Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Fidelio - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 520 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/07/30 Category People Essay Level High school Topics: Ludwig van Beethoven Essay Did you like this example? Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Fidelio was Beethoven’s only opera. It was composed over 10 years (1805-1814), and is known as a Rescue Opera and Romantic Opera. The opera tells a story, which is composed of two acts. The story takes place in Seville, Spain (16th Century). Florestan, in the opera, was a politician. He tries to expose the corruption that Pizarro had been involved in. However, Pizarro sends him to the dungeon for a false charge. Leonore, who is Florestan’s wife, attempts to get him out of the dungeon. So, she becomes, â€Å"Fidelio†. She dresses as a man and becomes the jailer’s (Rocco’s) errand boy. She gains confidence from working for him for two years. However, Rocco’s daughter falls in love with Fidelio. Later in the Oprah, Pizarro wishes to kill Florestan secretly, because he finds out that the Minister of Justice (who inspects injustice) would inspect the jail. Pizarro then orders for a grave to be dug and as a result, Fidelio helps Rocco dig such grave. Fidelio, at her time at the prison, has been looking for an opportunity to actually save her husband and has also been looking for him. She finally discovers that the physically and emotionally worn out man in the dungeon was her husband. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Fidelio" essay for you Create order Pizarro attempts to kill Florestan by stabbing him, however, he is disrupted by Fidelio who finally comes out to him about her true identity. Thankfully, the Minister of Justice arrives at the prison and is more than ecstatic that his dear friend, Florestan was alive and not dead. Upon hearing about what Pizarro had done to Florestan, the Minister had him arrested and freed Florestan. The couple was then blessed by the Minister. Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most widely recognized and admired composers in the history of Western music. He served as a bridge between two musical periods, the Classical and Baroque era styles. He also admired the Romantic style as his music would come to personify it. A virtuoso pianist, Beethoven impressed with his fierce individualism and determination in where patronage was still what everyone followed. Although Beethoven didn’t completely abandon patronage, he usually only wanted to like and please his own self. At a point in his life he became deaf, but still, keep performing and creating music. Instead of his deafness hurting his composition, his music style only sparked upon realizing he would become deaf. This would lead to some of his admired pieces, including his last three Piano Concertos and the immortal Fifth Symphony. This deafness made Beethoven take his Classical style and bring it to create a lot of emotional highs and lows, extending the symphonyâ₠¬â„¢s length, a different color palate, and new dynamic levels, he also involved trombones in his lasts works. By the end of Beethoven’s works, dying in 1827, he had become the â€Å"ultimate fusion composer,† taking the best of the classical and Baroque eras and sending it to as said before, a new dynamic, instrumental, and levels of emotional extremes that would define the Romantic era of music in the 19th Century.

Federal Regulation Over National Curriculum And Testing Essay

The education system in the United States could definitely use some serious changes. As of now, what we are doing is not producing the results it should and it would seem that it is time for a change. But the last thing this change should be is a federal regulation over national curriculum and testing, if anything, that would increase the current problem. There are numerous issues with the current education system to be addressed. One of the main focuses will be on its lack of concerns for students’ lives and how much they are truly affected by the education they receive. As well, some possible solutions to be considered for the future of this country’s education because staying on this path won’t lead to any improvements. Problems with the Current System As a nation the United States ranks twenty ninth in the world for education. Certainly not the worst, but as such a developed country that claims to be the best, shouldn’t it be higher? Spending on education in America is still low despite the improving economy and it was discovered that â€Å"34 states are contributing less funding on a per student basis than they did prior to the recession years† (Lynch). Teachers, as a whole, lack respect throughout the country. And despite the increase in graduation rate, â€Å"less than half† (Lynch) are truly prepared for secondary education and life in the real world. All these issues, and many more, stem from our current education system: a push by the federal government for nationallyShow MoreRelatedThe Education System Of The United States1174 Words   |  5 Pagesbudget from state and local are not enough, and year after year, many are getting cut. Schools are desperately in major need for additional funding, and they gladly utilize these federal funds as much as they can. Once federal funding is accepted to help these schools, so come the high standards and expectations. The use of Federal funding creates high stake environments, that effect students and teachers differently. With these high expectations for standardizing test scores, teachers are promised largeRead MoreDiscovering the Relationship between the Law and My School Essay1154 Words   |  5 Pagesstandards as curriculum adoption, testing and establishing standards, free and appropriate public education, determining where students can attend school, but nothing as a big litigation against the school. Also, it is addressed the differences in legal framework of public and private schools, and many other aspects of law that particularly relates the working of schools, and the evaluation in the evolution of the legal systems of U.S.A over the past few years. Location of the Federal District CourtRead MoreThe Three Year Planning Will Include A Swoc / T Analysis829 Words   |  4 PagesSWOC/T analysis are curriculum, learning and teaching, assessment and results, extracurricular activities, financial resources, staffing, staff skills and abilities, and school character and school culture. External factors include political, legal, and economic factors, central and local educational changes, demographic and socio-cultural trends, technology, and other providers. The industrialization of teaching, in other words imposing standardization and high-stakes testing and limiting teacherRead MoreThe Nclb s Testing Policy1344 Words   |  6 PagesThe NCLB’s testing policy has led to unethical behaviors from school administrators and teachers. One form of the behavior is cheating on standardized tests. â€Å"School administrators [are] erasing incorrect responses on students’ answer sheets and substituting correct answers; teachers [are ]allowing more time than test instructions require; [and ]teachers [are] supplying students with hints about which answers are correct; and test preparation sessions using test items† (Spring, 2010. 233). To giveRead MoreThe Problem Of The Decline Of Education1251 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper will examine the problem of the decline of education in the United States. The paper will first discuss how the education system works and how it has declined over time. It will also address the consequen ces of the decline of education and the effects it will have on children. Next the paper will discuss three policy solutions of the problem of the decline of education in the United States. The paper will first explain each policy solution. Then it will analyze the pros and the cons, andRead MoreJunior Reserve Officer Training Corps848 Words   |  4 Pages2015 Alpha Company PVT/2 100 Years of JROTC Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) First came to exist in 1916 as part of the National Defense act. The Mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to become better citizens and I know ever since I started JROTC that s just what I have done. Over the years JROTC has changed and evolved a lot over the years and i am proud to say that i can be part of an organization like JROTC. Before 1967 the amount of JROTC programs was limitedRead MoreThe Education System Of Education1728 Words   |  7 Pageshigher standards for grade school students. With No Child Left Behind as a tool the federal government could pinpoint how students were coming along in their education. The government was given the ability to measure how on track or how far off track state’s students were. After figuring out where the students fell on the spectrum, a goal could be set for the students aiming toward success. Lastly, with the help of federal grant money to each state the students of that state would have a greater chanceRead MoreEffect of Nutrition on Academic Performance895 Words   |  4 Pageson Academic Performance RGS6035.E2 - Chapter 1 Kurt Cornett Amberton University Effect of Nutrition on Academic Performance Every year millions of tax dollars are spent on school nutrition programs all over the United States. Legislators across the nation lobby for coordinated school health programs and place increasing emphasis on student nutrition. Television commercials remind kids to eat a balanced diet and food products aimed at students are everywhereRead MorePresident George Bush s No Child Left Behind Act Of 20071263 Words   |  6 PagesPolitics have made up a large part of public education in the United States of America since Anglo-Saxons came over from Europe. The effects that politics and governmental policies have had on public education have been evident throughout the history of the United States and are still apparent today. Beginning with assimilation and acculturation in the 17th century and continuing on to programs such as President George Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the Mississippi Healthy Students ActRead MoreAnalysis Of No Child Left Behind1368 Words   |à ‚  6 Pagesof students in the United States. Historically, â€Å"education (has been) primarily a state and local responsibility in the United States† (The Federal Role in Education 2017). This is why the exact wording of â€Å"accountability, flexibility, and choice† is used in the thesis statement of the act. It is there to reinforce precedent and calm any fears of Federal overreach. But most importantly, the emphasis is on closing the achievement gap, the main focus of the act. This is because, while the gaps have

Database Management System for Properties -myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theDatabase Management System for Properties and Customers. Answer: Entity relationship Diagram Business rules and Assumption Business Rules The following set of business rules are used for the development of the ER diagram of CQ Insurance. Maintaining a policy set for the CQ insurance for recording the details of the customer and their property details Maintaining the details of the customers and using different tables for properties and customers Details of the enrollment and the policy used as reference during the insurance claim. Assumptions For the development of the entity relationship diagram the following assumptions are made such as: A customer can have one or more property that are eligible for insurance For claiming insurance the customer should enroll into a policy One or more policy can be handles by an insurance agent Logical Design For the creation of the logical design the entity relationship diagram is mapped such that all the relations are kept in third normal form. The relations are provided below: Customer (Customer_ID [PK], Name, Address, Email) Properties (Property_ID [PK], Location, Details, Customer_ID [FK]) Home Item (Item_ID [PK], Description, Market_Value, Property_ID [FK]) Policy (Policy_number [PK], Details, Start_Date, End_Date, Duration) Policy_Enrollment (Policy_ID [PK], Customer_ID [FK], Policy_Number [FK], Item_ID [FK], Property_ID [FK], Policy_Date) Insurance_Agent (Agent_ID [PK], Agent_Name, Email, Contact_Information, Salary) Claims (Claim_ID [PK], Policy_ID [FK], Customer_ID [FK], Agent_ID [FK], Claim_Date) Bibliography Al-Masree, H.K., 2015. Extracting Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) from relational database schema.International Journal of Database Theory and Application,8(3), pp.15-26. Yoshizumi, T., Kirishima, T., Goto, T., Tsuchida, K. and Yaku, T., 2016, July. A graph grammar for entity relationship diagrams. InIndustrial Informatics (INDIN), 2016 IEEE 14th International Conference on(pp. 810-815). IEEE.

The First Reconstruction A Revolution Essays - Reconstruction Era

The First Reconstruction: A Revolution? Many people will argue that the social and political changes in the period between 1860 and 1877 culminated in a revolution. This time period, known as the First Reconstruction, made many advances in equality for Blacks in voting, politics, and the use of public facilities. The lawmakers of the time were however unable to make adequate progress in advancing economic equality; therefore Blacks didn't completely escape their original plight. This should not be considered a revolution because its results were quickly reversed when former confederate leaders and other bigots reclaimed the power of legislation in the South. The First Reconstruction was a result of the Civil War and lasted until 1977. The political, social, and economic conditions after the war helped define the goals of lawmakers during the Reconstruction. Congress now had to decide on how they were going to address such topics as; Black equality, rebuilding of the South, admission of southern state to the Union, and deciding who would control the government. In the south the newly freed slaves wandered the countryside and the white population was devastated due to their loss in the recent war. The south was also devastated economically; plantations were destroyed, railroads torn up, their labor force gone, and cities were burned. In the post Civil War era there was a struggle for the power, each with their own ideas on how the country should go about in the reconstruction process. First, the Southern Democrats, a party made up of former Confederate leaders and other members of the aristocracy, strived to end the perceived control of the North over the South. They also sought the reinstitution of slavery under a different name, Black Codes. These codes would provide a cheap labor force to the plantations by limiting the rights of Blacks to move, vote, travel, and change jobs. Second, Moderate Republicans wanted to obtain a policy of reconciliation between the South and the North, but also insure that slavery would not be reinstated. Third, a group of Northern politicians who were strongly opposed to slavery, unsympathetic to the South, wanted protection for the freed slaves, and wanted to keep their majority in Congress formed the Radical Republicans. Andrew Johnson has to be considered the fourth political el ement of the time due to his unpartisan views and actions. Johnson's only apparent goal was unification of North and South. The Radical Republicans surfaced as the country's dominant political party and with the majority in Congress they set the goals for reconstruction. Their initial goal for reconstruction was to prevent slavery from again rising in the South. They thought this could be accomplished by passing the Thirteenth Amendment, which outlawed slavery. However after the passage of the amendment, Southern Democrats counteracted with the Black Codes that reinstated slavery in all but name. Both Moderate and Radical Republicans reacted to the Codes with expansion of the Freedman's Bureau to include the protection of Blacks from such codes and laws. Apparently going nowhere in their pursuit of the complete abolition of slavery, the Radical Republicans changed expanded their objectives to include political equality and suffrage. These new goals were established for two reasons, Northerners were siding with the Southern Blacks in increasing numbers but also because the Radical Republicans saw an opportunity to gain the votes needed to all but insure their continued majority and keep the Southern Democrats out of office. Although the extension of suffrage to the Black man worked fairly well it did not give the Black man any real power. The number of offices held by Blacks was far from proportional to the number of Black voters. And those Blacks who did manage to get into a political office usually owed it to an alliance that hindered their effectiveness as an office holder. The Reconstruction leaders overlooked the fact that if the Blacks were unable to gain economic equality they would quickly become mere serfs in the Southern plantation system. More importantly without property it would be extremely difficult to defend the rights granted to them in the Reconstruction Period. There were several plans proposed to grant economic equality to the Blacks, including one that if implemented, would seize property from rich Southern Landowners and redistribute

Was the birthplace of Canada at Vimy Rigde

buy custom Best Practices for Students with ADHD essay

buy custom Best Practices for Students with ADHD essay Recommendations for Future Practice Academic success is mostly a function of behavior in the school environment and other environments such as home environment. It is, therefore, important to treat each case individually and make recommendations based on specific cases. This research focused on the academic success of ADHD students and the interventions done in the past. The researcher encountered problems and limitations and came up with recommendations for future research areas as outlined in the section above. This section discusses possible practices that can be employed in future research in an attempt to resolve the issues and limitations of this study. The recommendations for future research are as follows: It is recommended that future research should take into consideration the level of cognitive development of students. The researcher acknowledges that past research described in this paper did not consider the intelligence quotient (IQ) of the subjects. Past research has made the assumption that learning ineffectiveness for ADHD is performance rather than an aptitude problem (DuPaul White, 2004). Therefore, special assessment should be carried out among students and subjects to determine their academic ability and their cognitive ability. Future research should seek to identify how cognitive ability affects the academic achievement of the students. They should also seek to find out the different levels of intelligence quotient of the students with ADHD as compared to normal students. It is recommended that future practice should consider behavior in other environments (DuPaul White, 2004). Past research has shown that academic ability is a function of behavior. The research has also shown that behavior varies with environment and the intensity of reinforcement. It is important to note hat behavior and environment interfere with each other. This means that school-based intervention programs will only succeed if other environment intervention programs, like home and social environments, are implemented concurrently. In the future, researchers should study how reinforcement of behaviour in other environments affects the school-based intervention program. They should also seek to provide recommendations on how behavior reinforcements in all environments should be performed to make the school-based intervention successful. Future practice of the research should allow involvement of parents in the school-based intervention program. Future research should also endeavor to give parents intervention tools to reinforce the school-based intervention program. It is recommended that future researchers should consider other types of ADHD in their research (DuPaul White, 2004). There are three types of ADHD namely ADHD with inattentiveness as the predominant symptom, ADHD with hyperactive impulsive behavior being predominant, and ADHD with a high degree of all behaviors being present. Future research should seek to identify and group their subjects according to the types of ADHD. This is because the intervention measures taken on the students do not seek similar outcomes for the different types of ADHD. Future research should identify their subjects weaknesses in academic achievement based on their behavior type. They should also seek to come up with intervention measures tailored to meet the specific problems of each type of ADHD as opposed to measures that address ADHD as a singular behavior. It is also recommended that future researchers should identify the secondary implications of the intervention program especially where medication intervention is concerned (DuPaul White, 2004). Researchers should not only focus their attention on results related to acaademic achievement, but should also focus on the implications of their intervention measures on other areas of life of the subject. Behavior intervention may affect their neurological balance, thus causing subjects to experience headaches or other behavioral symptoms such as withdrawal. Researchers should document their overall findings and well-being of the subject not just in academics abut also in social relationships and health. Furthermore, it is recommended that future researchers should widen their research to deal with intervention measures of reinforcing positive attributes of the subjects. The fact that ADHD students have learning complications does not mean they do not have other talents and abilities (Mehl-Madrona, 2001). Future research should seek to identify talents of their subjects and base their intervention program on the them. ADHD students should be encouraged to develop their talents and to use their abilities in dealing with their academic performance. Researchers should find out how talents and abilities of their subjects affect their learning abilities. Researchers should also seek to identify how reinforcement and encouragement of their talents can influence their learning abilities. Finally, future researchers should encompass physical intervention measures in the school-based program research. ADHD students experience hyperactivity disorder, thus it is difficult for them to stay in one place for a long time (Mehl-Madrona, 2001). This inevitably reflects on the level of their academic achievements. For this reason it is important for researchers to enlarge their studies to include measures of dealing with physical movement aspect. Future research should endeavor to identify the implications of physical activity on the learning ability of the subjects. They should seek to identify how physical activity stimulates cognitive ability and behavior reinforcement. Buy custom Best Practices for Students with ADHD essay

How the Hop Hop Music Culture Spread Into Eastern Countries Essay

How the Hop Hop Music Culture Spread Into Eastern Countries - Essay Example Underground hip hop artists and various rappers and â€Å"hip hopsters† began recording and distributing music across America. Though hip hop/rap music was not considered mainstream American music, the artists and their investors were making profits off marketing the â€Å"underground† releases. Such underground artists include, The Sugar Hill Gangs's 1979’s "Rappers Delight† and â€Å"King Tim III’s Personality Jock† by the Fat Back Band (See Appendix #1 and #2). With underground hip hop and rap music spreading like wildfire throughout the Unitied States of America, it would soon prove to be no surprise that the controversial hip hop/rap music would soon be intorduced into mainstream American music. Its introduction would prove to be nothing short of extraordinary, triggering controversial and mixed emotions among America’s youth, parents, and of course, churches. The introduction of hip hop/rap into mainstream American music will neve r be forgotten, leaving countless mass media and personal stories of the adjustments to the revolution (See Appendix #3). The Induction of Hip Hop Music into Mainstream American Music A New York hip hop group called Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay is accredited with introducing hip hop music into mainstream American Music during the early 1980s. Because any type of change is controversial, the introduction of the hip hop genre was no exception. The new style and genre was for the most part, â€Å"clean-cut†, unlike much of the underground music that had been circling the nation during the 1970s. Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay didn’t rap about drugs, sex, or violence; instead, they rapped about normal teen life and the joys... This "How the Hop Hop Music Culture Spread Into Eastern Countries" essay outlines the phenomenon of hip-hop music's popularity. A New York hip hop group called Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay is accredited with introducing hip hop music into mainstream American Music during the early 1980s. Because any type of change is controversial, the introduction of the hip hop genre was no exception. The new style and genre was for the most part, â€Å"clean-cut†, unlike much of the underground music that had been circling the nation during the 1970s. Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay didn’t rap about drugs, sex, or violence; instead, they rapped about normal teen life and the joys of being a part of America’s youth (Bessie Cherry, 2008). They were the â€Å"good guys† of rap, you could honestly say (Bessie Cherry, 2008). In an interview with Letter Press Publications, Darryl McDaniels told Bessie Cherry, Executive Director of Communications for Letter Press Publications, that Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay’s goal for introducing rap into mainstream American music was to positively unify our youth, not to divide or destory it with lyrical adorations pertaining to sex, drugs or violence. McDaniels said that he is most certainly disappointed in how rap music has evolved and does not approve of the lyrics of so many of today’s American artists and the hip hop industry (Letter Press, 2008). â€Å"Several of today’s multi-million dollar production and networking alliances, are signing and promoting artists whose lyrical themes solely project sex, violence, death and destruction.

Successfulness of the canadian environmental protection act Essay

Successfulness of the canadian environmental protection act - Essay Example On October 23, 1987, the bill passed second reading. After third reading and extensive amendments by House of Commons Legislative Committee, the bill passed as an Act that respects the protection of the environment and human life and health. Introducing the Act was a legislative initiative aimed at invigorating the insipid federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process (EARP).Proposed as a bill by the then Minister of Environment, Tom McMillan, CEPA perceived as federal government of Canada’s effort to firmly establish that it is federal government’s obligation to integrate environmental safety aspects in all of its projects planning and implementation. Therefore, federal government ensured that no policy, program, project, or legislation should proceed without adequate analysis of its potential environmental consequences (UNEP, 1999, p.48). Considering the scope and complexity of changed made after review in 1990s, reviewers decided to repeat the practice in seven years. The objectives for assessment were to review the implementation process, and the extent to which it is proved effective in achieving its prime objective-protecting human health and environment. First Reading Version of 1999 mandated for review in seven years, the final version mandated a reduced time period of five years (Standing Senate Committee on Energy, 2008, p.1). In order to determine CEPA’s success, Environment Canada and health Canada considered four years of implementing CEPA and attributed it as an essential part of the complex regime of inter-related laws, policies, and institutions which guarantee adequate and comprehensive management of threats to human health, life, and environment. This complex regime incorporates federal, provincial, territorial, Aboriginal and local governments, judiciary, industry, and civil society in addition to other national or international organizations (Environment Canada and Health Canada, 2004, p.4). Despite the short time of its implementation and continuous review, in a 2005 web based public response primarily echoed the need of better implementation and enforcement of CEPA, 1999.Several practitioners across Canada and different sectors had a general perception that CEPA, 1999 is primarily a sound piece of legislation which does not require any substantial amendment in its content in order to ensure effective and continuous protection of human health, life, and environment. However, many believed that, generally there is more to be done when it comes to effectively implementing the law in order to ensure that the legislation is tapped to its full potential by taking actions swiftly and reducing risks involved (Versteeg as cited in Standing Senate Committee on Energy, 2008, p.3) According to Standing Senate Committee on Energy(2008,p.3) it is argued that the lacking will to implement and enforce the CEPA, and lacking resources for implementation and enforcement are the major areas of concern that und ermine the effectiveness of CEPA environmental protection regime. It is also argued that resources and time for legislative review of CEPA should not be taken from those allocated for implementation

Digitalization if school materials, good or bad Essay

Digitalization if school materials, good or bad - Essay Example Digitalizing education helps students to understand lessons better, and eventually success comes with it. Digitalization of school materials is very advantageous because it helps students to understand better, makes it much easier to follow their works, grades and gives them a vision.   Firstly, teachers teach better with the help of digital world with introduction of teaching aids such as smart boards, as before there were only normal blackboards for teaching purposes in classes. Teacher could write something and they could erase that written sentences during the class time. However, today much more things can be done with smart boards in the classroom setting. Write a sentence to a smart board and it first understands the sentence, and then translates it in to different languages. You can save what is written on the smart board that day and open them again. Opening an image or graphic about the class topic is also usual thing and it helps students understand better (Panjwani et.al 9). Smart boards have enhanced teacher to teacher collaboration across same schools or in different districts. Notes that are saved in smart boards can be shared across the board for content analysis and discussion. Traditional teaching models require teachers to meet in board rooms and use notebooks to present their cases. This is a tiresome affair as it involves the cost of reproducing the notes for all the teaching staff to have copies. With the use of electronic readers and smart boards, everyone can access notes stored digitally. Lesson plans can be shared among teachers in a department with the touch of a button (Green 19). Smart boards and electronic readers share information between the teacher and students during lessons. This improves the effectiveness of teachers in passing knowledge to the students (Blackboard 9). Newly employed teachers can access information from their mentors, and adapt to their new roles in

String Quintet

String Quintet I. A Proposed Analysis of the String Quintet in F If the only thing Bruckner had ever written for string instruments had been the slow movement to his string quintet, his reputation would have been secured for all time. The entire work is so admirable that it is hard to believe that its creator had little familiarity with string chamber music. Though true, it is hard to credit that Bruckner did not know Beethovens late string quartets at the time he wrote this work. Its harmonies are quite unique and characteristic of Bruckners love of harmonic seconds and half tones. As a result, the intonation is at times quite difficult to get right but even amateurs need to overcome these so as to make the acquaintance of this magnificent work. The first movement, Gemà ¤ÃƒÅ¸ig, entirely avoids the usual Allegro mood one expects to find in a first movement. The plastic main theme is full of yearning and developed at great length until the entrance of the lyrical second theme, which conveys almost unimaginable bliss. The second movement, Scherzo, is highly syncopated though here, as opposed to its appearance in his symphonies, it is gentler and has a melancholy, contemplative mood to it. The trio section is closely related to the old-style minuet though it is full of feeling. The aforementioned slow movement, Adagio, takes one directly to heaven. This is music of affirmation and there is no sense of resignation to an inevitable and unwished for fate. The tonal color is quite unique, especially when the cello falls silent. The main theme of the finale, Lebhaft bewegt, has a staccato motif over an organ-like underpinning. The slower delightful second theme is a real piece of Austrian folk music and the variations on it are very pleasing.[1] Above is a useful aesthetic and dimensional introduction to the String Quintet in F, as expressed by the prominent German musicologist Wilhelm Altmann, who lived between 1862 and 1951. A facsimile of the 1926 Universal Edition miniature score of the quintet is included as an appendix, and it is suggested that one experiences both the score and its realisation before engaging with the content of this thesis. It is not the purpose here to provide a rigorous analytical discussion, however, what follows is a proposed structural overview of the four movements of the work, which will be followed by a detailed examination of the Adagio. Moderato (F minor) 1 98 Exposition 1 72 Primary Subject Group 73 98 Primary Subject Group 99 170 Development 171 273 Recapitulation and Coda Scherzo (D minor) 1 62 Vivace 63 82 Pià ¹ lento 83 119 Vivace Trio Pià ¹ lento 120-159 Da Capo 1 119 Vivace- Pià ¹ lento -Vivace Adagio (G flat minor) 1 18 Primary Subject Group 18 34 Transition I 35 56 Secondary Subject Group 57 66 Transition II 67 82 Simultaneous Recapitulation/Elaboration of Primary Subject Group 83 138 Simultaneous Recapitulation/Elaboration of Secondary Subject Group 139 167 Simultaneous Recapitulation/Elaboration of Primary Subject Group 167 173 Coda: Tonic (G flat minor) consolidation by restatements and dominant implications Finale (D flat minor à   F major) 1 16 Primary ‘Quartet Theme (Vivace) 17 32 Contrapuntal Quintet Theme (Im Tempo etwas nachgebend) 33 70 Cantabile Theme (Langsamer) 71 108 Agitato imitative theme 109 114 Simultaneous Recapitulation/Elaboration of Cantabile Theme 115 158 Synthesis and Elaboration of all themes 159 195 Recapitulation of Primary ‘Quartet Theme and concluding fff cadential flourish ~ According to Leopold Nowak, the third movement of the String Quintet in F, the Adagio, was composed between 10 and 31 March 1879.[2] Initially, I will establish how the Adagio functions by means of interaction between the five solo instruments, through a detailed examination of Bruckners treatment of structure, thematic material and harmony throughout the movement, in addition to his exploitation of the quintet idiom. In the following chapter, ‘III. Historical Reception and Criticism, I will engage with a spectrum of critical assessments of this particular movement, considering value judgements based on symphonic or chamber expectations, or indeed both. Timothy L. Jackson has documented how throughout his career ‘Bruckner considered sonata form to comprise of essentially two (rather than three) large spatial units, whereby the exposition is one element and the development and recapitulation together form the other.[3] Bruckner, according to Jackson, referred to the development and recapitulation of the opening movement of Symphony No. 9 in D minor (1894) as ‘the second part, or ‘2. Abtheilung.[4] Table 1, overleaf, displays how the Adagio convincingly functions as a two-part movement. In harmonic terms, Bruckner creates a divide between the respective sections by travelling further from the tonic and its mediant, which form the basis of the first section, to keys such as D minor and E flat in the second section. The thematic treatment in the respective sections further supports the notion of two-part division in the Adagio, with thematic material being presented in an original context between bars 1 and 66,[5] but with the juxtaposition of recapitulation with regeneration, or development, throughout bars 67 to 173. Table 1 Analysis Diagram Bar Reference Structural Position Structural Function Tonal Function Thematic Function 1 18 Section 1 Primary Subject Group Tonic (G flat minor) established (bar 13) Exposition of themes A (violin I, bb. 1-9) + B (violin I, bb. 10-12) 18 34 Transition 1 G flat minor à   B flat minor Link subject groups + consolidate B 35 56 Secondary Subject Group B flat minor consolidated (bars 56-57) Exposition of themes C (viola I, bb. 37-41), D (cello, bb. 51-4) + E (cello, bb. 55-7) 57 66 Transition 2 Tonic preparation (implied V7c at bar 66) Links Sections 1 + 2 and consolidates A 67 82 Section 2 Recapitulation/Elaboration of primary subject group Tonic (G flat minor) à   G flat major) Recapitulation and imitative treatment of A 83 114 Elaboration of Secondary Subject Group and Climax 1 at bar 107. Durchfà ¼hrung style modulatory passage. Concluding with D minor preparation (bar 114) Elaboration of Secondary Subject Group themes 115 138 Recapitulation/Elaboration of Secondary Subject Group and Climax 2 at bar 135 D minor initially, before Durchfà ¼hrung style modulatory passage at bar 138: E flat minor cadence Recapitulation combination, and contrapuntal treatment of themes 139 167 Recapitulation/Elaboration of Primary Subject Group and Climax 3 at bar 141 Tonic (G flat minor) Contrapuntal and sequential treatment of A and B 167 173 Coda Tonic (G flat minor) consolidated by tonic re-statements and repeated dominant implications (second violin) Derived from theme and accompaniment C. Diminished seventh leap and accompaniment reinstatements decrease William Caplin has argued that composers typically condense and adopt a lesser degree of formal and motivic complexity within slow movements, in order to limit duration. Thus they are ‘inherently simpler than other string quintet movements.[6] Although constructed in a binary fashion, Bruckners Adagio, in opposition to Caplins argument, includes the exposition (e.g. bars 1-18), elaboration (e.g. bars 83-114) and recapitulation (e.g. bars 139-167) of thematic material, revealing a full compliance with the fundamental procedures of sonata form as propounded by Arnold Schoenberg.[7] Thematic material from Bruckners exposition areas ( 1, bar 1, and 2,[8] bars 37-8) is presented in different tonal areas, in sequence ( 3,[9] bars 61-2), in inverted imitation ( 4, bars 99-101), and in progressive diminution ( 5, bars 169-73. Here the rising major sixth of 2 is progressively compressed in the second violin). Bruckners juxtaposition of thematic elaboration and recapitulation in the second section of the Adagio stands in parallel with the earlier quintets of Mozart, allegedly ‘the first to exploit fully the †¦ possibilities of the medium†¦ successfully and consistently.[10] For example, in the Adagio ma non troppo of the String Quintet in G minor, K. 516, Mozart excludes an independent developmental section, choosing instead to progress directly from the exposition (bars 1 37) to the recapitulation (bars 38 82). However, prefiguring the Brucknerian approach, Mozarts recapitulation features both the reinstatement and regeneration of material from both the primary and secondary subject groups, and thus manifests the integration of two elements of the sonata principle, elaboration and recapitulation. Hans Hubert Schà ¶nzeler has argued that Bruckner considered the traditional architecture and procedures of sonata form ‘a mere starting point, which he filled out, moulded and fashioned to suit his own particular requirements.[11] Schà ¶nzelers viewpoint can be confirmed by an examination of Bruckners formal construction in the Adagio. Table 1 refers to a sequence of three points of climax, at bars 107, 135 and 141 respectively. At bar 107 the inversion of a secondary theme (originally presented at bar 55) is presented strongly in the bass, whilst the remaining four voices have the same dynamic marking of fff. On the second quaver of the bar, when all five instruments are being played, the pitch range extends two octaves and a perfect fifth, which represents the greatest range thus far in the movement. At bar 135, whilst the pitch range (maximum of two octaves and a major third) and dynamic markings (ff) are less than before, the use of homophony to present the secondary theme maintains the climactic strength ( 6 bar 135, below). Finally, at bar 141 Bruckner recapitulates bars 14-34 climactically by means of an ff unison trill in the violins, whilst the lower strings play in dense homophony ( 7). The first beat of bar 141 contains the greatest pitch range in the entire movement, at two octaves and a major sixth. Bruckners use of a climactic sequence in the latter stages of the movement creates a sense of teleological progression. The thematic organicism central to sonata form is utilised to create a dramatic, linear gradient throughout the movement until the respective points of climax. In contrast to the resolution of tension associated with the traditional tonic recapitulation, Bruckners procedure creates an alternative region of arrival within the ‘Adagio. The reiteration (through a three-point succession) of climax, before the gradual dissipation of texture, dynamics and thematic significance throughout the final passage (bar 150 onwards), reflects Bruckners use of a climactic sequence in the latter stages of the movement to create a sense of apogee, as opposed to the traditional resolution. The adoption of teleological and motivically interactive compositional processes in the nineteenth century, with roots in works such as Beethovens fifth and ninth symphonies, was common. Ernest Newman has documented how the climactic region of the Prelude to Wagners Tristan und Isolde the two maximum points of dynamic, ff, which occur between bars 74 84 features motivic material directly derived from earlier in the movement.[12] In a similar fashion, Beethovens Allegretto ma non troppo from the Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101 reaches a teleological elaboration of the syncopated chord progression of the exposition codetta (see s 8 and 9).[13] By the time Bruckner was composing his string quintet, the positioning of musical climaxes became imperative to the progression of a movement. Notably, the climaxes of the Beethoven and Wagner examples above are positioned in close proximity at 83% and 76% through the Allegretto ma non troppo and the Prelude respectively.[14] Newman argues that ‘Wagner unconsciously obeys that natural law of structure that brings in the climax at a point about two-thirds of the time-distance between the beginning and the end.[15] In the Adagio of the String Quintet in F Bruckner positions the three points of climax at 62%, 78% and 82%, respectively. Interestingly, the first point of climax (bar 107) occurs at the ‘Golden Section, the Greek numerical constant of 0.6180 (4 d. p.).[16] This proportion, which has been widely cultivated by architects, artists and musicians, is manifest in works such as the De Divina Proportione (1509) of Luca Pacioli and Leonardo da Vinci, or reflected in the structural proportions of Debussys La Mer (1905),[17] and is believed to produce ‘harmonious proportions and maximise aesthetic experience.[18] The composition of three individual points of climax results in the creation of an extended climactic region, lasting almost a quarter of the Adagio, revealing the presence of a Schubertian ‘heavenly length, a musical device which allegedly interested and influenced Bruckner.[19] Simultaneously, Bruckner cleverly initiates his climactic passage at the point governed by Newmans ‘natural law of structure, but incorporates teleological prolongation by the sustaining positioning of the remaining two climaxes. Harmonic Analysis Similarly to Bruckners manipulation of the traditional thematic functions of classical form, harmonic relationships are exploited in order to enhance the linear progression. A detailed harmonic analysis of the first section reveals how Bruckner exploits the availability of a wide range of keys, such as E flat minor and B flat major (transition 1). Harmonic freedom is also signified by the use of a fluctuating B flat centre during the secondary subject group, through the Schubertian procedures of modal switches and tertiary relationships, and the more adventurous use of harmonic colouring found in the work of Wagner. Theme C, introduced by the first viola at bar 37, is emphatically diatonic and outlines an essentially triadic progression, accentuating the tension between the flattened and raised third degree. A simple presentation of the key areas explored in the secondary subject group and the second transition displays the remote key relationships employed by Bruckner. The implicati on of chromatic or Neapolitan relationships (e.g. the chord of Db major originating as the Neapolitan chord of C major) results in an expanded palette of key relations: bar 34 Bmajor/minor bar 51 C major bar 53 D major bar 57 B major/minor bar 61 Transition, preparing G major By employing distant and frequently fluctuating key relationships during the Adagio, Bruckner produces tonal instability, a tension-building device used by predecessors such as Schubert, and also Beethoven, in the Bagatelle, WoO 60 (1818) and Symphony No. 5 in C minor (1808), with the ambiguous (C minor/E flat major) tonal identity of its opening motivic gesture. Freed from the conventional assembly of harmony and thematic material, Bruckners formal approach to the Adagio can be comprehended through Dahlhauss definition of a schematic form one ‘sustained exclusively by the quality of the initial idea, the individual character of which compensated for the conventionality of the overall outline.[20] In the case of the Adagio, the ‘initial idea is the gradual, yet continuous, gradient of tension leading to the climactic sequence. [1] Handbuch fà ¼r Streichquartettspieler (Berlin, 1931) [2] L. Nowak, op. cit. [3] P. Hawkshaw and T. L. Jackson, op. cit. [4] Ibid. [5] With the exception of the two transitional passages (bb. 18-34 and bb. 57-66), in which thematic material is recycled to link subject groups and reinforce the primary subject group. James Webster (‘Sonata form, in L. Macy [ed.] Grove Music Online [accessed 01-12-08]) documents the traditional reuse of central thematic material in both codas and transitions. [6] W. Caplin, Classical Form (1998), 209. [7] A. Schoenberg, Fundamentals of Musical Composition (1967). [8] The conventional clef distribution, as in 1, will be assumed unless otherwise stated. [9] The clef distribution for this example is violin 1 and violin 2 (treble) and viola 1 (alto). [10] Cliff Eisen, ‘String quintet, in L. Macy (ed.), Grove Music Online (Accessed 01-12-09) [11] H. H. Schà ¶nzeler, Bruckner (1970), 75. [12] E. Newman, ‘The Prelude, in R. Bailey (ed.), Prelude and Transfiguration from ‘Tristan und Isolde (1985), 153 161. [13] Both s 8 and 9 are presented as piano reductions, with the conventional treble (upper line) and bass (lower line) distribution. [14] Percentages have been calculated in relation to the total number of bars per movement. For example, the Allegretto ma non troppo contains 102 bars. The region of climax is initiated with the crescendo mid-way through bar 84. Bar ‘84.5 as a percentage approximates to 83%. [15] E. Newman, op. cit., 153 161. [16] R. Tatlow, ‘Golden number [golden section], in L. Macy (ed.), Grove Music Online (accessed 01-12-09). [17] R. Howat, Debussy in Proportion: A Musical Analysis (1983). [18] R. Tatlow, op. cit. [19] G. E. Arnold and E. Agate, ‘The Different Versions of the Bruckner Symphonies, The Musical Times, 78/11 (1937), 17 20. [20] C. Dahlhaus, ‘Issues in Composition, in C. Dahlhaus (ed.), Between Romanticism and Modernism: Four Studies in the Music of the Later Nineteenth Century, trans. Mary Whittall (Berkley and Los Angeles, 1980), 44.

Water and Womanhood in Ancient Greece Essay -- Women in Marine Mytholo

In the times of ancient Greece, there were ample tales, myths, and legends surrounding the realm of the sea; many of which included fearsome beasts, epic struggles, and angered gods. There are tales of vengeance, spite, cruelty, and rage, but there are also those of understanding, compassion, helpfulness, and benevolence. When one subjects many of the more malevolent (and sometimes disturbing) tales to closer inspection, it becomes fairly evident that a great number of these stories use a feminine force in order to display the wraith of the sea and the sea gods or goddesses. In fact, many sea monsters are said to be female including Charybdis and Scylla (the horrors between which Odysseus and his crew must sail through the Strait of Messina), and the sea was often given a female personality and character traits. Ceto, particularly, was the feminine embodiment of the dangers which the sea held, and Amphitrite was one other powerful, feminine sea goddess. The connection between terrors of the sea and the female persona may not be presented with the utmost clarity right away; however, it is possible to use symbolic history, cultural normalities of the time, and a brief glance at the ancient Greek view of sexuality to help discover these mysteries. Symbols for water and womanhood have been known to coincide greatly, essentially since the beginning of the history of recorded symbols. The inverted triangle was an especially prominent emblem when it comes to this matter, as it was used to represent both the flow of water (or sometimes a cup, or chalice), as well as the shape of the female reproductive organs and genitalia. These similarities were not contained only to written symbols, but to rather more abstract symbolism as well. O... ...tainly made theirs far more interesting than many other cultures. Works Cited "Disaster Archaeology - Women in the Marine Mythology of Ancient Mediterranean Their Roles & Symbolisms - By:Dr. George Pararas-Carayannis and Dr. Amanda Laoupi." Disaster Pages of Dr. George PC. Web. . Symbolism between women and water Grimal, Pierre. The Dictionary of Classical Mythology. Oxford, England: Blackwell, 1985. Perseus Digital Library. Web. . Theoi Greek Mythology, Exploring Mythology & the Greek Gods in Classical Literature & Art. Web. . Used for collection of various primary facts Walcot, P. "Greek Attitudes towards Women: The Mythological Evidence." Greece and Rome XXXI.1 (1984). JSTOR. Web. Greek views of sexuality; cultural effects

Psychological Disorders and Therapy Essay

I. Introduction Schizophrenia is not only the most dreaded psychological disorder but also one of the most heavily researched. Some important new discoveries link schizophrenia with biological factors, such as brain abnormalities and genetic predispositions. Schizophrenia is one of the most heavily researched psychological disorders. Several factors have been proposed as causes of schizophrenia, from biochemical imbalances in the brain to faulty family relationships and socioeconomic environment. Although a great deal of interesting research has been carried out, to date no single factor has been isolated as the cause of schizophrenia. II. The Understanding and Search for Causes Schizophrenia a) Brain, Structure, Function and Abnormalities Recent advances in the measurement of brain structure and function have set the stage for comparing normal individuals with those suffering from schizophrenia. One brain-imaging technique, computer-assisted tomography, or CT scan, uses many low-energy X-rays of the living brain taken at a number of different points and integrated into pictures by a computer. Studies using this technique show that many individuals with schizophrenia have enlarged brain ventricles, compared to normal persons. Some researchers believe a link sexists between the enlarged ventricles and the lower frequency of alpha waves observed among individuals with schizophrenia. The idea that imbalances in brain chemistry might underlie schizophrenia has long intrigued scientists. Strange behaviors, they knew, can have strange chemical causes. The saying â€Å"Mad as a hatter† refers to the psychological deterioration of British hatmakers whose brains, it was later discovered, were slowly poisoned as they moistened the brims of mercury-laden felt hats with their lips (Smith, 2003). Scientists are beginning to understand the mechanism by which chemicals such as LSD produce hallucinations. These discoveries fuel hope that a biochemical key to schizophrenia might be found. One chemical key to schizophrenia involves the neurotransmitter dopamine. When researchers examined patient’s brains after death, they found an excess of receptors for dopamine (Wong, 2000). What is more, drugs that block dopamine levels, such as amphetamine and cocaine, sometimes intensify schizophrenia victims overactive to irrelevant external and internal stimuli. Modern brain scanning techniques reveal that many chronic schizophrenia patients have a detectable brain abnormality. Some have abnormally low brain activity in the frontal lobes (Cohen, 1999). Others, most often men, have enlarged, fluid-filled areas and a corresponding shrinkage of cerebral tissue (Andreasen, 2000). b) Genetic Factors A popular line of research in recent years has been the search for a genetic link in schizophrenia. Several approaches to the study of genetic relationships have been used. Overall, results of this research are consistent with a genetic basis for the disorder. For example, identical twins are more likely to share schizophrenic diagnoses than fraternal twins, whether the twins are reared apart or together. The greater the severity of schizophrenia, the more pronounced this relationship is. Furthermore, children whose parents both have schizophrenia are three times more likely to develop the disorder than are children with only one parent with schizophrenia, whether children are reared with their parents or not. Children who are reared by an adoptive parent with schizophrenia but whose biological parents are normal do not have higher rate of schizophrenia (Kestenbaum, 2001). The most convincing evidence for a genetic relationship comes from research showing a characteristic defect on c hromosome 5 among family members who have some types of schizophrenia (Sherrington, 2000). Naturally, scientists wonder whether people inherit a predisposition to these brain abnormalities. The evidence strongly suggests that some do. The 100-to-1 odds against any person’s being diagnosed with Schizophrenia become 10-to-1 among those who have an afflicted identical twin. Although there are only a dozen such known cases, it appears that an identical twin of schizophrenia victim retains that 50-50 chance whether they are reared together or apart. Adoption studies confirm a genetic link (Gottesman, 2001). Children adopted by someone who develops schizophrenia are unlikely to â€Å"catch† the disorder. But adopted children do have an elevated risk if a biological parent is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The genetic contribution is beyond question. But the genetic role is not so straightforward is beyond question. But the genetic role is not as straightforward as the inheritance of eye color. After all, about half the twins who share identical genes with a schizophrenia victim do not develop the disorder. Thus, behavior geneticists Susan Nicol and Irving Gottesman (2000) conclude that some people â€Å"have a genetic predisposition to the disorder but that this predisposition by itself is not sufficient for the development of schizophrenia.† c) Psychological Factors If, by themselves, genetically predisposed physiological abnormalities do not cause schizophrenia, neither do psychological factors alone. As Nicol and Gottesman report, â€Å"no environmental causes have been discovered that will invariably, or even with moderate probability, produce schizophrenia in persons who are not related to a schizophrenic.† Nevertheless, if genes predispose some people to react to particular experiences by developing schizophrenia, then there must be identifiable triggering experiences. Researchers have asked:   Can stress trigger schizophrenia? Can difficulties in family communications be a contributing factor? The answer to each question is a strong, clear maybe. The psychological triggers of schizophrenia have proved elusive, partly because they may vary with the type of schizophrenia and whether it is a low-developing, chronic schizophrenia, or a sudden, acute reaction to stress. It is true that young people with schizophrenia tend to have unusually disturbed communications with their parents. But is this a cause or a result of their disorder? It is true that stressful experiences, biochemical and abnormalities, and schizophrenia’s symptoms often occur together. But the traffic between brain biochemistry and psychological experiences runs both ways, so cause and effect are difficult to sort out.   It is true that schizophrenic withdrawal often occurs in adolescence or early adulthood, coinciding with the stresses of having to become independent, to assert oneself, and to achieve social success and intimacy. So is schizophrenia the maladaptive coping reaction of biologically vuln erable people? Most of us can relate more easily to the ups and downs of mood disorder that to strange thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors of schizophrenia. Sometimes our thoughts do jump around, but we do not talk nonsensically. Occasionally we feel unjustly suspicious of someone, but we do not feat that the world is plotting against us. Often our perceptions are distorted, but rarely do we see or hear things that are not there. We have felt regret after laughing at someone’s misfortune, but e rarely giggle in response to bad news. At times, we just want to be alone, but we do not live in social isolation. However, millions of people around the world do not talk strangely, suffer delusions, hear nonexistent voices, see things that are not there, laugh or cry at inappropriate times, or withdraw into their private imaginary worlds. Because this is true, the scientific quest to solve the cruel puzzle of schizophrenia continues. d) Environmental Stress Approaches to schizophrenia have not been exclusively biomedical. Even studies of identical twins show that more than half these pairs do not have share diagnoses of schizophrenia. Because they do share all genetic material, there must be environmental factors that also contribute to the disorder, either by protecting constitutionally vulnerable individuals or by precipitating symptoms of the disorder (Kestenbaum, 2001). One way of conceptualizing the relationship between the environment and schizophrenia is through the concept of stress. A stress hypothesis holds that individuals are genetically vulnerable to the disorder. III. Treatment Behavioral Therapy Voluntary behaviors are strongly influenced by their consequences. This sample fact enables behavior therapists to reinforce desired behaviors, while withholding reinforcement for undesired behaviors. Using operant conditioning to solve specific behavior problems is called behavior modification, a therapy that has raised hopes for some cases thought hopeless. Retarded children have been taught to care for themselves. Autistic children have learned to interact. People with Schizophrenia have been helped to behave more rationally on the hospital ward. Physical   methods or therapy This includes electroshock therapy and brain surgery. It consists of passing electric currents through the brain, producing convulsion coma. Psychoanalysis A procedure requiring that the patient and analyst meet for hour- long sessions several times a week for many months. During these hours the analyst helps the patient bring into consciousness the repressed conflicts that have caused the illness. If the treatment is successful, the patient learns realistic methods of dealing with conflicts. The technique of free association is an important part of psychoanalysis. The patient is encouraged to talk about whatever comes to mind, without regard to apparent relevance or propriety of the material. The analyst helps the patient to understand the meaning of this material. Patients develop resistance in their efforts to talk freely, and it is the analyst’s task to help them overcome such resistance. Resistances are usually associated with feelings of guilt in regard to fantasies about hostility, dependency and sexuality. IV. Conclusion Schizophrenia literally translated means â€Å"split mind.† Split mind refers not to a multiple-personality split, but rather a split from reality that shows itself in disorganized thinking; disturb perceptions, and inappropriate emotions and actions. The schizophrenia victim experiences an altered world. Minute stimuli, such as the grooves on a brick or the reflections of a voice, may distract attention from the whole scene or from the speaker’s meaning. Worse, the person may perceive things that are not there. Such hallucinations are (sensory experiences without sensory stimulation) usually auditory. The person may hear voices that seem to come from outside the head and that make insulting statements or give orders.   The voices may tell that patient that she is bad or that he must burn himself with a cigarette lighter or even commit murder. Less commonly, people see, feel, taste, or smell things that are nonexistent. Such hallucinations have been compared to dreams breaking into waking consciousness. When the unreal seems real, the resulting perceptions are at best bizarre and at worst terrifying.

The Old West - Myths and Reali essays

The Old West - Myths and Reali essays For many years, Hollywood has been filming many movies and popular TV shows that portray the life and experience of the Old West for what it was really not, heroically mythical and dangerously romantic. What were the proposes of Hollywood in filming many films about this popular subject of life and history? For the most part of it, Hollywood was romanticizing the life and experience of the Old West in their movies and TV shows. However, some movies like Tombstone, by George P. Cosmatos, are non-fiction, of real character names and of real events, but they still are largely romanticized by Hollywood. The portrayal of the movie Tombstone is very romanticized compared to how the Old West really was, Hollywood added romanticism to make it more interesting and to appeal to a larger number of audiences. Hollywood could have made the movie more realistic by following more of what life was really like in the Old West, many parts of the video were not portrayed as they really were back in th e Old West. The western film Tombstone, starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, was portrayed and romanticized by Hollywood as and adventurous and heroically mythical, non-fiction story about the life and experience of cowboys in the Old West. Although the characters and their life story in the Old West is non-fictional, the movie was romanticized by Hollywood as no more than a myth to how the life in the Old West was. The movie began with Cutting Bill Brosis, character played by Kurt Russell, killing a young newly wedded Mexican couple and a priest. He accuses the groom of killing a fellow cowboy, but what about the bride and the innocent priest? Why did he killed them? This event and portrayal of the cowboy was one of Hollywoods biggest mistakes, they portrayed the cowboys in the movie as fearless killers who kill for the fun of it. Doc, the drunkard character played by Val Kilmer, is also poorly portrayed in comparison to a real cowboy from the ...

Personal Values Statement Essays

Personal Values Statement Essays Personal Values Statement Paper Personal Values Statement Paper I had the privilege of taking an ethics class that asked me to list out what values were important to me. I thought Id share some of the things I wrote down and finish off with my personal mission statement. This essay will give you a unique insight into what values I find to be important. What is important to me? Service, integrity, and loyalty are very important to me. Service is a big part of my life and allows me to continue to hold myself to a higher moral standard. Integrity is one of the key values that pushes me to do what is right even when others are not coking. Loyalty increases the longevity of a relationship. What do I value? I value service, loyalty, integrity, accountability, courage, discipline, creativity and innovation. Creativity/limitation Being creative/innovative is thinking outside the box on many issues. Its challenging authority and figuring out why certain procedures are done the way they are. It allows me to be pro-active finding solutions to problems that need to be solved. I have been placed in many situations that have required me to think creatively to solve a problem. For example, on the battle field resources are limited and time is priority. I was placed in-charge of a crew that had to erect a guard shack in five days. Keep in mind the Marines estimated the project would take 3 weeks to complete. My crew and I pulled together some creative ingenuity and collected the resources we needed. We completed the project within three days. Creativity and innovation can ago long way and is a valuable asset to have in your box of values. Loyalty Loyalty is the devotion to commitments, others, and myself. It is the faithfulness to ones duty which may include friendship, organization, profession, religion or country. Morally strong loyalties do not undermine the loyalties of others. They are given freely and do not have expectations of receiving something in return. I exercise loyalty with family but most of all with my brothers in arms. I have had the chance to experience war and that crazy feeling of loyalty that you would do anything for the guy next to you. For example, while my team and I were in our work-up phase for manipulation we endured grueling life like battle scenarios. We were on a rooftop at night after we Just raided a building. We were under heavy simulation fire when a notional grenade flopped up on the deck of the rooftop. I noticed my corpsman tanning right next to it. Without thinking I pushed him out of the way and laid on top of it. With a team of 30 guys and only 1 corpsman out of the bunch, he was the most valuable asset. I believe I exemplified what loyalty was that night and my corpsman never forgot that moment. I had loyalty not only to him but to my entire team. If our corpsman were to get injured or end up a fatality it could be detrimental to the team. Discipline Discipline is the focused attitude of self-control that drives results. Discipline is the epitome of enduring and overcoming constant adversity that we deal with on a daily axis. In order to exercise the right discipline to be successful, we have to first accept total responsibility for ourselves and the situation. It is important to have the self- discipline to keep on track when only intermediate results are apparent. Discipline is a big thing in the military and is key to having a successful career. Every soldier, sailor, airmen, and marine is critiqued on their self-discipline every time he or she is in uniform, but it goes beyond the uniform. It carries out into business and daily life. I have exercised discipline when times of adversity have been before me. I have had he self-discipline to stay strong during times that have proven to break others. For example, I have faced multiple adverse situation while I have been in school. Now I may have not finished yet and am going on 8 years now, but I have the discipline to finish. Courage Courage is doing the right thing when everyone else is afraid to do so. It is the ability to stand up for what you believe in and not let others bring you down because you are different. Courage allows confidence to stand out. I experience courage on a regular basis. I experienced courage when I decided to stop fearing the thought of Ewing deployed and volunteered when senior personnel asked for volunteers to deploy with a different battalion. I didnt have to think hard and volunteered at the first opportunity. Courage in business is to meet the demands of our profession when adversity strikes. Without courage we have no control over our lives. Accountability Accountability is key to tracking results of ourselves and peers and the willingness to take responsibility for ones own actions. We must identify and hold ourselves accountable for the commitments we agree upon and the actions that we do. For example, I am the lead embark petty officer for my detachment. I am in-charge of tracking the troop movement from point A to B. I am accountable for each member from the time they leave their residence until the time they are gained to the appropriate command. If someone is to get lost or goes missing I am accountable for that person. Troop movement is a large ordeal within the military and it is important that we keep accountability of our troops. Service Service before self establishes my commitment to the Navy and our country. I must subordinate our personal wants and desires for the betterment of the Navy and mission. This requires personal sacrifice and a close examination of my motives. I have to ask myself, am I doing what is right for the mission and organization or am I doing what is right for me as an individual? Many times these motives may be in conflict with one another. I can only resolve these conflicts by objectively evaluating the intentions of my actions. I have to find the true assessment of my motives against the ethical and professional standards of my profession and holding myself accountable for meeting or exceeding these standards. If we are not accountable, we will fail to have the right priorities. Integrity I think this is one of the most important core values to have. Integrity it the key core value to have in any organization, relationship and/or situation. It is the quality that provides honesty and strong moral principle. In a way integrity is the glue to all core values. It is the moral compass that guides us to decipher what is right. I know with integrity that I must be true to myself before I can be true to others or an organization. I must hold myself accountable to maintain standards so I can hold my subordinates accountable. For example, I had a moment of integrity when I informed the other companys Job superintendent of why I was visiting the Job site. I had to visit a Job site due to a near miss with a forklift. My company wanted to keep it in house and quiet, but my moral compass was pointing me in the direction to tell the Job Sup the truth. I relayed the information to him in an honest fashion. Safety is very important on a Job site and it would have been morally wrong to not inform the person in-charge of the Job site of the violation. Integrity is the foundation of my core values and what keeps me grounded. What are my strengths and talents? I am a very service oriented person. I have a huge sense in pride for what I have accomplished in regards to my military career, a career that is still in an adolescent stage. I feel my experiences within my military career have helped shape my talents and strengthened them further that I thought could be achieved. Essentially the military core values have helped provide a foundation to my personal core values. My Legacy I want to be known as a good Christian man who put his service before all else. One of the reasons is to be known as a leader, and someone who loves and would die for his country. My personal core values statement I am a man focused on my faith, my family, and service to my country. I strive to lead from the front with integrity, loyalty, and service. Conclusion The values I have chosen align with the military career path I have chosen to follow. Although these values are a small glimpse of the many values needed to succeed, these are the values I find important. I have given examples of how they apply in my career and family. Many of the values listed can be found in my family and peer values. My values have helped shape me into a positive leader that leads from the front and is always first to the conflict. I will continue to shape and define these values as my career grows.

To what extent can Chandlers model of large-scale, integrated Essay

To what extent can Chandlers model of large-scale, integrated managerial enterprise explain the long-term competitiveness of leading economies - Essay Example Expressing my opinion, this model has not been followed entirely by all the leading economies in the world. To be discussed in the essay is a brief explanation of Chandler’s theory of large scale managerial enterprise its applications and bottlenecks. I will provide justification of my opinion by using the enterprise system in Japan and China with a focus on the role externalities such as the availability of funds, role of the government as well as business networks and groups. With these, examples this paper will explain the theories of capitalism and entrepreneurship and how they have enabled those using the system gain competitive advantage. Chandler’s concept of the visible hand premises the origin of the firm and its growth prospects. He argues that the existence of the firm is fundamentally to achieve coordination in an effective manner than the market in order to enjoy productivity gains. When the gains are easily realized, economies of scale set in. The model has specific problems associated with it. First, a managerially controlled firm is non-maximiser and thus high profit rates are not as objective and thus cannot be used to measure competitive advantage. Second, the firm though being an efficient cost minimiser, the benefits are not observable since they are being absorbed by high executive salaries and managerial perquisites. According to Chandler (1997, p14) managerial enterprise is defined as the modern enterprise with numerous operating units carrying out specific functions of production and distribution. It can also be termed as governance structure where investment decisions for current and future activities are made following management hierarchy with expertise and knowledge. All the managers are charged with the responsibility of efficient management of the organizations and they are salaried managers answerable to the board of governors. The large scale

Religion and Violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Religion and Violence - Essay Example It primarily aims to discipline people and encourage them to cohabit harmoniously within the framework of certain codes of social conduct. Besides, throughout human history, it has remained a major influence in determining the social and political structure of nations across the world. Religions, in general, seek the well being of humans and spread the messages of universal brotherhood and love, peace and harmony. Prophets in every cult have emphasized the need of spirituality and implored their followers to have sympathy for fellow beings. However, throughout human history, one comes across wars among different sects of people in the name of religion. In the modern world, in which humans have become a sophisticated species, bloodshed in the name of religion still prevails obviously due to misconceptions about religion. The instances of violence, in the name of religion, that characterize everyday life in the modern society, rather tend to substantiate the hypothesis that religion do es cause violence. The Jihad, which the Muslim radicals consider as a Holy War against nonbelievers, has become an excuse for some members of that community to indulge in terrorist activities against the US and other non-Muslim nations. According to them, their war is for justice that they have to wage against the nonbelievers to adhere to Allah’s wish. ... The reason, according to Osama Bin Laden, was to warn America of the support it extends to the Jewish community which has resulted in the oppression of their Muslim brethren in Israel. He has further threatened that the war would continue until justice is restored to the Muslim community, which is being â€Å"tortured and assaulted† by the Jews. (Motives for 9/11 Terrorist Attacks). The bombings in London on July 7, 2005, which claimed â€Å"52 lives and injured 700 people† is yet another instance of violence perpetrated by the Al Qaeda, in the name of religion (London Bombers Staged ‘Dummy Run’). The motive behind this mission, according to Osama, has been to â€Å"take revenge against the British Zionist Crusader Government† for the atrocities committed by them in Iraq and Afghanistan (Quinn par. 5). The problem of violence in the name of religion does not confine to the West alone. In the Orient, the strained relationship between India and Pakista n, apart from border controversies, can also be attributed to the difference in the major religious faiths in both countries. There have been many instances of terrorist attacks in India and in most cases, the allegations indicate the involvement of Pakistani citizens or the radical Muslim outfits based in or operating out of Pakistan. The most significant of such episodes is the terrorist attack in Mumbai, which lasted for almost four days from November 26 to November 29, 2008. An Indian author, B. Raman, in his book titled â€Å"Mumbai 26/11: A Day of Infamy,† suggests that the Indian Mujahidin tout their attack on India as the â€Å"war of civilization between the Muslims and the infidels† (Raman 17). This

Psychology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Psychology - Assignment Example It is also the emotional control center. However, this is the part of the brain that is most prone to injury because of its location. The following are some of the effects in case the frontal lobe is not functioning due to damage. The major function of the frontal lobe is motor functions. Impairment to this part of the brain may result in loss of movements and strength (Carter, Susan, Martyn, Steve, Christopher, Uta and Melanie 107). This mainly affects the arms, fingers and hands. Damage of the frontal lobe may make an individual lose control of his or her hands and arms. Research has also revealed that damage to the frontal lobe may result in dramatic changes in a person’s social behavior. This is because scientists believe that this part of the brain controls nearly all behavioral aspects of human beings. Without optimum functionality of this part of the brain, a person may experience reduced ability to solve problems. Strong evidence also indicates that the person may have difficulties with being attentive. Impairment to this part of the brain may also result in memory loss. An individual may have problems identifying some of the people he or she knew before damaging the frontal lobe. An individual may also find it difficult to recall past events. Depending on which side of the frontal lobe suffers the most damage, a person may speak excessively or on the other hand speak fewer words. Impairment to the left side of the frontal lobe may result in a person speaking fewer words while damage to the right side of the frontal lobe may result in an individual speaking excessively. Damage to the frontal lobe may also affect the emotional aspect of an individual. Research has revealed that the frontal lobe controls the emotional part of humans in the brain. If the frontal lobe is not functioning optimally, an individual may become too emotional about things that he or she would have

The Tell - Tale heart by Edgar Allen Poe Essay Example for Free

The Tell Tale heart by Edgar Allen Poe Essay The Tell Tale heart by Edgar Allen Poe is set in a house belonging to an old man. Poe writes the story from the perspective of the murderer. This adds to the horror of the story. By continuously stressing that he is not mad the, Poe creates a situation where the tension and nervousness of the narrator is felt by the reader. This short story has lots of symbolism. To the narrator, the eye symbolizes evil; to the audience, the beating heart symbolizes a guilty conscience, and the man may even sybolise the dark side of the human race often connected with Gothic literature. The style and theme of the story is identical to that of Gothic Literature. The theme is based on a dark side of human nature found in everyone. This side is mostly hidden, but it can emerge when a person is pushed over the edge. Fear pushes them over the edge and towards the dark side. The narrator tells the story from his point of view but also speaks to the reader. Now at this point you fancy me mad. Though when reading the story it soon becomes clear that the reader is talking more to himself than t the reader, trying to first persuade himself that he is not mad. He tells of how he killed the old man because of his vulture eye. He cut him up and then put him under the floorboards of the house. This kind of writing about murder and death is a feature of Gothic literature, which was very poplar at the time. The vulture eye represents the mans fear. His dilemma between appearance and reality is also a theme of Gothic literature. For the man, the eye also symbolized evil. The line whenever it fell on me; my blood ran cold, infers that the man is gripped by irrational fear. He is not just afraid of the old mans eye, but more what it symbolised: Evil. This pushed him over the edge. I think the eye vexed him more because eyes are sometime seen as a window into the soul of the person. Poe uses retorical questions at the beginning to persuade the reader that he is not mad. How, then am I mad? This makes the reader wonder what the person has done that is so bad. Similarly, the pauses at the beginning not only build tension, but they also communicate the fact that it is very hard for him to relay these events. True! nervous very dreadfully nervous the narrator realises that what he did was wrong and therefore, finds it hard to talk about. He is probably admitting it to himself for the first time also. You can feel the tension in him voice and almost feel sorry for him. The narrator does not believe that his disease is madness; he believes that his senses have been sharpened. The narrator thought that killing the man was a just thing to do; the eye was evil and therefore, must be destroyed. He wanted to get rid of the vulture eyes power over him; he expected to bury the dark side. Thus rid myself of the eye forever. This suggests that he was not only driven by irrational fear but also hope that the eye along with the irrational fear might disappear. This illusion is also a convention of Gothic Literature. When you finish the story you are left to think about the possible meanings. One poses the ultimate burning retorical question of whether the man is mad or not, Madness being a theme of Gothic literature. The way he insists he is not suggests that he is hiding the truth, but if he were really mad then he would not suspect it. Maybe he is being truthful; he cant see why so many people think he is mad. The sound of the heart that no one else hears definitely infers that he is mad. Though the beating heart also sybolises his guilty conscience. It troubles him while the police are there. He starts to realise that what he did was wrong. But surely if he was mad he would have no conscience. He has become tangled up in the evil he hoped to get rid of. So the answer to the question is left up to you. Do you believe that every human has a dark side and that that this evil dark side is only revealed when the individual is pushed over the edge?

CanadasTwo-Tier Healthcare System Essay -- Healthcare

CANADA HAS TWO-TIER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM The issue of a universal approach to Canadian Health Care has been contended for several years. Canada's national health insurance program, or Medicare, was designed to ensure that all people can have medical, hospital and physician services. The cost is to be paid for by Ontario medical insurance program (OHIP). The Canada Health Act was intended to represent certain principles of our health care system. It was intended to be a symbol of the Canadian values. Those values are fairness equity and togetherness. This oneness of a universal approach is what we call the one tier system. Many Canadians still believe the official government stand on this: Canada’s medical insurance covers all needs and services for every insured citizen. Officially then, there is a one level health care system. This paper shall argument that Canada has a two tier health care system. Those who would claim that Canada’s health care is a universal one tier system could refer to the legal terms of the Canada Health Care Act. In particular, the point that states, â€Å"Universality: All insured residents are entitled to the same level of health care.† (â€Å"Canada Health Care Act†, 2007). In fact, many Canadians feel they have a right to be covered financially for any and all medical costs. According to the Globe & Mail, â€Å"Canadians have developed an incredible sense of Medicare entitlement: They want all care for all people, instantly and free of charge.† (Andre, 2009). It is true that the original intention was to make health care services available for Canadians, but the guidelines offer the same service to Canadians covered by the health plan. However, certain problems arose and modifications were needed because not al... ... Works Cited Andre, P. (2009, October 16). Our two-tiered health system: a rural-urban split. The Globe & Mail. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail.com Canada Health Care Act. (2007). Canada Health Care. Retrieved from http://www.canadianhealthcare.org National Bureau of Economic Research. (2007). Health status, health care and inequality: Canada versus U.S. June, E.O. Retrieved from http://www.nber.org/authors_papers/david_oneill Ottawa, provinces to begin talks for health deal. (2011, November 22). The Canadian press. Retrieved from http://www.ctv.ca Prime minister finally admits two-tier health care exists: McDonough. (2000, November 13). The Canadian Press. Retrieved from http:// search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca Shouldice Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.shouldice.com/what_to_expect.htm

How to Develop and Maintain Your Relationship with God Essay

Developing and maintaining your relationship with God requires time, effort and desire for closeness. Just like with the other people, we need to work out and put every effort in maintaining our relation with them. If we really desire to develop and maintain our relation with God, we would definitely acquire the greatest happiness and blessings in our life. Our lives will never get lost and will keep on the right track. Take time to develop your relationship with God and reap all the rewards it brings. Keep in mind that God loves to listen in everything you say. Have a conversation with God explaining your hopes, fears, dreams, anxieties and regrets. This will help you remove all the burdens and sadness you feel inside. In addition, give God also thanksgiving and adoration for all the things He has done for you every single day of your life. In this way, you will be able to increase rapidly your intimate relationship with God. Spend time in God’s words. The Bible is the work of God that tells everything about goodness and values in life. Read the bible with comprehension and let it sink to your mind in order to apply it in your life. Joining a bible study group with others is also suggested for this will help you learn more about the bible and you are able to share with others what you know and what you have learned. You must also learn the doctrines of the church because Bible is not enough for you to be instantly close to God. You must be able to learn how to forgive others. According to the Bible, Matthew 18:22 Jesus answered â€Å"I tell you not seven times, but seventy seven times.† What does this verse mean? God tells us here to forgive others not only 7 times but 77 times, no matter how bad the thing the person has done to you. However, we humans are so emotional and we do not let forgiveness enter our hearts. Remember that God sacrificed his very own Son in order to save and to forgive the entire humanity. We must really know how to accept forgiveness and this will give glory to God. Worship God in every aspect. Attending mass every Sunday signifies that you participate and accompany God in this celebration. Sing the holy songs the church has prepared because singing these songs corresponds twice to prayer and prayer is an important thing to help maintain your closeness to God. Moreover, do not habit yourself in being late on mass, like attending after the readings or the homily. Man’s duty is to worship God so put effort and mortifications in every way to make God happy.

Quintessential Leader Description Essay

The main focus of this research paper is leadership qualifications in the workplace. Please structure a research paper to address the following issues: (A) Develop the academic foundations of leadership by providing a brief literature review of three (3) current articles (that is, within the last 4 years) that relate to any of Daniel Goleman’s theories. Research other articles not use used in the course. Make sure that the articles you choose are appropriate and related to you topic. The articles do not require Goleman as an author. (B ) Describe what you consider to be the quintessential good leader using additional research literature (in addition to those of the previous Goleman literature review) to support your defense. (C) Using the research from the Goleman literature reviews (category A), and the literature used to describe the quintessential leader (category B ), develop a theoretical leadership model with a focus on middle manager leadership qualifications for an existing or fictitious organization. Use one of the teamwork development models from threaded discussion 2.2 as one of the expectation of the leader. In other words, I want you to build an organization with a middle manager (leader) which instills all of the characteristics that you choose to describe, defend, and analyze. This is your chance to put your preferred leadership resource in place. It is recommended that you include at least three characteristics for your leadership qualification model. Note: you have full autonomy to provide the list of characteristics as long as it is defended using proper research methods. Make sure you analyze each characteristic and defend your assertions.

Admission College Essay Prompts

Admission College Essay Prompts Admission College Essay Prompts What Is Admission College Essay Prompt? If you decided to enter any college, you should wait several weeks for packages/applications to arrive. In the meantime, the following material should be read: your entrance essay, the essay or college admission essays, which you wrote for your college applications should be held in a ready folder. Many of the scholarship groups will ask for an essay touching on topics you have already written or thought about, and hopefully (perhaps with a little reshaping), you can recycle your work. Typical admission essay questions are: What person in your individual life or in history has had the greatest influence on you? Why? What are your future goals, and what do you think what your eventual impact on society will be? Diversity Admission Essays Admission committee wants to know more about you. The one way to do this is to read your admission essays. As a rule entrance English essays are similar and addressed to know you better as a future applicant. You may always read the list of application essays, which were assigned in your college last year. It helps you to have an idea about the requirements of the college. Writing essays, your task is to distinguish yourself from the mass of applicants. Attract admission officer attention and persuade him, that you are an appropriate candidate. There are eight areas, which colleges typically want to address in application essays writing. Motivation Industry Initiative Influence and leadership Concern for others Responsibility Integrity Emotional stability Admission Essay Writing Here is a part of admission essay writing that you are free to use as a model for your college admissions essay: I will earn my M.D., and come to the rescue as a primary care doctor. My residency (and eventually my practice) will preferably be served in an urban setting like New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC. Across this country, economically disadvantaged people need help and support. At the next step, I will expand my knowledge on urban health and community needs (e.g., family dynamics, or trends in drug use). In a few weeks, I will be off to Harvard as an Arthur Ashe Fellow. And with my eventual residency and four year responsibility to the National Health Service Corps, I intend to take advantage of every learning experience. After all, I am on a rescue mission! Read also: Essays comparing poems Critical Literary Essay Conflict Essay Process Essay Custom Term Paper

America and the Thirteen Original Colonies essays

America and the Thirteen Original Colonies essays Every person born and raised in America, within the past half century, has at one time or another heard the song "Fifty Nifty United States"; the song which pounds the memorization of the fifty American states into one's head. If you were to ask any person from the age of ten to thirty, they would most likely be able to recite every single state, alphabetically. Towards the beginning of the brilliant masterpiece, there is a line which exclaims, "Fifty Nifty United States/ From thirteen original colonies..." The line, having horrible melodic doggerel, is right about these colonies. Thirteen colonies established by the British were satellites used in a system of mercantilism; they provided the natural resources while England would manufacture the goods to sell back to them. Unlike many other attempts at establishing previous settlements, these particular colonies, over a period of time, began to take their own form and question the mother country. The colonies developed their own ideas and beliefs and eventually broke away from England to for the United States of America. Among the so-called Thirteen Original Colonies, which included those of New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies, were certain common institutions and philosophies. The first colonies of America, the quintessential "thirteen" of them, had certain elements that caused them to be similar. Geographically, every colony was on the eastern coast of America, and everyone had similar environmental and land features. In the New England colonies, although a bit colder, had necessary farming land with some forest area; in the Middle colonies, farmland was abundant and waterways were important to trade; and in the Southern colonies, farmland was a very important factor and it was generally warmer than the other colonies. Geography also had a large impact on the economy, logically, seeing as if the three sections of colonies did not have distinguishing characte...

Understanding Relative Frequency Histograms

Understanding Relative Frequency Histograms In statistics, there are many terms that have subtle distinctions between them. One example of this is the difference between frequency and relative frequency. Although there are many uses for relative frequencies, there is one in particular that involves a relative frequency histogram. This is a type of graph that has connections to other topics in statistics and mathematical statistics. Definition Histograms are statistical graphs that look like bar graphs. Typically, however, the term histogram is reserved for quantitative variables. The horizontal axis of a histogram is a number line containing classes or bins of uniform length. These bins are intervals of a number line where data can fall and can consist of a single number (typically for discrete data sets that are relatively small) or a range of values (for larger discrete data sets and continuous data). For example, we may be interested in considering the distribution of scores on a 50 point quiz for a class of students. One possible way to construct the bins would be to have a different bin for every 10 points. The vertical axis of a histogram represents the count or frequency that a data value occurs in each of the bins. The higher the bar is, the more data values fall into this range of bin values. To return to our example, if we there are five students who scored more than 40 points on the quiz, then the bar corresponding to the 40 to 50 bin will be five units high. Frequency Histogram Comparison A relative frequency histogram is a minor modification of a typical frequency histogram. Rather than using a vertical axis for the count of data values that fall into a given bin, we use this axis to represent the overall proportion of data values that fall into this bin. Since 100% 1, all bars must have a height from 0 to 1. Furthermore, the heights of all of the bars in our relative frequency histogram must sum to 1. Thus, in the running example that we have been looking at, suppose that there are 25 students in our class and five have scored more than 40 points. Rather than constructing a bar of height five for this bin, we would have a bar of height 5/25 0.2. Comparing a histogram to a relative frequency histogram, each with the same bins, we will notice something. The overall shape of the histograms will be identical. A relative frequency histogram does not emphasize the overall counts in each bin.  Instead, this type of graph focuses on how the number of data values in the bin relates to the other bins.  The way that it shows this relationship is by percentages of the total number of data values. Probability Mass Functions We may wonder what the point is in defining a relative frequency histogram. One key application pertains to discrete random variables where our bins are of width one and are centered about each nonnegative integer. In this case, we can define a piecewise function with values corresponding to the vertical heights of the bars in our relative frequency histogram. This type of function is called a probability mass function. The reason for constructing the function in this way is that the curve that is defined by the function has a direct connection to probability. The area underneath the curve from the values a to b is the probability that the random variable has a value from a to b. The connection between probability and area under the curve is one that shows up repeatedly in mathematical statistics. Using a probability mass function to model a relative frequency histogram is another such connection.