Hamlet - Critical Analysis

Hamlet - Critical Analysis Free Online Research Papers Why is Shakespeare considered to be one of the greatest playwrights of his time? Shakespeare lived in the Elizabethan era and had to write for an Elizabethan audience and theater. By todays standards, this was no picnic in the park. Under those circumstances, he wrote some of the greatest works in history. These works, still popular today, prove him to be a consummate dramatist. Shakespeare knew how to craft dramatic scenes full of external and internal conflict and emotion, something the Elizabethan audience delighted in; he also intertwined superstitions of this era and pageantry, which the Elizabethans also loved. Shakespeare creates external conflict between opposing characters to build tension onstage. When Hamlet and King Claudius interact in the second scene of Act I, tension builds: But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son- A little more than kin, and less than kind. How is it that the clouds still hang on you? Not so, my lord, I am too much Ithsun. (1.2.65-68). While Queen Gertrude and Hamlet are heatedly discussing the unlawful marriage to Claudius, more tension builds between Hamlet and his mother: Have you forgot me? No, by the rood, not so. You are the Queen, your husbands brothers wife, and, would it were not so, you are my mother. (3.4.15-18). Shakespeare also creates internal conflict within Hamlet himself, using revenge, and a common theme of that time. It was expected of playwrights of the Elizabethan era to write plays containing the motive of revenge. He struggled with the decision to write Hamlet as a revenge play, and it is evident in the play that in Hamlets To be or not to be soliloquy which parallels Shakespeares ambivalence about the theme of the play: To be or not to be, that is the question: Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer. The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons be all my sins remembered. (3.1.63-78) Hamlet wants revenge when he thinks of his mother and her incestuous marriage to Claudius: Haste me to knowt, tha t I with wings as swift as meditation or the thoughts of love may sweep to revenge. (1.5.33-35). Hamlet doesnt want revenge when he sees King Claudius vulnerable while praying: Now might I do it pat, now he is a-praying. And now Ill do it. And so he goes to heaven; And so I am revenged. That would be scanned: A villain kills my father, and for that I, his sole son, do this same villain send to heaven. Why, this is hire and salary, not revenge. (3.3.76-83). Shakespeare whips up the emotion onstage by incorporating the conflict and tension between Hamlet, Queen Gertrude, his mother, and King Claudius, his uncle stepfather. Kinship and inheritance are very strong themes in Hamlet. Hamlets excessive emotion is focused on Gertrudes sexual relations with Claudius. Because their marriage is unlawful according to the era and it deprives Hamlet of his rightful succession (Jardine 39). According to the table of affinity, unlawful marriages that would conflict with possible inheritance would be, a mans marriage to his fathers wife, his uncles wife, his fathers wifes daughter (his sister), his brothers wife (i.e. Claudius and Gertrude), or his wifes sister (Jardine 40). Although none of these are blood ties, each creates questions over inheritance. In Hamlets case, his uncle Claudius marriage to his mother threatens his claim to inheritance. Hamlet, when talking alone with his mother, exclaims: Nay but to live in the rank sweat of an enseamed bed, Stewed in corruption, honeying and making love Over the nasty sty! (3.4.100-104). Hamlet, in a soliloquy, says to himself: O, within a month, ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears had left the flushing in her galled eyes, She married. O most wicked speed! To post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets! (1.2.155-159). Shakespeare uses beliefs and superstitions of the era to entertain and relate to his audience. Realizing the rift between Catholics and Protestants in his day, Shakespeare requests his audience to a belief in ghosts as a major necessity to understanding the play. Catholics, at the time, believed that ghosts came from purgatory and were the souls of the departed (Bloom 24), while Protestants believed that ghosts came from hell and were the devil who had assumed the shape and appearance of the dead (Bloom 24). While Marcellus, Horatio, and Barnardo are on guard duty, they spot King Hamlets ghost: But soft, behold. Lo, where it comes again. Ill cross it though it blast me. Stay illusion: For which, they say, you spirits off walk in death. (1.1.139-140; 152). When a scene like the previous, occurred onstage, Shakespeare let his audience know the ghost from everyone else by having the ghosts costume be in a ghostly fashion. Ghosts were trained to speak in a slow, high-pitched, portentous tone (Charney 25); whether or not the ghost was wailing while moving onstage is unknown (Muir and Schoenbaum 35). Pageantry and military content is something else Elizabethans expected to appear in their plays. Elizabethans loved blood and gore. This gave Shakespeare a good basis to incorporate this theme into Hamlet: The play begins on guard; Denmark is a warlike state; in Act III, scene IV in the event in which Hamlet kills Polonius displays a bloody and grotesque picture. Staging and scenery were very important concepts for Shakespeare when writing a play. In early years of Shakespeares time, plays were performed for audiences in courtyards of city inns and for upper class, in the great halls of institutions (Lamb 12). This concept didnt apply to Shakespeare when writing Hamlet; public theaters were built and being used. They plays staging actions and written text are a combination of courtyards, halls, and public theater stages (Lamb 12). The conventions of soliloquy allow characters to address the audience directly, outside of the dialogue form (Charney 39). The construction of Shakespeares apron stage helped to give soliloquy its complete efficiency. On this large stage that extended all the way into the middle of the pit, an actor could come downstage to address the spectators in a tone of confidence (Charney 39). Due to limitations in lighting in Elizabethan England, Shakespeare used certain theatrical conventions to accommodate these circumstances so that his audience would know what time of day or night it was; torches were brought onstage; candles were lit; poetry was used to describe the time and setting. Barnardo, arriving to guard the tower, says to Francisco: Tis now struck twelve. Get thee to bed, Francisco. (1.1.7). Barnardo says to Horatio and Marcellus of when the ghost left at daybreak: It was about to speak when the cock crew. (1.1.164). In Shakespearean theater, a scene does not necessarily take place in a certain geographical place. It is described by the words of the actors. Very little was done to create the illusion of a place. Painted, movable scenery was not in general use until the end of the seventeenth century, so that the understanding of a scene as a location does not hold for Elizabethan drama (Charney 95). To overcome this obstacle, Shakespeare lets his audience know the setting by the words of his characters. He defines the setting, Denmark, in the words of the men on guard in the opening scene of Act I. Without the requirements of located places, Shakespeares scenes can move easily into each other in an uninterrupted sequence. There isnt any need for changing scenes; any needed props were thrust onto the stage. Shakespeares plays maintain a quick pace, unimaginable in a modern production (i.e. Hamlet was completed in two hours). The advantage to having such a short play is that the dramatic effect can be intensified and the audience is able to feel the full effect of the climax. Players in the Elizabethan era were of vast importance to the outcome of the play. Shakespeare displays this importance in Hamlet with references to the players of that time. The entire scene ii of Act III is based on the players and the play that Hamlet has rewritten to be performed for the King. Also in this scene is mention of Shakespeares rivalry, The Lord Admirals Men. Shakespeare mentions, too, the children players of the Black friar theater; they were harsh competition then. Rosencrantz says to Hamlet while discussing players and the theater: there is, sir, and eyrie of children. (2.2.336). When Shakespeare sat down to write his plays, he knew the limitations that he was faced with, limitations that modern-day authors would have a hard time accepting; yet, he leaps over these walls and presents us with masterpieces of art. Due to scenery and staging complications, there werent any breaks between scenes, as there are in todays productions. To Shakespeare, these types of scenes made no difference, they were just numbers of different groupings of, people carrying on the actions of the play (Lamb 13). The exact origins of Hamlet are unknown, but it is believed that Shakespeare cut, pasted, and edited tales before his time that resembled Hamlet. One story can be traced back to the Danish chronicle of Saxo Grammaticus (thirteenth century). This account was printed in Latin in 1514 (Lamb 14-15). Another version of Hamlet is Belleforests Historic Tragiques of 1582; this version is based on Saxo with a few minor changes. It was translated into English in 1608 as The Historic of Hamlet (Lamb 15). It is believed that Shakespeare was familiar with both Saxo and Belleforest’s tale of Hamlet; his only son was christened Hamnet in 1585 (Hamnet is one spelling of Hamlet) (Lamb 15). Another origin of the name Hamlet is believed to be from a young girl, Katherine Hamlett, who drowned near Stratford when Shakespeare was, sixteen. Her drowning occurred under circumstances very similar to those of Ophelia (Bloom 96). Similarities between the Earl of Essex (Shakespeares supposed lover) and Hamlet have also been commonly pointed out (Bloom 96). Shakespeare, as a dramatist, uses many different literature elements in his plays. The story of Hamlet came out in the seventh century, but in Shakespeares version, Hamlet attends Wittenberg, a university founded in 1502 (Lamb 18-19). Shakespeare uses irony and dramatic irony: In scene iii of Act III, Hamlet thinks Claudius is kneeling to make his peace with God, but actually, Claudius is realizing that he cant repent and evil is the only path for him. The King says to Laertes: O, That we are made of stuff so flat and dull. (4.3.33). Although faced with the many great challenges that playwrights faced in the Elizabethan era, Shakespeare proves himself worthy of the Elizabethan audience and also shows that he is a consummate dramatist in that his works are still being read and performed today. Research Papers on Critical Analysis of HamletLegalization of Same Sex MarriagesConflict Resolution TacticsThe Story of Beatrix PotterHenderson the Rain KingBooker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-BarnettThe Broken FamilyEmmett Till BiographyMy Writing ExperienceThe Gnostic JesusAmerican Central Banking and Oil

Mummy and Painted Cartonnage of an Unknown Woman Essay

Mummy and Painted Cartonnage of an Unknown Woman - Essay Example This can be revealed through the decorative funerary rituals that were done during the time. These practices reveal the fascination and the obsession of the people on immortality. One way through which this can be revealed is through the mummifications and decorations that could be found in museums. One of these beliefs and customs are revealed through the mummy and painted Cartonnage of unknown woman The mummy and painted Cartonnage of unknown woman looking upwards is made up of decorated layers of linen and plaster (The Walters Museum par 1). These are made into a shape of a woman. However, the woman is not known. It was believed that the mummy would sustain the life of the dead woman when it comes back. The mummification contains decorations all over. The mummy also contains a decoration of floral wreath on the wig, a winged scarab beetle and a broad collar (The Walters Museum par 1). The mummy also has decorations that include four men who are standing facing one direction. The f our men represent the four sons of Horus. According to the Egyptian culture, the four sons of Horus are associated with protection. They offer security from any threat. This further reveals the fact that the ancient Egyptians believed on immortality of the soul. This is revealed by the act of providing protection for the dead; in this case who are represented through a mummy. The decorations also include the boat of the funerary deity Sokar. This boat was a sacred one. The sacred boats are very significant to the ancient Egyptian culture. They were usually used when the gods were brought out from their sanctuaries where they processed before the public. The decorations on the mummy of the unknown woman also include a mummy of Osiris who is lying on a funerary bed. This reveals the importance of the god to the dead people. The God of Osiris was important for the protection of the dead. The mummy also contains a decoration of a divine falcon god. The falcon god is among the most impor tant gods of the Ancient Egypt. The divine falcon god is considered as the divine personification of the kinship of Egypt (Nicholson and Shaw 156). The god was also a representation of the god of heavens. In the ancient Egyptian culture, Horus relates to the Egyptian divine kingship. It was representation of the last king who has ever ruled in Egypt. Since the living king was Horus, when he died the new king would usually become the new image of Horus and the dead king would become Osiris (Nicholson and Shaw 185). The decoration on the mummy and painted Cartonnage of unknown woman also contains a short hieroglyphic text, which contains an offering formula. The burial customs that were observed in the ancient Egypt were meant to ensure immortality after death. All the rituals performed were believed to contribute to the immortality of humanity. This was the main reason why they preserved the bodies through mummification. In addition, the dead would be accompanied with the things the deceased would need afterlife. The mummification process usually took a period of 70 days. The internal organs were usually removed from the body after which the body was desiccated using a special kind of salts. The body could then be tied with linen. The latest mummies were also kept inside painted Cartonnage mummy cases. Therefore, the mummy of an unknown woman is more recent since it was made using the latest mummification technology that was used then. According to the ancient Eg

Rousseau's Idea of Amour-Propre Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Rousseau's Idea of Amour-Propre - Essay Example This theoretical research on defining amour-propre would highlight on the causes and consequences of 'self-love' in the light of political philosophy. We would analyse the claim that why amour-propre has been a complex ontological process that negatively undermines community and civic harmony and why it is perceived in quest for honor to be superior to others, particularly in liberal societies. 'Amour propre' and 'amour de soi-meme' are two different works of Rousseau which differ in their nature in which they are presented and their effects and must not be perceived alike (Bertram, 2003, p. 22). Amour-propre is an evil effect of amour de soi-meme (self love) which in itself holds a natural innocence for it is close to nature and inclines every living being to be attracted towards its self-preservation. Self-love in contrast to amour-propre respects humanity and does not consider worldly or materialistic ambitions, thereby producing virtue. Amour propre is the ultimate production of society, ruled by the society, and deceived by the society which governs a set of principles to be established for acquiring the genuine source of honor. On contrary 'self-love' is close to nature, ruled by the nature and appreciated by God and is responsible for bringing the true contentment of the human being. Rousseau's innovative social ontology revolves around the ongoing competition for self-esteem which suggests various dimensions central to understand amour-propre. The first dimension presents before us the reason for social survival that is unalterable to the extent which pressurises the individuals to come together to construct lives with shared understandings and institutions. The cause for social survival has itself causes and consequences, as social existence possess meaning for others in society which in turn reveal important truths about themselves. Truth reveals about the development of self-conscious life which in turn cause the individuals to seek their own identities in the light of worldly materialism which by becoming part of a group compare themselves with other members of the society. Causes for social survival to name a few includes sharing commonalities with other members, competition for self-esteem, motivation by honor and so on. Though Rousseau succeeded in naming the categories of 'self-love' but where he failed to acknowledge the application of 'self-love' was the area of 'self-exploration'. With 'self-exploration' comes 'self-knowledge' and awareness for which Rousseau never denied that he used self-examination as a means to generate universal knowledge, however he portrayed that self-exploration is something deeply related with self-knowledge. One can consider self-knowledge to be one of the major consequence for social existence, where Rousseau often portrayed himself as unable to inspect the true source of knowledge, since when he considered that knowledge is from the self, he never meant to exactly oppose

Business Game As A Training Method

Business Game As A Training Method The use of lecture, handout, case studies, coaching, and other methods are very common for the training purposes. Each of the method has its own specific usage and yet it also consists of its limitation. Business games are different from the traditional training method and it has now shown to be a valuable and enjoyable teaching tool. They allow the participant to be involved directly instead of just hearing or reading how to do something (Gilgeous, Dcruz, 1996). According to Fortmà ¼ller 2009, business game is one of the most important methods to acquire technical and problem-related knowledge. With the adequate set up, business games able to be a practical teaching-learning arrangement that combine both the natural predisposition of the players with planned and directed knowledge acquirement. Under a suitable learning condition together with an appropriate structure and dynamic of games, the player would be able to acquire new skills and knowledge. However, it is not possible to include all knowledge and skills into one game. Therefore, it would be the best to carry out several games instead of one. There are few business games that are famous among UPM students such as LOrà ©al Brandstorm and OSK Investment challenge. These games gave the students a good opportunity to take on the role as a marketing brand manager or learn more about the capital market to put their knowledge to test. Although using games as a tool for training purpose may sound attractive, but there are also few negatives consequences from it. Therefore, it should always be remember that there is no single tool is perfect and extremely effective. 2.0 Advantages of business game: With globalization growing rapidly and advancement of technologies, more organizations are using computer based simulations instead of the traditional board games used for business training. Although times have changed, business games are still a preferred tool in training employees. The various advantages of business games ability to simulate the whole organization provide a better perspective than other training methods. 2.1 Real world experience The advantage of business games is that it provides hands-on experience in business related practices and problem solving from the real world. It is designed to let participants experience real job requirements in order to prepare them for the future. Participants are given real business scenarios and will try to solve the various problems using the knowledge that they possess and the new training input. As players get to face challenges from the business world, they will be able to acquire better understanding about the real world job requirements. According to Fortmuller, (2007), repetitive actions through a certain activity will lead to the gain of skills known as procedural knowledge. By exposing real situations to employees, they will be able to improve themselves. 2.2 Improve leadership and management skills Participants in business games will be able to hone their skills to a higher degree after repeatedly playing the game (Gonen, Brill, Frank, 2009). Because business game involves constant interacting with group members and solving problems using suitable strategies, an employees leadership and management skills will improve. Participants will experience the real world emotions through the business game when interacting and coordinating among fellow group members. Building bonds and expending networks with people can be a good side effect from business games as it will be useful in the future. Employees will be given the chance to lead teams and manage projects through the simulation of real world business which ultimately improves their performances. 2.3 Faster learning time The advantage of business game is that it can provide multiple training in a short period of time for the participant. By compressing time, the participants of business games will learn at a faster rate compared to normal training methods. By taking part in business games, participants can learn, apply and adapt at the same time, thus shortening the time of learning. The compressed topics intended for learning will be absorbed easily by the participants as they can physically and psychologically experience it. 2.4 Enjoyable way of learning Another advantage of business game is that it encourages active learning among the participants. With their high involvement rate in the business game, it encourages learning compared to passive involvement. As business game creates a fun and laidback atmosphere, participants will embrace the training program willingly and thus increases the success of the training (Gilgeous DCruz, 1996). Business game helps to lower the perceived threat level of a participant which later creates a clearer picture of the intended outcome. Participants will also more creative as the informal environment makes it okay for making mistakes. Improve memory retention Business games also have the advantage of retaining information and memory learnt by participants. The information of the training are easily absorbed and remembered by participants, this is because real business situation are presented in an exhilarating way. When participants are given the opportunity to practice analytical techniques in a comfortable and supporting environment, they will improve memory detainment by 70%. Through constant feedback from decisions made, participants will be able to improve learning as they learn from their mistakes. Using business game as a training tool will boost the memory of participants as feedback through successful or non-successful decisions made. 3.0 Disadvantages of business game: Since business game gives the company so many advantages, it may seem like the obvious way Reason to choose this training method compared to the rest. However, no training method is perfect and business games also have some setbacks. 3.1 Oversimplifications of reality A disadvantage of business game is that the game scenario is just modified from the model of reality. The learning outcome is hard to measure from the contribution of business game training method because simulation alone cannot accurately represent the real world which has more challenges and changes. The business game lacks verisimilitude for the player to learn true experience. 3.2 Limitation of learning effectiveness Meanwhile, another drawback for business games would be oversimplification of the business world compared to the real world; which is more complex to model accurately and this may limit potential learning. Business game is regarded as an educational medium but it has limitations in learning effectiveness, (Stainton, Johnson, Borodzicz, 2010). This is because the game only chooses some aspect and phenomena from reality which can be limiting the players area to discover the knowledge and skills into consideration in the game scenario. 3.3 Players decision lack of responsibility Moreover, the players might lack responsibility for their decisions which are made in the simulation game because the games outcomes do not affect the real situation of a player or other people. For instance, a players financial situation in the game do not influence the players financial in the real world. So, the players might not take it seriously on the decision making in the business game. 3.4 Costly Designing a valid and reliable business game is costly. The costs include designing a high quality model of business game, materials, finding qualification designers and facilitators. The simulation implementation needs to be designed as well and suggest several considerations, (Stainton et al., 2010). At the same time, designing a high quality model and implementing the business game with validity and reliability is problematic, which might cost the organization millions in expenses. There are many considering essential criteria such as complexity and realism of representation, depth of content, and method of implementation, (Stainton et al., 2010). On the other hand, finding the qualification facilitators also is a challenge because the companies have to pay extra to trainer hire qualification facilitators so that they can give the right directions and instructions to control the situation with strategically and effectively toward achievement of a desired goal (Kato, 2010). 3.5 Di ¬Ã¢â€š ¬er signi ¬Ã‚ cantly of participants behaviors and poses in real life Participants may act different from their behaviors in real life. Additional, they might not get involved in training games fully and lacking attention in the game will lead to breaking rules which might cost the objective of the training. 3.6 Game is consider as an entertainment than as education Most the participants of the business game are mature people and it is hard to control their perception of the business game as mere fun and fad than learning; this can be compromise the result of educational validity. Sometimes business game has been used to fill time and do not bring out any value outcomes. So, this factor can lead to wasteful of money and time for the companies who have to spend unnecessary cost. 4.0 Condition Running a business game requires no specific condition. It can be a simple board game or a professionally constructed simulation game. Although business game can be one of the simplest to implement and cost effective, the result from the kind of business game may differ. Thus, to determine which conditions used we should refer to the following procedure. First, determine the problem that an organization face and identify the objectives that wish to be accomplished. One of the ways to determine the goals of the training can be done through the Training Need Analysis. It will help to find out who need which type of training and under what condition. Next is choosing the most suitable business game based on the objectives to maximize the learning outcome among employees. The business game chosen may be simple as long as it can support the intended training objectives. By selecting a suitable game that can meet the objective and consider the possible constrain such as budget, place setting, and method, it will let the organization train employees in the wanted areas. After choosing what kind of business game, the organization has to apply it. The correct implementation will also affect the outcome of the training program. Although the right method of training is chosen, poor organization and weak enforcement may comprehend the effect of the business game. Monitoring the game process and ensuring it achieves the objective requires good implementation. The final step in carrying out a business game is evaluation. Evaluation is important because it determines whether the business game succeeds in achieving the objectives. The training of employees will be evaluated to gauge the effectiveness of the business game conducted. The use of Donald Kirkpatricks evaluation model is used to evaluate the outcome of the game. If the outcome is not favor then it has to change certain condition of the game. 5.0 Conclusion In conclusion, it is not easy to conduct a successful business game as it needs a lot of effort from the company to create an effective game. The most effective games to users must be those able to maintain interest, effective, teach a concept and enjoyable (Gilgeous et al., 1996). Beside that it should also be develop based on the companys business environment and strategy.

A Game of Thrones Chapter Seventeen

Bran It seemed as though he had been falling for years. Fly, a voice whispered in the darkness, but Bran did not know how to fly, so all he could do was fall. Maester Luwin made a little boy of clay, baked him till he was hard and brittle, dressed him in Bran's clothes, and flung him off a roof. Bran remembered the way he shattered. â€Å"But I never fall,† he said, falling. The ground was so far below him he could barely make it out through the grey mists that whirled around him, but he could feel how fast he was falling, and he knew what was waiting for him down there. Even in dreams, you could not fall forever. He would wake up in the instant before he hit the ground, he knew. You always woke up in the instant before you hit the ground. And if you don't? the voice asked. The ground was closer now, still far far away, a thousand miles away, but closer than it had been. It was cold here in the darkness. There was no sun, no stars, only the ground below coming up to smash him, and the grey mists, and the whispering voice. He wanted to cry. Not cry. Fly. â€Å"I can't fly,† Bran said. â€Å"I can't, I can't . . . â€Å" How do you know? Have you ever tried? The voice was high and thin. Bran looked around to see where it was coming from. A crow was spiraling down with him, just out of reach, following him as he fell. â€Å"Help me,† he said. I'm trying, the crow replied. Say, got any corn? Bran reached into his pocket as the darkness spun dizzily around him. When he pulled his hand out, golden kernels slid from between his fingers into the air. They fell with him. The crow landed on his hand and began to eat. â€Å"Are you really a crow?† Bran asked. Are you really falling? the crow asked back. â€Å"It's just a dream,† Bran said. Is it? asked the crow. â€Å"I'll wake up when I hit the ground,† Bran told the bird. You'll die when you hit the ground, the crow said. It went back to eating corn. Bran looked down. He could see mountains now, their peaks white with snow, and the silver thread of rivers in dark woods. He closed his eyes and began to cry. That won't do any good, the crow said. I told you, the answer is flying, not crying. How hard can it be? I'm doing it. The crow took to the air and flapped around Bran's hand. â€Å"You have wings,† Bran pointed out. Maybe you do too. Bran felt along his shoulders, groping for feathers. There are different kinds of wings, the crow said. Bran was staring at his arms, his legs. He was so skinny, just skin stretched taut over bones. Had he always been so thin? He tried to remember. A face swam up at him out of the grey mist, shining with light, golden. â€Å"The things I do for love,† it said. Bran screamed. The crow took to the air, cawing. Not that, it shrieked at him. Forget that, you do not need it now, put it aside, put it away. It landed on Bran's shoulder, and pecked at him, and the shining golden face was gone. Bran was falling faster than ever. The grey mists howled around him as he plunged toward the earth below. â€Å"What are you doing to me?† he asked the crow, tearful. Teaching you how to fly. â€Å"I can't fly!† You're flying tight now. â€Å"I'm falling!† Every flight begins with a fall, the crow said. Look down. â€Å"I'm afraid . . . â€Å" LOOK DOWN! Bran looked down, and felt his insides turn to water. The ground was rushing up at him now. The whole world was spread out below him, a tapestry of white and brown and green. He could see everything so clearly that for a moment he forgot to be afraid. He could see the whole realm, and everyone in it. He saw Winterfell as the eagles see it, the tall towers looking squat and stubby from above, the castle walls just lines in the dirt. He saw Maester Luwin on his balcony, studying the sky through a polished bronze tube and frowning as he made notes in a book. He saw his brother Robb, taller and stronger than he remembered him, practicing swordplay in the yard with real steel in his hand. He saw Hodor, the simple giant from the stables, carrying an anvil to Mikken's forge, hefting it onto his shoulder as easily as another man might heft a bale of hay. At the heart of the godswood, the great white weirwood brooded over its reflection in the black pool, its leaves rustling in a chill wind. When it felt Bran watching, it lifted its eyes from the still waters and stared back at him knowingly. He looked east, and saw a galley racing across the waters of the Bite. He saw his mother sitting alone in a cabin, looking at a bloodstained knife on a table in front of her, as the rowers pulled at their oars and Ser Rodrik leaned across a rail, shaking and heaving. A storm was gathering ahead of them, a vast dark roaring lashed by lightning, but somehow they could not see it. He looked south, and saw the great blue-green rush of the Trident. He saw his father pleading with the king, his face etched with grief. He saw Sansa crying herself to sleep at night, and he saw Arya watching in silence and holding her secrets hard in her heart. There were shadows all around them. One shadow was dark as ash, with the terrible face of a hound. Another was armored like the sun, golden and beautiful. Over them both loomed a giant in armor made of stone, but when he opened his visor, there was nothing inside but darkness and thick black blood. He lifted his eyes and saw clear across the narrow sea, to the Free Cities and the green Dothraki sea and beyond, to Vaes Dothrak under its mountain, to the fabled lands of the JadeSea, to Asshai by the Shadow, where dragons stirred beneath the sunrise. Finally he looked north. He saw the Wall shining like blue crystal, and his bastard brother Jon sleeping alone in a cold bed, his skin growing pale and hard as the memory of all warmth fled from him. And he looked past the Wall, past endless forests cloaked in snow, past the frozen shore and the great blue-white rivers of ice and the dead plains where nothing grew or lived. North and north and north he looked, to the curtain of light at the end of the world, and then beyond that curtain. He looked deep into the heart of winter, and then he cried out, afraid, and the heat of his tears burned on his cheeks. Now you know, the crow whispered as it sat on his shoulder. Now you know why you must live. â€Å"Why?† Bran said, not understanding, falling, falling. Because winter is coming. Bran looked at the crow on his shoulder, and the crow looked back. It had three eyes, and the third eye was full of a terrible knowledge. Bran looked down. There was nothing below him now but snow and cold and death, a frozen wasteland where jagged blue-white spires of ice waited to embrace him. They flew up at him like spears. He saw the bones of a thousand other dreamers impaled upon their points. He was desperately afraid. â€Å"Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?† he heard his own voice saying, small and far away. And his father's voice replied to him. â€Å"That is the only time a man can be brave.† Now, Bran, the crow urged. Choose. Fly or die. Death reached for him, screaming. Bran spread his arms and flew. Wings unseen drank the wind and filled and pulled him upward. The terrible needles of ice receded below him. The sky opened up above. Bran soared. It was better than climbing. It was better than anything. The world grew small beneath him. â€Å"I'm flying!† he cried out in delight. I've noticed, said the three-eyed crow. It took to the air, flapping its wings in his face, slowing him, blinding him. He faltered in the air as its pinions beat against his cheeks. Its beak stabbed at him fiercely, and Bran felt a sudden blinding pain in the middle of his forehead, between his eyes. â€Å"What are you doing?† he shrieked. The crow opened its beak and cawed at him, a shrill scream of fear, and the grey mists shuddered and swirled around him and ripped away like a veil, and he saw that the crow was really a woman, a serving woman with long black hair, and he knew her from somewhere, from Winterfell, yes, that was it, he remembered her now, and then he realized that he was in Winterfell, in a bed high in some chilly tower room, and the black-haired woman dropped a basin of water to shatter on the floor and ran down the steps, shouting, â€Å"He's awake, he's awake, he's awake.† Bran touched his forehead, between his eyes. The place where the crow had pecked him was still burning, but there was nothing there, no blood, no wound. He felt weak and dizzy. He tried to get out of bed, but nothing happened. And then there was movement beside the bed, and something landed lightly on his legs. He felt nothing. A pair of yellow eyes looked into his own, shining like the sun. The window was open and it was cold in the room, but the warmth that came off the wolf enfolded him like a hot bath. His pup, Bran realized . . . or was it? He was so big now. He reached out to pet him, his hand trembling like a leaf. When his brother Robb burst into the room, breathless from his dash up the tower steps, the direwolf was licking Bran's face. Bran looked up calmly. â€Å"His name is Summer,† he said.

People Love To Have Pets, But What Do Pets Want Essay

There are many animals that would prefer to stay as far away from the indoors as possible! Even though some people keep their pets inside most of the time, they would much rather be outside living in their natural habitat. Many animals are covered in fur to protect them from cold weather and to keep animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and mice is unethical treatment from humans when they would rather be outdoors where they were intended to live with other animals. There are those humans who simply don’t want to take their animals outdoors, and then there are others who enjoy caging wild animals, such as snakes, turtles, mice and lizards for their own enjoyment. It is unnatural for many animals who haven’t adapted to existing in an enclosed environment and it is unethical treatment against wildlife to hold them indoors, against their will. It is sad when you hear about people who mistreat animals and are careless to the pet’s desires of wanting to roam around in their natural habitat. There are occasions when animals are never allowed to go outdoors and are strictly kept in cages and fed manually by the pet owner. â€Å"We humans create homes that feel, smell, sound and look good to us, not our cat,† Ingrid Newkirk explains in her book, â€Å"250 Things You Can Do To Make Your Cats Adore You. † The author relates that our pets are not always comfortable and happy just because we are. We need to consider the comfort of every pet.

Homosexual Parenting - 1084 Words

Group Paper: Intro: In the 21st century, we are seeing more and more changes in the family structure in our society; single parenting, unmarried parents, and an even newer trend--gay parenting. If homosexuals become parents, what does this information mean to their children? Children learn through watching their parents, so it’s clear that the character of the parent will be reflected in some part on their child. This common knowledge is exactly what sparks the debate about effects of gay parenting on children. If children are being raised by parents without traditional gender roles, the children themselves will challenge the ideals of the stereotypical family. Research has proven that the sexual orientation of the parents does not†¦show more content†¦The best parents are those in a stable place in their lives where they can always put their child first. The toll on the child’s life can continue outside of the home as well. A study from Cambridge University found that children of gay parents feel different than everyone else at a young age and feel uncomfortable answering questions about their parents. They have fears of being bullied about their parents, and children who had been bullied reported the school didn’t often do much to help them. (Guasp 5) Young children are already submitted to bullying and teasing at school, and those with gay parents may feel subjected to more bullying which would affect a child’s social abilities and self-confidence. This issue is not one that the child can change, and with every new school or group, more questions would have to be answered. B.A. Robinson writes for the Ontario Consultants of Religious Tolerance that many disagree with same-sex parenting because they believe children profit by having a male and female influence in their childhood, since men and women think and ac t differently. The laws of nature have made a child be born to a man and woman for a reason. At home, a child should be exposed to a traditional father and mother to better understand gender relations in society, and their own future role as a man or woman.Show MoreRelatedGay or Lesbian Parenting and the Psychological Effects on Their Adoptive Children890 Words   |  4 Pagesthousands of children who are in foster care and need a home with a family who will love and care for them. Families lead by same-sex couples are viewed as â€Å"non-traditional households† and these parents raise their children in very much the same ways as heterosexual parents. These children grow with their adoptive families and if their parents have a stable relationship with each other and with their adoptive children, and have great support systems, then it should not be difficult for those children to thriveRead More The Debate over Gay Parenting Essay1166 Words   |  5 PagesOver the last seve ral decades, gay rights have been a growing topic in the public and in the court rooms. Recently, the debate about gays having the right or ability to parent has become a hot topic, due to the expanding gay community. There are typically two stances taken on the topic of gay parenting: it’s wrong and should be illegal or it’s normal and should be legal. While the norms, stereotypes and debates about gay parenting have varied over the years, today there seems to be a positive consensusRead More A Study on Gay Parenting Essay1090 Words   |  5 Pagesa sensitive subject in society for a long time, and in recent years, it has sparked both support and controversy in areas such as legalizing gay and lesbian marriage and various other matters that have arisen surrounding the movement towards equality of treatment and integration into society. One of these matters that has garnered attention is gay parenting. With some states now allowing same-sex marriage or unions, the nex t step being taken is starting a family. There has been wide speculation intoRead MoreThe Issue Of Same Sex Parenting1153 Words   |  5 PagesPaper Same-Sex Parenting ​Homosexuality has been a sensitive subject in this society for generations; it has been repelled against and condemned because it is considered to be sin-natured to certain traditions and religions. In the past several years, gay rights have been a controversial topic in many areas of the public and court rooms. More recently, the debate about gays having the right or ability to parent has become an increasingly popular topic, especially with same-sex marriage being legalizedRead MoreEssay on The Battle for Homosexual Adoption1696 Words   |  7 Pagesfostered out. At least they have a chance of learning the proper values† (Sanchez). Such a mindset betrays Talton’s ignorance of children raised in same-sex households. The blame does not solely fall on him though; many people in the world today are in the dark about whether or not to allow gay and lesbian parents to adopt children. Many research studies conclude that children are not adversely affected in any way from growing up in homosexual households; however, the fight for same-sex parents to beRead MoreEssay on Same-Sex Parenting and Child Development1110 Words   |  5 PagesSame-Sex Parenting In the last ten years, many established gay men and lesbians have been increasingly undertaking parenthood through donor insemination, surrogacy, or fostering and adoption (McCann, 2005). Thus, a new type of family formation in American society has been generated. Due to the formation of same-sex households, gay and lesbian parenting is no longer a concept. This type of parenting has become a reality which society as a whole is struggling to accept (McCann, 2005). In 2010Read More Social and Legal Obstacles of Gay and Lesbian Parenting Essay1677 Words   |  7 PagesSocial and Legal Obstacles of Gay and Lesbian Parenting In the last decade there has been a rise in the number of lesbians and gay men forming their own families. Many do this through adoption, foster care, artificial insemination, and other means. Today, researchers have estimated that the number of children living with one gay or lesbian parent is six to fourteen million. Some have described this current period as a lesbian and gay â€Å"baby boom†. However, lesbian and gay parents face many social andRead More Gay Child Rearing Essay1656 Words   |  7 PagesThe sexuality and development of children with gay parents must be most affected by the rearing of the gay parents. Does having gay parents affect a child’s mental health and growth? Can education and socialization be decreased with the presence of gay parents? How could it be possible that children are not affected by having two parents of the same sex? Doesn’t this cause some gender confusion for the child? How can a child develop properly without the experi ence of both a male and female role modelRead MoreThe Sexual Orientation Of Parents Essay1707 Words   |  7 Pagesto the development of children with parents who identify as gay and lesbian. The authors focused on the analysis of previous research findings, comparing the outcomes of the children from heterosexual single-mothers and homosexual parents, particularly lesbian mothers. These studies explored the relationship between homophobia, the sexual orientation of the parents and the outcome of the child; in addition to the influence on sexual preferences and well-being of the children. A critical finding fromRead MoreDecline of the Traditional American Family: Homosexual Parents1246 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican Family: Homosexual Parents The conception that lesbians and gay men may be parents is frequently perceived in today s society as impossible or immoral. Gay men and lesbians are often viewed as excluded from having children because sexual reproduction is related to men and women couples only. My approach to this uniquely controversial topic of gay parenting will be that of attempting to analyze the pro side. Gays and lesbians are human too and who is to say that they don t deserve equal