Romeo & Juliet Essay Example for Free

Romeo Juliet Essay Romeo and Juliet is true story written as a play, by William Shakespeare in the Elizabethan time in the 17th Century. This was the period when young girls which was classed as young women and the roles of women was limited, especially those that were rich was never seen outdoors, when venturing outside it was a lot more limited, had private tutoring, educating them to a very high standard and everything would be brought to them, as Juliet in the play is to confined to protect her virginity. This was when woman were owned by fathers then suitable husbands, which were expected to accept. The tradition was Courtney Love, when a man, often a knight, had to woo (gently persuade) a lady to be his love. This sometimes meant singing to her beneath her balcony. She was supposed to play it very cool for a while, as Juliet says she ought to in this scene. It was all sort of a game. The play is about a boy and a girl who fall in love, but remains to keep it secret of their family feud. There is a lot of use of imagery language in the play, one of the example is the balcony scene, where Romeo comes to find Juliet after the party and find her in her balcony. This is at night, where the darkness makes them feel safe, somewhere they can truly be alone. At the balcony scene where Romeo meets Juliet for the second time, he talks about how Juliet is so pretty she is and how she is beautiful than the moon itself the envious moon, this is a simile because he is saying the moon is jealous as it is a symbol of chastity. By saying that it gives us an image of Juliet more beautiful than the moon, so Juliet must seem to be glowing making the night light and bright. The balcony scene is when the audience is shown that the live is real and eternal. Another image of light and darkness is Juliets sun, people cant live without the sun so Romeo cant live without Juliet , so metaphorically Romeo is saying she lightens up the world for Romeo. I think the two images are very powerful, but to be used after only knowing each other after somewhat of couple hours is rather extreme and exaggeration, so at this point I dont find this convincing at all towards the idea of the two are in love. The images of love are as strong as those of light and dark, the first is, Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love And Ill no longer be a Capulet Juliet claims that she will lose her identity if he swears to lobe her, she here gives us an imagery of a big sacrifice because they loves each other, but this to me, I wonder if it is really is that simple? I think the couple dont need to worry about the name; it shouldnt matter if they love each other. A name would be perfectly insignificant, Juliet denies the reality of the situation which is she will never be allowed to marry Romeo because of the feud of the two families, so Romeo and Juliet love must remain secret, so the imagery she uses shows us that thus live cannot and does not survive on earth, which all turns the situation into somewhat of a fairytale. They do die soon later in the play, so this scene shows the audience that it is a special love. Another imagery of love is when Romeo goes on to claim that love can help him to perform such features as climbing tall walls-With loves light wing did I operch these walls, For stony limits cannot hold love out. This again is a metaphor, which is very unrealistic, a feeling cannot give you power to fly, but it is aright for the couples in love. Their love goes beyond the earth, almost heavenly. However, Romeo is flirting with her, not giving her direct truthful responses. Later he uses the word love four times. He talks of love as a actual person. He believes their love to b strong that he personifies it. As if he has brought them together. When asked how he found the garden, he actually describes the personified love as someone hes in partnership with. He gives love extra power. With loves live wings did I oeroperch these walls, For stony limits cannot hols love out; And what love can do, that dares love attempt; Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me. Juliet declares in line 133, that her bounty is as boundless as the sea, this is metaphorical term, saying about her generosity. The love she has to give him is so great, not even the sea can obstruct it, the term giving Juliets live somewhat of a infinite quality and eternal. This is off course is unrealistic, but it is similar to Elizabethan voyage of discovery to the new world, to seek out the worlds end, this is yet not found therefore Juliets love is the same, boundless Other images are of birds, Shakespeare the, changes mood when Juliet talks of birds and captivity. We now see interesting images, shown by Juliet, Hist, Romeo, hist! O for a falconers voice, To lure this tassel-gentle back again. Juliet trying to get Romeo to come back to her, she uses the language of falconry, which was an extremely popular sport with the Elizabethan nobility. A tassel was a high-prized male peregrine, this suggest that she feels confident as falconer to her very own, tassel-gentle, Romeo, it is unusual to see her like this in her age. Juliet is dominating the situation. She changes in two days from a little girl to a women, it shows her strength of character, her determination and her love. So I think this is very successful in making the audience realise the two are in love. On the other hand , we have an image of a spoilt child possessing a pet-And yet no farther than a wantons bird, Who lets it hop a little from her hand, Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gives, This gives us and image of Juliet holding Romeo by a string, and she has control of him, as she can pluck him back whenever she wishes, and gyves are prisoner with ropes and chain, this is the case that Juliet is a controlling female, could be of the high standard of her rich life, who is obsessed with Romeo and enjoys having him, whenever she favours, in a little fantasy of hers. For conclusion, I think in the balcony scene, many different images were shown although there were few actual images, which was effective in convincing the audience that the two are in love. There were only few realistic images, whereas unrealistic images present us with unlikely ideas such as Juliets sun, where the audience was given the idea that she was the light to the world. The image of angels might have been used to symbolise that the couple is not meant to be in earth, a little hint from Shakespeare, but overall I think there was enough images and idea given to back up the love of Romeo and Juliet.

Americas Role in the Cuban Revolution :: American America History

America's Role in the Cuban Revolution The revolution in Cuba was not a result of economic deprivation, nor because of high expectations in the economy, it was the political factors and expectations which evoked the civilians to revolt. The Cuban economy was moving forward at the time before the rebellion but the dominant influence of the sugar industry made the economy "assymetrical" and encouraged no "dynamic industrial sector". Because of the dependance on sugar, the unemployment rate ranged between 16 and 20% rising and falling with sugar prices, ebbing and flowing as the season changed. The rural wage levels were incredibly unsteady and unpredictable; the standard of living was low. Dependance on the sugar industry did not retard the economy of Cuba, just the wages of its workers. It was the leaders of the nation who reaped profit from this dependance, and it was the leaders of the nation who insisted on keeping the nation the way it was. By the mid 1950's, however, the middle class had expanded to 33% of the population. Democracy, as we know it, broke down: the large middle class did not assert democratic leadership, there was no social militancy in the working class ranks, and the people found order preferable to disarray. Batista could no longer legitimize his regime. Failure in the elections of 1954 showed the discontent of the people, and failure in communications with the United States illustrated its discontent. Finally, opposing forces confronted Batista's power: there were street protests, confrontations with the police, assault, sabotage, and urban violence. This began the revolution in Cuba. America, with its stubborn ideas and misjudgements of character, forced Castro to turn to the Soviets for alliance and aid. When Castro visited the United States in April, 1959, there were different respected individuals holding different views of him and his future actions. Nixon believed Castro to be naive, some others thought him a welcome change from Batista, still others called him an "immature but effective leader, without a well formed view of how to lead a revolutionary movement and not overly concerned with abstract of philosophical matters" (p. 55). Why, then, did the United States impress nit-picky ideals like "there should not be communists in the Army or in labor", or "Cuba's approach to the Batista trials is totally unacceptable, too casual, too nonchalant" on this "forming" leader? Castro was like an inexperienced murderer with a gun in his hand: any rustle in the background could set off his nervous trigger

Printing and its influence on the intellectual life Essay

The history of printing dated back as early as 868 AD when the Chinese used it to produce the earliest dated printed book known as the â€Å"Diamond Sutra. † However, it is believed that book printing may have occurred even before that. Around 1041, the movable clay type printing system was first invented by Bi Sheng in China. Later on, the metal movable type was invented in Korea in 1230. At around 1450, a goldsmith named Johannes Gutenberg assembled a printing system from which the modern printing system was developed. At present, all movable type printing systems have been derived from the Gutenberg design. Thereafter, the invention of the printing system hastened the production of many books. As more books were produced, the production of manuscripts also declined. During that time, manuscript was the official form of publication for all printed communications on the scientific and literary sphere. Political and religious communications are slowly catching up to the printing trend. Concurrently, publishing entities soon emerged. Printing and publishing materialized as a profitable livelihood. It even became an essential tool for the dissemination of information. Clandestine manuscript production containing unconventional ideas were easily produced and circulated due to the ease of its production. Evidently, printing and publishing had a profound impact on intellectual life. Impact of Printing on Intellectual Life Prior to the advent of printing, everything had to be done by hand. Think of it as diaries or journals, religious and medieval manuscripts are prepared by monks by copying the text. Biblical manuscripts and other books were handwritten and copied from a portion of the text source. These handwritten copies of books consist of attempts to reconstruct the original text. During that era, manuscripts were used as the means of storing and disseminating information, and the manuscript culture was basically dominated by monks until its transition to the market in the cities, along with the rise of universities. When Gutenberg introduced his printing system, it marked an improvement, at first, on the production of manuscripts, then on the production of books. His system revolutionized Europe’s book-making process that the technology expanded throughout the continent. Books were produced faster than before. Faster production of books means one thing: an increase of literacy. With this widespread increase in literacy rate, intellectual quests took off. The people have become thirsty for more knowledge, and printing became an essential tool to advance the academic pursuits. Gutenberg’s printing system, regarded as the most important invention of the second millennium, has been a key factor in the European Renaissance. With his printing system, the cultural movement easily spread throughout Europe. It allowed the people easy access to books. In addition, the invention of the printing system helped in the assimilation of Greek and Arabic knowledge. Classical and ancient ideas, which were lost through time have been revived and disseminated. The rebirth of these ideas fuelled the quest for rediscovery of ancient knowledge that had been long forgotten. While these old ideas were revived, novel thought were also spawned and disseminated. Combined with the technology of printing, intellectual pursuits were easily advanced. The printing technology also facilitated the social and political upheavals at that time through the dissemination of clandestine printed articles containing unorthodox views that challenged mainstream thought. Thus, printing afforded wide latitude of political freedom. It made the political atmosphere conducive for the advancement of revolutionary ideas. Printing and publishing also contributed to the transformation of scientific thought. Fundamentals in physics, astronomy and biology were easily propagated with the use of printed materials. Ancient science has been easily superseded with the dissemination of these new ideas. Thus, the scientific revolution ensued. The scientific revolution paved the way for modern science as we know today. Galilei, Copernicus, Kepler, Newton and the others questioned the foundation of the old science. Their ideas contradicted the prevailing ideas at that time. Theoretical developments, thus, emerged. The printing system facilitated the propagation of Copernicus’ work on the heliocentric model of the solar system. In the 16th century, Copernicus contended that the sun is the center of the solar system. This was received with opposition from the church. The church firmly adhered to geocentrism, which placed the earth as the center of the universe. With the help of the printing system, information regarding Heliocentrism was easily dispersed. With printing and publishing, these brilliant minds were able to easily communicate their knowledge through scholarly journals. It resulted to a greater awareness of things, which were previously hidden from the general public. Dissemination of information gave an understanding of the information dispersed. With printing, the process was rapidly spread across Europe. Printed articles of classical thought were reprinted and widely spread. A curiosity on all things were intellectual was aroused. People have begun to engage in intellectual discussions; hence, books have become a commodity. Book production evolved into a commercial enterprise. Accordingly, copyright laws were passed to protect these artistic and literary creations. This legal notion was conceptualized as a reaction to the advent of printing. Charles II of England was apprehensive about the unregulated production and copying of books. Moreover, printing helped established the standards of spelling and syntax. The English language also emerged as the language commonly used in most published works; thus, the use of Latin declined. On the religious end, printing also facilitated the Protestant Reformation. The movement was started an attempt to reform the Catholic Church. At that time, the Church’s hierarchy was plagued with corruption. Many Catholics observed that false doctrines and malpractices were carried out. This corruption was seen as even reaching the position of the Pope. With the printing press, the reform movement advanced the culture of Biblical literacy. By the translating the Bible and making it available to the masses, the message was dispersed and made it more accessible for the public. Moreover, Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk, also raised his protests against the Catholic Church. He discussed his discontent of the Church’s sale of indulgences. Because of the printing system, the swift dissemination of discontent was facilitated. Information relating to Luther’s theological teachings was dispersed in the form of broadsheets, to the poor sector of society. These broadsheets evolved into newspapers. Presently, newspapers are the most accessible tools for public information and written journalism. Information relating to political events, business and the society, among others, are disseminated. The wide circulation of newspapers as a means of communication was largely due to the advances of printing. Printing presses accelerated the process of making newspapers. With printing, intellectual innovations have progressed into something that we have today. The printing system has been a valuable tool in the dissemination of knowledge and information. Human advancements in the field of science, artistic and literary domain have been realized. The rapid dispersal of information is attributable to the fast production of books and other scholarly articles. These would not have been realized were it not for printing. The invention of printing assisted in the proliferation of new thought. Ideas, both old and new, were unearthed. Ancient knowledge was rediscovered. Dissemination thereof was necessary in order to inform the general public thereof. The innovation of printing and publishing helped pushed these ideas to the open, making it accessible for the public to see.

Battle of Ligny During the Napoleonic Wars

The Battle of Ligny was fought on June 16, 1815, during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815). Heres a summary of the event. Battle of Ligney Background Having crowned himself Emperor of the French in 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte embarked on a decade of campaigning which saw him win victories at places such as Austerlitz, Wagram, and Borodino. Finally defeated and forced to abdicate in April 1814, he accepted exile on Elba under the terms of the Treaty of Fontainebleau. In the wake of Napoleons defeat, the European powers convened the Congress of Vienna to outline the postwar world. Unhappy in exile, Napoleon escaped and landed in France on March 1, 1815. Marching to Paris, he built an army as he traveled with soldiers flocking to his banner. Declared an outlaw by the Congress of Vienna, Napoleon worked to consolidate power as Britain, Prussia, Austria, and Russia formed the Seventh Coalition to prevent his return. Armies and Commanders Prussians Field Marshal Gebhard von Blà ¼cher84,000 men French Napoleon Bonaparte68,000 men Napoleons Plan Assessing the strategic situation, Napoleon concluded that a swift victory was required before the Seventh Coalition could fully mobilize its forces against him. To achieve this, he sought to destroy the Duke of Wellingtons coalition army south of Brussels before turning east to defeat Field Marshal Gebhard von Blà ¼chers approaching Prussian army. Moving north, Napoleon divided his Armee du Nord (Army of the North) in three giving command of the left-wing to Marshal Michel Ney, the right-wing to Marshal Emmanuel de Grouchy, while retaining personal command of a reserve force. Understanding that if Wellington and Blà ¼cher united they would have the power to crush him, he crossed the border at Charleroi on June 15 with the intention of defeating the two coalition armies in detail. That same day, Wellington began directing his forces to move towards Quatre Bras while Blà ¼cher concentrated at Sombreffe. Determining the Prussians to pose a more immediate threat, Napoleon directed Ney to seize Quatre Bras while he moved with the reserves to reinforce Grouchy. With both coalition armies defeated, the road to Brussels would be open. The next day, Ney spent the morning forming his men while Napoleon joined Grouchy at Fleurus. Making his headquarters at the windmill of Brye, Blà ¼cher deployed Lieutenant-General Graf von Zietens I Corps to defend a line running through the villages of Wagnelà ©e, Saint-Amand, and Ligny. This formation was supported by Major General George Ludwig von Pirchs II Corps to the rear. Extending east from I Corps left was Lieutenant General Johann von Thielemanns III Corps which covered Sombreffe and the armys line of retreat. As the French approached on the morning on June 16, Blà ¼cher directed II and III Corps to send troops to reinforce Zietens lines. Napoleon Attacks To dislodge the Prussians, Napoleon intended to send forward General Dominique Vandammes III Corps and General Étienne Gà ©rards IV Corps against the villages while Grouchy was to advance on Sombreffe. Hearing artillery fire coming from Quatre Bras, Napoleon commenced his attack around 2:30 PM. Striking Saint-Amand-la-Haye, Vandammes men carried the village in heavy fighting. Their hold proved brief as a determined counterattack by Major General Carl von Steinmetz reclaimed it for the Prussians. Fighting continued to swirl around Saint-Amand-Haye through the afternoon with Vandamme again taking possession. As the loss of the village threatened his right flank, Blà ¼cher directed part of II Corps to attempt to envelop Saint-Amand-le-Haye. Moving forward, Pirchs men were blocked by Vandamme in front of Wagnelà ©e. Arriving from Brye, Blà ¼cher took personal control of the situation and directed a strong effort against Saint-Amand-le-Haye. Striking the battered French, this assa ult secured the village. Fighting Rages As fighting raged to the west, Gà ©rards men hit Ligny at 3:00 PM. Enduring heavy Prussian artillery fire, the French penetrated the town but were ultimately driven back. A subsequent assault culminated in bitter house-to-house fighting which resulted in the Prussians maintaining their hold on Ligny. Around 5:00 PM, Blà ¼cher directed Pirch to deploy the bulk of II Corps south of Brye. At the same time, a degree of confusion struck the French high command as Vandamme reported seeing a large enemy force approaching Fleurus. This actually was Marshal Comte dErlons I Corps marching in from Quatre Bras as requested by Napoleon. Unaware of Napoleons orders, Ney recalled dErlon before he reached Ligny and I Corps played no role in the fighting. The confusion caused by this created a break which allowed Blà ¼cher to order II Corps into action. Moving against the French left, Pirchs corps was stopped by Vandamme and General Guillaume Duhesmes Young Guard Division. The Prussians Break Around 7:00 PM, Blà ¼cher learned that Wellington was heavily engaged at Quatre Bras and would be unable to send aid. Left on this own, the Prussian commander sought to end the fighting with a strong attack against the French left. Assuming personal oversight, he reinforced Ligny before massing his reserves and launching an assault against Saint-Amand. Though some ground was gained, French counterattacks forced the Prussians to begin retreating. Reinforced by General Georges Moutons VI Corps, Napoleon began assembling a massive strike against the enemy center. Opening a bombardment with sixty guns, he ordered troops forward around 7:45 PM. Overwhelming the tired Prussians, the attack broke through Blà ¼chers center. To halt the French, Blà ¼cher directed his cavalry forward. Leading a charge, he was incapacitated after having his horse shot. The Prussian cavalry was soon halted by their French counterparts. Aftermath Assuming command, Lieutenant-General August von Gneisenau, Blà ¼chers chief of staff, ordered a retreat north to Tilly after the French broke through at Ligny around 8:30 PM. Conducting a controlled retreat, the Prussians were not pursued by the exhausted French. Their situation improved quickly as the newly-arrived IV Corps deployed as a strong rearguard at Wavre which allowed a rapidly-recovering Blà ¼cher to reassemble his army. In the fighting at the Battle of Ligny, the Prussians sustained around 16,000 casualties while French losses numbered around 11,500. Though a tactical victory for Napoleon, the battle failed to mortally wound Blà ¼chers army or drive it to a location from which it could no longer support Wellington. Forced to fall back from Quatre Bras, Wellington assumed a defensive position where on June 18 he engaged Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. In heavy fighting, he won a decisive victory with the aid of the Blà ¼chers Prussians which arrived in the afternoo n.