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.

Free Essays on Fanny Brice

Fanny Brice Fanny Brice had a very cool and inspiring career. The Entertainment industry didn’t know it at the time but her career would reflect significant changes in American theatre. Fanny was a thin, talented and very Jewish looking young lady. The common female performer of the day was the equivalent of a Vages show girl. Fanny didn’t exactly fit the mold of a typical female stage performer. The trend in theatre was to be more sexually explicit to accommodate the growing number of male audience members. So the content changed dramatically, women performers had become silent, just on stage to display their bodies. â€Å" Turn of the century theatrical posters pictured a world dominated by females.† â€Å" Men (usually rendered as upper class) were represented as powerless onlookers, Functionaries, or victims of working class women’s overbearing sexual presence.† Sounds empowering, yes it is, but for all the wrong reasons. This type of advertising makes the m look like empowered peaces of meat. In a world full of other performers jockeying for fame, Fanny enlisted (bribed is more like it) help from the dancers. Dancing was a big thing that she needed to work on to make herself a more marketable talent. She grabbed up all the undergarments in her house and would give them to the dancers in exchange for dance lessons. Over time she became Quite good. She took a similar approach when it came to getting a song written. â€Å" All the other Singers were surrounding Ziegfields two African-American song writers, Joe Jordan and will Marion Cook, hoping to get a song written especially for them.† Fanny did what every fine upstanding politician would do, She Bribed them; with food that is. â€Å" How would you like a real home cooked meal? My mom is the best cook in Now York.† The ploy worked. They ended up giving her the song â€Å" Lovely Joe.† The really cool thing about Fanny is that she took the initiative and didn’t except t... Free Essays on Fanny Brice Free Essays on Fanny Brice Fanny Brice Fanny Brice had a very cool and inspiring career. The Entertainment industry didn’t know it at the time but her career would reflect significant changes in American theatre. Fanny was a thin, talented and very Jewish looking young lady. The common female performer of the day was the equivalent of a Vages show girl. Fanny didn’t exactly fit the mold of a typical female stage performer. The trend in theatre was to be more sexually explicit to accommodate the growing number of male audience members. So the content changed dramatically, women performers had become silent, just on stage to display their bodies. â€Å" Turn of the century theatrical posters pictured a world dominated by females.† â€Å" Men (usually rendered as upper class) were represented as powerless onlookers, Functionaries, or victims of working class women’s overbearing sexual presence.† Sounds empowering, yes it is, but for all the wrong reasons. This type of advertising makes the m look like empowered peaces of meat. In a world full of other performers jockeying for fame, Fanny enlisted (bribed is more like it) help from the dancers. Dancing was a big thing that she needed to work on to make herself a more marketable talent. She grabbed up all the undergarments in her house and would give them to the dancers in exchange for dance lessons. Over time she became Quite good. She took a similar approach when it came to getting a song written. â€Å" All the other Singers were surrounding Ziegfields two African-American song writers, Joe Jordan and will Marion Cook, hoping to get a song written especially for them.† Fanny did what every fine upstanding politician would do, She Bribed them; with food that is. â€Å" How would you like a real home cooked meal? My mom is the best cook in Now York.† The ploy worked. They ended up giving her the song â€Å" Lovely Joe.† The really cool thing about Fanny is that she took the initiative and didn’t except t...

4 Things You Should Never Say In a Job Interview

4 Things You Should Never Say In a Job Interview We’re all familiar with that sinking feeling of dread that sometimes hits after you’ve shaken your last hand and hit the lobby button in the elevator- is it possible you said something that contributed to the warm interview fizzling like an off-brand sparkler? You thought you have answered everything perfectly, even some of those hardest interview questions. The editors at MedReps.com have compiled a list of â€Å"must-avoid† statements  for anyone about to embark on an important interview.1. â€Å"I’m a fast learner.†This goes alongside â€Å"I’m enthusiastic† or â€Å"I’m a people person† as a hollow expression that, on reflection, doesn’t make you look like a better candidate. Instead of saying you’re a fast learner, have an anecdote or two ready to illustrate a time when you learned something quickly- bonus points if you learned something easily relatable to the job for which you’re interviewing .Your demeanor in the interview should tell the interviewer that you’ve got enthusiasm and people skills, too. If someone in HR can’t sense it, a client won’t either.2. â€Å"I’m a perfectionist.†This one was probably original and compelling in early 1993, a younger and simpler time, but by now everyone knows it’s what you say when you want to offer up a socially acceptable humblebrag. If you think about it a little more, what you’re actually saying is that you need everything to be a certain way- and if something goes off-plan, you won’t have the skills to adapt and recover.3. â€Å"No, I don’t have any questions.†Do you want to have no questions because you don’t care about the company, haven’t thought about your role there, or because you think the specifics are immaterial? Or did you want the interviewer to think you don’t even have enough professional experience to know you’re supp osed to have questions? Bottom line- have questions.4. â€Å"What does your company do?†Ugh. Why would you interview without doing even a cursory Googling?! It’s even better if you have a recent (positive) news article to bring up- show your interviewer you have a brain, the ability to think critically, and those aforementioned people skills and enthusiasm.It’s what a perfectionist would do.

Safe Haven by Nicholas Spark Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Safe Haven by Nicholas Spark - Essay Example ie ending up in a small North Carolina town, a grief stricken hero in his thirties, leading a dedicated and restrained life until he is bewitched by a cute damsel, a series of miss happenings amply interspersed with love and romance, a mature confidant bent on making the two lovers cherish each other and strike a romantic bond. However, the good thing about Safe Haven is that these similarities end up only here. Over all Spark has managed to contrive an interesting plot, dexterously placing the events and actions in a tactical way, to yield the expected, yet, engaging emotional and artistic effects. The character of Katie initiates a line of action that depends for its fulfillment on the ignorance of the characters, with whom she is designed to interact during the course of the narrative, leading to imaginable yet ingratiating happenings. In that sense the book does manage to grasp the reader interest and attention. One other thing that makes the book a must read is the element of surprise and risk introduced into it by the writer. In that context, the characterization of Kevin, Katie’s husband is indeed praise worthy and complex. It is only when Kevin enters the plot that it makes the readers’ expectations and apprehensions augment to a peak level, leaving them engaged and interested in knowing about the future course of events, and as to how the two central characters that are Katie and Alex will respond to them. In that sense, Spark does manages to build up a sense of uncertainty amongst the readers, making them establish a kind of bond and commitment with Katie and Alex. This ploy gives way to a sense of suspense and apprehension in the novel, irrespective of the readers being able to decipher as to how the story will or should end. Spark does succeed in giving way to a structure that is predictable, yet, replete with a paradoxical tension, ensuing from diverse situations and possibilities, thereby allowing the writer to play with a willing suspension of

The Role Of The Lend-Lease Program In Allied Victory During WWII Essay

The Role Of The Lend-Lease Program In Allied Victory During WWII - Essay Example That fiction of neutrality became threatened by a long string of Nazi victories in Europe. The administration of President Franklin Roosevelt soon began to look for options give aid to Britain while remaining out of the war in a strictly military sense. 'If your neighbor's house is on fire, should you not help to extinguish it?' Britain's house was ablaze, and it is doubtful the total collapse of Britain and democratic states in Western Europe would not have posed a threat to the United States at a future date. (Hickman, 2012) Still, any attempt to lend direct aid to the Allies would be met with political opposition; Congress as well as many ordinary Americans heeded the warnings of the Nation's first President against entanglements in European Wars. The First World War did little to disabuse the public of this notion. As World War II became inevitable there were few indications that the United States would become a colossal industrial powerhouse that would prove the primary source of military assistance. Although American sympathies were definitely aligned with the nations who opposed Nazi-ism and Fascism, prior to late 1939 (September) the government espoused a policy of strict neutrality, thus little to no effort was made to place the economy on a war footing. The fear of a new European war was real, and compelling.Such fears prompted Congress to pass the Neutrality Act of 1935 and subsequent supporting amendments in 1936 and 1937. The totality of these measures made it illegal to grant loans or export warfare implements to belligerent countries. In addition, the Johnson Act of 1934 prohibited purchases on credit to any nation in default of payments to the United States. Great Britain and France placed large orders for munitions, but were required to pay for their items on a strict "cash and carry" basis. The situation in Europe worsened on September 1, 1939 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Two days following the attack, both France and British declared war on Germany; sparking a conflict that was soon to stretch from China, to Ethiopia, and Civil War in Spain. The market for American Munitions was to become global. (Martel, 2007 p.7, p.165) The Neutrality Act placed the federal government in a bind, whereby they needed to freeze pending orders by law at the commencement of open hostilities. Yet the President was sensitive to the undercurrent of sympathy from the American public in support of democratic governments fighting Nazi aggression. The President was also very aware of t he desperate need of Britain and France for American munitions and supplies. Thus, President Franklin Roosevelt called a special session of Congress in order to propose a means to secure legislative relief. On November 4, 1939 Congress passed the Pittman Act, which served to lift the embargo. Supplying French and British orders for munitions aided American industry in the conversion from commercial to the military production that would soon be needed. It also helped the chronic unemployment rates of the Great Depression. To facilitate the transition it was necessary to distribute the orders with equanimity. Rather than devise a special new bureaucracy, the government employed the existing Clearance Committee of the Army and Navy Munitions Board for the purpose of organizing the supply/munitions purchase-leases. Another obstacle to America's effort to equip foreign belligerents was that it was still unlawful to purchase government-owned munitions. To evade this constraint the War Dep artment sold guns and ammunition to the United States Steel Export Company, which served as an intermediary to the