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Thursday, August 27, 2020
The Merchant of Venice Act 1 Summary
'The Merchant of Venice' Act 1 Summary Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice is an incredible play and flaunts one of Shakespeares most paramount reprobates, the Jewish moneylender, Shylock. This Merchant of Venice Act 1 rundown guides you through the plays opening scenes in present day English. Here, Shakespeare sets aside the effort to present his principle characters - most strikingly Portia, perhaps the most grounded lady parts in all Shakespeares plays. Act 1 Scene 1 Antonio is addressing his companions Salerio and Solanio. He clarifies that a trouble has come over him. His companions propose that his pity could be because of him stressing over his business adventures. He has ships adrift with stock in them and they could be powerless. Antonio says he isn't stressed over his boats since his merchandise are spread among them and in the event that one went down he would at present have the others. His companions propose that he should then be infatuated, Antonio denies this. Bassanio, Lorenzo, and Graziano show up as Salerio and Solanio leave. Lorenzo says that now Bassanio and Antonio have been brought together they will make their leave however organize to get together later for supper. Graziano attempts to brighten Antonio up yet without much of any result, he reveals to Antonio that men who attempt to be despairing so as to be seen as shrewd are tricked. Graziano and Lorenzo leave. Bassanio whines that Graziano has nothing to state except for simply won't quit talking. ââ¬Å"Graziano talks a boundless arrangement of nothingâ⬠(Act 1 Scene 1) Antonio gets some information about the lady he has succumbed to and expects to seek after. Bassanio recognizes that he has obtained a great deal of cash from Antonio throughout the years and vows to clear his obligations to him: To you Antonio, I owe the most in cash and in affection, And from your adoration I have a guarantee to unburden every one of my plots and purposes how to get away from all the obligations I owe.(Act 1 Scene 1). Bassanio clarifies that he has begun to look all starry eyed at Portia the beneficiary of Belmont however that she has other more extravagant admirers, he simply needs to attempt to rival them so as to win her hand. He needs cash to arrive. Antonio reveals to him that all his cash is tied up in his business yet that he will go about as an underwriter for any advance that he can get. Act 1 Scene 2 Enter Portia with Nerissa her holding up lady. Portia whines that she is fatigued of the world. Her dead dad specified, in his will, that she herself can't pick a spouse. Portiaââ¬â¢s admirers will be given a decision of three chests; one gold, one silver, and one lead. The triumphant chest contains a picture of Portia and in picking the right chest he will win her turn in marriage. He should concur that in the event that he picks an inappropriate chest he won't be allowed to wed anybody. Nerissa records admirers who have come to figure including the Neopolitan Prince, County Palatine, A French Lord and an English aristocrat. Portia derides each of the courteous fellows for their weaknesses. Specifically, a German aristocrat who was a consumer, Nerissa inquires as to whether Portia recollects that him she says: Vilely in the first part of the day when he is calm, and most viley toward the evening when he is flushed. At the point when he is best he is minimal more regrettable than a man, and when he is more terrible he is minimal superior to a monster. A the most noticeably terrible fall that at any point fell, I trust I will make move to abandon him.(Act 1 Scene 2). The men recorded all left before speculating for dread that they would fail to understand the situation and face the outcomes. Portia is resolved to follow her fatherââ¬â¢s will and be won in the manner by which he wished yet she is upbeat that none of the men who have come have succeeded. Nerissa helps Portia to remember a youthful man of honor, a Venetian researcher, and warrior who visited her when her dad was alive. Portia recalls Bassanio affectionately and trusts him to be deserving of acclaim. It is declared that the Prince of Morocco is coming to charm her however she isn't especially glad about it.
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Business Economics for Independent Bureaucracy- MyAssignmenthelp
Question: Examine about theBusiness Economics for Independent Bureaucracy. Answer: Australia has a free market economy. It has been demonstrating great financial development in the previous 25 years. The nation has plenteous characteristic assets just as proficient administrative framework, free organization, very much created legitimate framework, all of which prompted a solid enterprising improvement in the economy. The GDP of Australia was 1.34 trillion USD or AUD 1.62 trillion of every 2015 (World Bank 2017). (Source: World Bank 2017) As indicated by the information of World Bank, the GDP of Australia has demonstrated development since 2008, arriving at most noteworthy at $1563.9 billion. The Australian GDP speaks to 2.16% of the world economy. It became 1.1% in the last quarter of 2016. The Australian economy is indicating a pattern of development as of late. The economy has 2.4% yearly development, which is more than anticipated 2% development. The GDP albeit tumbled to 1.34 trillion USD in 2015, it saw a little fall in the monetary exhibition in 2015 from the earlier years. In any case, the economy of the country skiped back to sound development in Q4 of 2016, because of an ascent in the corporate benefits due to rising costs of the products, an ascent in fares and significant level of family unit spending. Australia is in transit of making a record of 25 years of sequential development (Smith 2017). The figure of development says in 2017, it would become 2.5% in 2016-17 and would get the development of 3% in 2017-18 because of unwinding of degradation from declining mining speculation. The nation is broadening its speculation from mining to other development territories (Treasury.gov.au 2017) The economy of a country is consistently eccentric. There can be abrupt high points and low points. There are chances in estimating, as the economy probably won't follow the gauge. Late political advancements of a country, swelling and joblessness levels make dangers for determining. The cross fringe incorporation, movement emergency, different nations financial and political strategies, all influence the monetary state of a country, and that can outperform the financial exhibition development gauges emphatically or adversely (IMF 2017). Financial and money related arrangements are two most significant devices of an administration. These assistance to invigorate the economy or backing it off according to the necessity. To improve the monetary exhibition, the administration utilizes the expansionary financial arrangement, by diminishing expenses, and financing spending deficiency. At the point when it diminishes the duty sum, the makers would deliver more, and family units have increasingly discretionary cashflow. Thus, utilization spending increments in the economy and prompts an ascent in total interest and therefore monetary execution improves. Then again, expansionary money related approach contributes in improving the financial exhibition of a nation. It focuses on the financing cost and cash gracefully in the economy. At the point when the monetary exhibition is low, government brings down the financing cost. Getting gets less expensive and makers obtain more cash to build creation. Along these lines monetary execution of the country improves (Baker, Bloom and Davis 2016). References: Bread cook, S.R., Bloom, N. furthermore, Davis, S.J., 2016. Estimating financial arrangement uncertainty.The Quarterly Journal of Economics,131(4), pp.1593-1636. IMF, 2017. IMF World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update, January 2017: A Shifting Global Economic Landscape. [online] Imf.org. Accessible at: https://www.imf.org/outer/bars/ft/weo/2017/update/01/[Accessed 20 May 2017]. Smith, J., 2017. Australia skips back to vigorous GDP development. Monetary Times. [online] Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/3d8910fe-fe1b-11e6-96f8-3700c5664d30 [Accessed 20 May 2017]. Treasury.gov.au, 2017. Monetary standpoint | The Treasury. [online] Treasury.gov.au. Accessible at: https://www.treasury.gov.au/PublicationsAndMedia/Publications/2016/PEFO-2016/HTML/Economic-viewpoint [Accessed 20 May 2017]. World Bank, 2017. Gross domestic product (current US$) | Data. [online] Data.worldbank.org. Accessible at: https://data.worldbank.org/pointer/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD [Accessed 20 May 2017].
Friday, August 21, 2020
Topics For An Analytical Essay About A Movie
Topics For An Analytical Essay About A MovieAnalyzing a topic for an analytical essay about a movie can be easy, but there are some pitfalls that you need to be aware of. Analyzing a topic for an analytical essay about a movie should involve a little bit of research and a little bit of personal observation, rather than simply taking a single phrase or an isolated idea and applying it to the film in question. In other words, it's about having an educated opinion on a specific subject.The best way to do this is to first look up the topic on Wikipedia and then sit down at your computer to check out other websites that might have similar information to the one you're researching. This is called research, and it is a key to analyzing a topic for an analytical essay about a movie. When researching a topic, you'll find that there are some facts and opinions that stand out over others. These can help you form your own opinions, which is the key to analyzing a topic for an analytical essay ab out a movie.One of the key things that you should think about when doing research for a topic is the audience for the film in question. This is because what you think about the film might not be the same as the audience. Perhaps you will never get to see the film or perhaps it's going to be forever lost to history. However, if you can find out what the audience is like, you can start to determine what they're interested in and whether or not the film is going to be a hit or a flop. If it turns out that people aren't interested in it, you can then turn your attention to figuring out why.Secondly, you should find out how long the film has been in the limelight. Generally speaking, a movie that has been in the limelight for a while will have long-term ramifications. For example, a famous actor or actress in the past might be inclined to agree with a particular political or social point of view. If a movie stays in the limelight for a long time, however, it will be harder to figure out how an argument will play out, and in some cases it may have changed by the time the film comes out.Finally, you need to understand how the audience may perceive the movie. This will allow you to develop your own opinions on a specific movie. After all, the audience isn't going to agree 100% with the movie on a wide scale, but they may fall somewhere in the middle. You can do this by reading reviews and also by looking at what the critics are saying about the film.Most of these points are fairly general and can be applied to almost any film. These concepts are the basics of analysis and will give you the tools that you need to start making a decision on the merits of a movie. With this knowledge, you can begin to analyze a topic for an analytical essay about a movie. This allows you to make up your own opinions on the movie in question and look at how these opinions may fit in with the rest of the group.Once you start studying the topic, you'll find that you can start to analyze the movie yourself. After all, it's not going to be too hard to pick up information on how a movie was released, when it was released, what kind of marketing strategy was used, and how well it sold. This is just a basic introduction to analyzing a topic for an analytical essay about a movie.Keep in mind that the longer you study a film and the more you observe other viewers, the better your chances of becoming an analytical essayist. Of course, the best advice that you can give is to keep it fun and interesting.
Monday, May 25, 2020
The Reflection As A Tool For Learning From Experience
John Dewey considered as the pioneer scholar who proposed the reflection as a tool for learning from experience. According to Dewey (1933), reflection is associated with a thinking about the experience or event which contains five steps in order to make sense of it and internalise meanings. These steps are; problem, suggestions, reasoning, hypothesis and testing. In the first step of ââ¬Ëproblemââ¬â¢, he proposes that we need to see big picture of the event which includes the actions, conditions and contextual factors of the event. As our actions operated in open system (social world), thinking about small entities may distract us to identify the real cause of concern. In this way, there is high probability to recognise and understand the perplexity of the event, resulting in more comprehensive action plan to tackle the situation. Schà ¶n (1983) argues similar notion by referring ââ¬Ëdiscomfort/ surprisesââ¬â¢ in actions, but he did that propose any strategy to figure ou t the actual problem or issue in action. There is a consensus in literature that reflective thinking is triggered by doubtful situations, discomfort (Dewey, 1933), surprise (Schà ¶n, 1983), inner discomfort (Boyed and Fales, 1983), uncomfortable feelings (Atkins and Murphy, 1993), critical point (Barnett, 1997) and issue in action (John, 2005; Boud, 2010) and many more. These are various terms used for the recognition of problem in practice that initiate the reflective practice in practitioner. It suggests that nature ofShow MoreRelatedReflective Essay : Reflective Practice Theoretical Essay1732 Words à |à 7 PagesIntroduction(300) Rolfe (2011) state that reflection is a mental process which include thinking, feeling, imagining and learning about what was happening in the past and which could be considered as a personal experience. 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An educator is constantly seeking new ways to better enhance and to create meaningful learning experiences. In a world that is so driven by technology in the digital age, finding ways to creatively use Computational Thinking and Computer Science skills will create innovative thinkers among our students. Besides the foreseen challenges of the ever changing upgrades and application of new technologies; how can tools and computing skills be presented inRead MorePersonal Reflection And Development Plan1431 Words à |à 6 PagesPersonal Reflection and Development Plan Reflective practice has helped many people to improve their learning. It is a valuable tool often used by healthcare and education providers to improve their approach to work by questioning their actions. Throughout my short time spent in Higher Education (HE) I have learned many new aspects of learning like different learning styles and models of reflection and this provides me with an opportunity to look back over these ideas and reflect. This will allowRead MoreTeaching : Knowledge Of Subject Area ( S ) Essay714 Words à |à 3 Pagesexpects educators to exemplify knowledge of subject area(s) which they teach their students. Educators understand content and are capable to create unique ways for students to master content. Through several experiences I have shown my ability to perform this standard. Knowledge of central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of the discipline, which will be taught, is obtained through a series of courses including Music Theory, Musicianship, Music History and Private lessons. Through these coursesRead MoreLearning ( Pbl ) And Work Based Learning1681 Words à |à 7 Pageseither remain within this environment or to enter it. Two approaches to learning that benefit individuals and meet this challenge are Problem based learning (PBL) and work based learning (WBL). Both approaches are learner centred, motivating learners to become self- directed. PBL originated in Canada in the late 1960ââ¬â¢s underpinned by constructivist view. Developed for medical students it became a widely used tool for learning (EE and Tan 2009, Hmelo-Silver, 2004). In her paper Hmelo-Silver (2004)Read MoreSocial Media And Web 2.0 Tools789 Words à |à 4 PagesUsing Social Media and Web 2.0 tools to enhance the experience with Self- Regulated Learning Self-regulated learning is a total work of the human brain; it entails attention, concentration, self-assessment, change and responsibility for one in learning. Research states that self-regulation possibly have little to do with intelligence and development. Psychologist in the year of 1960 studied how they discovered the ability to delay gratification is by forming the basic for self-control. A personRead MoreReflection: Surgery and Reflective Practice1110 Words à |à 5 PagesAnalysis of feelings, evaluation of the experience, analysis to make sense of the experience, conclusion and action plan where other options are considered and reflection upon experience to examine what you would do if the situation arose again (Gibbs 1998). Unlike many other models (with the exception of Boud) Gibbs model takes in to account the realm of feelings and emotions, which played a part in a particular event. My rationale for using the reflection framework to the clinical encounter is toRead M oreReflection On A Teaching Strategy882 Words à |à 4 PagesReflection is not a teaching strategy that is usually associated with a mathematics classroom. I have taught mathematics to 8th grade students for the last six years; in my time as a teacher I have found that most of my students are not able to reflect and make the connections that their grade in my class is linked to their actions in class. Similar to most teachers, at the end of a semester I have several students that want extra credit to improve their grade last minute. These are the same studentsRead MoreTeaching Philosophy and Rationale1001 Words à |à 4 Pagesabilities, needs, cultural backgrounds and learning styles. Positive attitudes are sustained when classroom approaches centre on learning and not on teaching. For them to acquire knowledge and skills, they like to be engaged and encouraged where they partake in the processes of their learning despite their cultural diversities in a global world. In other wo rds, a learner centred approach alone may not suffice. Rather, there is a need to focus on learning centred approaches that are adaptable according
Friday, May 15, 2020
How to Make a Crystal Skull
Learn how to make your own crystal skull, for Halloween, Day of the Dead, or just decorating your space. Its an easy crystal-growing project that produces an interesting conversation piece. Crystal Skull Materials We chose borax to grow the crystal skull, but you could use any crystal recipe. One interesting option might be to grow a sugar crystal skull and place it in a punch bowl. BoraxBoiling waterSmall paper skull (I got mine at Michaels craft store)Bowl deep enough to hold ââ¬â¹theà skull Crystallize the Skull Make sure the bowl is deep enough to hold the skull.Pour boiling or very hot water into the bowl.Stir in borax until it stops dissolving. This project looks cool with clear crystals, but if you like, you can add food coloring to color the crystals of the skull.Place the skull in the bowl of crystal growing solution. Paper or cardboard skulls take a while to absorb the liquid, so the skull may float for a while. This is fine and usually resolves on its own, but you can weight down the skull with a glass or another bowl if it bobs up too much. Another option is to turn the skull periodically to make sure all surfaces get exposed to the liquid.Check the progress of crystal growth every couple of hours. You should have a nice crop of crystals within an hour to overnight, depending on how saturated your solution was and how quickly it cooled. When you are satisfied with the crystals, remove the skull and place it on a paper towel to dry.If you want even more crystals on the skull, take th e crystal skull and place it in a fresh solution to get a second layer of crystal growth. Make sure the new solution is saturated (no more borax will dissolve) or youll risk dissolving some crystals rather than growing more.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Steve Jobs Technological Revolutionist - 916 Words
Steve Jobs: Technological Revolutionist Steve Jobs, the co-founder and former CEO of Apple and majority shareholder of Pixar, was an extremely innovative visionary who left his mark on the world. He was a strong leader, entrepreneur, and inventor. Jobââ¬â¢s was a technological revolutionist, creating legendary hardware and software advancements which significantly impacted: science, how we communicate and interact; as well as literature, music, and media. Steve Jobs greatest impact worldwide was on science, specifically computer science. In 1997 he created the first fully assembled desktop computer, the Apple II, which was known for its expandability. Schools used the Apple II to teach programming, integrating computer science into theâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦This next generation operating system appealed to windows users, persuading them to begin switching to apple computers. Sales soared in 2006 for Apple when they switched from PowerPC processors to Intelââ¬â¢s core Duo chips, creating the Intel Macbook Pro. The Macbook Pro was Appleââ¬â¢s first laptop with an intel CPU, enhancing the average clock speeds. ââ¬Å"The worldââ¬â¢s thinnest notebook,â⬠the Macbook Air was created in 2008. The air is thin, light, and lacks an optical drive; implementing the feature to beam data over wifi. The software, function, and design of Apple computers is accredited to Jobââ¬â¢s until 2016, as he prepared for technological advancements to be released five years following his death in 2011. Steve Jobââ¬â¢s innovation of the computer throughout his lifetime has influenced how humans connect and work today. Although Steve Jobs has passed, he continues to impact how we communicate and interact today, both personally and professionally. The hardware and software he created expanded the ways in which humans are able to communicate. Thanks to various wireless providers, devices such as Apple computers, iPhone, ipad, and even the latest iPod enable us to communicate. The iPhone revolutionized how the 94 Million people communicate; they can communicate wirelessly over the phone, text, iMessage, and facetime. The use of iMessage and facetime is not limited to the iPhone, these forms of communication are also accessible on apple computers, iPads, and
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Oedipus Rex Essay Example For Students
Oedipus Rex Essay In Sophocless play Oedipus Rex Oedipus Even though fate seems to determine Oedipus life, . he does infact have a free will. His choices brought the prophecy to life. Only his decisions (not influenced by anybody) he made. Of course those decisions were in side of the limits set by fate. When Oedipus heard a prophesy that his going to kill his father and sleep with his mother he ran away, even when he new there were suspicions of him being the real son of his parents. There some lines from the play: There was a man dining with us one day who had too much wine and man shouted at me-half drunk and shouting that I was not rightly called my fathers son. Without my parents knowledge, I went to Delphi, but Apollo did not say what I had gone to hear. Instead, he answered questions I had not asked and told of horror and misery beyond believe how I would know my mothers bad and cause the death of my own father. The prophecy drove the Oedipus away from home; the terror of the predictions was t oo much to live with. Oedipus tried everything not to meet the prophecy, and still when he came to Thebes and became a king Oedipus married an older lady. It was his choice, even when he knew there was a danger of him to know mothers bad, he made it. Oedipus quest for truth was his choice. When the Teiresias tried not to reveal the truth, The Oedipus was the one, who made the priest to talk: This city gave you life and yet you refuse to answer! You speak as if you were her enemy. For Gods sake, if you know, dont turn away from us! We are pleading. We are begging you. You will not tell? You monster! You could stir the stones of earth to a burning rage! You will newer tell? What it will take? As the truth is getting revealed: You, Oedipus, are the desecrator, the polluter of this land. Oedipus does not believe (his choice). He (Oedipus) start to accuse Creon of truing to take his powers away (king). And still want to reveal whole truth. After talking to Jocasta Oedipus faces that he i n fact might killed the king Laius. There was s herald leading a carriage drawn by horses and the man riding in the carriage The driver pushed. In anger, I struck him. The old man saw it, reached for his lash and waited till I had passed. Then he struck me on the head. But he paid-oh yes he paid. I killed him. And again that was a choice, he (Oedipus) knew that he will kill his own father, even when he killed an old man he didnt thought of possibility, that the old man might be his father. Oedipus fate was determined before he was even born, and by trying t o overcome it, he actually perfectly filing in his position in life which is a prophesy. Oedipus thought that he oversmarted the Gods, but in fact every his move he made moved him closer to prophesy becoming a reality. Oedipus Essay (Fate) Sophocles Oedipus the King is a tragic play which discusses the tragic discovery of Oedipus that he has killed his father and married his mother. The story of Oedipus was well known to the athe nians. Oedipus is the embodiement of the perfect Athenian. He is self-confident, intelligent, and strong willed. Ironically these are the very traits which bring about his tragic discovery. Oedipus gained the rule of Thebes by answering the riddle of Sphinx. Sophocles used the riddle of the sphinx as a metaphor for the 3 phases of Oedipus life and to futher characterized him as a tragic man. The Sphinx posed the following riddle to all who came to obtain the rule of thebes: What is it that walks on 4 feet and 2 feet and 3 feet and has only one voice, when it walks on most feet it is the weakest? Oedipus correctly answered Man and became the king of Thebes. This riddle is a metaphor for the life of Oedipus. As a child man crawls on his hands and knees this is the four feet to which the Sphinx refers. Also man is at his weakest as a small child. He depends solely on others for his nourishment and well being. Oedipus was the child of Jocasta and King Laius who was taken to the mountain by a shepard to be killed so the omen of the god apollo that Laius son would kill him and lay with Jocasta would not come true. Oedipus was the weakest of his life at this point. If it has not been for the shepard spairing his life and giving him to Polybus to raise as his own Oedipus would have died. Man walks on 2 feet when he has matured. This is a metaphor for Oedipus when he reaches adulthood and leaves Corinth to escape the oracle. Oedipus meets up with a band of travelers and in a rage kills them. Inadvertently Oedipus has killed his own father. Oedipus then answers the riddle of the sphinx and becomes king of Thebes. By becoming king of Thebes he marries Jocasta the Queen of thebes and his own mother. Many years later after bearing children with Jocasta a plague kills many of the inhabitants of Thebes. Oedipus is told by the gods to find the killer of Laius. He is very dilligent in the inquiriy and finally comes to the horrible truth that he himself is the murderer. Jocasta kills herself at the horrible realization that she has layed with her son and Oedipus puts out his eyes at finally seeing the truth. This fulfills the final part of the Sphinxs riddle for Oedipus will have to walk with a cane for the rest of his life because of his blindness, this will give him the 3 feet which man walks with at the end of his years. Oedipus used his intellect and diligence to answer the riddle of the Sphinx. Many of the most intelligent young men of thebes has been killed attempting to answer the riddle but Oedipus proved his intelligence superior to theirs. Oedipus uses the same intelligence and perseverence to find the killer of Laius. He does not give up his search even when Jocasta warns him to stop and let the matter rest. He calls the shepard and interrogates him till he discovers the horrifying truth that he is the killer. Oedipus intelligence was ultimately his flaw. Also, if Oedipus had not had been as coarageous he would have have never ventured to answe r the riddle of the Sphinx. Thus even though he had killed his father he would have never become king of Thebes and laid with his mother. In addition, if Oedipus had had the courage but not the intelligence the Spinx would have killed him for answering the riddle incorrectly. Sophocles used this to characterized Oedipus as a tragic man for he came about his tragic discovery not because of an evil act or an evil trait but because of the person he was. Oedipus traits which gave him riches and power ultimately led to his tragic ending. Also, the god apollo did not predestine that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother by the oracle, he only stated what he knew was inevitable because of who Oedipus was. The sphinxs riddle was used by Sophocles to characterize Oedipus as a tragic man and as a parallel to his life. The riddle describes the 3 stages which Oedipus went through in his life. Also in answering the riddle Oedipus inevitable brought about his own tragic ending by a h orrible discovery. . Oedipus does not unselfishly seek out the truth even though he knows it will be painful for him, rather, he has no idea what the outcome of his search will be, denies the truth at every turn, and threatens those who speak it. Many people may paint Oedipus as a great man, pointing out that he pursues the truth at whatever personal cost and has the strength to accept and endure it when found. They admire that Oedipus was willing to bring himself down in his lust to find his true identity. However, the driving force of Oedipus fact-finding mission is an attempt to end the disease that plagues his city. He doesnt realize the personal consequences his hunt will have for him, and his loyalty to the truth is based on his ignorance of it. In fact, if we examine his quest for identity, it becomes apparent that the sequence of events are quite coincidental. First, he summons Tiresias to name the killer, who Oedipus does not at the time believe to be himself. Secon! The tr agic hero Oedipus emerges as anything but a social person. He may begin that way, motivated by a genuine desire to help the people, but what emerges throughout is different. It becomes plain to see that Oedipus is actually, deep down where it really counts, far more concerned with his own sense of self and demands for justice on his terms, than in compromising his desires like any other true leader would. This tragedy reminds us that even the bravest, those known throughout the world for their knowledge, are doomed if they set themselves up against the mystery of life itself, and if they try to force life to answer them, they are going to self-destruct. Oedipus Rex Bliss in Ignorance Oedipus Rex Bliss in Ignorance One of the most memorable and meaningful Socratic quotes applies well when in context of Sophocles Theban Trilogy. The unexamined life is not worth living, proclaims Socrates. He could have meant many things by this statement, and in relation to the play, the meaning is found to be even more complex. Indeed, the situation of Oedipus, king of Thebes, the truth of this statement is in question. Would Oedipus have been better off if he was blind to the knowledge of his birthing and the fate which was foretold to someday befall him? Truly though, his life would have been a far better and easier path had he never known about his true origins. His life in Corinth would have been long and prosperous, and Thebes would have lived on under King Laius. In fact, everyone would have been better off in the long run if Oedipus had not ventured out beyond the walls of Corinth. So is it worth living an examined life? Socrates had made this statement long after the creation of the Theban Trilogy. In the context of his own time, this was meant to imply that life must be examined and reflected upon, known and discovered by each individual philosopher to better enrich life for all. Yet in terms of Sophoclean drama, specifically Oedipus Rex, this was meant in a vastly d ifferent way. The unexamined life was one that was in the dark, unknown as to what fate lied beyond every turn and irony of living. Oedipus, up to the point in which he heard the comment in the tavern in Corinth, lived an unexamined life. To Socrates, he was an unfulfilled man, one who deserved to know more, one who not complete. However, in a much less metaphysical sense, Oedipus life was complete, in that he had all that he needed, and was living a happy and fruitful life. As the drama progresses, he finds out more and more, learning exactly what the implications of his birth was, he suffers the fate for examining his life. So what Socrates had meant, that the life which was not rich with self exploration and reflection was not worth living, was indeed different than its application in terms of Oedipus, whos life was unexamined, yet complete. The question arises, what would life have been like, if Oedipus had not discovered his true origins? If he had stayed in Corinth, would this have ever happened? We find that indeed, we would have had no story, if not for that lone comment of a drunkard which sparked the fire of rebellion in the young prince Oedipus. He ventured out to Delphi, to pry knowledge of his background out of it, and to discover if this was indeed the truth, despite the fact that his adopted parents of Corinth had assured him of it falseness. Oedipus leaves Corinth, fulfilling the Socratic idea of the unexamined life. However, we must evaluate the eventual consequences of his actions and the implications which they possess. What becomes of his fateful journey out of Corinth leads to the downfall of an entire city and family line. If he had not murdered King Laius, the Sphinx would have never descended upon Thebes, he would have never fulfilled the prophecy, and all would have lived on in a relative peace and tranquillity. Once examining these aspects of the relationship between the quote and Oedipus Rex, we can come to a final examination of its implications. The question which was addressed, that of the value of the examined life, can be answered. Indeed, if Oedipus had not ventured beyond the protective walls of his adopted home, would anything such as what occurred in the play ever have transpired? If Oedipus had not pursued that answers to the mysteries that plagued him, despite the pleading warnings of Icasta, in fact his life would have been contented and happy. Instead, he follows the Socratic method of exploration and discovery, and proceeds down the path of pain and distraught. Was, after it was over, all worth it? We find that no, it was not. Being content and suited with what he knew of himself would have saved Oedipus and his children/siblings much agony. However, in the typical Greek tragedy, we must see his fall from grace through, which is indeed what happens. In the bliss of ignorance, much pain and difficulty is averted. For what worries does the ignorant man have? In the case of Oedipus, ignorance would h ave suited him fine. The Socratic quote the unexamined life is not worth living certainly doesnt hold true in the case of Oedipus Rex. While it may hold importance and a substantial meaning for our own lives, in the case of Oedipus Rex, he would have been better off without it. Indeed, for while the unexamined life is poor in a metaphysical sense, Oedipus would have truly been fine without it. For the unexamined life is a simple one, and he would have lived a long and happy life, never discovering the true nature of his birth, nor even caring. Oedipus Rex Sophocles Oedipus the King is a tragic play which discusses the tragic discovery of Oedipus that he has killed his father and married his mother. The story of Oedipus was well known to the athenians. Oedipus is the embodiement of the perfect Athenian. He is self-confident, intelligent, and strong willed. Ironically these are the very traits which bring about his tragic discovery. Oedipus gained the rule of Thebes by answering the r iddle of Sphinx. Sophocles used the riddle of the sphinx as a metaphor for the 3 phases of Oedipus life and to futher characterized him as a tragic man. The Sphinx posed the following riddle to all who came to obtain the rule of thebes: What is it that walks on 4 feet and 2 feet and 3 feet and has only one voice, when it walks on most feet it is the weakest? Oedipus correctly answered Man and became the king of Thebes. This riddle is a metaphor for the life of Oedipus. As a child man crawls on his hands and knees this is the four feet to which the Sphinx refers. Also man is at his weakest as a small child. He depends solely on others for his nourishment and well being. Oedipus was the child of Jocasta and King Laius who was taken to the mountain by a shepard to be killed so the omen of the god apollo that Laius son would kill him and lay with Jocasta would not come true. Oedipus was the weakest of his life at this point. If it has not been for the shepard spairing his life and givin g him to Polybus to raise as his own Oedipus would have died. Man walks on 2 feet when he has matured. This is a metaphor for Oedipus when he reaches adulthood and leaves Corinth to escape the oracle. Oedipus meets up with a band of travelers and in a rage kills them. Inadvertently Oedipus has killed his own father. Oedipus then answers the riddle of the sphinx and becomes king of Thebes. By becoming king of Thebes he marries Jocasta the Queen of thebes and his own mother. Many years later after bearing children with Jocasta a plague kills many of the inhabitants of Thebes. Oedipus is told by the gods to find the killer of Laius. He is very dilligent in the inquiriy and finally comes to the horrible truth that he himself is the murderer. Jocasta kills herself at the horrible realization that she has layed with her son and Oedipus puts out his eyes at finally seeing the truth. This fulfills the final part of the Sphinxs riddle for Oedipus will have to walk with a cane for the rest of his life because of his blindness, this will give him the 3 feet which man walks with at the end of his years. Oedipus used his intellect and diligence to answer the riddle of the Sphinx. Many of the most intelligent young men of thebes has been killed attempting to answer the riddle but Oedipus proved his intelligence superior to theirs. Oedipus uses the same intelligence and perseverence to find the killer of Laius. He does not give up his search even when Jocasta warns him to stop and let the matter rest. He calls the shepard and interrogates him till he discovers the horrifying truth that he is the killer. Oedipus intelligence was ultimately his flaw. Also, if Oedipus had not had been as coarageous he would have have never ventured to answer the riddle of the Sphinx. Thus even though he had killed his father he would have never become king of Thebes and laid with his mother. In addition, if Oedipus had had the courage but not the intelligence the Spinx would have killed him for answering the riddle incorrectly. Sophocles used this to characterized Oedipus as a tragic man for he came about his tragic discovery not because of an evil act or an evil trait but because of the person he was. Oedipus traits which gave him riches and power ultimately led to his tragic ending. Also, the god apollo did not predestine that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother by the oracle, he only stated what he knew was inevitable because of who Oedipus was. The sphinxs riddle was used by Sophocles to characterize Oedipus as a tragic man and as a parallel to his life. The riddle describes the 3 stages which Oedipus went through in his life. Also in answering the riddle Oedipus inevitable brought about his own tragic ending by a horrible discovery. Memory Essay Summary Although a good tragedy consists of the main character falling to his demise by his own hand, Sophocles is cruel in the way that he portrays Oedipus life. When first reading the play, Oedipus is hailed as the hero for solving the Sphinxs riddle and he is crowned the new king of Thebes. Oedipus seems to have the perfect life complete with a doting wife, who we later find out to be his mother, and a city that respects him. This bravery and heroism of Oedipus is soon overshadowed by his need to solve the new riddle of Laius death. Oedipus becomes paranoid and pushes for more information that eventually leads to him realizing that he in fact killed Laius and that Jocasta, his wife, is also his mother. Sophocles allows Oedipus to fall into a depression that not only leads to the suicide of Jocasta but the exiling of his two daughters because of their affiliation with him. I believe that only a hero of the tragedy should be lead to their downfall and not the rest of their family. It is the n no longer about the heros realizations ruining not only their own life but also their families. At the end of the play, the reader sees that Oedipus is humbled and has gone through a lot of pain while he apologizes to his family members. After Oedipus blinds himself for not being able to see the truth, I felt even more compassion for this character and I wondered how Sophocles could be so cruel to this character. But, I realize that every great tragedy has a hero that falls by his own hand and a surprise that will shock all readers by the end. These are most likely the reasons why Oedipus Rex was Sophocles most famous tragedy.
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