Merchant Of Venice Essays (858 words) - Shakespearean Comedies

Merchant Of Venice When William Shakespeare wrote, The Merchant of Venice, he included a female character that influences the play dramatically. In most of Shakespeare's plays, the women have little power and intelligence. In The Merchant of Venice, however, Portia is a woman that saves the life of a man with her wit and intelligence. Another woman created by Shakespeare that posses qualities similar to Portia is Beatrice, from Much Ado about Nothing. Both women add to the main themes of the play because of their ability to use their intelligence and witty remarks as well as having a loving heart. The women share many similarities as well as many differences which seem to be inevitable because Portia seems to be put on a pedestal that very few can reach. Portia is one of Shakespeare's great heroines, whose beauty, lively intelligence, quick wit, and high moral seriousness have blossomed in a society of wealth and freedom. She is known throughout the world for her beauty and virtue, and she is able to handle any situation with her sharp wit. In many of Shakespeare's plays, he creates female characters that are presented to be clearly inferior to men. The one female, Shakespearean character that is most like Portia would be Beatrice, from Much Ado about Nothing. Both of the women are known for their wit and intelligence. Beatrice is able to defend her views in any situation, as does Portia. Shakespeare gives each of them a sense of power by giving their minds the ability to change words around, use multiple meanings and answer wisely to the men surrounding them. By adding a loving heart to both of these women, Shakespeare makes their intelligence more appealing. Even though Beatrice hides the loving side of her character for most of the play, she still expresses her kindness and love in other ways. Like Portia, she is a dear friend and an obedient daughter. In the fourth act, after Portia has saved the life of Antonio, she uses her wit, just as Beatrice does to test Benedict's love, to convince Bassanio to surrender the ring that he vowed he would never part with. After simply asking for it and being unsuccessful, she decides to use her intelligence and says, "I see sir, you are liberal in offers. / You taught me first to beg, and now methinks / You teach me how a beggar should be answer'd" (IV.ii.438-440). The only main difference between the two women is the way they are perceived by the other characters. Portia is thought of as a perfect angel possessing no flaws, which is shown when Bassanio describes her to Antonio and says, "In Belmont is a lady richly left, / And she is fair and, fairer than that word, / Of wondrous virtues... Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth, / For the four winds blow in from every coast / Renowned suitors, and her sunny locks / Hang on her temples like a golden fleece, / Which makes her seat of Belmont Colchis' strond, / And many Jasons come in quest of her" (I.i.161-172). Portia displays all the graces of the perfect Renaissance lady. She is not ambitious, she is quiet rather than restrictive. She is modest in her self-estimation. Her generous spirit makes her wish she had more virtue, wealth, and friends so that she can better help those she loves. Beatrice, on the other hand, is not described as beautiful and even though she is well liked in her society, she is not thought of in the same godly way as Portia is. Besides saving the life of Antonio, Portia is also used to convey the theme of deceptive appearances. Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses his characters to show the audience that a person cannot be judged by how they appear to the eye and that a person can truly be identified by their inner soul. Bassanio chooses the lead casket and proves that even though the other caskets appeared to be beautiful and trustworthy, the treasure was found in the casket of lead. Shakespeare foreshadows the theme of appearances when Portia says to her new husband, "You see me, Lord Bassanio, where I stand, / Such as I am... But the full sum of me / Is an unlesson'd girl, unschool'd, unpractic'd, / Happy in this, she is not yet so old / But she may learn; happier than this, / She is not bred so dull but she can learn" (III.ii.149-164). After saying this to her

Battle of Brandywine in the American Revolution

Battle of Brandywine in the American Revolution The Battle of Brandywine was fought September 11, 1777, during the American Revolution (1775-1783). One of the largest battles of the conflict, Brandywine saw  General George Washington  attempt to defend the American capital at Philadelphia. The campaign began when British forces, led by  General Sir William Howe  departed New York City and sailed up the Chesapeake Bay. Landing in northern Maryland, the British advanced northeast towards Washingtons army. Clashing along the Brandywine River, Howe attempted to flank the American position. The resulting fight was one of the longest one-day battles of the war and saw the British force Washingtons men to retreat. Though beaten, the American army remained ready for another fight. In the days after Brandywine, both armies conducted a campaign of maneuver which resulted in Howe taking Philadelphia.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Background In the summer of 1777, with Major General John Burgoynes army advancing south from Canada, the overall commander of British forces, Howe, prepared his own campaign for capturing the American capital at Philadelphia. Leaving a small force under Major General Henry Clinton at New York, he embarked 13,000 men on transports and sailed south. Entering the Chesapeake, the fleet traveled north and the army landed at Head of Elk, MD on August 25, 1777. Due to the shallow and muddy conditions there, delays ensued as Howe worked to disembark his men and supplies. Having marched south from positions around New York, American forces under General George Washington concentrated west of Philadelphia in anticipation of Howes advance. Sending forward skirmishers, the Americans fought minor a battle with Howes column at Elkton, MD. On September 3, fighting continued with a skirmish at Coochs Bridge, DE. In the wake of this engagement, Washington moved from a defensive line behind Red Clay Creek, DE north to a new line behind the Brandywine River in Pennsylvania. Arriving on September 9, he deployed his men to cover the river crossings. Armies Commanders: Americans General George Washington14,600 men​ British General Sir William Howe15,500 men The American Position Located approximately halfway to Philadelphia, the focus of the American line was at Chadds Ford, astride the main road into the city. Here Washington placed troops under Major General Nathanael Greene and Brigadier General Anthony Wayne. To their left, covering Pyles Ford, were around 1,000 Pennsylvania militia led by Major General John Armstrong. On their right, Major General John Sullivans division occupied the high ground along the river and Brintons Ford with Major General Adam Stephens men to the north. Beyond Stephens division, was that of Major General Lord Stirling which held Painters Ford. On the far right of the American line, detached from Stirling, was a brigade under Colonel Moses Hazen which had been assigned to watch Wistars and Buffingtons Fords. Having formed his army, Washington was confident that he had barred the way to Philadelphia. Arriving at Kennett Square to the southwest, Howe concentrated his army and assessed the American position. Rather than attempt a direct attack against Washingtons lines, Howe elected to use the same plan that had achieved victory the year before at Long Island (Map). Howes Plan This entailed sending a force to fix Washington in place while marching with the bulk of the army around the American flank. Accordingly, on September 11 Howe ordered Lieutenant General Wilhelm von Knyphausen to advance to Chadds Ford with 5,000 men, while he and Major General Lord Charles Cornwallis moved north with the remainder of the army. Moving out around 5:00 AM, Cornwallis column crossed the West Branch of the Brandywine at Trimbles Ford, then turned east and crossed the East Branch at Jeffries Ford. Turning south, they advanced to high ground on Osbornes Hill and were in position to strike the American rear. Opening Shots Moving out around 5:30 AM, Knyphausens men moved along the road towards Chadds Ford and pushed back American skirmishers led by Brigadier General William Maxwell. The first shots of the battle were fired at Welchs Tavern approximately four miles west of Chadds Ford. Pushing ahead, the Hessians engaged a larger Continental force at Old Kennett Meetinghouse around mid-morning.    Finally arriving on the opposite bank from the American position, Knyphausens men began a desultory artillery bombardment. Through the day, Washington received various reports that Howe was attempting a flanking march. While this led to the American commander considering a strike on Knyphausen, he demurred when he received one report that convinced him the earlier ones were incorrect. Around 2:00 PM, Howes men were spotted as they arrived on Osbornes Hill. Flanked (Again) In a stroke of luck for Washington, Howe halted on the hill and rested for around two hours. This break allowed Sullivan, Stephen, and Stirling to hastily form a new line facing the threat. This new line was under the oversight of Sullivan and command of his division devolved to Brigadier General Preudhomme de Borre.  As the situation at Chadds Ford appeared stable, Washington informed Greene to be ready to march north at a moments notice. Around 4:00 PM, Howe began his attack on the new American line. Surging forward, the attack quickly shattered one of Sullivans brigades causing it to flee. This was due to it being out of position due to a series of bizarre orders issued by de Borre. Left with little choice, Washington summoned Greene. For around ninety minutes heavy fighting swirled around the Birmingham Meeting House and what is now known as Battle Hill with the British slowly pushing the Americans back.   Washington Retreats Marching an impressive four miles in forty-five minutes, Greenes troops joined the fray around 6:00 PM. Supported by the remnants of Sullivans line and Colonel Henry Knoxs artillery, Washington and Greene slowed the British advance and allowed the rest of the army to withdraw.  By around 6:45 PM, the fighting quieted and Brigadier General George Weedons brigade was tasked with covering the American retreat from the area. Hearing the fighting, Knyphausen began his own assault at Chadds Ford with artillery and columns attacking across the river. Encountering Waynes Pennsylvanians and Maxwells light infantry, he was able to slowly push the outnumbered Americans back. Halting at every stone wall and fence, Waynes men slowly bled the advancing enemy and were able to cover the retreat of Armstrongs militia which had not been engaged in the fighting. Continuing to fall back along the road to Chester, Wayne skillfully handled his men until the fighting petered out around 7:00 PM. Aftermath The Battle of Brandywine cost Washington around 1,000 killed, wounded, and captured as well as most of his artillery, while British losses were 93 killed, 488 wounded, and 6 missing. Among the American wounded was the newly arrived Marquis de Lafayette. Retreating from Brandywine, Washingtons army fell back on Chester feeling that it had merely lost a battle and desiring another fight. Though Howe had won a victory, he failed to destroy Washingtons army or immediately exploit his success. Over the next few weeks, the two armies engaged in a campaign of maneuver that saw the armies attempt to fight on September 16 near Malvern and Wayne defeated at Paoli on September 20/21. Five days later, Howe finally out-maneuvered Washington and marched into Philadelphia unopposed. The two armies next met at the Battle of Germantown on October 4.

The Architecture of a Propeller

The Architecture of a Propeller On the surface, a propeller seems like a simple device. Once you learn to measure some common prop dimensions and ponder the nearly limitless combinations of these variables you see that it is very complex. Then at some point, after much studying, you will attain prop enlightenment and the propeller will become simple again. There are no promises of prop enlightenment or other engineering magic here, just some basic terms and measurements to help you see how a prop interacts with the rest of the vessel and the elements. With this knowledge, you will be able to determine prop performance characteristics. Architecture of a Propeller Hub – This is the central portion of the prop that fits onto the prop shaft. It is a hollow cylinder where the bases of the blades are attached.Blades – These are the large, flat pieces that radiate out from the hub. This is what pushes the water making the boat move forward.Root – This is where the blade attaches to the hub.Leading Edge - This refers to the edge of a blade that is moving into the water.Trailing Edge – This is the edge of a blade that is opposite the leading edge.Blade Face – The wide part of the blade, often divided into fore and aft faces. Propeller Variables Diameter – The diameter of a prop is the distance across the propeller. If you are viewing a prop from the rear of a boat and imagine the prop making a solid circle as it spins the diameter will be the distance across that circle. To measure this dimension measure one blade from the center of the hub to the tip of the blade then double that number to get the diameter. Pitch – This measurement is the mystery for many people but the definition is very simple. The pitch of a prop tells us the maximum distance a propeller will move a vessel forward through the water. Take note of the word maximum in this description. Pitch is often referred to as a theoretical measurement because no prop operates at one hundred percent efficiency. The laws of fluid dynamics tell us that there is a significant loss of power at the prop which can be as much as one-third of maximum efficiency. This means that a prop with a pitch of 21 inches will only move a boat forward fourteen inches in the real world. To measure pitch, you need to take several measurements. These measurements are going to be much more accurate if you have the prop off the shaft and can lay it flat on a table. Don’t worry if you need to do this while it is still attached to the vessel, it will be slightly less accurate but this is not a precision engineering measurement. First, find the widest part of one blade and draw a line across the face from edge to edge. Then measure the distance from the front of the hub to the points where your line meets each edge of the blade. You can do this best while viewing the prop from the side. Take the smaller measurement and subtract it from the larger. Next use a protractor, angle gauge, or carpentry square to measure the triangle formed by the two points at either end of the line drawn across the widest part of the propeller blade and the center of the hub. The narrow, pointy end should be at the center of the hub. Measure the angle between the two lines radiating out from the center of the hub. Now take the first measurement and multiply it by 360. Then take the result and divide it by the angle you found in the second measurement. The resulting number is the pitch of the prop. For example, a prop that has a three-inch difference between the leading and trailing edge at the center of a blade and has a thirty-degree angle between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the blade will have a pitch of ​36 inches. This is calculated as; 3 x 360 / 30 36. There are also inexpensive prop gauges available but where is the fun in that approach. Rake – Rake is the angle between the cylinder that forms the hub and an imaginary line from the blade root to the tip of the blade. This is best measured with a protractor or angle gauge since the measurement will be a fairly small number. Prop Markings The easiest way to find prop diameter and pitch is to read the markings stamped or cast into the hub. These are two numbers separated by a dash. The first number is the diameter and the second is the pitch.

History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

History - Research Paper Example Nonetheless, the civil rights movement comprised various African-Americans, who led in the struggle for racial equality, since the blacks in America were entitled to less privileges compared to the whites. This essay focuses on the civil rights movement from WWII until 1968, this therefore, is the period between 1938-1968, with special attention on major events, which indicate struggle for racial equality by African-Americans, and whether they won or lost in their different struggles for equality. Although the Civil Rights Movement is associated with the African Americans only, this was important for both African Americans and the whites. After the civil war, which was detrimental to America, the country was left with many national issues to address in order to ensure stability of the nation and its people. It was during this period, after the civil war, which is also called the reconstruction period that major civil rights movement were experienced. During this era, America had a co nsiderable number of its population comprising African Americans. These were former slaves, who upon being freed, needed to find land, build homes, settle down, and live a free life, like any other white person. Therefore, the American governments had a responsibility of addressing the needs of the former slaves in order to ensure there entry back into the society, as free people. However, when the government failed to address the issues of the African Americans in a fair way, these would rise up and demand for fair treatment and fair legislation, which did not deny them of the privileges the whites were entitled to. Therefore, this continued struggle for racial equality is what gave birth to the modern civil rights movement. Before the WWII, the American government, starting the late 19th Century, had used the legislation to enable the integration of African Americans back in the society as free people. Although the government based its decisions and legislation on the doctrine of â€Å"separate but equal,† there were vast elements of racial discrimination, as the African Americans were not free to share public space or enjoy the privileges of same legislation with the whites. Public places and amenities such as restaurants, schools, bus and railroad stages, among others, were separated between the whites and African Americans. Facilities belonging to African Americans were of poor quality, and inferior, compared to those of whites. This was one of the situations, which would result in the civil rights movement. In 1938, one major incidence that showed struggle for equal rights was experienced in one of the Southern states. In these states, there was a high level of inequality of the African Americans, compared to other states. Southern states did not allow for the admission of African Americans in institutions of higher learning, but referred them to institutions of higher learning in the northern states. However, in 1938, one African American student , who was denied admission to the University of Missouri Law School, filed a case in court, since he wanted Law in this particular university, as others did not offer law. Nonetheless, the courts ruled that the student be admitted in the university. This is one of the incidences, which portray the struggle of African Americans to gain equal opportunities with the whites in America. During the WWII, African Americans

Innovation and Enterprise 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Innovation and Enterprise 2 - Essay Example It is possible to apply the concept of open innovation on SMEs. However, Chesbrough (2006) revealed that SMEs have different ways to adopt with the open innovation as compared to large-scale multinational companies. Considering the growing importance of open innovation among the large-scale companies, this study will seek to evaluate and explore the relevance of open innovation on SME’s. To give the readers a better understanding of this subject matter, an overview with regards to open innovation will be provided in this study. As part of going through the main discussion, this study will first discuss how SMEs are able to adopt to open innovation followed by evaluating and examining several existing research studies with regards to the impact of open innovation activities over the business performances of SMEs. Open innovation requires companies to use internal and external sources to make use of technologies. In line with this, Chesbrough (2003) explained that the use of external pathways can increase the chances wherein companies will be able to innovate new product and technological processes which could improve the overall performance of a company. Instead of heavily relying on internal R&D, the large-scale multinational companies were enticed to incorporate open innovation in their business practices in order to gain competitive advantages over their close business competitors (Chesbrough, 2003). The process of developing and commercializing the use of technologies within the internal boundaries of a business organization is called the â€Å"closed innovation† (Chesbrough, 2003). In the past, large-scale multinational companies are heavily relying over the use of their internal R&D to allow them to develop new product lines that can be easily marketed to the consumers. By doing so, large-scale multinational companies were able to outperform the SMEs (Teece, 1986). Since a

The Comitatus Bond Essay Example for Free

The Comitatus Bond Essay â€Å"So now, Beowulf, I adopt you in my heart as a dear son. Nourish and maintain this new connection, you noblest of men. . . (63)†. Beowulf is an epic poem about the adventures, journey and maturation of a young legendary warrior from adolescence to his adulthood as a noble king. He gained his great reputation from his brave deeds of slaying the monstrous Grendel, his avenging mother, and the fiery dragon while being an honorable and selfless hero and ruler. Beowulf also presents an ideal of loyalty to thane, the comitatus bond. The failure to live up to this ideal bond on the part of some thanes point up the extraordinary faithfulness of Beowulf. The comitatus bond is a comradery between a master and his warriors. This relationship requires the warriors/thanes to defend their master to the death in exchange for share of wealth, protection and weapons. However, this comitatus code goes beyond the typical warrior-defending-master relationship but rather into a bond of love and friendship. The epic story of Beowulf started out with the portrayal of a failed brotherhood. Grendel was a descendant of Cain, the most notorious slayer of his own brother and of the comitatus bond. â€Å"Cain got no good from committing that murder because the Almighty . . . exacted a price . . . [and] made him [an] anathema . . . (9).† Grendel’s lineage and the idea of a person against his family were very dishonorable and looked down upon by the Anglo-Saxon culture. Thus, Grendel came to represent a character of resentment and malice. The unfulfillment of this comitatus bond continued with the failure of King Hrothgar’s thanes to defend Haerot Hall and their lord from the vicious Grendel. This inadequacy demonstrated the complexity and the difficulty to uphold the bond between a lord and his warriors but paved as a good introduction for our valiant hero who shall overshadow all with his extreme allegiance and honor. Beowulf was considered a perfect hero through the idea of always living up to the comitatus. He started out as a young hero with a questionable reputation who needed to prove himself. After he heard about the attack on Haerot Hall, Beowulf felt his duty to defend it when the king’s current thanes could not. King Hrothgar believed that â€Å". . . His goodness guided him here to the West-Danes to defend [them] from Grendel. . . (27).† Beowulf believed in what Hrothgar stood for and was willing to fight for him. Besides his allegiance to the king Hygelac, Beowulf felt obliged for a man of great power and strength to defend Haerot in order to preserve life. This obligation fulfilled the comitatus bond between King Hrothgar and King Hygelac as well as Beowulf’s duty as a warrior to defend and protect his lord. Even after he defeated Grendel, Beowulf still did not leave until Haerot Hall was rid of all evil and malicious creatures. He knew the threat and danger Grendel’s vengeful mother posed and willfully eliminated her in order to protect the people and fully fulfill his mission. His actions and morals were defined in the comitatus code. He portrayed this comitatus image with such perfection that he can be no less than a hero and treated as such for â€Å". . . his heroism . . . will recompense him with a rich treasure (27).† This excellently depicted the lord and thane relationship for it showed the great appreciation the lord, King Hrothgar, has for his thane, Beowulf. Even when he was given such compensation and fortune, Bewoulf further demonstrated his honor and commitment to the comitatus bond by sharing the prizes with his brave thanes, who defended and helped defeat Grendel and his mother, and to his homeland. This act depicted and emphasized his chivalrous and selfless character. Even after Beowulf’s legendary feats as a warrior and thane, his extraordinary loyalty to the comitatus code still remained intact as a great and wise king. â€Å"He ruled it well for fifty winters, grew old and wise as warden of the land. . . (151).† Beowulf provided his people and thanes with wisdom, protection and prosperity for fifty years. His gradual ascension to the throne gained him more experience, knowledge and patience on ruling Geatland. However, his and his thanes’ loyalty was tested when the ferocious dragon was provoked and wreaked havoc in his kingdom. Beowulf’s amazing comitatus relationship to his people and his thanes as well as his pride and prowess ultimately led him to his own demise. His decision to fight the dragon with just a few warriors failed to prevail because of his thanes’ worthlessness and cowardice. â€Å"No help or backing was to be had then from his high-born comrades; the hand-picked troop broke ranks and ran for their lives to the safety of the wood (175).† The thanes’ unfulfillment of their comitatus bond to Beowulf proved to be the fatal defeat for their lord and their kingdom. But despite his most of his thanes’ disgraceful actions, Beowulf’s loyalty and commitment to the comitatus persisted and finally destroyed the dragon. It accentuated his amazing devotion and allegiance to his people and his thanes for it emphasized how he’s rather die of a worthy and noble cause than of old age. Beowulf has accepted his fate in confidence and perfection and that even the greatest of heroes cannot live forever. Throughout Beowulf’s life, he has adhered exceptionally to the code of conduct in which all warriors should live by. He has formed ties and set standards for lord and thane and turned a relationship of service into a bond of brotherly love and friendship. In spite of conflicts and disloyalty of some, his faithfulness and allegiance to his people and thanes endured and proved to be one of his greatest assets to turn him into a perfect model hero and a defender of the comitatus code.

JFK Assassination :: essays research papers

Conspiracy: The Killing of a President In 1976, the US Senate ordered a fresh inquiry into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, who was murdered in 1963 during a motorcade in Dallas, Texas while campaigning for re-election. People who had been involved in the original Warren Commission investigations were asked to make fresh statements. The FBI and the CIA were persuaded to release more of their documents on Oswald. New lines of inquiry were opened and individuals who had not previously given evidence were persuaded to come forward. Most important of all, pieces of evidence such as photos and sound recordings were subjected to scientific analysis using the most up-to-date methods and equipment. The House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) completed their investigation in 1979 and they finally came to a discrete verdict that Lee Harvey Oswald fired three shots at Kennedy, one of which killed the president. A fourth shot was fired from the grassy knoll, which was contradictory to the statement printed by t he Warren Commission 16 years earlier. They concluded that John Kennedy was assassinated as the result of a conspiracy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The investigation was ordered directly after the assassinations of two other major political figures; the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King and the Presidents brother Robert Kennedy, in 1968. Naturally these incidents aroused immense suspicion and the American public started questioning why so many key US figures had been assassinated in the space of just four years, when previously this type of incident had been rare. The HCSA was interested in looking into the possibility that the assassinations were related. At the time there was also an increasing awareness of corruption and scandal within the government. The Watergate Scandal in 1974 involving President Nixon had clearly shown that American government was not entirely free of foul play. As a result of this, people started questioning the behavior of the government, and how much it was holding back from its people. This is most likely why Americans became more receptive and attracted to the idea of a conspiracy behind Kennedy's death.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The public became even more interested in the Kennedy assassination after books such as Rush to Judgment, by Mark Lane and Inquest, by Edward Jay Epstein began to come off the press. They immediately became best sellers and played a large role in raising awareness regarding the assassination. As a result people started to inquire more and theories arose that other people or organizations had been involved in Kennedy's assassination than had been previously thought.