Antigone and Ismene in Oedipus at Colonus free essay sample

Even though both daughters provide assistance to Oedipus, the relationship that Oedipus has with Ismene is weaker in comparison to the firm and unwavering relationship that he has with Antigone. Oedipuss incompetence is evident from the very beginning of the play, explaining why he relies on Antigone time and again. When they arrive at the sacred grove at Colonus, Oedipus asks Antigone to leave him and find out if anyone lives nearby, and she says that she can see a man approaching. To which Oedipus follows with more inquiries: Is he coming this way? Has he started towards us? (I, 30). Even after the stranger leaves, Oedipus cannot tell that he has exited until Antigone tells him so. Antigone also aids Oedipus by warning him that she sees the Chorus approaching. Oedipus, once a great intellectual, is not even capable of responding to a simple request of his name without the aid of Antigone: My child, what can I say to them? (ii, 214). We will write a custom essay sample on Antigone and Ismene in Oedipus at Colonus or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Additionally, Oedipus seems to need help with every little move he makes, even for the mere act of being seated: Help me sit down; take care of the blind man. (I, 21). Luckily for Oedipus, his relationship with Antigone reaches a point where Antigone no longer needs instructions from her father; it is assured that she will help him: After so long, you need not tell me father (I, 22). Even though Antigone helps her father with everything, Oedipuss reliance on Antigone seems to weigh greatly on her ability to see for him, emphasizing Oedipuss blindness and impotence, as well as the strength of Oedipuss relationship with Antigone. Oedipus and Antigone have a mutual commitment to each other, supporting the fact that their rapport is greater than the attachment between Oedipus and Ismene. When Ismene and Antigone are freed from Creons guards, Oedipus only requests to feel the touch of Antigone to make sure that she is safe. To which Antigone steadfastly replies, It shall be as you ask; I wish it as much as you (v, 1106). Oedipus even directly states that Antigone is most cherished by him: I have what is dearest to me in the world. / To die, now, would not be so terrible,/ Since [Antigone is] near me (v, 1110-1111). Their relationship is so strong that even after Oedipus goes off to die Antigone cannot stand to be without him. Antigone even goes so far as to ask why she could not join him, whereas Ismene selfishly replies, O pity! What is left for me? (v, 1715). Not once does Antigone hesitate about her sense of duty to her father; Ismene, on the other hand, does not seem as unswerving. Upon exploration of Ismenes reaction to her fathers death, especially in contrast to that of Antigones, the reader sees that her devotion to Oedipus is irresolute. When Antigone suggests running back to find Oedipus after he leaves to die, Ismene cowardly replies, Why, what shall we do? (viii, 1723). After Oedipus departs, Antigone is left longing for her father while Ismene appears to already have forgotten him: For what [are you longing], tell me! (viii, 1725). Ismene even makes excuses in order to avoid visiting her father: But that is not permitted. Do you not see? (viii, 1728). At first glance, one can see that the zealous feelings that Antigone holds for her father are not reflected in Ismene. Ismene is not nearly so close with her father, as she is of no use with respect to Oedipuss most terrible losshis sight. As a matter of fact, it seems that Ismene has some difficulty with her own sight as well. Ismenes first lines are about her not being able to see her father and sister: O father and sister together! Dearest voices! / Now I have found you how, I scarcely know/ I dont know how I shall see you through my tears! (ii, 324-326). Immediately thereafter, she exclaims that she can hardly bear to look at her father because of the cruel fate that he has suffered. Ismene seems to be distracted by pity and shame in a way that Antigone is not. Giving further support for the fact that Ismenes dedication to Oedipus does not seem as great as Antigones. Although Ismenes assistance is not as important to the sightless Oedipus, she does offer some practical help to her father. It is Ismene who goes to perform the rites of atonement to appease the spirits on whose ground Oedipus and Antigone trespassed at the beginning of the play. Ismene is the one that tells Oedipus of Polyneices whereabouts. She lets her father know that Creon is coming to Oedipus with which Oedipus replies to hear more from Ismene: To do what, daughter? Tell me about this (ii, 398). It is also from Ismene that Oedipus learns that Creon and Polyneices, separately and on the advice of the oracles, seek Oedipuss blessing and body to aid them in their battles for control of Thebes. The information that Ismene provides is essential to Oedipus and in choosing where to be buried after his death, thus, Oedipus is also dependent on Ismene to a great extent. Given Oedipuss faltering and lack of self-reliance, he would not be able to survive without the help of both of his daughters. They both assist Oedipus, and it seems that this assistance takes the form of accommodation; Ismene most likely takes the place of Oedipuss ears whereas Antigone takes the place of his eyes. But one aspect that must not be overlooked is the fact that Oedipus still has his ears and his sense of hearing. Oedipuss reliance on Antigone for the tragic loss of his eyes combined with the utter dedication that Antigone and Oedipus have to each other demonstrates that Oedipus has a stronger bond with Antigone than he ever did with Ismene.

My Gift To You The World Essays - My Gift To You, Darkened Sun

My Gift To You The World Essays - My Gift To You, Darkened Sun My Gift To You The World My gift to you is somewhat strange, it's hidden and silent, alone and unheard, but it still lives beneath the darkened sun, it's love and hope and joy and sight, it's knowing what's right and wrong, it cried for life, and I heard it cry, I've tried to lift its spirits high, to let other people wonder of its glow, its burn for eternal happiness, our burn for eternal peace. To give these it's hard, to respect them it's harder, I've watched others, and seen them turn inside out, lying through the pain of their gritted teeth, do they know of love? can they feel the hope? have they ever cried silent tears? I myself have cried those silent tears, alone and scared and silent, my pain was great, my anger uncontrollable, can you feel my hardship, my hunger of exit to this world? to have materials and possessions, I could never have used, but to have what I give, perhaps I could have coped, and that time would now be forgotten, so now I give, what I want in return, I give the golden rule. I've tried to lead others to peace as is I, but for this you need their total trust, and they would not risk it all, so the act of good came to a stop, and my hope was just left hanging, now I still give, and I do with all my heart, I bring a gift to everyone, to make sure I please the sun, but after the deed I always feel loved, and I realize once again, "To give is to be born, nd to receive is to remember.

The Renaissance and its origin in Italy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Renaissance and its origin in Italy - Essay Example Theorists have often argued that the Fall of Constantinople, followed by the mass exodus of scholars from Constantinople, to escape the persecution of the Ottoman Turks, to Italy was what kicked off the Renaissance. The Renaissance, one might say was not a new phenomenon in as far as it led only to a revival of interest in the classics of antiquity. This is true since the vast resources that were brought from the famous libraries of Constantinople were what formed the majority of the work that was worked upon. Brought to other parts of Europe, these manuscripts were welcomed and greedily devoured by local scholars. The effect of this can be seen in the works of writers and painters of the period, among other scholars. Dante Alighieri, who in his work Divina Commedia (The Divine Comedy in English), shows the influences of classical platonic ideas along with Islamic theories testifies to the above-mentioned theory. Painters like Leonardo da Vinci too, in paintings like â€Å"The Vitru vian Man† display influences of works of antiquity. What then, is new about the Renaissance? Texts that were brought to the European mainland underwent a re-interpretation that threw up possibilities that were never thought of before.

Socialization and Criminal Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Socialization and Criminal Behavior - Essay Example A convicted child abuser and closeted homosexual, John Wayne Gacy kidnapped and killed thirty-three young boys over a six year period. Seeking to understand the particularly heinous crimes of Mr. John Wayne Gacy, this brief research paper will discuss the linkages between socialization and criminal behavior. We begin with an overview of the life and times of this violent murderer with an eye to his early period of socialization. Following this overview of the crimes of John Wayne Gacy, this paper will discuss the linkages between social forces and crime by looking at the sociological theory of anomie (Bell and Bardsley 2009). What kind of family life did John Wayne Gacy have? How did his early experiences shape the killer he became? John Wayne Gacy was born during the height of the Second World War during the relative tranquility of suburban Chicago and was the second of three children. It was reported that his father was both physically and mentally abusive as the young Gacy grew up in a strict Polish-Danish household. Teased about being overweight and supposedly demonstrating feminine characteristics as a young boy, John Wayne Gacy faced a series of challenges growing up. His scholastic record was shoddy and although he became a somewhat successful businessman, his previous academic record gave no indication that Mr. Gacy would achieve much financial success in life. As a young man who had dropped out of school and ventured to Las Vegas to win a livelihood, John Wayne Gacy married the first woman who paid him any attention, the unsuspecting Marlynn Myers. Despite appearances of normality John Wayne Gac y had a severe attraction to young boys and although reports of his alleged homosexuality surfaced while a member of the Jaycees, he managed to hide this aspect of his life while beginning life in Waterloo. On one side John Wayne Gacy

What Is The Most Important Virtue For Human Fulfillment Essay

What Is The Most Important Virtue For Human Fulfillment - Essay Example In the same regard, it is interesting to note the work of four prominent thinkers of their respective times, namely: Descartes, Spinoza, Emerson and Tolstoy, a brief discourse of which is presented hereunder. The stance of Rene Descartes on the said issue can be summarized as, "I think, therefore I am" (Descartes, 1641). Now a very popular statement, this means much more than the literal meaning. This can be taken as the essence of the entire philosophy of Descartes, wherein he began to understand himself by virtue of his thought processes. On the same lines, his thoughts can be extrapolated upon mankind as a whole. The fact of the matter lies in the fact, that man cannot achieve fulfillment if he does not think; this, even as a proposition is considered to be impossible according to the stance of Descartes. By virtue of undertaking things, dealing with them, and ultimately being deceived by them, it becomes all the more evident to man that there is a reality that exists. This reality can be identified with, and the highest virtue can subsequently be attained by means of thinking. Contemplation gives insight, and ultimately self-actualization. There can be no better strength than realizing one's true potential of existence. Ethics by Spinoza Spinoza's views advocate, "All our endeavors or desires so follow from the necessity of our nature" (Spinoza, 1677). This concept given by him refers to the identification of the power that the human being yields and associates from within himself. Whatever one might seek or ask, it is basically a product of how one identifies with the concept of self. The most significant virtue here becomes knowing about oneself. A person, who realizes himself, is truly the most potent of all. Desires, passions and restraints of the material world, can only be understood with reference to the person. Therefore, if and when a person appreciates his own personal standing and inception, it subsequently becomes the greatest source of endowment and fulfillment for the person. Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson Ralph Emerson here postulates, "Insist on yourself; never imitate" (Emerson, 1841). This again is a propagation of the belief that an individual should at all times try to be what he/she is, and not impose a figure, picture of personality which is not a true depiction of the same. If one has the tendency to falsify one's self-image, then true actualization of self can never be there. To be able to appreciate and attain the highest order of fulfillment, the greatest virtue here would be to not pay heed to social and extraneous challenges, and keep representing one's own personality as it is. If in the face of conflict, one tends to shy away from the true sense of being, then it can never really come out. Under normal circumstances, it is always simple to portray oneself; however, the true test of character is when there is antagonism, and yet still a person can attain virtue by means of beings what he truly is. The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy Leo Tolstoy deliberates upon the topic in the following way, "In place of death there was light" (1886). Though this may seem ironically contrary to the actual concept of life itself, yet this line answers probably the greatest mystery of life - death. So is the virtue of human fulfillment embedded in death Not exactly; it is in understanding the concept of death. It refers to establishing a belief that this entire struggle in life is death itself, and the absolute moment of death, is just the termination of this struggle. The ultimate attainment in life

Sociological Analysis of Media Article

Sociological Analysis of Media Article Select and present an article from a current newspaper or magazine in your country, (the UK), that offers an assessment of some social problem. Assess the data in the article in terms of a social scientists perspective. What is your conclusion regarding the article.? Introduction Relationships between the West and the Muslim world have been of considerable interest both to politicians and to the general public, especially sociologists. Since the events of 9/11 in America the world has been confronted with the fact that there is a faction within Islam that will do anything to make its voice heard and to further its concerns in the West. This paper therefore has selected a newspaper article concerned with the publication of some cartoons involving the Prophet Mohammed. This has caused considerable upset in the Muslim world and is given a different presentation in different publications. The article selected for analysis here is taken from the Daily Mirror, Saturday 4th February. This paper will assess the data in the article from the perspective of a social scientist and will then give some conclusions regarding the article. Sociological analysis of documents is usually described as content analysis and there are a number of ways in which this type of analysis may be undertaken. Some sociologists use formal content analysis where a number of different texts on a given subject are used. This also sometimes involves the use of statistics (Giddens, 2001). Content analysis may also involve thematic and textual analysis. This paper will use a thematic and textual analysis (as described by Bryman, 2004) to analyse the chosen article. Scott (1990) maintains that great care should be taken when analysing documents, particularly media documents. The person undertaking the analysis needs to be aware of their own position and prejudices at the outset and how this might impact on their reading and understanding of the text. There are, therefore, problems of reliability with this kind of analysis. Language and Ideology The article that I have chosen to analyse is entitled â€Å"Muslims Day of Rage: Muslim cartoon Protest rock the world and Britain† by Victoria Ward and Stephen White. The article concerns the protests and violent reactions to the publication by a Danish newspaper of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed as a terrorist. The first thing that was noted was the title. Muslim’s Day of Rage, this is the kind of phrase that is likely to add to the Islamaphobia that has been growing in the West since the events of 9/11 and the London terrorist bombings last July. The wording implies that all Muslims were not only upset and insulted by the cartoons, bearing in mind that all forms of representation not only of the prophet, but of human beings are forbidden in Islam, but that most of them are engaging in violent protest. This analysis of the title is confirmed by the opening lines of the article: FURIOUS Muslims warned Europe it would pay with blood yesterday for publishing a cartoon of the prophet Mohammed as a terrorist (Daily Mirror, 4/2/06-no page number given). Again the article does not differentiate between groups of Muslim protestors and the Muslim community at large. It tends to suggest that the vast majority of Muslims take the view that Europe should be made to pay in blood for the insult. This kind of wording is likely to incite religious and racial hatred. Looking at the article as a whole it might be said that the ideology underlying this article relates to Islamaphobia and is perhaps connected to the writers’ own fears of terrorist attacks. This theme of Muslim violence can be detected throughout the article. What is most problematic about this is that the article does not clearly differentiate between those Muslims engaging in demonstrations and violent protest, and those Muslims who are not. The language is used in such a way that it appears to apply to all Muslims and represents them as an angry and violent group. Representation The title and opening lines of the article I would suggest, tend to represent Muslim people as a homogenous group who want to see the West pay for the outrageous insult to the Prophet. The writers go on to speak of demonstrations that were charged with hatred in London where the Danish flag was burned and some protestors were claiming that ‘another 7/7 is on its way’ (referring to the tube and bus bombings in London last year). The article refers only briefly to the cartoon itself: The offending cartoon, which first appeared in a small Danish newspaper, showed the prophet Mohammed wearing a bomb-shaped turban. Islamic tradition bars any depiction of the prophet to prevent idolatry (Daily Mirror, 4/2/06) No criticism is made of the paper that printed the cartoon, of the cartoonist that produced it, or even of the fact that to Muslims such a cartoon would be viewed as blasphemous. While not wishing to endorse violent protests or to take sides it would seem that the article treats the subject with a very uneven handed approach. Clearly the writers, although this is not mentioned, hold to the idea of free speech and the freedom of the press. The question is why should this unheralded endorsement of free speech be contrasted with the representation of ‘furious’ and ‘angry’ Muslims. The ways in which the information is presented arguably gives a distorted picture of the whole issue. The cartoon is given much less space and attention than the acts of groups of Muslim protestors and tends to minimalise the offence that even the majority of non-demonstrating/protesting Muslims must have felt. Passive and Active Language The sentence relating to the cartoon is written in the passive voice, it says that the cartoon ‘first appeared’ as though it was not the work of human hands. By contrast all the recorded incidents concerning the protestors and the demonstrators are presented in the active mode as the following two extracts show. In Jakarta, Indonesia, more than 150 Muslims stormed a building housing the Danish Embassy and tore down and burned the countrys white and red flag (Daily Mirror, 4/2/06). Thousands of Palestinian refugees marched through the streets of their camps in Lebanon, burning flags and urging Osama bin Laden to avenge Mohammad (Daily Mirror, 4/2/06). No information is given as to the accuracy of the number of Palestinian refugees, the authors cite demonstrations from across the world and so some of those represented must have come from secondary sources, live news bulletins or other papers but it is not stated where such information came from or how the numbers given in the article for example the article states that more than 10,000 Palestinians were burning Danish cheese. The ways in which these numbers are presented and the fact that the newspaper makes consistent use of verbs to describe the protests and demonstrations gives what might be said to be an inflated view of what has been going on. The reader could be forgiven for believing that many thousands of Muslims across the globe have been involved in demonstrations and violent protests. Clearly this does not make violent action and threats of violence right but perhaps journalistic ethics were not hugely in evidence judging by the way in which this information was presente d. Towards the end of the article Jack Straw condemned the cartoon, but again, not the cartoonist who produced it not the editor that published it. His comes as a voice of calm reason at the end of a litany of violent protest and threats of violence, adding to the overall picture of Muslims as enraged and violent rather than groups of Muslim protestors. At the end of the article the writers point to the fact that the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Great Britain urged Muslims not to be provoked by the extreme actions of those elements who were out to exploit the situation. It would seem that this might be a clearer picture of events than that which the writers of the article have presented us with. Conclusion In this paper I have attempted to analyse, from the point of view of a social scientist, a newspaper article that is concerned with protests and demonstrations by some groups of Muslims over their upset at the publication of a cartoon which present the Prophet Mohammed as a terrorist. I have used a textual and thematic analysis in reading this article and have tried to cover most of its aspects. In undertaking this analysis I was acutely aware that the way in which the article was written annoyed me because I felt that it did not give an accurate picture of Muslims as a whole. It seemed that some of the language used by the writers was used not just to persuade, but to inflame and that this could lead to counter-protest on behalf of those people who see Islam and its people as a threat to Western civilisation. Bibliography Bryman, A 2nd ed. 2004 Social Research Methods Oxford, Oxford University Press Giddens, A. 2001 4th ed. Sociology, Cambridge, Polity Press http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_objectid=16665334%26method=full%26siteid=94762-name_page.html Daily Mirror, â€Å"Muslims Day of Rage: Muslim cartoon Protest rock the world and Britain† by Victoria Ward and Stephen White. 4th February 2006 www.polity.co.uk/giddens

Botswana Essay -- Africa Culture Papers

Botswana (1)The people of Botswana are presently torn between the survival of its ancestors’ cultural traditions and the growth of an optimistic republic. Within this study, the characteristics of Batswana’s lifestyles from the past, their present conditions, and outlooks upon the country’s future will be discussed. Botswana was born a country of flourishing diversity. It was a land inhabited by nomadic Bushmen (also known as San or Basarwa) and countless numbers of different tribes, who coexisted peaceably with one another. These people of ancient times lived contentedly through the land’s provisions of plants and abundant species of animals and through prosperous trade with each other. Today, this simple way of life conflicts the nation’s potential wealth in democracy, cattle industry, diamond-mining, and other technologies. Both lifestyles have their advantages and disadvantages, a majority of which will be portrayed within this composition. Botswana is entangled in a struggle to produce what is healthiest for its country’s people and environment for the present time and for the infinite years to come. This study will explore several different hardships that Botswana is suffering and the peace that the people have maintained throughout the years. (2) Concerning Botswana’s condition, the national geography standards that this study mainly relates to focus upon places and regions and environment and society. The physical and human characteristics of Botswana will be emphasized by geographical descriptions of the land and its resources and wildlife, and by portraying the attributes of the government, cultures, religions, and everyday lives of Batswana. How culture and experience influence people’s perceptions of p... ...ricanet. "Botswana History." http://www.africanet.com/countries/botswana.htm (1997). Central Intelligence Agency Fact book. â€Å"Botswana." http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/bc.html (2 Feb. 1999). Conservation International Foundation. "Botswana." http://www.conservation.org/WEB/FIELDACT/REGIONS/AFRIREG/BOTSWANA.HTM (7 December 1998). Inter Green Services Limited. "Botswana: the mysterious soul of ancient Africa" http://www.safariweb.com/botswana/index.htm (1996). Inter knowledge Corporation. "An Introduction to Botswana." http://www.interknowledge.com/botswana/ (2 Feb. 1999). Nsereko, Daniel D. "Religious liberty and the law in Botswana." Journal of Church and State Autumn 1992: 843-862. Zich, Arthur. "Botswana: the adopted land." National Geographic December 1990: 70-97.