Charge of the light brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson and Conquerors by Henry Treece Essay Example

Charge of the light brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson and Conquerors by Henry Treece Paper Charge of the light brigade is a poem written by Alfred Lord Tennyson. The queen appointed him Poet Laureate and so therefore this poem is very patriotic and describes the soldiers as heroes and doesnt go into detail about how they died and doesnt use gruesome details because hes trying to keep the moral up. Conquerors though is the opposite. It is a poem written by Henry Treece who was actually in the war and he recollects when he came back from fighting and came across a small abandoned village where he illustrates the destruction of war and how it affects innocent people. Therefore this poem highlights the negative impacts and is propaganda against the war. Charge of the light brigade is about the Crimean war in southern Russia and it outlines both the heroism and obedience of the troops but also the stupidity of war. He wrote this poem for people to remember this famous event but also not to forget the lessons that should be learnt from it, the destruction of mistaken orders. But also to boost the moral and letting people at home know whats going on. He did this by writing the poem as a ballad with simple stanzas, with simple language with regular rhyme and rhythm. In the first few lines of the first verse the phrase half a league is repeated three times one after another because it gives the image of galloping on horses which is what theyre doing. On lines 4 and 8 there is also repetition of the phrase rode the six hundred. The six hundred being the soldiers and therefore emphasising how many lives went to waste. On line 6 Tennyson uses speech Forward the Light Brigade! We will write a custom essay sample on Charge of the light brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson and Conquerors by Henry Treece specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Charge of the light brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson and Conquerors by Henry Treece specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Charge of the light brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson and Conquerors by Henry Treece specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Charge for the guns! as though an order was being given out showing you what itd be like being there and showing the soldiers trusted their officer and did what he said. And then on line 7 it tells us they are riding into the valley of death, which shows they were doomed from the start and had no hope. The command Forward the light Brigade! is repeated at the start of verse 2 to show that the officers were confident of what they were doing unaware they were wrong, maybe thinking themselves better then who they were. Tennyson then asks the question Was there a man dismayed? to show the loyalty and obedience of the soldiers giving them respect because they were ignorant of what was going to happen. Tennyson then tells us that someone has blundered showing that a mistake had occurred and that things were wrong. Even though a mistake had been made the soldiers do not question their orders, and this is shown on lines 5-7 where it writes Theirs not to-make reply, theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die. This then gives the soldiers respect and insults the generals for leading others, not themselves to death, but also shows the honour of the soldiers that they are willing to die for their country. When the men reach the valley it claims there was a cannon to the right of them, cannon to the left of them, cannon in front of them, which creates suspense in that they were out numbered and were doomed. Then the pace of the poem increases with strong verbs such as volleyed, thundered, stormed and boldly and that also creates noise and havoc. There is also alliteration on line 5 Stormed at with shot and shell and strong metaphors jaws of death, mouth of hell that emphasises how terrible war was but doesnt highlight the gruesome parts. In the first few lines of the forth verse the word flashed is repeated and so gives the effect of lots of movement and everything is chaos. Tennyson also uses the word sabre meaning a broad sword and that shows the date of the poem. Tennyson describes the Light Brigade as sabring the gunners there and that shows that the British had swords whereas the Russians had cannons, indicating it wasnt a fair fight but also how terrifying it must have been for the soldiers realising someone had made a mistake. On the eleventh and twelfth lines Tennyson delicately and subtly describes their death by writing Then they rode back, but not the six hundred. This doesnt bombard us with facts or figures of how many soldiers lost their lives but just claims that not everyone rode back, so as to keep the moral up because he was writing to be patriotic as a Poet Laureate. Verse 5 is very similar to verse three in that exact lines are repeated cannon to the right of them, cannon to the left of them but in the third verse it tells us there was a cannon in front of them but the difference in the fifth verse is that there was a cannon behind the m this then shows us without telling that the soldiers are now fleeing and have turned around. The verse also uses past tense such as fought, which tells us theyre not fighting anymore and changes the lines into the jaws of death, into the mouth of hell from the third verse, into came through the jaws of death, back from the mouth of hell that shows they are returning. In the final verse Tennyson is very complimentary about the soldiers, asking, When can their glory fade? which is patriotic, and tells us to honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade. This then indicates we should honour the soldiers but not war, for the soldiers were just told what to do and should not be blamed for their own death. The last line is then patriotic to end the poem with Noble six hundred again praising the soldiers but saying nothing of the generals and therefore boosting moral and making people want to join the forces not because they wish to die but to have a life to be proud of and people to honour them. Conquerors is a memory of the poet, and the atmosphere of the poem is subdued because it tells us of the negative aspects of war. The poem differs then in the way that the first poem Charge of the Light Brigade deals with the war going on at the time and how we should be patriotic whereas Conquerors describes the aftermath and how we should deal with the consequences. The poem has no regular rhyme or rhythm for otherwise it would take the focus away from the sombre atmosphere and the message it is trying to convey. In the first line it tells us by sundown we came to a hidden village and that portrays that theyve been travelling all day and maybe a few days on their way back from war. It writes the air was still which is a contrast from war which theyve just experienced, and no sound met our tired ears not only shows us the men are tired but also how loud the war must have been and how it would have strained the ears and so they are going from extremes. Treece then uses onomatopoeia to describe the surroundings such as drip and swinging and also pathetic fallacy to mirror the soldiers feelings blackened trees, broken pane, drip of rain. Treece then describes a dead bird in a rusting cage, which highlights the destruction war caused on innocent victims such as this bird. It then tells us they hurried through the weed-grown streets, which is not only descriptive but shows they didnt want to stay and see all the destruction they had caused by fighting or winning the war and to see what had happened because of them, and making them feel guilty so enjoying the success of their conquest but poignantly ignoring the consequences for success heroism and winning are perceived as virtues whereas death destruction and upset as sins, but in a war situation these virtues and sins are inevitably intertwined to such a degree to make them in separable, and as the poem here points out, different eyes will see or ignore different parts. This feeling of this part of the poem is quite different to that of Lord Tennyson due to the fact that the writer was involved in the horrors that he was writing and was concerned in the reality of war and not the glory of it. Then it goes on to say that a gaunt dog started up from some dark place, this illustrates the dog isnt used to visitors and again the harm war had caused on innocent animals because it was so thin and Treece also uses a simile to show how important this is; legs as thin as sticks. Then proclaims it shambled. into the wood, to die at last in peace and that outlines how the dog had suffered if death was better than living. The next line no-one had told us victory was like this is probably the most important line of the poem, for it is the message of the poem and it is why Treece wrote it. It is enlightening us of the destruction winning a war causes and because we won the war the problem becomes our responsibility. For at the time you do not think of anything else and you are ignorant of side effects. On lines fifteen and sixteen Treece exposes that not one amongst us would have eaten bread before hed filled the mouth of the grey child and this presents that the soldiers didnt want to cause this suffering even though they did because they fought, but were oblivious to what was happening to non-fighting citizens. The last line there was not one who did not think of home gives you an idea that the men are not only homesick but also hoping nothing as devastating as this has happened at their home, to their families. The poem ends gloomily trying to make you think about the negative aspects and dire consequences of war but also that war doesnt just end when the fighting stops but leaves a dark shadow of suffering for a long time after. And the title Conquerors uses irony in that conquerors usually springs happiness to mind but this poem shows what people do to become conquerors. Here then we have two very different poems, but with the same subject because they were written for two different reasons. Charge of the Light Brigade being written by the poet laureate is patriotic and meant to promote high moral whereas Conquerors is written by Treece who has experienced the horrors first hand and wants to make people more aware of wars consequences.

Free Essays on Statue Of Liberty

The Construction of the Statue of Liberty The construction of the Statue of Liberty began in France in 1875 by sculptor Auguste Bartholdi. He was commissioned to design a sculpture that would be completed by 1876. It was not finished until June of 1885.The Statue was a joint effort between America and France. The American people were to build the pedestal, and the French people were responsible to build the Statue. It was to be assembled in the United States. (Pickin, 208) Lack of funds became a problem for both America and France. The French used public fees and various forms of entertainment. Gounod, the famous composer, wrote a song to the statue which he presented at the Paris Opera. In the spring of 1878 a lottery was organized to help with the funds. There was a law in France that permitted lotteries for charitable and artistic causes. The Statue of Liberty qualified under both of these. It was soon discovered that the statue would cost much more than they first thought. The final cost of approximately $250,000 was completely contributed by the French people. The French government did not have to aid in the construction of the statue. In America, the proposal to construct the statue reached the United States even before the Franco-American Union issued its appeal for funds in 1875.A committee was appointed in September 1876 to secure funds for the pedestal. The committee was appointed by the famous Union League Club in New York. John Jay served as the chairman. A similar committee was established in Philadelphia. The United States held theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions and prize fights to assist in providing the needed funds. The fund raising was going very slowly, so Joseph Pulitzer who is noted for the Pulitzer Prize, used his newspaper, â€Å"The World† to help the fund raising effort. Pulitzer publicly criticized the rich for failing to finance the pedestal construction and he Blair 2 criticized the middle... Free Essays on Statue of Liberty Free Essays on Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty was the idea of two frenchmen who admired America's freedoms, and although Lady Liberty was their brainchild, it was, in fact, really a gift from the people of France who funded it by through private donations. Lady Liberty has welcomed millions of immigrants from around the globe. She was give with the hopes of celebrating universal freedom and she has served her purpose well. Lady Liberty is commonly percieved to be a joint Franco-American Conglanoration, but in fact, has roots that are much older. The simple tale is that the generous French offered Liberty as a gift, honoring America's cherished ideals of freedom and opportunity for all. The true circumstances, of course, were much more convoluted. The idea for the Statue of Liberty first took hold of the imagination of its sculptor, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, during a dinner party at the home of Eduoard-Rene Lefebvre de Laboulaye, a French intellectual and activist who hoped to sponsor an enormous monument that might serve as propaganda against the conservative leaders of the then shaky French government (Trachtenberg, 28). Bartholdi had always wanted to create a colossal, awesome structure, and Laboulaye named him to create what Laboulaye envisioned as an powerful political lever for shaping French government and society. The first conversations with Laboulaye occurred in 1871, more than fifteen years before the Statue of Liberty would actually stand within New York Harbor. A lot of arm-twisting for funds took place in the meantime, along with two trips to the United States, and a variety of differing sketches for the statue. At the sametime, Laboulaye managed to rise quickly to prominence within the French government, pushing an amendment through the chambers of parliament that essentially called for the establishment of republican status for France. The result: the Third Republic. To fortify their regime, Third Republic leaders strongly advocated the... Free Essays on Statue Of Liberty "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door." Lady Liberty greeted millions of immigrants as they arrived in the New World and continues to greet millions of tourists from around the world each year. While the Statue of Liberty is as much as an enduring symbol of New York City as the Empire State Building, Broadway or Central Park, it's also one of America's primary symbols of freedom. Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design a sculpture with the year 1876 in mind for completion, to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. The Statue was a joint effort between America and France and it was agreed upon that the American people were to build the pedestal, which was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, and the French people were responsible for the Statue and its assembly here in the United States. However, lack of funds was a problem on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. In France, public fees, various forms of entertainment, and a lottery were among the methods used to raise funds. In the United States, benefit theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions and prize fights assisted in providing needed funds. Meanwhile in France, Bartholdi required the assistance of an engineer to address structural issues associated with designing such as colossal copper sculpture. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel was commissioned to design the massive iron pylon and secondary skeletal framework which allows the Statue's copper skin to move independently yet stand upright. Back in America, fund raising for the pedestal was going particularly slowly, so Joseph Pulitzer (noted for the Pulitzer Prize) opened up the editorial pages of his newspaper, "The World" to support the fund raising effort. Pulitzer used his newspaper to critic... Free Essays on Statue Of Liberty The Construction of the Statue of Liberty The construction of the Statue of Liberty began in France in 1875 by sculptor Auguste Bartholdi. He was commissioned to design a sculpture that would be completed by 1876. It was not finished until June of 1885.The Statue was a joint effort between America and France. The American people were to build the pedestal, and the French people were responsible to build the Statue. It was to be assembled in the United States. (Pickin, 208) Lack of funds became a problem for both America and France. The French used public fees and various forms of entertainment. Gounod, the famous composer, wrote a song to the statue which he presented at the Paris Opera. In the spring of 1878 a lottery was organized to help with the funds. There was a law in France that permitted lotteries for charitable and artistic causes. The Statue of Liberty qualified under both of these. It was soon discovered that the statue would cost much more than they first thought. The final cost of approximately $250,000 was completely contributed by the French people. The French government did not have to aid in the construction of the statue. In America, the proposal to construct the statue reached the United States even before the Franco-American Union issued its appeal for funds in 1875.A committee was appointed in September 1876 to secure funds for the pedestal. The committee was appointed by the famous Union League Club in New York. John Jay served as the chairman. A similar committee was established in Philadelphia. The United States held theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions and prize fights to assist in providing the needed funds. The fund raising was going very slowly, so Joseph Pulitzer who is noted for the Pulitzer Prize, used his newspaper, â€Å"The World† to help the fund raising effort. Pulitzer publicly criticized the rich for failing to finance the pedestal construction and he Blair 2 criticized the middle...

Critically discuss the relationships between tourism and leisure Essay

Critically discuss the relationships between tourism and leisure behaviour, and the implications of these relationshipsfor the understanding and management of tourism - Essay Example The concept of ‘away from home’ has been constructively exploited by the enterprising entrepreneurs to lay the foundation of tourism which has now become a huge emerging new industry in the contemporary environment of globalization. Thus the intrinsic but evolving relationship between the tourism and leisure behaviour of the people has become the one of the most challenging business goals of the contemporary society. Leisure and recreation were not an option in olden times but the industrial revolution of the nineteenth century had brought about sweeping changes in the workplace, providing people with more time and improved lifestyle and was motivated towards recreational activities, involving family and friends. Alfred Llyods says ‘leisure ... is a pressing problem of the day†¦ if the new leisure in amount and importance be what it has appeared to be and if, as might be inferred, the mingled danger and opportunity of it be at all in proportion, then is civilization entering upon an adventure for romantic characters, for need of wisdom and imagination and courage far exceeding anything in the past’ (Lloyd, 1922: 171, 172). Indeed, the leisure time is important part of recreation. Bertrand Russell argues that ‘mans true life does not consist in the business of filling his belly and clothing his body, but in art and thought and love, in the creation and contemplation of beauty and in the scientific understanding of the world’ (Russell and Russell, 1923: 50). The House of Lords had also acknowledged that ‘it should make one or two hours a week available for leisure’ (House of Lords Select Committee on Sport and Leisure, 1973: xii). But Roberts challenge the perception of leisure when he says ‘Are we verging on a golden age of leisure or threatened by a wilderness of boredom?’ (Roberts, 2006: 18). Leisure times and holidays have always held a special charm for the young and the old alike. Krippendorf (1987)

Presentation Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Presentation Critique - Essay Example The introduction did, however, set up the presentation well and give some general themes that would be explored better further in the presentation, though one thing I would have liked to see would be some explanation of context (a power outage that affects a huge area vs a small area, or home vs office etc.) The content was good, though some parts of it were more disjointed than was necessary. The introduction gave some topics that would be discussed, but some of these were either missing in the presentation (such as how to stop equipment damage) or else not clearly correlated with those introductory ideas. However, all content presented was on topic, appropriate and effective. This was one of the weaker areas of the presentation. Some of the visuals were good (the lightning one, for instance) while others seemed very out of place: the â€Å"Key to success† visual was both off topic (equating success to money, which was not really what success is in terms of power outages), while also being low resolution and overly

What Social Factors Can Contribute To Mental Illness?

What Social Factors Can Contribute To Mental Illness? A mental illness is a psychological abnormality of an individual, and significantly affects the individuals emotional stability. There are different types of mental illnesses with different degrees of severity such as; depression, anxiety, eating disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder and personality disorder. When a person develops a mental illness, emotions can be so overwhelming that they develop an inability to cope with everyday activities such as: work, socialising, and maintaining a relationship. In extremity, people who suffer from depression may find it difficult to physically care for themselves, or leave their home. The less common mental illnesses may involve psychosis; these include bipolar mood disorder and schizophrenia. People experiencing these types of psychosis lose their sense of reality, feelings and the world surrounding them. A psychotic episode may involve delusions and/or hallucinations which can confuse or threaten the individuals peers. (Sciencemus eum.2012) This essay will explore the social factors that can contribute to mental disorders, it will analyse the three dominant theories: the stress theory, social structure theory and the labelling theory. It will explore each theory in turn and look at the research, assumptions and criticisms. The sociological approach looks at the environmental or social factors, which are external to an individual. It suggests that, these factors can cause an overwhelming stress; leading to a breakdown in mental health. (Horwitz Scheid 1999:121) The stress theory is derived from the notion that when social stressors are accumulated, mental health problems are more likely to occur. The term stress or stressors was introduced in the mid 1930s by a physiological researcher, Hans Selye. When using these terms it is meant that stress is anything that causes the body wear and tear. Selye used laboratory animals to experiment; the stressors he used were extreme hot and cold temperatures, overcrowding of the animals in cages, and electric shocks. (Horwitz Scheid 1999:122). This experiment showed that when animals are exposed to such stimuli, they show three stages of reactions known as general adaptation syndrome (G.A.S). The first stage of reaction was flight or fight, the animal becomes aggr essive and ready to fight or retreat from the threat. In the second stage, the animal reacts with resistance; regaining equilibrium, it continues to combat the effects caused by the stress. The final stage is exhaustion; the bodys ability to defend itself becomes depleted leaving the individual more susceptible to infection or disease. Selye experiment proved a link between prolonged exposure to stress and illness. In the years to follow the research began to focus on the effects of stress in humans and social stressors (mainly major life events) (Horwitz Scheid 1999:122) Researches regarding major life events were carried out by Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe. They defined major life events as: external changes which occur in peoples lives and require them to make major psychological adjustments. They proposed that increased amounts of readjustments could cause exhaustion of the ability to cope; this would cause the person to be at a higher risk of illness. Holmes and Rahe devised a life events checklist with 43 life stresses that may cause a person to make adjustments. The checklist was named the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) Each event on the checklist was called a Life Change Unit (LCU), with a different weight for each type of stress. The more events the patient added up, the higher the score became. The higher the score meant the larger the weight of each event; this made the individual more likely to become ill. (McLean Link 1994:162) The checklist allowed social researchers to determine whether being exposed to social stressors coul d cause a breakdown in a persons health. The problems with Holmes and Rahes SRRS are that there were many major life events missing from the list, such as: exposing ones homosexuality and losing custody of a child. It also assumes that both positive and negative life events cause behavioural adjustments, leading to overtaxing ones ability to cope. Later research found that negative life events had a more severe impact on individuals psychological health than positive life events. (Ayers.S 2007:131). After years of research into the mental health effects of stressors, considerable variations have been found. There are three dominant approaches to explain these variations. The first approach looks at the stressor itself and examines its characteristics. When looking at the characteristics of the stressor and familiarising with Holmes and Rahes SRRS, there is a clear indication of the difference in the severity of affect for negative life events. Each event can vary in how stressful it is or how it affects a person emotionally; this is because of the differences in their desirability, predictability, controllability or their magnitude. (Thoits 1983:33-103) Research shows that the undesirable or uncontrollable events are the ones which have a greater detrimental effect. (Ibid). Although the first approach was originally designed to categorize the different ways that stressful situations effect people psychologically, what it actually helped to do was establish that different types o f stress manifest in different ways. For example, work or family based issues, effect people differently to financial problems or illness. Furthermore, the different characteristics of each instance in life alter how it affects the mind. So, the timing and circumstances surrounding a life event make a difference to how a person copes and any long term effects it will have.(Ibid). In contrast, the second theoretical approach focuses on the characteristics of the person who is experiencing the stressor. Variations in the effects of stressors, is a function of variations of a persons vulnerability or how they react to stressors. There has been a lot of research on coping and social support. When a person is dealing with negative stressors they rely upon social and personal characteristics, also known as coping resources. (Perlin Schooler 1978:2-21) The social and personal characteristics can be found in an individuals social network, this is where the individual will seek emotional or practical support. Such support systems can raise a persons self esteem, and help them to stay in control. Research examines to what extent individuals or groups vary in how much personal or social resources they possess e.g. self esteem, mastery and social support.(Ibid) The research indicates that the more of these resources people have, the greater the negative impact of stress ful life events are buffered. Overall, the studies carried out for this approach signify that people who have strong coping resources and have access to functional, structural and emotional support have the advantage of being able to tackle the psychological consequences of stressors, easier than those whom do not have personal or social resources.(Ibid) Lastly, the third theoretical approach attributes variations in psychological harm caused by stressful life events to variations in the larger social context surrounding stressors. Advocates of this approach argue that when an event or strain occurs, the social circumstances are important for explaining variations of their psychological effects. This is because they form the personal meanings and emotional significance of the stressors. Blair Wheaton (1990:209) shows that; a role loss such as divorce is often less distressing to individuals who have experienced a lot of marital stress, than for those who have a less stressful marriage. A similar study by Deborah Umberson (1987:306) indicates that widowhood brings more depression to people who suffer from household and financial strain than those who do not experience these stressors. The stress theory is well suited for the purpose of explaining why lower class people are more likely to have a mental illness than middle or upper class people. (Horwitz Scheid 1999:128) However, the theory is non specific for example, it does not explain how some groups are more susceptible to certain disorders than other groups such as: depression and anxiety are mostly experienced by women, and men are more susceptible to anti social disorders. (Ibid) Furthermore, this theory does not apply to all mental disorders such as psychoses: a very complex and serious disorder, which is better explained by biological explanations or ones childhood socialization. Price et al (1988) show experiments which indicate that interventions which alter an individuals coping strategy and offer social support and encouragement, do reduce negative emotional reactions to major life events. Therefore, the stress theory is a promising tool for administering mental health interventions. (Horwitz Schei d 1999:129) A blanket term used to describe more specific sociological theories regarding mental illness etiology is structural strain theory; which looks at the broader organizations of society and finds the basis of distress, and where some groups are at a disadvantage when compared to others. (Ibid) A useful example of structural strain theory is Mertons (1938) anomie theory; this theory attempts to explain criminal behaviour, rebellious behaviour, addictive behaviour, as well as mental illness. Merton uses the American society to explain his theory, he argues that the American culture highly emphasize how wealth and success are the most important values an individual can posses. They are taught that the highest goal in life is to strive for success, with education being the key means to achieve economic success. Mertons assumption is that most people agree that education is the most legitimate route to achieving success. There is a majority of the society who unfortunately have their means t o success blocked. (Horwitz Scheid 1999:130)These groups live in neighbourhoods which are poor and lack school facilities and competent teachers. Thus, they lack encouragement, preparation and funding for progression onto higher education. This causes class and race based discrimination within the schools and the workforce, leading to a defeat in efforts made to succeed when attempting to follow the legitimate paths.(Ibid) Mertons use of the term anomie describes a gap between the desire to be financially successful and the means of entry to acceptable education or employment. He argues that individuals who experience the gap will adapt by changing their goals or looking for alternative means. Merton described 5 adaptive responses, which are; conformity, ritualism, innovation, retreatism and rebellion (Morine.N:2009). The people who conform follow rules shared by the cultures goals, and carry out legitimate means to achieve them. Even if they are doubtful that their efforts will pay off. Ritualists give up on achieving success. However, they continue to behave in a socially acceptable manner; for instance working steadily in a job with low income and low prospects. The conformist and ritualist do not cause society many problems. Whereas, the innovator, retreatists and rebels cause major problems for society. (Ibid)This is because: innovators give up on success, but they still desire wealth and use ille gitimate means to achieve it such as; committing fraud or tax evasions. Retreatists also give up on success and retreat from the world surrounding them into substance abuse or become mentally ill.(Ibid) Rebels use threatening behaviour to achieve success, they reject socially acceptable goals and create new goals with new ways of achieving them such as; being involved in riots or social movements (Ibid). The main point of this analysis is to show how mental illness is a reaction to environmental demands and the result of an individuals legitimate pathways being blocked; due to the hierarchical or structure of society causing a disadvantage for some social groups. (Ibid) Most structural strain ideology of mental illness suggest that, macro strains in social and economic systems can cause increased rates of mental illness for certain groups. (Horwitz Scheid,1999:131) Emile Durkheim (1897) analyzed the social factors which can cause suicide; he found that the distributions of suicide within and across societies were unequal. Durkheim argued that the social integration of groups and societies differ. People are bound together by the balance of shared norms. These norms regulate a persons passion and maintain the ties to one another; in order to prevent unreasonable behaviour from acts of passion or emotional impulses. If a society is too weakly, or too strongly integrated, or are subjected to rapid changes it can cause conditions of structural strain. There are two main assumptions of this theory; the first is that, minority groups, women, the poor, unmarried people and the elderly are all at a socioeconomic disadvantage.(ibid) The second assumption is that high rates of mental health breakdowns are caused by the socioeconomic disadvantage. In comparison to the stress theory, the structural strain theory is better suited for explaining that mental illness is not distributed randomly in society, rather it is closely linked to socially or economically disadvantaged groups of society.(Ibid) It conveys that, the structure of society itself could contribute to the epidemiology of mental illness. The stress theory does not fully capture this idea and biological and psychological theories bypass it altogether. The disadvantages of the structural strain theory are that, structural theorists do not present how the broad social structures and socioeconomic trends are actualized in individuals lives. They also tend to give priority to econom ic factors and disregard other large scale changes such as, poor quality family relationships (absentee fathers, increased divorce rate and child or spouse abuse) which could affect mental health. (Horwitz Scheid 1999:132) Therefore, it is unclear of how the macro social trends cause psychological distress. It is not only socioeconomic disadvantage that are sources of stress, but interpersonal relationships can also be a contributing factor. It is interesting to note that, the structural strain theory has the same basis as the stress theory. The concept that the stress theory is essential to support the structural strain theory makes this theory weak.(Ibid) The societal reaction theory (labelling theory) is similar to the structural strain theory in the sense that they both offer a unique sociological explanation for the cause of mental illnesses; it is often referred to as the radical sociological explanation. The fundamental idea of the labelling theory is how the identity and behaviour of an individual can be influenced by how they are described and categorized by others in the society. (Pilgrim Rogers 1999:13) The theory looks at the linguistic tendency of a majority to negatively label those perceived as deviant from the shared norms, and is connected with the idea of a stereotyping and self-fulfilling prophecy. As a use of phenomenology, the theory speculates that the labels which can be applied to an individual can influence their behaviour. In particular, the application of stigmatizing or negative labels such as: criminal can promote deviant behaviour and therefore becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Consequently, the labeling theory assumes that social deviance can be prevented by using a social shaming reaction and replacing moral anger with tolerance.(Ibid) The labeling theory has been closely linked to the mentally ill. In 1966, Thomas Scheff published his writings: Being Mentally Ill. Scheff questioned the common perceptions of psychological disorders by declaring that mental illness is exhibited entirely as a result of societal influence. Scheff disputed that society perceives certain behaviour as deviant, and certain expectations are then placed on the individuals. Over a period of time this will unconsciously alter the individuals behaviour; in order to fulfil the expectations. The criteria given for different mental disorders are not always filled by the people who are diagnosed with them just because they all suffer from the same disorder. Scheff believed they are simply fulfilled due to the mentally ill being led to presume they are supposed to conform and act in a certain manner and eventually they do. (Pilgrim Rogers 1999:14) Scheff received multiple criticisms for his theory; the most notable critic is Walter Gove. (Pilgrim Rogers 1999:15) Gove has frequently argued an almost opposite of his theory; he feels strongly that society has very little influence on mental illness. Instead, he argues that any societal perceptions of people who are mentally ill are derived as a result of the individuals behaviour. Goves ideology is that, the mentally ill behave uncommonly due to their disorders, so they come to be treated as being different. Most of the sociology theorists view labeling and mental illness between the extremes of Scheff and Gove. It is difficult to deny, given both research findings and common sense; that perception society gives to crazy people has had a detrimental effect on them. Realistically, it seems that labeling can accentuate and perpetuate a mental illness. However, it is rare that it is the complete cause of the symptoms. (Ibid) Each of the sociological theories can be integrated. For example, structural strain theories have indicated that risks for certain social groups are created by the way in which societies are organized. (Horwitz Scheid 1999:137) The stress theory can assist in helping to bridge the gap between micro and macro structure, by giving an explanation of how structured risks are actualized as stressful events in peoples lives(Ibid) Also, the stress theory suggests that accumulation of strains and life events can overwhelm an individuals psychosocial resources and their ability to cope; thus leading to mental illness. This is similar to primary deviance in the labelling theorys terms. (Ibid) In conclusion, there has been a lot of research to prove a link between sociological ideology and mental illness. The stress theory proves how the more an individual is subjected to major negative stressors; the higher risk they have of psychological breakdown (flight or fight). Also, it indicates how an individuals coping resources can assist with overcoming psychological breakdowns (resistance) and lastly, how overwhelming exposure to stressors can cause exhaustion and a breakdown of an individuals mental state (exhaustion). (Horwitz Scheid 1999:122). The structural strain theory focuses more on society as a whole and determines which groups are more susceptible to mental illness. Groups of low social status, living in poor and disadvantaged areas are more susceptible to unemployment, being victims of crime etc and are more likely to become involved in illegitimate means to success or mental illness. (Horwitz Scheid 1999:130) The labelling theory then explains how the individuals who suffer from mental illness as a reaction to overwhelming stressors and/or being disadvantaged due to hierarchical or societys structure are then stigmatized and unfairly stereotyped. (Pilgrim Rogers 1999:13) It also shows a link that those who receive the label find it difficult to remove the label and often causing the individual to become entrapped with no other choice but to act in the way that they are meant to. (Ibid)

Free Things They Carried Essays: Women in Vietnam :: Things They Carried Essays

The Things They Carried: Women in Vietnam In the book The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien gender stereotypes of women who fought in the Vietnam War are represented through some of the short stories. One short story in particular is "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong" which describes a woman who participated in the Vietnam War and went beyond some of her gender roles that were placed on her. In this war women had certain roles they had to fulfill with many of them being non-traditional ones. This paper will discuss the concept of Cultural Studies in literature about the Vietnam War. Women in the Vietnam War had numerous roles they had to fulfill both physically and mentally. For example in the story "Sweetheart of the song Tra Bong" the character Mary Anne is flown down by her boyfriend to Vietnam. She is dressed in "White culottes and a sexy pink sweater" which is very traditional for a woman (O'Brien 90). Right of the bat the men were attracted to her and was especially liked when she wore her cut-off blue jeans and a swimsuit top that was black (95). In this instance she was representing a traditional feminine role in her dress and her actions. Traditionally women the war were nurses, Women worked for the Red Cross or worked in other types of medical facility. Also you found women who were on the Clerical staff and who were Support Personnel. Only on a few occasions did you find a woman who actually fought in the war. Two women from another source stated that "Women served alongside men in that sink-pit of War." Some roles women had were non-traditional. In the same story that was represented in the preceding paragraph Mary Anne show some of her own non-traditional roles. She becomes very fond of military paraphernalia and even blackens her face with charcoal and carries around an M-16 (102). Her hygiene also becomes second hand. "No cosmetics, no fingernail filling. She stopped wearing jewelry, cut her hair short and wrapped it in a green bandana"(98). Here she is taking on masculine features and her feminine ways are forgotten. Mary Anne also starts staying out late, and once even does not come in until the next day. Some nights the men would go out and look for her, and her boyfriend even accuses her of sleeping with other men, because of her awkward ways. Free Things They Carried Essays: Women in Vietnam :: Things They Carried Essays The Things They Carried: Women in Vietnam In the book The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien gender stereotypes of women who fought in the Vietnam War are represented through some of the short stories. One short story in particular is "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong" which describes a woman who participated in the Vietnam War and went beyond some of her gender roles that were placed on her. In this war women had certain roles they had to fulfill with many of them being non-traditional ones. This paper will discuss the concept of Cultural Studies in literature about the Vietnam War. Women in the Vietnam War had numerous roles they had to fulfill both physically and mentally. For example in the story "Sweetheart of the song Tra Bong" the character Mary Anne is flown down by her boyfriend to Vietnam. She is dressed in "White culottes and a sexy pink sweater" which is very traditional for a woman (O'Brien 90). Right of the bat the men were attracted to her and was especially liked when she wore her cut-off blue jeans and a swimsuit top that was black (95). In this instance she was representing a traditional feminine role in her dress and her actions. Traditionally women the war were nurses, Women worked for the Red Cross or worked in other types of medical facility. Also you found women who were on the Clerical staff and who were Support Personnel. Only on a few occasions did you find a woman who actually fought in the war. Two women from another source stated that "Women served alongside men in that sink-pit of War." Some roles women had were non-traditional. In the same story that was represented in the preceding paragraph Mary Anne show some of her own non-traditional roles. She becomes very fond of military paraphernalia and even blackens her face with charcoal and carries around an M-16 (102). Her hygiene also becomes second hand. "No cosmetics, no fingernail filling. She stopped wearing jewelry, cut her hair short and wrapped it in a green bandana"(98). Here she is taking on masculine features and her feminine ways are forgotten. Mary Anne also starts staying out late, and once even does not come in until the next day. Some nights the men would go out and look for her, and her boyfriend even accuses her of sleeping with other men, because of her awkward ways.

Rashomon Essay

In the 1950’s Japanese crime, mystery, and drama film, â€Å"Rashomon†, directed by Akira Kurosawa, provides not only a number of intuitions into the human mind, but while doing so, is also able to question the nature of truth itself. The story unfolds in different and unexpected ways that gives one interesting arguments on the nature of truth, human weaknesses and trust. Akira Kurosawa’s tells the story of a murder. It flashes back to the murder four times and the story of the murder is told by a different character each time, while three of them tell their reasonable though completely incompatible versions of the story. By the usage of music, specific camera shots, and the scenery this film not only makes one think about truth, but most importantly if humans can survive without it. Akira Kurosawa’s first flashback within a flashback was the woodcutter who claimed to the authorities that he founded the dead body in the middle of the woods. He first begins by telling his version of the story to a commoner; as this flashback takes place many suspicions are being made. As the flashback begins it starts with a shot of the sun moving west through the cracks of branches and leaves above, then back to him walking through a knot of trees and bushes. The scenery is gray, dark, and gloomy; the melody while he walks is being played repeatedly by drums, oboes, and pungi. Just by these first analyses made in the woodcutters’ first flashback one can tell that he might be lying. There are four shots being shown of leaves and branches moving against clear skies in different directions and between each of those four shots it shows him walking through the woods in circles. The meaning of these shots and the repetitiveness of the melody might indicate that the woodcutter was lying about how he had found the dead body; he was trying to figure out a way of making the story sound reasonable by using the â€Å"It was a beautiful sunny day and I was walking through the woods to chop some wood† type of story line. † The woodcutter was basically just lost in his own lie. Furthermore, the woodcutter coming upon each of the objects while taking his â€Å"everyday stroll† made it even more believable to the authorities because it seemed as if he was â€Å"a regular woodcutter taking his usual path The woman’s version of the story was quite different from the woodcutters, obviously because she was the â€Å"victim†. The way she is portrayed in her own flashback is innocent, abused, and not cared/loved by her husband anymore. After the bandit took advantage of her and she tries to run towards her husband, she looks like a bright white dove trying to run to her savior. However, once the bandit pushes her to the ground the scenery turns dark and he rushes out through the dark woods. When the woman and samurai are alone, the woman just cries her eyes out as a sign to the authorities that she has been hurt and did not do anything to deserve this. Furthermore, when the woman is face to face with her husband, she looks at him; her eyes start to get wider and she starts to back away slowly as if he was a monster. His face is shown as serious, shadows hit his face, and he is still. That is when the woman backs away even faster and slowly covers her face with her hands. Kurosawa’s purpose here was probably to picture her as if she was trying to hide behind a mask because she knows she was lying, but did not want to tell the authorities what really happened. When she goes back up to her husband, after she ran to get a dagger, they look at each other once more and she insists for him to kill her, yet he just stands there. Once that occurs the scenery turns dark and her face becomes hit by shadows and fright. She begins to wobble around in front of her husband with a dagger pointing at him; this shot is probably to be shown as if her husband was a mirror, so basically she is looking at her reflection, which in this case is her husband who in her story is delineated as a monster and finally gets rid of â€Å"it† by killing him. After the woodcutter admits to the priest and the commoner that he had witnessed the crime, no one had any trust in him anymore. Just as all seems dreary and hopeless, a baby appears behind the gate. The woodcutter redeems himself and humanity in the eyes of the troubled priest, by adopting the infant. The infant is a sign of hope and a new beginning and once he adopted the infant the rain, the confusion, the dark and gloomy scenery all vanished. Each person can see the same event, but perceive the details of the event differently. As stated by the commoner, â€Å"Who’s honest nowadays? Everyone wants to forget nasty things so they invent different stories, it’s easier† (Rashomon). In this case the woodcutter knew the truth but did not tell the authorities because he was scared they would have blamed him as a uspect and he did not want to get involved. On the other hand the woman actually told the authorities that she had stabbed him. Nonetheless, she lied because she did not want them to know that a pure, noble woman surrendered to the love of a bandit and would stay with whoever won a duel between them. Today in a trial it would be very difficult to know, b ased solely on eyewitness accounts, just what is the truth. Akira Kurosawa’s way of portraying these flashbacks to each character created the viewers to believe their lies. However, the scenery, the shots taken, and the music of each individual give an idea as to who is lying; such as, the woodcutter who’s lie were portrayed when he walked through the forest for a long time before getting to his point, and the woman who cried to make them believe she was innocent of her own actions. It is difficult to forget the truth, but easier to cover it. Everyone should always tell the truth; even though, if you are a suspect. Without honesty people that are supposed to be punished for their crimes aren’t; they are just let free to wonder off and commit some other felonies.