Look at the Way Shakespeare Explores Relationships Between Men and Women in Measure for Measure Essay

When Shakespeare wrote Measure for Measure in approximately 1604, society was very sexist towards females and men were seen as the stronger sex, however Shakespeare included lots of strong female characters in his plays such as Portia in ‘Mercent of Venice’ and Lady Macbeth in ‘Macbeth’, he was aware that his plays wouldn’t change society and that unlimitedly, women are regarded as subservient to men. They were not allowed to vote, state their real opinions, go to university and they were never formally educated; their only expected roles in life were to run the household and provide children. Consequently, many men regarded their wives and daughters as possessions who were expected to abide by their husbands and fathers no matter what. When it came down to relationships with the opposite sex, virginity was regarded as a virtue and a prize. Men expected their wives to be pure in preparation for marriage and the women that had ‘succumbed to the pleasures of the flesh’ before they were married were considered ruined women. Men however were encouraged to learn the arts of seduction and some men of the higher class were sent to Italy to learn the art. In the society of Measure for Measure, men clearly use and abuse women. One of the main characters Angelo is placed in charge of the city in Vienna by Duke Vincentio. The Duke had been quite an easy going ruler who feels that it is time to clean up the Viennese society and administer a greater sense of honour. He chooses Angelo because of the strong characteristics and principles that he has make him stand out for being the perfect person to do so. Despite his name being a play on the word ‘angel’, he absurdly proves to be the villain of the play and along with several other male figures, he uses not only his gender but also his position of power, to exploit several members of the ‘weaker’ sex. When Angelo takes authority as ruler in the Duke’s absence he immediately wishes to make a mark. Unbeknown to him, the Duke has disguised himself as a Friar and has returned to Vienna to observe how Angelo administers ascendancy. Angelo initially comes forth as beyond criticism and determined to rule with an iron fist. When he discovers that a nobleman called Claudio has slept with his partner impregnated her, he orders Claudio be executed as an example to the citizens of Vienna, that such immorality will not be tolerated. The nobleman Claudio is introduced to us in Act 1 Scene 2. As he is being led away to prison, his friend Lucio asks the meaning of ‘this restraint’ and queries as to weather or not it is because of ‘lechery’. Claudio agrees that to a degree, his crime is one of being too lenient in terms of sexual activity and we recognize that this is a society where men and women are expected to show self-control before marriage. Claudio talks about his lover, Julietta with a certain degree of dominance; we learn he had ‘possession’ of her bed but in his justification it was ‘upon a true contract’ and it seemed the liaison was consensual. But also ‘upon a true contract’ could also mean that Julietta has donated herself to the dominant member of the relationship. Also this statement makes the ‘relationship’ appear to be almost a deal or an agreement – in which has been made between the two characters. He also argues that they were as good as engaged but were waiting for the right moment to reveal the news to her family. Their sexual relationship is regarded by Claudio as ‘mutual entertainment’ and we realise that both can be held responsible for their crime however Julietta is now pregnant and they cannot hide their actions from others who can see the ‘shame’ of their union. In addition, the word mainly focused upon, is ‘possession’. This word once again reflects the sexism surrounding this era; in that the male is the dominant and most significant person. Therefore, it is clear that the women (being Julietta in this case) is almost an in-animate object, which is owned or ‘possessed’ by the man. Claudio’s sister, Isabella, is an aspiring nun and when she first heard about her brother’s arrest she snaps at Angelo with ‘make me not your story’. She honestly doesn’t believe that her brother has committed such sin and thinks it is all a story. When she comes to plead for her brother’s life, she is clearly virtuous and innocent; untainted by the ills of society and ready to offer up her life to God. Angelo is overtaken by his desires and attracted to her virtuous nature. He offers the proposition that Isabella ‘yield up’ her body to his ‘will’ and he in turn will grant a pardon for Claudio. The word ‘yield’ suggests Isabella should give in or cower before Angelo’s might as a man and as a ruler. It reflects how Elizabethan men thought of women as possessions, objects and caring about only their bodies and not their souls; that when it came to sex before marriage, women were meant to give up their bodies. Isabella is horrified and refuses, believing that by sacrificing her virginity, she sacrifices her soul. The word ‘will’ shows that Angelo dominates and expects to be obeyed in the ‘relationship’, despite her opinions or rights. As a man in a superior position, Angelo is used to being obeyed and his demands are to be met. This shows us that men treated women as objects to satisfy their needs. In light of how sexist this play has been, at the end of the play in scene 5 I become almost convinced of how vile the Duke is. He tries to portray himself as this great big hero when he helps Isabella save Claudio; but then injustices that by punishing Lucio so harshly. Prostitutes in those days were thought of as strumpets and marriage with such a person was a ‘sin’. So, Lucio is given an option to marry the whore he impregnated but he never has to repent for what he did. Actions like this in the Viennese society were highly frowned upon and this highlights even more how badly men thought about women in these situations because Lucio was devastated when the Duke told him his sentence. Isabella, originally on the verge of becoming a nun, finds herself about to marry the Duke. It is interesting that she is not given a chance to reply to the Duke’s marriage proposal in the play. She is assumedly very content to become the spouse of the town’s leader, mainly since he has saved her brother’s life. But at the same time this situation reinforces her loss of sexual independence. The central conflict in the play revolves roughly around Isabella’s rejection to follow the ways of the majority of the women in Vienna. Her marriage to the Duke confirms her virtue while denying her independence. There are no independent women in Measure for Measure. This is not strange, considering the setting and Shakespeare’s own era. But Measure for Measure gives its women characters even less freedom than other Shakespearean plays. Isabella is the one exception in that she refuses to respond to Angelo’s advances. However, she is still obedient toward the Duke, following all of his instructions. At the conclusion of the play, the Duke administers punishment to all of the people who have done wrong and rewards the good. Angelo is told to marry Mariana, and he escapes death at her request. The Duke probably does not want to execute Angelo, but wants it made clear that his crime deserves such a punishment. Mariana’s reward is Angelo, which she takes happily, although the Duke tells her that he is unworthy of her love. Claudio is allowed to marry Juliet, and Lucio is punished by being made to marry a prostitute. Marriage is not a specific punishment or reward; however in this situation it is definitely a punishment.

Basant A Lost Festival Of Lahore English Literature Essay

Basant A Lost Festival Of Lahore English Literature Essay Basant, an event that marks the coming of spring, an event that would bring together people from all walks of life, an event that would cover the sky with colors, an event that would spread happiness ubiquitously. It was celebrated with a lot of vigor, passion and enthusiasm in Punjab, but unfortunately this vibrant and full of cheerfulness festival is becoming more of an historic event due to some unwise acts on part of illiterate, ignorant and reckless citizens. The ignorance of few has snatched away the happiness of million others and deprived the country of a great cultural festival. Basant is a centuries old cultural tradition of Punjab. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, all alike, celebrated it with great joy and gusto. Yellow is the color of the day as it depicts the blossoming spring flowers and the yellow mustard fields of Punjab. Girls would wear yellow saris and dupattas whereas boys would include yellow turbans in their clothing. There are no barriers of religions or different socio-economic class; everyone would get together and praise the day. Girls would get on the swings and sing the customary Basant songs that reflected the liveliness and romance of life in Punjab. Kite-flying was one of the main activities on the day and there would be competitions among people to cut loose others’ kites. There cant be a better place to celebrate this day than the cultural and historic capital of Punjab, Lahore. It is also known as extremely festive and the most happening city of Pakistan. During the February of almost every year the sky above Lahore is filled with colorful kites during daytime and with white kites at night. Words like Booo Kata, Patang, Pecha, Pinna and Charkhi can be heard almost everywhere. Music and dance is everywhere and the air is filled with the aroma of intoxicating traditional food. Everyone is involved in this festival and all enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of multi-colored kites filling the sky above their beloved city of Lahore heralding the coming of a new spring. In the early days Basant was confined to the old-walled city, however over recent past it has spread to far corners of the city as well. People from different places celebrate this day in their unique style; some do it by flying kites while others get together and enjoy traditional food and bhangra music. While I was researching about Basant in Gwalmandi (area near old food street), I interviewed this young lad about the age of 15. I asked him what do you know about basant. He replied..† jab hum patangein uratay hein..† (the day when we fly kites). When I asked him about his preparations for that day, I was surprised to hear about his passion. He told me that he would start saving money from his pocket money 2-3 months before Basant. He would use those savings to buy kites and strings and collect them until the day of Basant. It is celebrated with great joy in Lahore, as Daily Times states:

Managing Employees performance Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Managing Employees performance - Assignment Example Some of the most commonly used ‘traits’ include ‘dependability’ ‘attitude’, ‘attendance’, ‘initiative’, ‘cooperation’, ‘overall output’, etc. The employee could be given a rating on a scale of one to five for each of these traits. Here, 5 could represent ‘excellence’ and 1 could represent ‘poor’. 3 stands for acceptable but not outstanding standards. The total attained by the employee is a good indicator of his/her overall utility for the enterprise. The graphic rating scale can either be continuous or discontinuous. The forced distribution appraisal method is a modern management concept. It is more formal and structured compared to traditional models. It differs from traditional models in that it takes into consideration numerous employee performance parameters. The objective is not merely to find ‘justifications’ for an employee’s remuneration structure, but also to constructively identify weak and strong areas. In this manner an employee is offered a feedback for all-round development of skills. For example, the forced distribution appraisal method will grade employees across performance scales. This will help the management to offer inputs on their career development, training needs and optimal reward structures. There are several principles that make forced distribution methods successful. Firstly, the evaluator is given a predetermined distribution scale to fill up. ‘Job performance’ and ‘eligibility for promotion’ are given special attention. A five point performance rating scale is the norm, where employee traits are assessed only quantitatively. The worker can come out as ‘good’, ’bad’ or somewhere in between with respect to the traits. A graph can then be constructed with the rating designated to X-axis and’ number of employees’ to the Y-axis. What usually transpires is a Norman distribution curve with a majority

Operation and sizing of energy storage for wind power plants in a Term Paper

Operation and sizing of energy storage for wind power plants in a market - Term Paper Example Wind energy provides a priceless supplement for the energy sources available conventionally across the world. However, the sporadic nature of wind energy limits the maximum penetration of wind power that can be made available for the networks of electricity (Korpas, Hildrum and Holen 1). Also, since production in wind power experiences significant fluctuations, it becomes difficult for the owners of the wind power plants to sustain against the competition in the emerging markets of electricity. Some of the significant factors in relation to the operation and sizing of energy storage for wind power plants in a market include the impact of the mechanisms of the electricity markets, constraints of the transmission line, and forecast of the accuracy of the wind power. These factors together determine the advantages and disadvantages of the storage of wind power. Considering all these issues, a computer model has been developed to achieve the scheduling and operation of the resources bein g distributed in the market system (Korpas, Hildrum and Holen 1). The present study discusses on the operation and sizing of the energy storage for wind power plants in a market. ... In case of generation of excess electricity, often wastage occurs. Countries like the United Kingdom (UK) have reported huge payments for power that remained unused since the year 2011. The cost of such unused power shifts on to those who pay the taxes. Continuous research is being conducted to determine the causes of a marketplace leading to power wastage. Over the years, greater attention has been drawn on the hydro-electric storage and use of more modern battery and fuel cell systems. Cryogenic energy storage (CES) has been obtained as one of the most effective measures for capture and storage of electricity, the process being highly innovative and new. It is expected that CES will be able to solve the current problems of wind power storage of energy (Lo). Hydro-Storage for Wind Power Energy: It is being researched and suggested that higher rates of pumped hydro storage would benefit the storage of wind power. This process enables storage of energy through water being pumped from a low reservoir to a reservoir located at a higher location. The method is applied in case of excess of energy. In case of wind energy, this is helpful when wind blows hard at the nights. Thus when the energy is needed, the valves of the storage can be opened up and the water can be allowed to run through the wind turbines. This is a process similar to all hydro stations (Richard). Cryogenic energy storage (CES) for Wind Power Energy Storage: As discussed, one of the most prominent problems in regard to the storage of wind power energy is the intermittency of the power, making the issue of energy storage highly critical. Engineers have in the present times focused on cryogenic energy storage where they have established technology trying to create a modular, scalable

Business Management And Leadership - Leading (U4GP) Essay - 1

Business Management And Leadership - Leading (U4GP) - Essay Example ht to ensure that measures were taken which would prevent as far as possible a recurrence of the problem; and they showed themselves to be prepared to bear the short term cost in the name of consumer safety. That more than anything else established a basis for trust with their customers.† Still, more could have been done to prevent the issue or better manage the crisis. The biggest problem on Johnson & Johnson’s side was a design flaw in the pills that were contaminated: they were capsules. The capsules could be broken apart and put back together, which allowed for tampering on store shelves. Even though the tampering was not their fault, the responsibility for the safe design of the pills rested on their shoulders. Another problem was that the packages were not safety sealed where tampering could be easily detected. Had Johnson & Johnson fixed these designed flaws when the first crisis occurred in 1982, the second one may never have come to pass. Better research and development along these lines would have helped them better manage the crisis. Perpetrators are always looking for new ways to commit their crimes, so Johnson & Johnson must continuously be prepared for new ways of tampering to occur. This is especially true with the advent of new technologies that could possibly allow for even the most seemingly tamper-resistant packaging to be breached or for false packages to be placed on shelves in order to fool unknowing consumers. Essentially, the company needs to stay on its toes and carefully consider the different ways in which tampering could possibly occur with their different products in order to protect itself from both internal and external product contamination cases. Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson should always keep its employees informed about how to spot potential dangers and give them a protocol to follow in case they occur. Just because they made it through the first round of crises with flying colors does not mean that they could

650 questions 1 and 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

650 questions 1 and 2 - Assignment Example So no, avoiding unethical or illegal behavior had better not be in conflict with the goal of the firm unless its executives wish to find themselves facing prosecution. Yet Lockheed found itself in hot water many years with the US Government for giving bribes to foreign officials, even though it was accepted practice in the host countries. The very nature of a corporation develops an agency relationship between the stockholders and management. An article in the Yale Law School Repository shows the problem develops when the upper management’s ideas of running the company begins to conflict with the wants of its real owners, the shareholders, whose main goal is making money. It specifically mentions such things as country club membership and private use of the corporate jet. Unless those perks are contracted and part of the executives’ bonuses, such personal joys would be illegal and a definite conflict of interest (Macey). East Coast Yachts has a very complicated cash flow. If it costs $435 million to have $617 million in sales of its boats, that would mean each quarter the company would need in excess of $100 million just to continue its manufacturing process. How they have been managing thus far and still continue to pay almost $18 million in dividends in 2008 is amazing. All it would take is one market dip for the company to be headed for financial trouble. However it is true that the average luxury sea craft buyer has little concern for economic downturns, as the sales figures for super yachts have shown to have grown astronomically during one of the worst periods of recession since the Great Depression (Boat). It seems that East Coast has grown considerably, in that assets increased $40 million between 2009 and 2010. With a net $17.8 million growth in debt in the current year, the company raised much needed capital. Ms Warren has admitted that poor planning has led to a volatile situation.

Scheduling Models for an Inpatient Nursing Unit Assignment

Scheduling Models for an Inpatient Nursing Unit - Assignment Example Below is a recommendation on the unit’s scheduling model. A flexible scheduling model is recommended for the unit because of its suitability for the unit’s environmental factors and because of its advantages relative to cyclical scheduling that the unit applies currently. One of the characteristics of flexible scheduling is its ability to adjust to changing environmental factors that are expected of the unit. Possible change from agency hiring identifies potential delay in filling vacancies and therefore temporary staff shortage. In addition, change implementation such as the introduction of a new electronic nursing documentation system and associated need for training induces temporary burden on personnel. The same effect is expected from the expected leave of an employee and a flexible scheduling approach would ensure ability to meet extra needs at minimum cost and efficiently. Being used to a flexible system, employees will likely accept changes for accommodating extra needs that if a cyclical system, which fixed, was in place. A ssociated resistance with cyclical system that would require temporary hiring of personnel or hiring of additional personnel o cover temporary shortages solves the cost problem. I addition to the cost and effectiveness advantages, flexible scheduling ensures personnel innovation, motivation, satisfaction, and unity and ensures that personnel work within their capacities. These also ensure sufficient coverage, quality, and stability. The scheduling approach requires coordination among personnel, who share patient, for quality output. Cyclical scheduling is not suitable for the unit’s dynamic environment, even though it has such benefits as â€Å"even coverage, high stability, and lower cost† (Ozcan, 2009, n,.p.). Interchanging shift patterns is also recommended because of the flexibility advantages. Implementing the change from