...The ancient artistic and ideological works of Athens offer some of the only insight we have on the role of women in their society at that time, making it especially critical to analyze. Although there are a great deal of differences between ancient Greek and Athenian writings, they also hold numerous similarities in things like their recurring themes—particularly that of women and their defiance against men. In ancient Greece, plays like Homer’s Odyssey as well as Sappho’s works of poetry introduced a common emphasis on love as a driving force behind women’s resistance; Athenian works like Euripides’ Medea and Hippolytus and Aristophanes' Assemblywomen, maintain this perspective in some cases, but further expand upon it by offering a more specific theme motivating these defiant acts and even share a common theme in the way that women execute these acts of resistance against men....
Words: 1541 - Pages: 7
...Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were two extraordinary men who shared a similar philosophy for the road to peace. Both men believed in nonviolent protest or nonviolent resistance to injustice and used nonviolent methods to push forward their cause. For Gandhi this cause was lobbying against the British rule, the unification and independence of India (Adams, Langer, Hwa, Stearns, and Wiesner-Hanks,). For Dr. King the cause was civil rights and social injustice to the black population in America, but also the social issues of racism, capitalism, poverty and militarism. Dr. King also took up the cause of speaking out against the war in Vietnam and lobbied for the U.S. government to withdraw from Vietnam (King Jr.). I believe that both of these men, although differed in some aspects, believed in a philosophy of peace, love, and human brotherhood and as such their philosophy and views hold relevant material for us today as we journey through tumultuous times and navigate the social injustices that remain. Gandhi fought for the independence of India and the right for India to self-govern and attain rights for the citizens of India. Mahatma Gandhi took up the cause of fighting against British rule with unequal laws in a unique way. He encouraged nonviolent protest or what he termed “nonviolent civil disobedience” in the face of aggression or violence, defying the laws of the time (Gandhi). Whereas, Dr. King’s cause was a civil rights issue, fighting for the rights of the...
Words: 1360 - Pages: 6
...------------------------------------------------- I Have a Dream From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article is about the Martin Luther King Jr. speech. For other uses, see I Have a Dream (disambiguation). Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering "I Have a Dream" at the 1963 Washington D.C. Civil Rights March. | "I Have a Dream"30-second sample from "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. | Problems listening to this file? See media help. | "I Have a Dream" is a public speech by American activist Martin Luther King, Jr.. It was delivered by King on August 28, 1963, in which he called for an end to racism in the United States. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement.[1] Beginning with a reference to the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed millions of slaves in 1863,[2] King examines that: "one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free".[3] At the end of the speech, King departed from his prepared text for a partly improvised peroration on the theme of "I have a dream", possibly prompted by Mahalia Jackson's cry: "Tell them about the dream, Martin!"[4] In this part of the speech, which most excited the listeners and has now become the most famous, King described his dreams of freedom and equality arising from a land of slavery and hatred.[5] The speech was ranked the top American speech...
Words: 2912 - Pages: 12
...William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. From roughly 1594 onward he was an important member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men company of theatrical players. Written records give little indication of the way in which Shakespeare’s professional life molded his artistry. All that can be deduced is that over the course of 20 years, Shakespeare wrote plays that capture the complete range of human emotion and conflict. Known throughout the world, the works of William Shakespeare have been performed in countless hamlets, villages, cities and metropolises for more than 400 years. And yet, the personal history of William Shakespeare is somewhat a mystery. There are two primary sources that provide historians with a basic outline of his life. One source is his work—the plays, poems and sonnets—and the other is official documentation such as church and court records. However, these only provide brief sketches of specific events in his life and provide little on the person who experienced those events. Though no birth records exist, church records indicate that a William Shakespeare was baptized at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 26, 1564. From this, it is believed he was born on or near April 23, 1564, and this is the date scholars acknowledge as William Shakespeare's birthday. Located 103 miles west of London, during Shakespeare's time Stratford-upon-Avon was a market town bisected with a country road and the River Avon. William...
Words: 2089 - Pages: 9
...When comparing Isis and Osiris from Plutarch’s De Iside et Osiride to The Homeric Hymn to Demeter it is very easy to notice the many similarities. For example, the similarities between the characters in terms of their personalities, and journey. Especially between Isis and Demeter who both go on a search for their loved one and grieve in a similar fashion. However, towards the end of myths more differentiating qualities arises between the two goddesses. Moreover, the two myths also have noticeably similar themes such as grief, love, loss, betrayal and anger. However, forgiveness is a theme that appears only in Isis and Osiris and revenge only appears in The Homeric Hymn to Demeter. So, overall despite some major differences, mainly in the events...
Words: 2020 - Pages: 9
...and a historian Rowse followed strict historical method. He mentioned all the historical happenings of that particular time and era to analyze and review the works of Shakespeare. It is presented in chronological, thematic structural method based on the social customs, laws including major political events of that time , which adds to the foundation of biography. Shakespeare and his works have fascinated millions for centuries, people have read his books, interpreted and reinterpreted which will continue for centuries and without Rowse’s biography on Shakespeare the research will be incomplete. The author’s main purpose is to understand the works of Shakespeare and the external influences in shaping the work be it social, historical and political even mentioned contemporary gossips which might possibly influenced Shakespeare to write the work. Despite the accuracy and the subjectivity of the work. It has flawed assumptions and debatable conclusions. The fairness of the author is questionable as there is lack documents of evidence which can state the facts. Rowse is persuaded and insistent of connecting love’s labours lost and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His determination that sonnets where autobiographical records of love affair with Southampton cannot be warranted by evidence. Shakespeare is widely called as the English National poet; he was also greatest dramatists of all times. He was baptized on April 26, 1564 in...
Words: 1077 - Pages: 5
...The journey that Bilbo Baggins went through was vital to his character. He faces situations that encompass good versus evil. Bilbo learns about loyalty, greed, courage, morality and how it can all make a huge impact. A common theme throughout the story is loyalty. Without the virtue of loyalty, the story would not have been as it is. Loyalty is often displayed by Bilbo as he never leaves the dwarves side. He constantly puts himself in...
Words: 1392 - Pages: 6
...Vickie Shipley Professor Marek ENC 1102, SEC 87 27 October, 2013 Drama Essay: "Hamlet's Ghost- To Believe or Not to Believe” Of all the plays written by William Shakespeare, Hamlet is the most intriguing. As the plot develops, themes such as indecision, deceit and revenge become apparent. As is expected, questions about the characters' motives arise as these themes are portrayed. Questions regarding Hamlet's love for Ophelia or his sanity arise. However, these questions develop throughout the story. The most important question arises at the beginning of the story in Act 1, and affects Hamlet’s every thought and action thereafter. Is the King's ghost a good spirit, merely seeking justice or an evil spirit sent to corrupt Hamlet? Perhaps the ghost is genuinely that of the dead king, but the fact that the ghost uses Hamlet to exact revenge and demands he commit the mortal sin of murder, clearly shows it to be an evil, malicious demon from hell. During the era in which Hamlet was written, there was a common belief of demonic intrusion, and corruption by the devil. Even today, it is not too difficult to find people who will agree that specters are evil demons, sent up from the bowels of hell to corrupt and destroy the living. In fact, a recent CBS poll reveals that almost half of all Americans believe in evil spirits, and that the dead can return in certain places and situations (Alfano). Because of this belief, the appearance of the spirit, along with the assumption of its...
Words: 1944 - Pages: 8
...characters in the play: Cordelia who is wholly good, Edmund who is wholly evil, and Lear whose nature is transformed by the realization of his folly and his descent into madness. The play begins with Lear, an old king ready for retirement, preparing to divide the kingdom among his three daughters. Lear has his daughters compete for their inheritance by judging who can proclaim their love for him in the grandest possible fashion. Cordelia finds that she is unable to show her love with mere words: "Cordelia. [Aside] What shall Cordelia speak? Love, and be silent." Act I, scene i, lines 63-64. Cordelia's nature is such that she is unable to engage in even so forgivable a deception as to satisfy an old king's vanity and pride, as we see again in the following quotation: "Cordelia. [Aside] Then poor cordelia! And not so, since I am sure my love's More ponderous than my tongue. " Act I, Scene i, lines 78-80. Cordelia clearly loves her father, and yet realizes that her honesty will not please him. Her nature is too good to allow even...
Words: 1267 - Pages: 6
...world has ever known. So great was the influence of Arthur, that stories of the high king traveled far beyond the realm of Britain into France, the rest of Europe, the Middle East, and even into parts of Asia. The coming of Arthur was prophesied years before he was born. Arthur was born into a world of chaos and disorder where wars between different Celtic tribes were prevalent, different Saxon raids charged through the countryside brining fear and terror, and bandits and other criminals ran free all over the British isles, spreading crime like a disease. When Arthur took the throne however, this chaos dissolved within a matter of years and Britain became an ideal place of chivalry, honor, and justice. It is truly amazing how much of an influence that one man could have. With his advisor Merlin at his side and with the fellowship of the courageous knights of the Round Table, Arthur transformed a chaotic land of villainy and danger into a realm of peace, tranquility, and adventure. All of Britain looked up to Arthur and spoke of him with awe and admiration. The real Arthur was most likely a Celtic general that lived sometime in the 6th century. He advised various kings to unite together to fight the raiding Saxons. He was most likely a military genius. In those dark days, true heroes were very scarce and the people looked for someone like Arthur to tell stories of to their children around night fires. Through the legends, Arthur spread throughout the land. Minstrels and storytellers...
Words: 2661 - Pages: 11
...to his daughters, while retaining the ‘Pre-eminence, and all the large effects / That troop with majesty’ (Scene 1, Lines 131-2). Goneril and Regan acquit themselves well at this love test. Cordelia, however, dismayed by her sisters’ ponderous words, refuses to take part in the ‘contest’ and tells Lear that she loves him as her duty instructs her. When Cordelia refuses to speak again, Lear casts her off without a moment’s hesitation. Ken attempts to argue with the King, accusing him of ‘hideous rashness’ (Scene 1, Line 151). When Kent further warns Lear that his elder daughters are false flatterers, Kent too is banished. Lear invests Albany and Cornwall with power, and, after Burgundy refuses to take Cordelia as his wife, now that she is without dowry, France takes her for her virtues alone. Goneril and Regan complain, in private, about Lear’s harsh judgement and unpredictable behaviour and worry that they too may be treated unfairly. Edmund, Gloucester’s bastard son, soliloquises about his own situation, revealing his devious intentions towards his brother. When his father enters, Edmund’s trickery with a letter, supposedly written by Edgar, sets Gloucester against his legitimate son. Edmund further warns Edgar of their father’s anger, and suggests that he go into hiding at his lodgings. A short space of time follows, and Lear is staying with Goneril, who complains to her steward Oswald about the King’s behaviour, and that of his retinue. She makes it clear...
Words: 27223 - Pages: 109
...This is a good article. Click here for more information. The Tempest From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Redirected from The tempest) This article is about the Shakespeare play. For other uses, see The Tempest (disambiguation). The shipwreck in Act I, Scene 1, in a 1797 engraving by Benjamin Smith after a painting by George Romney The Tempest is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1610–11, and thought by many critics to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone. It is set on a remote island, where Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion and skilful manipulation. He conjures up a storm, the eponymous tempest, to lure his usurping brother Antonio and the complicit King Alonso of Naples to the island. There, his machinations bring about the revelation of Antonio's lowly nature, the redemption of the King, and the marriage of Miranda to Alonso's son, Ferdinand. There is no obvious single source for the plot of The Tempest, but researchers have seen parallels in Erasmus's Naufragium, Peter Martyr's De orbe novo, and eyewitness reports by William Strachey and Sylvester Jordain of the real-life shipwreck of the Sea Venture on the islands of Bermuda, and the subsequent conflict between Sir Thomas Gates and Sir George Somers. In addition, one of Gonzalo's speeches is derived from Montaigne's essay Of the Canibales, and much of Prospero's renunciative speech is taken...
Words: 9690 - Pages: 39
...A Hero’s Journey: Hamlet and Simba What images come to mind as you reflect on your childhood? Playgrounds, blackboards, and soccer balls may be among the warmest of memories. Yet for many mermaids swim their thoughts, princesses get swept of their feet, and lions roar to their loyal place in the animal kingdom. There is no doubt that today’s entertainment has most of its touch using classical influences. Walt Disney has produced animated films that have captured the heart and imagination of audiences of all ages around the world through the magic of storytelling and imagery. Many of us appreciate the imagination and magic that Disney puts into its animations with out knowing they are based off of classical and traditional storylines that have been around for many years. For example the Disney movie The Lion King that is based off of the classical Shakespeare play Hamlet. The Lion King is possibly the most well known movie of the Disney collection that portrays a strong moral to its viewers. The journey that is taken by the characters in this movie is one from innocence to experience through confronting challenging situations. Just how Disney uses magic and imagination to capture its audience William Shakespeare also captured the hearts of people everywhere through the representation of emotions and feeling in his plays. Hamlet is without a question one of the most famous play in English literature. Through Hamlet Shakespeare shows a brilliant depiction of the hero’s struggle...
Words: 3234 - Pages: 13
...Year 12 Henry VIII Revision Guide 1 How to answer questions on the Tudors Section A Essays: How far do the sources agree that? Introduction: Explain what you can learn from each source Briefly cross reference the sources Provide an argument in response to the question Main paragraphs: State a similarity or difference between the sources – make sure you focus on ‘How Far’ Select relevant information from the sources to support this point Place this in context using your brief own knowledge Use provenance to explain this similarity/difference Conclusion: Sum up how far the sources agree based on content and provenance Section B Essays: Do you agree with the view that? Introduction: State your line of argument – how far do you agree with the view? State the main similarities and differences between the sources Main paragraphs: State a reason for yes/no. Make sure you phrase this in a way that links to your line of argument and answers the question. Remember that each source will suggest a different reason for yes/no. Support this reason with evidence from the sources and your own knowledge Cross-reference between the sources Weigh up the evidence of the sources. Consider provenance for primary sources and judge secondary sources based on the evidence included and the weight given to certain evidence Link back to your line of argument Conclusion: Explain how your argument has been proven with reference to the sources and your own knowledge...
Words: 34668 - Pages: 139
...powerful, and respected, general, in Rome, reduced to a slave who fights for an opportunity to exact his vengeance for the brutal death of his family is written with three basic elements. It has character, desire, and conflict. The narrative structure of the film is organized in six stages. These stages are developed by the turning points in the plot. The stages are the initial setup, new situation, progress, complications and higher stakes, final push, and aftermath. In opening scene of “Gladiator,” the initial setup reveals the day and life of Maximus; it identifies him as powerful and likable. Evidence of this is seen in the first scene in Germania at the beginning of the battle against the barbarian tribes. Maximus walks by his men who are going to fight for their lives...
Words: 3046 - Pages: 13
