“You always hurt the ones you love” Essay Example Essay Example

â€Å"You always hurt the ones you love† Essay Example Paper â€Å"You always hurt the ones you love† Essay Introduction In this essay I will be writing about a play written by William Shakespeare in 1595 called ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Shakespeare was a sought-after writer and was born at Stratford-Upon-Avon in April 1564. Shakespeare was a prosperous man and was very well educated. He lived in London as a dramatist, actor and poet. He had written many plays and poems before Romeo and Juliet including: ‘Henry VI’ and ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’. Romeo and Juliet wasn’t an original idea because Shakespeare had used a poem by Arthur Brooke called ‘The Tragic History of Romeus and Juliet’ as his inspiration. I think the play has remained so popular due to all the further adaptations of the play like the novel ‘Across The Barricades’ by Joan Linguard, also there have been films made based on the play by directors such as Franco Zeffirelis version in 1968 and Barry Luhram’s in 1997. There are many different themes in this play, whi ch I believe are the basis of its appeal. The themes consist of romance, action, fate, fighting, drama and countless more. There are also scenes upon scenes of soliloquies, which enable the play to have dramatic irony as the different characters think out loud. â€Å"You always hurt the ones you love† Essay Body Paragraphs I am aiming to show that there are many characters in this play that end up hurting their loved ones. I judge the persons who get hurt the most in the play to be Juliet and Lady Capulet. I feel Juliet is a victim because she loses her cousin Tybalt; her mother doesn’t care for her; the Nurse, her closest friend betrays her; she loses her one true love, Romeo – resulting in her taking her own life. I feel for Lady Capulet towards the end because I think it’s only until Juliet dies, does she realise exactly how much she loves her daughter. Lady Capulet didn’t seem to interact much with Juliet when she was alive, she left it to the Nurse and she must have felt remorseful, and her love for her must have taken effect on her when Juliet passed. I consider that the Elizabethan audience watching this play could too feel sympathy for Lady Capulet because the wealthy of that time often got nannies etc to look-after their child, hence a close relationship would be un heard of, part of life but a missing bond modern parents relish. Romeo and Juliet however, rushed into their relationship; they let their hearts run away with each other’s causing hurt on the two feuding families, Juliet being a Capulet and Romeo a Montague. Alternatively, on their first encounter of each other’s company they use delicate, poetic language to show their love is pure: â€Å"For Saints have hands, that Pilgrims’ do touch, and palms to palm is holy palmer’s kiss.† (Act one, Scene 5) Juliet later doubts their love as being â€Å"too rash, too unadvis’d.† (Act two, Scene 2) The arrival of Romeo at the Capulet’s masquerade ball incensed Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin: â€Å"This is Montague our foe: A villain that hither come in spite, To scorn at our solemnity this night† With Tybalt being such a fiery character, he tries to fight Romeo but Romeo is married to Juliet so therefore he couldn’t fight him. Mercutio, Romeo’s best friend fails to comprehend this, ensuing him in the desire to step in for Romeo. Consequently, he dies. Mercutio feels hurt by Romeo as he sees him as disregarding the love of friendship they share. Before he dies, Mercutio declares to Romeo: â€Å"A plague on both your houses!† Romeo then kills Tybalt in revenge for his act of vice resulting in much pain for Juliet and her family. I deem that Tybalt’s love of family honour is to blame for this run of deaths. The audience watching of that time would probably perceive Tybalt’s feelings as somewhat respectable as they were very house-proud citizens. A dramatic device used by Shakespeare to accentuate the passion of this scene is his reference to the temperature. Benvolio comments that â€Å"for now these hot days, is the mad blood stirring† meaning, if they meet the Capulet’s then fighting will follow, foretelling the events of this scene for the benefit of the audience. This device prepares the audience and makes them anxious as to how a brawl will begin, after the calm of the preceding scene. Throughout the play we see Romeo trust in Friar Laurence and he plays a massive part in this play. I realise that he is trying to help save the couple and reunite them but the flaws in his plan are innumerable! Friar Laurence is often seen as a character that tragically meddles with events that he cannot control. Furthermore, he is not only a confidant to the misguided youth but Friar Laurence has a duty to maintain towards all the people of Verona. He is their priest and their role model. But underneath his ceremonial garments he is a man, someone with opinions, desires and fears. I believe that this is what William Shakespeare tried to convey to the audience when he wrote ‘Romeo and Juliet’, that a priest who has strong and important hold over the community will have to fight to prevent a conflict of interests. In the city of Verona there is a political feud between the two families, the Montagues, Romeo’s family and the Capulets, Juliet’s family. This becomes very important later in the play as it drives the Friar to the extremes that he does. As the audience we have to presume that the Friar would not like to see anger and hatred in his community and he may have seen his position in the church as a way to stop what was happening. The Friar’s involvement hurts Romeo and Juliet because Romeo doesn’t receive the Friar’s letter and thinks Juliet is dead, making Romeo commit suicide then Juliet does this too. The Friar then leaves Lord Capulet without a daughter and Lord Montague without a son adding to his sorrow as Lady Montague died of a broken heart at the news that her son was banished. I think the Elizabethan audience would view the Friar’s actions as love of friendship with Romeo by wedding them and also love of God and the church. I speculate this because Juliet tries to kil l herself and he prevents it by this plan. Also he is very good friends with Romeo and he wouldn’t purposely wound his heart. The nurse hurts Juliet when Juliet is being forced to marry Paris and she looks to the nurse for confidentiality but doesn’t receive it when the nurse states: â€Å"I think it best to marry with Paris as your second marriage excels your first†. She betrays Juliet by turning her back on her when she needed help. Nonetheless, Juliet leads me to believe that she hurts the nurse then by not telling her of the plan to fake her death, resulting in the nurse feeling much pain thinking Juliet is dead. The Elizabethan audience must contemplate that the nurse should just do her job and not get so involved and perhaps agree with Lord Capulet’s view of the situation. Romeo and Juliet hurt their parents by marrying, as they are household enemies and by proving so negligent there is a loss of love of their family honour. However, their parents h urt those by making Romeo banished to Mantua and forcing Juliet to marry Paris. The Elizabethan audience may expect the young lovers to handle their relationship with a naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ve, vulnerable approach however they should maintain the customs of the day. Therefore respecting their family’s honour. The County Paris’s involvement hurts Juliet since Juliet is in such deep love with Romeo. The day before her wedding to Paris, she threatens to kill herself with a dagger whilst in the company of Friar Laurence. â€Å"Do thou but call my resolution wise, And with this knife I’ll help it presently†. Prior to this outburst Juliet’s father gets immensely angry with her and hit her when she refused to marry Paris. Elizabethans watching this should be very familiar with this form of love: Courtly love as it was common back then. Arranged marriages were accepted also as families tried to marry into wealth etc. Some may be able to relate to Juliet at that m oment in time, whilst others think she’s a fool to resist him and be ungrateful to her family. As Capulet threatens his daughter another Shakespearean father is recalled, that being King Lear. Both men exhibit the dictatorial role of a father at this time, where their anger is led by what society may perceive them as if they cannot control their daughters. Romeo and Juliet were extremely unlucky with fate. Fate tore them apart then reunited them at the end. They have always been known as the â€Å"Star-cross’d lovers†. The couple forever use poetic language like when they share Shakespearean sonnets and iambic pentameter, which proves to a watching audience the purity and depth of their love. I feel Romeo is partly to blame after murdering Tybalt as this caused him to be banished and Juliet to drink the poison, concluding in his own death. Suicidal actions are said to result in the person getting sent to hell after, as â€Å"Taking their own life† in Chri stianity, is morally wrong. The audience watching would not agree with their behaviour. They were doomed from the beginning. This play constantly relates to the Elizabethan way of life. When The Elizabethan audience see this I think that they would have blamed it all on Romeo and Juliet as they agreed with the way their parents treated them and would have agreed with the way the Capulet and Montague families treated their children. Especially the way Lord Capulet treated his daughter when she refused to marry Paris. The play fits in perfectly with the Elizabethan way of life and their attitude towards their family and parent-child relationships. I think that the Elizabethan audience would have agreed with Lord Capulet threatening his daughter seen as though she had disobeyed him. The Elizabethan’s may share the same view as me and feel that it was fate that tied them together and they died together out of pure love for one another, and that it may be the moral message at the ending of the play. In conclusion to my essay I can say that Friar Laurence was one individual to blame due to all his meddling and also Tybalt for killing Mercutio meaning Romeo getting banished from Verona for vengeance. It all boils down to the fact that the two houses have too much love of family honour but they all reconcile at the end when Lord Capulet offers his hand to Lord Montague: We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"You always hurt the ones you love† Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"You always hurt the ones you love† Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"You always hurt the ones you love† Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Myth and creation

Myth and creation Introduction This paper presents theories of myths and its application to creation myths. It is important to understand that mythology is among the oldest area of study ventured into by enthusiastic scholars. Through time, man has been searching for answers to how the world and its content or rather mankind was created. This longing to explore on the nature of creation through vivid accounts or tales, prompted the materialization of way of life and custom which in the long run led to formation of religions and subsequent change in approach to life. Myths Scott (2004) mentioned that ‘myth’ which is an English word was derived from Greek word ‘Mythos’. In his study, Scott (2004) stated that the Greek word meant ‘divinely inspired’. However the word ‘myth’ has been a subject for debate by many philosophers and theologians. Plato in 300BCE compared the term myth with deceit while Hesoid, 700BCE, explained the term myth as having emanate d from the divine. Stakeholders in early Catholic Church weighed the ‘sham’ gods of the Greek against Jesus. This comparison entailed use of euhemerism. The subsequent effect was emergence of new tales in a bid to illustrate the dominance of Christian theologies over the Greeks’ unbelievable anecdote. These early perception of myths may have contributed to the present definition of the society with reference to culture. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Myth and creation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More An example is African maasai whose culture is defined by the practice of pastoral farming. Human psychology, language, environment and historical factors are some of the specifics used to explore myths. Scott (2004) agrees that the context i.e. the tale and its impact on the general public, is critical in understanding the actual meaning of a myth. Theories of myth In a nutshell, the following theo ries are relevant in a quest to understand myths. These were pointed out in a study by Scott (2004) and include, ‘rational, functional, structural, and psychological myth theory’. While rational theory focused on myths as an agent meant to clarify events and forces, functional theory simply explained the role of myths in controlling the society. Psychological theory is specific on myths as having its roots in human feelings. Rational theory As introduced earlier, rational theory explicates that myths were meant to instill in people an understanding of natural events and forces taking place on a daily basis. In this case, the daily experiences (like rain, winds, and nature in general) are better explained by myths. The theory emphasizes that gods and goddesses play a significant role in manipulating natural world. A myth on creation, which expounds on how man came into being falls under rational theory. Creation myth further specifies the components and procedures empl oyed by gods and goddesses in creating man and the world at large. Although the nature of man is seen to take a natural path, myth on creation is specific on the role played by gods in bringing man to existence. The bible is one of the guides exploring on the nature of man. Functional theory This theory states the responsibility of myths in disseminating knowledge on morals and societal norms. As a result, a myth shapes the society by elaborating on a recommended course of action i.e. the difference between right and wrong. According to the theory any misdeed has its consequences. Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To control and ensure that the society was stable, myths were captured. An example of a functional myth is a tale of the Good Samaritan featured in the bible. This tale educates the young generation on the definition of a good neighbor and its benefits. This has the end result of building a regular society. From this example, functional theory considers the wider view of the world and the description of good character in a society. Structural theory The theory lays emphasis on the role of myths in bringing together conflicting sides. In a study by Scott (2004), a myth arbitrates disagreeing essentials of a society and general life. Disagreements exist because of dual pattern in life. A bad thing can be deduced because of the ability to point out a good one. In other words, there exist two sides of a coin; love and hate, right and wrong etc. Structuralism therefore settles down these disparities by way of making numerous references while putting together varied view points to settle on a widely accepted norm. The nature of man and their minds plays a role in forming such acceptable patterns in a society consequently resolving inconsistencies. Creation myths to explain the theories This myth describes the viewpoint of a culture on h ow their nature came into being. The myth captures the use of imagery in expressing the position held by man. Media used in delivery of the content is oral. African maasai perceives the creator of mankind to be Enkai who gave their father a stick. This is evident in the present culture where maasai herds domestic animals. The myth has some truth in it having exploited the rational theory. In India, Buddha maintains that man should not question the origin of life since it can cause madness but focus on gaining enlightenment which will save man from suffering. The basis of the argument is on the parable of the poison arrow. From this teaching, man should not question the origin of life but concentrate on shaping life. Conclusion Structuralism, functionalism and rationalism theories are pertinent as man continuously search for insight into environment and human interaction. Rational theory explains the reasons behind the natural events like rain and drought. On the other hand structur alism expounds on the role of myths in settling contentious issues by forming agreeable patterns. Finally, functional theory points out the role of myths in maintenance of peace and order by recommending good morals and norms. Reference Scott, L., McClure, M. (2004). Myth knowing: An introduction to world mythology. New York: McGraw Hill.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Myth and creation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

Rowlandson's self-presentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rowlandson's self-presentation - Essay Example The purpose of this paper is to examine Rowlandson’s narrative, discussing her self-description throughout the captivity ordeal. According to Rowlandson ,2 prior to her capture, she lived in prosperity with all the comforts of the world, including wealth and family. She also disregarded others around her, dismissing their suffering, poverty and losses. As a consequence, Rowlandson believed that God was punishing her by taking away all her comforts in order to ensure that she became aware of all that God had given her. Rowlandson’s description of her plight under captivity typifies the Puritan culture and the purpose of religion and gender in the Puritan society. 3In accordance with Puritan beliefs, Rowlandson repeatedly quotes Bible verses so as to affirm her descriptions of the world of contrast, consisting of good and evil and light and darkness. Rowlandson’s utilization of scripture demonstrates how she drew strength from the Bible in her time of weakness, typ ifying Puritan beliefs in the providence and grace of God and how they shape all worldly events. For instance, when she was unaware of her children’s whereabouts, she opted to cast her burden to God in order to receive sustenance. Essentially, this narrative demonstrates the inherent differences between the cultures of colonists and natives. This account is valuable since it provides a female perspective in a field that is largely dominated by males. Rowlandson’s account of her eleven weeks in captivity provides a succinct description of the way non-Puritan individuals faced incredible devastations. Through Rowlandson’s experiences, it becomes clear how Americans considered other societies, including colonists with extreme disdain. Rowlandson shows how Indians captured Puritans such as herself in order to use them primarily for their skills. Indian natives required Rowlandson to knit clothes for them, allowing her to keep living since they deemed her skills to b e beneficial to them. Rowlandson’s narrative is remarkable since it provided a way through which a Puritan woman could have an individual voice within the Puritan society. Rowlandson’s narrative was one of the best books of its time since it offered a long-lasting impact on the history of women within the colonial society.4 Throughout her narrative, Rowlandson grants a voice to Puritan women who were initially silenced by male dominance in a society that deemed women more as property possessed by men, than individuals capable of maintaining their individuality and self-awareness. In her narrative, Rowlandson details her struggles not only as an individual living in the Puritan society, but as a woman whose individuality was stripped by the Puritan society’s excessive focus on men. The vast majority of narratives written regarding Indian captivity were composed by women since they served as interesting subjects compared to their male counterparts. 5Rowlandsonâ₠¬â„¢s narrative is significant owing to the time in which it was composed; the account chronicles the early relations between Indians and Europeans. Rowlandson’s narrative shows how she attempted to affirm her sense of identity as a Puritan woman. In the Puritan society, women and men were deemed equal on the spiritual front but were considered inferior to men on the social scene. This is evidenced by women’s inability to vote or play a vital role in the public arena, akin to slaves and children. Through the account of her struggles in captivity,