Female roles Essays

Female roles Essays Female roles Essay Female roles Essay Essay Topic: Pygmalion There have always been noticeably obvious differences among male and female roles in relationships. Women have always been treated more or less as objects of their partners and thought to only be there to support and to create pleasure and happiness. Females seen as the weaker sex have been abused emotionally, verbally and even physically due to the manipulative actions of men. This is a problem because young girls are grown up on fantasy beliefs of a fairy tale ending and thus have created false ideas in their heads. Over the last decade it has been indicated the gender roles in legislations have reformed, women are more likely to have power and not thought of as a thing owned by their husbands or to be less superior. In Ovoids tale of Pygmalion and Galatea and Bernard Shaw play Pygmalion, both writers expose relationships between man and women and the influence Of male dominance and the idea Of superiority Of masculinity. Galatea seen as the girl who cannot get away and Elise as the strong female, Shaw believes every women should be. Although there has been a change in the relative equality and power held between males and females in relationships, girls are still seen as weaker and still encounter male eminence in everyday affairs whether it may be verbal, emotional or physical abuse. In Ovoids tale, Pygmalion created Galatea to please his needs and desires, he did not care about what she wanted or how she felt. During that time, Pygmalion loathed women who were prostitutes and the idea that it was in the nature of females to become one. However it is thought today that most women are strong enough to stand up for themselves but in this case Galatea had no choice. : This illustrates how women are perceived in societies : In fairytale, the story produces the girls as victims in need of a rinse to rescue them. The classical romantic narrative, then, is problematic because its texts of meaning conform to a social order of male dominance and female submission that underwrites violence and abuse. As Pygmalion is kissing Galatea and touching her, she has no choice but to let him do it because of his power over her does modesty not forbid. The power that Pygmalion has over Galatea is important to recognize because she cannot do anything about it. Most young women in abusive relationships are too manipulated into believing everything will be okay to say no. In Pygmalion, Shaw portrays Mr.. Higgins as being very verbally abusive towards Elise. He uses Elise as a comparison to Galatea, only Elise knows whom she is and will stand up for herself. Shaw feminist views are portrayed numerously throughout the play. When Mrs.. Higgins states the girl has the right to leave if she chooses, it shows the power Elise has, and coming from another women displays even more dramatically that at this point in time Shaw believes a women can no longer be controlled or thought of as a service to a man. The verbal abuse portrayed from Mr.. Higgins is shown again when he says l have created this thing out of the squashed cabbage leaves of Covent Gardens Garbage, since Mr.. Higgins cares about no one but himself, he does not realize that saying this can emotionally hurt Elise because she does have an emotional connection towards him. Evidently, Most young girls may endure a boyfriends abuse, hoping that her love will change him. She may sees this as something she cannot help but that she can help him overcome through her understanding or by loving him enough, which is a mistake commonly made by young women. Although times have improved, this action of power between man and women and gender roles in relationships is still seen as a problem. The power a male holds over a women is still seen vastly amongst relationships. When it comes to Mr.. Higgins and Elise it is then again represented when Mrs.. Higgins calls Elise a lost umbrella, an object that Mr.. Higgins owns and does not respect. Elise is portrayed to BEA strong, independent woman, who knows who she is and what she wants, this is the type of character that Shaw believes all women should become but not all women have the power to do so. Girls have an idea in mind that falling in eve leads to marriage and living happily ever after. But this often doesnt happen, In breaking free of abusive relationships there is a very different version Of romance, with a new kind of happy ending (Philly never after, or the end of abuser. However, ending their abusive relationships is often complicated and difficult to achieve due to a young womens reluctance to hurt a boyfriend. Although Higgins did not care for Elise, he did still think that he owned her, and as she walked away he was astounded and wanted her back. Elise decided to be with the man who adored her instead of mutinously being hurt. A strong-minded women like Elise was smart enough to do what was best for her, but for many women, this is not easy. In both texts, women are portrayed as very submissive and weak. It is until Elise realizes that Mr.. Higgins does not care for her when she decides to instead of chasing the man who will always make her feel weak, she goes to be with the man who adores her. Galatea on the other hand, has no choice but to stay with the man who does not admire or care for her, and this represents many lost young women today.

Biography of Empress Theodora, Byzantine Feminist

Biography of Empress Theodora, Byzantine Feminist Empress Theodora (c. 497–June 28, 548), wife of Emperor  Justinian I, is regarded as the most powerful woman in  Byzantine  history. Because of her intelligence and political savvy, she was Justinian’s most trusted adviser and used her influence to promote religious and social policies in line with her interests. She significantly expanded the rights of women. Fast Facts: Empress Theodora Known For: Most Influential Woman in the Byzantine EraBorn: c. 497 on Cyprus or in SyriaFather: AcaciusDied: June 28, 548 in Constantinople, modern-day TurkeySpouse: Justinian I Early Life Little is known of her early years. According to the historian Procopius- whose historical work, according to one source, which resembles a tabloid newspaper but is the best available- her father Acacius was a bear keeper at the Hippodrome in Constantinople, a large stadium where chariot races and other events were staged, including bear-baiting. He died when she was 5. Her mother remarried and started Theodoras acting career. Theodora had two sisters, Comitona and Anastasia, and as a child she worked on stage as a mime with older sister Comitona before becoming a full-fledged actress, though in that day much of what was termed acting would later be euphemistically called adult entertainment. Offstage she was known for having numerous lovers and wild parties and for prostitution. She became the mistress of a wealthy man named Hecebolus, who for reasons unknown threw her out in roughly 521. She found religion, renounced her former lifestyle, and made a living as a wool spinner, returning to Constantinople in 522. Marriage When Justinian somehow met her, he was attracted by her beauty and intelligence and made her his mistress before marrying her in 525. Because of her disreputable background, special legislation was required to legalize such a marriage. (The independent record of this law being changed supports Procopius account of Theodoras lowly origins.) Justinians uncle and adoptive father, Emperor Justin I, died on August 1, 527, the date that Justinians reign is usually said to have begun, though modern scholars believe that he actually took over the government as early as 518. When Justinian took the throne, Theodora became the empress. Theodora exercised considerable influence, though she was never made co-regent. Because of her intelligence and unerring political sensibility, many believe that she, rather than Justinian, ruled Byzantium. Her name appears in nearly all the laws passed during that period, and she received foreign envoys and corresponded with foreign rulers, roles usually taken by the ruler. Nika Revolt Her influence in political affairs is illustrated by the Nika Revolt of January 532, which involved the Blues and the Greens, two Constantinople political factions that sponsored chariot races, animal contests, and stage plays in the Hippodrome and had attained substantial political power. The Blues and Greens had set aside their traditional rivalry to unite and oppose the government and establish a rival emperor. The revolt started on January 13, as the chariot races were to begin. Before the day was over, many public buildings were in flames.  Justinian had failed to head off the situation, and most of his advisers urged him to flee. Preparations were made, and a ship sat ready in the harbor to carry the emperor and empress to safety. At a meeting of the Imperial Council on January 18, Theodora sat listening to the men debating whether they should flee the city. Then, according to Robert Brownings Justinian  and  Theodora, she stood and addressed them: Whether or not a woman should give an example of courage to men is neither here nor there....I think that flight, even if it brings us to safety, is not in our interest. Every man born to see the light of day must die. But that one who has been emperor should become an exile I cannot bear.   She suggested that Justinian, his generals, and the other officials stay and save the empire. After she sat down, the men looked at each other and the generals began to discuss military plans. Belisarius, one of her husbands generals,  eventually herded the rebels into the Hippodrome, where they were slaughtered. Religion Theodora was a monophysite Christian, believing that Jesus Christs nature was purely divine, while her husband reflected orthodox Christianity, which holds that Jesus nature was both human and divine. Some commentators, including Procopius, allege that their differences were more pretense than a reality, presumably to keep the church from having too much power. She was known as a protector of members of the Monophysite faction when they were accused of heresy.  She supported the moderate Monophysite Severus and, when he was excommunicated and exiled- with Justinians approval- Theodora helped him to settle in Egypt. Another excommunicated monophysite, Anthimus, was still hiding in the womens quarters when Theodora died, 12 years after the excommunication order. She sometimes explicitly worked against her husbands support of Chalcedonian Christianity in the ongoing struggle for the predominance of each faction, especially at the edges of the empire. At the end of his life, Justinian was said to have moved significantly toward monophysitism, though he took no official action to promote it. Death and Legacy Theodora died in 548, possibly from cancer or  gangrene. Her death illustrated how important she was in Byzantine political life: Little significant legislation dates from the period between her death and 565 when Justinian died. Theodora had given birth to a daughter, either before she met Justinian or early in their marriage, but the girl didnt live long. No other children were born to the imperial couple. Through her relationship with her husband, who treated her as his intellectual partner, Theodora had a major impact on the political decisions of the empire. Justinian wrote that he had consulted Theodora when he promulgated a constitution that included reforms meant to end corruption by public officials. She is credited with influencing many other reforms, including expanding the rights of women in divorce and property ownership, prohibiting forced prostitution, giving mothers some guardianship rights over their children, and forbidding the killing of a wife who committed adultery. She closed brothels and created convents, where the ex-prostitutes could support themselves. Sources Browning, Robert. Justinian and Theodora. Gorgias Pr Llc, January 1, 2003.Garland, Lynda. Byzantine Empresses: Women and Power in Byzantium AD 527-1204. 1st Edition, Routledge, January 8, 2011.Holmes, William Gordon. The Age of Justinian and Theodora, Vol. 1: A History of the Sixth Century. Paperback, Abridged edition, Forgotten Books, July 6, 2017.Procopius. The Secret History. Penguin Classics, Peter Sarris (Editor, Translator, Introduction), G. A. Williamson (Translator), Paperback, New Ed. / edition, December 18, 2007.Underhill, Clara. Theodora: The Courtesan of Constantinople. 1st Edition edition, Sears Publishing Company, Inc., 1932.Theodora: Byzantine Empress. Encyclopaedia Britannica.Theodora. Encyclopedia.com.

Rising Costs of U.S Health Care Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rising Costs of U.S Health Care - Research Paper Example Central to this U.S health care issue is the nursing profession. Registered nurses in U.S health care facilities participate in all activities of the medical process, and they are the largest group of health care experts in U.S medical facilities. As the U.S government embarks on the quest of lowering medical costs through health care reforms, the nursing profession is greatly affected by pressure on health care centers to cut on spending on nurses. The American Hospital Association (2001) showed that hospitals in the U.S had a deficit of 126,000 nurses, statistics that show that a worrying 90% of medical facilities in the U.S do not have enough nursing staff to attend to patients. Left to stand, this deficit is estimated to rise to 400,000 fewer nurses in 2020 (National Health Program, 2008).The elderly and terminally ill are at greatest risk as their life expectancy is threatened with the limited access to nursing staff. Conversely, the nursing profession has become less popular wi th the younger Americans going into and coming out of medical training institutions. Majority of registered nurses in the U.S health care system are above 30 years, and the average age of working nurses is at 43 years in long term care facilities (National Health Program, 2008). This age statistic is expected to go up as the health care crisis makes the nursing profession a declining occupation as compared to other occupations among professional Americans. Fiscal challenges in the U.S health care system prompt organizations.... h care due to medical conditions that become worse when otherwise and with health care insurance easier and less expensive treatments could have been accessed in time. Worse still, advanced medical technology and better prescription drugs are more expensive which translates to more expenses for the Americans who are in need of health care. Central to this U.S health care issue is the nursing profession. Registered nurses in U.S health care facilities participate in all activities of the medical process, and they are the largest group of health care experts in U.S medical facilities. As the U.S government embarks on the quest of lowering medical costs through health care reforms, the nursing profession is greatly affected by pressure on health care centers to cut on spending on nurses. The American Hospital Association (2001) showed that hospitals in the U.S had a deficit of 126,000 nurses, statistics that show that a worrying 90% of medical facilities in the U.S do not have enough nu rsing staff to attend to patients. Left to stand, this deficit is estimated to rise to 400,000 fewer nurses in 2020 (National Health Program, 2008). The elderly and terminally ill are at greatest risk as their life expectancy is threatened with the limited access to nursing staff. Conversely, the nursing profession has become less popular with the younger Americans going into and coming out of medical training institutions. Majority of registered nurses in the U.S health care system are above 30 years, and the average age of working nurses is at 43 years in long term care facilities (National Health Program, 2008). This age statistic is expected to go up as the health care crisis makes the nursing profession a declining occupation as compared to other occupations among professional

Role of Parliament in the British Government Essay

Role of Parliament in the British Government - Essay Example Therefore, it is paramount to determine the extent of this influence in the present day context in order to draw relevant conclusions. Most members of the cabinet of Britain sit in the House of Commons (Campbell & Peters 1988, p. 168). This house has been previously criticized for its compositions with a large number of sitting representatives hailing from a single party. This means that the decisions that may be arrived at in many cases may not be representative of the professional opinion of those undertaking the decision but may be reflective of a stance taken by the party rather than the individual representatives. The majority of those in the House of Commons who may be hailing from the same party are also bound to be supportive of the executive’s decisions which may not be in the best interest of democracy. This kind of trend that is reflective of a majority of representatives following the same course and having the same characteristics and backgrounds reflects a very u nhealthy trend in the course of representatives who are in the legislature providing checks and balances to the executive. Discussion In the recent past, there has been an increase in the attempts by the executive to increase controls of measures of parliament. The effects have been that parliament has been compelled to support the decisions that the executive makes. The result has been a dominance of parliament by the executive that has seen the latter’s power wane the executive has become the decision maker in parliament.... 168). This house has been previously criticized for its compositions with a large number of sitting representatives hailing from a single party. This means that the decisions that may be arrived at in many cases may not be representative of the professional opinion of those undertaking the decision but may be reflective of a stance taken by the party rather than the individual representatives. The majority of those in the House of Commons who may be hailing from the same party are also bound to be supportive of the executive’s decisions which may not be in the best interest of democracy. This kind of trend that is reflective of a majority of representatives following the same course and having the same characteristics and backgrounds reflects a very unhealthy trend in the course of representatives who are in the legislature providing checks and balances to the executive. Discussion In the recent past, there has been an increase in the attempts by the executive to increase cont rols of measures of parliament. The effects have been that parliament has been compelled to support the decisions that the executive makes. The result has been a dominance of parliament by the executive that has seen the latter’s power wane. The perception among policy makers, other experts and the public in general has been that the executive has become the decision maker in parliament. Already, this depicts that something is wrong since parliament cannot effectively put checks and controls on the executive while the executive is dominating decision making (Knight 2010, p. 331). Recognition is given to the fact that parliament in Britain does not consist of a single house. Rather, it is constituent of two with the House of Commons

English and Spanish New World Colonies Essay Example for Free

English and Spanish New World Colonies Essay Most of the powerful Western European Nations became involved in exploration of the Americas. Spain started the trend with the exploration of Columbus. Observers realized that Columbus had not discovered Spice Islands south of China, but a whole new world to the Europeans. Expeditions of exploration in search of wealth were the first action of the explorers of the new land. Immediate metal wealth was not found in the Caribbean Islands, but it was found later on the Americas mainland. England was then enticed to claim land for itself, and claimed the lands of North America and benefited from early trading posts. Spain and England both participated in the exploration and colonization of the Americas, but their ambitions were different based upon the surrounding environment. Spain focused its exploration on the lands surrounding the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific link on the Western coast of South America. Like the English, the indigenous people of the acted friendly towards the Spanish explorers, then resisted after unjust massacres occurred. This common reaction comes with the part of human nature that accepts others, and rejects them after they have participated in undesirable actions. Similar to the English, the Spanish also colonized the lands of the new world and developed large cities, which served as political and economic centers. The geography of Central and South America contributed greatly to the amount of metals and valuable resources that were extracted from the ground and from the artifacts of the natives. Unlike the English, the Spanish employed Viceroys, or officials to rule the new world to keep order. These Viceroys reported directly to the king, and could be removed from office by a court of lawyers. These rulers were essential to the vast, spread out landmass that the Spanish conquered. Encompassing many different cultures such as the Aztec and the Inca, it was essential for the Spanish to have powerful political figures to run the government in the place of a king. The English however, relied on direct ties to the royalty of England to run their colonies. The English explored the colder, less metal rich region of North America. Although North America lacked in valuable metals, it was the source of furs that would revolutionize the European economy. The English were similar in  their economic views of establishing permanent colonies after the wealth of the trapping of beavers was extracted. Located within North America were greatly diffused native populations of different tribes. This did not lend well to missionary work, or laborers. Unlike the Spanish, the English did not breed with the indigenous people, and they received slaves from Africa to satisfy their labor needs. But similarly to the Spanish, the English contributed a large amount of their revenue created in the Americas to add wealth to their kings, and to expand the size and power of their armies. Overall, the Spanish and English shared many economic goals in expansion and exploration. However, their political structure and social organization differed from the environmental conditions and the personal cultural views. The establishment in political, social, and economic centers of power was a parallel evolution between these two countrys colonies, as is the enrichment of their countrys treasury and power.

Julius Caesar - Citizen Of Rome :: essays research papers

Julius Caesar-Citizen of Rome My name is Felicius Dedecus, and I live in Rome. I am a common citizen, and work in the local bakery. I am married to a charming lady named Antonia. We have been married for only a couple of months, and we do not have any children. We are not yet prepared to have a child, because we cannot financially support one. Once the bakery starts going well, we will have a child. I work during the days, and Antonia, being a lady, does not work so she could take care of the child. I begin to laugh, when I imagine a woman working somewhere other than in the kitchen. It would be quite an odd sight. I hear people shouting. It seems to be coming from the Capitol. I am heading towards there, to find out the reason for all of this commotion. The greatest man that I have ever known is dead. His name was Caesar, and he was a beloved benefactor and a hero. He defeated Pompey's sons, and would do anything to benefit Rome. Rome will never profit from this man again, for he was stabbed by a sword. Honorable Brutus, his best friend, helped in the killing of Caesar. All actions of this noble man, in the past, have been admirable. I am at the Forum, and the funeral for beloved Caesar is about to take place. Brutus will explain his reasons for murdering Caesar, which will surely be logical. Then, Mark Antony will be delivering a speech, and conducting the funeral rites. The funeral speech, or Laudatio Funebris, is a common Roman custom. This funeral promises to be chaotic, and I am not sure what is to come for Rome. Brutus is about to speak. My co-worker at the local bakery, Ragorius, says aloud what many of us Roman citizens are thinking. He says, "We will be satisfied; let us be satisfied." I am anxious to hear Brutus' speech, for I am very curious to hear the justification of the murder. Had anyone else killed Caesar, in no circumstance, would I have listened to their speech. However, Brutus is reputable, and his dignified presence gets him replies upon his request. He asks us, "Be patient till the last . . . hear me for mine cause and be silent." When Brutus said this, I immediately obeyed him. He says, ". Julius Caesar - Citizen Of Rome :: essays research papers Julius Caesar-Citizen of Rome My name is Felicius Dedecus, and I live in Rome. I am a common citizen, and work in the local bakery. I am married to a charming lady named Antonia. We have been married for only a couple of months, and we do not have any children. We are not yet prepared to have a child, because we cannot financially support one. Once the bakery starts going well, we will have a child. I work during the days, and Antonia, being a lady, does not work so she could take care of the child. I begin to laugh, when I imagine a woman working somewhere other than in the kitchen. It would be quite an odd sight. I hear people shouting. It seems to be coming from the Capitol. I am heading towards there, to find out the reason for all of this commotion. The greatest man that I have ever known is dead. His name was Caesar, and he was a beloved benefactor and a hero. He defeated Pompey's sons, and would do anything to benefit Rome. Rome will never profit from this man again, for he was stabbed by a sword. Honorable Brutus, his best friend, helped in the killing of Caesar. All actions of this noble man, in the past, have been admirable. I am at the Forum, and the funeral for beloved Caesar is about to take place. Brutus will explain his reasons for murdering Caesar, which will surely be logical. Then, Mark Antony will be delivering a speech, and conducting the funeral rites. The funeral speech, or Laudatio Funebris, is a common Roman custom. This funeral promises to be chaotic, and I am not sure what is to come for Rome. Brutus is about to speak. My co-worker at the local bakery, Ragorius, says aloud what many of us Roman citizens are thinking. He says, "We will be satisfied; let us be satisfied." I am anxious to hear Brutus' speech, for I am very curious to hear the justification of the murder. Had anyone else killed Caesar, in no circumstance, would I have listened to their speech. However, Brutus is reputable, and his dignified presence gets him replies upon his request. He asks us, "Be patient till the last . . . hear me for mine cause and be silent." When Brutus said this, I immediately obeyed him. He says, ".

Home Daycare or Daycare Center

Commercial daycare or In-home childcare: Is one better than the other? Lisa Pedler ENG121: English Composition I Instructor Jenna Fussell July 30, 2012 When it comes down to choosing the best childcare option for your child, the first factor that most parents look at is: what that particular child needs. Now, there is nothing wrong with that, but there are a number of factors that needs to be considered prior to making that final choice. The decision of whether to send your child to a commercial daycare center or an in-home family childcare should depend on more than just the need of the child.Parents need to also consider environment, cost, certification, daily schedules, and provider to child ratios. When a parent finally makes the ultimate decision to place their child into the care of someone else, they must be sure that it’s the best person or place not only for the child but for them as a parents as well. Daycare centers provide children with a safe, and healthy environm ent that not only gives the child a place to laugh and play, but a place to build and improve their social and developmental skills.Daycare centers are required to uphold all state requirements such as provider to child ratios, health inspections, food regulations, cleanliness, safety, and discipline. The provider to child ratio can vary depending on the state regulation, the size of the building, and the age of the children. There could be times where there are more children to one provider than a parent may be comfortable with- meaning your child may not get that one on one attention he or she may need. Age groups separate children in a commercial daycare center, therefore allowing children to mingle amongst children their own age.This also helps with the issue of having younger children around toys that the older children are permitted to play with. State issued health inspections are required but the frequencies of such inspections can vary. State regulated centers must also pas s food regulations, as well as implement required safety and disciplinary protocols. The environment of the daycare center needs to be considered. Most daycare centers provide children with a number of child size equipment, furniture and activities. They also offer many different stations children can rotate into throughout the day.A state regulated center can offer a parent the security of having implemented the use of security cameras. Daycare centers also have a steep chain of command, which is lead by the centers director. When you think of a daycare center, you think of costs. It is implied that commercial daycare costs are usually on the more expensive end of the bar. One must think of its employees that have to be paid and other programs that have to be paid for. Even though a daycare center may be a bit expensive, most parents believe that it is well worth it considering all a center can offer them and their child(ren).Another factor that needs to be explored when looking at a commercial daycare center is the issue of illnesses amongst the children. When a child is in a four-wall room with 15 other children, the risk of catching another child’s illness goes up drastically. Not only does the risk factor go up, but the possibility of containing the illness goes down. There are so many children in and out of the room throughout the day that germs are being spread from child to child to toy to toy. Moving away from commercial daycare centers, we look into in-home family childcare.Deciding to go with in-home care not only brings just about all the advantages of a daycare center, but it also brings a little more to the table. When choosing an in-home care, you would need to be sure that it is a licensed home. When a home is licensed, they too have to follow state requirements for provider to child ratio, health inspections, food regulations, cleanliness, safety, and discipline. Most states requires that in-home childcare have a smaller ratio than what a commercial daycare center may have for one provider.This ultimately means that your child will get more of a one on one experience. However, an in-home care may have a smaller number of children, but they have a broader age range in care. This simply means that one home can consist of a six-week old infant, a two-year-old toddler, and a four-year-old preschooler. Just as commercial daycares, in-home childcare has to go through many health inspections and also be able to pass implemented food regulations, as well as safety and disciplinary protocols.In-home childcare environments may differ from those of a commercial center. The space of an in-home care may be limited to an area of the home; however, the child can feel more at home due to the fact that it still remains a home. Having this as an advantage may give the child more security than that of a commercial center. In-home childcare costs are usually lower than that of a commercial daycare center. This can be for reason such as the provider sets the rates, and that there is only one person that needs to get paid.Having one provider in the home means that the payments that are coming in does not have to be calculated between several individuals, therefore bringing down the cost of childcare. The issue of traveling germs may not be of a high risk factor in an in-home care as it would be in a daycare center. The smaller number of children in a home makes it a little easier for an illness to be contained. It becomes easier to watch the children, watch what is being shared, and what is being put into their mouths because of the smaller number.In the end, parents have a huge decision to make. Whether a parent chooses the safe, more sociable, and more costly way of childcare or the still safe, more family orientated, and less costly way of childcare; the decision of leaving your child in the care of someone else is huge. When on the hunt for that home away from home for your child; there are many factors that should be considered. Whether you decide to go with a commercial daycare center or an in-home care, your child is going to be off to a great start in life in a safe, and playful environment.

Aphrodite/Role of Women in Illiad Essay

Throughout the many annals of Greek mythology, there have been many fascinating characters, ranging from the beginning of time with Gaia and Uranus, to their children, Cronus and his wife Rhea, through the Titanomachy, the war of the Titans versus the Gods, and finally to their children, the Olympians themselves, and the dawn of the Silver Age. Of the twelve Olympic Deities, you have five Goddesses: Hera, the queen of Olympus, Demeter, Goddess of the harvest, Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, and Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. While each of them have their own intriguing backstory, histories, and myths associated with them, there are none more fascinating than Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and sexual rapture herself. Her intrigue begins at her inception into the world of Greek Mythology. There are multiple accounts of how Aphrodite came into existence but the most widely recognized one came from Hesiod’s poem Theogony, on the origins and genealogies of the Greek Gods and Goddesses, in which much of Greek mythology is derived from. As the myth goes, when Cronus castrated his father Uranus, Uranus tossed his amputated member into the Ocean, and from the resulting foam, out came Aphrodite, fully grown in all her beauty and splendor. It is said that it is because of this lewd beginning that Aphrodite gained her erotic nature. Almost immediately after joining Olympus, Zeus’ fear quickly grew about a growing conflict between the Gods about who would be the one to take Aphrodite’s hand in marriage. Acting quickly Zeus married her off to his son Hephaestus, the God of smiths, crafters, and weavers, due to his anger towards Hera for throwing him off Olympus when he was born because of his innate unattractiveness. Aphrodite did not however take her wedding vows very seriously and took part in quite a number of affairs. Her partners ranged from Gods to mortals to include Dionysus, Hermes, Poseidon, Nerites, Anchises, Butes, Phaon and Phaethon, but her two main affairs were with, firstly Ares, the God of War, with whom she had numerous children with, mainly Eros (god of love), Phobos and Deimos (the embodiment of fear and error), Anteros (god of love returned), as well as Himerus (personification of lust), and Harmonia (goddess of Harmony). Her second main affair was with a mortal name Adonis. She had to compete with Persephone, Goddess of Spring for him, and the conflict got so heated, that Zeus believed he had to step in to resolve the issue. Jealous of Aphrodite’s love for him, it is said that Ares himself transformed into a bull and killed Adonis himself. What was blatantly obvious from the moment she walked out of the Ocean was that Aphrodite’s erotic nature and her command over love gave her immense power and control. Love, being one of the most basest of instincts, gave her a level of influence of the males of the world that set her apart from the rest of the Olympians. It was said that whenever Aphrodite spoke, even Zeus listened1. While Aphrodite definitely has a loving side to her, it is by no means her sole personality trait. Many a myth have portrayed Aphrodite, not only as jealous and vain, but also deceitful, and at times downright ruthless. When it suited her, she was known to be unapologetically treacherous and malicious, and her sway over men was often potentially deadly. The bewitching power she possessed over men very often led to their own destruction. To illustrate how deadly Aphrodite can be, we need not look no further than the Judgment of Paris. The Judgment of Paris was when Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, came down to Earth, and with a certain influence from Eris, the God of discord, Paris was asked to choose the most beautiful between the three of them. Aphrodite, with her power over men, was of course chosen. Paris was promised the most beautiful woman in the world, and as a result, an uncountable number of men bled for his choice in the Trojan War. To exemplify her vain, jealous nature, we look to the myth of Eros and Psyche. Jealous of Psyche’s beauty, she sent a plague to her homeland and said the only way to rid the land of plague is to sacrifice Psyche. As soon as Eros laid eyes on her, he fell in love and saved her from the sacrifice and married her. Even though they were married, Eros would never let Psyche lay her eyes on him. One night to satisfy her (and her two sisters) curiosity, she snuck into his chambers and accidentally woke him. Irate and disobeyed, Eros fled. Driven by love, Psyche implored Aphrodite to give her another chance, but with ulterior motives in mind, Aphrodite agreed. Psyche was forced to complete a series of nearly impossible tasks, culminating in Psyche having to go to the Underworld and retrieve a box of Persephone’s beauty cream. Upon opening the box, Psyche fell into a coma, at which point at Zeus’ command, Eros brought Psyche up to Olympus and made her immortal. In regards to certain Olympians, the power and influence they possess and exert is apparent as the light of day. Two very evident examples are firstly Zeus, the king of the Gods, and Poseidon, the lord of the seas. With goddesses like Aphrodite, her power isn’t always as clear. Instead of obvious supremacy over the physical realm, Aphrodite has command over man’s more basic instincts. This in many ways, can be much more dangerous, and is abundantly clear when she seems to give immortal Gods a very bone-chilling mortal side. Topic #13) Discuss the role of women in the Iliad by Homer. Masculinity in ancient Greece was one of the most highly regarded character traits a human being could possess. Men in Greece were expected to be tough, cold, and exude power with not an over abundance of rules and a lot of wants and desires. Women on the other hand were, for the most part, to be treated and kept like slaves. Ladies were viewed as property by their male opposite numbers, and their function outside of the home were severely limited and confined to religious activities. Sardonically, this same people that revered Goddesses. Goddesses were to take part in the glory of war, and were able to abide by their own rules. That is the case for Goddesses in the Odyssey by Homer. While most to all women are treated as second hand citizens, there are many different types of women portrayed in the Iliad. There are resolutely willed women, clever women, damsels in distress, evil and vengeful women, and women that could potentially bring about the downfall of the protagonist male hero. Among those there are also women who are shown as the spoils of war. The true irony is that while the story is predominantly about conflicts in the male dominated world, the cause and inspiration of these conflicts is usually the opposite sex itself, women. The women in the Iliad can, for the most part be separated into several groups. In the first group, you have the women who are specifically portrayed as less than human and are more property than anything else. The most prominent example for this is the case of Briseis and Chryseis. While it may seem both characters are merely â€Å"war prizes† to be won by the opposing side, their impact is a little less obvious and a little more mercurial. Neither of these two women have any sort of power (physical, political, magical, etc. ), however their breathtaking beauty simply influences men to keep on going to war for them. When Apollo blighted the invading forces with a plague, cursed to ravage the Greeks until Chryseis was give back to her Trojan father, Agamemnon proclaimed to Achilles that if he gives Chryseis back to the Trojans, he shall take Bryseis, Achilles’ war prize as his own. So angry Achilles was with his king, that he withdrew from battle and allowed the Greek forces at the mercy of the Trojans. This shows how great the power a woman’s beauty can behold, and how simple it is for them to take advantage of man’s baser instincts. Helen of Troy is another example of the sway that beauty has over the male gender. Because of her abduction and her complicit role with Paris and Troy against Menelaus and the Spartans, the Trojan war was sparked and both nations paid dearly as a result. Eventually though, it was made clear that she deeply regretted her decision to leave for Troy and despised herself and Paris for allowing so many to die so that they could simply be together. Of all the female characters in the Iliad, none play more idealistic of a role than Andromache, Hector’s wife. While she doesn’t have multiple men killing each other over her, she no less plays an important role. Andromache can be described as the anti Helen. Hector is the one man in all of the Iliad who loves and adores his wife. She was his main motivation for defeating the Greeks, for he knew what would happen to her and his son should the Greeks claim victory over them. She is the perfect example of your ideal housewife. Her two goals are to raise their child and to keep her husband happy. The next group of women are those who would be described as having a much darker side. The ones who, for example, use their beauty and sexuality as a weapon. The most blatant character who’s guilty of such action is Aphrodite, the goddess of sexual manipulation herself. Starting with the judgment of Paris, where she seduced Paris into choosing her as the most beautiful Goddess over Athena and Hera with the promise of giving him the most beautiful woman in the world. As a result, the Trojan War was started. The next woman that falls under this category is Calypso, the daughter of Titan Atlas. When Odysseus was washed up on her shore, she immediately fell in love with him. Calypso enchants Odysseus to and forces him to stay with her for the next seven years, in which, by certain accounts, Calypso bore him three children, Latinus, Nausithous, and Nausinous. He was not able to leave until Hermes came to Calypso with a directive from Zeus to let him go free. These characters reinforce the stereotype that women have no physical power, but can very easily seduce men and manipulate them with their beauty and sexual nature. The final female character of significance in the Iliad is Athena. As the patron goddess to Odysseus, it is her duty to protect him and his family and steer him in the proper direction when he goes off course in life. Without her guidance, Odysseus’ son Telemachus would have most likely given up on his father and allowed Penelope, Odysseus’ wife to marry one of her suitors. Under the guise of Mentes, the advise that Telemachus receives from her plays an incredibly significant role in his development as a man. On top of that, on multiple occasions, Athena saves Odysseus’ life from Poseidon, whom he angered with his arrogance after the victory at Troy. This benevolent role that she plays is reserved for specifically female goddesses. While mortal women are seen as weak, even the more evil ones, the female Goddesses boast being able to wield as much power as the males Gods. While most mortal women in the Iliad are stereotyped to a fault, there are still a small number, such as Andromache and Penelope, that give ancient Greek women a sense of dignity. The goddesses’ story is something else entirely. While mortal women are stuck as mere housewives, the goddesses are viewed as equals from the male counterparts. It can be argued that the power that goddesses like Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite wield matches that of Poseidon and Hades. The respect that goddesses command can be seen when Athena had the city of Athens named after her over Poseidon. However. overcoming that lay before him and with much help needed from certain people around him, Odysseus finally made it home.

Free Essays on Review Of Dostoevskys Rebellion

Review of Descartes, â€Å"Meditation 1† Descartes discusses the deception of human senses, and how things sometimes seem different than what they really are, in the third and fourth paragraphs of Meditation 1. Descartes explains how he is sitting near a fire and he is holding a newspaper. Here, he questions our senses. He says that our senses have deceived us before, but they only deceive us with things that are unclear. He says that our basis for some of the things we know and understand come from a reference due to our past sense experiences. He presents the question of whether or not his hands and his body are really real. He knows that he is in front of a fire, and holding a newspaper, but how do you know. Is it from a frame of reference, or just from past knowledge? Since our senses sometimes deceive us, do we trust them, according to him we must. He then goes on to comparing himself with the mentally insane. Maybe their minds are not distorted. Maybe their senses see things in a different way. What seems right to someone may seem inverted to another. He then states that they are demented and that if he were to take their side or accept their views, then therefore that would make him demented too. (p.232-233) Descartes makes reference to the mentally insane while posing the question of if something or someone is really what they seem to be. Why Descartes talks about the mentally insane, is that, he shows how the senses can deceive us. Mentally insane people may look at a person and say that that person is made of clay. Where as a â€Å"normal person† may say that they are made of flesh and bone. Who is right? This is a good example of how things can be seen or experienced through our senses. Is one person wrong, or does it depend on the eye of the beholder. Descartes presents this paradox in order to show us that what may be observed in one person can be totally different in another. He later goes on to... Free Essays on Review Of Dostoevsky's Rebellion Free Essays on Review Of Dostoevsky's Rebellion Review of Descartes, â€Å"Meditation 1† Descartes discusses the deception of human senses, and how things sometimes seem different than what they really are, in the third and fourth paragraphs of Meditation 1. Descartes explains how he is sitting near a fire and he is holding a newspaper. Here, he questions our senses. He says that our senses have deceived us before, but they only deceive us with things that are unclear. He says that our basis for some of the things we know and understand come from a reference due to our past sense experiences. He presents the question of whether or not his hands and his body are really real. He knows that he is in front of a fire, and holding a newspaper, but how do you know. Is it from a frame of reference, or just from past knowledge? Since our senses sometimes deceive us, do we trust them, according to him we must. He then goes on to comparing himself with the mentally insane. Maybe their minds are not distorted. Maybe their senses see things in a different way. What seems right to someone may seem inverted to another. He then states that they are demented and that if he were to take their side or accept their views, then therefore that would make him demented too. (p.232-233) Descartes makes reference to the mentally insane while posing the question of if something or someone is really what they seem to be. Why Descartes talks about the mentally insane, is that, he shows how the senses can deceive us. Mentally insane people may look at a person and say that that person is made of clay. Where as a â€Å"normal person† may say that they are made of flesh and bone. Who is right? This is a good example of how things can be seen or experienced through our senses. Is one person wrong, or does it depend on the eye of the beholder. Descartes presents this paradox in order to show us that what may be observed in one person can be totally different in another. He later goes on to...

Photon Definition

Photon Definition Photon Definition: A photon is a discrete packet of energy associated with electromagnetic radiation (light). A photon has energy E which is proportional to the frequency ÃŽ ½ of the radiation: E hÃŽ ½, where h is Plancks constant. Also Known As: quantum, quanta (plural) Characteristics Photons are unique in that they have characteristics of both particles and waves at the same time. For students, it remains unclear as to whether a photon is a particle that travels in a wave pattern or a wave broken up into particles. Most scientists simply accept the photon as a unique packet of energy that has characteristics of both waves and particles. Properties of a Photon Behaves like a particle and a wave, simultaneouslyMoves at a constant  velocity,  c   2.9979 x 108  m/s (i.e. the speed of light), in empty spaceHas zero mass and rest energyCarries energy and momentum, which are also related to the frequency (nu)  and wavelength  (lamdba)  of the electromagnetic wave, as expressed by the equation  E  Ã‚  h nu  and  p  Ã‚  h  /  lambda.Can be destroyed/created when radiation is absorbed/emitted.Can have particle-like interactions (i.e. collisions) with electrons and other particles, such as in the  Compton effect  in which particles of light collide with atoms, causing the release of electrons.

Health Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Health Economy - Essay Example (Fagnani, 1999). Principles Health economy plays an integral part in a country’s economy. The recent economic downturn has resulted in serious issues and one among them is the poor management of health economy. As the economic status of common people has gone through a tough phase, the government must help them in managing their medical expenses. This can be achieved by incorporating certain unique principles that would minimize their expenses. Insurance is one among the popular approaches that has been in use for many years. The main aim of insurance is to help the patients during surgeries or unexpected health problems. (Gruber, 2006). The insurance companies collect a minimum amount form the patients who enroll in their companies. This minimum premium amount is returned back to the investors during times of crisis. In this method, the investors are benefited since they receive the required amount of money when they are in need. This helps in the improvement of health econom y. Health financing agencies and organizations must be made compulsory in all the countries. This will ensure that the patients experience the entire benefit of the insurance scheme. (Kephart, 2007). Though this seems to be an efficient task, the amount of compensation is comparatively less. This leads to a situation where people do not get to experience the full benefits of the insurance policies. Most of the insurance policies include certain constraints that specify various restrictions. As these pre- conditions are not specified well in advance, it creates problem during the time of reimbursement. People find it difficult to manage with the amount provided by the insurance companies. Another option is to include discounting options in the medical bills. (Health Care, 2010)....   This essay discusses that the proposed evaluation method uses several concepts that enable the officials and the patients to have complete control over their medical expense. This also analyzes the medical expense incurred for a particular treatment. This enables the patient to be sure of the cost of each and every treatment. As the cost is known well in advance, the problem of huge medical bills is eradicated. Since the patients have an idea about the total cost of their treatment, they can easily pay back the money without much hassle.   Apart from this, the potential requirement of discount is more when compared to the other facilities. People are used to discounts and they prefer to get a certain amount at a discount from their medical bills. A clear analysis will help the hospital management and the concerned government to have a control over the health economy. In turn, will help them to maintain a stable facilitation that helps people.      Ã‚  Health economy is one that requires more attention when compared to the other ones in a country. Health intervention principles and policies lend a helping hand to the patients as well as the government in dealing with the increasing medical bills. The cost of implementing an evaluation method or a system depends on the hospital management and the concerned government. Even if the cost of implementing an evaluation system is more, the government must provide the necessary funds to implement them. This will certainly improve the existing situation and will help the patients at times of crisis.   Ã‚  Ã‚  

International Monetary Fund Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

International Monetary Fund - Essay Example The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was established in July 1944, under the ‘Bretton Woods System’ which comprised of three international organizations, those were:The International Monetary Fund (IMF): It was established with a purpose of developing International Monetary Cooperation. The International Bank of Reconstruction and Development: This was established with a motive of International Development Assistance and Investment. The International Trade Organization: It was established with a motive to develop International Trade. The above three components of The Bretton Woods System were entertained in the context of war, high unemployment, depression, hyper inflation and high fluctuating exchange rates which effected the global economy in the 1930s (Sykes, â€Å"Organisational Information†).A Brief Overview of The International Monetary Fund (IMF): Membership Currently: 187 countriesManaging Director: Madame Christine Lagarde, from GermanyStaff: 2,470, from 141 different countriesTotal Quotas: US$383 Billion as on 18/08/2011.Loans Outstanding: US$282 BillionTechnical assistance provided: Field delievery in FY 2010 – 192.5 person years.Surveillance Consultations: Consultations concluded for 120 countries in FY 2010 and for 88 countries in FY 2011 as on 11/02/2011 (The International Monetary Fund, â€Å"The IMF at a Glance†).The IMF’s governing body essentially, is the board of governors. Each state is being represented by their respective elected governor (member of the Board of Governor, IMF).