Friday, May 22, 2020

Macbeth Characters

The characters in Shakespeare’s Macbeth are, in large part, Scottish noblemen and thanes that Shakespeare lifted from Holinshed’s Chronicles. In the tragedy, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s ruthless ambition contrasts with the moral righteousness of King Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff. The Three Witches, evil characters at first glance, act both as agents and witnesses of fate, setting the actions in motion. Macbeth The thane of Glamis at the beginning of the play, Macbeth is the protagonist of the eponymous tragedy. He is initially presented as a Scottish nobleman and a valiant warrior, but his thirst for power and subsequent fear lead to his undoing. After he and Banquo listen to a prophecy delivered by the Three Witches, who proclaim him thane of Cawdor and, subsequently, king, he becomes corrupt. Macbeths wife persuades him to kill Duncan, the king of the Scots, during a visit to their castle in Inverness. He proceeds with the plan despite his doubts and fears and becomes king. However, his actions cause him to fall into a state of constant paranoia, to the point that he has his ally Banquo and MacDuffs family murdered. After seeking the witches advice, they tell him that no man â€Å"of woman born† will ever be able to slay him. He is eventually beheaded by Macduff, who was â€Å"from his mother’s womb untimely ripped.† Macbeth’s characterization can be described as anti-heroic: on one hand, he behaves like a ruthless tyrant, on the other, he does show remorse. Lady Macbeth Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth, is a driving force in the play. She first appears on stage reading a letter from her husband, who details the prophecy delivered by the witches predicting that he would become king of Scotland. She thinks her husband’s nature is â€Å"too full o the milk of human kindness† (act I, scene 5) and belittles his manhood. As a consequence, she pushes her husband to murder King Duncan and do whatever it takes to be crowned king of the Scots.   The deed leaves Macbeth so shaken that she has to take command, telling him how to lay out the crime scene and what to do with the daggers. Then, she mostly recedes as Macbeth turns into a paranoid tyrant, if not to remark to their guests that his hallucinations are nothing but a longtime ailment. However, in act V, she becomes unraveled, too, having succumbed to delusions, hallucinations, and sleepwalking. Eventually, she dies, presumably by suicide.   Banquo A foil to Macbeth, Banquo starts off as an ally—both are generals under King Duncan’s rule— and they meet the  Three Witches  together. After prophesying that Macbeth will become king, the witches tell Banquo that he will not be king himself, but that his descendants will be. While Macbeth is enthralled by the prophecy, Banquo dismisses it, and, overall, displays a pious attitude—by praying to heaven for help, for example—as opposed to Macbeth’s attraction to darkness. After the king’s murder, Macbeth starts seeing Banquo as a threat to his kingdom and and has him killed.   Banquos ghost returns in a later scene, causing Macbeth to react with alarm during a public feast, which Lady Macbeth chalks up to a long-term mental ailment. When Macbeth returns to the witches in act IV, they show him an apparition of eight kings all bearing a strong resemblance to Banquo, one of them holding a mirror. The scene carries deep significance: King James, on the throne when  Macbeth  was written, was believed to be a descendant from Banquo, separated from him by nine generations. Three Witches The Three Witches are the first characters to appear on stage, as they announce their agreement to meet with  Macbeth. Soon after, they greet Macbeth and his companion Banquo with a prophecy: that the former  shall be king, and the latter shall generate a line of kings. The witches prophecies have a great influence on Macbeth, who decides to usurp the throne of Scotland. Then, sought by Macbeth in act IV, the Witches follow Hecate’s orders and conjure visions for Macbeth that announce his impending demise, ending with a procession of kings bearing a strong resemblance to Banquo. Although during Shakespeare’s time witches were seen as worse than rebels, as political and spiritual traitors, in the play they’re amusing and confusing figures. It’s also unclear whether they control fate, or whether they are merely its agents. Macduff Macduff, the thane of Fife, also acts as a foil to Macbeth. He discovers the corpse of the murdered King Duncan in Macbeth’s castle and raises the alarm. He immediately suspects Macbeth of regicide, so he does not attend the crowning ceremony and instead flees to England to join Malcolm, King Duncan’s eldest son, to convince him to return to Scotland and reclaim the throne. Macbeth wants him murdered, but the hired assassins take his wife and his young children instead. Eventually, Macduff manages to slay Macbeth. Even though nobody â€Å"of woman born† could murder him, Macduff was actually born via caesarean section, which made him the exception to the witches’ prophecies. Duncan The King of Scotland, he symbolizes moral order within the play, whose values are destroyed and restored as the tragedy progresses. While trusting and generous in nature (his virtues / Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongu’d’I 7.17–19) especially towards Macbeth, he is firm in his punishment of the original thane of Cawdor.   Malcolm Duncan’s eldest son, he flees to England when he finds out his father was murdered. This makes him look guilty, but in reality he sought to avoid becoming another target. At the end of the play, he is crowned king of Scotland. Fleance Banquo’s son, he is ambushed by Macbeth’s assassins alongside his father, but manages to escape. Even though he does not become king at the end of the play, we know that the current English monarchy during Shakespeare’s time descends from Banquo.

Saturday, May 9, 2020

History The History Of Computers - 1631 Words

The History of Computers What is the history behind the computers we use in an everyday life? Most of us don t ask ourselves this question. But if it wasn t for the people who came up with these first inventions, we wouldn t have had the experience of this acknowledgment that we have today. Over the centuries computers have been evolving, becoming more and more advanced and equipped for the utilization of personal matter. What many of us don t know, is that the beginning of computers goes all the way back to 2400 BC. The first computing hardware was the Abacus, which was an invention of the Babylonians, Chinese and the Romans. Charles Babbage, also know as the father of computers. In the year 1830, the Analytical engine used a mechanical power. The Analytical engine had the ability to calculate various amounts of mathematical tables, even the infinitesimal imperfections would cause errors in the device. The Abacus was funded by the British government,which eventually the fund that the British government had invested was pulled away, conjecturing that his innovation wouldn t function efficiently, even his colleagues didn t have the confidence in him with his new innovation. To ameliorate his computer hardware, he generated the analytical engine, to have the capability to accomplish many types of calculations. His son manufactured the only working model version of the computer machine in 1991. The first programmer was Augusta Ada, Countess Lovelace, she was also wellShow MoreRelatedHistory of Compu ters875 Words   |  4 PagesHistory of Computers Table of Contents Table of ContentsÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….Â…Â….2 AbstractÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….Â…Â…3 Body of ResearchÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….4 - 6 ConclusionÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….Â…7 BibliographyÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…..8 Abstract This project explains the history of computers, starting from Howard Aikens Harvard Mark I to present day time. Although I have not gone over all of the models in my report, I have chosen those which I feel have had the greatest effect on the computer world. I will show how in just forty years, computersRead MoreHistory of the Computer1148 Words   |  5 PagesThe History of the Computer Long before computers were invented, humans realized the need for them. The history of the Computer started about 2000 years ago with the abacus. It is a wooden rack holding two horizontal wires with beads strung on them and was one of the best calculating machines until the seventeenth century (PBS, 1). In 1835, English inventor, Charles Babbage came up with the idea of the Analytical Machine, a general purpose, fully programmed-controlled, automatic mechanical digitalRead MoreThe History of Computers1731 Words   |  7 PagesThe History of Computers Whether you know it or not you depend on computers for almost every thing you do in modern day life. From the second you get up in the morning to the second you go to sleep computer are tied into what you do and use in some way. It is tied in to you life in the most obvious and obscure ways. Take for example you wake up in the morning usually to a digital alarm clock. You start you car it uses computers the second you turn the key (General Motors is the largest buyersRead MoreHistory of Computer1341 Words   |  6 PagesHISTORY OF COMPUTER THE PRE-MECHANICAL AGE: 3000 B.C. – 1450 A.D. 1. Writing and Alphabets – Communication First development of signs corresponding to spoken sounds, instead of pictures, to express words. Around 2000 B.C., Phoenicians created symbols that expressed single syllables and consonants (the first true alphabet) The Greeks later adopted the Phoenician alphabet and added vowels; the Romans gave the letters Latin names to create the alphabet we use today. 2. PaperRead MoreHistory of Computers1887 Words   |  8 PagesHistory of Computers ENG 121 The volume and use of computers in the world are so great, they have become difficult to ignore anymore. Computers appear to us in so many ways that many times, we fail to see them as they actually are. People associated with a computer when they purchased their morning coffee at the vending machine. As they drove themselves to work, the traffic lights that so often hampered us are controlled by computers in an attempt to speed the journey. Accept it or not, the computerRead MoreA Brief History of Computers1103 Words   |  4 PagesComputers have been around for a very long time. Going back in history, some people believe that the abacus was the true first computer. The first abacus is believed to come into existence between 2700–2300 BC and was created by the Sumerians so that they could count faster, and has evolved through the years. The term â€Å"computer† came out around 1613. People who performed computations or calculations were often referred to as computers. One of the first major counting problems in history was the CensusRead MoreThe History And How Of Computers915 Words   |  4 PagesThe History and How of Computers Everything you do on a computer or phone is meticulously programmed. Surfing the web requires HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, and PHP. Lines upon lines written such as â€Å"$temp = password_hash($object-password, PASSWORD_BCRYPT);†. The binary zeros and ones of machine code turn into video games, websites, and programs such as what you are using right now to read this. The age of information was brought forth by the ability to access all known information and share newRead MoreTechnology : History Of Computers1924 Words   |  8 PagesTechnology: History of Computers Computers have taking a huge chunk of our everyday lives. If it be using a smartphone or any other type of technology. Computers have influenced a revolution in the way we live. But it was not always like this, before computers became a necessity, very few people had them in their houses. Only the people that could afford these big clunks of metal had them. As time would go by and technology grew a computer would find a home in everyone’s household. The history of computersRead MoreThe History Of Computer Engineering2185 Words   |  9 Pages The History of Computer Engineering What exactly is computer engineering? Many people may consider computer engineering as the branch of engineering that integrates electronic engineering with computer sciences. Being a computer engineering major, I must be aware of what I am dealing with in that major and how I plan to use what I learned from it in the future. If I was to just pick a major without any prior knowledge to it, then that would be senseless on my behalf. Now that I am mindful of theRead MoreHistory of the Personal Computer583 Words   |  2 PagesHistory of the Personal Computer 1. Introduction and thesis statement The modern day society is the result of countless processes of change and evolution, among the more notable of them being the evolution of Information Technology. Today, technology impacts all aspects of the life of humanity, from the trivial chores, to the complex and intricate endeavors. But this state of affairs could not have been possible had it not been for the creation and strong development of the Personal Computer

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

National Parks a Double Edged Sword Free Essays

National Parks: A Double Edged Sword? Justin Pearly Environmental History Prof. Mark Bishop Newell Tuesday July 21, 2009 Pearly 1 Few places can match the sheer diversity of wildlife and culture that exists in the country’s national park system. Humans, with the future in mind, have â€Å"set aside† these beautiful sites of wonder and awe. We will write a custom essay sample on National Parks: a Double Edged Sword? or any similar topic only for you Order Now But at what cost? Do national parks end up being good and bad at the same time? Our national parks are a supposed to be a natural treasure. Here the unspoiled grandeur and beauty of nature can be appreciated in its most pristine form. However, the amount of people that are visiting these parks has risen to levels that threaten the very beauty and well-being of these paradises. Its now seems apparent that there is a price to pay for allowing humans into an area that did not have many humans before. To understand the present state of the nation’s parks, and ultimately their entire future, it is crucial to first look back at the past. The first national park was Yellowstone National Park. This sprawling park contains such amazing geological and biological sites that it had been considered a national park long before it was ever officially named one. Its combination of diverse wildlife, and geologic features such as, waterfalls, canyons, geysers, and hot springs made it obvious to any who had experienced it, that this was a place that should be preserved just the way it was. That was why in 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant made it officially the world’s first national park. The only problem being, it was a completely unique creation, the first of its kind. This means that all ground that they covered would be new. Due to inconsistencies with the way national parks were being governed, and the fact that there were was no central governing body for national parks Congress created a Pearly 2 National Park Service that would operate within jurisdiction of the Secretary of the interior. Signed by President Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916, the National Park Service Organic Act created the National Park Service which put the country’s national parks in its jurisdiction. Wendy Hart Beckman in her book entitled â€Å"National Parks in Crisis: Debating the Issues,† states that, â€Å"The Organic Act said the National Park Service’s purpose was to ‘promote and regulate the use of the†¦ national parks†¦ which purpose is to conserve scenery and the natural historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. † When trying to unravel the ethics and issues concerning the parks one must keep referring back to this original mission statement. The purpose of national parks is to enjoy the scenery and to leave it unchanged for future generations. However, this statement seems somewhat contradictory, when considering the fact that most national parks are areas that did not have native humans for much of their history. One of the first things to consider about this complex issue is: Why do people want to go there in the first place? Why is it important to them? The first and most obvious reason to let people into our national parks is for their own personal enjoyment. People derive a great deal of pleasure out of leaving their boring, monotonous urban and suburban lives behind even if it is for just a weekend, or merely an evening. People in cites often lead sedentary lifestyles, and need to get outside in a natural setting even if it is just to walk. Some people might even think the air in these preserves tastes fresher! People get a taste of what the earth was like before humans were there. These Pearly 3 can be places of relaxing or exercising. Have a you ever scaled a thousand foot mountain? Hiking can be quite exhilarating. Parents can, in effect, introduce the next generation of conservationists to these areas. Children that have grown up with these sites in their hearts will never forget how incredibly important they are. People becoming informed and interested in nature is one of the most important functions of a national park besides the preservation of the actual land itself. Even without any previous interactions with nature, or any history or knowledge of the place that you are going to you may find and enjoyment to be effortless. When people witness something with their own eyes, it is very different from looking at a picture, or reading about something in a textbook. There is a definitive advantage to experiencing things in person. Subtleties stand out. All five senses can be invoked. People who are not familiar with this kind of beauty are usually particularly awestruck. A memory is formed which is nearly impossible to erase or change (although one’s perspective of the event can change). Every time one person gets hooked on nature, that person will usually try to their share its grandeur with other people. People who appreciate that wonderful wilderness will then go out of their way to help conserve it. There is also a secondary effect in addition to making the individual feel good. Whether or not a reverence for nature existed before their encounters with these sacred sanctuaries does not matter at the point that people start to care about these wonderlands. All that matters then is that people who have visited and enjoyed themselves now feel like they have a vested interest in the parks. Now that they have traveled through the park, they feel the weight of responsibility for their actions. They also realize that everything they do, can produce an effect which, were they not there, never would have occurred. The more Pearly 4 aware and informed people are, the better the decisions they tend to make. There is even an organization called â€Å"Leave No Trace, Inc. † which tries to inform visitors of ways they can reduce the amount of impact on the ecosystem during visits. The group has even compiled a list of seven â€Å"principles† that can help people lessen their impact on the land. 1. Travel and camp on durable surfaces 2. Leave what you find 3. Plan ahead and prepare 4. Dispose of waste properly 5. Minimize campfire impacts 6. Respect Wildlife 7. Be considerate of other visitors While all these principles sound nice on paper, the amount that people adhere to them, and how effective they can be in reducing our footprint remains to be seen. When discussing the concept of â€Å"leaving not trace† one must begin to wonder about the impact of human travel. Even a foot-trail through a park is altering the natural landscape. The question of how much altering of the landscape is acceptable is not an easy one. It has led to intense debate for over a century. Roads are one of the most obvious signs of human interference. While providing a route for visitors to come and enjoy the parks, they also obscure the natural landscape. I think most would agree that a road cutting through even the most pristine wilderness takes Pearly 5 something away from it. So, the parks need people, and people need roads. Or do they? A rather extreme solution might be to restrict road building all together. Access to areas could be achieved by a more â€Å"green† method such a bicycles, or walking. There is also a major issue of dam building. Many a heated debate has occurred when discussing dam building. There are few things that alter the natural landscape like a dam. One would think that national parks would be free from man made structures such as dams. However this is not the case. For example in the 1930’s the federal Bureau of Reclamation proposed putting a dam in Dinosaur National Monument’s Echo Canyon. The purpose of this would be create a clean source of electricity using the power of the water flowing over the dam that would be built. While many of the locals upstream from the dam liked the prospect of water in their dry canyon, they would be flooding one of the greatest fossil sites of the Jurassic. Let’s consider the interaction between people and animals. This has been a long and curious story. With the intention of making the park safer for visitors, park staff have, in the past, killed animals that were deemed a nuisance. This includes predatory animals such as wolf or bear, but also includes herbivores such as the elk. And while it is no longer legal for anyone to kill these animals, we have accepted a very shaky truce with them. Humans entering parks are told specifically not to feed the animals. It is a warning that is not heeded as much as it needs to be. When wild animals are fed by humans they get conditioned to expect food from them. Therefore, they are more likely to come around humans hoping for food. This can be very dangerous! While wild animals can seem cute Pearly 6 and harmless they rarely are (harmless of course). Even something seemingly docile like a white-tailed deer can become aggressive and do severe damage, especially to an unsuspecting human. People frequently fail to realize that wild animals are just that; wild. Wild translates into unpredictable. I’m sure I could get more than a few circus performers to agree with me. The irony of this whole situation is the greatest asset to national parks also happens to be their greatest downfall, Humans, while having the potential to create on a monumental level, also have a similar capacity for destruction. Even more confusing is that fact that the opinions of people on both sides of these issue have well founded, and very convincing arguments. National parks are an important part of American history and need to be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. Debate is good in the sense that any publicity is good publicity. As long as people feel strongly on both sides we are more likely to reach some sort of compromise. Pearly 7 Bibliography De Voto, Bernard. â€Å"Shall we let them ruin our national parks? † Saturday Evening Post, July 22, 1950. Chittenden, Hiram Martin. The Yellowstone National Park Beckman, Wendy Hart. National Parks in Crisis: Debating the Issues (Berkley Heights: Enslow, 2004) Wendy Hart Beckman, National Parks in Crisis: Debating the Issues (Berkley Heights: Enslow, 2004) Beckman 18, 19 Beckman 65-68 Beckman 19, 20 Beckman 14, 15, 53 How to cite National Parks: a Double Edged Sword?, Papers