Middle Ages Literature Essay Example for Free

Middle Ages Literature Essay The Middle Ages had many interesting characteristics concerning the literature of that time period. The important literary works â€Å"incorporated elements and values drawn from different and conflicting traditions (Patterson 1143). For every opinion, there was another opinion to counter it. Many of the pieces of literature at this time had contradictory ideas in them or had competing interests (Patterson 1144). The literature of this time shows us that â€Å"many people took the central doctrine of Christianity so much for granted that their daily lives seem largely untroubled by the moral and spiritual demands of religion† (Patterson 1144). Another characteristic of the literature was that it alerts us to the â€Å"complexities and dilemmas that any faith poses† (Patterson 1144). The Middle Ages is also called the â€Å"age of chivalry† (Patterson 1144). The literature mainly â€Å"expresses the values of the most powerful members of society, the aristocracy† (Patterson 1144). The aristocracy achieved their power through â€Å"military might† (Patterson 1144). There was also an â€Å"explicit code of chivalry† (Patterson 1145). The values were â€Å"never entirely consistent with each other† (Patterson 1145). Characters of literature had to choose whether to be a lover or a warrior (Patterson 1145). The main concerns of the literature were â€Å"the demands of religious faith and appropriate use of physical force, and the individual human being working out his or her individual destiny† (Patterson 1145). The literature during this time contributed to a list of vivid characters to the world of literature (Patterson 1145). Writers created unforgettable, complex literary characters to deal with the themes (Patterson 1145). The Middle Ages contrasted to the Renaissance because the Renaissance’s characters had â€Å"greater autonomy and fully realized personalities† (James 1883). The Renaissance’s literature did not judge â€Å"human action by right and wrong but by beauty, memorability, and effectiveness† (James 1886). During the Renaissance, the presence of God was much less dominating (James 1887). Medieval men and women were more concerned with the afterlife, while in the Renaissance they had a preoccupation with this life (James 1886). The Canterbury Tales fits into the Middle Ages well with some characteristics and not quite as well concerning others. For example, the Pardoner in The Canterbury Tales preaches the word of God on a daily basis, yet he is morally corrupt in his everyday life (Chaucer 1759). He preaches of greed, yet is greedy himself (Chaucer 1759). The Pardoner steals from the church, as well as innocent people (Chaucer 1758). Chaucer showed us that people took the doctrine of the church for granted. Other characters in The Canterbury Tales spoke of God and were Christians, yet didn’t bother with feeling morally obligated to act right. The dilemmas of being a Christian in real-life are seen. Some of the characters are Christian but it is more complex and takes an effort to be a Christian. The Canterbury Tales didn’t seem to have contradictory themes necessarily. Chaucer makes his views of various social ranks known through a use of satire. The characters themselves are contradictory, as we see with the Pardoner once again (Chaucer 1758). Since Chaucer has every type of social rank represented, we see his view of these ranks, which does contradict some of the jobs or moral obligations of various people. The characters in the story itself did compete for various interests. They all held different values or beliefs about the world. Chaucer lived during this time period, so it is in a way a more realistic view rather than contradictory. The explicit code of chivalry isn’t necessarily a large component of The Canterbury Tales except for perhaps the Knight and his tale. Chaucer shows that some people were focused on the chivalry act during this time. The Canterbury Tales doesn’t focus on pleasing the aristocracy either. Chaucer wrote from the perspective of every social rank so his book was meant for the poor and rich. Its subject matter was meant to be appealing to all Medieval people. The final characteristic that The Canterbury Tales does follow is the well developed characters. Chaucer had a whole list of realistic, complex characters. These characters could rival the Renaissance’s characters to me. I enjoyed reading about the characters and reading even more of The Canterbury Tales online. The Canterbury Tales fits well with the characteristics of the Middle Ages for the most part. The individual characters do have an individual goal in mind. Chaucer seemed as if he cared about his characters and wanted readers to his get to know them on an individual level, which seems more ahead of his time.

Importance of The Beast in Lord of The Flies by William Golding Essay

Importance of The Beast in Lord of The Flies by William Golding All the way throughout the book, of ‘Lord of the Flies’ there is one main, big theme; the beast. It was first introduced by a small boy who was described as ‘a shrimp of a boy, about six years old, and on one side of his face was blotted out by a mulberry-coloured birthmark.’ The boy with the mulberry-coloured birthmark said that it was ‘a snake-thing, ever so big.’ By describing the beast as a ‘snake-thing’ makes it sound like as if it is something quite abnormal, because he’s not so sure about it being a snake. This keeps the beast more of a mystery, and starts making the beast as the unknown. The beast being a snake is quite significant because it’s not a huge animal that you can keep a look out for, it’s small and you won’t even know when it’s near you, and can do you as much harm as a lion or tiger would. Ralph when he first hears about the beast laughs it off, and doesn’t think about it seriously. He also convinces the other big boys that it was the small boy’s imagination. ‘Laughing, Ralph looked for confirmation round the ring of faces. The older boys agreed;’ page 35. Every single time someone tries to show Ralph that the people were starting to get scared, and that as the days went on, more and more people became aware of the ‘beast’, he always throws the idea away to show that if he isn’t scared then why should anyone else be; and covers it up by saying that they need to get rescued. ‘ â€Å"The best thing we can do is get our selves rescued.† ’ page 54. So even if Ralph is scared of the beast, his speech leads the readers and the characters of the book to think that he is brave, and doesn’t want to think about the beast becaus... ...ther boys. ‘Simon was crying out something about a dead man†¦The beast struggled†¦There were no words and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws.’ page 168 – 169. This is quite important because the only person who knew about the beast had now just been killed by the beast within the other boys. One of the main themes throughout the book is shown as part of the boys. Although at the beginning the beast had no importance in the novel, near the end it was the only theme to concentrate on as everyone could only think about torture, hunt and kill. Before Simon had died, there was some kind civilisation around, and people weren’t that much afraid of the beast, as they knew they had someone saying that there was no beast. But after the beast inside themselves kill Simon, everything becomes wild and savage, and there is more of the fear of the unknown. Importance of The Beast in Lord of The Flies by William Golding Essay Importance of The Beast in Lord of The Flies by William Golding All the way throughout the book, of ‘Lord of the Flies’ there is one main, big theme; the beast. It was first introduced by a small boy who was described as ‘a shrimp of a boy, about six years old, and on one side of his face was blotted out by a mulberry-coloured birthmark.’ The boy with the mulberry-coloured birthmark said that it was ‘a snake-thing, ever so big.’ By describing the beast as a ‘snake-thing’ makes it sound like as if it is something quite abnormal, because he’s not so sure about it being a snake. This keeps the beast more of a mystery, and starts making the beast as the unknown. The beast being a snake is quite significant because it’s not a huge animal that you can keep a look out for, it’s small and you won’t even know when it’s near you, and can do you as much harm as a lion or tiger would. Ralph when he first hears about the beast laughs it off, and doesn’t think about it seriously. He also convinces the other big boys that it was the small boy’s imagination. ‘Laughing, Ralph looked for confirmation round the ring of faces. The older boys agreed;’ page 35. Every single time someone tries to show Ralph that the people were starting to get scared, and that as the days went on, more and more people became aware of the ‘beast’, he always throws the idea away to show that if he isn’t scared then why should anyone else be; and covers it up by saying that they need to get rescued. ‘ â€Å"The best thing we can do is get our selves rescued.† ’ page 54. So even if Ralph is scared of the beast, his speech leads the readers and the characters of the book to think that he is brave, and doesn’t want to think about the beast becaus... ...ther boys. ‘Simon was crying out something about a dead man†¦The beast struggled†¦There were no words and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws.’ page 168 – 169. This is quite important because the only person who knew about the beast had now just been killed by the beast within the other boys. One of the main themes throughout the book is shown as part of the boys. Although at the beginning the beast had no importance in the novel, near the end it was the only theme to concentrate on as everyone could only think about torture, hunt and kill. Before Simon had died, there was some kind civilisation around, and people weren’t that much afraid of the beast, as they knew they had someone saying that there was no beast. But after the beast inside themselves kill Simon, everything becomes wild and savage, and there is more of the fear of the unknown.

How would you direct act 1 scene 3 of Macbeth? Essay

Through this essay, I aim to present my ideas as to how I would direct act 1 scene 7 of Macbeth. I will also analyse the text and explain what I think it means. In my play, the two characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth would be like nothing before. Throughout the play, the characters would distinctly change; in fact Macbeth and Lady Macbeth would practically switch rolls. For example, to begin with, Macbeth is soft, weak of mind, and it is Lady Macbeth who leads him and pushes him forward. Through this scene, she should appear to be wicked, even evil, and this should especially stand out in this scene. The point in the scene were I would make this very apparent, are between the lines 54 – 59. Here, lady Macbeth states her loyalty for Macbeth, when she says ‘I have given suck and know how tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dash the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this.’ The way I would direct the actor through this is as follows. I would have her pause between the words ‘smiling’ and ‘in’ to show that the very thought of her child’s face really does have an effect on her, and that she is not all evil, although the insight into this side of LM would be so short the audience should wonder if they even saw it. Then, the phrase ‘dash the brains out’ she would mime a moment, as if she was performing the act. This is just one example of how I want LM co come across in the play; a wicked, scary and evil, but you should have the feeling that she isn’t all bad or perhaps, so wasn’t always this evil. Later though, when Macbeth kills the king he suddenly changes from weak one, to evil one, it should almost appear that LM and M switched characters as at that point LM breaks down, and becomes the weak one of the two. In 16th c, women had a very different role to the one they have today. My research shows this through several ways, but the major one is that if a man considered a woman to be a potentional trouble maker, he would accuse her of being a witch, there by having her killed. This meant that women couldn’t stand out in any way, leaving the responsibilities of gaining honour and power to the men. Through the play I want to show this clearly. I will do so by having LM aggressive while it is only she and M. but as soon as they are in other company, she is quiet and submissive only reminding M by shooting him glare after glare. The way people acted in the 16th c. should show through the play. For instance, honour in the 16th c. was a major part of society. This will show through M character in the play, especially at the beginning of act 1 scene 7, when M is making his soliloquy and telling LM of his decision (to not kill the king). I would direct the actor to strain his voice while making it appear as if he was trying to protect his honour when he says ‘he’s here, in double trust:’ and ‘I am his kin’s man and his subject’ then ‘as his host I should against his murder shut the door’. He should emphasize on the words ‘host’, ‘against’ and ‘kin’s man’. By doing this, the actor is showing that if he were to kill the king, then his honour would be tarnished. At the time the play was written, king James 1 was in power. For this reason I think the play, was written as it would greatly appeal to the king. – ‘The man who killed his fellow king, watch how his life is destroyed!’ I would want this to show through my play, as I want to keep the play as true to the original as possible in this respect, as it would give the play another layer of depth and therefore make it more interesting. My version of this scene would be set in a 16th c. city, during a large feast hosted by the Macbeth’s in the city centre. M is down a side ally when LM joins him part way through the scene. Throughout the scene M and LM are both tense as they are nervous about anyone walking in on them. The reason I would set it in the 16th c. is because honour was a major part of society which is one of my main themes of the play, along with King James being in power at the time. Also in the 16th c. community events involving the entire town/city were not uncommon, making my version of act 1 scene 7 perfectly viable. The reason I’ve chosen to set it in a city is to fit in with the story but to make it totally unique. It would allow for everyone to get drunk including Duncan’s guard, which intern allows the murder to take place in a unique way, with LM and M travailing out doors to reach the king’s quarters. The way this would work is as follows: the king would be down stairs in one of the houses bordering the city centre, with one other man (his guard). While everyone else is asleep, slumped over benches and of the like LM and M would silently make their way over the bodies to the city centre. I would create tension by the music which I would put in place and having some of the people stirring in and out of sleep as the Macbeth’s pass. Then when they finally reach the king’s quarters, a man is lying across the front door causing M to enter through the window. Then when M climbs through the window into the room where Duncan is asleep, the lights will dim leaving, a candle lit glow illuminating the room. When the murder takes place the dim orange glow would dramatically switch to a vibrant blood red. Simultaneously a white light will illuminate both of the Macbeth’s faces showing clearly their expressions. M has a faint grin on his face as he takes strength from the act, while LM shrivels and becomes by far the weaker of the two. This is the point in the play where their characters switch. I would want my play to stand out from the rest, and to do that I would update the language. I think this would help younger students, understand the play resulting in a far wider audience. However I wouldn’t want a very young audience, as it is not suitable. However to keep it in theme with the 16th c. ideas I would not be able to update all the language in the play. An example of this would be in act 1 scene 7 where LM states ‘he has almost supped, why have you left the chamber?’ this would translate into ‘the meal has almost finished, why have you left the feast?’ This still holds much of the original meaning but it is far easier to understand making it more enjoyable for some people. Apart from this, I wouldn’t change anything else in the play, as I think it would distract from the main story because I would be more focused on the alterations than the story line, thus distracting from the meaning of the play. Shakespeare uses this scene to explore several themes. The first of these is honour. I would display this strongly through M before he kills the king, and then after when he has no honour everything falls apart in his life. (What happens to him was written as a warning, to please the king). I would display the transition from honour to dishonour as described earlier. I would also have LM fearful when she realises that she and her husband have made a terrible mistake. This shows that honour is very important and without it you have nothing. The 2nd theme is the concept of people being two faced. This would radiate from LM in this scene. I have chosen this as one of my themes as I think I could get a lot across throughout the play based on this. It tallies well with LM’s character- evil (even though she reveals it to M alone). Through act 1 scene 7 I would have LM be very tense and conscience that someone could over hear their conversation. To emphasise the evil side of her I would not only have her speak slowly between the lines 48-59, but also between lines 35-44. I would have her layer her voice with malice and occasionally pausing for effect. This would create a contrast between the perfect LM and the ‘evil’ wife M. the final theme I will have is power and the need the Macbeth’s have for it. To make this theme stand out in act 1 scene 7, I would have LM labour on the words ‘wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life,’ these words state, ‘do you not want the highest achievement?’ which is the highest achievement of power. This displays the greed of power and wealth that LM has and simultaneously appealing to her husbands greatest desire- power. In my version of act 1 scene 7, the two characters of M and LM will really show their ‘true colours’. At the beginning of the scene when LM hasn’t yet walked in, M starts off with his soliloquy. This soliloquy is the equivalent to what M is thinking. He states that he doesn’t really want to kill Duncan when he says ‘not bear the knife myself’ it is at this point that M fully decides he will not kill Duncan. After this, all he does is give reasons why it is a good thing he is not going through with murdering him. Through the soliloquy, M talks himself out of murdering his king and ‘kinsman’. He comes up with lots of reasons for instance the king is in ‘double trust’ and he is ‘his host’. This soliloquy should clearly declare the state M’s mind is in as he acts out his thoughts to the audience. The audience should clearly see that M is very unstable and is torn between power and the right thing. †˜But here upon this Blanc and shoal of time, we’d jump the life to come. But in these cares we still have judgement’. However simply reading the words out would not convey the depth of meaning I wish to convey. So I would have the actor show unrest in the first few lines. Then as the soliloquy goes on M should become slowly more confident, then when he reaches his decision not to kill the king, he finally has the courage to hold his head high. This represents the battle going on inside his mind. Once the battle is resolved however M is confident and clear minded as he knows what he thinks he’ll do. Throughout the soliloquy all that can be heard is M talking as the audience are effectively hearing what is inside M’s head. The way M works the issue though his mind is by coming up with lots of reasons why not to kill Duncan, while totally ignoring his greed for power, resulting in a temporary decision. For example he starts of by saying, ‘first as I am his kinsman and his subject strong both against the deed’, then ‘this Duncan have borne his faculties so meek, hath been so clear in his great office that his virtues will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued against the deep damnation of his taking off.’ Then he goes on to say, ‘and pity, like a naked newborn babe striding the blast, or heaven’s cherub s horsed upon the slightest couriers of the air, shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, that tears shell drown the wind.’ Through these examples of M reckoning with himself, we can see an argument which first stacks his honour, ‘first as I am his kinsman and his subject’. And then how he would be effected. It says that the ‘cherubs would blow it in every eye’, and that ‘the wind would be filled with tears’. This shows that, if he does commit the deed, he will be discovered, as ‘angelic children’ watch over Duncan. Which basically means he is in Gods favour, ergo, with God against him, M cannot hope to win, and would surly be found out. When LM walks in at the end of the soliloquy, M tells her that ‘they will do no further in this business’. (That he won’t kill Duncan). When he tells LM this, h er immediate reaction is shock, (I would direct the actor to look taken aback when M says the line ‘He hath honoured me of late,’. It would be it that point because when M says ‘we will proceed no further in this business’ she isn’t quite sure what he means). This would be shortly followed by anger, ‘was the hope drunk wherein you dressed yourself?’ LM then very quickly rallies on M and begins to brutally persuade him again to kill Duncan. First of all, she calls him a coward by saying ‘art thou afraid to be the same in thine own act and valour, as thou art in desire?’ She then goes on to say that he lacks ‘manliness’. However, the stroke that wins M back to her way of thinking is often interpreted as evil, (between lines 54 – 59). These lines show LM terrifying loyalty, and word wise, make her sound totally evil. These lines shock M (and the audience, especially at the time it was written) into going along with the plan. I would show this on stage, by having M shrink away from LM, and wincing at the key words. I think that Shakespeare wanted to have the effect of totally shocking the audience, and I would want to do the same. However, I think Shakespeare intended to shock his audience through the fact that the character is evil, I would, however, rely on modern society and the fact that most people would be horrified by the thought of ‘dashing the brains out’ of a ‘newborn babe’. I would also have the background noise of laughter and singing throughout these lines, to create an eerie silence. Lighting wise, I would have a harsh white light shining across the stage at them to wash out all colour and create a scene of death and evil. All this should have the effect of shock and almost disbelief on the audience as I would want these lines to be burned into their memories, because they are the most poignant lines in the play. They carry so many connotations that without them being remembered, the entire purpose of the scene would be lost. As soon as LM has finished this speech, M makes one final attempt to redirect LM by saying (feebly), ‘if we should fall?’ but LM sweeps the words away like the feeble attempt it was. From then on, the rest of the scene if dominated my LM as M is still in reprieve from what LM said; (As the audience should be). At the end of the scene, the characters of M and LM are finally in agreement. LM has convinced M to go through with murdering Duncan, his ‘kinsman’. So, at the end of the scene, LM is fully in command, but this will soon change. Throughout act 1 scene 7 are devices designed to make it stand out. The first one seen in this part of M is the soliloquy. Through this Shakespeare wanted to captivate the audience for the scene that would follow. I would make this device work by introducing lighting, sound, and directing the actors. Personally I would make the soliloquy work by firstly working on M. he would be wearing makeup, put on to make him look tired and drawn. M the scene on stage, with his head hanging low, He would begin speaking feverishly then as the soliloquy develops, he should become stronger and more confident, as described before. The turning point in the soliloquy is when M realises what he was planning was ‘wrong’ and that it was doomed to fail. Ergo, he decides not to kill Duncan. At this point M lifts his head and says triumphantly ‘he is here in double trust’. At this point the lighting would become lighter and warmer, both representing the revelation in his mind. This lighting will be effective, as it will be in total contrast to the previous lighting, which was a harsh white. If this were to be made into a film, I would place a heroic, but faint tune in the background, played by a brass band to add to the texture and connotations of the play. The second device used by Shakespeare is ‘violent imagery’. This device come through the play on several occasions, for instance, when LM displays her loyalty and depth of commitment while trying to bring her husband back on course. This device has major importance throughout the play. An example of how I would direct a section of this is between lines 54 – 59. I would have LM act out the phrases ‘pluck my nipple from his boneless gums’ and ‘dash the brains out’. This is designed to help the audience visualise what she is saying, therefore having a larger, and deeper impact. Unlike before, even if this was made into a film, I would have no music underneath, as this might distract form the lines. The same goes for in the theatre; I would not place any music underneath, as the words are powerful enough! Act 1 scene 7 is a very important scene in the play ‘Macbeth’. It is during this scene that the most important decision is made. it was also during this scene that the most dramatic and most memorable lines throughout the play are said by LM,(her son â€Å"dash his brains out†).It is also the first time that M attempts to stand up to LM. In short, had this scene of the play been lost or forgotten the entire play would also have been forgotten, as this scene, is by far the most memorable scene, and makes it a classic. In my version of this scene, I would strive to make the audience pity M for his weak mind and be shocked by LM with her brutal ways. I would want this response because it would indicate that the audience had understood the meaning, and that I had directed it well. Out of everything that is said in this scene, I think that what LM said between lines 54 and 59 are the most pivotal and provocative because is at that moment in the play, that it becomes cl ear this story will last for centuries. And this essay is living proof. The audience are meant to feel sorry for M at the beginning of the scene, as it should be clear, he is in a mess. However, they should shortly feel resentment towards him, when they watch how LM manipulates him, (i.e. calling him a ‘coward’ and attacking his manliness). I am fairly sure that Shakespeare wanted the same, and therefore I want to achieve the same. My views on this scene are very similar to want I have directed throughout this essay. I think that M is very unstable and up until he kills Duncan has very little confidence. He relies heavily on LM to make many of the decisions and to motivate him. I think, on the other hand that Lady Macbeth is not evil. I think that she is a strong minded woman who craved power and had t o motivate her weak husband to get it for her. (A sign of the times). Later in the play, when Duncan is killed I think that M gains confidence with his new status and the ease with which he got it. In contrast LM realised the enormous mistake they had made and began to break down. As a whole, I think the play is packed with morals and at the time was written to please the current king. (King James 1). Amazingly, I think it relates to today’s society very well with one of the main themes being ‘you cannot read people by their outward appearances’. As in these days the world seems to over value and focuses too much on image. Therefore this plays still bears a powerful and very meaningful message, even today, 500 years later.

Marlene Dietrich Free Essay Example, 2500 words

Steven Bach once wrote that the biggest female stars in the world were based on their screen image and that Marlene is an example of this. The argument was that each of Dietrich films was a platform wherein she was able to let her audience constantly rediscover her or find something new in the roles she played and the performances she delivered. She was able to cultivate an image that people easily identify as her persona and, most importantly, an image that created a need based on the desires of the audience. Through the manner by which her image was carefully defined, scripted and invented, Dietrich was able to hold onto the material and spiritual power which allowed her image to exemplify society producing the impasse into which it casts its members on the level of the libido as much as on the level of economics: the desire for what cannot be avoided without a radical rupture with the world that has formed us. Consider how some critics point out that the success of The Blue Ang el was not because of an excellent storyline or the genius of neither its director, Josef von Sternberg nor its sexual context. We will write a custom essay sample on Marlene Dietrich or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page It was Dietrich s acumen and sense of what she wanted and how she wanted to be seen and perceived that made the difference. As she made her films, Dietrich learned how to best represent herself, highlight her assets or make an aspect of persona prominent. This is demonstrated, for instance, in the invention of the so-called "Dietrich's face. " In the earlier photographs of Dietrich, her upturned nose is quite obvious. As a matter of fact, this minor flaw has earned her the moniker "Ducknose" because it is stuck up like those of the duck s.

Biography of Heinrich Hertz

Physics students around the world are familiar with the work of Heinrich Hertz, the German physicist who proved that electromagnetic waves definitely exist. His work in electrodynamics paved the way for many  modern uses of light (also known as electromagnetic waves). The frequency unit that physicists use is named the Hertz in his honor. Fast Facts Heinrich Hertz Full Name: Heinrich Rudolf HertzBest Known For: Proof of the existence of electromagnetic waves, Hertzs principle of least curvature, and the photoelectric effect.Born: February 22, 1857 in Hamburg, GermanyDied: January 1, 1894 in  Bonn, Germany, at age 36Parents: Gustav Ferdinand Hertz and Anna Elisabeth PfefferkornSpouse: Elisabeth Doll, married 1886Children: Johanna and MathildeEducation: Physics and mechanical engineering, was a professor of physics in various institutes.Significant Contributions: Proved that electromagnetic waves propagated various distances through the air, and summarized how objects of different materials affect each other on contact. Early Life and Education Heinrich Hertz was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1857. His parents were Gustav Ferdinand Hertz (a lawyer) and Anna Elisabeth Pfefferkorn. Although his father was born Jewish, he converted to Christianity and the children were raised as Christians. This did not stop the Nazis from dishonoring Hertz after his death, due to the taint of Jewishness, but his reputation was restored after World War II. The young Hertz was educated at the Gelehrtenschule des Johanneums in Hamburg, where he showed a deep interest in scientific subjects. He went on to study engineering in Frankfurt under such scientists as Gustav Kirchhoff and Hermann Helmholtz. Kirchhoff specialized in studies of radiation, spectroscopy, and electrical circuit theories. Helmholtz was a physicist who developed theories about vision, the perception of sound and light, and the fields of electrodynamics and thermodynamics. It is small wonder then, that the young Hertz became interested in some of the same theories and eventually did his lifes work in the fields of contact mechanics and electromagnetism. Life's Work and Discoveries After earning a Ph.D. in 1880, Hertz took up a series of professorships where he taught physics and theoretical mechanics. He married Elisabeth Doll in 1886 and they had two daughters. Hertzs doctoral dissertation focused on James Clerk Maxwells theories of electromagnetism. Maxwell worked in mathematical physics until his death in 1879 and formulated what is now known as Maxwells Equations. They describe, through mathematics, the functions of electricity and magnetism. He also predicted the existence of electromagnetic waves. Hertzs work focused on that proof, which took him several years to achieve. He constructed a simple dipole antenna with a spark gap between the elements, and he managed to produce radio waves with it. Between 1879 and 1889, he did a series of experiments that used electrical and magnetic fields to produce waves that could be measured. He established that the velocity of the waves was the same as the speed of light, and studied the characteristics of the fields he generated, measuring their magnitude, polarization, and reflections. Ultimately, his work showed that light and other waves he measured were all a form of electromagnetic radiation that could be defined by Maxwells equations. He proved through his work that electromagnetic waves can and do move through the air.   In addition, Hertz focused on a concept called the photoelectric effect, which occurs when an object with electrical charge loses that charge very quickly when it is exposed to light, in his case, ultraviolet radiation. He observed and described the effect, but never explained why it happened. That was left to Albert Einstein, who published his own work on the effect. He suggested that light (electromagnetic radiation) consists of energy carried by electromagnetic waves in little packets called quanta. Hertzs studies and Einsteins later work eventually became the basis for an important branch of physics called quantum mechanics.  Hertz and his student Phillip Lenard also worked with cathode rays, which are produced inside vacuum tubes by electrodes.   Heinrich Hertzs portrait and drawings of electrical fields that he studied appeared on a German postage stamp in 1994. Deutsche Bundespost. What Hertz Missed Interestingly, Heinrich Hertz did not think his experiments with electromagnetic radiation, particularly radio waves, had any practical value. His attention was focused solely on theoretical experiments. So, he proved that electromagnetic waves propagated through the air (and space). His work led others to experiment even further with other aspects of radio waves and electromagnetic propagation. Eventually, they stumbled across the concept of using radio waves to send signals and messages, and other inventors used them to create telegraphy, radio broadcasting, and eventually television. Without Hertzs work, however, todays use of radio, TV, satellite broadcasts, and cellular technology wouldnt exist. Nor would the science of radio astronomy, which relies heavily on his work.   Other Scientific Interests Hertzs scientific accomplishments werent limited to electromagnetism. He also did a great deal of research on the topic of contact mechanics, which is the study of solid matter objects that touch each other. The big questions in this area of study have to do with the stresses the objects produce on each other, and what role friction plays in interactions between their surfaces. This is an important field of study in mechanical engineering. Contact mechanics affect design and construction in such objects as combustion engines, gaskets, metalworks, and also objects that have electrical contact with each other.   Hertzs work in contact mechanics began in 1882 when he published a paper titled On the Contact of Elastic Solids, where he was actually working with the properties of stacked lenses. He wanted to understand how their optical properties would be affected. The concept of Hertzian stress is named for him and describes the pinpoint stresses that objects undergo as they contact each other, particularly in curved objects.   Later Life Heinrich Hertz worked on his research and lecturing until his death on January 1, 1894. His health began failing several years prior to his death, and there was some evidence he had cancer.  His final years were taken up with teaching, further research, and several operations for his condition. His final publication, a book titled  Die Prinzipien der Mechanik (The Principles of Mechanics), was sent to the printer a few weeks before his death.   Honors Hertz was honored not only by the use of his name for the fundamental period of a wavelength, but his name appears on a memorial medal and a crater on the Moon. An institute called the Heinrich-Hertz Institute for Oscillation Research was founded in 1928, known today as the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute, HHI. The scientific tradition continued with various members of his family, including his daughter Mathilde, who became a famous biologist. A nephew, Gustav Ludwig Hertz, won a Nobel prize, and other family members made significant scientific contributions in medicine and physics.   Bibliography â€Å"Heinrich Hertz and Electromagnetic Radiation.† AAAS - The Worlds Largest General Scientific Society, www.aaas.org/heinrich-hertz-and-electromagnetic-radiation. www.aaas.org/heinrich-hertz-and-electromagnetic-radiation.Molecular Expressions Microscopy Primer: Specialized Microscopy Techniques - Fluorescence Digital Image Gallery - Normal African Green Monkey Kidney Epithelial Cells (Vero), micro.magnet.fsu.edu/optics/timeline/people/hertz.html.http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Hertz_Heinrich.htmlâ€Å"Heinrich Rudolf Hertz.† Cardan Biography, www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Hertz_Heinrich.html.

Machiavelli s View Of A Good Ruler - 1232 Words

Nicole Orogbu English 9.17.15 Essay 1 Through the ages, many societies throughout the world have seen distinct changes in form of rule. From monarchies, to democracies, to oligarchies, the political state of many societies have seen everything from gradual to drastic changes—both maintenance of traditional rule and violent upheavals. Niccolà ² Machiavelli was a writer, philosopher, politician, and historian from Italy who lived during the Renaissance Philosophy era of Europe. In his works, Machiavelli argued the importance of being a good ruler, even if it meant being harsh to one’s own subjects. Machiavelli offered harsh criticisms against religions and especially Christianity during a time where Christianity seemed to be the foundation of every society. Machiavelli believed that Christianity resulted in lethargy due to people leaving their fortune, health, and future up to God. However, Machiavelli still viewed religion as a good tool in maintaining the structure of any given society. According to Machiavelli, a great ruler would be irreligious himself, but would still be able to persuade his subjects into a religion. Machiavelli’s The Prince was published in 1532 and was regarded as highly immoral because of its radical perceptions of how one would effectively rule a nation and maintain politica l power by separating politics from moral law. John Milton was a highly-renowned English poet (often called the greatest writer of his time) who lived in 17th century England whoseShow MoreRelatedThe Republic By Plato And The Prince By Machiavelli1617 Words   |  7 PagesRepublic by Plato and The Prince by Machiavelli offer important views on political philosophies of rulers. Plato writes of a perfect society where status as ruler is naturally selected through innate abilities. These abilities are used to sustain the society, better it, and preserve it. Machiavelli writes of a society where anyone can be a prince; which for our purposes is a synonym for ruler, if they follow his instructions. These instructions are to ensure a new ruler can take control of new lands andRead MoreAnalysis Of Hsun Tzu s Man s Nature Is Evil1720 Words   |  7 Pagespossess certain characteristics that make them good rulers. I believe leaders are made, they are taught what is wrong and right, and they are taught how to be a certain kind of leader in the context of their environment. I want to discuss what makes someone a good leader. Is a good leader efficient and adaptable or is a good leader born with predetermined qualities that dictate how they will rule over a kingdom or state? In Hsà ¼n Tzu s Man s Nature Is Evil, Tzu discusses the idea of man beingRead MoreMachiavelli Plato Rebuplic Prince Comparison1419 Words   |  6 Pagesthe characteristics of the rulers, as described by Machiavelli (The Prince, ch.15, pp. 47 #8211; 49 and ch. 18, pp.54f). What is the most important difference between the two accounts? In your view, which account is better, and why? For centuries, every ruler created their own principles and rules and somehow they ruled millions of people and controlled their future. In this essay, I will try to compare the characteristics of two types of ruler, one is Plato#8217;s true guardian where he mentionsRead More The Use of Immorality in Order to Achieve Popular Rule Essay1470 Words   |  6 Pagesnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Throughout The Prince and The Discourses of Livy, Niccolo Machiavelli demonstrates multiple theories and advocacies as to why popular rule is important to the success of a state. Popular rule is a term that will be used to define an indirect way to govern the people of a state. In order to rule the masses, a leader must please the people or revolts will occur, causing mayhem and a lack of stability in oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s state. During both written works, Machiavelli stresses the importance of obedience and order neededRead MoreIs Macbeth a machiavellian character?1167 Words   |  5 Pagesought to be done, will rather learn to bring about his own ruin than his preservation.(Machiavelli 12) This is a quote from Machiavelli s The Prince. This is only one belief of Machiavelli, which, many great leaders have been known to use. Have you ever thought about a leader that possessed these qualities that was from a play? Shakespeare s character Macbeth represents the Machiavellian idea that a ruler should appear well in public, be smart and strong, and do what is necessary to hold ontoRead MoreEssay on Machiavellis The Prince: Politics, War, and Human Nature1334 Words   |  6 PagesPrince: Politics, War, and Human Nature [I]t is necessary for a prince to know well how to use the beast and the man. (Machiavelli, The Prince, p. 69[1]). In this swift blow, Niccolà ² Machiavelli seems to strike down many visions of morality put up on pedestals by thinkers before his time. He doesnt turn to God or to some sort of common good for his political morality. Instead, he turns to the individual?more specifically, self-preservation in a position of power. MachiavellisRead MoreJohn Locke s Views On Private Property And Politics1133 Words   |  5 Pagesprivate property and politics in society. Although John Locke, Niccolo Machiavelli, and Karl Marx/Frederick Engels are from different times their criticism are crucial onto the world. Being from different eras gives them a unique perspective of how one should rule or govern. Each philosopher displays his own ideas and can seemingly disagree with one another in their methods of government. Therefore when issues of malicious rulers, private property, and politics arise, each philosopher handles theseRead MoreMachiavelli s The Prince And The Discourse Essay1328 Words   |  6 PagesNiccolà ² Machiavelli wrote a book which called The Prince. It is about the political ideology of Machiavelli s political realism, which means the effective truth is taken to be more important than any abstract ideal. In this book, he talks about the importance of the concept of virtà º. He claimed that rulers have to suppress their personal virtues while sometimes committing improper acts in order to maintain powers and protect their principalities. In Discourses, Machiavelli becomes to extols theRead MoreHuman Nature1379 Words   |  6 PagesThose That Are Good According to Nature T he obstacle of figuring out the nature and instinctual behavior of humans has been toppled by many philosophical writers. Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Niccolo Machiavelli, in the Discourse on the Origin of Inequality and The Prince, subsequently, talks about this subject. In the Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, Rousseau talks about the natural human state and is transition to its current civilized state. In The Prince, Machiavelli talks about theRead MoreMachiavelli, Locke, By John Machiavelli1484 Words   |  6 PagesTran Robert Patch History 15 20 June 2015 Machiavelli, Locke, Marx Essay Locke would argue that Machiavelli represents the interests of monarchs who rule without the consent of the people. Locke is against absolute power; he thinks that the government should not be given all the power and that the people should get some of it. Machiavelli on the other hand would want all the power to be given to one person, so that they can make the decisions. Machiavelli argues that because of human nature, people

Music History Essay Thesis Example For Students

Music History Essay Thesis When played, the bassist has to read the bass line composed for the part of cello, even though the sounds made are much lower than the notes being read. Some of the techniques for playing the double bass are: Arc also known as bowing. This kind of playing technique is similar to the way a violin and/or a cello is played. Pizzicato also known as striking. The musician strikes the strings to produce sound. This kind of style is typically used by Jazz players. Slap Bass The musician plucks or pulls the strings and releases it. As the strings slap or hit the finger board, creating unique array of sounds with notes that have an added click to it. Occasionally the double bass is played as part of symphonic orchestras, but is most often played in Jazz and dance bands. 3. Has it always been made the same way or had the same form? The double bass has never really had one standard shape. Since the 16th century, its shape has changed more than any other stringed instruments. One is like a violin (although much larger), sometimes with a curved back, sometimes with a flat back, which makes playing it a whole lot easier, and higher shoulders attached to the neck. The other is more like the shape of a viol with a flat back and shoulders that slope more quickly and steeply away from the neck. Sound holes in the shape of a backwards C are also apparent in almost all double basses, to obtain a much louder sound. 4. Are there some known manufacturers that produce top of the line instruments hat are expensive? Thomas and George Martin hand-crafted double basses are priced at $20,000. The Kara Model Upton Double Bass is another well-known maker of the double bass, with prices starting at $5,350. . Who are some famous people who play your instrument?