Aristotle vs. Plato Essay Example For Students

Aristotle vs. Plato Essay Aristotle vs. PlatoExcellence is a function which renders excellent the thing of which it is a function is Platos definition of virtue. What does this definition really mean though? Plato and Aristotle both had their own unique arguments devoted to the topic at hand, and their own ways of describing what virtue really is. Defining virtue may seem to be an easy taste, but to truly understand the arguments behind the definition can prove to be very challenging. Before discussing virtue, the sole must first be considered. There are three types of soul, according to Aristotle. The three types form a hierarchy. As the hierarchy increases, each form includes the one below. The first level is called vegetable, which is characterized by certain functions, and involves nourishment and growth. The second is animal and involves perception and locomotion along with the vegetable characteristics. The last and final level is the rational soul. This highest form is similar to the animal soul but also involves theoretical (passive) and practical (active) rationality. Humans possess this type of soul, and are able to be rational, and to instill rationality into their lives when dealing with their appetites, which are the objects and actions humans are attracted to. Aristotle believed that the ultimate goal in life is happiness, and people should live their lives in order to be happy. According to him, the soul doesnt survive after death, so people should strive to be happy while they are alive. Since we havent direct knowledge of soul we try to understand to become truly virtuous. In Aristotles quest to understand virtue, he works rationally trying to rationalize the irrational. He used a system of rewards known as habituation. This system helps to make one virtuous by giving a person self-control allowing them to train their irrational side to become rational. This process in turn creates character. People work indirectly to rid bad habits, such as smoking and to set up lives full of good habits. One of the questions that commonly arise when talking about virtue is, What is good? The answer to the question according to Aristotle is happiness. There are four qualities associated with happiness: 1) Pleasure 2) Wealth 3) Honor 4) Excellence. Lets consider each and determine which is most essential. Pleasure involves appetite and the objects and /or actions we desire. A person cannot be overly happy, but they can have too much pleasure leading to unhappiness, instead of true happiness. Wealth causes people to ask the question How much is too much? Aristotle belie ved a person could have too much wealth. He believes it is more important to buy leisure time than inanimate objects. Too much wealth leads a person away from happiness according to Aristotle. Honor is something some people have great amounts of, while others have very little. It is good to be honored and respected in life. Some people, such as political leaders and even actors and actresses are honored more than others. Being overly honored can also cause people to be unhappy since most honored people have people who despise and resent them. Aristotle came to the conclusion that it is far better to be honorable than honored. This brings up the final quality of happiness, EXCELLENCE. This quality is key for humans pursuit of happiness. Aristotle believes in personal happiness and when defining virtue itself, he used the word excellence.When talking about happiness and goodness, there must be an important quality present. According to Aristotle, people need to practice balance and mo deration in their every day lives. Achieving this middle ground, or mean, translates into being virtuous in Aristotles mind. If virtue is present, so is its opposite vise. For every virtue, there are two vices. One vice is excessive while the other is deficiency. Courage works as a great example because it is virtuous. The excessive vise is recklessness and the deficient vice is cowardice. People need to strive to achieve the mean and to avoid the two vices in Aristotles eyes. .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 , .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 .postImageUrl , .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 , .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293:hover , .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293:visited , .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293:active { border:0!important; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293:active , .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293 .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .udcdfad2ee59a5b1612b301a2f223a293:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Alexander the great 2 EssayFriendship is another important concept in the discussion of virtue. Is friendship justice of happiness? Aristotle follows what is known as an organic view of society in order to explain justice. Society is made of many different parts and people and everyone works together to form a good society. People do what they are good at and share it with others. In a social system like this one, it can only be as strong as it weakest link. The link is classified as moral support and respect to fellow citizens. In order for a society to be just, all members must be honored and the correct political system must be in action, which suits all of the members of society equally well. This is a type of friendship, where morals are followed and respect is given. Justice comes from the production of this happiness. Plato has a few different concepts of soul. He believes that the soul is separate from the body. The soul has a very long lifespan, along with integrity and a very unique function. If someone loses a soul, they are thought to have lost everything, since the body is essentially useless. He believes people should live their lives in such a way that, when they die, they will have good souls, even if they were not happy while they were alive. Plato sees nothing wrong with people having to make unfortunate sacrifices, the way Socrates did when he was sentenced to death. Plato places a greater emphasis on theoretical rationality, which is where Plato and Aristotle disagree. According to Plato, good is so fundamentally compelling that, when it enters a persons mind, it is impossible to turn away from good, and a person will in fact, do good. Plato believes directly in purifying the intent. He believes people should strive to achieve goodness though direct actions and ways of living. He beli eves that we are good and moral, and that we live our lives for the sake of being good, in order to have a good soul, after this lifetime ends. This is one of the weakest points in Platos arguments. Once again bringing up the question of What is good? and looking at how Plato goes about answering it. In Platos opinion, good is the good, itself. He believes people who are virtuous have an innate goodness, and this is not seen fully in one lifetime. The soul must take part in several lifetimes in order to see true goodness. Another important difference between the arguments of Plato and Aristotle deals with experience. To Aristotle, experience is the originating source of our sense of good; we start with experience, and eventually find goodness. Plato believes the opposite is true. He believes experience is occasional, and that we start with goodness, which eventually leads to experiences. Platos idea of justice is his strong point in his arguments. He believes justice is a natural part of goodness, and is an intrinsic characteristic humans possess. When a person is good, they are naturally just. They do not have to work to achieve justice, but it comes along with their goodness. Goodness and justice seem to go hand-in-hand, unlike happiness and justice, in the eyes of Aristotle. The main point that Plato is trying to get across is that being happy does not always mean being just. In all cases, Platos argument is more accepted and supported throughout the world. Plato believes people should strive to be virtuous in order to achieve true goodness. Our souls live on, long after our mortal selves do, and Plato does not believe in consequences. We should live our lives, let go, and ignore the consequences, since we have many lives left, after the ones we are currently partaking in expires. Instead, we should just do good, and follow what is good, no matter what happens to us in the process. Virtue is thought to be an innate concept, and it illuminates that which we take to be virtuous. Plato believes virtue is seen in a reflective form, not directly. .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 , .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 .postImageUrl , .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 , .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601:hover , .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601:visited , .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601:active { border:0!important; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601:active , .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601 .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue5852393384f0adbe4811b5cfc0dc601:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Paintball Essay PaperBoth arguments explain virtue, or goodness. Aristotle and Plato each have their own ways of explaining and understanding what true goodness is, and each have their own supportive arguments, such as Platos argument of justice. Is this argument right? This question has no answer, since what is right in one persons opinion may not be right in another persons.

Impacts of Transformational Plans on Organizational Performance

Question: Discuss about theImpacts of Transformational Plans on Organizational Performance. Answer: Introduction The dynamic nature of the corporate world only serves to indicate the essence of change and innovation in an organization. The changing trends in consumer preferences, market levels, and policies as well economic status call for a corresponding need for companies to continuously innovate and implement new management methods (Anita, 2010). When the existing structure within an organization fails to enhance the achievement of the key goals and objectives, there is always an inevitable need for either a partial or complete overhaul of the management system. The transition and transformation process is always accompanied by various changes which when inadequately managed can lead to losses and failure. However, the strong will to take a risk despite the eminent challenges is the very character which defines most successful leaders. In this paper, we examine the transformational strategy which was introduced and implemented at Semco by Richard Semler when the company was at the verge of c losure. After registering a string of poor performances Semler takes over the mantle of leadership from his father and immediately sets on transforming the organization. He establishes a new leadership structure and management approach in a bid to improve worker motivation and subsequently the overall performance of the organization. The paper shall therefore highlight how this strategy influences worker motivation and the organizational performance. The discussion shall also expound on the universal applicability of Semlers transformational strategy. Lastly, risks involving the transformational strategy as well as the conflicts which emerged from its installation shall also be analyzed. Universal Applicability of Semlers Plan The success registered by Semco caused the company to be envied by other organizations. The organizations attempted copy and implement some of the management approaches at Semco (Braisby and Gellatly, 2012). The immediate strategy by Semler involved trimming the companys leadership structure by reducing the management hierarchy from the initial seven levels to three. The job titles were erased and only the position of the Chief Operations Officer remained. The position was to be occupied on a rotational basis where the worker could democratically elect their leader after every six months. As part of the transformational plan, Semler initiated management groups within the organization and each faction was given the responsibility of handling a specific area within the chain of operations. For instance, while one management team dealt with budgets and target setting, the other handled the aspect of manufacturing and production (Stoner, 2013). The other divisions dealt with sales in addition to other organizational responsibilities. The main objective of this strategy was to diversify tasks and hence enhance the effectiveness with which the workers executed their roles. The transformational plan also empowered the workers to take full responsibility of their roles in a democratic environment where they could easily elect their leaders. As such, the workers could hire and fire depending on the level of satisfaction with regards to quality delivery and commitment to duty. The organizational structure at Semco was such that each faction comprised about 150 workers. Each div ision was led be an individual elected in a democratic pattern by the workers. As a result, the workers felt more involved in the management process and the liberal environment played a crucial role in enhancing the workers output towards the key organizational goals. The transformational strategy proved effective. Immediately after its implementation, the company performance scales rose and it started making profits. In addition, the cost of production diminished as the new approaches allowed for sharing of tasks which improved the quality of individual performance. With efficiency within the human resource fraternity, the company improved in performance in the areas of sales, manufacturing and finance. The effectiveness of this strategy attracted other organizations which attempted to copy and implement it into their own organizational structure. However, there are various parameters which tend to change as one moves from one organization to another (Collings and Wood, 2009). These may include; the availability of resources, geographical location, market nature and the human resource fraternity. The changing trends therefore imply that a management approach may be applicable in one organization yet when installed in a different set up may not tr igger the same results. Subsequently, the transformational plan implemented at Semco may not be universally applicable. Change and Motivation at Semco The various strategies introduced in the new plan played a crucial role in enhancing worker motivation. To begin with, leadership was decentralized hence responsibilities and decision making shared (Daft and Armstrong, 2009). The strategy saw to it that all workers had a hand in the day to day running of the company and could even appoint their own leaders and set salaries. The rotation of leadership therefore played a role in enhancing motivation as individuals had to exhibit exemplary performance to be elected. According to the motivational theory of equity, motivation of workers may not be achieved solely through salary packaging but by creating a liberal environment where the workers see their roles as the core cause of motivation. The theory further stipulates that workers tend to offer their best when they are treated fairly and in an advantageous manner (Dattilio and Freeman, 2007). Semlers strategy to empower the subordinates at Semco played a crucial role in enhancing their confidence hence the desire to offer more. Furthermore, the needs motivational theory depicts motivation as a method of increasing the effort of the human resource towards achieving organizational goals. The transformational strategy at Semco comprised a series of steps which effectively triggered the workers to higher levels of commitment towards the companys objectives. For instance, the plan involved a reward scheme which was based on the level to which the workers achieved the set targets. As a result, the div isions worked round the clock not only to ensure that teams performed best for recognition but also see to it that the set targets in terms of sales and profit were met. This strategy largely enhanced the workers motivation. Hackman and Oldhams job characteristics model outlines the idea that the responsibility given to an individual at a work place serves as a key motivational factor before other factors are injected into recognition scheme. The nature of a job can be designed to motivate a worker through job rotation and change of working conditions (Bernhard, 2008). Semlers transformational plan involved job rotation in which the occupants of the position of Chief Operating Officer could only do so for six months after which a new individual took over. This strategy highly motivated the workers to remain effective and productive in their delivery as the democratic election to the leadership positions were based on individual performance. The model also outlines that employees are likely to be highly motivated when they experience the meaningfulness of work, have knowledge of the outcome and understand the nature of their responsibilities (Hinings, 2013). To enhance the workers motivation towards effec tively executing their duties, the transformational plan involved sharing of profit among the workers. According to the reward structure, each division received 25% of the net profits which would them be shared among the workers according to the outcome of a decision made by a democratically elected committee. Possible Sources of Tension Due to the fact that the transformational plan involved the incorporation of fresh strategies, the initial stages were characterized by a number of challenges (Semler, 1989). The very first strategy involved reducing the number of management layers from the initial seven to three. This process caused a considerable amount of conflict which threatened to hamper the progress of the new plan. The decentralization of leadership was also characterized by the empowering of the subordinates (Cohen, 2008). The workers were accorded a free hand to hire and fire. This strategy caused a stir within the human resource fraternity as some managers felt their authority had been demeaned. As a result, a good number of managers ended up quitting the company hence revealing one of the challenges which accompanied the implementation of the transformational plan. The associates were allowed to set their own salaries which could lead to issues with integrity and lack of transparency on financial management. Despite the fact that the set salaries would be mounted on notice boards to enhance transparency, the strategy still gave room for financial mismanagement as not audit procedures were set to monitor the process. This liberal environment could see the associates allocate themselves unreasonable amounts hence affecting the other portions of the organizational structure (Giddens, 2008). Lastly, the sudden overhaul of the leadership structure and management style could be considered another cause of tension/conflict. The new strategy resulted in the organization experiencing a radical change which for quite a while influenced operations within the company. The change faced much resistance especially from the middle managers. It is only after it had taken full force that the company began to register an improvement. Risks Taken by Semler Semlers transformational plan before its implementation looked like an idea out of this world. The initial stages were characterized by fear and uncertainty but he chose to forge ahead. One of the risks was the sudden overhaul of the management system which resulted in a radical change and influence on a good portion of the human resource fraternity (Griffin, 2010). This change would adversely affect the companys workers as most of them had not been adequately prepared for the transition. The removal of leadership titles was another risky step as the company risked losing the individuals who felt left out by the new management system. The other risky strategy involved empowering the subordinates and giving them the free hand to hire and fire at will. Despite the fact that this step was meant to enhance motivation, it never augured well with a portion of the human resource fraternity as some of them opted out of the company complaining their authority had been undermined (Harper, 2009). Giving too much power to the subordinates, if not well managed, could lead to the emergence of selfish interests where the divisions could appoint leaders based on their individual leaders and no focus on the organizational goals. However, the transformational strategy adequately countered this possible risk by setting targets and establishing a reward structure based on the achievement of these targets (Siehl, Killian and Perez, 1999). Finally, the associates were given a free hand to set their salaries, a step which could easily lead to financial mismanagement. Due to lack of adequate financial monitoring tools by then, the organi zation could register losses from this strategy as a result of excessive spending. Conclusion The discussion has revealed some of the impacts that implementing a transformational plan may have on a company. Despite the fact that the plans are always meant to enhance organizational performance, the change associated with them may adversely affect the companys department. This therefore calls for the need to implement the right management procedures hence ensuring the desired results are obtained. From the discussion, we can also deduce that transformational plan may positively impact an organization by arousing the right behaviors and motivational levels among the workers. Selmers plan proved effective in the long run due to the extent to which it empowered and motivated the workers to offer their best. After the implementation of the plan, the companys costs diminished while the level of production increased. These changes could be attributed to the level of motivation within the workforce. Despite the possible source of tension and risks involved, the transformational plan a t Semco was effective and caused a turnaround within the company. In the same way, the current global situation may pose various challenges to change and implementation of new plans. However, a strong will to beat all the odds serves as the main reason behind the success of most international organizations around the globe today. References Anita, M. (2010) How Much Does Home Country Matter to Corporate Profitability?. Journal of International Business Studies, 4(1), pp. 142165. Bernhard, H. (2008) Six lessons for the corporate classroom. Harvard Business Review, 66(5), pp. 12-56. Braisby, A. and Gellatly, A. (2012) Cognitive Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Cohen, M. (2008). Productivity and Efficiency in Human Service Organizations as related to Structure, size and Age. The Academy of Management Journal, 23(1), pp. 21--37. Collings, D. and Wood, G. (2009) Human resource management: London: Routledge. Daft, R. and Armstrong, G. (2009) Organization Theory and Design. Toronto: Nelson. Dattilio, F. and Freeman, A. (2007) Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies in Crisis Intervention. New York: The Guilford Press Giddens, M. (2008) Determining Organizational Effectiveness - another look, and an agenda for research. Management Science, 32 (5), pp. 514 --538. Griffin, T., (2010) Information technology, strategic decision making approaches and Organizational performance in different industrial settings. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 10(1), pp.101-119. Harper, S. (2009) Configurations of Organizational Effectiveness and Efficiency. The Academy of Management Journal, 36(6), pp. 13451361. Hinings, C. (2013) Returning to the Frontier of Contingency Theory of Organizational and Institutional Designs. The Academy of Management Annals, 7(1), pp. 393440. Norman, T. (2013) Personnel training and development, Annual Review of Psychology, 22(1), pp. 565602. Semler, R. (1989) Managing without Managers. Harvard Business Review, 1(1), pp. 1-10. Siehl, R., Killian, D., and Perez, F. (1999) Richard Semler and Semco S.A. Harvard Business Review. 1(1), pp. 1-16. Stoner, K. (2013) All in all its just another plaque on the wall: the incidence and impact of the Investors in People Standard. Journal of Management Studies, 40(2), pp.54371.

Macbeth Tragedy Or Satire Essay Example For Students

Macbeth Tragedy Or Satire Essay William Shakespeare wrote four great tragedies, the last of which was written in 1606 and titled Macbeth. This tragedy, as it is considered by societal critics of yesterdays literary world, scrutinizes the evil dimension of conflict, offering a dark and gloomy atmosphere of a world dominated by the powers ofdarkness. Macbeth, more so than any of Shakespeares other tragic protagonists, has to face the powers and decide: should he succumb or should he resist? Macbeth understands the reasons for resisting evil and yet he proceeds with a disastrous plan, instigated by the prophecies of the three Weird Sisters. Thus we must ask the question: If Macbeth is acting on the impulses stimulated by the prophecies of his fate, is this Shakespearean work of art really a Tragedy?Aristotle, one of the greatest men in the history of human thought, interpreted Tragedy as a genre aimed to present a heightened and harmonious imitation of nature, and, in particular, those aspects of nature that touch mos t closely upon human life. This I think Macbeth attains. However, Aristotle adds a few conditions. According to Aristotle, a tragedy must have six parts: plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and song. Most important is the plot, the structure of the incidents. Tragedy is not an imitation of men, but of action and life. It is by mens actions that they acquire happiness or sadness. Aristotle stated, in response to Plato, that tragedy produces a healthful effect on the human character through a katharsis, a proper purgation of pity and terror. A successful tragedy, then, exploits and appeals at the start to two basic emotions: fear and pity. Tragedy deals with the element of evil, with what we least want and most fear to face, and with what is destructive to human life and values. It also draws out our ability to sympathize with the tragic character, feeling some of the impact of the evil ourselves. Does Macbeth succeed at this level? Can the reader feel pity and terror for Macbeth? Or does the reader feel that Macbeth himself is merely a branch from the root of all evil and not the poor, forsaken, fate-sunken man, according to Aristotles idea of tragedy, he is supposed to portray? Can the reader purge his emotions of pity and fear by placing himself in the chains of fate Macbeth has been imprisoned in? Or does he feel the power and greed upon which Macbeth thrives, prospers, and finally falls? I believe the latter is the more likely reaction, and that the reader sees Macbeth as a bad guy, feeling little or no pity for him. Aristotle also insists that the main character of a tragedy must have a tragic flaw. Most tragedies fail, according to Aristotle, due to the rendering of character. To allow the character to simply be a victim of unpredictable and undeserved calamities would violate the complete, self- contained unity of action in the tragedy. If that is so, and if we assume that the group of three witches is a realistic possibility, then is not Macbeth such a victim? Does he really deserve the misfortune that is brought him by his fortune? After all, Macbeth is introduced to the reader as an honest and humble leader. His fate, once having been revealed to him, drives him to greed, elevates his lust for power, and coins a conceited and misguided trust in his seemingly eternal mortality. Diction, the expression of the meaning in words, is near perfect in Macbeth, simply because it is written by William Shakespeare, the inventor of perfect diction. Thoughtthe task of saying what is possible and pertine nt in the circumstances of the playcan not be disputed. Spectacle and Song are the effects that highlight the play, and are pertinent in providing an emotional attraction. Such elements are easily found in Shakespeare. Macbeth is written with the style and grace that only Shakespeare could provide. Thus, these elements of tragic drama can not be challenged in this argument. While we need to consider that Macbeth strives on power, and in doing so loses his values of humility and humanity, it should not be forgotten that Macbeth does, at certain times, feel remorse for things he has done. In Act 2, Scene 2, Macbeth confides in Lady Macbeth after the murder of Duncan: But wherefore could not I pronounce Amen? I had most need of blessing, and Amen Stuck in my throat. and:Methought I heard a voice cry Sleep no more!Macbeth does murder sleep, the innocent sleep,Sleep that knits up the raveled sleave of care,The death of each days life, sore labors bath,Balm of hurt minds, great natures second course,Chief nourisher in lifes feastMacbeth shall sleep no more. In this scene, he shows great turmoil over the deed he has done. Thus the reader is shown that Macbeth is acting out deeds that go against his conscience, that he regrets his actions, and that the prophecies are unfolding. But is this apology enough to stimulate pity within the reader? After all, the man j ust committed his first of many murders! His contrition seems to fade as his want of power flourishes. So Macbeth continuesthe powers of evil feeding on every move he makesto make way for his advancement as prophesied by the witches. He hires his men to eliminate Banquo, a threat to his cumulative reign. Having Banquo out of the way, Macbeth surges with the sense of power. There is no doubt that he is acting on the impulses that were stimulated by the first prophecies of his fate. In Act 4 Scene 1, he returns to the three witches, desiring more information regarding his fortune. They in turn assure him that none of woman born shall harm Macbeth. Invincible power! Macbeth forgets the other two prophecies: Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff, Beware the Thane of Fife and:Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no careWho chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are. Time As A Determinate Of Final Product In A Dehydration Reaction EssayLikewise with Macbeth. A strong leader, upheld by his loyal comrades, could do no wrong. But once he learned he was to acquire some great fortune, he was his own enemy. His lust for power drove him to his bitter end. Satire may be defined as a genre that uses mockery of society to shock that society into an honest look at itself. Do we consider the Hadleyburg tale a tragedy? No. We see it more as satire. It is a sarcastic view of societys morals and values, and how hypocritical people, including ourselves, can be. Putting Macbeth on a parallel with this entertaining American short story allows us to view the play in a different light. We now can see Macbeth as a hypocrite, and we can see him resembling ourselves. How often can the power of want, the desire for more, lead humanity to destruction and despair? The same motivational tool that drives a college student into a career can someday break him. So let the cr itics of yesterday have their tragedy. Let them read their own literary mortality in Macbeth:Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow Creeps in this petty pace from day to dayTo the last syllable of recorded time,And all our yesterdays have lighted foolsThe way to dusty death. Out, out brief candle!Lifes but a walking shadow, a poor playerThat struts and frets his hour upon the stageAnd then is heard no more. It is a taleTold by an idiot, full of sound and fury,Signifying nothing. I am sure even Aristotle would have allowed Macbeth into the Tragedy Hall of Fame. But if a man has the gift of foresight and is aware of the risks but chooses to ignore them and runs after his fate, what tragedy is there? If Fate wins, it cannot be considered a tragedy if Macbeth succeeds in meeting it. Today we have put out this tragic candle. Im not of much importance in this mortal world of ours, but if Ive given you something to reconsider and to ponder on, then this task is finished.

Autobiografie Essay Example

Autobiografie Essay Example Autobiografie Essay Autobiografie Essay Essay Topic: The Godfather Vroeger heb ik een heleboel boeken voorgelezen gekregen, zoals Visje bij de thee en Pluk van de Petteflet van Annie M.G. Schmidt. Net als elk meisje was ik ook dol op sprookjes. Mijn moeder heeft me verteld dat ik altijd wilde dat ze Roodkapje voorlas, maar zelf kan ik me daar niks van herinneren. Van Max Velthuis las mijn moeder ook verschillende boekjes voor en later kon begon ik ze zelf te lezen als oefening. Een aantal van deze boekjes waren Olifant en de tijdmachineâ„ ¢, Kikker is een heldâ„ ¢ en Kikker en de vreemdelingâ„ ¢. Ik vond het prachtig dat een kikker kon praten en allerlei dingen kon doen die mensen ook deden. Toen ik op de basisschool zat las ik erg veel boeken van Annie M.G. Schmidt en Roald Dahl. Ook heb ik Het grote boek van Madeliefâ„ ¢ gelezen. In dat boek stonden alle verhalen van Madelief. Zoals Met de poppen gooienâ„ ¢, Grote mensen daar kan je beter soep van kokenâ„ ¢, Op je kop in de prullenbakâ„ ¢, Krassen in het tafelbladâ„ ¢ en Een hoofd vol macaroniâ„ ¢. Ook heb ik van Guus Kuijer Ik ben Polleke hoorâ„ ¢ en De tranen knallen uit mijn kopâ„ ¢ gelezen. Het leuke van de boeken van Guus Kuijer vond ik dat de hoofdpersonen altijd ontdeugend waren en deden wat ze zelf wilden. In de boeken van Annie M.G. Schmidt echter waren de hoofdpersonen vaak verlegen en hadden het allemaal niet zo goed in het leven. Een voorbeeld daarvan is Sjakie en de Chocoladefabriekâ„ ¢. Sjakie en zijn familie zijn bijvoorbeeld heel arm. Zo is Pluk in het boek Pluk en de Pettefletâ„ ¢ een jongetje dat helemaal alleen in een flatgebouw woont. En Lotje, die woont helemaal alleen met haar vader in een caravan! Andere boeken die ik van Annie M.G. Schmidt gelezen heb zijn Wiplalaâ„ ¢ en Wiplala weerâ„ ¢. Nog zoâ„ ¢n idee! Hoe verzin je het om een verhaal te schrijven over een tuinkabouter Het idee alleen al vond ik prachtig. De boeken die ik minder leuk vond waren de lijsters. Onder andere omdat we die in groepjes moesten lezen en de andere kinderen lazen te langzaam, naar mijn mening dan. De lijsters kon je ook zelf bestellen en dat vond ik weer wel leuk. Dan kon in tenminste in mijn eigen tempo, veel sneller dan al die andere kinderen in mijn klas natuurlijk, het boekje uitlezen. Het enige wat ik daar vervelend van vond, was dat die boekjes zo snel uit waren. Binnen een dag vaak. Alleen hoe ouder je werd, hoe dikker die boekjes werden en er was een serie lijsters â€Å" de Gouden Lijstersâ„ ¢ â€Å" die wel superleuk was. Hier hoorde onder andere het boek De Zevensprongâ„ ¢ van Tonke Dragt bij. Op de basisschool vond ik het altijd heel belangrijk dat er een heleboel tekeningen bij zaten, anders wist ik niet hoe de hoofdpersonen eruitzagen. Ik lees nu veel liever boeken zonder veel plaatjes, zodat ik het uiterlijk van de hoofdpersonen zelf kan verzinnen. Helaas word ik daardoor vaak teleurgesteld als ik de verfilming van het boek zie. Harry Potter bijvoorbeeld was in mijn gedachten veel leuker dan in de film. Ik vond het ook altijd prachtig als twee mensen op elkaar verliefd werden, wat ze zelf in het begin nog niet wisten, maar ik als lezer natuurlijk allang doorhad. Toen vond ik het nog heel erg leuk dat ik altijd precies wist hoe een boek af zou lopen. En natuurlijk moest het altijd een happy endingâ„ ¢ hebben, anders was het een stom boek. Nu hoeft niet elk boek een en zij leefden nog lang en gelukkigâ„ ¢-einde te hebben. Een einde waarbij de hoofdpersonen niet bij elkaar kunnen zijn, kan ook mooi zijn. Wel heb ik er een hekel aan als een boek een open einde heeft. Daar kan ik helemaal niet tegen. Dan moet ik zelf een einde gaan verzinnen, terwijl ik dan net zo goed zelf een heel boek zou kunnen gaan schrijven. Ook heb ik het gevoel dat de laatste bladzijde van een boek ook echt het einde van het verhaal moet zijn. Tenzij er natuurlijk een vervolg komt. In groep zeven en acht las ik nog steeds boeken met een happy endâ„ ¢. Zoals de boeken Razendâ„ ¢, Pijnstillersâ„ ¢ en Afblijvenâ„ ¢ van Carry Slee. Nu heb ik eindelijk door dat de boeken van Carry Slee grotendeels hetzelfde zijn. Zo zat er altijd een moraal in het verhaal, heel erg vervelend. Ik lees een boek toch voor mijn plezier Dan hoeft er van mij geen wijze les in te zitten. Andere boeken die ik in groep acht al las waren de boeken van Francine Oomen. Die waren natuurlijk heel aantrekkelijk om te lezen. Vooral als je vooraan in de rij staat om naar de brugklas te gaan en de titel van het boek Hoe overleef ik de brugklasâ„ ¢ is. Ook las ik een heleboel typische meidenboeken, onder andere van Kate Cann. Vrijâ„ ¢, Siestaâ„ ¢ en Party!â„ ¢ zijn alle drie boeken die gaan over meisjes met liefdesproblemen en uiteindelijk komt alles natuurlijk weer goed. Kate Cann is eigenlijk de Engelse versie van Carry Slee. Boeken die ik las en nog steeds lees, zijn de boeken van Thea Beckman. Het idee dat er in haar boeken een heleboel geschiedenisfeiten staan, trekt mij heel erg aan. Haar boeken maken het hele vak geschiedenis leuk. Andere boeken die zich ook in de geschiedenis afspelen zijn de boeken van Karl May. Zijn verhalen spelen zich af in de 19e eeuw. Al zijn boeken gaan over de in Amerika bekende westman Old Shatterhand en de indiaan Winnetou. Alleen wordt Old Shatterhand na de dood van Winnetou in de Orient bekend als Kara Ben Nemsi, samen met zijn reisgenoot Hadji Halef Omar. Twee jaar geleden ben ik begonnen met het uitspitten van mijn moeders boekenkast. Daarin vond ik het De Da Vinci codeâ„ ¢ en Het Bernini Mysterieâ„ ¢ van Dan Brown. Wat ik leuk vond aan die boeken was de onverwachte wending in het hele verhaal. Als je denkt te weten wat er precies aan de hand is, blijkt het uiteindelijk heel anders te lopen. Ook was het leuk om te lezen doordat je weet dat het een mengeling van feiten en fictie is. In Het Bernini Mysterieâ„ ¢ bijvoorbeeld kom je een heleboel te weten over hoe alles eraan toe gaat tijdens het kiezen van een nieuwe Paus. Ook heb ik boeken van Robert van Gulik gelezen. Zijn boeken gaan over Rechter Tie, een rechter die in China gewoond heeft en daar ook echt al deze moorden heeft opgelost. De boeken van Robert van Gulik zijn niet van die romannetjes die je binnen een dag uit hebt, al doet het aantal bladzijdes je dat wel vermoeden. Voor de rest heb ik een aantal boeken van John Grisham gelezen zoals De Clientâ„ ¢, De Advocaat van de Duivelâ„ ¢ en Achter gesloten deurenâ„ ¢. Onder andere omdat advocaten en maffia in zijn boeken heel belangrijk zijn. Ik wilde later advocaat worden en daarom heb ik zijn boeken gelezen. Ik vond dat ze de moeite waard waren. Een ander boek waarin de maffia een grote rol speelt, is het boek The Godfatherâ„ ¢. Ik vond het een fantastisch boek. Door de manier waarop Mario Puzo de gedachten en gevoelens van de hoofdpersonen beschrijft, lijken ze echt te gaan leven. Hij laat je de wereld vanuit hun perspectief zien. Een boekenwurm als ik komt natuurlijk ook minstens drie keer per maand in de bibliotheek. Ik heb uit de bibliotheek onder andere Stad van de maskersâ„ ¢, Stad van de bloemenâ„ ¢ en Stad van de sterrenâ„ ¢ gelezen. Dit zijn 100% fantasieboeken. Sommige boeken waarin twee werelden samen komen zijn heel chaotisch geschreven en dan raak je alleen maar in de war. Bij deze serie is het allemaal heel logisch. Dat is eigenlijk ook zo in Het Gouden Kompasâ„ ¢. Zoals ik al eerder geschreven had, vind ik dat boeken met een einde waarin de hoofdpersonen niet bij elkaar kunnen zijn ook erg mooi. Daarvan is Het Gouden Kompasâ„ ¢ een voorbeeld. w Boeken die ik vrij recent heb gelezen zijn Het huis van de geestenâ„ ¢ van Isabel Allende en de serie De Aardkinderenâ„ ¢. Wat ik mooi vind aan de boeken van Isabel Allende is dat je de personages leert kennen en ze hebben elk iets wat ze uniek maakt. De Stam van de Holebeerâ„ ¢ vond ik een prachtig boek. Daar zijn een aantal redenen voor. Ten eerste zijn de personages en hun gevoelens zo goed beschreven dat je hun beslissingen in het leven voor de volle honderd procent begrijpt. Ten tweede het idee dat Jean M. Auel drie jaar in het bestuderen van de feiten heeft gestopt om het verhaal zo waarheidsgetrouw mogelijk te maken. Een minpuntje aan het boek, en eigenlijk de hele serie, was dat er veel seks in zat. Mijn naam is Hannahâ„ ¢ daarentegen viel heel erg tegen. De achterkant van het boek laat je denken dat het leven van een vrouw totaal verandert doordat ze een achtergelaten kind meeneemt. Maar na het eerste hoofdstuk heb je direct door dat die vrouw veel meer bezig is met het vinden van haar Romeo dan met het verzorgen van Hannah. Ondanks al dat vind ik het heel moeilijk om een boek halverwege weg te leggen. Als ik dat doe blijft de vraag wat er verder kan gebeuren in mijn hoofd rondspoken en daar kan ik niet tegen. Na dit allemaal geschreven te hebben kom ik tot de conclusie dat mijn smaak qua boeken erg veranderd is. Ik zal niet meer boeken zoals Wiplalaâ„ ¢ gaan lezen. Ik vind het nu veel belangrijker dat boeken echt ergens over gaan en dat er ook fictie in zit. Ik lees namelijk om te kunnen wegdromen in een andere wereld en voor de ontspanning en als er dan alleen maar feiten in een boek staan is het net alsof ik een schoolboek lees. Dus ik ben van plan om nog een heleboel boeken te gaan lezen in mijn verdere leven. Eerst nog fantasie- en geschiedenisboeken, maar later zal mijn smaak qua boeken waarschijnlijk nog verder ontwikkelen en ik sta daarom ook open voor allerlei soorten boeken. Verder heb ik nog lang niet alle boeken uit mijn moeders boekenkast gelezen, dus ik ben nog wel even zoet.