Consider Laertess contribution to the theme of revenge Essay Example for Free

Consider Laertess contribution to the theme of revenge Essay Of the various parallels between Hamlet and Laertes is one of the most telling. From the beginning of the play we see the two in comparable situations, each young men of the court, each seeking university, each spied on by Polonius, each (it would appear) loving Ophelia, in different ways. Therefore, when Laertes finds himself in Hamlets position of having a father murdered, the audience watches with interest to see how he will react, and how this will compare with Hamlets behaviour in the same situation. In fact, although Hamlet points out that: by the image of my cause I can see The portraiture of his Laertes reaction to murder of his father is very different from hamlets, and indeed he is everything which Hamlet rebukes himself for failing to b. He forms the very epitome of a traditional avenger, and almost everything he does forms a contrast with what Hamlet does not do. Immediately as he returns to the court in a riotous head, having recruited a rabble, to aid him in his revenge. Thus we see that he finds both opportunity and means to destroy his fathers supposed murderer as soon as he possibly can. It is sometimes argued that Hamlet has little opportunity, doing the first two acts of the play, at least, to confront Claudius and exact his revenge. However, it is clear that particularly since he is loved by the distracted multitude Hamlet might have actively created such an opportunity for himself, just as Laertes does. Furthermore Laertes is determined that he will dare damnation in order to revenge his father. This is very important when soliloquy beginning, To be or not to be, in which he confesses that the dread of something after death is, in part, what makes him lose the name of action, for again we see hamlets attitude to his task differs radically from that of a traditional avenger. This is also apparent when Laertes says that he would cut (Hamlets) throat I th church ! , since we are immediately reminded that Hamlet refused to kill Claudius, when given the perfect opportunity, because he was in prayer. Hamlets refusal to kill Claudius at this time (because his prayers make him fit and seasoned to go to heaven which is hardly a fitting revenge for a man who has sent his brother to be judged with his crimes broad blown) may if we decide that they are more than just another rationalization (an entirely debatable point in itself) prove that Hamlet reflects more carefully than Laertes on the business of revenge and that he is more caught up in the need for a perfect and fitting revenge. Nevertheless Laertes clear opinion that Revenge should have no bounds, and his immediate and unhesitating action, in comparison with Hamlets continual prevarication, persuade us that he is the more effective avenger. Laertes falls into the same category as Fortinbras, who with his unimproved mettle hot and full seeks revenge on Denmark for winning and taking control of what had been his fathers lands, and Pyrrhus, who brutally kills an old and defenceless man in the name of revenge. All these characters unhesitating and decisive action, and what seems to be their lack of fear at the consequences, throw Hamlets indecisiveness very much into relief, for whilst he can only unpack (his) heart with words, they can sweep to revenge as he longs to. However, it is \Claudius, not Laertes, who actually states that Revenge should have no bounds, which is not only ironic, since it is Hamlets hesitation alone which has saved him so far, but I feel also has sinister undertones, since one would hardly have put such words into the mouth of the clearest villain of the play without implying that this sentiment is also, somehow, villainous. Of course, as Claudius is here manipulating Laertes strong desire for revenge, it would be unwise to attach too much importance to this point, but it is nevertheless interesting to examine our attitude to Laertes attitude towards revenge as opposed to Hamlets. After all, the impetuous approach of the former allows him to believe: ; The people muddied, Thick and unwholesome in their thoughts and whispers. Thus he promptly accuses the wrong man (Claudius, rather than Hamlet) of killing his father. Compare this with Hamlet well aware that all is not necessarily what it seems in Denmark who creates an elaborate plan to catch the conscience of the king before he proceeds. It might also appear to the audience that Laertes defiance of damnation is more to do with a lack of reflection on the undiscovered country than courage in facing it. After all, as hamlet points out: the native hue of resolution Is sicklied oer with the pale cast of thought Laertes is all resolution, untroubled by the words and thoughts, which impede hamlets action. (We never see Laertes in soliloquy, of course, because he is morally certain of what he must do, and does not explore the subject further. ) However, we possibly feel some sympathy with the view that: blest are those Whose blood and judgement are so well co meddled That they are not a pipe for Fortunes finger. Ironically, these words, spoken by Hamlet in praise of Horatio, actually describe the former in some respects, and particularly when we see him in comparison with Laertes. After all, whilst his endless reflection might appear to serve, at times, only to exacerbate and rationalize his delay, at least he can only rarely be accused of being rash. Laertes believes that, That drop of blood thats calm proclaims me bastard. However, this rage, this refusal to reason calmly and to reflect on what has happened, allows the slippery Claudius to manipulate Laertes for his own ends, leading to the treachery which destroys Claudius and Laertes themselves, and Gertrude, as well Hamlet. Ultimately, there is a certain nobility t be found in the exchange of forgiveness between hamlet and Laertes (the final link the latters assurance that: Mine and my fathers death come not upon thee, Nor thine on me! Which is greater than Laertes revengeful triumph over Hamlet. This is not to say that Shakespeares presentation of Laertes serves entirely as an indictment of the process of revenge. Both hamlet and Laertes speak of the honour of revenge, and finally does kill Claudius, that he is justly served. However, I can feel that considering Laertes contribution to the theme of revenge is only useful when seen alongside hamlets reaction to the same theme, and perhaps this portrayal of a traditional avenger who is only useful when seen alongside hamlets reaction to the same theme, and perhaps this portrayal of a traditional avenger who is rash, manipulative and finally self-destructive, allows us to see hamlet in a more favourable light when he is unable to assume the same role as traditional avenger.

Heideggers Interpretation of Pablo Picassos Portrait of Gertrude Stein :: Art Artisits

Heidegger's interpretation of Pablo Picasso's Portrait of Gertrude Stein By several accounts, Gertrude Stein posed for Pablo Picasso more than 90 times during the winter of 1905-6. Each session was never quite correct, with many botched attempts and frustrations. Ultimately Picasso sent her away, stating "I can't see you any longer when I look," then created a new portrait of her nearly a year later without seeing her again. It was regarded as a curious mask-like visage, not really an accurate representation of Stein at the time. When others remarked that Gertrude Stein did not look like her portrait, Picasso stated "She will." Eventually Picasso's belief in the 'premonitory powers' of his portraits was affirmed as Stein came to very greatly resemble her portrait, stating in 1938, "I was and I still am satisfied with my portrait; for me, it is I, and it is the only reproduction of me which is always I, for me" (Rodenbeck). Picasso's Portrait of Gertrude Stein is a haunting and pensive work, imbued with a great sense of mystery and pondering. Stein's gaze is cast to the side, her hands in a gestural position, leaning forward with her chin tilted and lips slightly parted. It is as if she is about to speak and through the body language of her portrait, we envision an ensuing scene where she articulates what she's been thinking, elaborating with her hands. The essence of Stein's character is embodied in this posture and gesture, the truth of her being in this physical representation. Knowing nothing of Stein, one would at once understand that this woman is a thinker carefully considering her points and that this intellectual characterization is of fundamental importance to her mode of being. Picasso has achieved the revelatory effects in this portrait by revealing the truth of Stein through Martin Heidegger's principle of truth as aletheia, that is, unhiddenness or the experience of something hidden being brought to revelation. By not allowing Stein's thoughts and words to be heard and capturing her in a frozen moment of paint, Picasso allows a profound understanding of all that she has to say. By concealing the experience of being in her presence and knowing her as an intellectual, he reveals the very truth and nature of her composure and existence. Were this portrait a frozen monument of Stein in a moment of glory, a pristine tribute to her physicality or a photographic and perfect representation, then we could never see the true accuracy of her being and becoming.

Wars Negative Impacts

Family, friends and strangers battle for our freedom every day but at a cost of gyrfalcon their own lives. â€Å"Enemy and the casualty lists that are lengthened each week with nothing to show for the blood being spilled† (Source E 19-20). The avoidance of death should be the only reason necessary to stop the progression of wars. Soldiers on the battlefield have done nothing to deserve to die they are only trying to protect the ones they deeply care for. Deaths cause major destruction in the lives of relatives of the deceased soldiers.Many families lose a member who they depended on for support eventually forcing them Into poverty resulting in increased offering Inflicted by the effects of war. War simply changes every aspect involving people perspectives on life, relations even their personalities. During war soldiers lose the purpose of their battle. Soldiers do not even care about the effect they have on the family of the murdered, possibly leaving a child without a father. They are so over whelmed by their environment that they care for nothing but their own survival. An adventurous expedition had turned Into an exhausting, indecisive war of attrition In which we fought for no cause other Han our own survival† (Source E 21-22). People leaving their families return with a different attitude and personality than when they first left. Many soldiers become traumatized by the events they witness and participated in causing irreversible damage to the brain. This is why some people apply themselves to certain tasks differently than before, as a result their efforts to solve the specific situation back fire multiplying their problem.The Individual could even possibly cause damages not only to himself but also to his relatives and the nearby people. â€Å"Stall they changed us ND taught us, the men who fought In them; In those obscure skirmishes we learned the old lessons about fear, cowardice, courage, suffering, cruelty, and comradeship† (Sourc e E 25-27). Depression, anxiety and paranoia are a few words to describe how the war effects the members of society left at home when relatives are sent away to battle for their country.They become unable to appear in society due to their extreme fear of death both themselves and other and possible loss of loves ones. These are negative Impacts of war because when members of society return to violation they lose the abilities to function properly within society. The money involved in the processes of war could be used to help better a nation's population and standard of living instead of assisting in its destruction. If a nation does not have an advantage over the competing nation regarding the development of weapons then the resources consumed in the process will be used inefficiently.This Is because factories are forced to switch the production of their products over to assaults In ten war efforts, tans would cause ten companies Ana t employees to lose Jobs, wages and money. This would cause the countries own people to suffer due to the lack of money being provided into the economy resulting in poverty and hunger. War requires a huge amount of money that a nation does not necessarily have because is a very expensive process. Not only is it expensive regarding the production of ammunition but also the after effects of war place a huge toll on the economy.Cities may be completely destroyed which requires money to pay for workers to build and clean while also paying for the materials. It would not only remove fear and bring security; it would not only create new moral and spiritual values; it would produce an economic wave of prosperity that would raise the world's standard of living beyond anything ever dreamed of by man. The hundreds of billions of dollars now spent in mutual preparedness could conceivably abolish poverty from the face of the earth. (Source G 4-9) Another reason is the populations youth sacrifice their lives resulting in death, leaving a gap between generations. Few of us were past twenty-five† (Source E 33). Meaning the new working generation Joining the labor pool will decrease greatly in size and skill. This is because the military removes all able-bodied men from factories to place them into the army to serve their country. Necessary Jobs such as Jobs in the medical field will lose employees preventing them from performing their duties, removing required money from the economy. War effects the economy of both countries fighting in a negative way. War requires a large amount of money to fight the war while also fixing the damages that are a result of it.War is a conflict between countries thru the use of arms attempting to gain what they believe to be beneficial to their country. Many believe that war under certain circumstances is Justified but nothing can Justify the murder and long term effects that follow the events of war. But in spite of all arguments against war it still is and possibly will always exist s. As long as war exists in countries everywhere in the world it will only produce negative consequences that humanity must accept as punishment for such actions.

Beyond Religion Finding Our Inner Selves - 2485 Words

The central purpose of Beyond Religion is to place emphasis on the inner qualities and values of an individual rather than devoting too much effort on external or material aspects of life. Mankind has endured many challenges since the beginning of time and yet we continue to face many problems. Despite our advances in medical science, technology, education, healthcare, human rights, laws, etc., we still suffer, struggle, and encounter many crisis around the world. Many parts of the world still experience poverty, crime, injustice, inequality, corruption, social, and environmental problems. The book asserts that these problems are a result of neglect of our inner qualities and moral values not just based on religious beliefs but the†¦show more content†¦In order for us to find true happiness, we have to look past the external benefits and dig deep down inside and assess our cognitive stability and internal motivation. Having a peace of mind can provide happiness even in times of difficulties and challenges. The main topic for chapter four is about compassion as the foundation of our well-being. We have been receiving care and affection ever since we were in our mother’s womb. From the moment we were born, our survival depends on the loving care and attention of others. As human, we develop a feeling of bonding and security to those who cared for us during infancy and childhood. Moreover, the nurturing aspect we receive has a tremendous impact on our psychological and emotional development. As a result, we develop a sense of compassion. The key emphasis is to expand and cultivate our compassion into a universal compassion without feeling of resentment or regret. True compassion has a profound benefit not just to others but also to one self. It is the foundation of our well-being by positively influencing our physical and mental state. 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