Geometry in Gothic Architecture Essays -- Architecture

Introduction The 12th Century saw the move away from the Romanesque architecture which had typified the preceding centuries to the era of the great Gothic cathedrals which were to become the architectural symbol of the middle ages. The transformation was not simply one of size or scope but a manifestation of the cultural shifts which were occurring as the medieval age commenced. By this time, numbers and geometry had acquired a metaphysical significance and were believed to have occult symbolism and power. The introduction of sacred geometry into all aspects of the design of places of worship was therefore inevitable and from that time key design features such as the numbers of pillars in the choir, the layout of the floor plan and faà §ade were significantly influenced by the perceived significance of these theories. To understand in more depth how numbers and geometry were incorporated into architectural design it is interesting to first consider the characteristics of gothic architecture and in particular why they were such an influence on cathedral design. I will in the following use Chartres cathedral in France as an example which illustrates the impact of these influences. Political and Economical Background During the 12th Century, for the first time since the end of the Roman Empire, cities once again began to grow. Their wealth this time was built on the robust economic structures around banking and trade, rather than on conquest and slavery which had characterised the previous centuries. Financial wealth was emerging as the determinant of social standing rather than the historic influence of the church and preceding empires. The Age of Faith was emerging and knowledge was increasingly informed by both a ... ...sidered perfect. The original master builder used the shape of the hexagon in deciding where to place the transept walls. All these examples are evidence of the fact that geometry had such a crucial role to play in the design of the cathedral. In summary it is clear that as geometry and mathematics had become hugely important to the people of the middle ages, due to not only the ideas of philosophers and mathematicians, but also because of the political, economical and theological development of the period. The belief that geometry and number was a link to God was so strong that it influenced the Gothic style in a number of ways. Maybe it is this fact that mathematics was so intentionally incorporated, is one of the main reasons why these cathedrals remain such a great importance to us so many years later, not only as a place of worship, but also as a work of art.

Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman as Epic Tragedy Essay -- Death Sal

Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman as Epic Tragedy   Ã‚  Ã‚   Aristotle's Poetics defines the making of a dramatic or epic tragedy and presents the general principles of the construction of this genre. Surprisingly, over the centuries authors have remained remarkably close to Aristotle's guidelines. Arthur Miller's twentieth century tragedy Death of a Salesman is an example of this adherence to Aristotle's prescription for tragedy. It is significant to test Aristotle's definition and requirements of tragedy by comparison and contrast, against a contemporary tragedy and to make observations with regard to what influence society and culture may have on the genre. This discussion however, will be confined to the realm of plot and the more notable aspects of the construction of the incidents in tragedy because of the complexity of this element. Aristotle's attention throughout much of Poetics is directed towards the requirements and expectations of plot.   Plot, 'the soul of tragedy', Aristotle says, must be an imitation of a noble and complete action. In Death of a Salesman, Miller does provide a complete action, that is it has what Aristotle identifies as a beginning, a middle, and an end. These divisible sections must, and do in the case of Death of a Salesman, meet the criterion of their respective placement. Whether Miller provides a nobel action, however, is an issue of culture. Willy Loman ultimately takes his own life so that his son Biff may benefit from the insurance money that he will receive. The question then, is according to our culture is his suicide noble? Since Willy's suicide is perpetrated for Biff's benefit, one could view this act as sacrifice. Sacrifice is in our culture, a pious and admirable quality, one of... ...ath of a Salesman' Twentieth Century Literature.   January, 1972. 19-24.   Rpt. in World Literary Criticism.   Ed. Frank Magill.   'Arthur Miller' Detroit: Gale Research, 1992.   2366-2368. Hayman, Ronald.   Arthur Miller.   New York: Frederick Ungar, 1972. Hoeveler, D. J.   'Ben's Influence.'   Arthur Miller?s Death of a Salesman: Modern Critical Interpretations.   Ed. Harold Blum.   Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 1988. 72-81. Magill, Frank.   'Death of a Salesman.'   Master Plots.   Englewood Cliffs: Salem, 1976.   1365-1368. Miller, Arthur.   Death of a Salesman.   New York: Penguin, 1949. ---.   Conversations With Arthur Miller.   Jackson: Mississippi UP, 1987. Parker, Brian.   'Point of View in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.'   Arthur Miller: A Collection of Critical Essays.   Ed. Robert Corrigan.   Englewood Cliffs:   Prentice Hall, 1969.   98-107.

Why society is unfair with teen male?

The way in which my son is branded and spoken of is very exaggerated and unfair. Through the past month he experienced a difficult time going through a split with his fellow peer. He tried to reach for help through his teachers and a social worker, hoping to find a way to cope and instead he was abused with statements such as â€Å"this young man Is experiencing significant mental health Issues. † This all occurred because he dared to cry and show sorrow when he was told by the peer that she felt uncomfortable talking to him.Furthermore, after this incident that occurred on March 24, 2014, the peer contacted my son first on the same day. Approximately two weeks after, I was phoned at work by the principal, informing me that she would call the police if I was not able to come and pick up my son after school. I asked her to wait for me around 5-10 minutes, and moments after we had finished our conversation, she called the police nonetheless. She had also told my son that she wou ld not call the police unless he left the school.He did not leave and the police was still called. My son was escorted by the police to the RE per the principals statement that my son was having a â€Å"suicidal crisis. The principal came to this conclusion based on a Faceable conversation between my son and the peer which was shown to the principal by the peer. Recently, I read the messages In which my son stated â€Å"I'm always going to be there for you. † These words obviously show no intentions to commit suicide. My son was assessed by the RE team by DRP.Doe, a psychiatrist at H ¶tell-Died Grace Hospital where he was escorted by the police. He was released in the same night from the hospital as the RE team claimed that he was not in a crisis. The psychiatrist had not considered he needed any follow-up appointments or medication. He was not diagnosed with ant mental health illness. I communicated all of the results to the principal; however, she didn't accept my son to go back to school for a week now, though he was not suspended.During the ten school years of his life, I never once heard a complaint from any of his teachers regarding his behavior. His average mark Is over 90%. He has won numerous awards for his academic success and he was only ever praised by his teachers. Please help me rehabilitate my son's reputation at school and gain fair treatment by his principal and social worker at school. This incident was a small part of his school fife and his great sorrow was misinterpreted as a mental illness.Based on this event we cannot throw away and ignore all his years of hard work, and great behavior. Why society is unfair with teen male? By conspire â€Å"this young man is experiencing significant mental health issues. † This all occurred was shown to the principal by the peer. Recently, I read the messages in which my intentions to commit suicide. My son was assessed by the RE team by DRP. Doe,a communicated all of the results to the principal; however, she didn't accept my son to regarding his behavior. His average mark is over 90%. He has won numerous

Warrior Dodt Cry

Saladin Bradwell CCP English 98/99-481 Warriors Don’t Cry The 1950’s a time where so-called Negros was not allowed to use the same public facilities as whites. Melba Pattillo Beals was one of nine black teenagers who integrated central high school in Little Rock Arkansas, in 1957. At the age of fifteen her life is about to change forever. The book, â€Å"Warriors Don’t Cry†, drawn from Melba Beal’s personal diaries is a spellbinding true account of her first year at Central High. I believed that Melba was molded into a warrior due to the conditions of integration. Most of all, she was influence by her mother, grandmother, and the student, Link to overcome all obstacles in her path such as discrimination, racism, and taunting on a daily basis. Although, she was young she was able to make it thru all the pressure of integration, and that’s what a warrior will do. However, when Beals arrived at little Rock Central High, the first day she did not know that singing up to integrate an all white school would put herself, friends, and family in so much danger. Melba had to fight one of the most courageous wars in history a war against color. This was one of the most important civil right movements in American history. However, Melba lived with her mother, grandma, and her brother in a strict and religious house hold. According to Melba â€Å"the experience gave her an indestructible faith in GOD [ and] also gave her courage, strength, and hope†(2). Faith in GOD allowed her to endure the abuse that she faces on day to day basis, integration was war, and the nine brave students, refuse to be stop. Grandma said, â€Å"Even when the battle is long and the path is steep, a true warrior does not give up†(3), and Melba never forgets , and these saying get her thru the school year. Lois Maria Pattillo, Melba’s mother is one of many to be an influence in her life, the mother was one of the first few blacks to integrate the University of Arkansas, and this gave Melba her motivation to achieve and pursue the dream of attending Central High. The mother Lois, being an English teacher as also a big help to Melba, she was able to gain insight into matter that at times were difficult to handle, her mothers education gives her the edge and the ability to achieve and succeed. India Anette Peyton, is Melba Grandmother she is a great influence, and of great importance because she gave her the main ingredient to succeed, by incorporating religion in her life. Grandma India is Melba’s back bone during her struggle to integrate Central High school. When ever Melba wants to giv e up the struggle, Grandma India encourages her to keep going . Grandma India , fortifies Melba with faith and stubbornness, and it is grandma who tells Melba that GOD’S† warriors don’t cry†(57). This gives Melba the idea that in order to successfully integrate into the school, she will need to become more than a regular teenager. Melba writes in her dairy â€Å"Okay , God, so Grandma is right it’s my turn to carry the banner, please help me to do thy will†(102). This means that Melba is ready to accept the challenge to integrate. Grandma India is deeply religious, she is able to provide Melba with a sense of purpose. She reminds Melba that she is a child of God and that the opinion of her fellow teenagers doesn’t matter as long as God loves her. Grandma India always assures Melba that God approves of what she is doing. She also shows Melba that there are peaceful, respectful ways of standing up to the white people. Melba is thus able to avoid the provocations of Andy and his friend and avoid the temptation to fight back. Link, who is also a student, the most influential person that becomes Melba’s friend the son of a prominent white family, helps Melba escape from the violent segregationists Andy, who wants to kill her. However, Link’s father is pro-segregation, but shocked by the attacks on black teenagers and children. Link he helps Melba,† his winks or pleasant expression some times came just at the moment she needed to know she was alive and valuable† (254). This helps to motivate Melba. According to Melba, â€Å"having him as a friend got to be fun for both of them† (266). In spite of his racist family Link has a different perspective on black people because of his close relationship with Nana Healey. â€Å"Who’s Nanny Healy? My nanny. She colored-like you† (271). Nana Healey is black, and Link loves her and resents the treatment she receives from his parents. Because he knows that Nana Healey is a good and loving person, he can imagine that other black people might be good and loving as well. Link is the only white student who shows Melba any kindness, and he is the only white person she comes to trust during her time at Central High School. Link undermines the efforts of the violent segregationists,† he said the worst part of it for him was that he felt himself a traitor† (266). Link is never able to openly confront them and say publicly his friendship with Melba. Although, Link is fearful of becoming an outsider. While Melba puts aside those fears in order to do something for the greater good, Link hides behind them. He still helps Melba, but he does it in secret. What is most important to Melba at this time is proving that she cannot be defeated by the anger and hatred of the segregationists. Link, is able to help Melba accomplish her mission to integrate Central High School. ? . Inclosing, Melba and the other eight students should be considered heroes of the war on integration, thru their struggles; perseverance many school across the nation became integrated, for understanding the trauma of her year at Central High School. She has become an adult, toughened by life and her experiences, but also able to forgive the world for its cruelty towards her. She help paved the way for desegregation in public schools across the nation.

China’s One Child Policy is said to have created a generation of ‘Little Emperors’. Assess the consequences of most families having only one or two children Essay

China’s one-child family policy has had a great effect on the lives of nearly a quarter of the world’s population for a quarter of a century, after it was introduced in 1979. One of the effects is often referred to as â€Å"Little Emperor’s Syndrome†, which is when the only child received excessive amounts of attention from relatives causing a â€Å"spoilt brat† generation to occur. This puts both social and economic pressures on the families and children. By only having one child per family it allows the family to solely use its resources on that child; thus allowing the child to often fulfill their potential, as English lessons, music lessons and an additional range of extracurricular activities are normal. Although this has positive outcomes such as a rise in the number of Chinese children going to university, it has still mainly had the negative effect of the â€Å"Little Emperors† having large expectations of everyone else, with the government now being worried about a slump in the economy, being one of the many reasons why China may drop the one child policy. One of the main issues with the one child policy is that 336 million abortions in the time of the policy have taken place, which has caused a few moral issues throughout the world, with many people questioning the policy. Although many people in China have said that it has been a positive as a way to maintain the resources in the country and stop a large increase in the population. The number of abortions is paired with the issue of gendercide in China being at an all time high, people want a â€Å"Little Emperor† and not â€Å"Little Empress† due to traditional preference, this again presents a moral issue with the policy and may lead to future problems. Over 20 million girls are aborted each year and with over 50 million Chinese girls currently missing, there is a problem brewing in that there will be a shortage of women in comparison to men which may see the population and economy of China drop. The one child policy is also a costly program for the Chinese Government with over 400,000 people currently working for the policy and annually costs $708.8 million. This is not helped by the fact that the one child policy is creating a generation of youngsters that is not as good a working force compared to the current one; this is due to the fact that the â€Å"Little Emperors† are spoiled and do not expect to work for themselves (especially in urban areas, where there are wealthier families). It is thought that with the population (Fig 1) stagnating the economy may stagnate also, due to a smaller working force and one that is less willing to work, an example of the â€Å"Little Emperor’s Syndrome† is that there has been a doubling in the number of platinum jewelry sales in China, an expensive gift usually given to children. Although the parental expectations are high, only 2% of Chinese children are able to go to university, which many Chinese scholars suggest may be a sign of the future of the stagnation of the Chinese economy. This all shows that the one child policy may not be aiding the economy that has currently been one of the fastest growing in the world, causing a few people in China to question it. The policy has also affected the children themselves, as surveys have suggested that children born during the one child policy are significantly less trusting, less trustworthy, more risk-averse, less competitive, more pessimistic, and less conscientious individuals. All these characteristics are due to the fact that many of these children are born as an only child, and they now have present implications for the nation. These consequences include the number of criminal incidents to increase by 7.2% in the past 3 years and over $17 billion being spent on illegal drugs; this is because many young people create groups or gangs as close relationships in the place of ones with their siblings; but also due to the fact that a surplus of men has caused an increase in violence due to the increase in young males not marrying and becoming restless. This is not going to be beneficial for the country as it is causing youngsters to be misled into crime and will also be expensive for the government to try and expel from the country. It is also a thought that in the future there will be fewer people of a working age to support a growing number of elderly dependents, meaning that China has an ageing population. (Fig 2) Unfortunately, ageing populations have significant social and economic effects on countries, and with China’s fertility rate being predicted to be as low as 1.5 [a 2.1 fertility rate is needed in China in order for sustainability] the long term effects of the One-Child policy are likely to have detrimental effects for the future; including a stagnating economy. This is made worse by the fact that there are 60 million more men than women in China, which, is only going to lead to more social problems, such as a decrease in population in the future. (Fig 1)Which is shown by a recent census, China’s population grew 5.8% since 2000, from 1.27 billion to 1.34 billion — a significant difference from the previous census, which indicated a rate of 11.7%. (Fig 1) Finally, a positive effect of the one child policy is that it has severely reduced the population of the China by roughly 400 million. This has created an abundance of resources for China, which was under some pressure for necessities such as drinking water. However, China has dealt with that through projects such as the Three Gorges Dam, but also through the one child policy allowing for the surplus resources to exist due to the decline in population growth. The lack of 400 million people has also helped reduce global warming, because, by stopping these births China has averted over 1.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Overall, it is clear that there are many negative consequences that have occurred or that will occur due to the one child policy, which is why it is thought that by 2020 the one child policy will no longer exist and that it will become the two child policy. The problems are economic and social problems that revolve around the idea of an ageing population that will need financial support from a spoiled generation; yet, the only environmental factors are positive- with global warming being reduced and the resources in China lasting longer and there being surplus. However, it is obvious that the â€Å"Little Emperors† are going to have to support China in their time of need, which is due to the one child policy, and it is whether they can do it or whether they have been spoiled to the extent that they are unable to run one of the biggest economies in the world. Lastly, the one child policy has probably been good for China itself, but the way that other nations now perceive China after the â€Å"brutal† one child policy, may cause them future problems.

Neo-Marxist Contribution to Theories O Social Class Inequality Essay

How far would you say that Neo-Marxist have contributed to the continuing relevance of theories of social class inequality today? Social class inequality can be defined as the existence of socially created inequalities among and within classes. They can be attributed to various factors such as race, colour, ethnicity, gender, income, etc. It is arguable that inequalities that exist in post-independence societies as well as the inequalities which exist between nations can be directly traced back to the exploitative capitalism which accompanied European colonialism. Neo-Marxism has indeed contributed to the continuing relevance of theories of social class inequality in contemporary times. Therefore, the aim of this essay is to identify the nature of Neo-Marxism, its emergence as a school of thought, the main views of Neo-Marxism and its application to today as it regards to Social Class Inequality. Neo-Marxism for the purpose of this research paper can be defined as : a term loosely applied to any social theory or sociological analysis which draws on the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, but amends or extends these, usually by incorporating elements from other intellectual traditions—such as, for example, psychoanalysis (as in the case of critical theory), Weberian sociology (as in Erik Olin Wright’s theory of contradictory class locations), or anarchism (as in the example of critical criminology). Site ref) This social theory emerged during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s through the Frankfurt School, in Germany. This institution was referred to as the Institute of Social Research at the University of Frankfurt, Germany. The early Neo-Marxists from that school were Max Horkheimer, Herbert Marcuse, Theodor Adorno and Leo Lowenthal among others. Max Horkheimer referred to this new strain of Marxism as Critical Theory in 1937; it is a social theory oriented towards critiquing and changing society as a whole, in contrast to the traditional Marxist theory that just sought to explain it . The fundamental principles of critical social theory is that it should be directed at the totality of the society; that is how it has been organised at differentiating historical times. And in addition it should improve on the understanding of our society through integrating the major social sciences. Neo-Marxism therefore held views that were synonymous with Marxism however they were amended and extended on his principles to keep up with modern times. Neo-Marxism, according to neo-marxist Nicos Poulantzas sought to answer three basic questions that traditional Marxist was unable to deliver a rationale for. These questions were firstly, why did the socialist and social democratic political parties not band together against WWI? (Instead of support for their own countries). Secondly, why although the timing seemed right for a workers revolution in the west it did not take place? And lastly how did fascism take place in Europe at this time? Neo-Marxism is based on the total political-economic-cultural systems that exist in contemporary societies. Neo-Marxists were concerned with the growth of the middle class, which changed the traditional Marxist class view of there being only two classes; to the introduction of a new class -the middle class. They studied the composition of the labour force; that is the fragmentation of the working class and the decomposition of capital; that is the growth in the middle class. They needed to discover whether or not social mobility was beneficial to the lower class or whether or not it leads to the maintenance of the status quo. It is believed that ‘Mobility acts as a political safety valves’. (Parkin) It maintains the ideals of ruling class by providing hope to the working class so they would not want to form a revolution against the capitalist system. Neo-Marxists also found that there was a heterogeneous nature among classes; this was evident there were classes within classes. The main Marxist views that were retained by neo-Marxist are that the theory of dialectical materialism remains. This theory of change implies that the world including human beings is â€Å"Matter in motion† and progress occurs through struggle. They also shared the belief that capitalism is an alienating, exploitative system, subordinating human to the interest of hegemonic elites. The society then becomes one that upholds the values as the ruling class and these values inherently become the values of the people within the society. This was posited by Antonio Gramsci, an Italian journalist and politician who suffered at the hand of the fascist dictator that ruled Italy in 1937. He also writes that inequality exists as people are led to believe that it is inevitable. He also credits religion as the most important forms of metal control; as it teaches people to seek reward in heaven and not equality on earth. They were inclined to bear the inequality on earth as they believed that one day they would be rewarded in heaven. Another principle of Marxism that remained is the idea that only socialism had to be treated as the only form of human organisation worth thriving for. This is imperative as it returns to the workers all the profits of their labour, as opposed to the capitalist system. In which the Bourgeoisie retains their profits for themselves; instead of allowing the proletariat to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Media fandom in American movies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Media fandom in American movies - Essay Example They also discuss their affection about the movies and build interpretive communities around a particular media. With reference to the numerous moneymaking takeoffs of Star Wars as a recap that such imaginative adaptation of science fiction motion picture and television are not, and maybe never were, limited to fan art, music, and literature. However, they have turn out to be a more and more central feature of how modern popular culture functions. In most cases, fan adoption and revolution of media content becomes relegated or mysterious, and it is regarded as a leisure activity. The hypothesis appears to be made that any person who would capitalize so much artistic and expressive energy into the mass culture products must certainly have a defect (Abercrombie and Longhurst 62). This paper takes its standpoint with an anterior motive and in support of the media fans who have revolutionize the media, as their cultural ways have proved as important factors in the digital cinema drive. If many supporters of digital cinema partake to democratize cultural inventions, to adopt mass resourcefulness by creating avenues for the implementation of media production and dissemination to an extensive segment of the public, then the fast explosion of fan-created Star Wars films possibly will embody a noteworthy early success story with regard to that association. Force Flicks, which is one of the databases for fan film creation, lists nearly 300 amateur-made Star Wars films presently in transmission on the web, and recognizes an even bigger number of similar works. There is an incredible assortment of theme, tactic, and quality embodied in this example of the existing state of unprofessional digital cinematography (Brooker 110). Some of the flicks have established massive trendy followings. For instance, the online book vendor, Amazon.com, announces that transactions â€Å"George Lucas in Love† were overtaking â€Å"The