Beethovens Fifth Symphony essays

Beethovens Fifth Symphony essays When listening to any piece by Beethoven, you receive the whole range of emotions, and the Fifth Symphony is no different. Just the first four notes, a simple da-da-da-dum, is enough to send shivers up your back. Packed with all the furious confidence of Beethoven, it suggests scarlet eruptions, heavenly processions and all the powers human drama. These four notes started the memorable first movement. This movement is like a Stephen King novel because it is so saturated with intensity and suspense. The pauses leaves the audience hanging and trying to guess where the unpredictable Beethoven will lead. The peaceful intervals of swaying melodies only added to the expectancy and tension, like the eye of the storm. It was played con brio, with a confident, agitato attack. Over and over, the four note theme was twisted, turned and thrown out with gusto. Melodies from brass, echoed by strings weave in and out throughout the movement. The second and third movements were more dolce and leggiero. The second movement started with lovely dynamic shapes with phrases dropping off into a dreamy pianissimo. Then they would crescendo almost stealthily to the climax. The melody ebbs and flows, now semplice, no con fuoco. The third movement is still dolce but is more playful than the second movement. The solos pass the melodies to each other and the dynamics deliberately chase each other. In this movement, the four note theme is used as a rhythm pattern, though not necessarily the same notes. The fourth and final movement becomes revitalized and majestic. The brass echoes the theme again. This movement is joyous, like a sun bursting boldly from the clouds, symbolizing hope for humankind. With all the triumph and joy, the final resounding chords pounded and hammered out with an immortal energy. Watching the video, the excitement, vigor and enthralling rapture of the conductor and the musicians, makes the powerful music even more dramatic a...

Phases of the French Revolution essays

Phases of the French Revolution essays The French Revolution, which took place from 1789 to 1799, was an accumulation of two different revolutions, or two different stages of the revolution. The first stage, from 1789 until early 1792, dealt with liberty, and new ideas and policies for government. The second stage, from later 1792 until 1799, dealt with democracy and the cry for equality for all. Both stages succeeded in some ways, and failed in others, leading to the French Revolution itself to be both a success and a failure. From 1789 until 1799, liberty was what the masses were after: the liberty to compete, to own, and to succeed. The creation of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen is a perfect example of what the masses were after. The key word is, of course, masses. The Third-Estate long felt that it was time they were heard and taken seriously. The first phase of the revolution became the battleground of the Third-Estate versus anyone with substantial power. The call for liberty spread into all aspects of a Frenchmans life, the peasantry, aristocracy, and the clergy were all affected. The first phase of the revolution was mainly about discovering new ideas, mostly on the political spectrum. France slowly began to take steps towards democracy, starting with stripping the clergy of their power, condemning the ruling family, abolishing absolute monarchy and writing the Constitution of 1791. The first phase can be viewed as both successful and unsuccessful. The constitution that was set up in 1791 failed, and when it ended the hope of many liberals disappeared as well. However, the good that came out of the first phase can be seen easily. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, and then later the one written for women, both exemplify the changes that were made during the first phase of the French Revolution. People everywhere began thinking differently, and politics became a much talked about subject by all class levels. The f...

Alba Madonna - Raphael Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Alba Madonna - Raphael - Essay Example Raphael's Alba Madonna, painted circa 1510 and measuring 37.5 inches in diameter, is one of the most well known examples of biblical themed Renaissance art. One of the work's key compositional features is the artist's selection of a circular framework to surround his depiction of the biblical triad of Mary, the child St John and a baby Jesus. The circle, with its theoretical and symbolic links to notions of eternity is invested with significance in the Judeo-Christian belief system. Conversely, in ancient mythology the circle often represented a serpent from head to tail - tying in with the serpentine satanic figure of Christianity's Garden of Eden. Surrounded by the circle, as the baby Jesus was encased in her womb before birth, Mary is surrounded by a miasma of potent symbolic associations - including those of creation, rebirth and destruction. The foreground scenery of the piece is relatively barren, in contrast to the reproductive success of the virgin mother. In biblical ideolog y, it was a tragedy for a woman to be seen as barren - as traditional gender roles determined reproduction to be a woman's primary function. Conversely, a fertile woman was seen to be blessed by God. The emphasis on a barren landscape heightens the associations of fertility connected to the Madonna, and the barren scene is broken by the appearance of two flowers - symbolising qualities of purity in their whiteness and similarly reflecting the virginal purity of Christ's mother.

Human Rights and Oil Companies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Human Rights and Oil Companies - Essay Example It also examines prominent cases under the Alien Tort Statute of 1789. The paper goes on to view some codes of best practice in relation to the operations of American multinationals and petroleum companies overseas in relation to human rights. The paper concludes with the writer's opinions and findings about the subject. Human Rights â€Å"Human rights create entitlements and are fundamentally different from rights established solely as state obligations that cannot be claimed by the beneficiaries† (Kalin & Kunzli 32). This implies that human rights refer to some inherent rights that people must be granted irrespective of their status and situation. In other words, human rights are not conditional. In includes the right that any human being must be granted in any situation or condition. Although beneficiaries of human rights are individuals, they are sometimes asserted by minorities in various collective forms (Kalin & Kunzli 32). In other words, people can come together a gro up to demand their human rights in a collective manner. This can be done through group actions like protests on the street or universal adult suffrage elections like a referendum or plebiscite to choose a given option. Human rights are constitutive and not regulative (Milne 103). This is in line with John Locke's view on natural right which requires people to be granted certain rights without having to work for it (Donelly 18). These rights are based on moral vision. This should generally include natural justice wich involves the right to life and the right to fair trial and justice on the part of all human beings. No one must decide whether to grant those rights or not. They are inherent and there are no conditions or exceptions that can be attached to such rules. In a nation, there are three main conceptions that ensure that human rights are entrenched and observed throughout the nation (Milne 104). First of all, human rights are guaranteed where there is the rule of law. In other words, human rights can be guaranteed if there is a constitution and the constitution guarantees some inherent and inalienable rights of people in a given society. Secondly, the supremacy of human rights laws must be guaranteed. And thirdly, there should be equality before the law in the interpretation of human rights law. Due to the supremacy and entrenched nature of human rights, all groups and units within a given nation must honor these laws. This therefore means that businesses in every nation, whether they are international or local, should honor human rights laws. Human rights laws are internationally guaranteed (Kalin & Kunzli 32). This therefore means that there is an international framework within which human rights can be discharged. Laws that Protect Humans Rights In every nation, the constitution and fundamental rights must ensure that basic human rights are protected. The Parliament of every nation must make laws that are sensitive to human rights (Campbell & Goldswor th 259). This therefore means that there should be an entrenched and established universal system that must respect and honor the basic rights of all citizens. The parliament or law making body of every nation should be sensitive to fundamental human rights in the making of laws. Also, in interpreting the law in relation to specific cases, the Judiciary must guarantee the human rights of individuals. Where this is in

Test Questions Political Science Essay Example for Free

Test Questions Political Science Essay In international power relations, the use of force refers to the process whereby military power is used to settle down international issues. This has been a long-term solution to issues of international concern as it is influential and brings about an enduring solution. On the other hand, exchange is a strategy that utilization of cultural exchange approaches to settle down international conflicts (Little, 2007). Exchange strategy profoundly serves as the best strategy as it uses peaceful mechanisms through considerations of the diverse nature of different international environments. Do you believe you are living in the cave described by Plato?             In my own interpretation of my life and the era I am living in, I am certain that I am not living in the cave described by Plato. For instance, I am freed from the slavery of ignorance by education and my â€Å"mind’s eye† and my â€Å"sensual eyes† are open. This has impact in the current political scene as my impact can bring a positive or negative change in the politics of the land through education (Heidegger Sadler, 2012). Karl Marxs definition of the classes under capitalism             Karl Marx argued that the social relations of production indulge diverse classes. The Marxist concepts are very significant in the current world as they circuitously condemn capitalism, view classes as the engine for societal change as well as arguing that classes are defined by the ownership of property (Elster, 2006). As a matter of fact, the philosopher attributes people’s alienation to the created social classes. In addition, Marx claimed that a state could improve in relation to the available social, cultural and political structures. Abortion and judicial decisions             According to research, the issue of abortion is mostly discussed during the period of presidential campaigns (Tatalovich, 2007). However, the courts may decide to deliver their judgments in favor of the constitution or particular laws even if the ruling parties have a moral objection to the verdict. However, abortion may be significant if carried out in the right way, the right place as well as for a valid reason. To deliver a judgment in an event of moral objection, the Supreme Court should apply the laws and regulations the constitution. References Elster, J. (2006). An introduction to Karl Marx. Cambridge [Cambridgeshire: Cambridge University Press. Heidegger, M., Sadler, T. (2012). The essence of truth: On Platos parable of the cave allegory and Theaetetus. London: Continuum. Bottom of Form Little, R. (2007). The balance of power in international relations: Metaphors, myths, and models. New York: Cambridge University Press. Tatalovich, R. (2007). The politics of abortion in the United States and Canada: A comparative study. Armonk, N.Y: M.E. Sharpe. Source document

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn :: essays research papers

Reasons Huck Finn isn't racist The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is not a racist novel. This novel has been subject to much controversy about whether or not the book is racist. Whilst many believe the novel to be non racist, there a few people out there who believe it is. This is just not true. This essay will show you why this novel is not racist.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Huck Finn is the main character in this novel; he is an uneducated, uncivilized, backwoods hick. Huck uses the word ‘nigger’ many times throughout this story. What many people have not come to realize is that at this point in time the word nigger was no more offensive then calling another man ‘white’. All slaves in that time were referred to as ‘niggers’. At this point in time that word is very hurtful to the black community when used offensively. Huck using the word only reinforces the idea that he was in fact uneducated and it shows what kind a vocabulary to have expected from a young southern boy. In fact if that word wasn’t used in the novel it wouldn’t be as realistic as it is.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The costar of this novel is a runaway slave named Jim. Jim is a caring friend, a devoted husband, and a loving father. Many people believe that Jim is portrayed as silly and uneducated. Those people have failed to realize that this book is written through a child’s point of view. Before Huck gets to know Jim for the man he really is this is how Huck perceives him. Although Jim is perceived as stupid it’s because he is. Jim has probably lived his life as a slave and has a slaves’ education. This book wasn’t written to show how stupid the slaves were, although it somewhat did, but rather to express the situation of slaves being uneducated at the time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The third reason why this is not a racist piece of literature is it shows that there in no racial boundrys in love and compassion for another human being. It shows the development of Huck and Jims’ father and son type of relationship. This novel concretely shows that relationships of any sort are not bound by race. The novel also shows how one’s ideals can change in spite of what you have been taught. Huck deciding that he would go to hell to help Jim escape to freedom is probably the most non racist part of the whole novel, and it is what the book is built upon.

In Jonathan Kozol Essay

In Jonathan Kozol’s novel Amazing Grace, religion plays a dominant role throughout the book. As Kozol describes the people in poverty of Mott Haven and the myriad horrible circumstances that they face everyday, religion provides their one and only salvation and solace. It is much easier to ask what these children don’t face than what they do. They face people dying daily, prolonged sickness, crime, drugs, abuse, alcoholism, asthma, poverty, dirt, dilapidated housing. They see people die horrific deaths whether it is from AIDS or a little girl falling down an elevator shaft that nobody would fix. They are denied medical care or given substandard care, which means people don’t get better. They attend substandard schools where they receive less than adequate education. What they don’t face is a lot of compassion or empathy. At a time in America when neo-liberalists would like to get rid of government control of the economy, which results in cutting social programs that directly benefit the poor, religion is their only means of hope. Incidentally, neo-liberalists do not have any problem with government subsidies or benefits for businesses. With the rising sentiment of â€Å"I didn’t breed them†¦I don’t want to feed them† (128), this nation’s poor are shoved away and hidden more and more. They are blamed for the problems they face, and less is being done to help. As Reverend Overall says of the lack of mention of 97th Street, though 96th Street is featured in tourist guides,, â€Å"The papers ignore realities like the waste burner, but they do it in a way that tends to neutralize the dangers almost instantly† (187). 97th Street is poverty, and America turns its back on these people in the name of neo-liberalism. The American public believes as Kozol states, â€Å"If only enough children, we are told, would act the way heroes do, say no to drugs and sex and gold chains and TV and yes to homework, values, church and abstinence, and if only enough good parents, teachers, volunteers, and civic-minded business leaders would assist them in these efforts, we could turn this around† (240). This again is blaming the victim, not the society who created these conditions at all. As long as the poor are hidden away in places we run from, the inequalities will continue to exist. And when faced with such an extensive list of problems, what can these people do? They can turn to religion. Religion provides them hope. Churches provide them with food and clean needles and community organizers as well. Church becomes the focal point around which their lives revolve. As Father Glenwith Miller says, â€Å"Many here a great deal more devout then people you would meet in wealthy neighborhoods. Those who have everything they want for need have often the least feeling for religion. The rich are very busy storing everything they can accumulate: wealth, power, or prestige†¦Still I think it grieves to hear of God when human beings created in His image treat other human beings like filthy rags† (78). This quote says a great deal about why people of Mott haven are so religious with a comment about the social responsibility of humanity as well. People from Mott Haven come to church in order to escape bullets and crime for a brief respite. They use church to take away the harshness and darkness of their own lives. Church is someplace where they can hope and dream for something better than they have. Kozol wants the reader to truly understand the power religion has to buoy their spirits against the rising tide they must face everyday—the guns, the violence, the drugs, the sickness, the injustice. A nightly prayer for Mrs. Washington’s children is â€Å"God bless Mommy. God bless Nanny. Don’t punish me because I’m black† (69). Others express the sentiment that god provides a better place after death or are just thankful that God has allowed them to live. Kozol asks Shirley Flowers, a friend of Reverend Overall’s, â€Å"Do your children have the same belief in God that you do? † She replies â€Å"Yes†¦They do. This family talks to God† (169). And when a student of Gizelle Luke’s is asked â€Å"Who do you look up to? , he replies I look up to God, my mother, and myself† (33). These quotes are used to show just how important religion is as a force in their lives. Father Glenworth Miles discusses the importance of God in this community. We are not literal fundamentalists here†¦We see God as a liberating force who calls us to deliver people from oppression. The apparent consensus of the powerful is that the ghetto is to be preserved as a perpetual catch-basin for the poor. It is not about annihilating segregation or even about transformation of the ghetto, but setting up ‘programs’ to teach people to ‘adjust’ to it, to show a ‘functional’ adaptation to an evil institution†¦As a religious man, I see it as my obligation to speak out against this, not to bend the poor to be accommodated to injustice but to empower them to fight it and to try to tear it down† (81). He determines it to be