History of Shakespeare :: Essays Papers

History of Shakespeare William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-on-Avon, England. His father, John Shakespeare, was a glover. He was very successful and well respected in society, as a mayor, town council man, and justice of peace. Mary Arden, Shakespeare's mother, was from a wealthy family and with John Shakespeare, they had eight children. Shakespeare went to Stratford Grammar School where he studied the Greek and Latin, and grew to love to read. It is said that his formal education ended here. On November 27, 1582, Shakespeare married Ann Hathaway who was twenty-eight years old. They had their first daughter, Susanna, on May 26, 1583 and after two years they had a twins, Judith and Hamnet. Hamnet died at the age of eleven in 1596. There are no written documents or evidence of Shakespeare between the years 1585-1592. In 1593, after establishing himself as an actor and play writer, Shakespeare with the help of his friend, Henry Wriothsley who sponsored him, wrote two long poems. His first poem, "Venus and Adonius", was written in 1593 . Then in 1594, he wrote his second long poem, "Rape of Lucrece". During that year the theatres in London opened up again after the plague. Shakespeare began to work for the "Lord Chamberlain's Men" company who later became known as "The King's Men" in 1603 after King James took over. This company became the largest and most famous acting company in London, due to Shakespeare's plays and works. In 1599, "The Globe" theatre was built, a many of Shakespeare's plays were performed there, and soon other theatres followed such as "The Curtain" and "The Rose" theatres. As an actor, director, writer, and stockholder in his acting company, Shakespeare soon became a very wealthy man. In 1597, Shakespeare brought "New Place", which was a very large house for his family to live in. In 1611, Shakespeare left London and retired. On March 25, 1616, Shakespeare made a will and he died on April 23, 1616 at the age of fifty-two.

Modern Irony Essay

Since the beginning of time, man has attempted to unravel the seemingly infinite mysteries of life. The English playwright Tom Stoppard has written plays that address the existence of â€Å"fate† (or a predestined outcome for every human being) and controlling one’s own destiny. His plays also deal with the many other uncertainties that arise during a normal person’s life; such as sex, how we know things, etc. (Tom Stoppard) Stoppard’s utilization of satire and drawn parallels mirror the image of life’s faults and intricacies. His plays serve to show people the humor and irony that life presents. During the time that Stoppard wrote his first play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstein, society was experiencing a social upheaval. The late sixties was a time of experimentation and existentialism. People were asking questions about their very existence in a way never before seen. In this climate, Stoppard saw the opportunity to begin writing plays that dealt with the issues of the time (Overview of Tom Stoppard). He took a whimsical spin though, on the method in which he delivered it. He embarked on the continuing journey of a great literary tradition, but diverged from its path by ridiculing it. His desire to write plays was not a spontaneous venture; during this era, many people wanted to express their thoughts and feelings, and plays were a common medium. Stoppard observed this and pondered if success and knowledge could be his as well. The general question being asked around this time was â€Å"Why are we here? † Man has always sought an answer to this question, but now more than ever was it expressed in literature and plays. Stoppard’s craft shows a propensity for humor, which offers a more light-hearted viewpoint of this previously serious and mundane subject. Stoppard asks the question of not only â€Å"Why are we here? † but also â€Å"How are we here? † as well. He explores the intricacies of life in an attempt to derive a meaning. His comical touch alleviates the heavy association of philosophy though. Whether or not his question is answered is secondary to the method in which we view it. In Stoppard’s eyes, it is more important â€Å"to live† rather than to comprehend â€Å"why we live. † This approach brought fanfare to Stoppard, as society saw his style as fresh; and a tangible device to which they could relate. Literary history has had a heavy impact on Stoppard’s method and conceptual presentation. He admits to being swooned by such masterpieces as Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, and ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufock† by T. S. Elliot. The ideas that he extracted from these artists and their works helped him divulge his own style to which he could further literature. A parallel may be drawn between Waiting for Godot and Stoppard’s â€Å"Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are Dead. † Both works feature two men, and their journey in existentialism. Beckett’s version has them waiting for a surreal character (Godot) that, in the end, never appears. The characters are portrayed as confused, and the play takes on an air of severe depression. The play is very much an appeal to the audience, as they too are overcome by this depression. The characters slowly fade away, emotionless and unexcitable. Stoppard’s â€Å"version† though has his characters embark on a journey; a fruitless journey, but a â€Å"goal† to meet none the less. Beckett disarms his audience, while Stoppard embraces them into his play; making the audience feel at home and comfortable. Stoppard diffuses the rather â€Å"heavy† atmosphere belied by Beckett with satire and a whimsical wit. For example, In â€Å"Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are Dead,† Stoppard portrays the idea of â€Å"death† as a game. He does this in an attempt to show the audience that it is not to be feared. He achieves this by his satirical depiction of the internal â€Å"play† within â€Å"Hamlet† by Shakespeare. The characters in the â€Å"play† perish, and then the actual characters die in the exact same manner. The audience can identify with death, as all humans are concerned with their own demise. They take away though, a much less serious approach in viewing it. The other author, Elliot, often depicted his characters as stumbling and indecisive. One of his most famous works, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, deals with a man who is enamored with the variables and uncertainties of approaching a woman that he admires. In the poem, Prufrock realizes that only he cares about his decision, and whether he chooses to pursue her or not, will not matter. He sees himself as part of his own world; in which he is the â€Å"sole occupant. † He, sadly, is only coherent enough in his â€Å"world† though to realize how much he is potentially missing by not being completely immersed in it. He cannot solve this problem though, and continues wandering and pondering till the end of time. Stoppard took away from Elliot a similar stance to character development. He portrays his characters as aware, but not completely in tune with their surroundings. The effect is one of dismay, but comical as well. Stoppard’s portrayal is more humorous in nature, displaying them as bungling and unresponsive. This is exemplified in his play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are Dead. His characters attempt to divulge the plan and their â€Å"purpose† as designated by the King (Claudius), but are unable to fully grasp its meaning. These literary greats do not contribute the fabulous humor that Stoppard has developed though. His humorous elements can best be equated to his passion for the â€Å"Theatre of the Absurd. † This type of theater came into popularity during the 1950s and 1960s; and was applied to plays that portrayed the human situation without purpose and with absurd plot elements. This form was a reemergence of an attempt towards awareness of man’s purpose in life; the sense of wonder that man has always had concerning how things work and why. In some respect, it was anti-theater, as it went against the basic premise of regular theater. It was illogical and usually had very little or no plot (Culik). Stoppard’s fascination with this art form had a profound impact on his own personal style. Sigmund Freud, a proponent of the Absurd, said, â€Å"In trying to burst the bounds of logic and language, the absurd theater is trying to shatter the enclosing walls of the human condition itself. â€Å"(Culik) This confirms the spatial concepts that the theater was attempting to portray, and Stoppard’s comedic element is based upon this illogical and removed nature. The play Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are Dead is a satirical look upon the much more staunch play Hamlet. It delves into the lives of two supporting characters named â€Å"Rosencrantz† and â€Å"Guildenstein. † The characters ‘ unimportance is exemplified in the play by their lack of understanding and baffling thought patterns. This play shows Stoppard’s portrayal of â€Å"artificiality of theater. † The performance is not about the actual play, but the context of the play; the idea of attending the performance. The characters appeal directly to the audience, instead of becoming immersed in its story and plot. The effect is comical, as the play begins with them merely spinning coins and making bizarre implications towards the audience. Rosencrantz has spun the coin and received â€Å"heads† nearly 85 times. His humorous portrayal of the â€Å"law of averages† is his â€Å"justification† for his luck. This is the play’s first look into why things happen. The characters are unable to come to a proper conclusion though; and the path that Rosencrantz begins upon (the law of averages) cannot be farther removed from the truth. The play continues with these hilarious situations, finally having the pair receive their mission from Claudius the King. The pair ponders why they have received the mission, and why they must complete it. Stoppard constantly asserts that a â€Å"play is being read. ;† instead of allowing the reader to delve into a story. He makes the reader think of Hamlet, and its tragic implications; and applies a humorous tone to it. In the end of the play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are supposedly murdered (the English king is instructed to execute them, but their actual deaths are not witnessed), but instead of a grand exit, they merely fade away. Stoppard shows through this that the characters had served only a menial and insignificant purpose. The reader is unable to sympathize with the characters’ demise, as the play is portrayed with a comical tone. This disservice to death with satire is both eye widening and thought provoking. A person is assaulted with the moral implications of death, instead of offering a deaf sympathy to the character’s grief. Stoppard’s ability to allow the playgoers to analyze what they feel is his greatest achievement in the work; not the story itself. Stoppard’s play Arcadia is another intelligent play that provokes the reader to appraise man’s life long debacles. In the play, the characters attempt to grasp the mysteries of sex, and a path towards knowledge that leads to an understanding of the future. The latter is portrayed as an equation developed by Thomasina, in an attempt to control her own destiny. Her professor, Septimus, also contributes to the equation by way of a lesson to his student, Thomasina. He explains to her that the loss of knowledge isn’t the end of the world; as it is rediscovered eventually in the future. This subject is an explanation of humanity’s technological progression and our knowledge. The play attempts to allow the reader to grasp the many unknown or misunderstood concepts in life. â€Å"Mysteries† such as sex can only be acquired through practice and progression of time. Stoppard appeals to the general public that things cannot be instantly understood; they must be studied and experimented with to fully grasp the full meaning. These mysteries will eventually be solved, but it shall take time and patience; nothing is instantaneous in life. Stoppard’s inclusion of Thomasina’s â€Å"equation† is both humorous and practical in its implication. Thomasina’s goal was to create an equation that could more or less tell the future. It is humorous to surmise that a simple equation can predict the future with numbers. The limitless variables and uncertainties in life will forever impede such an â€Å"advancement. † Stoppard attempts to explain that life itself is intangible; it can neither be predicted nor reduced to a simple equation. Stoppards’ plays contain many useful outlooks on how a person should view their life on earth. People are always concerned with the future and their own death (and when it will occur). Stoppard believes that man shouldn’t view life with such a critical eye; and instead should accept certain facts to be true. Man is powerless concerning the ability to control life. There are many uncertainties in life that are both humorous and infinitely escapable to the human mind. His plays show inept characters driven into the ground by their consumption of the â€Å"study of life. † Stoppard suggests through his characters’ comical adventures that life is for living, and the consequence of a life spent longing and pondering equates to a life disenfranchised of pulp and meaning. The â€Å"meaning† which man longs for cannot be quantified; it must be experienced to break the surface of significance. Works Cited Stoppard, Tom. Arcadia. Stoppard, Tom. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. â€Å"Tom Stoppard. † DISCovering Biography. Online Edition. Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center. Thomson Gale. 17 January 2005  http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/SRC

Proud To Be An American Essay

I am proud to live in America. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave. We have the freedom to vote, practice the religion of our choice, speak freely, and freely share our thoughts or ideas through the press. Our country is the #1 diverse country in the world. There are several reasons why I believe America is a great country to live in. If you are an American citizen over eighteen, you have the right to vote. I think it is important to allow citizens to vote because it allows them to have a say in our government, whether you’re rich, poor, different cultures, or religions your vote still counts. Our voting rights are a given as an American citizen. Our citizens voting influences laws, leaders, and other important matters. The freedoms our soldiers have fought for, including voting, are still just as important today as it was many years ago. These rights serve as a very important matter in our country, and every citizen should be grateful for having them. We have the right to speak freely and say anything we want without getting punished. We can express our selves everyday and be proud of what we do or do not believe in. Another way we can express our individualism is through the press. We can speak up about the truth, through the media including that of the internet and press. Another reason I am proud of my country is because of diversity of culture, opinion, and race. The United States of America is sometimes considered the ‘melting pot’ of the world. It has that nickname because a variety of people from all over the world have come to America to have equality. America has equality because people with different cultures, opinions,style, race, and many more, are not judged unfairly or treated differentally from other people.

Separation of Powers in New Zealand

Separation of Powers in New Zealand Free Online Research Papers The three branches; the executive, the legislature and the judiciary of government, should be separate, unique and equal. There should be a clear separation between the people and functions of the legislature, executive and judiciary. As Montesquieu said â€Å"that each function should be exercised individually by three institutions; When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty, because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws to execute them in tyrannical manner. Again there is no liberty if the judiciary power be not separated from legislative and executive.† However this does not mean that the bodies should have no power over each other, what is required is a â€Å"check and balance† system between them. If the branches were completely separate it would be unworkable, particularly as the Parliament is Supreme. There should be sufficient interplay between the branches, for example, the executive proposes legislation, Parliament debates and passes the law, and the judiciary upholds the Acts of Parliament. In the United States there is a formal separation of powers, with a deliberate system of checks and balances. Even in a constitution built on principle of the separation of powers, the separation cannot be absolute. There is separation of personnel between the Executive and the Legislature. The legislature controls the levying of taxes and allocation of the funds and can therefore cut off funds to executive policies and project of which Congress do not approve. The Supreme Court of United States has the power to declare legislation unconstitutional. Both the Supreme Court and the President are subject to removal by impeachment in the legislature, Hubbard, Thomas and Varnham, (2010). In New Zealand there is no formal separation of powers. Legislature/Executive There is no separation between the executive and legislature nor do many of the checks and balances exist. Hubbard et al. (2010).There is no separation of personnel between the Executive and the Legislature. The Governor-General is formal head of the executive branch and required to assent legislation before it becomes law. The MMP electoral system and the strong select committee system to ensure that the Executive does not dominate the legislature There is evidence of mixing function between the Executive and the Legislature. The legislature’s ability to delegate its law making powers to executive branch, â€Å"Parent Statutes† is the specific example of delegation of powers, McDowell and Webb, (2002). Legislature/Judiciary There is no common membership between the two branches of government. In all circumstances Judiciary is considered to be subordinate to Parliamentary control and Parliament can exercise its supreme law making power to check judicial decision. Parliamentary supremacy is clear as it may enact any law that it pleases and courts must apply the law and cannot question it. There is no power by which Judiciary can exercise any control over legislature. But courts can only exercise law making powers by interpreting legislation, developing legal principles through the common law and precedent and pronouncement of fundamental rights, McDowell and Webb, (2002). Executive/judiciary In limited circumstances, there may be an overlap in membership between them, e.g. High Court Judges may be called upon to exercise an executive function as Royal Commissioner for a commission of enquiry. On the other hand Judges are appointed by the members of the executive ( the Chief Justice is nominated by Prime Minister and Cabinet). Executive functions are capable of being limited by judiciary by way of administrative law and judicial review, McDowell and Webb, (2002). Conclusion As from all above it is clear that the New Zealand government system lack full application of theory separation of powers due to Westminster system. How ever it is not possible to adopt full separation of power but it is necessary and important to have close and coordinated interaction and must have check and balance system among the three parts of government to work effectively. References Hubbard, J., Thomas, C. Varnham, S. (2010). Principles of law for New Zealand business students (4th ed.). North Shore, New Zealand: Pearson. McDowell, M. Webb, D. (2002). The New Zealand legal system, structures, Processes legal theory (3rd ed.). Wellington, New Zealand: LexisNexis Butterworths. Montesquieu, C.L. (1748) Esprit des Lois, Book XI Ch. VI. Research Papers on Separation of Powers in New ZealandAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaQuebec and CanadaPETSTEL analysis of IndiaOpen Architechture a white paperCapital PunishmentComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationThe Project Managment Office SystemNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in Capital

How to use your time effectively when youre in between jobs

How to use your time effectively when youre in between jobs For most of us, our career paths are not a simple straight line. Instead, there are multiple twists and turns- some planned and others unexpected- along with diversions, reroutes and new and unexpected directions that appear as time goes by. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average time people spend at their jobs is now only about 4.2 years. Our paths also include times in which we’re gainfully employed and times at which we find ourselves in between jobs, either by choice or circumstance. For most people, filling the time in between jobs can be a real challenge. We want to make sure that we’re using this time to our advantage, but figuring out how to do so effectively- especially if it’s a longer time period than we’d like it to be- can be difficult. With all of this weighing on your shoulders, it’s really in your best interest to try to structure and use your time effectively when you’re in between jobs- both for yo ur long-term health and happiness as well as to help set you up for your next job.Build and maintain your networkIn today’s job market, cold calling and responding to general job ads is way less effective than it used to be. These days, a significant percentage of new jobs are obtained by leveraging your network, which includes your personal and professional contacts. That said, are you taking full advantage of your network? While you’re in between jobs, building and maintaining your contacts is an invaluable use of your time, and who knows- it may not be long before one of your connections comes up with a job opening that perfectly fits what you need and can offer.Look for contract/freelance workJust because you’re between full-time jobs doesn’t mean your time has to be completely work free. In today’s job market, many companies utilize contract and freelance staff for a wide range of projects. Consider seeking out opportunities in your field or i n an area that fits your background and skill set; not only will it provide you with some income, it will also help fill in any lengthy time gaps on your resume- and who knows, if you do a particularly good job on a project you might be considered for a longer-term position when one becomes available.Take a classKeep your mind and skills sharp while in between jobs by taking a class. You can pursue a subject in your professional field- which may help you during your job hunt- or you can take a class in a completely unrelated subject that interests you. Either way, your time will be structured, educational, and well spent.VolunteerAnother good use of your time and energy in between jobs is to volunteer- not only will you be helping to support a worthy cause, you’ll also be keeping active and may possibly even acquire some new skills. Also, you may discover some completely new interests, which may help reshape your career aspirations.Create a backup planIf things just donâ€⠄¢t seem to be going your way and the amount of time that you’re unemployed is becoming a real issue, then it may be a valuable use of your time to come up with a backup plan. Take some time to research alternate fields of interest, industries where your existing background and skills may be easily transferable, and jobs that seem hot right now and have an abundance of openings. It may turn out that your backup plan pans out and makes you happier and more fulfilled than you previously were.Just because you’re in between jobs doesn’t mean that your time can’t be well spent. Use the strategies and advice presented here to make sure you’re using your time effectively.

Education News Harvard Accused of Bias Against Asian Americans

Education News Harvard Accused of Bias Against Asian Americans Education News: Harvard Accused of Bias Against Asian Americans Problems with discrimination and racism have always plagued social and cultural groups. Consequently, these issues have drawn continuous social and political debate. In the historical fight for equal rights and fair treatment for every one, courageous people resist any kind of social, gender or religion discrimination. A recent case connected with Harvard University alleges that the school maintained discriminatory policies toward Asian-Americans. This story has become a global scandal. The chancellor and the administration of the university were criticized for holding Asian Americans to a much higher set of entrance requirements than other candidates. It was stated that the university used fixed-quotas which were aimed to make the number of Asian-American candidates lower than other applicants. Such a bias may lead to the supposition that the educational potential of Asian-Americans is lower when compared to white students. However, the figures state just the opposite. Its been estimated that the results for Asian-Americans in general are about four hundred and fifty points higher in comparison with students of Afro-American origin, up to two hundred and seventy points higher than the result of Spanish students, and one hundred and forty points higher than white students (Belkin, 2015). So the educational potential of Asian-Americans exceeds the possible stereotype of their poor educational skills and academic incompetence. Sixty-four organizations filed a complaint accusing Harvard University of discrimination against Asian-Americans. The complaint alleges that â€Å"Many studies have indicated that Harvard University has been engaged in systemic and continuous discrimination against Asian-Americans during its very subjective ‘Holistic’ college admissions process† (Belkin, 2015). This anti-racism campaign aims to carry out an investigation at the federal level. It also demands that Harvardâ€Å"immediately cease and desist from using stereotypes, racial biases and other discriminatory means in evaluating Asian-American applicants† (Belkin, 2015). Harvards general counsel, Robert Iuliano, insisted that the procedure for accepting the students into the university is in accordance with the law. The educational establishment firmly states that apart from paying close attention to entry exams results, only personal qualities such as leadership skills and extracurricular activities participation are taken into account. Mr Iuloano specially underlined that, in terms of creating a multinational environment in class, a large number of lecturers and students should be admitted to the university. He highlighted that the number of minority applicants rose from 18% during the last ten years up to 21% nowadays. Still the difference doesnt seem that much significant. The group of the initiators stand firmly for the idea, that the percent of the Afro-American students should be much higher (Belkin, 2015). Many studies blame Harvard for using a highly subjective selection policy. Its obvious that the legal complaint against the university is a result of long-standing offenses against the Asian-American community and the mistreatment of Asian-American students. In any case, holding unfair and biased attitudes can never be viewed as a constructive policy. Even the slightest expression of anger and aggression toward people from minority groups is highly likely to cause alienation, and even lead to serious racial conflicts. One possible way out of the current unfavorable situation may lie in taking practical steps to reject all the national stereotypes regarding different racial groups. For only through decreasing social and racial tension can the aim of maintaining favourable balance between students of various races can be reached.

Women, crime, and criminology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Women, crime, and criminology - Assignment Example Violations of gender roles were treated in the 19th century by various charitable missions and voluntary social work projects that focused on instilling moral conscience and virtues into wayward girls. Social control over girls primarily targeted status violations, since girls are not as frequently involved in violent crime. Status violations include such things as resisting home or school authority, becoming pregnant, running away (Gelsthorpe & Sharpe, 2006). An overwhelming number of girls reformatories and training schools were established in the early 20th century, 23 established between 1910-1920, and only five established in each decade of the half century prior to that (Schlossman & Wallach, 1985, p. 70). They basically tried to isolate the young women from all males. Into the 20th century, girls were thought to need kind guidance rather than punishment, unlike boys, but they have also been thought to be more difficult to handle. They have been seen as being more emotionally unstable, more vulnerable to bad influence, more psychiatrically challenged, and more stubborn, yet less criminally inclined. Their efforts to engage in freedom beyond the socio-culturally and religiously encouraged gender role expectations were routinely seen from a medical model of pathology and a religious model of temptation into sin. In the past century, status offences revolved around their sexuality (Gelsthorpe & Sharpe, 2006). Currently, the tendency is to criminalize their resistance, language, and even the way they dress and to spread great concern that young teen girls are increasingly turning to drugs, alcohol and violent crime, instead of only status offenses. Young women have relocated their social activities from home to the more publicly visible streets and clubs, a move that has set off moral alarms in society. Society has responded, most