Parent and Child Relationships of Oedipus Rex and Live Alone

In society, the sense of family is one of the core values in life. One of the most common relationships in a family is that of the parent and child. Throughout history, playwrights have composed pieces containing the impressionable relationship of a parent and a child. Sophocles and Deborah Salem Smith effectively use the strained relationships of Oedipus and Jocasta, and Helen Warren and Clementine to develop their plays Oedipus Rex and Love Alone. While both plays contain parent and child relationships, the type of relationship proves to be radically different. In Oedipus Rex, Jocasta serves as the Queen of Thebes and Oedipus is an abandoned son of Jocasta and current king of Thebes. In the beginning of the play, Oedipus, happily married to Jocasta, has several children with the Queen. Jocasta’s first husband was King Laius, and together they gave birth to Oedipus. Jocasta and Laius heard a devastating prophecy, which stated that their son was going to kill his father and ma rry his mother. In order to avoid this prophecy, Jocasta and Laius bound Oedipus’s ankles and left him on a mountainside to die. Ironically, Jocasta and Oedipus’ relationship was doomed the second Oedipus was born. In the play Love Alone, Susan, Helen Warren’s partner and Clementine’s biological mother dies due to complications while under surgery. The death of Susan, causes Clementine’s and Helen’s relationship to become closer than ever before, although at first it seems to be a little to closeShow MoreRelatedPsychoanalytic Criticism Of Sons And Lovers1597 Words   |  7 PagesDavid Herbert Lawrence was born September 11, 1885 in a small coal mining village in Nottingham, England. He was the fourth child of Arthur and Lydia Lawrence. Arthur was a coal miner who worked in the mine from age 10 until he was 66. Lydia the more educated out of the two was born into a lower-middle class family; this changed when her father suffered a financial disaster. She passed down to her sons the profound desire to move out of the working class by expressing her dissatisfaction with herRead MoreSons And Lovers : Psychoanalytic Criticism Essay1613 Words   |  7 PagesSons and Lovers: Psychoanalytic Criticism David Herbert Lawrence was born September 11, 1885 in a small coal mining village in Nottingham, England. He was the fourth child of Arthur and Lydia Lawrence. Arthur was a coal miner who worked in the mine from age ten until he was sixty-six. Lydia the more educated out of the two was born into a lower-middle class family; this changed when her father suffered a financial disaster. 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Essay Canto 8 of Dante’s Inferno - 1415 Words

In recent discussions of Canto 8 of Dante’s Inferno, many scholars have argued about Dante the pilgrim’s controversial abuse of one of the wrathful sinners of the fifth circle, Filippo Argenti. The altercation between the two is viewed in numerous lights. From one perspective it is seen as unjustified (ira mala) because Dante is seen as guilty of the sin being punished for in this circle, but also because his response was wrongly motivated. Others state that Dante’s anger was righteous (ira bona) because there was proper reasoning behind it. Kleinhenz, one particular scholar, argues that Dante’s outburst at Filippo Argenti is a result of the praise Dante received after initially criticizing the sinner. In his book, Inferno 8: The†¦show more content†¦My opinion, however, is that Dante’s outburst was both ira mala and ira bona. Dante’s treatment of Argenti was motivated by many different factors and therefore the force that compelled Dante to act in the way that he did can not be classified solely as righteous or indignant. Dante’s obsession with Virgil is evident in the nicknames that Dante uses –leader, lord, master, sweet father and teacher to name a few. Dante’s idolization of Virgil the poet causes him to act out in order to please his guide. For example, when Dante first recognizes Argenti as the sinner in the mud he cries out to him, â€Å"With weeping and mourning cursed spirit, now remain; for I recognize you, though you are filthy all over,† (Inf. 8.33-35). In this passage, Dante is not verbally abusing Argenti rather he is simply telling the sinner to remain where he is in order to prevent Argenti from reaching over the boat. After these words however, Virgil becomes elated at Dante’s distaste with the sinner and immediately praises Dante. Dante does not take these words of praise lightly - in fact, they affect Dante to such great extremes that they practically goad him to continue to wish pain upon Argenti. Many would argue that Virgil’s praise must be proper and accurate because of Virgil’s status as a â€Å"all-knower† throughout the Inferno, but just because Virgil has successfully ledShow MoreRelatedDante Alighieri ( 1265-1321 )1353 Words   |  6 PagesCampaldino. 2. There was a lot of political unrest during Dante’s lifetime, as well as a horde of new poetical and literary movements that arose. This was due to the Guelfi Party’s split into two: those in favor of the pope and those in favor of the emperor. In addition, the new poetical movement that came about was called the â€Å"Stilnovo†, and was basically a style where poets would discuss their feelings of love and theorize about love. 3. 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The issues of the time show themselves through the suggestive undertones and the scenarios Dante experiences. Accordingly, the text remains relevant due to the many lessons that can be learned through the sins of the people at the time relativeRead MoreEssay on Outside Influences on Dante’s Inferno 832 Words   |  4 PagesAnyone who has read Dante’s Inferno is familiar with a certain main character, Virgil. Who is this Virgil that Dante put in his book and where did Dante get the idea of having Virgil as his guide on Dante’s journey through the spirit world? In addition to Virgil, readers of Inferno are also familiar with concepts and characters such as God, angles, demons, Satan, and Hell. Where did Dante get these concepts? 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Nimrod was the first ruler â€Å"in the land of Shinar† (Gen 10.10). Men, migrating east, settled in Shinar and planned to construct a tower so tall, that it would reach the sky because this would â €Å"make a name for [themselves]† (Gen. 11.4). When the Lord noticed this tower, he â€Å"scatteredRead More Fame and Glory in Dantes Divine Comedy Essay2297 Words   |  10 Pagessearch for happiness, and the desire to see God. Among these Christian themes, however, is Dantes obsession with and desire for fame, which seems to be a surprising departure from conventional medieval Christian morality. Indeed, as the poem progresses, a striking contradiction emerges. Dante the writer, in keeping with Christian doctrine, presents the desire for fame and glory among the souls of Inferno in order to replace it with humility among the souls of Purgatorio. Yet this purificationRead MoreComparing Dante s Inferno And Virgil s The Aeneid1016 Words   |  5 PagesThere are many similarities between Dante’s The Inferno and Virgil’s The Aeneid, be it their characterizations or descriptive imagery, but foremost in their ideas of what the afterlife consisted of. Each e ach epic hero in the works here have descended in to the depths of hell, with The Inferno depicting Dante’s descent into the depths of hell and with Virgil in Book VI of The Aeneid depicting Aeneas’s decent into hell. It can be argued that although different, the knowledge acquired by each character’sRead More Inferno as a Manifestation of the Pain of Dante Alighieri Essay1502 Words   |  7 PagesInferno as a Manifestation of the Pain of Dante Alighieri Dantes Inferno was a great epic poem of the early Renaissance. It was known for its astute commentary on political and religious levels, both deeply woven into the work through allegory. Inferno, written in 1314 by Dante Alighieri, was the first canticle of the Divine Comedy. Dante called it a comedy both because of its happy ending and its style, which lies between that of the tragedy and that of the elegy.(Vossler, 665)Read More The Weakness of Human Nature in Dantes Inferno Essay2203 Words   |  9 PagesDantes Inferno is full of themes. But the most frequent is that of the weakness of human nature. Dantes descent into hell is initially so that Dante can see how he can better live his life, free of weaknesses that may ultimately be his ticket to hell. Through the first ten cantos, Dante portrays how each level of his hell is a manifestation of human weakness and a loss of hope, which ultimately Dante uses to purge and learn from. Dante, himself, is about to fall into the weaknesses of humans

Is Don John a credible villain Essay Example For Students

Is Don John a credible villain? Essay Is Don John a credible villain?Don John is a believable villain because he is a bastard which means that in Elizabethan times Don John would have been seen as evil. Don Johns legitimate brother on the other hand is wealthy and well respected by everyone. Don John hates Claudio because Claudio has taken his position as Don Pedros right hand man. Don John even acknowledges his own evil and he also shows no mercy. Don Johns character doesnt alter throughout the play, meaning he is only there to cause trouble. Don John dislikes Don Pedro because Don John is the illegitimate brother, a bastard child. This means that he isnt recognised by the court of Messina or by anyone. Although Don John is of royal blood, his royal blood wouldve been respected but not him. In those times, Don John would have had the social status of a prostitute. This is no fault of Don John, but only because his parents werent married when he was conceived. Don John is always so gloomy because he isnt respected, he sa ys to Conrade There is no measure in the occasion that breeds, therefore the sadness is without limit. Don Pedro the legitimate brother is highly respected by everyone and is probably very wealthy, Don John would have had nothing. Don is jealous of his brother because of all the admiration he gets from others. In Shakespearean times, everyone would have expected Don John to be evil because he was a bastard. No one would been surprised when Don John tried to ruin Claudios hopes of marrying Hero. In fact people would have expected Don John to do something evil. The fact that people expect him to do something evil makes him such a credible villain. When the men went to war, Claudio proved himself to Don Pedro. Claudio took the position away from Don John as Don Pedros right hand man. This much to Don Johns displeasure, he says to Conrade He has all the glories of my overthrow. This means that Claudio is now best friends with Don Pedro and being called a hero by Don Pedro. A characteris tic of a credible villain is a motive for their evilness, Don Johns is he is jealous of Claudios relationship with his brother. Don John tries to ruin Claudios happiness by claming Hero has been unfaithful. Don John also has henchmen, which is another characteristic of a villain. Nowadays, it is hard to understand why it is so horrific that Hero isnt a virgin(but she was). But in those times being a virgin until marriage was a huge thing. Hero would have been cast out of court and it would have been the end of her life. Although some women would have gone off to be nuns. Don John, knowing what would happen to her; carries out his plan to ruin Heros life anyway in order to hurt Claudio. The fact that Don John shows no mercy , is more evidence that he is a credible villain. Don John does not let his emotions get the better of him. Don John is aware of his own evil, he says to Conrade let it be known that I am a plain dealing villain. Some could argue that Don John isnt plain dealing because he is devious. If Don John wasnt sneaky he wouldnt really be a believable villain. Don John is plain dealing in the villain sense of the word. Don John also doesnt care what people think of him, he says to Conrade I would rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in anyones grace. One could say that this quote is similar to Niccolo Machiavellis It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. Don John isnt liked by others, Beatrice says that he suffers from a melancholy disposition. Villains are normally disliked by others and Don John is also a bit mischievous which are characteristics of a villain. Don John doesnt have a big part in the play. But it is a comedy, not a tragedy; so the focus is not on the villains but on the resolution of the conflict. Don Johns character does not change throughout the play, whi ch proves that he is a credible villain because he is only there to cause trouble. Don Johns soul purpose in the play is to cause trouble. The fact that he doesnt change throughout the play proves that he is a believable villain. Villains are not real villains if theyre evil and develop into a good person later on in the play. Don John says to Conrade, let me be that I am and seek not to alter me. Don John likes being evil and does not want to change who he is. Don is jealous of his legitimate brother Don Pedro. Elizabethans would have expected Don John to be evil because he was a bastard. Don John hates Claudio because he is now best friends with Claudio. Don John is merciless and does not let his emotions get the better of him. Don John displays hatred, envy, is hardhearted and is apathetic to peoples judgments of him. These characteristics are of a credible villain, although some argue that he isnt a credible villain nowadays; he would of definitely been one in Elizabethan times. As Dante Alighieri once said, Avarice, envy, pride, three fatal sparks, have set the hearts of all on fire.

Leisure and consumption

Table of Contents Introduction Discussion Conclusion Works Cited Introduction Over the years, there have been changes in the way different classes of people view both leisure and consumption based on their income as well as their lifestyle.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Leisure and consumption specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Human beings aspire to be recognized by others and to form part of the most respected groups in society. There is therefore a struggle as people aspire to attain higher status and be among the upper class. This paper is going to look at the differences in the two aspects; leisure and consumption among the upper and middle class Americans during the late 19th century and the last part of the 20th century. Discussion There are a number of factors that have made the institution of leisure different among the different classes of people. Key among them is the fact that various forms of emp loyment have been a preserve of the upper class, for instance, they have specifically been excluded from industrial occupations and they take up those occupations within which more honor is attached such as the priestly office. The church has been used as a way of expressing social status with the clergy being paid well without necessarily having to do much work. Conspicuous leisure is where people take up leisure activities that show off social status. This has taken different forms with time. An example may be taking long holidays to exotic destinations and getting souvenirs while at it. The aspect of conspicuous leisure was first introduced by an American economist- Thorstein Veblen. During the 19th century, the upper class would own property such as land but would not take part in manual labor. They spent much of their time on leisure activities. As industrialization took place, the upper class became more useless in society as they mainly consumed but did not take part in the p roduction of goods and services (Veblen, 23). Conspicuous consumption on the other hand takes place among the upper class where they spend money on goods and services that display their wealth or income. The goods are not consumed for their specific utility but rather as a form of attaining status. The status was and continues to be viewed not only through the ownership of property but also through the ownership of persons specifically women. The use of slaves was a form of power and any kind of manual labor was a preserve of the poor in society. The upper class affected various aspects of life. For instance, women were used as trophies and this has continued to happen in modern society where women are used to show a man’s success. Sports such as football have continued to grow only as a result of conspicuous leisure and consumption of the upper class (Veblen, 44).Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Vicarious leisure and consumption on the other hand are the types of leisure and consumption that developed over the 20th century where masters used their servants to show off their wealth. The masters give their servants the time and opportunity to take part in leisure activities as a means of showing off their status. The upper class also portrayed vicarious leisure by having non productive labor performed by servants at a fee. Personal services are therefore performed by employees instead of a member of the household (Veblen, 49). Old money was the wealth that the very rich acquired through inheritance. This form of wealth was passed down from generation to generation. In the 1930’s there was a division of the upper class in the United States. There were the upper-upper class, whose families had inherited their wealth and the lower-upper class who had attained their wealth through investments as opposed to inheritance (Aldrich, 31). Old moneyhad one major advantage; it gave the young people who had inherited it a platform on which to develop themselves without having to worry about basic need such as housing and food. They would therefore be able to develop faster than those who did not have any inheritance. Families that were rich would command respect than those which did not which meant that old money was important in society and as a form of acquiring status. The inherited wealth may be in the form of either property such as land, businesses or slaves (Aldrich, 31). The leisure class composed of the elite in society who operated in circles and they spent a lot having other people attend to what they required. Over the years however, these circles have been broken or at least weakened as more people are able to afford leisure activities that were previously a preserve of the leisure class. In the past, some of the leisure activities included going to the theatre, playing polo and fox hunting. Leisure resources have however increa sed for instance sports teams and community centers therefore the activities that previously symbolized luxury have become affordable to many. The upper class is therefore forced to keep looking for new activities that are not taken up by people from lower social classes (Ruskin, 22).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Leisure and consumption specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More During the post war era, the middle class in many states like Florida were able to get into jobs that were well paying. This therefore meant that they had high wages and would in turn be able to take part in leisure activities. They stopped viewing leisure as well as conspicuous consumption as only for the upper class but as something they could as well afford. In an attempt to raise ranks from the middle to the upper class, the middle class emulated the activities and consumption patterns of the upper class. The difference between the upper an d the middle class was that while the upper class stayed away from work, the middle class put a lot of effort in their work so that they may be able to afford the leisure activities. The middle class would wish accumulate wealth by being very producing in their early years and then staying away from such work after the wealth had been attained. Society was of the view that staying away from labor was a way of showing one’s level of wealth (Mormino, 223). The definition of high status has continued to change as the world becomes more dominated by celebrities. The upper class now comprises of famous people who define the trends such as fashion. As young people grow they emulate those people who are able to attract media attention. Both consumption and leisure have continued to be affected by celebrities. Companies have even used celebrities in their marketing strategy in an attempt to increase profits. With the help of the media, celebrities have been able to influence the way people think and behave (Veblen, 225). Conclusion As all Americans wished to form part of the upper class in America which was signified by both consumption behavior and leisure activities, the definitions of both leisure and consumption changed between the 19th and 20th century. One major difference is that the middle class in the late 20th century were in a position to engage in the activities that were a preserve of the upper class during the 19th century. It is also clear that as the media exposes more and more celebrities, the definition of high status has changed. Celebrity status has become the way in which status is portrayed in contemporary society.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Works Cited Aldrich, Nelson. Old money: the mythology of wealth in America. New York: Allworth Communications, 1997. Print Mormino, Gary. Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida. Florida: University Press of Florida, 2008. Ruskin, John. The stones of Venice: The Savageness of Gothic Architecture. Bavaria: the Bavarian State Library, 2008 Veblen, Thorstein. The theory of the leisure class. New York: Forgotten Books, 1965 This essay on Leisure and consumption was written and submitted by user Bruno Merritt to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.