Democracy An American Novel - 2141 Words

A work of fiction, Democracy: An American Novel, is a novel in which Henry Adams skillfully addresses many social commentaries through satire and interesting characters. This novel can simply be described as a political love story. The main character, Mrs. Madeline Lightfoot Lee, originally leads her life as a â€Å"private philanthropist, amateur philosopher, and socialite† in New York (Adams v). After her husband and child died she lost her â€Å"taste for New York society† and everything that was in it (Adams 14). Eventually she became tired of her life in New York and decided to go to Washington D.C. to see what life had to offer her. The book has many parallels to Henry Adam’s own life. For example, when Mrs. Lee moved to Washington she lived on Lafayette Square, as did Henry Adams (â€Å"Washington, D.C.†). Madeline Lee is the kind of character who loves power, and she knew exactly where to look. Aside from finding out what exactly lay at the center of democracy and government, she wanted to see â€Å"the clash of interests, the interests of forty millions of people and a whole continent, centering at Washington; guided, restrained, controlled, or unrestrained and uncontrollable, by men of ordinary mould; the tremendous forces of government, and the machinery of society at work. What she wanted was POWER† (Adams 18). She was not the only one to travel to Washington, however. Madeline’s sister, Miss. Sybil Ross, came along with her. The two would much rather describe themselves asShow MoreRelatedDemocracy An American Novel, by Henry Adams Essay956 Words   |  4 PagesIn the late 1800’s, Henry Adams wrote Democracy An American Novel, in which he portrayed Washington society through the eyes of a wealthy young widow, Mrs. Madeline Lee, who is looking for the basis of American governmental power. In her search for the basis of power, Mrs. Lee encounters many facets of Washington society, such as the types of people who control the government. The novel moves beyond a simple plot and story and includes portrayals of the basic Washington types of people, WashingtonRead MoreFalse Truths, Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of Happiness1538 Words   |  7 Pages The motto and the foundation of American democracy. If life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are the key to a long and stable governing power, then, would non-vitality, imprisonment, and censorship do the same? George Orwell’s, 1984, a bleak, yet compelling novel answers this question. In this dystopian version of 1984, asides from discos and neon leggings, Oceania, a mega-continent, is ruled by the omnipotent force called the Party. As told in the novel, the government, itself, is builtRead MoreFeminists, Abolitionists, and Democracy Essay736 Words   |  3 PagesFeminists, Abolitionists, and Democracy The framework of America’s government was forged in the spirit of democracy. The founding fathers envisioned a nation of free and equal persons and a country where everyone had a voice in the decision-making process. However, it soon became evident that not all people had a voice or even equal rights. Two groups excluded from government were women and African-Americans. These groups rose up to declare their rights to equality and freedom under the law. TheRead MoreSatire In Herman Melvilles Moby Dick1239 Words   |  5 PagesSatire in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick Herman Melville’s Moby Dick is a parting from the traditional conception of the Anglo-European novel in underlying the idea of the self as opposed to society, or, the human being in contrast to the universe. Many of Melville’s themes are typical of American Romanticism: the â€Å"isolated self† and the difficulty of self-revelation, the imperfections of human knowledge, the contrast between immorality and virtue, and the pursuit of the truth. Although Melville intendedRead MoreThe Dangers of a Totalitarian Dictatorship1671 Words   |  7 Pagescommunistic country, many Americans feared Communism because of the influence that it had in America. Many intellectuals supported Communism in the U.S. which led to more concern within the country. The communistic threat presented by the Soviets in the war led to the spread of Communism within the U.S. It was a fear that many Americans spoke out against in attempt to save the American society. George Orwell spoke out against it in 1949 by warning people in his novel 1984 that the spread of CommunismRead MoreLord Of The Flies By William Golding1540 Words   |  7 Pagesdictatorship greatly limited the liberties of its people. This era created lasting views of the concept of â€Å"good versus evil†. British author William Golding wrote his novel, Lord of the Flies, during this time and it reflects this uneasy atmosphere. The character development, along with the carefully chosen symbolism of the novel suggests that Golding wrote Lord of the Flies as an allegory to the people and events of the Cold War, but also to present his future predictions for the Cold War; bothRead More The Dangers of a Totalitarian Dictatorship Essay1637 Words   |  7 Pagesa communistic country, many Americans feared Communism because of the influence that it had in America. Many intellectuals supported Communism in the U.S. which led to more concern within the country. The communistic threat presented by the Sov iets in the war led to the spread of Communism within the U.S. It was a fear that many Americans spoke out against in attempt to save the American society. George Orwell spoke out against it in 1949 by warning people in his novel 1984 that the spread of CommunismRead MoreThe Impact of Sir Walter Scott on American Literature722 Words   |  3 Pagesup to the American Civil War, Sir Walter Scott made a lasting impact on American literature. His romantic style was wildly popular, especially in the southern states. Most of the nations views on the war at the time were highly romanticized as a result. However, there was nothing romantic about this war. Once soldiers witnessed the horrors of war, many of their romantic views were changed forever. One such soldier was Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. The themes of American literatureRead MoreAnalysis Of The Novel Chesnutt Uses Mixed Race Characters 1675 Words   |  7 PagesIn the novel, Chesnutt uses mixed race characters, w hich have both black and white ancestors and these characters display the conflicts between black and white societies. Within the novel, Janet Miller is the best example of a mixed race character. Janet’s father was from the white aristocracy, while her mother was a slave and a servant. Janet is emotionally hurt because she doesn t receive the same affection like white half-sister. She views herself as black and submits to the segregation of theRead MoreRealism In Huck Finn Essay876 Words   |  4 PagesEuropean, and American Literature in the nineteenth century (9). The key principles of this literary style are the insistence upon and defence of the â€Å"commonplace†, characters being more important than plot, attacks upon romanticism and romantic writers, an emphasis on morality, which is often self-realized and upon an examination of realism, and the concept of realism as a realization of democracy. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , written by Mark Twain, is a perfect archetype of a novel written in

The Democratic Alliance and the Future of South Africa

Good morning. As a representative and leader in the Democratic Alliance, I have come here today to explain to you why the DA sees a brighter and more opportune future for South Africa. However, we need your support in order to change our country into a nation of hope and for our dream of everyone to live in peace and prosperity to become a reality. To understand our manifesto and views, one needs to understand that the DA does not place people in a position of power according to their race, name or wealth, but rather their talents and efforts. This country cannot move forward without change, and as it stands the unemployment rates and the ever increasing problems are being put aside by the current government for personal ventures such as Nkandla that is surrounded by houses without running water. But dwelling on the negatives and current failures is not our objective. I am here to vie and let you decide that we are working towards a brighter future. it is understandable that people are worried that if they do not vote for the current government that the circumstances of apartheid and a dark past will reappear, but it can be assured that the DA are working towards changing the past and aim for a country that has equal opportunities for all. Our work is evident in the Western Cape where we govern and 76% of the provincial governments budget is spent on poor communities. The Western Capes unemployment rate is the lowest in the country, 12% lower than anywhere else in SouthShow MoreRelated The Role of External Pressure in the Fight Against Apartheid and Minority Rule in South Africa1583 Words   |  7 PagesThe Role of External Pressure in the Fight Against Apartheid and Minority Rule in South Africa External pressure played a very important part in bringing about the end of the apartheid. The embodied rejection of White domination in South Africa, in formations of protests, strikes and demonstrations caused a decade of turbulent mass action in resistance to the imposition of still harsher forms of segregation and oppression. The Defiance Campaign of 1952 carried mass mobilisationRead MoreA better South Africa for the new South Africa Essay625 Words   |  3 PagesA better South Africa for the new South Africa The Apartheid struggle is not an anecdote about a few black people that lived under a suppressive government; it is a story about millions of black people who suffered tremendously under the oppressive classification system of the National Party. It is a story about bloodshed, suffering and tears. It is a story that serves as a painful reminder of the extent that a group of people would go to ensure that the purity of their race was conserved. The ApartheidRead MoreSouth Afric A Nation Of Diversity933 Words   |  4 PagesSouth Africa is located in Southern Africa, it stretches along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. South Africa is ranked the 25th largest country in the world by land area and 25th most populated nation. South Africa is the only nation-state named after its geographic location. After the establishment of a constitutional nonracial democracy in 1994, there was an agreement signed not to change its name. It is a nation of diversity. South Africa has 49.32-mi llion people and a variety of culturesRead MoreCome Visit South Africa1217 Words   |  5 Pages South Africa, which is the southernmost country on the African continent, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on its west coast and by the Indian Ocean on both south and east coasts. It is renowned for its varied geography, extreme natural beauty, and cultural diversity. All of those attributes make it a desirable destination for travelers. Its neighbors are Namibia in the northwest, Zimbabwe and Botswana in the north, and Mozambique and Swaziland in the northeast. The kingdom of Lesotho forms anRead MoreInterpersonal Cross-Cultural Competencies And Capabilities1376 Words   |  6 Pagescross-cultural competencies and capabilities are critical to the US Army’s strategic objective in the future operating environment. The operational environment requires a holistic view of political, military, economic, social, information, and infrastructure systems. A country’s culture can be defined as a programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of a region or nation fro m another. South Africa has a rich and complex culture and history of its own since its independence from Britain nearlyRead MorePolitical Ideologies2403 Words   |  10 Pagespolitical actions. Its central features are an account of existing power relationships, a model of a desired future, and an outline of how political change can and should be brought about. (2007: 68) This essays main focus will be discussing the main ideologies and focuses of the two leading political parties of South Africa. The African National Congress or ANC and the Democratic Alliance also known as DA. An important insight into both their ideology will be gained by analysing how both partiesRead MoreApartheid and The Future of South Africa in Cry, The Beloved Country1044 Words   |  5 PagesArthur, Napoleon, and Msimangu, all characters from Alan Paton’s book, Cry, The Beloved Country, are used to share Paton’s points of view on the future of South Africa and the apartheid. Paton uses these characters to represent specific views; Arthur expresses clearly that the apartheid isn’t the right way to progress as a country, Napoleon exemplifies how Paton thinks people should take the anti-apartheid effort, and Msimangu explicitly expresses Paton’s ideas of an ideal leader. Arthur JarvisRead MoreSocio-Economic Inequality in South Africa is Due to the Institutionalised Ideological Mismatch Regarding Labour and Economic Policy1665 Words   |  7 PagesSocio-economic inequality in South Africa is due to the institutionalised ideological mismatch regarding labour and economic policy Economic growth is shaped by policy context and promoted most effectively when it is consistent with either liberal market or co-ordinated market ideal type varieties of Capitalism. Policy inconsistency dampers economic growth post-apartheid South Africa attempted to adopt a social-democratic and co-ordinated variety of Capitalism. This failed due to the adoptionRead MoreHardball Essay1203 Words   |  5 Pagessuccessful or not. Having alliances, enemies, and deals is all part of it. In the book â€Å"Hardball: How Politics is Played† written by Chris Mathews explains what it takes to get ahead in politics and how to avoid disasters techniques previously used by others. â€Å"It’s not who you know; it’s who you get to know.† Forming alliances is very important when trying to climb the ladder higher in politics. In 1949 LBJ joined the senate and by the end of 1952 he had won the job of top Democratic leader. Before anythingRead MoreThe Global Economic and Political Implications of the South African 2014 General Elections1164 Words   |  5 Pagesyear for South Africa. The first elections after the death of South African ex-president Nelson Mandela will take place and after twenty years of democracy, the world will be watching us again. The world holds much interest in the economy and politics of South Africa as was discussed in Appendix A and Appendix B and it is safe to assume that the world is a stakeholder in the politics and economy of South Africa. The purpose of this essay is to explore the world’s stake in South Africa, its nature

Gender differences1 Essay Example For Students

Gender differences1 Essay What are the differences between boys and girls? How different are they, andwhat causes thses differences? How is gender identity developed and how doesit affect childrens behavior and attitudes? Gender identity is the awareness ofones gender and all it implies (Human Development *text*, 286). Genderdifferences are explained as psychological or behavioral differences betweenboth genders. There are many theories to how and why gender differences exist. Some people argue that circumcision at birth is a factor, others say thedifferences are greatly influenced by the human brain. Recent studies show thatthere are great specific differences found in both the male and female brain. Next, on one side people claim that evolution and biology is what makes usdifferent, and the other side, people plea that there is a lot more variation to thegender roles. They say that society influences our reaction to the biologicalcourse. Finally, today some sex differences are considered to be of social ori gin. Whatever the case may be, many experiments have been conducted, andalthough some differences are more obvious than others, boys and girls are moreIt has been presented, with evidence, that circumcision of male infantscauses behavioral changes. Gender differences instead, may be the outcome ofthe alter behavior of circumcised males. There are two studies which goals wereto examine the consequences and behavior of circumcision.In 1971 it wasconcluded that circumcision was followed by non-rapid eye movement sleep(NREM). The amount of NREM increased and the number of NREM sleepperiods increased. In 1974, after circumcision it was found prolongedwakefullness with crying during hours immediately after the procedure. Fromthe results of these studies it can be concluded that circumcision does haveeffects on infant behavior. However, the clarification must be awaited. Anotherside to this issue is the thought that the difference in men and womens brainscauses the actual differences betwe en men and women. During an annualmeeting in Toronto in 1999, it was stated that men have more neurons in thecerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain , and women have more neuropil,and that has the processes allowing cell communication. Males have moretightly packed and more numerous nerve cells than females. This research mayshow why women are more prone to dementing illness than are men. Althoughthese variations cause differences in how the brain works, neither type is said toBecause there are similar gender roles in various cultures its suggestedthat gender differences may be biologically based. By the time a child reachesthe age of 5, boys brains are close to 10 percent bigger than girls brains. Boyshave more gray matter in the cerebral cortex; this difference may be why girlshave greater neuronal density in the cerebral cortex. Evidence shows that sizedifferences in the corpus callosum are related to verbal fluency. Since girls havegreater corpus callosum than boys, that m y help explain why girls have betterverbal skills. Another approach to this issue is the psychoanalytic approach. Freud and others considered identification an important personalitydevelopment of early childhood. Freud believes that identification will happenwhen young children repress their wishes to posses their parent of the oppositesex and identifies with their parent of the same sex. Evidence from researchshows that gender identification is a result of gender typing. Gender typing isthe socialization process where children learn their appropriate gender roles. Next, the cognitive approach. This is where the child comes to understand hisor her gender by thinking about their experience. This was presented byLawrence Kohlbergs cognitive-developmental theory. Here, Kohlberg statesthat children do their own gender typing. Their behavior is then organized byFinally, the socialization approach. This is where children learn their genderroles by socialization with their peers, hence the name socialization approach. Here, gender development is the result of interacting influences, personal andsocial. This process starts at infancy even before a conscious understanding ofgender is formed. As children regulate their activities, standards ofgender-related behavior become internalized (Human Development *text*, 292). .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab , .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab .postImageUrl , .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab , .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab:hover , .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab:visited , .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab:active { border:0!important; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab:active , .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uca221fcdc6a3b0a0a5d9ce7dec5de9ab:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Armenian Genocide Essay This approach is also where parent and media influence fits. For example,parents express their discomfort when their children do things according to theopposite of their sex. Such as when boys play with their moms shoes, or whengirls play with trucks. This is shown more by the fathers about their sons,probably because girls have more freedom than boys with the clothes they wear,games they play and their friends. Also,

Lord Of The FliesBook V Movie Essay free essay sample

Lord Of The Flies-Book V Movie Essay, Research Paper Following the norm is merely excessively difficult. Movies do non let audiences to make their ain fanciful island with their ain group of male childs. In the fresh Lord of the Flies, there are many things that lead to the obvious clip developing characters, mentally exciting and systematic duologue that allow the reader to construe the book to their liking. This puts Lord of the Flies book superior to its 1990 gesture image. Detecting that a film is capable to a really little bracket of clip, it unluckily has to go forth out a batch of things portrayed in the 12 chapter book. Because of short attending spans, people get overwrought and uncomfortable when a film retarding force on. With a book head you, a individual can hesitate or set down the narrative and pick it back up at their ain leisure. Time is critical when redacting a film, one must really lament to leting oculus confect to continuously flux from the screen. We will write a custom essay sample on Lord Of The FliesBook V Movie Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The book allows your ever active imaginativeness to make a fanciful scenario centered from you ain likes and disfavors. Fictional characters development in books is important to the visual image or reading of the reader. In a film state of affairs, the audience is forced to see it from a incomprehensible province of another individual s position or reading. Ralph for case could hold been a selfish, whining babe to one individual, and a reasonable leader to another. In films Ralph is forced to be a character interpreted by one individual s active imaginativeness. Hence non everyone relates, and the film is merely good to those who think the same narrow minded manner. Hats off for the individual who could develop a mentally stimulating film which could feed the active imaginativeness better than a broad unfastened book. For a film to be good it has to be visually exciting. Most people like the fact that a two hr film will let the manager to make the thought for them to maintain their attending on the oculus confect. State a film followed the book precisely, word for word. Interpreted by the manager. No 1 would sit though it foremost, secondly people don t want a film to be hard to understand, if its easy to understand so you have the attending of most people. With the mentally stimulating images in your head as you read the book, you allow your ain images to fascinate you. We all imagine or dream what we like. I m certain if we could believe things and they appear to us, we would all believe of material that decidedly betters us. This is the manner one thinks when they read the book. Its their ideas that are in control. So the permanent feeling of a mentally stimulating book is more sufficient in the satisfaction of the narrative than that of which a two hr film could of all time go forth. This point has proven the largest difference between virtually all books into films. Measure by measure a film controls what you see and what you don t see, leting you to follow a modus operandi of events and forces you to detect things you may hold missed in a book. For case in the book Lord of the Flies you may hold missed that Piggy was fat for case. In a film it is clearly shown. So a book ever allows you to toss back and Forth like a bible so you can greater your grasp for the narrative. It leaves you desiring excessively read it once more to catch things you missed. An writer has a simpler undertaking because imaginativeness is ever the best manner to see things. Systematic duologue and ocular effects merely allow the audience of a film to be more intrigued of the event alternatively of the experiencing the reader gets when he has more of an in deepness thought into a peculiar character for case. Like when Simon was with the Lord of the Fliess and the beastie and the feelings and ideas you were involved in. The film s duologue doesn T allow for audio ideas. Hen ce the compassion I felt for Simon was non near the same I felt for him in the film. In fact I didn t understand the point. This is a good indicant that imaginativeness is far better that of the systematic duologue of the film, doing a important difference between the book and the film. Because a batch of books are made into films we have been accustom to seeing or visualising the intricate narrative of an writer though another individuals eyes and imaginativeness. This makes it hard sometimes to review a book verses the film. Particularly because most people don t even bother reading the book any longer ; since the film is coming out anyhow. So the development of characters, mentally stimulation of a book and the systematic duologue of a film has lead me to believe that with a book, you will far more appreciate the narrative than from another s reading for a film. Let your imaginativeness drive and bask your ain film, turn the page and maintain reading.

How Successful is Brechts The Good Person of Szechwan as an example of Epic Theatre Essay Example

How Successful is Brechts The Good Person of Szechwan as an example of Epic Theatre Essay Example How Successful is Brechts The Good Person of Szechwan as an example of Epic Theatre Paper How Successful is Brechts The Good Person of Szechwan as an example of Epic Theatre Paper Essay Topic: Play Bertolt Brecht was born in February 1898 in Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. Up until 1924 Brecht lived in Bavaria. He declared himself as an anti-militarist at the age of eighteen, and to avoid conscription into the army he decided to study medicine at Munich University, but he ended up carrying out his military service at an army hospital in Augsburg. During this particular period of time Brecht had developed a violently Anti-bourgeois attitude. This was an attitude that seemed to reflect the rest of Brechts generations mounting deep disappointment in the civilization in which they lived that had come crashing down around them at the end of the First World War. Brechts plays are, in the most part, quite apparent and confident, but Brechts own theorizing however is not so clear-cut. Brecht is probably less unique than he is supposed to be. Brecht himself acknowledged a debt to traditional oriental theatre, and his plays also owe a lot to other broad ranges of theatrical conventions, such as, Elizabethan, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Bavarian Folk-plays, Techniques of Clowns and Fairground entertainers, to list but a few. For Brecht drama demanded that the audiences thought about the emotional and political issues that the play was trying to portray. So based on the Illusionist Theatre Brecht developed his idea of the Epic Theatre. Brecht believed that, The epic invites calm, detached contemplation and judgement; the dramatic overwhelms reason with passion and emotion, the spectator sharing the actors experiences (www. Shunsley. eril. net/armoore/drama/brecht. htm#8). The main difference between Brechts Epic Theatre and the more original Dramatic form of Theatre is that the Epic Theatre demands that the audience recognizes the fact that they are watching a play. The Epic Theatre seeks to turn the audience into an observer but at the same time trys to arouse their ability for action. The other features of the Epic Theatre is that the play will usually have a narrator of some form, who will relate the story to the audience directly, where as the more traditional Dramatic form of theatre would have a plot which would be unravelled as it is acted out upon the stage. In terms of the characters on the stage, Brecht wanted them to be alterable and be able to alter. By this he meant that not only were the characters able to play more than one character in the play, but also they were also able to show how the character they were playing is able to alter throughout the play as it develops. Brecht also wrote his plays so that each scene within the play was free standing and can almost be looked upon as mini plays within the whole play. Brecht developed techniques and devices that engaged his aims on the stage. One particular technique is called, Verfremdung or Alienation Effect. The Alienation Effect was developed to constantly remind the audience that it was only a play that they were watching and not real life. Some of the things that were used to alienate that audience was that Brecht used to refer to his actors as demonstrators, and he believed that they should stand beside that character, not get into the character. The actors and actresses should behave as though they know they are being watched, He expresses his awareness of being watched. This immediately removes one of the European stages characteristic illusions. The audience can no longer have the illusion of being the unseen spectator at an event which is really taking place. (Brecht on Theatre The development of an Aesthetic, Edited Translated by John Willett, pp92, 1993). Another way of breaking with the Illusionist effect was to flood the stage with a harsh white light, regardless of where the action was taking place, and leaving the stage lamps in full view of the audience; Making use of minimal props and using just Indicative scenery; Intentionally interrupting the action at key junctures with songs, in order to drive home an important point or message; and projecting explanatory captions onto a screen or employing placards. Among many of Brechts plays, one of the few that was regarded as the most important was The Good Person of Szechwan, which was written between 1938 and 1941, when he was in exile from the Nazi regime. Based upon Brechts ideas of the Epic Theatre I am going to discuss how successful The Good Person of Szechwan is as an example of Epic Theatre. From the outset this play clearly has quite a few elements of the Alienation Effect that Brecht intended to be evident in his plays. To begin with the play is set in the Chinese Province of Szechwan, so it naturally has an oriental feel to it. The play employs a narrator in the form of the character Wang the water-seller, WANG: I am a water-seller in the capital of Szechwan province. My job is tedious. When water is short I have to go far for it. And when it is plentiful I earn nothing. (The Good Person of Szechwan, Bertolt Brecht, pp3, 2000). It is clear from this quote to establish that Wang the Water-Seller is the narrator of the play, by the way he addresses the audience directly. In this particular quote, which is taken from the Prologue, it feels as though the reader has just met the character personally and they are introducing themselves and the story. Although the narrators direct addressing to the audience adds to Brechts intention of the Alienation Effect, it isnt only the narrator of the play that is able to do this. SHEN TEH: My beautiful shop! Oh, such hopes! No sooner opened, than it is no more. To the audience: The dinghy, which might save us Is straightway sucked into the depths: Too many of the drowning Snatch greedily at it. (The Good Person of Szechwan, Bertolt Brecht, pp20, 2000). Brecht emphasises the Alienation Effect by having other characters directly addressing the audience, which constantly reminds the audience that they are just spectators of a play. The way Shen Teh delivers the last four lines of the above quote seems to drive home an important political or emotional message, another way that Brecht does this is through the use of songs. The songs in a play were also an important factor in establishing the Alienation Effect, and some of the songs from Brechts plays have become quite popular. These songs can seem quite comic, but they very often have a menacing undertone. The most important thing about these songs in Brechts plays was their political or moral content. These songs were often placed at the end or very near the end of a particularly important scene; where there was a point the play writer wanted the audience to reflect upon. In the Good Person of Szechwan there are six songs, all of which are placed at the end of a particularly important scenes or in an interlude. The songs have been purposely placed where they are to drive home to the audience an important moral or political issue that the play writer wants the audience to think about at that moment in time. The use of songs was an important factor for Brecht in his development of the Epic Theatre. He considered that these songs helped the Alienation Effect by breaking up the continuity of the action and helping to prevent any chance of the audience becoming hypnotized by the performance. (A History of the Theatre in Europe, John Allen, pp291, 1983). In the Interlude between Scenes four and five. Shen Teh sings directly to the audience Song of the Defencelessness of the Good and the Gods, which is sung as the character of Shen Teh and as her alter ego Shui Ta. In this song Shen Teh deliberately changes into her cousin Shui Ta so that the audience can see that they are the same person, and the song is sung directly to the audience to make them question their own personal views on whether it is possible to remain good, when everything else about them is bad. Another Alienation effect that features strongly in The Good Person Of Szechwan is the use of masks. This was a custom that was widely used in Chinese theatre. The character of Shen Teh is made to use a mask to take on the persona of her Ruthless cousin Shui Ta. In terms of Brechtian alienation, the mask device in Boesings play functions much as it does in The Good Person of Szechwan. In both instances, the mask distances the actor-character from the role he or she adopts in order to survive in the given society. The audience, then, is invited not only to recognize these roles as pure inventions (though of undeniable power), but also to examine the social conditions which have caused the characters to take on these alternative identities. (Re-interpreting Brecht, his influence on contemporary drama and film, Edited by Pia Kleber Colin Visser, pp151, 1990). The character of Shen Teh in The Good Person of Szechwan is the most alterable character in the play in the fact that she plays both herself and her cousin, and also in the way her character alters as Shen Teh towards the end of the play. In The Good Person of Szechwan it is possible to see that Brecht intended the audience to consider the important political and Moral issues of this play by the way the final scene is written. It was quite common for Brecht to incorporate a Jury Scene in his plays to enable the audience to act as a kind of Jury in the courtroom. Brechts intention is for each individual member of the audience to leave the theatre thinking about the ending of the play. In The Good Person of Szechwan there is closure as far as the three Gods are concerned because they have found their Good Person, but for poor Shen Teh there is no closure as she is still left with all her problems of the poor immoral people of Szechwan sponging off of her, and also the problem of how to tell them that her cousin is really her, and that she isnt really as good as every body thinks she is. This is reflected by Brecht in the Epilogue, where an actor stands in front of the closed curtain and addresses the audience directly, Ladies and Gentlemen, dont feel let down: We know this ending makes some people frown. We had in mind a sort of golden myth Then found the finish had been tampered with. Indeed it is a curious way of coping: To close the play, leaving the issue open Theres only one solution that we know: That you should now consider as you go What sort of measures you would recommend To help good people to a happy end. (The Good Person of Szechwan, Bertolt Brecht, pp109, 2000). To conclude I think that Brechts ideas of the Epic Theatre are very well portrayed in his play The Good Person of Szechwan, and his use of the Alienation Effect within this play really gets the reader or audience thinking about the political and moral issues that the Playwright is trying to portray. I feel that The good Person of Szechwan is extremely successful as an example of Epic Theatre, because of the way that Brecht brings together all of the examples of what makes Epic Theatre and the Alienation Effect to produce this play.

Political science Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Political science - Assignment Example liberal values, which will necessitate expansion, and spread of democracy across several countries in the world, will benefit the USA in achieving its goals that advocate for increased democratic space. With increased democratic space, the United States is able to spread its economic and international policies and this minimises the extent of threats that might befall the USA (In Commager, 2003). For the case of realism, the theory perceives that a struggle for world power or supremacy between an existing and an ascending contender may create disharmony, hence the Unites States handles such cases cautiously for the well being of the US and its people (In Commager, 2003). However, on the other hand, the theory of isolationism affects the US inhabitants directly, because US as the 21st super power has failed to embrace internal accommodation of each other. This has created immense and disastrous effects for them and the general human race. The logic of realism has seen the US follow up its interests by use of the military in pursuing its interests. For example the spirited wars against Iran, Iraq and other nations, help in one side but the larger potion forms the American war for self interest. On the other hand, the logic of isolationism has helped the US to keep a distance from nations of intense interests (In Commager, 2003). This makes the US to gains from such nations in a peaceful

Democratic Socialism and Comparative Advantage Research Paper

Democratic Socialism and Comparative Advantage - Research Paper Example Democracy focuses on the political aspect. It entails political sameness, the rights of all people to participate in the governance of which they are subject (Busky 312). Conversely, socialism highlights material fairness. It is not stern parity, but an end to the enormous discrepancies of earnings and affluence noticeable to the imbalances of rights of ways of production. Democratic socialists’ opinionated that both the economy and community should be ruled democratically to satisfy public needs and not fulfill wishes of a few (Busky 310). To acquire a more fair society, many compositions of governments and economies must be fundamentally changed through immense profitable and social equality so as the common persons can equally partake in making decisions that affect their lives. Socialism was first used in publications devoted to organizations in Great Britain. It was used to refer to a culture in which citizens’ work collectively for the benefit of everyone. Sociali sts have always believed that people are equal by natural rights and this was considered their highest value of people. Socialists hold democracy in high esteem. People in an independent socialist society have the right to express themselves and given due consideration. In a socialist society, people vote in the government. The government is formulated through legitimate, fair and free elections. However, sometimes democratic socialists are mistaken with governments that are dictatorial and authoritarian. True socialism lives in a democratic society. Democratic socialism is based on humanistic ideals with the eventual objective of allowing each person the prospect and way for their personal development and satisfaction. This is made possible in a society where self-realization turns into a reality in a supportive, non-competitive social situation. Several countries in the world employ this form of governance. They Include China, the second prevalent economy in the world after the U. S and Russia a superpower as well as Scandinavian countries and France. Other third world countries embracing the concept involve Venezuela and Bolivia. They also include Burma, Vietnam, Cuba and North Korea. For instance, preceding the Russian Revolution in the 1920s there were existences of socialist countries anywhere as well as fully grown democracies. During those times, women rights were still curtailed, and women were barred from voting. The prevailing capitalist states supervised in undemocratically customs over their colonial domains. The Russian revolution changed this equation significantly. As many people engaged in questioning the link between socialism and democracy, the existing socialism turned out to be anything but democratic. Socialism obliges an entity according to (Harrington 288), into societal collectives contrasting capitalism, which promotes individualism. People are deemed as social animals that reside in a society that has regulations to guide it. These ru les demand a lot from an individual but as well gives the individual self-government, total control of their work freedom from poverty and freedom to pursue a better life. This contrasts the capitalist American concept that promotes separation from family and community as well as subjects an individual to high stress. The supposedly free individual in the concept is instead conformist and conventional.