuses people. Smile because its easier than explaining what’s killing you inside† Joker (The Dark Knight). No matter how sharp the knife, I believe a serial killer’s most potent weapon is his or her smile. We don’t truly understand what someone is going through, what pain or problems they’re facing, but what we can understand is a smile. We often beg question what causes serial killers to kill? The answer is not so simple. Simply because the answer is a combination of causes, ranging from personal, life changing events to small, little, minor events. Sometimes these events trigger something else thereby strengthening the violent behavior. Take the notorious killer clown John Wayne Gacy. Before the news of his atrocities, Gacy was a hardworking, well like man in his community. He, just like any other normal person blended into society and hid his terrors with behind a smile. However, behind behind that smile, Gacy is respon sible for the torture, rape, and murder of 33 young men and boys. Its safe to say Gacy was joker or pennywise personified. His tactic of dressing up as a clown, luring young boys to his house, and killing them, makes other killers such as Ed Gein and Jeffrey Dahmer and their victims look like a walk in the park. Before diving into the nitty gritty of all the causes that drove Gacy to become a mad man, it is important to shine light on his origin story, because even the Joker has one.  John Wayne Gacy was born on March 17, 1942 in Chicago (John Wayne Gacy). Like most known killers, Gacy had a troubled childhood and abusive relationship with his alcoholic father. His father, a World War I veteran, was known to beat the children with a razor strop if they misbehaved or perceived them as failing (John Wayne Gacy). Gacy also had a few other things a miss, such as his struggle with his sexuality, his alienation at school, and a physical heart problem that would go untreated. So a few things amiss here and there to say the least. Later, Gacy would then drop out of highschool to move to Las Vegas to work at a mortuary. Eventually he would move back to Illinois to graduate business college and marry Marilyn Myers (Taylor) . In 1968, Gacy was accused of sexual assaulting two teenage boys, which resu lted in a 10 year prison sentence. Two years later he was released on parole (John Wayne Gacy). Finally, when he was released was when the true killer emerged. To reconsider the question why do serial killers kill?, Consider the red flags. The first red flag was a rough childhood. According to the FBI, â€Å"Neglect and abuse in childhood have been shown to contribute to an increased risk of future violence† (Serial Murder). Neglect and abuse, how typical of modern day mass shooters. Whether or not you become prone to violence in the future, I think we can all agree that having a weak relationship with your parents will set you back will take a toll on how you grow up. The world of Criminal Justice even states that â€Å"Serial murderers often come from broken homes and were child victims of parental physical or sexual abuse† (Serial Killers). Add to that a perhaps couple accounts of being bullied because you are overweight and therefore cannot play with the other kids and there are the key ingredients to making a killer. Gacy struggled with a number of his physical health problems which further alienated him the other kids at school. Often, he was not able to play with the other kiss for fear of blacking out due to an heart ailment which caused him to blackout (Taylor). Because Gacy was never particularly liked in school, he would eventually dropout to become a mortuary assistant and would soon after act on his homosexuality. On top of having a messy childhood, Gacy also often struggled with his sexuality. He had a strange and strong attraction towards young men and boys. During his time as an mortuary assistant in Vegas, Gacy was known sneak inside coffins to sleep with the dead bodies of young men. This would be the first of many homosexual offenses. His first real offense occurred in 1967, when he was convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage boys which landed him a 10 year prison sentence.After what seemed to be the end of Gacy, manages to escape, metaphorically speaking. Jeffrey Jerome Cohen, author of the monster theory, states that â€Å"The monster always escapes† (Cohen 4). So while in prison, Gacy upheld rules and even made friends with the other inmates. He was found to be the â€Å"ideal prisoner†. His excellent behavior resulted in his release on parole only after 18 months of time (John Wayne Gacy). After his initial release, Gacy remarried and he went on to perform more sex ual acts with little boys. His second offense, happened when he pick up a boy at a bus stop where he forcefully performed sexual acts with, however he managed to get away with it simply because the accuser did not show up (Taylor). From then on, Gacy’s attraction for little boys could not be restrained. Gacy would go on to rack up more sexual accusations. Soon after, wherever his sexual assaults would go the thirst for blood followed. Gacy was known to be an outstanding citizen by his neighbors and had the ideal picture perfect American life. He was a hardworking man with a family. He was well liked in the community. However not everything was what it seemed. In 1972, Gacy lured teenage Timothy MCcoy  to his house and murdered him (John Wayne Gacy). As a friendly neighborhood role model, Gacy frequently volunteered his time by dressing up as a clown known as either â€Å"Pogo† or â€Å"Patches†. He began to use his reputation to his advantage. After his first kill, Gacy was doomed to repeat a cycle, According to clinical psychologist Philippe Cotter Ph.D states that a â€Å"Macbeth effect, which incites the murderer to commit further acts of violence in a bid to reclaim normality. Trapped in the logic of extreme violence, he has reached a point of no return.† (Cotter). In other words, after the first kill, the v ictims contributing become factor. Gacy was motivated to rinse and repeat a process where he would, dress as a clown, lure boys to his home, and do unspeakable things. He would then bury the bodies underneath the floorboards. On top of all of this Gacy also was suffering from a number personal problems which contributed in creating the â€Å"killer clown† These factors included disinterest in his marriage, non-existent sex life, heavy loss of sleep, and a divorce. So to answer the question what causes serial killers to kill, look to the past. Look to their their upbringing, how they came to be the physical and mental causes that lead them to the breaking point. Although Gacy had a lot of success as an adult, he showed a lot of red flags growing up. Even though he toughed it out and smiled through the pain, the light at the end of the tunnel of adulthood, these causes lead to his downfall. Monsters are created not born and the sad truth is that we don’t know who it is next is going to be or if he already exists. The â€Å"killer clown† this monster so to speak, also goes to show that deep down we don’t know what’s going on in someones head. Annotated Bibliography Bonn, Scott. â€Å"John Wayne Gacy: The Diabolical ‘Killer Clown.’† Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 19 May 2014, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wicked-deeds/201405/john-wayne-gacy-the-diabolical-killer-clown. This sources gives some detail about John Wayne Gacy’s background. It also provides a professional opinion about Gacy and gives information as to why he committed such horrible acts. I plan to use this source for mainly his background history. This source was found on Physchology.com and was written by Scott Bonn Ph.D. Cohen, Jeffrey Jerome. Monster culture (seven theses). Gothic horror: A guide for students and readers (2007): 198-217. This sources overviews the 7 monster theories of who, what where, and how monsters come about. It gives stories and examples about how monsters are part of society. I am going to use this mainly for the second thesis. This source was provided by the instructor. Cotter, Philippe. â€Å"60 SECONDS Why Serial Killers Enjoy Killing†. LinkedIn, LinkedIn, 1 Nov. 2014 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141101185650-47456855-60-seconds-why-serial-killers-enjoy-killing This source briefly overviews John Wayne Gacy’s history and childhood. It goes on to give detail on his motives and causes of why he killed. I plan to use this in for its reasons as to why Gacy killed. This source was retrieved on LinkedIn and published on November 1, 2014 by Philippe Cotter Ph.D. â€Å"John Wayne Gacy.† Biography.com, AE Networks Television, 15 Dec. 2017, www.biography.com/people/john-wayne-gacy-10367544. This sources give a biography and detailed information about the background and history of John Wayne Gacy. This details the potential causes as to why Gacy committed these murders. I plan to use this source primarily for the information about history. This source was found on Biography.com and was written by their editors. Nolan, Christopher, Jonathan Nolan, David S. Goyer, Emma Thomas, Charles Roven, Benjamin Melniker, Michael Uslan, La N. K. De, Thomas Tull, Wally Pfister, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Monique G. Curnen, Ron Dean, Nestor Carbonell, Chin Han, Eric Roberts, Ritchie Coster, Anthony M. Hall, Keith Szarabajka, Cillian Murphy, James N. Howard, Hans Zimmer, and Bob Kane. The Dark Knight. , 2008 This is the citation for the film  The Dark Knight† and is used mainly for the opening quote. Serial Killers. World of Criminal Justice, Gale, edited by Shirelle Phelps, Gale, 1st edition, 2002. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/worldcrims/serial_killers/0?institutionId=5312. Accessed 06 Aug. 2018. This source details the crimes and history surrounding John Wayne Gacy. This highlights the murders and rapes he has committed and gives reason why. I plan to use this for its information about Gacy’s motives and mental thought process. This source was found on Credo search. Taylor, Troy. â€Å"JOHN WAYNE GACY THE CLOWN THAT KILLED.† LIZZIE BORDEN: HISTORY HAUNTINGS OF THIS FAMOUS CASE, 2013, www.prairieghosts.com/gacy.html. This sources gives extensive amounts of detail about John Wayne Gacys childhood. The source provides information surrounding his family, wives, jobs, and other personal details. I plan to use this for its information about Gacys childhood. This sources was retrieved from prairie ghosts.com â€Å"Serial Murder.† FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, 21 May 2010, www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/serial-murder. This article overviews reasons and probably causes as to why serial killers kill. It also includes numerous sources and examples of killers and their motives. I plan to use this sources for its rich information about serial killers causes and motives. This article was published by the U.S. department of justice in 2010.

Historical film is more informed by the time and context within which Essay

Historical film is more informed by the time and context within which it has been made than the historical time and context it p - Essay Example It is worth noting that several historical films carry a common ‘theme of history’ such as history as a ‘flow’ of events, or a series of cause and effect relationships over time. Some of the theme of history is very vital being that they take into account the history affecting and shaping our society today as well as people making a difference in the society. By looking at historical context it is vital to consider the period and place where the movie takes place as well as significance about the event or time period. Furthermore it is advisable to consider what happens in the world beyond the film since relating the historical context greatly help in understanding all the important events taking place in the movie (Monaco & Harpole 2003, p. 39-54). Bataan Movie Bataan is a 1943 war film directed by Tay Garnet about the defense of the Bataan Peninsula at the start of World War II where Dane and a group of American and Philippine soldiers are caught up in the retreat from Manila toward Bataan. This movie involves the Japanese conquest of the Philippines in early 1942 where the U.S. forces conduct a fighting retreat after the army, civilians and a group of volunteers from different units blow up the bridge in order to delay Japanese rebuilding efforts as long as possible. After blowing the bridge, they wait for the expected enemy push to rebuild the bridge and dislocate the Americans but basic needs such as food, diseases and deficiencies of medicine greatly affect the soldiers’ even as they try to cope with the opposition. The soldiers were forced to move through the congested town as that was the only way they could escape from the Japanese soldiers who were really pressing forward as Dane and Jake Feingold tried to manage a defensive position (Bataan 1943, Film). After the commander orders soldiers to report to Captain Lassister, the town then suffered fierce attack from the air where civilians and soldiers were wedged in the o pen and executed. Soldiers were then ordered to hold a bridge until all refugees cross and later demolish the bridge as a way of stopping the Japanese soldiers and gathering their own in Bataan. The group of 13 men who were also equipped with enough equipment and supplies decided to position themselves on a cliff where they blew the bridge as they wait for Japanese but diseases and inadequate food and water would later demoralize them (Bataan 1943, Film). Japanese army managed to work at night on the bridge while the Americans were just reluctantly waiting; talking talk and eating but their peace is interrupted when a sniper catches Captain Lassiter in the open and shoots him dead. When Dane orders Barry Nelson to ascent a tree and echo on opponent undertaking, he sloppily displays himself thus making him to be shot dead by a sniper. The following day Dane and Todd go out alone launching grenades at the bridge to blow it up again but Dane is worried whether they will break from the tension and leave after most of their men die. However, Feingold serenely guarantees him they will definitely finish their obligation even as Philippine guide tries to break through the Japanese ranks to Bataan for help is seized, tortured and wounded

Strategic Management (report) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Strategic Management (report) - Essay Example Zara makes a third of all its sales in Spain. However, recently it has intensified its business in other European markets such as France, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Established in the year 1975, the business unit has now 1608 stores across the world, offering products for men, women and kids. This report analyses the Inditex group and its business unit ‘Zara’ in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of its strategies in the market. The report starts with the analysis of the industry followed by the company and its business unit. In the end, a conclusion has been inferred from the entire analysis. ‘Porter’s five forces’ model is a useful framework to analyse the industry’s attractive towards any business (Hill & Jones, â€Å"Porter’s Five Forces Model†). The following is the analysis of the specific business unit ‘Zara’. Porter has identified four factors which are capable of influencing the level of competition and profitability in the industry. The buyers’ power in this fashion industry is moderate. Zara offers its customers the look-alike premium products at a lower price. So, the switching cost for the buyer is a bit higher. On the other hand, Zara keeps all trendy and fashionable merchandises according to the customer requirements at a reasonable price. Zara is a flagship business unit of a leading fashion group. So the bargaining power of the suppliers is a bit low in this industry. The company requires its suppliers to be aligned with certain requirements of working practice, ethical activities, safety, quality and environmental standards. The low bargaining power of the suppliers reflects from the fact that the company has ceased 175 suppliers in the year 2008 and 145 suppliers in the next year because of their non compliance with the required standards. Zara has been one of the significant business units of the leading business group. Definitely the

History of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Essay Example for Free

History of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Essay The assignment was to select a significant event in the development of psychological testing, such as the Chinese use of essay exams for civil service selection, the use of alpha and beta testing in World War I, Wundt’s laboratory, or the development of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). This paper will discuss the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI); explain its significance and how it has affected the development of psychological testing in the 21st century. Significance The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory was published in 1940 and the second revised version was published in 1989 (MMPI-2). It is used to measure adult psychopathology and is the most commonly used measurement in the world (Drayton, 2009). The test was developed with a set of answers that healthy adults would answer and then provides indirect questions as to prevent individuals from being able to skew their answers to get a more favorable result. This allows clinicians to have an objective measure rather than basing a diagnosis off of their minimal assumptions. The test (MMPI-2) is a self-report measure of a person’s psychological state and includes 567 items of true/false questions. According to Drayton (2009), â€Å"It has nine validity scales (or ‘lie’ scales), assessing for lying, defensiveness, faking good and faking bad and among others. These scales make it very difficult to fake the MMPI-2 results. The measure has many clinical scales assessing mental health problems (i.e. depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder), personality characteristics (i.e. psychopathy) and general personality traits such as anger, somatization, hypochondriasis, ‘type A behavior’ addiction potential, poor ego strength and many others† (p. 135). The MMPI-2 can be used to assess major social and personal maladjustment, identify potential applicants for high-risk public safety positions as well as give the ability to support a clinician’s expert testimony. It can also assess clients in substance abuse programs and assist in selecting the most beneficial treatment methodology. With rising divorce rates, this assessment can provide valuable insight for marriage and family counseling. Lastly, this test has affected the college and career counseling sector by providing support for recommendations (Ben-Porath Tellegen, 2008) Conclusion This paper discussed the brief history of the MMPI and the MMPI-2, what it measures and what is included in the assessment as well as the significance it has in modern culture. Included was the intended use of the assessment, the basic principles that the test contains as well as the vast modern use of the MMPI-2.

The Raising Of Children :: essays research papers

The raising of the children in Wuthering Heights seemed to be mostly done by the nannies. In fact, the story is mainly told from the perspective of Nelly Dean, the housekeeper of Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights. Upper-class parents delegated the entire care of their children to a nurse or a "nanny". The nanny and the children occupied a separate wing or floor of the house. Ideally, the wing or floor had a day nursery, one or more night nurseries for children of different ages, bedrooms for older children and their governess, and a schoolroom or older children's sitting room. The fully staffed nursery had additional nurserymaids, a schoolroom maid, a laundress, and sometimes a cook. The reason children were separated from adults was that they were to be sheltered from adult life and given a structured routine and also to hvae their characters trained. The adults were freed for their own pleasures and responsibilities, and for the London season and foreign travel which were expected parts of aristocratic life. The full-fledged nanny was a professional and she had full charge of the children and their upbringing. Mothers recognized their own deficiencies and deferred to the nanny's training and experience. Children spent mostly all of their time with the nanny. Her bed was in the night nursery where they slept. The parents paid little attention to the everyday happenings as in seen in Wuthering Heights. Catherine and Francis depended on Nelly's care of the children all throughout Wuthering Heights. When the kids were about eight, their lessons began to occupy most of their time. Boys went to boarding school and girls became primarily responsible to the governess. Despite a nanny's absolute authority, children were still called "miss" or "master" when

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SONG OF RADHA, THE MILKMAID —text and critical study by Mandira Chattopadhyaya Labels: Literary Criticism I carried my curds to the Mathura fair†¦ How softly the heifers were lowing†¦ I wanted to cry, â€Å"Who will buy The curds that is white as the clouds in the sky When the breezes of Shravan are blowing? † But my heart was so full of your beauty, Beloved, They laughed as I cried without knowing: Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! How softly the river was flowing! I carried the pots to the Mathura tide†¦ How gaily the rowers were rowing! My comrades called, â€Å"Ho! Let us dance, let us sing And wear saffron garments to welcome the spring. And pluck the new buds that are blowing. † But my heart was so full of your music, Beloved, They mocked when I cried without knowing: Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! How gaily the river was flowing! I carried my gifts to the Mathura shrine†¦ How brightly the torches were glowing! I folded my hands at the altars to pray â€Å"O shining ones guard us by night and by day†- And loudly the conch shells were blowing. But my heart was so lost in your worship, Beloved, They were wroth when I cried without knowing: Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! How bright the river was flowing! Substance of the poem Radha, the milkmaid is carrying curds to Mathura (Krishna’s birthplace) where the spring festival is going on. Cows are lowing softly in the fields. Radha, wishing to give out her trade cry to sell her curds that is as white as the autumn clouds, instead, calls out My Lord! My Lord! Everybody laughs. The river Jamuna flows on softly, as if appreciating her chant. Radha reaches the bank of the river to cross by the ferry boat. Her female companions want to wear the saffron garments, the color of spring, and want to sing and dance and pluck the new buds. Radha’s heart swells with the music of her Beloved Lord Krishna. She cries in ecstasy when others humor her. The river Jamuna flows on joyfully regardless. Radha reaches, with her gifts of curds, the temple, where the torches are brightly burning. She folds her hands to pray to the deity, encircled by snakes, and prays for protection while the conch shells are blown. Her heart is lost to the vision of her Beloved Lord and she calls out the name involuntarily. Others become angry. But the river Jamuna flows on while her water dazzles in the light of the torches. A critical estimate of the poem The title of the poem transports us to another world, to an environment of fertility and abundance. Mother Nature abounds the earth with the flow of her liquid. This white liquid symbolizes affection and nurturing of life. Radha, the daughter of Mother Nature carries the liquid of life and growth to all living beings. Mathura is her destination where Krishna, the Divine Musician holds everybody mesmerized with his mystic presence. The heifers herald her arrival to Mathura where she will pour into the pots the liquid which she has brought- energy and power from the mother Earth. It is worth noticing that Sita, the other daughter of mother Earth also represents all that stand for productivity. Mathura is here the center of life and abundance. While the cow is the species, that represents the flow of life and abundance. Radha feeds and nurtures life. Even the clouds in the sky, white and creamy, are part of the resources of life. The clouds and breeze together produce rain to awash the earth with the energy and moisture that coaxes the dormant vitality into life energy. The time of the year should also be noted. It is the time of incessant rain, the month of Shravan (August- September), when the life- giving moisture bursts forth. Radha’s heart wavers from her task in hand. She yearns for her union with Divine Musician, a presence that encompasses every soul of Mathura. She is absorbed, heart and mind, in his mystic presence and the trade cry she is supposed give out does not come to her lips- only the name of Govinda, the Omnipresent, the Omniscient and the Omnipotent, coming spontaneously from her heart, reverberates. The poet, here, juxtaposes the two conceptions, the flowing of the river and Radha’s yearning for a communion with Krishna. Radha is presented in the poem in the first person. In the first stanza she refers to the commodity she is carrying. Her mind is somewhat attached to the earthly duties and nature of her work. Even in her surroundings she hears the cry of the heifers, an animal she connects with her trade. In the second stanza, her mind is drawn towards the joy and gaiety of nature. She feels the abundance in her heart Life is flowing everywhere. Dear Mantu We are nown drawn to Indian English literature and your attempt at decoding Sarojini is a wonderful effort to that end Yes Indian English literature could be successful only when India breathes through the language of the Teutonic school and here is an instance of success Ihave read your substance and critical comments with great interest and I have a few reflections on the poem that I submit before you Firstly Idont think that there is any clue in the text wherefrom we could infer that Krishna is at Mathura when Radha comes there Secondly though Vrindavan has not been mentoioned here it is clear that Radha comes from elsewhere to Mathura to sell her milk product She comes from the other side of Jamuna She comes from her village Mathura is a trade centre and town The poem on the surface dwells on a maid who comes to the town for selling milk product But her head is full of Govinda So instead of paying attention to her etting and spending and instead of giving her trade cry with gusto she unaware of herself cries aloud the name Govinda her sweetheart A wonderful portrait of a loveladen heart of a village girl Methinks the the heifers donot low at the place fair at Mathura They lowed whhen she was carrying her milk product and setting out for Mathura Then the Jamuna and the boat journey with her comrades and finally at Mathura at the fair and at the temple Thus four vignettes one afte r another pass by before our minds eye The prayer at the temple is very touching Because it is for achieving nothing great May all the gods protect us That is all Just as the naive boatman when encounters the godhead incarnated as goddess Annapurna in Bharatchandra only prays that her should remain well fed That is all These simple folks are very much unlike us They dont want to be a scholar or a scientist or a president Bush Me thinks that the truly Indian attitude towards life along with the breeze of the month of Shravan blows through the poem Mind you the poem has some riddles in it to ponder over The curds are as white as the clouds in the clear sky But the time when Radha crosses the Jamuna is Shravan when there no white clouds But Radha fails to announce the good quality of her curds Because the blue clouds of the month of Shravan seem to engross her Again it is Shravan to Radha when her comrades want to don saffron robes in harmony with the spring time So many seasons at the same time draws my attention Thuis all the seasons are subjective Jamuna flows between the place where Radha stays and the place where Radha works for money Jamuna is a chasm between the two worlds —-one where love reigns and the other where exc hange reigns The way you have interpreted milk is quite convincing Indeed it is from the villages that energy flows to rejuvenate the life in the cities On another level Go vinda might mean the centre of the earth or universe or the source of all light Of course Radha is the symbol of the earth Her heart is full of the longing for the skies There you read the myth of Gaia and Ourania Dyaus and Prithivi And you have legitimately brought Sita and Radha together. Regards Ramesh Dear Mandira, The beautiful poem -Songs of Radha the Milkmaid that you have selected from Sarojini Naidu's book of poems incites me to share something. I, myself am very much fond of *Kirtana *-the art form that sings basically the lila of Radha and Krishna,particularly the *Biraha *portion when Krishna left Radha in Brindavan and himself went to Mathura to perform another duty and activities. Radha remained ever engrossed in the thoughts of Krishna and waited for his return. Whenever any cart etc. came from Mathura she rushed there in the hope that her beloved must have come back . But in vain. The love-lorn Radha became more sad. I am giving below a song that portrays this in a poignant manner; Piya tora kaisa abhiman Saghana sawan laye kadama bahar Mathura se doli laye charo kahar Nahi aye nahi aye Kesaria balma hamar Angana bara sunsan Apne nayan se neer bahaye Apne Yamuna khud aphi banaye Lakh bar usme nahaya Pura na hoi asnan Phir pura na hoi asnan Sukhe kesh rukhe besh Manua bejaan In this backdrop I would like to give my interpretation. Radha had not actually gone to Mathura . Rather in her inner mind flashed what would happen had she gone to Mathura fair, Mathura tide,Mathura shrine respectively. In the Mathura fair she would sell her curd. As Radha did not have any idea about the life style of Mathura -the capital city,hence she imagined that heifers would be there and they were lowing softly in the hope of the union of Radha and Krishna as they had done in Brindavan. Radha would not sell milk;in its stead curd. Why? Because her love for Krishna that hand turned from milk to curd in the absence of Krishna/Gobinda . But it remained as pure and white as the white cloud of the sky. But mind that though Shravan breeze were blowing yet the cloud was white. How is it possible? As because Krishna was not with Radha hence there was Shravan breezes blowing in her mind/sky . Radha would sell her product only to Krishna Her mind was full of pure love for Krishna;( i. e.. the white cloud). After shower the sky becomes clear. So happened in case of Radha's mind. Unaware she uttered Gobinda! Gobinda. And even when her friends might laugh at her her pent up thoughts were released and her mind got a relief. Her conscious mind /the river started flowing softly. The other two stanzas may be similarly explicated. I resist myself to do that. Does it seem to be too far fetched . With love and with the hope to hear more from you. Dipika Dear Dipikadi, Thank you very much for your own interpretation of the poem. You are wonderfully lyrical and your point of view has added dimensions to the simple village girl's vision of her divine Beloved. Please write your point of view on the other two stanzas too. best wishes Mondira In the second stanza, Radha imagined that she went to Mathura with her pot. Within the pot Radha might have taken her love ,her longing for Krishna The imagery of pot at once reminds us of the individual body that separates us/here Radha from the union of our own god /Krishna. As soon as the earthen pot breaks there will be the eternal union. In this context, the word Mathura tide has a special import. Just as due to the attraction of the Moon there comes the high tide in the river,similarly Radha's mind and body- her heart and breast swelled up being attracted to Mathura where her beloved resides. But as high tide and ebb tide come and go in alternate manner,similarly Radha's emotion, feelings and demeanour changed- now elated and the next moment depressed. While she thought of her union with Krishna there came the high tide. And there was all mirth and merriment. Merrily merrily the rowers, that is, her sweet memories were passing. There was abundance and abandon . At once spring came forth. Radha Krishna's union is always associated with her *sakhis *-the comrades like the asto sakhis-Lolita ,Bisakha etc. Hence there appeared the comrades in colourful dresses . They were dancing, singing,plucking new buds to make garlands to greet the two beloved ones- Radha and Krishna. The new buds were blowing. How? There air blew gently. With this the flower plants also moved. As if the whole Nature took part and was happy with the union of Radha and Krishna. The entire stage bacame colouful and moving with coloufully clad comrades dancing,singing along with ever blowing new buds on the plants as well as on the hands of the sakhis. The sakhis wanted to wear saffron coloured dress. Why? Because Krihna was not there. At once the colour reminds us the Hindu sanyasi/nies who used to wear saffron coloured dress. This is the colour of mensturation of the holy mother. This colour means detachment from the hurly burly of the mundane world. And so Radha could not take part in any paltry day to day activity and not in any mirth and merry. At once we can hear the unheard sound -Krihna se to nei nei re. The ebb tide- the depressed mood of Radha prevailed . Her ears always heard Krishna's music-Yeno nishi din murali dhani suni /Ujan bohe prem Yamunari bari /Nupuro hoye yano he Bonochari/Chorono jaraye dhore kandite pari/ Mamo madhuro minati sono Ganashyama Giridhari†¦. And Radha could not but cry out and utter Gobinda! Gobinda! The pent up emotion at once got released . And Radha's mind became relaxed . And so did the river flow gaily. The high tide came instantly. In the third stanza we find Radha in a different mood. All passion being spent there was calm in mind. and in such a state on mind Radha imagined to visit the Mathura shrine. Rather now Radha was in a position to visit the Mathura shrine. If in the 1st stanza Radha ‘s conscious thoughts were described , it was on the surface level because the heifar used to gaze on the surface. nd Radha's thoughts were moving softly like the soft lowing of the cows. But as soon as Radha uttered the word Gobinda her thoughts could delve deeper Her stream of consciousness started to flow softly . Thus then at once the setting changed from the land to river. In the 2nd stanza her thoughts went deeper. May be it touched the pre-conscious level . Because there in the 2nd stanza in the dream like situation Radha could face her carnal desire towards Krishna. The imagery of pot, the buds , the dancing ,singing river water with high tide and ebb tide etc. all are suggetive to something associated with sexual acts. See, Inthe first stanza Radha ‘s mind was full of Krishna's beauty. Here she was con cerned of her beloved's physical charm. But then the rowers came and rowed gaily and they were all mirth and mery ( may be Physical /sexual enjoyment were imaginatively faced. ) To face a desire four square means to become free of it. That is why in the second stanza Radha's Mind became free from Physical desire rather she was concerned about Krishna's sound. But the river i. e. the stream of conscous now moved gaily. The charm of sight and sound cannot last long. Hence shorn of carnal desires Radha's love now can have the power to submit herself totally to her Beloved. Now neither her mind nor her body was disturbed . They had been burnt up and thereby emitting light and thus acting as torches. Radha's was now fit to meditate. Hence Radha in her mind went to the shrine. There she could find those bright lamps of pure love that gathered their brightness through penance. She with folded hands prayed not for herself but for us-the humanity as a whole; may be for all sentient and insentient odjects under the Sun. She asked not the union of Krishna but the well being of all and sundry by day and night. When those pure lights protect, who could dare to do any harm? Such catholicity of mind was at once applauded by gods also and the sound of conch-shell was heard as a sign of it.. May be this was the sound of Panchajanya -the conch shell that Krishna blew in the Kurukshetra at the begining of the battle). But now it was blown to declare that Radha had successfully over come her mean self-centred desires and she became victorious. But the desires, which were termed as Mara in the Buddhist literature, may be here personified . So they( the personified desires) were wroth just after the sound of the conch-shell odviouly they were annoyed as because they were defeated in their schemes to ensnare Radha. And unknowingly Radha uttered Govinda! Govinda! And her stream of consciosness shorn of all impurities became a river of bright light. T his imagery of brightness reminds me the story of Ahalya who became bright through her penance when Ram visited her ( in Valmiki)/touched his feet ( in Krittivasa) on the place where Ahalya stayed and observed penance . Hard Penance made Ahalya a woman to be remembered every morning as per Hindu Sastra. Similarly Radha the eternal consort of Krisna is being worshipped through out Northen India for her selfless pure love for Krishna. Because now onwards ,we may easily guess thatRadha's heart will ever remain lost in Krishna's worship in contrast of her earlier heart full of krishna's beauty, then her full of his music in the 1st two stanzas. We may easily imagine that now she can sit years after years in a meditative mood with her heart lost in Krishna's worship . It is said that even today also Radha is waiting in Brindavan for her Beloved Krishna. Essays SONG OF RADHA, THE MILKMAID —text and critical study by Mandira Chattopadhyaya Labels: Literary Criticism I carried my curds to the Mathura fair†¦ How softly the heifers were lowing†¦ I wanted to cry, â€Å"Who will buy The curds that is white as the clouds in the sky When the breezes of Shravan are blowing? † But my heart was so full of your beauty, Beloved, They laughed as I cried without knowing: Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! How softly the river was flowing! I carried the pots to the Mathura tide†¦ How gaily the rowers were rowing! My comrades called, â€Å"Ho! Let us dance, let us sing And wear saffron garments to welcome the spring. And pluck the new buds that are blowing. † But my heart was so full of your music, Beloved, They mocked when I cried without knowing: Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! How gaily the river was flowing! I carried my gifts to the Mathura shrine†¦ How brightly the torches were glowing! I folded my hands at the altars to pray â€Å"O shining ones guard us by night and by day†- And loudly the conch shells were blowing. But my heart was so lost in your worship, Beloved, They were wroth when I cried without knowing: Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! How bright the river was flowing! Substance of the poem Radha, the milkmaid is carrying curds to Mathura (Krishna’s birthplace) where the spring festival is going on. Cows are lowing softly in the fields. Radha, wishing to give out her trade cry to sell her curds that is as white as the autumn clouds, instead, calls out My Lord! My Lord! Everybody laughs. The river Jamuna flows on softly, as if appreciating her chant. Radha reaches the bank of the river to cross by the ferry boat. Her female companions want to wear the saffron garments, the color of spring, and want to sing and dance and pluck the new buds. Radha’s heart swells with the music of her Beloved Lord Krishna. She cries in ecstasy when others humor her. The river Jamuna flows on joyfully regardless. Radha reaches, with her gifts of curds, the temple, where the torches are brightly burning. She folds her hands to pray to the deity, encircled by snakes, and prays for protection while the conch shells are blown. Her heart is lost to the vision of her Beloved Lord and she calls out the name involuntarily. Others become angry. But the river Jamuna flows on while her water dazzles in the light of the torches. A critical estimate of the poem The title of the poem transports us to another world, to an environment of fertility and abundance. Mother Nature abounds the earth with the flow of her liquid. This white liquid symbolizes affection and nurturing of life. Radha, the daughter of Mother Nature carries the liquid of life and growth to all living beings. Mathura is her destination where Krishna, the Divine Musician holds everybody mesmerized with his mystic presence. The heifers herald her arrival to Mathura where she will pour into the pots the liquid which she has brought- energy and power from the mother Earth. It is worth noticing that Sita, the other daughter of mother Earth also represents all that stand for productivity. Mathura is here the center of life and abundance. While the cow is the species, that represents the flow of life and abundance. Radha feeds and nurtures life. Even the clouds in the sky, white and creamy, are part of the resources of life. The clouds and breeze together produce rain to awash the earth with the energy and moisture that coaxes the dormant vitality into life energy. The time of the year should also be noted. It is the time of incessant rain, the month of Shravan (August- September), when the life- giving moisture bursts forth. Radha’s heart wavers from her task in hand. She yearns for her union with Divine Musician, a presence that encompasses every soul of Mathura. She is absorbed, heart and mind, in his mystic presence and the trade cry she is supposed give out does not come to her lips- only the name of Govinda, the Omnipresent, the Omniscient and the Omnipotent, coming spontaneously from her heart, reverberates. The poet, here, juxtaposes the two conceptions, the flowing of the river and Radha’s yearning for a communion with Krishna. Radha is presented in the poem in the first person. In the first stanza she refers to the commodity she is carrying. Her mind is somewhat attached to the earthly duties and nature of her work. Even in her surroundings she hears the cry of the heifers, an animal she connects with her trade. In the second stanza, her mind is drawn towards the joy and gaiety of nature. She feels the abundance in her heart Life is flowing everywhere. Dear Mantu We are nown drawn to Indian English literature and your attempt at decoding Sarojini is a wonderful effort to that end Yes Indian English literature could be successful only when India breathes through the language of the Teutonic school and here is an instance of success Ihave read your substance and critical comments with great interest and I have a few reflections on the poem that I submit before you Firstly Idont think that there is any clue in the text wherefrom we could infer that Krishna is at Mathura when Radha comes there Secondly though Vrindavan has not been mentoioned here it is clear that Radha comes from elsewhere to Mathura to sell her milk product She comes from the other side of Jamuna She comes from her village Mathura is a trade centre and town The poem on the surface dwells on a maid who comes to the town for selling milk product But her head is full of Govinda So instead of paying attention to her etting and spending and instead of giving her trade cry with gusto she unaware of herself cries aloud the name Govinda her sweetheart A wonderful portrait of a loveladen heart of a village girl Methinks the the heifers donot low at the place fair at Mathura They lowed whhen she was carrying her milk product and setting out for Mathura Then the Jamuna and the boat journey with her comrades and finally at Mathura at the fair and at the temple Thus four vignettes one afte r another pass by before our minds eye The prayer at the temple is very touching Because it is for achieving nothing great May all the gods protect us That is all Just as the naive boatman when encounters the godhead incarnated as goddess Annapurna in Bharatchandra only prays that her should remain well fed That is all These simple folks are very much unlike us They dont want to be a scholar or a scientist or a president Bush Me thinks that the truly Indian attitude towards life along with the breeze of the month of Shravan blows through the poem Mind you the poem has some riddles in it to ponder over The curds are as white as the clouds in the clear sky But the time when Radha crosses the Jamuna is Shravan when there no white clouds But Radha fails to announce the good quality of her curds Because the blue clouds of the month of Shravan seem to engross her Again it is Shravan to Radha when her comrades want to don saffron robes in harmony with the spring time So many seasons at the same time draws my attention Thuis all the seasons are subjective Jamuna flows between the place where Radha stays and the place where Radha works for money Jamuna is a chasm between the two worlds —-one where love reigns and the other where exc hange reigns The way you have interpreted milk is quite convincing Indeed it is from the villages that energy flows to rejuvenate the life in the cities On another level Go vinda might mean the centre of the earth or universe or the source of all light Of course Radha is the symbol of the earth Her heart is full of the longing for the skies There you read the myth of Gaia and Ourania Dyaus and Prithivi And you have legitimately brought Sita and Radha together. Regards Ramesh Dear Mandira, The beautiful poem -Songs of Radha the Milkmaid that you have selected from Sarojini Naidu's book of poems incites me to share something. I, myself am very much fond of *Kirtana *-the art form that sings basically the lila of Radha and Krishna,particularly the *Biraha *portion when Krishna left Radha in Brindavan and himself went to Mathura to perform another duty and activities. Radha remained ever engrossed in the thoughts of Krishna and waited for his return. Whenever any cart etc. came from Mathura she rushed there in the hope that her beloved must have come back . But in vain. The love-lorn Radha became more sad. I am giving below a song that portrays this in a poignant manner; Piya tora kaisa abhiman Saghana sawan laye kadama bahar Mathura se doli laye charo kahar Nahi aye nahi aye Kesaria balma hamar Angana bara sunsan Apne nayan se neer bahaye Apne Yamuna khud aphi banaye Lakh bar usme nahaya Pura na hoi asnan Phir pura na hoi asnan Sukhe kesh rukhe besh Manua bejaan In this backdrop I would like to give my interpretation. Radha had not actually gone to Mathura . Rather in her inner mind flashed what would happen had she gone to Mathura fair, Mathura tide,Mathura shrine respectively. In the Mathura fair she would sell her curd. As Radha did not have any idea about the life style of Mathura -the capital city,hence she imagined that heifers would be there and they were lowing softly in the hope of the union of Radha and Krishna as they had done in Brindavan. Radha would not sell milk;in its stead curd. Why? Because her love for Krishna that hand turned from milk to curd in the absence of Krishna/Gobinda . But it remained as pure and white as the white cloud of the sky. But mind that though Shravan breeze were blowing yet the cloud was white. How is it possible? As because Krishna was not with Radha hence there was Shravan breezes blowing in her mind/sky . Radha would sell her product only to Krishna Her mind was full of pure love for Krishna;( i. e.. the white cloud). After shower the sky becomes clear. So happened in case of Radha's mind. Unaware she uttered Gobinda! Gobinda. And even when her friends might laugh at her her pent up thoughts were released and her mind got a relief. Her conscious mind /the river started flowing softly. The other two stanzas may be similarly explicated. I resist myself to do that. Does it seem to be too far fetched . With love and with the hope to hear more from you. Dipika Dear Dipikadi, Thank you very much for your own interpretation of the poem. You are wonderfully lyrical and your point of view has added dimensions to the simple village girl's vision of her divine Beloved. Please write your point of view on the other two stanzas too. best wishes Mondira In the second stanza, Radha imagined that she went to Mathura with her pot. Within the pot Radha might have taken her love ,her longing for Krishna The imagery of pot at once reminds us of the individual body that separates us/here Radha from the union of our own god /Krishna. As soon as the earthen pot breaks there will be the eternal union. In this context, the word Mathura tide has a special import. Just as due to the attraction of the Moon there comes the high tide in the river,similarly Radha's mind and body- her heart and breast swelled up being attracted to Mathura where her beloved resides. But as high tide and ebb tide come and go in alternate manner,similarly Radha's emotion, feelings and demeanour changed- now elated and the next moment depressed. While she thought of her union with Krishna there came the high tide. And there was all mirth and merriment. Merrily merrily the rowers, that is, her sweet memories were passing. There was abundance and abandon . At once spring came forth. Radha Krishna's union is always associated with her *sakhis *-the comrades like the asto sakhis-Lolita ,Bisakha etc. Hence there appeared the comrades in colourful dresses . They were dancing, singing,plucking new buds to make garlands to greet the two beloved ones- Radha and Krishna. The new buds were blowing. How? There air blew gently. With this the flower plants also moved. As if the whole Nature took part and was happy with the union of Radha and Krishna. The entire stage bacame colouful and moving with coloufully clad comrades dancing,singing along with ever blowing new buds on the plants as well as on the hands of the sakhis. The sakhis wanted to wear saffron coloured dress. Why? Because Krihna was not there. At once the colour reminds us the Hindu sanyasi/nies who used to wear saffron coloured dress. This is the colour of mensturation of the holy mother. This colour means detachment from the hurly burly of the mundane world. And so Radha could not take part in any paltry day to day activity and not in any mirth and merry. At once we can hear the unheard sound -Krihna se to nei nei re. The ebb tide- the depressed mood of Radha prevailed . Her ears always heard Krishna's music-Yeno nishi din murali dhani suni /Ujan bohe prem Yamunari bari /Nupuro hoye yano he Bonochari/Chorono jaraye dhore kandite pari/ Mamo madhuro minati sono Ganashyama Giridhari†¦. And Radha could not but cry out and utter Gobinda! Gobinda! The pent up emotion at once got released . And Radha's mind became relaxed . And so did the river flow gaily. The high tide came instantly. In the third stanza we find Radha in a different mood. All passion being spent there was calm in mind. and in such a state on mind Radha imagined to visit the Mathura shrine. Rather now Radha was in a position to visit the Mathura shrine. If in the 1st stanza Radha ‘s conscious thoughts were described , it was on the surface level because the heifar used to gaze on the surface. nd Radha's thoughts were moving softly like the soft lowing of the cows. But as soon as Radha uttered the word Gobinda her thoughts could delve deeper Her stream of consciousness started to flow softly . Thus then at once the setting changed from the land to river. In the 2nd stanza her thoughts went deeper. May be it touched the pre-conscious level . Because there in the 2nd stanza in the dream like situation Radha could face her carnal desire towards Krishna. The imagery of pot, the buds , the dancing ,singing river water with high tide and ebb tide etc. all are suggetive to something associated with sexual acts. See, Inthe first stanza Radha ‘s mind was full of Krishna's beauty. Here she was con cerned of her beloved's physical charm. But then the rowers came and rowed gaily and they were all mirth and mery ( may be Physical /sexual enjoyment were imaginatively faced. ) To face a desire four square means to become free of it. That is why in the second stanza Radha's Mind became free from Physical desire rather she was concerned about Krishna's sound. But the river i. e. the stream of conscous now moved gaily. The charm of sight and sound cannot last long. Hence shorn of carnal desires Radha's love now can have the power to submit herself totally to her Beloved. Now neither her mind nor her body was disturbed . They had been burnt up and thereby emitting light and thus acting as torches. Radha's was now fit to meditate. Hence Radha in her mind went to the shrine. There she could find those bright lamps of pure love that gathered their brightness through penance. She with folded hands prayed not for herself but for us-the humanity as a whole; may be for all sentient and insentient odjects under the Sun. She asked not the union of Krishna but the well being of all and sundry by day and night. When those pure lights protect, who could dare to do any harm? Such catholicity of mind was at once applauded by gods also and the sound of conch-shell was heard as a sign of it.. May be this was the sound of Panchajanya -the conch shell that Krishna blew in the Kurukshetra at the begining of the battle). But now it was blown to declare that Radha had successfully over come her mean self-centred desires and she became victorious. But the desires, which were termed as Mara in the Buddhist literature, may be here personified . So they( the personified desires) were wroth just after the sound of the conch-shell odviouly they were annoyed as because they were defeated in their schemes to ensnare Radha. And unknowingly Radha uttered Govinda! Govinda! And her stream of consciosness shorn of all impurities became a river of bright light. T his imagery of brightness reminds me the story of Ahalya who became bright through her penance when Ram visited her ( in Valmiki)/touched his feet ( in Krittivasa) on the place where Ahalya stayed and observed penance . Hard Penance made Ahalya a woman to be remembered every morning as per Hindu Sastra. Similarly Radha the eternal consort of Krisna is being worshipped through out Northen India for her selfless pure love for Krishna. Because now onwards ,we may easily guess thatRadha's heart will ever remain lost in Krishna's worship in contrast of her earlier heart full of krishna's beauty, then her full of his music in the 1st two stanzas. We may easily imagine that now she can sit years after years in a meditative mood with her heart lost in Krishna's worship . It is said that even today also Radha is waiting in Brindavan for her Beloved Krishna.

Gladiator: Critical film essay Essay

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator is the critically acclaimed 2000 film starring Russell Crowe which won forty-eight awards, including a BAFTA for best film. Gladiator depicts the tale of Maximus Decimus Meridius and his struggle against the might of the Roman Empire and the vicious gladiatorial arenas. Throughout Scott’s masterpiece are a wide range of filmic techniques in the visual and auditory channels that collaborate in enunciating the overall narrative. The opening sequence is a prime example that uses Mise-en-scene, lighting, costume and film speed to enunciate the key scene. The opening scene begins with some historical information that introduces the audience into the scene and sets up the narrative. Scott informs his audience on the vast scale of the Roman Empire, â€Å"One quarter of the world’s population lived and died under the Caesars.† The emphasis is on â€Å"and died† in order to set the scene for the incoming battle. The Universal and Dre amWorks logos are in a sepia colour. This colour informs the audience that the film is set in the past due to it being used for old photographs and ink. The historical information is accompanied by calming, serene music which leads to the first view of the protagonist. Scott has made use of coloured lighting, incorporating gold (which is representative of the wealth the Roman Empire had) in many scenes throughout the film. The colour gold is an interesting choice because it represents peace and riches which could also be a reference to the Roman afterlife Elysium. Scott has used Mise-en-scene in the first shot of the protagonist, brushing his hand in the corn field. Although the audience are only presented with an extreme close up shot of his hand; they learn about his character through Scott’s control of what appears in the frame. The audience sees a wedding ring on his hand and so learn that he is a family man. The critic John Gibbs also comments on Mise-en scene, â€Å"the contents of the frame and the way they are organised.† During the close-up of the protagonist’s hand, the audience can hear a diegetic sound of the wheat blowing. A non-diegetic sound of children playing and soothing music can also be heard which again tel ls the audience he is a family man with something to loose. The consonant tone of music and golden cornfields set up an idyllic scene of calmness which instantly contrasts when the frame cuts to a harsh, cold and dark Germanic battlefield. The camera uses a medium close up of Maximus’s face which reveals the emotions of a tired soldier. Maximus catches a glimpse of a red  robin which symbolises his near return home to the summer and his family. The robin’s red breast could also be a signifier of the forthcoming bloodshed. When Maximus moves on to greet his army a long shot is used which displays him walking alone. The theme of isolation comes into play which also recurs throughout the film. As the battle scene draws near, a high angle long shot is used to display the mighty Roman army. Costume is used a great deal in Gladiator and adds to the films authentic feel. A medium close up shot is used for the first time on Emperor Marcus Aurelius which shows him wearing rich clothing and surrounded by knights. This scene only lasts a few seconds but the audience discover he is a man of importance through costume. Moreover, Scott wanted Maximus to appear as a strong character that holds high authority as an important character. This is achieved through costume as Maximus’s armour is bigger than all other characters and has different insignias weaved into it. The costume for the barbarian army is rather contrasting to that of the Roman Empire. The barbarians are dressed in rugged cloth which suggests they are not nearly as advanced or wealthy as the Roams who wear steel armour. A Critical Introd uction to Film highlights the importance of costume, â€Å"Costume provides information about time and place, but, more importantly, they express social milieu and personal style.† At 04:41 the barbarian leader steps forward from his army and lunges the head of the Roman messenger into the swampy ground and disrespects the Roman army. This is a casual chain of events that help drive the plot forward, â€Å"Film narration moves forward by a succession of events linked in a casual chain.† It is evident that the Roman army will fight now and Maximus kneels down to run dirt through his hands which is a recurring motif. The motif shows the spiritual side of Maximus, he asks the gods to fight beside him. As Maximus kneels down the audience are given a Point of View shot through Maximus staring into a dog’s eyes. The dog symbolises the brute force of Maximus and suggests he is a wild character. As Gladiator mounts his horse the music quickens and a non-diegetic drum beat begins to enunciate the battle scene. The music increases pace as the battle almost begins which heightens audience’s tension and excitement. As the battle begins a wave of Roman arrows are dispersed and computer generated imagery showcases a variety of special effects. A long range establishing shot on a high angle displays the dest ruction that the Roman Empire is unleashing. As  Gladiator rides with his cavalry there is an array of fast cutting shots that last a few seconds each. The fast paced shots give the audience a battle like feel with exaggerated sound effects of swords clashing and explosions. Maximus demonstrates his leadership role by shouting commands like, â€Å"Stay with me† and â€Å"Hold the line† . After the establishing shots of the battle Scott includes scenes that are more subjective to Gladiator. The gory battle follows Maximus as he enters a slow-motion phase that displays his disorientated point of view of the battle and a montage of his men fighting. Furthermore, the dog also engages in battle which suggests he is strong and independent like Gladiator. Ridley Scott’s Gladiator incorporates brilliant techniques that contribute in enunciating the opening sequence. These techniques are things such as the use of costume which generates an authentic feel and camera speed which demonstrates a terrifying battle. A strong use of Mise-en-scene shows how the narrative develops through camera lighting and casual chains in the plot.