Phonics Definition and Examples in English

A method of teaching reading based on the sounds of letters, groups of letters, and syllables  is known as phonics. This method of teaching reading is commonly contrasted with whole language approaches, which emphasize learning whole words in meaningful contexts. During the 19th century, phonics was commonly used as a synonym for phonetics. In the 20th century, phonics acquired its present meaning as a method of teaching reading. In practice,  phonics  refers to several different but generally overlapping methods of instruction. Four of those methods are summarized below. Analytic(al) Phonics During the 1960s, numerous basal reading series included a manual outlining how to teach each story. The manual included a program for ​analytical phonics instruction that recommended that the teacher use known words and ask children to analyze the phonetic elements in these words. . . .Analytic phonics relies on readers knowing a large number of words at sight. Drawing from known sight words, teachers directed students to make inferences about the phonic relationships within words containing the same letter combinations. In other words, the student matched the sounds in a known word with the sounds in the new word (Walker, 2008). . . .However, in the 1960s, some reading programs differed from the mainstream basal readers that used analytic phonics. A few basal readers included instruction using linguistic units that had recurring patterns. The linguistic-phonics system used the idea that the English language had recurring written patterns that were systematic to develop their program.(Barbara J. Walker, History of Phonics Instruction. An Essential History of Current Reading Practices, ed. by Mary Jo Fresch. International Reading Association, 2008) Linguistic Phonics In linguistic phonics, beginning instruction usually focuses on the word patterns found in words like cat, rat, mat, and bat. These selected words are presented to the students. Children need to make generalizations about the short a sound by learning these words in print. Consequently, linguistic phonics lessons are based on decodable books that present repetitions of a single pattern (Mat saw a cat and a rat). . . . Linguistic phonics . . . is like analytic phonics in that it emphasizes word patterns rather than individual letter sounds. However, linguistic phonics is not typically espoused by top-down advocates, because it does not emphasize naturally occurring text.(Ann Maria Pazos Rago, The Alphabetic Principle, Phonics, and Spelling: Teaching Students the Code. Reading Assessment and Instruction for All Learners, ed. by Jeanne Shay Schumm. Guilford Press, 2006) Synthetic Phonics The sounding-out-and-blending approach to decoding is known as synthetic phonics. In a synthetic phonics program, students are taught to decode new words by retrieving from memory the sound that each letter, or combination of letters, in a word represents and blending the sounds into a recognizable word (National Reading Panel, 2000). It is a parts-to-whole approach (Strickland, 1998).(Irene W. Gaskins, Interventions to Develop Decoding Proficiencies. Handbook of Reading Disability Research, ed. by Richa Allington and Anne McGill-Franzen. Routledge, 2011) Embedded Phonics Embedded approaches to teaching  phonics involve students in learning phonics skills by reading authentic texts. This approach may be compared to whole language; however, embedded phonics involves planned skills taught within the context of authentic literature. Embedded phonics formed in response to the intense criticism experienced by the whole language movement, and highlights the role of phonics instructions within the context of authentic literature. (Mark-Kate Sableski, Phonics. Encyclopedia of Educational Reform and Dissent, ed. by Thomas C. Hunt, James Carper, Thomas J. Lasley, and C. Daniel Raisch. Sage, 2010) Summary In summary, deep and thorough knowledge of letters, spelling patterns, and words, and of the phonological translations of all three, are of inescapable importance to both skillful reading and its acquisition. By extension, instruction designed to develop childrens sensitivity to spellings and their reactions to pronunciations should be of paramount importance in the development of reading skills. This is, of course, precisely what is intended of good phonic instruction.(Marilyn Jager Adams, Beginning to Read: Thinking and Learning About Print. MIT Press, 1994)

Essay Benjamin Franklin Compared to Jonathan Edwards

Kendra Hughes Professor Machann English 2327 March 24, 2010 Errata in the Hands of an Un-Angry God: A Comparison of Edwards and Franklin Oberg and Stout put it best in the introduction of their book Benjamin Franklin, Jonathan Edwards, and the Representation of American Culture, â€Å"It is difficult, if not impossible to, think of two more widely studied colonial figures than Benjamin Franklin and Jonathan Edwards. As Franklin and Edwards have been studied individually over generations, so also have they been looked at together† (Oberg and Stout 3). Through their influential writing and critical evaluations of how to improve oneself, Jonathan Edwards and Benjamin Franklin both encompass American themes that ultimately define them as†¦show more content†¦Edwards consistently leads his life adhering to the bible. â€Å"He believed like Winthrop, that his community needed to prepare and become ‘a city upon a hill’ † (Gilmore 2). In â€Å"Resolutions† Edwards’ self-reflection and goals can be seen. He constantly tries to improve himself and his congregation so that they can achieve God’s envisage of a new homeland in New England. Edwards’ primary commitment was to understand the Bible and to abide by it to live life to the fullest. Edwards aspired to better himself and set a precedent for his congregation and his Christian community. Franklin, like Edwards, also seeks these goals and achievements as and individual and for the American man. In Soundings: Some Early American Writers, Lewis Leary writes, â€Å"Franklin was the true American †¦he constantly redefines himself†¦none better represented the simple, noble men†¦who lived close to nature faithful to her laws uncontaminated by artificialities of court or town† (Leary 9,11). Franklin provides his audience with virtues to adhere to when trying to set goals to improve themselves. Franklin explains, â€Å"no one can change overnight and one must work on one vice until successively conquered, such as chastity, everyman can find self-improvement and further cont ribute to their community† (FranklinShow MoreRelatedSocial Reward And Its Effect On Society925 Words   |  4 Pagesbecause they are compelled by the pathos in it. This process creates a cycle of motivating people to do good only for social media likes. In The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin, Franklin portrays how a crucial step to achieving moral perfection is through being humble, especially when acting in the face of a religion (70) . Although Franklin was a Humanist, this quotation portrays a central theme for Puritans- act humbly, and give all the glory to God, not oneself. By performing good deeds humblyRead MoreAmerican Life in the Seventeenth Century: Study Notes1206 Words   |  5 PagesRegarding colonial life expectancy during the seventeenth century, life expectancy in New England was unusually high. 4. In the seventeenth century, white women in colonial Chesapeake averaged one pregnancy for every two years of marriage. 5. Compared to women in colonial Chesapeake, New England women were more likely to have their family remain intact. 6. In colonial New England, dowries were a common feature of marriage. 7. In colonial New England Puritan communities, the family was highlyRead MoreApush Chapter 3 Notes3030 Words   |  13 Pageschildren than those in Europe who married at an older age o Lower death rates in result of plenty of food, firewood was plentiful (for winters), Americans were less susceptible to disease (until the mid 1800s) 4. Family patterns in New England compared with those in the southern colonies o Many bachelors in the south (less women in the south, more in the north) o Eventually the male- female ration evened out and family sizes grew o Fathers taught sons how to hunt, fish, and farm. Mothers taughtRead MoreChildrens Literature13219 Words   |  53 Pagesintegration of visual and verbal elements has remained a significant design feature of childrens literature, particularly in information and picture books. Another influential childrens textbook was the New England Primer (c. 1689), compiled by Benjamin Harris. (While no copy of John Tenniels the first edition has been located, a second edition was advertised in 1690 and the earliest surviving American copy is dated 1727.) It also combined significant visual and verbal elements; its most famousRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesCentury of Violence †¢ John H. Morrow Jr. 161 6 Locating the United States in Twentieth-Century World History †¢ Carl J. Guarneri 213 7 The Technopolitics of Cold War: Toward a Transregional Perspective †¢ Gabrielle Hecht and Paul N. Edwards 271 8 A Century of Environmental Transitions †¢ Richard P. Tucker 315 About the Contributors †¢ 343 _ IN TR OD UC TIO N Michael Adas B y any of the customary measures we deploy to demarcate historical epochs, theRead MoreLibrary Management204752 Words   |  820 PagesBasic Research Methods for Librarians Ronald R. Powell and Lynn Silipigni Connoway Library of Congress Subject Headings: Principles and Application, Fourth Edition Lois Mai Chan Developing Library and Information Center Collections, Fifth Edition G. Edward Evans and Margaret Zarnosky Saponaro Metadata and Its Impact on Libraries Sheila S. Intner, Susan S. Lazinger, and Jean Weihs Organizing Audiovisual and Electronic Resources for Access: A Cataloging Guide, Second Edition Ingrid Hsieh-Yee IntroductionRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 Pagesremains critically important. However, American companies whose performance most readily slipped in the economic crucible at the beginning of the twenty-first century (and whose recovery was among the slowest) seemed to rate highest in hard-asset terms compared with the many companies with a higher mix of soft-asset management str ength, whose results were far better. Today’s pacesetter companies no longer view their management strength in those terms of an earlier day. In contrast to companies that emphasize

Love In Midsummer Night free essay sample

# 8217 ; s Dream Essay, Research Paper Love? Is love controlled by human existences who love one another or is love controlled by a higher power? There are many people who believe that a higher power has control over love. An illustration of a higher power would be a cupid, a winging angel-type animal who is supposed to hit pointers at people to do them fall in love. There are other people who reject the thought that a higher power controls love and that the people who experience love can command it. In the novel, A Midsummer Night # 8217 ; s Dream , by William Shakespeare, several illustrations of love # 8217 ; s association with a higher power are presented. With the usage of illustrations from the above novel, this essay will discourse the grounds that love is associated with a higher power. Examples like: Thesius set uping a matrimony between himself and Hippolyta, Egeus taking who Hermia should get married and the faeries who have the ability to command love in the Enchanted Forest. In the narrative, the supreme swayer of Athens, Thesius ends up get marrieding Hippolyta, the Queen of the Jungle. However, during the whole narrative, Hippolyta neer throughly discusses her feelings and thoughts about the matrimony. She acts as if she has no pick but to get married Thesius. This can be proven by analyzing Hippolyta # 8217 ; s place in the relationship between herself and Thesius. Hippolyta was captured by Thesius during conflict and Thesius intimidates Hippolyta into get marrieding him since he is a supreme swayer and she was defeated by him. Thesius reveals that he capture Hippolyta in conflict in the undermentioned quotation mark, I wood thee by my sword/ And won thy love making thee hurts ( Act I, Pg 7 ) . The above quotation mark and the fact that Hippolyta neer discusses her feelings about the nuptials leads the reader to believe that she doesn # 8217 ; t truly love him but is forced into the matrimony due to his authorization. Thesius # 8217 ; authorizati on is the higher power in this illustration and her love ( in matrimony ) is controlled by the duke # 8217 ; s authorization by coercing her to get married him. Another illustration of a higher power commanding one # 8217 ; s love can be seen when the relationship between Egeus and his girl Hermia, is observed. In Act 1, when Hermia confesses her love for Lysander to her male parent, Lysander, Helena, Demetrius and Thesius, her male parent Egeus is really disquieted. Egeus is disquieted because Hermia is withstanding his wants for her to get married the adult male that he chose, Demetrius. When Hermia objects to her male parent # 8217 ; s wants, Egeus starts to endanger her life in an effort to acquire her obeisance, As she is mine, I may dispose of her/ which shall be either to this gentlemen/ or to her decease, harmonizing to our law/ Immediat ely provided in that instance ( Act I, Pg 9 ) . In this illustration, the higher power place is assumed by Egeus, Hermia’s male parent who is frustrated because his girl won’t marry the adult male of his pick but a adult male that she chose, Lysander. Her father’s choler causes Lysander and Hermia to run off, and be followed by Helena and Demetrius. The twosomes so end up in the Enchanted Forest where a whole series of events that mix up the lovers occur. After everything returns to normal, the twosomes return to Athens. Interestingly, Lysander and Hermia end up marrying. The fact that Lysander and Hermia got married proves that love can besides get the better of a higher power. Hermia defied her male parent, the higher power and still ended up get marrieding the adult male that she wanted. The most interesting parts of the narrative take topographic point in a environment known as: The Enchanted Forest. In the Enchanted Forest, legion Numberss of animals exist with the add-on of faeries. These faeries, for illustration Oberon, Titania and Puck, have the ability to utilize charming that can alter the feelings of love in people. Since the twosomes wandered into the Enchanted Forest, they end up acquiring assorted up in a series of events where Puck changes the feelings of the twosomes by utilizing a love potion on Lysander. After waking with the love potion in his eyes, Lysander ends up falling in love with Helena. On the other manus, Helena is still in love with Demetrius, who is in love with Hermia. Finally, Hermia is in love with Lysander. Basically, Puck changes the twosomes about because he applied the potion to Lysander alternatively of Demetrius. Fortunately, the state of affairs is solved and the twosomes get back together. The higher power in this instance prove d to be the faeries because of their ability to utilize charming to alter the feelings of love in people. This proves that a higher power can command the feelings of love in people. In decision, all of the above paragraphs dealt with illustrations turn outing that love can be associated to a higher power. A higher power in definition is any being or group of existences that have direct control over the actions of another being. Two of the illustrations showed how a higher power can command love and one of the illustrations showed how love can withstand a higher power and prevail. In any instance, it has been proven that a higher power does be when covering with love. Many people have wondered what love truly is and how love develops between people. Even if love International Relations and Security Network # 8217 ; t associated with a higher power in life, it is a unusual phenomenon and so far the association of love with a higher powers is a valid suggestion as it was proven in the narrative, A Midsummer Night # 8217 ; s Dream

Pigman Essays - The Pigman, Pigman, Paul Zindel, Lorraine

Pigman By Paul Zindel. The Pigman is a story about John and Lorraine, high school sophomores who, not getting what they need from their families, must surreptitiously seek love, reassurance, and meaning on the outside. In each other and Mr. Pignati (the Pigman), owner of a porcelain pig collection, they find love and reassurance; the meaning they find in themselves, in the unfolding of their relationship with Mr. Pignati and the drama leading to his death. John, a handsome and wild boy, drinks and smokes excessively; and, as Lorraine points out, only his good looks have kept him out of reform school. Lorraine, a shy girl John's own age, has low self-esteem and mild paranoia. John becomes attracted to her because he sees in her the same spontaneous, crazy quality that he has and no one else seems to share. John and Lorraine meet Mr. Pignati via a phone game to see who can keep a stranger on the line the longest. They get a $10.00 donation for a bogus charity and feel guilty about it, since they perceive how lonely the Pigman is. To make up for taking the money, they take Pigman to feed his only friend in the world, Bobo, an incredibly bad-tempered baboon. Mr. Pignati, as he shows them his pig collection that once belonged to his deceased wife, gives John and Lorraine the run of his house. Soon, Lorraine and John become close friends with the Pigman, who takes them to Beekman's, a large department store, where he buys them rollerskates and gourmet food. They play games together. They are like the three monkeys that they see in the pet department at Beekman's, hugging each other to be loved, and all the while the cold, indifferent world goes about its business ignoring them. One day during a game of rollerskate tag in his house, Mr. Pignati has a heart attack while chasing John up the stairs. He is taken to the hospital, and in his absence John and Lorraine use the house to throw a wild party. Mr. Pignati returns unexpectedly at the height of the commotion. John and Lorraine are taken home by the police; the Pigman cries alone in his room. John and Lorraine feel remorseful for betraying Pigman's friendship and for the destruction of his precious pigs by their uninvited friend, Norton, a thief, looking for money. To smooth things over, they convince Mr. Pignati to join them to see Bobo at the zoo the next day. But Bobo is dead. Poor Mr. Pignati cannot take the heartbreak. His wife is dead. The pigs are destroyed. His best friend Bobo is dead. Mr. Pignati dies, too. John and Lorraine know they are partly to blame for his death. They know now they are also responsible for what happens in their lives.

Sky & Telescope Essays - Physical Cosmology, Astrophysics

Sky & Telescope Patrick Sullivan 2nd hour Astronomy Mr. Wessling Magazine Report Sky & Telescope The Future of the Universe The magazine Sky & Telescope is a very helpful magazine for beginning and amateur astronomers. The magazine contains information on new star clusters, constellations, galaxies, and even possible new planets. It gives a more in-depth look at what's going on outside our galaxy. This magazine is also helpful in showing astronomers new ways to look at stars. Certain articles can help with finding focal points, which elements of the spectrum to use to view certain stars, and how to get the best photo images as possible. Sky & Telescope also offers a wide range of different pictures for those who don't have telescopes. They always seem to find some of the best pictures to use in their magazine. Sky & Telescope has even reached the web, at www.skypub.com, where you can find the very latest in new galaxies and tools to help see these new constellations. It is also a good way to communicate with fellow astronomers and cosmologists. If you're having trouble finding out the latest missions in Space Exploration, you can go to Sky & Telescope to find out. There is a monthly article on the latest missions and findings, for those who are interested. The article I researched explained the possible Future of the Universe. At the beginning, it explains the different possible types of universe: flat, closed, and open. A closed universe, caused theoretically by the Big Bang Theory, will make the universe collapse on itself over a period of time. An open universe can keep expanding, because there are no barriers to make it collapse on itself like a closed universe. The flat universe may keep expanding, but it will be at such a slow rate that it will seem to approach a standstill. The article is explained more easily through a cosmic time line. The age of the universe starts with the Big Bang then moves to the Inflation era, through new galaxies and clusters to the end of inflation. When the universe started, it was full of high potent energy and heat, so it had to expand. This in turn created new universes. The next era, the radiation-dominated era, was caused by the high energy and inflation. Over time, the radiation decreased from the mass of the universe, and stars were created. This brought the Stelliferous era. This is when the Milky Way was formed along with many other galaxies. Next comes the Degenerate and Black Hole era. These are the eras where the planets are pulled out of their orbits, stars are turned into white dwarfs, and the black holes turn the universe inside out. Most galaxies will be crushed, and the only things left will be the black holes. After time passes, the black holes will evaporate, leaving nothing but empty space. Bibliography Bibliography Adams, Fred C., and Laughlin, Gregory. Sky & Telescope. August 1998, pages 32-39. Sky Publishing Corporation, 1998. Science Essays

How to Manage and Identify the Boxelder Tree

How to Manage and Identify the Boxelder Tree Boxelder, also known as ash-leaved maple is one of the most common and adaptable urban trees in North America though  it also may be the trashiest from a visual perspective. Planting it next to your house is probably not a good idea. The best thing about the tree is that it is comfortable on poor sites where more desirable trees cannot maintain adequate health for long life. It is very commonly seen in the treeless plains and western United States as a street tree. You can use the tree for quick growth but plan to interplant with more desirable trees to provide for a lasting tree canopy. Boxelder can be a treasure on adverse tree sites. Boxelder Specifics The scientific name of boxelder is Acer negundo (AY-ser nuh-GUHN-doe). Common names include ashleaf maple, Manitoba maple, and poison ivy tree and the tree is a member of the plant family Aceraceae. Although considered by many a maple outcast, it is indeed in the maple family and the only native maple with more than one single blade or leaflet on a single leaf stalk. Boxelder grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8 and is native to North America. The tree is sometimes crafted into a bonsai specimen but often used as a screen/ windbreak and for land reclamation. It grows rapidly, can become very large and needs a lot of space. Boxelder is still a very common tree to see in a yard or park west of the Mississippi River.​ Boxelder Cultivars There are several attractive cultivars of boxelder including Aureo-Variegata, Flamingo and Auratum. The cultivar Acer negundo Aureo-Variegata is noted for its leaves bordered in gold. Acer negundo Flamingo has variegated leaves with pink margins and is somewhat available at local nurseries. Acer negundo Auratum has abundant gold leaves but is a little harder to find. You must remember that even though these cultivars are ornamental, they still share the original boxelder tree’s undesirable characteristics that include unattractive female fruit and breakage that increase the chances of the trees early removal due to quick growth. Problems With Boxelder Boxelder is a rather unattractive tree where limbs break with a vengeance   a landscape maintenance nightmare. The fruit droops in clusters which some describe as looking like dirty brown socks which adds to the overall trashy look of the tree. The boxelder bug makes things even worse. Robert Schafer / Getty Images Boxelder bug or Leptocoris trivittatus loves the boxelder tree. This half-inch red-striped insect is a true pest during winter where the adult multiplies and invades homes near where boxelder trees grow. It is one of the most common household pests in the United States. The bug emits a foul odor, stains fabric and can cause asthmatic reactions. It does no harm to the tree. Boxelder Description A boxelder in the landscape grows to a height of 25 to 50 feet, depending on tree variety and site conditions. One of the tallest ever measured had a recorded height of 110 feet. The trees crown spread is 25 to 45 feet and the crown is typically broad and ragged or disheveled. The tree often has multiple furrowed trunks or very squat single trunks. Flowers are without petals, dioecious and yellowish-green and the female tassels are very conspicuous. The very maple-looking seeds, called samaras hang in long, profuse clusters and stay on the tree throughout winter. Nearly every seed is viable and will cover up a disturbed area with seedlings   a very prolific seeder is boxelder. Boxelder Leaf Botanics Leaf arrangement: opposite/suboppositeLeaf type: odd pinnately compoundLeaflet margin: lobed; serrateLeaflet shape: lanceolate; ovateLeaflet venation: pinnate; reticulateLeaf type and persistence: deciduousLeaflet blade length: 2 to 4 inchesLeaf color: greenFall color: orange; yellowFall characteristic: showy Pruning Boxelder You will have to prune this tree regularly.  Boxelder branches droop as the tree grows and will require pruning if you have consistent walking and vehicular traffic under the canopy. The tree form is not particularly showy and should be grown with one single trunk to maturity. The tree is susceptible to breakage and can occur either at the crotch due to poor collar formation, or where the wood itself is weak and tends to break. Superior Western Boxelders There are also good qualities of boxelders in western North America. It seems that the tree takes on positive characteristics in the west that is not seen in trees in the eastern half of North America. California interior boxelder takes on yellow and red colors in autumn that rival eastern maple. Its drought tolerance makes the tree a welcome plant in that dry country landscape and very easy on limited water resources.

Human Development Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Development - Coursework Example The article uses the example of Luke in demonstrating the unwillingness of boys to deal with their emotional sides. As the article envelops, it manifests that Luke has emotional issues that he needs to handle. This reveals in his opinions as he castigates every member of his family. He thinks that all his family members are absurd (Kindlon, Thompson, & Barker, 2009). It is arguable that Luke’s emotional issues could be centered on family’s limited attention towards him. This means he is feeling neglected. Unfortunately, Luke is growing up in a culture that men are not supposed to express their feelings. It is essential to highlight the importance of engaging culture in such a contentious debate. This is because, mostly, human beings’ behavior is not largely defined by complex psychological situations, but is mostly influenced by contemporary cultural attitudes. Such cultural attitudes, for instance, are responsible for factors such as sexism and racism. When wrong ideas and attitudes in life inculcate in a human being at a young age, one is highly likely to grow up with such flawed perceptions in life. This creates a society-wide disaster because everyone believes the same. Wrong societal attitudes thrive on creating hegemony. For instance, in depicting complimentary gender roles, boys are taught to be tough and objective. These ideals do not allow for emotional development of boys. The society creates such hegemony because boys are constructed as protectors of women. In addition, boys see themselves more as leaders and holding powerful positions in the society. This is unlike the female who attains a huge capacity to be emotional and weak. In the end, the female has the expectations of being a homebuilder and a nurturer. Limited emotional development, however, ignores the fact that every human being has emotional needs. A young boy, such as Luke, who suppresses his emotions may become

Neil Simons influence on Jewish culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Neil Simons influence on Jewish culture - Essay Example So many of our traditions inherently contain aspects of culture. Look at the Passover Seder-it's essentially great theater. Jewish education and religiosity bereft of culture is not as interesting. It is also clear that Jews have, in one form of another, dominated much of the American theatre, musical theatre and film worlds for much of their existence. Neil Simon is hardly unique in dominating one aspect of the performing arts: he is part of an oligarchy that has been recognized for decades. Simon has brought an eclectic view of what it means to be Jewish to a wide audience for nearly six decades. Thus in The Eugene Trilogy of plays he gives a semi-autobiographical account of his own early life, career and struggles. Brighton Beach Memoirs, the first play of the trilogy, deals with a Jewish teenager who experiences sexual awakening and a search for identity against the backdrop of a complex Jewish family. While not necessarily "about" being Jewish, Simon brings a shrewd sensibility to the idea of the difficulties of growing up and being Jewish (Simon, 1995). Within all of Simon's drama, even the more "serious" tupe as can be seen within the Eugene Trilogy, there is an element of humor. He has brought an ability to view even the most serious matters humorously to a mass audience. In some ways it is easy to see the influence of Neil Simon on icons of Jewish culture such as Woody Allen. The ability to write about a uniquely Jewish experience and yet at the same time to make that experience accessible and even enjoyable to a much wider, often non-Jewish audience has been an inspiration to many different other artists. At times Neil Simon has taken iconic Jewish figures, such as the character of Job from the Bible, and made them accessible to modern audiences. Thus in God's Favorite he transfers the Book of Job to a Long Island Mansion, and manages to make the play both funny and thought-provoking. This play may be seen as part of a recurrent theme that runs throughout many of what at least superficially appear to be light-hearted and comic plays (Konas, 1997). Konas also argues that Neil Simon's comedy is rooted in "people's neuroses" (1997), and one of them that many of Simon's character possess is the fact that they are Jewish. There is a deceptive seriousness to these analyses of Jewish life in America, a deception that allows Simon to introduce the audience to some of their own prejudices and doubts. Thus in Jake's Women the leading character is haunted by the fact that some of his previous relationships have been defined, more or less, with the fact that he was Jewish and the supposed sensibility that goes along with that. Neil Simon's contribution to Jewish culture has been profound. He has brought a decidedly Jewish outlook to stage and film for nearly sixty years, with more than forty plays and thirty screenplays to his credit. He paved the way for other popular artists such as Woody Allen and Mel Brooks to consider Jewishness in perhaps more challenging ways (or at least more controversial ways) than Simon has himself. Such is the role of a catalyst and role-model for others. The

The Cruciable by Arthur Miller Essay Example for Free

The Cruciable by Arthur Miller Essay The crucible is a play set in the town of Salem in 1692, in was written by Arthur Miller who saw similarities between the Salem witch hunts and the McCarthyism which gripped America in the 1950s. Both showed how hysteria, paranoia and malice could be the driving force for evil persecution and also the true power of false accusation. Arthur Miller throughout the play tries to create many themes and messages. I believe that this was done to make people think about what was happening in America at the time. The first theme is the idea of self interest and reputation. These two themes feature heavily throughout the play. Salem is a Christian society where not going to church is looked down upon and where all the villagers believe the Good News and that you should love thy neighbour. Yet underneath their niceties they seek to attack each other. Giles Corey did state several times that he has been to court over allegations of missing cows and other such accusations. Giles himself talks to Danforth about a case Danforth father tried Ysee, I had a white mare that time, and this fellow come to borrow the mare. The case that Corey talks about happened thirty-five years ago which shows that there had been a hatred brewing in the town for some time. Giles also continues to go on about how Thomas Putnam constantly goes after his neighbours land. Proctor and Putnam have a small debate over whether Proctor timber belongs to him. Putnam: What lumber is that youre draggin, if I may ask you? Proctor: My lumber. From out by my forest, by the riverside. Putnam: Why, we are surely gone wild this year. What anarchy is this? That tract is in my bounds, its in my bounds, Mr Proctor. This quote clearly shows that Putnam is in constant confrontation with his neighbours overland. Giles believes Putnam tells his daughter to cry witchery on George Jacobs (an elderly Jewish man) so that he could buy the land that by law George Jacobs had to forfeit. These undercurrents through the Salem community raise question with the audience. Such as will Putnam get away with? Who may be accused next? They build up tension leading to the court room scene (act three) it in these events that creates drama and tension by making the audience ask question about the climax and ending. At the end of act two there is an argument, this argument is the catalyst for the events of act three. It starts when Elizabeth Proctor (Johns wife) is taken away due to allegations made by Abigail Williams. John then says to his maid Mary Warren that he will not let his wife die for him. She replies, I cannot, and theyll turn on me. John Proctor replies exclaiming All our pretences are ripped away we are only what we always were, but naked now. This is a powerful statement and leads back to what I was mentioned earlier. John is simply saying that hidden underneath their Christian guise they were all out to get each other, everyone was trying to get land and destroy families. Earlier in the act John asserts that We are what we always were in Salem. The people are still the same, their evil thoughts and misdoings have always gone on but they were concealed to protect something of value; their reputation. John may also be talking about himself and his affair with Abigail, he knows what he did was wrong, but concealed it for the sake of his reputation. The people of Salem did not change overnight; they are now just seen through a different light. The third act takes place in the vestry room of the Salem meeting house, which is now being used as the anteroom of the General court. A new character is introduced, Judge Danforth; a proud man who is to the point. At the opening of act three Giles Corey challenges Putnams motives for accusing his neighbours of witchcraft. The audience will remember that Giles Corey spoke to Hale (a witch doctor form Beverly) about his wifes preoccupation with reading. He said I tried and tried and could not say my prayers. And then she closes her book and walks out the house, and suddenly mark this I could pray again! Martha Corey (Giles wife) is now being charged due to allegations made by the group of girls of which Putnams daughter is one of. Giles believes that Putnam is telling his daughter to cry witchery on the people of Salem so that Putnam can buy their land once it is forfeited. These attacks at each other within the Salem community show a different side to the Puritan community. Puritans believe in the purity of worship and doctrine. This doctrine includes all of the Ten Commandments. Two of the commandments from the audiences point of view have clearly been broken. 8) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. 10) You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbour. Clearly Putnam by telling his daughter to cry witchery for his personal gain is breaking his own beliefs. When confronting Putnam, Giles said he had heard it from an honest man. The day his daughter cried out on Jacobs, he said shed (Putnams daughter) given him a fair gift of land. Giles predicament comes when Judge Danforth asks Giles for the name of his man. Giles is then struck that the Judge should ask for the name, but Danforth persists. Giles doesnt want to give the name because the last time he gave it was his wifes and she may hang. The writer here tries to get the audience to attach themselves to Giles as he is a man of eighty just trying to get his wife back. Giles even though he states that he has been thirty-three times in court in his life seems lost and confused under the authority of Danforth. The audience will feel sorry for him and give their sympathy. It is a clever technique to draw the audience in and engaging them. The viewer will want to know what happens to Giles and most especially Putnam who by now will have gained the audiences mistrust. The other two men who accompany Giles to the court are John Proctor the main antagonist of the story and Francis Nurse. Both of these men have also had their wives detained due to allegations from the court and the girls. Francis Nurses wife was accused of being a witch due to the prompting by the Putnams. She is a highly respected Salem woman. Her helpful nature and willingness to make any sacrifice in the cause of truth makes her almost saintly in the eyes of the community. The audience will be surprised to see that she has been accused of witchcraft and will want to know her fate as well as the other womens. Francis in order to save his wife tells Judge Danforth the girls, sir, the girls are frauds. Danforth studies Francis and the audience will be hanging on the next word he says as it is his decision as to whether the girls will, in the end, get away with it. Danforth replies to Francis Do you know who I am, Mr Nurse? This question is important as it shows how important pride is to Danforth. If it becomes known that he was deceived by a group of young girls his judgement may in the future be questioned. Arthur Miller then raises the tension is the scene may bringing in the character of Mary Warren, who is described as near collapsing to the ground, head bent and eyes to the floor. The viewer will be asking themselves what has she got to say and how will it affect the proceedings. Hale says to Danforth I think you must hear the girl, sir, she- but he gets cut off by Danforth and Danforth begins to question Mary. In the beginning she wont speak, not helped by the frustration of John Proctor. The tension builds, but Mary keeps her mouth shut and so John answer for her that she never saw any spirits. The sentence ends with an exclamation mark. This is there for the actor to realise that he has to really emphasise this sentence as it is a pivotal point in the play. It is where people start to fight back, but nobody knows who will win. Danforth tries to calculate his choices and eventually agrees to hear the girl out. She tells Danforth that it was all pretence, but Parris the parish priest wont stand for it and so turns to Danforth and in a sweat spits Excellency, you surely cannot think to spread so vile a lie in open court. The audience will question why Parris know so for the hanging of the witches yet before he was adamant that there were no witches in Salem. Danforth then leaves Mary alone and begins to question Proctor, Have you ever seen the Devil? this interrogation is important as the audience knows that Proctor is a lecher but they also know Danforth doesnt know this and so they will be eager to find out if this information comes to light. During the interview Danforth and Proctor start to argue with each other about the innocence of those condemned to hang. Danforth and Proctor are both strong minded individuals and this battle is a battle of wills Proctor wont back down for the sake of getting back at Abigail (the girls he had an affair with). Danforth then tells Proctor that his wife sent a claim to him that morning that she was pregnant. Proctor says that Elizabeth his wife will never lie, so she must be pregnant. Danforth then gives him a choice as his wife will be safe for a year due to her condition. Proctor carries on regardless trying to save the wives of his friends. Hale then begins to plead with Danforth to hear this from a proper lawyer and that the claim was a weighty one and should be discussed properly. He states that he has signed away the lives of several people and that he wants to get to the heart of the matter. Hale disobedience raises question as to how the scene will go on and where Hale loyalties now lie. He is an honest man and does not want the blood of several people on his hands. Danforth then brings in Abigail and the other girls. He questions Abigail as to the truth of the allegations, but she denies. The attention then turns back to Mary who is asked if she were pretending before could she please do it again. Mary tries and tries but is unable to faint. This is because in the courtroom the girls acted together and through hysteria fainted. But now Mary is on her own and is all flustered. Danforth says it is because there are no afflicting spirits loose. But Mary still denies it. Danforth then asks Abigail to search her heart and be honest but she lies without thinking. The audience will now be hooked due to the tension building between Mary, Danforth and Abigail. They want to know if he honestly believes her lies or not. Abigail pretends to be freezing cold as soon as she is questioned to draw the attention away from the accusations put against her. She then calls to God to make it stop, Oh, Heavenly Father, take away this shadow! The exclamation at this point shows how much emphasise she is putting in to the performance, after all she is acting for her life. When she calls heaven Proctor decides that he has had enough and calls her a whore Danforth demands to know why he calls her this and Proctor admits that he has known her, sir. I have known her. Danforth shocked by this confession address Abigail with the evidence You deny every scrap and tittle of this? The language that Danforth uses shows his utter horror. He asks Abigail if she denies it all every last bit. It is like him giving her, her last chance to confess or else. More than anything it is a threat. Danforth then calls for Goodwife Proctor, and reaffirms his belief with John that Elizabeth had never told a lie. Danforth tells both Abigail and John to turn away from Elizabeth and to not signal to her or say anything. He then tells Goody Proctor to enter. He begins to question her on the release of Abigail as there servant. He asks her For what cause did you dismiss her? and In what way dissatisfied you? He is trying to lure Elizabeth in to a trap. Until eventually he asks her straight out Is your husband a lecher! the language used here is very specific and important as if she says yes she is condemning her husband but if she says no then she is letting Abigail get away with it. The audience will be anticipating her answer as they know that John has already confessed, but realise that she doesnt know that. This is made even worse by the irony that earlier John said his wife would never lie and so to save her husband she must do the thing that she never does. The tension is high as this is the climax of the story will she or wont she? Elizabeth lies and states that Proctor is not a lecher. The audience will be in shock and will want to know what is going to happen to the characters now. Hale states to Danforth that is a natural lie and starts to attack Abigail with accusations, but she starts to pretend again. Saying she sees a bird that is Marys spirit sent to hurt them. The tension builds as Danforth continues to buy into their performance. Mary who is know so scared of the gallows due to Abigail and the other girl acting as if Mary were attacking them; starts to break down and declares that she loves God and that Proctor is the Devils man! The children who are all now hysterical after their sudden performance welcome Mary back in to their group, while the adults turn their attention to Proctor. Danforth now feeling the full extent of his power again asks John What are you? John is beyond speech in his anger You are combined with anti-Christ, are you not? I have seen your power; you will not deny it! What say you, Mister? The audience will anticipate Proctors frustration. John soon replies, breathlessly I say I say God is dead! At this point the audience will know that Proctor has sealed his faint and that he has also committed blasphemy. The clever use of the exclamation mark shows to the extent at which Proctor is angry with the court. He has lost everything and is now utterly selfless. Hale ends the scene with I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court! Hale quitting the court show to the extent at which he is embittered by the court. Danforth shouts after Mr Hale! Mr Hale! his wisdom now seems useless and this victory to Danforth now seems like a defeat. The audience will now be expectantly waiting for the consequences of the actions in scene three.

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America | Book Review

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America | Book Review A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, a novel by Bill Bryson takes you through the journey of a man looking to connect with more then just his local environment, but explore nature and go where many do not dare to go. Although Bryson does not touch every single mile he wishes to, at the end of his journey he fulfills more then ever imagined. Bryson creates a sense of place in a variety of different ways. Brysons feelings towards his preparations for the Appalachian Trail give us a better understanding of the sense of place. Are you saying, Dave, that I pay $250 for a pack and it doesnt have straps and it isnt water proof? Does it have a bottom in it? (Bryce, 10). Bryce heads to his local sporting goods store to talk with an expert on the trail. Dave Mengle tells Bryce he must purchase sleeping bags, boots, tents, thermal clothing, cook sets, and packs. We can infer that the trail is not simple and requires previous preparation in order to assure ones safety. Bryce begins to realize that this task may not be as easy as he thought and must prepare for any dangerous encounters he may face with nature. We get a more clear view of the sense of place and began to see the surroundings that Bryce encounters when they enter what seems to be his favorite part of the trip so far, the Shenandoah National Park. He enjoys the lively scenery which includes grouse, deer, owls, and turkeys. Not to mention the easier terrain, this being their favorite part. However, not every animal encounter is pleasant. Bryson remarks, I think I have a right to be a trifle alarmed, pardon me. Im in the woods, in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, staring at a bear, with a guy who has nothing to defend himself with but a pair of nail clippers. (Bryson, 142). Bryson becomes fearful when he hears an animal in their cam, but this quickly fades when he realizes that the bear only wishes to drink from a nearby stream. As Bryson says, It was a miracle, I swear to God. Just when I was about to lie down and give myself to the wolves and bobcats, I look up and theres a white blaze on a tree and I look down and Im standing on the AT. (Bryson, p. 266) We can conclude that towards the end of the novel a final connection was made between Bryson and Mother Nature. Although Bryson didnt complete every step of the 2,200-mile trail he realized that this is not necessary in order to get the fulfillment he desired before seen starting his journey through the Appalachian Trail. First, Bryson demonstrates human-environment interaction when he must quickly learn to adapt to his environment and knows that this is necessary in order for him to begin his hike down the Appalachian Trail. One of the more clear themes is location of the story which takes place on the Appalachian Trail. The AT is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States, extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. Brysons new location to Hanover, New Hampshire gives him the urge to begin traveling the trail after coming across part of the trail. There were many landmarks throughout Brysons journey to demonstrate place. Springer Mountain is the southern trailhead of the AT. Amicalola Falls Lodge is seven miles from their starting point at Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. While they are still in northern Georgia, the trail takes Bryson and Katz over a narrow ledge along Big Butt Mountain. Finally, Bishop Boarding House welcomes Bryson and Katz as they em erge from the Maine woods. Mrs. Bishop assures them that the woods will still be there if they decide to try again.

Compare the ways in which Poe creates suspense Essay

Poe creates effective suspense in his stories, and two examples of which Poe creates suspense are â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† and â€Å"The Cask of Amontillado†. Poe creates suspense in his stories in various different ways, some are similar in each story, but some are different. Poe’s stories are filled with drama terror and fear, due to the suspense he creates. A lot of his stories are gothic and contain some sort of death or suffering. In the Tell-Tale Heart in the narrator persistently insists that he is not mad although throughout the story we learn more and more that he is in fact mad. He tries to prove his sanity by telling us how carefully he had planned the murder and all the precautions he had taken, but this just further proves his insanity. Also the narrator from the Tell-Tale Heart often talks the reader. Three examples of where the narrator directly speaks to the reader are, â€Å"but why will you say that I am mad?†, â€Å"You fancy me mad†, and, â€Å"if still you think me mad†. Another way that Poe creates suspense is by making the narrator obsessed with something, in the Tell-Tale Heart the narrator is obsessed with the old man’s eye, in the Cask of Amontillado the narrator is obsessed with revenge and in the Pit and the Pendulum the narrator is obsessed with survival, this means we cannot entirely trust the reader says, or what actions he may or may not have done, also the narrator in the Pit and the Pendulum is drugged and tired, although this is not his fault we can trust him the least. â€Å"It must have been drugged, for scarcely had I drunk before I became irresistibly drowsy. A deep sleep fell upon me — a sleep like that of death† Time is shown moving slowly when the sentences are longer and they include more commas, It took me an hour to place my whole head within the opening†, â€Å"A watch’s minute hand moves more quickly than did mine†, and, â€Å"For a whole hour, I did not move a muscle† however, when the pace of the story increases and time appears to move faster, the sentences are much shorter, normally including two or three words. â€Å"I threw open the lantern and leaped into the room†, and, â€Å"They heard. They suspected. They knew†. Watches are referenced a few times during the Tell-Tale Heart, to give us a sense of how much time has passed, although it can also mean, as each tick of the watch symbolises a closer movement to the death of all humans, although in this case, the old man’s death. A quote to support this would be, â€Å"A watch’s minute hand moves more quickly than did mine. The narrator compares himself to a watch, suggesting it is he himself who is counting down until the old man’s death, as he is the one in control. Poe uses repetition many times in the story, and the technique is used as each use of repetition helps contribute to adding more atmosphere to the story, adding to the suspense and fear that we already feel. When they are used, the story slows down slightly, which makes our anticipation for finding out what happens next grow, and this pulls us further into the story, making us read on. In the Tell-Tale Heart, as the story is a 1st person account of the event, thinking solely about its use in the plot, it helps underline how detailed the narrator is in his details and how much he obsessed over the murder. â€Å"With what caution — With what foresight — With what dissimulation†, â€Å"How stealthily, stealthily†, and, â€Å"Louder! Louder! Louder! Louder!† In the Cask of Amontillado and the Tell-Tale Heart the protagonist likes to toy with the victim, which they are about to kill. For example in the Cask of Amontillado the protagonist, Montressor, gets out a trowel, which later on that would be the murder weapon, It is this,† I answered, producing a trowel from beneath the folds of my roquelaire. he also gives the victim multiple opportunities the escape and leave the cellar, he also told the victim that he would not die of a cough implying that he would die at the hands of Montressor. â€Å"Enough,† he said; â€Å"the cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough.† And â€Å"True — true,† I replied; â€Å"and, indeed, I had no intention of alarming you unnecessarily — but you should use all proper caution. A draught of this Medoc will defend us from the damps.† Also in the Tell-Tale heart, the narrator is extra kind to the old man, and on the eighth night just before he killed the old man, he knew that the old man knew, that he was in the room, but he didn’t give up and carried on with the murder One of the many ways which Poe creates suspense is that the story is in the first person. This is present in all the stories I have studied, In the Tell-Tale Heart and the Cask of Amontillado the antagonist is the narrator, but in the Pit and the Pendulum the victim was the narrator. This is effective because we can only see what the narrator is seeing and what is going on his head. Sometimes knowing what goes on in the narrator’s head can make us feel sympathy for the victim. For example, we feel sympathy for the old man in the Tell-Tell Heart, as we learn that the old man, had done nothing wrong, and was kind to the narrator. Also this is effective because this makes us more involved with the story. The differences between the stories are that the narrator in â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† gets caught by the police, because of his guilty conscience that manifests itself through the beating heart. Montresor, on the other hand, does not get caught, and lives with no one knowing. Montresor is not burdened by accusations of madness like the other narrator is; in â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart,† it seems like the entire purpose for telling the tale is to prove that he isn’t insane. Montresor, on the other hand, just seems to want to tell the tale for the tale’s sake, not to prove that he is sane. In Montresor’s case there is hallucination of the beating heart to force him into confession; very little evidence of a guilty conscience is seen in Montresor. Poe created suspense in various effective ways, some are obvious to spot, and some are not. The Cask of Amontillado and the Tell-Tale Heart are two of his best stories in my opinion, they both create suspense in mostly different, although are very similar or the same. Poe’s stories are still popular today one reason for this could be because of the suspense that is present in his stories. I think one of the main reasons that Poe creates suspense is so that it drags the reader he so the reader would carry on reading.

Jose Rizal and his Nationalism Essay

Jose Rizal was idealistic, who wants to free his countrymen from ignorance, exploitation and discrimination. With the use of his works and writings especially his novels – Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, he reveals to his people their experiences and sufferings, sufferings which he brought to light in an effort to awaken his countrymen to the truths that had long remained unspoken, although not totally unheard of. He showed to his people their sufferings friars and civil authorities, how the friars whom were guilty of bribery and corruption had made of the Catholic religion an instrument of domination and had prostituted it with exterior practices which foster the appearance of worship. The friars also enriched themselves not only by exhorting excessive fees for church services, but also by unjust acquisition of land estates. They made themselves feared by civil officials. They enjoy priorities over high government officials whose tenure of office they can control. The government itself sees nothing, hears nothing, and decides nothing except what the parish priests makes it see, hear, and decide. And the civil guards do not protect the citizens like they supposed to but protect the interests of the friars and the Spaniards only. The priests controlled also the acts of the ignorant natives and threatened the indios’ heads with excommunication for the slightest sign of disrespect and disobedience. Many Filipinos had become victims of human indignities. They were deprived of their right. They had no right to question authority – they were born only to serve. But Rizal did not put the blame entirely on the religious and civil authorities; he also honestly showed the weaknesses and defects of the Filipinos. The people themselves, by their timidity, fear, and cowardice had shackled their minds and debased their souls. Contaminated by the airs of superiority of the Spaniards, despise their own countrymen and make themselves ridiculous with their pretensions at false imitation. Rizal criticized this, the unspoken embarrassments of the natives for their own ancestry, and aspires to become a Spaniard to leave behind any trace of Filipino in them and then boasts to everyone. With that they gradually allowed the Spaniards to enslave them. As Rizal often said, â€Å"there are no tyrants where there are no slaves†. And that Rizal wanted to vindicate his race from the insults and prejudices upon the Filipinos, and that his people were not an anthropoid race, as the Spaniard asserted. Although Filipinos have some vices and defects, the same with other people in the world, they are not those which the Spanish writers attribute them – that there is no stimulus to worth or to merit. On the contrary, when Filipinos rise above heap they are ridiculed and made the object of mockery unless they serve the friars. Many Filipinos are persecuted in false conspiracies or exiled from their towns for standing up for their rights. Rizal wanted to bring back the pride in Filipino ancestors, a necessary component in the formation of national consciousness, and answer criticisms against Filipinos and their culture. He disproved the Spaniards and showed that the past of the Philippines already had a developed culture. Rizal in all effort tried to convince the Spanish government that there was an urgent need for reforms in the society in the government, and in the Catholic church of the Philippines. And that violence is not the preferred solution and it should come about peacefully and sensibly and that one great solution is education. He tried to show that there was no rebellion or revolution in the Philippines, but there would be, if the abuses and excesses of the friars and the administration push the Filipinos to their limit.

How does one experience sympathy for Shakespeares Shylock in The Merchant of Venice Essay Example

How does one experience sympathy for Shakespeares Shylock in The Merchant of Venice Essay Example How does one experience sympathy for Shakespeares Shylock in The Merchant of Venice Paper How does one experience sympathy for Shakespeares Shylock in The Merchant of Venice Paper and 1 shylock is alluded to the devil by salerio, antonio and Portia (who has not even been acquainted with him). At the pinnacle of his anguish after the elopement of his daughter, Christian boys of Venice deride him and salerio exercises verbal aggression that is both gratuitous and undignified which would have had profound repercussion on his mental health. Salerio, after making the sexual mockeries, remarks how he know(s) the tailor who made wings (Jessica) flew withal attempting cruelly to exacerbate his woes. Shylock may possess a sordid mind but he does not intend to undertake any perverse fantasies. In fact, the unyielding Christian insults themselves represent the even more dissolute mindset of the Christian community. Thus after one considers Shylocks plight and insanity (ascribed to Christian abuse) and considers the wanton Christian enmity, pity overwhelms us. We feel indignation over how shylock is susceptible to unprovoked assaults and abuse. Shylocks compelling and phenomenal speech in act3 scene 1 resonates with self pity and is a simple plea for humanity; manipulating our emotions through the application of powerful language. He shouts hath not a Jew eyes! , hath not a Jew hands! : this is moving language artistically constructed by Shakespeare using simple, concise and succinct phrases that heightens pity and sustains the tension. The way Shylock screams hath not a Jew organs! shows that this speech is not embellished with sophistry or complex language but it is a simple plea for humanity expressed from the innermost depths of his heart. The way Shakespeare equates Ch ristians to Jews and asks whether or not they are cooled by the same winds and subject to the same diseases adds rhetorical eloquence inducing pity. Although Shylocks speech does take a sinister turn the audience still retains compassion acknowledging how shylocks deplorable mental state has been induced by relentless provocation. We sympathise immensely because Shylock has never retaliated so vigorously; this explosion is an unprecedented response caused by overwhelming anger never expressed. As his plea becomes a justification for vengeful murder we get a complicated feeling: his justification seems crazy but also a little reasonable; it seems immoral but also perhaps righteous. This demonstrates the excellence and rhetorical eloquence of his speech and how images and language contribute to our pity. There are intrinsic and striking attributes that exist in Shylock which are manifestations of his integrity and his scrupulous character. We can find distinctive components in his character that are capable of inspiring understanding and pity. In Act3 scene 1 we are informed of a turquoise ring which belonged to Leah; Shylock overtly expresses how he would not have given that ring for a wilderness of monkeys. These words are a compelling and heartfelt gesture of the sincere love that thrived between Shylock and his late wife. They reflect the love that Shylock is capable of nurturing; the ring exemplifies his capacity to love. Thus the ring is an emblem reminiscent of Shylocks decency, morality and humanity that has been corrupted and sadly destroyed by the Christian abuse. This is a poignant notion to reflect on and should entail sympathy. One can also ascertain that Shylock is a principled individual advocating the correct ideals. He is cynical of the Christians; reviling their debauched ethos; this is revealed when he articulates What Christian husbands! . The play displays a portrait of Bassanio as a prodigal, flamboyant and frivolous youngster who has foolishly squandered his wealth. He is concerned fundamentally about aggrandizing his affluence and prestige. The primary characteristic of Portia that he considers is how she is richly left- which conveys his superficiality. This shallow and foolish man ends with the best circumstance while Shylock is left desolate and discredited. This unjust image should surely inspire pity. Another possible way to experience pity is by recognising how Shylocks financial and religious freedom is implacably constricted. The Jews were prohibited from possessing any real property and a large proportion accumulated wealth by practicing usury making significant contributions to the industry yet receiving excessive Christian enmity. One of his only means of acquiring reasonable wealth is through this sensible and honest exercise yet still he is severely reproached and denounced. He is inhibited by Antonio who lends money gratis and lowers the rate of usance needlessly obstructing Shylocks success. In Act 4 scene 1 Shylock is rendered speechless as the Christian establishment exacts even more severe financial concessions stipulating that Antonio should seize one half (of Shylocks) goods and that the other half (well earned and deserved) should come to the privy coffer of the state. This is a great social injustice and would surely stimulate deep indignation and pity amongst the audiences. The Christian characters have all colluded and conspired against Shylock -a helpless victim- forcing him into a perpetual state of despair and bankruptcy. The Christians have permanently dismantled his wealth that was assiduously accumulated this should surely inspire sympathy. After the duke has delivered his verdict Shylock cannot even articulate his ineffable agony. Considering stagecraft as an integral part of the play we should note how the audience would see a cowering and defeated Shylock limp out of the courtroom. This moment is of symbolic resonance demonstrating Shylock, once a proud and prosperous citizen, now discredited and lost. It heightens our pity and sorrow as we reflect on the injustice and how the Christians have all maliciously abused Shylock. To intensify his anguish after his defeat Gratiano exercises severe needless aggression with relish echoing Shylocks own preceding words of upright judge and learned judge; the language is crafted to enable Gratiano to derisively simulate Shylocks speech in an offensive and unchivalrous manner which evokes pity for the helpless Shylock. One can discern the words scornfulness and the racism embodied in o Jew. In Venice one of Europes most liberal cities in Shakespeares epoch- the Jews were constrained to live in the citys Ghettos and were obliged to don Jewish gabardines and hats to label them as Jews in order to facilitate discrimination. With such an historical context, sympathy for Shylock surely must have resonated with certain ancient and contemporary audiences. Certainly another malicious penalty to exact is demanding that Shylock presently become a Christian; this not only embodies Christian manipulation but it is undermining an individuals livelihood by forcing him to renounce his faith which engenders his irremediable descent into despair and oblivion. This is a callous infliction; as one knows the Jews distinguished themselves ethnically and this command would have robbed Shylock of his identity. In the play, considering matters of stagecraft Shylock would have in fact worn certain garments to characterize himself denoting how he prides his faith. Forcing him to revoke his faith is a dismissal of his identity which relegates his livelihood. The Jewish garment that he constantly wore would remind the audience of his pride in his faith and the way he is dramatically forced to repudiate it. The garment is a stagecraft device contributing to the pity that one experiences by reminding us of how Christians have needlessly stolen his dignity and pride. The entire play is suffused by prominent yet underlying themes of alienation. One must not only consider the religious and ethnic alienation that has already been discussed but how Shylock is isolated and lonely. His wife, whom he affectionately and profoundly adores, is deceased. His only remaining echo or embodiment of his wife is his daughter whom he also loves. One can experience unyielding pity after his daughters elopement with a Christian because this signifies his irrevocable descent into loneliness and isolation. Our pity intensifies when we learn that Shylock drifts through the streets not only because he is stripped of his dignity but because he is articulating profound emotional distress screaming my daughter! which perturbs the audience. He has no other family; although a substantial proportion of his wealth has diminished there is no greater pain than betrayal. His woes are aggravated when his daughters lavishness and indulgence is disclosed. His daughter is revelling and basking in extravagance and does not seem to express any remorse or reluctance. This is insufferable for Shylock and the audiences pity is consolidated while Shylock is remarking how it tortureth me or how the knowledge is like a dagger that sticketh in (him). The stagecraft here is of considerable significance in the evocation of pity: in this scene, while conferring with tubal the character of Shylock would display agitated movements on stage that reflects his deep agony and his inconsolable distress. His expression would be of anguish and revulsion; he would be afflicted and plagued and this is an immense contribution that heightens our pity. This theme of alienation which generates pity is perennial and palpable through the play. It is not only Jessica who alienates and marginalises Shylock but also Launcelot who forsakes his master for no adequate reason except his masters ethnicity. Admittedly servicing Bassanios sumptuous lifestyle would constitute a more pleasant experience but Launcelot also enacts this betrayal without reluctance. Shylock is obliged to convert to Christianity and conform with a race that has oppressed, alienated and disenfranchised him. Unfortunately for him, in becoming a Christian he is now alienated by his own tribe and he now becomes what he most abhors. This not only exacerbates his situation but this may give rise to damaging psychological ramifications, evoking greater pity. Admittedly Shylock is degenerate (he cannot be blamed), but his powerful and realistic depiction incurs sympathy. Having meticulously examined Shylock we can comprehend the ways we experience pity for this character; Shakespeare contrives an image of injustice: Christians exercise excessive abuse, Christian machinations and scheming against a weak victim and Christians propelling Shylock to the brink of insanity. Acknowledging the cruel historical context Shylock is also alienated, betrayed, stripped of dignity, derided and scorned even though he has executed no crime. He possesses a callous and perverted mind two blemishes attributed to Christian provocation. There are characteristics composed in his character that inspire understanding and empathy the turquoise ring embodies his humanity. One must also remember an overlooked aspect: Shylock commands pity with sustained striking language. A prevalent notion that actively impedes our pity is knowledge of Shylocks wickedness but as Shylock himself understood it was Christians who taught him this villainy; after all he merely speculated that it would be nothing more than a merry bond and the pound of flesh was just a perverse fantasy not to be undertaken; he never actually anticipated that he would be embroiled in a circumstance that involved him, Antonios chest and a knife.

The Relationship between Unilateralism and Multiculturalism essays

The Relationship between Unilateralism and Multiculturalism essays The Relationship between Unilateralism and Multiculturalism in the United States Foreign Policy Now that the world has gone into the 21st century, the theme of globalism and world peace has become stronger than ever before. The world has become a smaller place with the inventions of fast transportation and fast communication such as telephones and internet. There has never been a better chance to unite the world. Instead, as years pass by, the world is facing deeper and deeper separation because of one superpower that seems as if it is going to take over the world in the near future. Why is this happening? The answer is unilateralism and multiculturalism in the U.S. society and the government. Unilateralism being the doctrine a nation should conduct their foreign affairs individualistically without the advice or involvement of other nations, and multiculturalism being the doctrine that several different cultures (rather than one national culture) can co-exist peacefully and equitably in a single country. In this report, I would like to write about the relationship between the unilateralism and the multiculturalism that lies in the U.S. government and how it affects the world. Since the Cold War conclusion, American unilateralism has become evident. The terminology of unilateralism was started being used from the time of the Clinton administration, relating to the circumstance that America reigned in worldwide politics as a superpower. Although unilateralism existed in the Clinton administration, they were more concerned about the cooperative relationship with the ally countries so the thought of unilateralism did not reach up to where it is now. When the Bush administration appeared, it reached to the point where unilateralism was pursued extensively. This became the American basis principle which said for America to assemble all policies based on its self-interests, and with this, the relationship with its allies was going to be...

Critically evaluate the pedagogical approach(es) evident in the video Essay

Critically evaluate the pedagogical approach(es) evident in the video and suggest additional strategies which could be employed - Essay Example Therefore, a tactic affective for one student may not be useful for another. The video shows a school which has diversity in terms of its students. The students belonged to different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. As the children are in their early years, so if they are treated properly, the element of diversity would serve as a plus point for the school environment. At the same time, if the concept of discrimination is developed at this sensitive stage, the children will hardly learn to respect others throughout their life. Therefore, showing respect towards teachers, parents and the students themselves is an effective tool for training children to live peacefully in an environment. There should be a balance and equality in terms of parameters of respect and honor. If some of the students are given undue favors, it will create intimidating environment for others. While training children in early years to show respect to others, it is very important to train them about how to commu nicate with others. Most of the children have natural hesitation while interacting with a new face other than their family. This hesitation should be removed by making them comfortable in speaking, moving and expressing their feelings. Sometimes, teachers and parents put great focus on making children learn the manners. It is helpful but it can cause the child to become uncomfortable with natural instincts and desires of his age. Therefore, while teaching manners to young children it is very important to understand the needs of their age and let them do what they want to do freely. Do not embarrass them by quoting examples of their activities which you think are stupid. Try to persuade them to follow a certain rule, rather than imposing it. In that case, children become revengeful in future and find a desire to break every rule that tries to mold them. There are certain general issues of students like lack of confidence, hesitation, and reluctance to communicate and to ask questions . Such issues require general solutions applied in specific way. This means that teacher needs to provide this solution individually in addition to creating an environment supporting such solutions. Parents should also observe the special needs of their children and notify about these needs in the school. As it is said that ‘nip the evil in the bud’, so is the case with children; the earlier their issues are resolved, the better they can perform. Proper planning and discussions about the behavior of individual students are helpful both for student and the teacher. For a student, it is useful as he/she would get help in a proper and timely manner. For teacher it is useful as it would indicate that how much the situation has improved. The issue with the planning is that if the teacher becomes too obsessed with the plans, then the results can be reversed. Human beings are the most complex creatures in the world so sometimes you learn by doing. Once you have made a plan, tr y it with the child and see if you both are comfortable with the tactic or nor. If anyone is uncomfortable, do not hesitate in making modifications in your plan. Studies have shown that over formal approaches to teaching young children are counterproductive (Nabuco and Sylva, 1996) and can hinder young children’

Cancer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 7

Cancer - Essay Example Neurologic examination is where the doctor examines the patient for attentiveness, strength of the muscles and coordination, any spontaneous effect and reaction to pain. The doctor also conducts an examination of the eyes to identify any swelling of the nerve connecting the brain and the eye which might have been caused by the pressure inserted by the tumor. With CT scan, an X-ray is conducted where the results are observed from a computer connected to the x-ray machine which clearly shows the position and the size of the tumors. MRI is where a high magnetic material is connected to a computer which shows detailed and clear pictures of the body that is provided by the means of a special dye which makes different tissues distinct. The pictures can be printed out (Potts & Mandleco, 2012). The primary level of health care is the first step where patients are exposed to health care systems which are normally the smaller health care facilities like the dispensaries serving the local community. Mostly, this unit involves simple diagnostic measures, preventive and curative where in-patients services are rare. Nurses are mostly found in this stage that will refer the patient to a district hospital which provides better services and in-patients services. The nurse examines the general sciences and symptoms of illness from the patient who then refers the patient for further treatment from the district level because the facility has no the necessary machines and equipment to examine the patient further (Potts & Mandleco 2012).

English Orthography Scholarship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

English Orthography - Scholarship Essay Example Define the term regular polysemy and demonstrate whether or not the relation between the senses of the bold words in (a) and (b) is a regular relation. Be sure to describe the senses of (a) and (b) first, before going on to explore the polysemy of semantically similar words. If you find that it is not a completely regular relation, discuss any reasons you can see for the limits on the pattern. Before we explore the relation between the senses of the bold words in (a) and (b) and whether it is a regular relation or not, let us throw some light upon three ubiquitous terms in semantics. These terms are polysemy, regular, and regular polysemy. First, Crystal (1988, p.236) defines polysemy as 'a term used in semantic analysis to refer to a lexical item which has a range of different meanings'. The definition sounds clear and concise. According to this definition, any lexical item (word) which has more than one meaning is polysemous and thus falls under the umbrella of polysemy. Regular, on the other hand, is 'predictable from non - lexical conceptual information', Murphy (2004, p.235). When we combine the two words together, we will get a semantic term that has gained much attention recently, viz. regular polysemy (also known as meaning shifts). Many definitions have been give... When we combine the two words together, we will get a semantic term that has gained much attention recently, viz. regular polysemy (also known as meaning shifts). Many definitions have been given to regular polysemy by linguists and semanticists. According to Peters (2005, p.232) ' regular polysemy is a metonymic phenomenon: a non - literal figure of speech in which the name of one thing is substituted for that of another related to it'. Lobner (2002) refers to regular polysemy as meaning variants which are related via metaphor, metonymy or differentiation. Clearly speaking, regular polysemy denotes the process whereby a word has more than one meaning due to a general rule for making new meanings out of old ones. For example, a word which indicates a container indicates the content of the container too as illustrated below: Can as container: I have poured coke into the can. Can as content: I have drunk the whole can. Also, a disc might refer to a thin, flat, round object in general as well as a magnetic disc. A mouse is used to refer to a small furry animal with a long tail only, but it is also a device that controls the movement of the cursor on a computer screen, Lobner (2002). The relation between the senses of the bold words in (a) and (b) is a regular relation. The senses of these two words are closely related since they are all related to poultry. Turkey, in the first sentence, refers to a large, gallinaceous bird of the family Meleagrididae, especially Meleagris gallopavo of America that typically has green, reddish-brown and yellowish-brown plumage of a metallic luster and that is domesticated in most parts of the world (Dictionary.com, 2008)

Definitions of events management Essay Example for Free

Definitions of events management Essay Events management can be said to have emerged from the increasing commercialisation of popular celebrations, from big affairs such as concerts to small and private gatherings. Bowdin, et al. explained that in certain historical aspects, the increasing importance of events were noted because of the benefits they bring as enumerated through its purpose and objectives. An example noted by the authors were the emergence of the industry as encouraged by political and religious reasons; this happened in the United Kingdom where exhibitions became a popular event that it needed to be sustained. The approach to the sustainability of events, especially as this would lead to the formation of an industry, would then become integral to the management requirements of this practice. Across the world, the management of events would become a more formal approach in organizing festivals and other festivities. Bowdin, et al. therefore presented the following definition of events as follows (14): â€Å"[†¦] anything which happens; result; any incidence or occurrence esp (sic) a memorable one; contingency or possibility of occurrence; an item in a programme (of sports, etc.); A type of horseriding competition, often held over three days (three-day event) consisting of three sections ie dressage, cross country riding and show jumping; fortune or fate (obs); an organized activity at a particular venue, eg. for sales promotion or fundraising. † Based on these definitions, the events that fall under event management are applicable in all aspects. Basically, the last definitiion, â€Å"an organized activity at a particular venue, eg. for sales promotion or fundraising† (14) can be said to already encompass what an event is. However, it should be also noted that the fundamentals of events management also refers to the uniqueness of the event, hence, it is memorable. At the same time, an event may have many sub-events such as â€Å"items†. Last but not the least, as based on the cited definition, an event also includes contingency or possibility of occurrence. This therefore brings up the aspect of events management in which case it is not just about ensuring that the event takes place, but also the management formalises the event in a sense that it is defined by a specific strategy. As previously mentioned, an event in the events management context becomes a project; in this case, the aspects of project management is applied. It is initially important to define what a project is, and according to Bowdin, et al, (267), an event as a project â€Å"produces an asset [†¦] the asset is the ultimate deliverable of the project. The management is the planning, the organizing, leading, and controlling of the project†. Hence, based on these, Bowdin, et al. presented the definition of event management in the following (267): â€Å"The project management of events concentrates on the management process to create the event, not just what happens at the event [†¦] (it) is called the overlay as it integrates all the tasks of management. Event management is made up of a number of management areas including planning, leading, marketing, design, control and budgeting, risk management, logistics, staging and evaluation. Each of these areas continuously affect each other over the event life cycle†. Shone and Parry, furthermore, mentioned that in order for an event to be managed in a similar context, the event has to be â€Å"special†; based on this, the authors presented the following pointing out the definitions of events that are managed: †¢ Leisure events (leisure, sport recreation) †¢ Personal events (weddings, birthdays, anniversaries) †¢ organisational events (commercial, political, charitable, sales) †¢ cultural (ceremonial, sacred, heritage, art, folklore) The Events Management Concept and Practice Event management is therefore a discipline and a practice. There are many concepts and aspects of event management that needs to be considered especially among those who specialise in certain components of the practice. One of the common perceptions of event management is its dimension as a coordinating activities. Silvers (28) mentioned that in event coordination, the coordinators visualise, organise and synchronise the different elements of an event. In addition, in event coordination, the coordinator also identifies the purpose, scope and the program of the event by means of identifying its intent, extent, and content. Another important point raised by Silvers (28) is that, in agreement with the past discussions on the nature of event management as similar or related to project management, the author also further mentioned the processes involved both in the coordination and the management of events. These aspects, for instance, is through the discussion on the Project Scope (28-29): †¢ Identifying the needs and requirements of the event including the definition of its purpose and the expected outcomes †¢ the description of the product as spelled out by the type of event †¢ product analysis or the identification of the components of the product †¢ the feasibility of the product as based on the analysis of the resources From these, the event becomes more definite through the design of a Work Breakdown Structure and Activity Schedule (29). Another important approach in event management can be considered in the perceptions of the customers, competition and the sponsors. Silvers discussed the aspect of the consumers and the competition. According to the author, the customers make up the â€Å"marketing realm† of the event (30). Hence, it is important to identify a target segment because this helps in the design of the event, from its scope to its marketing to its implementation. Silvers also discussed the competition; for cases such as bars and clubs, any weekend night poses a great amount of competition for any establishment holding an event that night. As the author stressed, it is significant that the bar or club is aware what kind of other events that will take place in another establishment. It is therefore in the strategy of the club or bar owner, along with its hired events specialist, to determine how to best approach competition.

EVALUATING NORTH AMERICAN HEALTH SYSTEMS Essay -- essays research pape

INTRODUCTION   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Compensating the affairs of economic efficiency with the demands of sociopolitical rights is a constant source of tension in Canada and the United States alike. In no other element is this tension more apparent than in the group of complex markets we call the health care system.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Canadians have been fortunate enough to receive a universal health care system for nearly forty years. This is a single-payer system funded by the governments, both provincial and federal, but at what costs? Is health care not unlike any other commodity, or is it the privilege of every citizen? Health care has elements of common economic behavior, however, there are also certain social values associated with it. It is this struggle of defining what health care is that causes such anxiety among economists. The Canadian health care system is slowly crippling the economy, and reforms must be devised to preserve the pride of Canada; our health care system itself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The pluralistic health care scheme of the United States, as well, has serious socioeconomic implications, and American policy makers are looking toward the model of the Canadian system for answers. Both the United States and Canada must reform health care policy, but to what extent? Obviously these questions cannot necessarily yield clear, concise answers, however they will provide insight into analyzing the current and proposed systems of health care.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Certainly if Canada is to maintain a high standard of care it must adopt an economically efficient, revenue generating system. Moreover the United States must adopt the single-payer system of Canada while still retaining a strong revenue base. This paper will discuss the strengths and shortcomings of the Canadian health care system, and how health care is a sociopolitical enigma. Furthermore, how the single-payer system is the only realistic response to the growing inadequacies within the American socioeconomic status. CANADIAN HEALTH CARE STRUCTURE   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Serving as a general background in its appraisal, it is necessary to outline the history and the ambient factors of the Canada health care that is so sought after by the United States. The Canadian health-insurance program, called Medicare, is administered by provincial ... ... and this tension is prevalent in the health care system. A basic economic concern is whether health care is like any other commodity. The health care industry can be analyzed with economic frames of reference: wealth, risk aversion, efficient transfers, and utility. However, there are certain symbolic elements of health care that cannot be easily measured. Cultures have fundamental beliefs that encompass the valuation of life and health. Bearing this in mind, it would only seem realistic that there is some sort of right to health care.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nowhere in the American Constitution is it stated that an individual has the right to some basic set of health care services, however, there are certain undefined responsibilities the government has. It can be argued that the Declaration of Independence supports the right for each and every citizen to have the basic care needed to sustain life so as to exercise one’s liberty and to allow the pursuit of happiness. It has been argued that there is a common-law right to equal services, a right of equal access to basic services: such as drinking water. Furthermore this right extends to all citizens and is beyond the reac

Leukemia Research Paper Essay

PART I: I personally know of a couple of skeletal diseases. I know of Leukemia, which is a type of cancer where white blood cells multiply in an uncontrolled manner, and the cause is unknown. I have also personally met someone with Leukemia, and it is not a slow-moving disease; he unfortunately died within a few years. I know of osteoporosis from the notes. It is a disease resulting in the loss of bone tissue. The cancellous bone loses calcium, becomes thinner, and may eventually disappear altogether. I don’t know if a fracture constitutes as a bone disease, but they can be Spiral, Closed, Open, or Multiple. One of the most well-known bone diseases is Arthritis. It is a disease of the joints; victims suffer pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. Many athletes will also show signs of Tendonitis, a disorder involving stiffness or pain in the muscles or joints. I want to find out more about Leukemia, the most relatable disease to me, and what symptoms the victims of it suffer. PART II: I am going to choose to research the skeletal disease of Leukemia, because it has personally affected me in my life. One of our close family friend’s children died of Leukemia when he was five. He had a very advanced form of Leukemia when he was born and it was a very sad time when he passed. I will more specifically be researching Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia, the disease he suffered from. I am looking for treatment options, symptoms, and prevention abilities. PART III: I began my search by typing â€Å"Leukemia† into Google search and got many reliable sources. I chose a source from the Mayo Clinic that clearly defined the disease and had a brief synopsis of the disease. I also went to the Leukemia & Lymphoma society’s website and found a document on the specific type of leukemia I was researching. I also searched the symptoms of Leukemia and found a good source on Medicine Net. SOURCES: – http://www.lls.org/#/diseaseinformation/leukemia/jmml/ – http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/leukemia/DS00351 – http://www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/page5.htm#symptoms PART IV: I learned that Leukemia is a blood cancer that attacks the bone marrow and the Lymphatic system. I learned that many different types exist and treatment can be complex, depending on the type of Leukemia and other factors. I learned that Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia is most commonly diagnosed in infants, much like my close friend. I didn’t know, but JMML is a very uncommon type of blood cancer and it only occurs in infancy and early childhood. I learned that symptoms can be fevers, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss for no reason, bleeding and bruising easily, and pain in the joints and bones. I learned that doctors diagnose Leukemia by physical exams as well as blood tests and biopsies. I learned that stem-cell transplantation could be used for treatment of this cancer. My friend had this done with the help of his younger brother, and actually went into remission for two years. I really learned a lot about this disease and have an enlightened perspective on Leukemia and its unfortunate victims.

Impact of Gay Marriage on Children Essay

Take a look at the picture of a gay and a lesbian couple (see Figure 1). Long ago people would have raised their eyebrows and glared at such obvious display of affection between two men and two women. They would have scurried away and cursed them who engaged in activities that compromise morality. They would have felt anger to know that a man would even think of marrying another man or a woman to another woman. But years later, this picture has become normal. Wherever people go, they see gay and lesbian couples. They are everywhere. And the government has also come to accept this phenomenon, although there are still debates whether gay marriage, or same-sex marriage, should be legalized and accepted. Gay marriage has been one of the critical issues still not resolved and still plagued lots of people today. There are debates and protests whether this should be legalized or accepted in the society. Many are strongly against gay marriage because of their various beliefs about marriage itself. On the other hand, many are also for gay marriage because they think that marriage is all about equality and freedom to choose and decide. However, we must look at what gay marriage does to the children, because they are also adversely affected by this. This paper will show that gay marriage (the term will be used interchangeably with same-sex marriage in this paper), has a negative impact on children. In 1989, Denmark granted â€Å"registered partnership† to same-sex couples; Norway, in 1993; Sweden, in 1994; and Iceland, in 1996. Other countries in Europe, such as France, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands and Belgium also did the same (Lee Badgett 2). Meezan and Rauch reported that gay marriage (or same-sex marriage) is a reality in the United States and other parts of the world. They added that for the advocates of same-sex marriage, it is a civil rights issue. For the opponents, it is a matter of morality. Both sides are correct, but most importantly, it is a family-policy issue which has not been regarded with the right amount of attention in the American scene (97). The most important question to be considered is: How will same-sex marriage affect the well-being of children? The statistics showed significant trends. In 2007, Craft reported that in 1976 alone, there were about 300,000 to 500,000 gay and lesbian parents. In Bahamas alone, the number of homosexuals is increasing. Many of these, who keep their homosexuality secret, have positions in companies and in governments. The Rainbow Alliance of The Bahamas showed that gay individuals makes up five percent while bisexuals make up 29 percent of The Bahamas population (see Chart 1). Additionally, there are about eight to 10 million children living in gay and lesbian households. It is estimated that the number of gay and lesbian people who are interested to adopt children is nearly two million. The highest concentration of adopted children living with homosexual parents could be found in California. These children tend to be younger. Gates, Lee Badgett, Chambers and Macomber estimated that there were about 65,000 adopted children living in a gay or lesbian household. Moreover, out of the estimated 3. 1 million gay and lesbian households in U. S. , 1. 6 percent includes an adopted child under the age of 18 (7) (see Table 1). In the Frequently Asked Questions article by The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) marriage is all about love, commitment, sharing and compromise. It should not be denied to couples just because of their sex; marriage is a personal choice. However, many believed that the purpose of marriage is procreation; producing children is the natural end of marriage (Cline). Since gay marriage is unnatural (it can’t produce children), Cline said that it would violate this very idea. It would undermine marriage because it is a moral institution for promoting and protecting procreation. Although this paper posits that gay marriage has positive impact on children, it is still important to look at both views about the same-sex marriage in order to make light of the things which are significant for the welfare of the children. Impact on Children Why should the children be considered when it comes to same-sex marriage? Children are helpless, according to Kurts. They rely upon adults. They need the society to provide them with institutions that keep them safe from chaos. Additionally, they cannot articulate their needs and cannot even vote. But, they are society. They are the future of the world. These are just some of the reasons why children’s well-being must be supported and encouraged. Baskerville is right in saying that the impact of gay marriage on children wasn’t paid much attention because the focus was on the debate over gay marriage. It is important to recognize the needs of the children because they deserve to grow in an environment where they have two legally recognized parents (Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health). Their relationship with their parents, the Committee furthered, must be stable and recognized. This must apply to all, whether the parents are of the opposite or of same sex. For those who advocate gay marriage, they said that gay marriage will have positive impact on the children. In an article by Sara Miles, she argued that banning gay marriage will deny children justice since marriage is good for kids. It is true that marriage is good for kids. Most of the literature about marriage would indicate that marriage brings positive outcomes for the children as it provides them with warm, close relationships with their parents. Advocates of gay marriage believe that these reasons must be taken into consideration and let someone marry whoever he wants to marry. Cline reported that those who oppose gay marriage will do anything to keep it from being legalized. However, there will come a time when gay marriage will be legal and recognized. In fact, there were actions taken in other countries to make this possible. With the rise of the issue of gay marriage in America, other areas were also considered, such as adoption of children. Baskerville quoted what Democratic state Sen. Therese Murphy. She believed that almost half of all adopted children in Massachusetts live in households with homosexually-behaving adults. Baskerville added that allowing gay couples to â€Å"have† children, or to give them the right to adopt, is nearly the same as granting them the right to claim the children of a couple. The question here is whether the biological parents will agree to be separated from their children. This is made easy by the government’s initiative to give other people’s children to gay or lesbian couples. The government also has the power to take back the children from their biological parents even though the parents did not do something that would make the government take back the children. This is because the government now had the incentive and the means to take children from their parents with no due process. Baskerville reported that the 1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) gives financial incentives to the states to remove children from their original parents. As a result, CAPTA became instrumental in tearing children away from their parents. Additionally, the federal funds went to the foster-care providers. Even now, there are still children removed from their families despite the fact that foster homes were more abusive than the children’s original families. This problem existed for a long time until the government thought of another program. The government provided another program to solve the problem created by CAPTA, which is the 1997 Adoption and Safe Families Act. It provided more financial assistance to transfer children from foster care to adoption. This expanded the client base of stakeholders who had vested financial interest in available children. Gay marriage, it seemed, made this even worse. Baskerville reported that through having kids adopted by gay couples, the government officials can take advantage of the adoption. These government officials can very well benefit through the funds that are set for the Act. Rekers provided three reasons on why Arkansas has prohibited homosexually-behaving adults from being given license to be foster parents. First: The inherent nature and structure of households with a homosexually-behaving adult uniquely endangers foster children by exposing them to a substantial level of harmful stresses that are over and above usual stress levels in heterosexual foster homes. (Rekers 2) This means that those children entering foster care usually have high incidence of psychological disorder. Rekers explained that if homosexual parents adopted those children, they (the children) are likely to be at risk of psychological harm and maladjustment. This happens when the children are exposed in greater stress brought upon them by the mere presence of a homosexual in a foster home. Moreover, Rekers believed that the children are affected in such a way that they are at risk of depression or psychological disorders (2). Second, Rekers reasoned out the relationships between homosexually-behaving adults tend to be less stable and short-lived, unlike the relationship between a married man and woman. Therefore, this would not be appropriate for children because they will be easily influenced. Furthermore, Rekers believed that suicidal attempt, substance abuse, psychological disorders and breakups happen most often with homosexual partners. Thus, they are incapable of providing a secure and stable home that foster children needed. And if children are to be adopted by these homosexually-behaving adults, it would mean that children will be removed and transfer to another home. Sometimes the transition is traumatic for these children. Third, the household structure of foster-parents consisting of one or more homosexually-behaving members denies children their needs for adjustment that can be found in heterosexual foster homes. Rekers backed this third reason by explaining that unlike heterosexual households, a household with homosexually-behaving adults lack the concrete role of a mother and a father, which is necessary for the growth and development of children. Additionally, homosexual households lack the role of a mother and a father in raising children. Also, the children have no chance to witness a husband/wife relationship, which the society thinks is socially stable and healthier for the children. Rekers said that the children who live with a married man and woman are better adjusted compared to those who live in households with homosexually-behaving adults. Children in foster care must be placed with heterosexual married couple because this will provide them with their needed benefits and leads to better child adjustment. A study presented by Jacobs in her article showed that nearly all 50 studies done on the children of gay and lesbian couples (between six and 14 million in the United States) showed no significant difference between children raised by heterosexual or homosexual couples. However, those who oppose gay marriage argued that most of the studies done were small, there were methodological flaws, and mostly were politically biased. Jacobs reported a study which showed that there’s no significant difference whether a child is raised by a gay or lesbian parents. In short, a child with gay or lesbian parents does not necessarily make him different from his peers. However, Jacobs presented some interesting findings from other researches regarding these differences. She mentioned that in 2001, Judith Stacey, a sociologist, and her colleague, Timothy Biblarz, found out that there are, in fact, some differences. They said that although gay and lesbian parenting is not harmful for children, those who have gay parents differ in some ways from those who have heterosexual parents. For instance, a study headed by Susan Golombok concluded that having homosexual parents does not encourage their children to become homosexuals. However, the daughters of lesbians were more open to the idea of being attracted to the same gender than the daughters of heterosexual mothers. Another finding was that out of the 25 children of lesbians, six of them had had relationship with someone of the same gender. The 21 children of heterosexual mothers did not have a relationship with the same gender. Kurts countered that gays have special case because the difficulties and challenges they experience are not from â€Å"discrimination† of marriage. The challenges and difficulties are due to the problem of sexual difference. He added that marriage is just a consolation for the challenges that are usual in situations faced by gays. Although gays are much tolerated in the United States, using marriage for the wrong purpose will not change the situations of gays. Instead, it will be the end of marriage, and the protection it provides for the children who are helpless. Gay marriage will also have an effect on heterosexual marriage. Supporting gay marriage, according to Gallagher (qtd. in Darby), would mean that the courts will not fully support the views of those who advocate heterosexual marriage. Moreover, if heterosexual marriage is confirmed as a special institution that must be protected and upheld, the number of fatherless children will decrease. Heterosexual marriage will prevent the incidences of children born outside marriage. Kotulski (qtd. in Darby) contradicted this by saying that there will still be fatherless children. There will be factors that would continue to break families, such as poverty and violence. Other Effects Pawelski et. al have noted some other effects of same-sex marriage to children. These effects, as noted, were experienced at different levels. In the psychosocial level, gay and lesbian individuals usually undergo peer rejection, harassment, depression or isolation. In fact, Pawelski et. al reported that almost half (47%) of gay and lesbian teens have thought about committing suicide while 36% actually attempted. Oftentimes, these individuals experience rejection from their loved ones, maltreatment in schools, homelessness, and violence. As adults, they experience discrimination, marginalization and violence. Various debates over the issue of same-sex marriage intensified the unstable environment for the homosexuals in the society. Lack of support and acceptance for them and their children will have effects on their physical and psychosocial health and safety. The children of gay or lesbian couples may, in the same way, experience marginalization and discrimination by those who do not approve of gay or lesbian parenting. More often, these children do not know how or where to find support. Even alliances in schools that admit straight gays can make the situation worse. Pawelski et. al reported that children are brought into long-term partnerships with gay and lesbian parents through surrogacy, adoption and alternative insemination. Their study also delved into the attitudes and behavior, personality and adjustment of parents when it comes to parenting. The authors found out that there were only few differences recorded regarding the comparison between lesbian and heterosexual mothers’ psychological adjustment, self-esteem and attitudes about child rearing. Lesbian mothers, the study showed, passed the psychological assessments and interviews. Furthermore, the study showed that the attitudes of lesbian mothers did not differ much from those of heterosexual mothers. In the same way, gay fathers did not differ much from nongay fathers. In fact, there are more similarities than differences. However, there is concern over the effect of the parent’s sexual orientation on the children because this might lead to embarrassment and thus keep the children from interacting with their peers. It was found out that the children of divorced lesbian mothers experienced more teasing from peers during childhood than the children of divorced heterosexual mothers. It is of interest that Pawelski et. al mentioned that the children who grew up with gay or lesbian parents were more tolerant of diversity and more nurturing than those children with heterosexual parents. Pawelski et. al mentioned another study which showed that children of heterosexual parents considered themselves more aggressive. Their parents and teachers regarded them as more domineering, bossy and negative. On the other hand, the children of lesbian parents considered themselves as more lovable. Their parents and teachers regarded them as more responsive, affectionate and protective of other younger children. Another study showed that the self-esteem, aggressiveness and sociability of children with lesbian parents and those with heterosexual parents have similarities. There were also studies conducted which showed that children of lesbian parents who were satisfied with their relationships have fewer behavioral problems and were better adjusted. There was also a study by the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health wherein the population consisted of 12105 adolescents in the United States. The authors found out that 44 adolescents, ranging from 12 to 18 years old, who were living with two women, were similar to others who have heterosexual parents when it comes to measures of anxiety, depression, self-esteem and school success. There were also similarities regarding family relationships, care from others, neighborhood integration, regardless of whether the children come from opposite-gender or same-gender families (Pawelski et. al). Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts back in 2004, researches today showed that it may have positive impact in strengthening the ties between couples, their children and extended families. It is interesting to note, however, that a large number of young people in America seemed to support gay and lesbian issues. Olander, Kirby and Schmitt mentioned a survey done by the Council for Excellence in Government (CEG) and CIRCLE which asked young people from 15 to 25 years old their perspective about the rights of homosexuals. The survey found out that youths supported gay and lesbian issues such as protection in housing, employment and hate crime, legal partnerships or civic unions and the ability to adopt children (2). There are others who view gay marriage on a positive note. Carpenter believed that gay marriage helps children. He said that gay parenting nowadays is very common in the United States, and that there are children in every gay and lesbian household. He did not seem to agree that children are better raised by a married man and woman. He furthered that gay marriage will not take away children from their biological parents. Although there is no reported shortage of children, the number of married couples is not enough to raise these children. And this is the reason why singles and unmarried couples are allowed sub-optimal parenting. Carpenter thought that this arrangement is better than foster care where the effects on children are unfavorable. Brinkmann countered Carpenter’s views. She believed that if a child is exposed to both sexes in a household, it will have positive effects on his developmental needs. She explained that this aids them in forming their sexual identity. Since the breakdown of marriage in the country had negative effects especially on children, it must be considered that a heterosexual marriage will provide the children stability with regards to family relationships. Brinkmann furthered that without heterosexual marriage, the society will disintegrate. Times have changed and more changes will manifest in the future. Amidst these changes, the welfare of children who are affected by gay marriage must be the utmost consideration. This means that supporting heterosexual marriage will be beneficial for these children. The government and families must make sure that every step of the way, these children will be encouraged and supported. Their needs must be met in order for them to grow as responsible citizens in our society.