Sunday, December 22, 2019

Differences Between Heart Of Darkness And The Poisonwood...

Imagine a man suddenly cast into a world he never could have dreamed of. He would be shocked by the unfamiliarity all around him, from the people to the plants, and confused of what to do. A man cut off from what he knows is only left with two options, either to reject his new circumstances, or find a way to assimilate to his new society. This man will either try to find a way to return back to his world, or find a way to adjust his life to his surroundings. Throughout history separate cultures have collided, and with each collision they have either melded together or rejected each other.The Heart of Darkness and The Poisonwood Bible both portray how although every individual can react differently, when faced with the collision of two†¦show more content†¦In contrast Marlow only goes as far to recognize a â€Å"kinship† with the natives, yet states the thought of this was â€Å"ugly† to recognize it (Conrad 62). Although both Marlow and Ruth May initially share their racist beliefs, they end up choosing different ways to fit into Congolese life. Marlow rejects adaptation because he beliefs it will take him away from being civilized, and Ruth May attempts to fit in. Their difference portrays how the choice to accept a new culture or deny it, does not come from societal beliefs, but rather how each choice contributes to the individual’s needs and wants. Although both novels portray individuals learning to assimilate into Congolese society, they way they conduct their fusion of cultures are vastly different. Although individuals may choose to adapt to their surroundings, rather than to reject them, there are various degrees to their change. Leah, upon exposure to the Congolese, the racism in Leopold, and Lumumba trying to make the Congo â€Å"the heart of light†, she began to respect and view the Congo as a place where individuals fought for their freedoms (Kingsolver 184). She took her place in Congolese culture, as she wished to support Anatole on his endeavors to help the Congolese come closer to freedom. In stark contrast, Kurtz found his way to assimilate into Congolese society by taking on the role of a â€Å"deity† where his words were the law (Conrad 88). Both charactersShow MoreRelatedChristian Missionaries Essay1240 Words   |  5 Pagesdoes in The Poisonwood Bible, was and is not possible. With a conversion of faith comes an adoption of customs, morals, lifestyles, and even political views. Even though young Leah Price says that the Word of God weighed nothing, it was actually the heaviest burden the Price family carried with them on their journey. Every missionary who has brought the Word of God to the Congo region has been faced with many more challenges than they could have ever imagined. The Poisonwood Bible provides aRead More The Poisonwood Bible as a Catalog of Romanticism Essay3776 Words   |  16 PagesThe Poisonwood Bible as a Catalog of Romanticism      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver, the romantic standards that are associated with literature during the American Renaissance are evident. This popular novel, a New York Times Bestseller, embodies the concept of Romanticism with its gothic darkness, themes of loss and nostalgia, and a strong captivity narrative. The presence of a wise child and recurring double language are essential to the plot of the story. Nathan Prices

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Genre Analysis Free Essays

Genre Analysis The musical film has always held a special place for me. From my time as a drama student in high school, my eyes have been opened to the amazing world of the musical and especially the musical film. The musical film is a film genre in which the characters sing songs that are integrated into the overall story. We will write a custom essay sample on Genre Analysis or any similar topic only for you Order Now Since musicals first began in theaters, musical films usually contain similar elements. These elements often simulate that there is a live audience watching. In a sense, the film viewers become the audience members, at a theater production, as the actor performs directly to them. Due to the popularity of musicals in the theater, the style was quickly brought over into film. In 1927, the musical film genre began with the accompaniment of the first film talkie, The Jazz Singer. While popularity for this genre has fluctuated over the years, it nevertheless has succeeded in becoming a staple in films. Throughout this paper, I will explore what is a film in the musical genre and why it has such a lasting effect through the examination of three considered, classic musical films of their eras. The three films that will be examined are Singin’ in the Rain, Grease, and Rent. These three movies are considered some of the top musicals of their time. Singin’ in the Rain is a 1952 musical comedy film starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds. This film is a comic portrayal of Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies in the late 1920s. It is now frequently described by critics as one of the best musicals ever, and it continually tops on the AFI’s 100 Years of Musicals list. Next, Grease is a 1978 musical film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as two students in a 1950s high school. This is a story of the trials and tribulations of the teenagers are that era. Grease was considered as one of the best films of 1978. Lastly, Rent is a 2005 musical drama film about the depictions of the lives of several Bohemians squatting in the East Village of New York City from 1989 to 1990 and their struggles with sexual preference, drugs, and AIDS. The film was nominated for a number of awards, including a GLAAD Media Award for Best Picture Musical/Comedy. They may seem quite different on the surface; however, the similarities they do have in common are mainly due to the genre they share. This is shown by the use of music, production design, and film techniques. The use of music is a key to determining if a film is in the musical genre. Not only are songs used to further the story along in a musical, but they also have the ability to put the audience in the emotional state of the character singing. Song has always been used as a good conductor for emotional understanding. For example, during the song â€Å"You Were Meant for Me† in Singin’ in the Rain, Don Lockwood is able to confess his love to Kathy Selden in a way that feels magical and shows a connection between the two would be lovers. Also, the song â€Å"There Are Worse Things I Could Do† in Grease is able to betray the emotional depth of the character Rizzo’s fear, shame, and anger. At the time this film came out, topics such as teen pregnancy were not generally presented in films. By having this character sing her issue, the audiences, who may have dismissed her outright for her actions, are able to sympathize with her plight. Moreover, in Rent, the song â€Å"I’ll Cover You† by Angel and Collins allow the viewer to get caught up in this young couple’s relationship without having to worry or even consider that this is a gay couple. Therefore, it is obvious that the power of song is one of greatest attributes that the musical genre has to offer. Music has a tendency to touch a person more than mere words, which might be the reason why musicals do, too. Another item that films in the musical genre share in common is production design. Production design is the creation and organization of the physical world surrounding a film by the use of lighting, staging, and set design. Musicals share many similarities in their production design. For instance, many musicals from the past and present use elaborate production numbers. A production number is a specialty routine, usually performed by the entire cast consisting of musicians, singers, and dancers of a musical with the use of grand set pieces. All the films being discussed here have, at least, one production number in them. Singin’ in the Rain has Gene Kelly’s legendary performance in the rain. The ending of Grease features a carnival with several song and dance numbers. The beginning of Rent showcases a beautiful New York block back lot, surrounded with flaming debris. Also, since musicals had their start in the theaters, many lighting choices have theater-like qualities, such as the spotlight. All three films use a spotlight to highlight their actors. Rent and Singin’ in the Rain, use it to emphasize the theater and movie qualities of their film; while Grease uses the spotlight to portray a beginning of a dream sequence. Many musicals, even the grittier ones, have a sense of grandeur to them that can be seen in the production design. One can say grandeur has always been a calling card for musicals. Once musicals made the transition to film, a number of film techniques have been used repeatedly. First of all, many musicals use the technique of creating lines of movement from background to foreground to foster an illusion of depth. Singin’ in the Rain presents a line of beautiful women in tremendous outfits, in the background, during the â€Å"Beautiful Girl† song. The balcony scene in Rent and the carnival scene in Grease provide the same sense of an illusion of depth. In addition, the use of ellipsis, an omission of time to that separates one shot from another, allows films, such as these, to show a long progression of time quickly. The stories of these films take place over a matter of months like Singin’ in the Rain, a school term like Grease, or a full year like Rent. Since all that time cannot be shot, ellipses are used. Another technique, which is commonly used, is the fadeout. Since several of the song and dance scenes are basically vignettes, a fadeout is typically a good transition or ending. Grease uses it at the end of Beauty School Dropout, and the other films use it at the end of their films. Furthermore, the long shot, also known as the full-body shot, is used frequently in musicals to allow the audience to see the dexterity of the actors. The scenes like the ballet in Singin’ in the Rain, the hand jive in Grease, and the tango in Rent, must be shown with such shots to enhance their performances. Hence, while the feel of a musical can differ from one to another, the general format tends to follow a set path that one allows the viewer a measure of comfort. In conclusion, the genre of the musical has had a long standing in film for many years. From mere comedy to critiques on our society, the musical has taken many forms. For some reason, our society allows one to express their point of view through a musical to a mass audience. Such musicals as Hair, Tommy, and even Rent would not have been shown if not in musical form. The use of song and dance has always been a factor in any civilization from the rituals to entertainment. It is said that music soothes the savage beast, but music also allows the viewers of musicals to almost experience movie firsthand. One can easily get caught up in the songs of the musical. Have you ever caught yourself singing the songs after the show? That is a sign of an excellent musical. Whether it is live or on a screen, I receive so much enjoyment out of watching a musical. I hope the same can be said about you. How to cite Genre Analysis, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

In Act 1 Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, there is a dramatic sense of romance and danger Essay Example For Students

In Act 1 Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, there is a dramatic sense of romance and danger Essay In Act 1 Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet, there is a dramatic sense of romance and danger. How does Shakespeare convey these emotions through his text? Consider how Baz Luhrmanns interpretation of this scene has brought out the emotions present in the text. In Act 1, Scene 5, of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare conveys romance and danger to the audience through his text in many ways, including his use of language and the way he structures his scene. The scene is important as Romeo meets Juliet and they find out they are from rival families. Tybalt also decides to take revenge on Romeo because he came to the feast uninvited and assumes Romeo wants to mock the Capulets. Previously, there had been a civil brawl between the Montagues and the Capulets. Afterwards, the Prince declared that the next person to start a fight, would be executed. Meanwhile, Paris and Capulet are discussing the possible marriage of him and Capulets daughter Juliet. Paris is told to wait two years before marrying her but he can meet her at the feast that night. In Scene 1, Romeo talks to Benvolio about being in love with Rosaline but unfortunately she does not want any involvement with him. Benvolio advises Romeo to go to the Capulet feast and compare her to the other women there. The consequences of this scene are largely involved with death as Tybalt kills Mercutio and then is killed himself by Romeo in revenge, as he and Mercutio were best friends. Therefore, Romeo is banished to Mantua and Juliet takes a potion to avoid marrying Paris. Friar Lawrence plans go awry and both lovers take their own lives. To truly understand Romeo and Juliet, its historical and social context must be considered. Verona, like Elizabethan England, is a patriarchal society which puts a great constraint on Juliet. She is considered as her fathers possession and the father of the family dominates. This was a law and not just an expectation. Juliet was controlled, captive and can only go to confession by herself. Women had no rights and this impacts in the play. Capulet and Montague are powerful people but their wives still have no rights. Juliet accepts that her father will choose a husband for her, but at first Capulet says he will let her decide, but when she decides not to marry Paris, he strikes back with harsh treatment. The scene begins with the servants clearing space for a dance which creates a sense of excitement and celebration. References to silverware and marzipan suggest how expensive and important the feast is. Capulet takes this feeling and expands it to include romance or at least flirtation with his opening speech as he teases the ladies to dance. Ladies that have their toes/unplagud with corns will walk a bout with you. He then welcomes the masked Montagues, whim he does not recognise, which adds a sense of danger as there could be another civil brawl if the Montagues were revealed. By having Capulet speak to several people, Shakespeare creates a certain sense of busyness and importance. Capulet tries to be a brilliant and entertaining host to all his guests as it is an important tradition to uphold. He then talks to his cousin about past feasts they had been to: For you and I are past our dancing days. All of this creates a festive and exciting mood and makes for the possibility of roma nce in everyones mind which in hindsight, predicts Romeo and Juliets first meeting ending in love. .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 , .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 .postImageUrl , .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 , .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833:hover , .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833:visited , .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833:active { border:0!important; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 { 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; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833:active , .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 .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; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833 .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u56e03529b3834506cb604452151d3833:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Thematic Elements in Hamlet EssayThe scene suddenly shifts focus from flirtation to love as Romeo sees Juliet for the first time to show a contrast between the two emotions as Romeos feelings are a lot more serious. In Romeos ten line speech, Shakespeare shows Romeos feelings are much more genuine as he is incredibly more articulate than when he spoke to Benvolio about Rosaline, I do love a woman. Romeo asks a servant who Juliet is and he answers, I know not, sir. This shows that Juliet is kept inside the mansion which once again shows the social context of the play. Verona being a patriarchal society means Juliet, as her fathers possession, is kept inside the mansion. In ten lines, the audience will be convinced of Romeo being in love and of Juliets beauty. To begin with, he compares her to light, she doth teaches the torches to burn bright. Romeo then extends this image by saying she is like a rich jewel in an Ethiopes ear, again emphasizing her rarity and dazzling beauty. His comment Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear, makes her seem to good to be true and is prophetic as it also seems Juliet is too good for this world; indeed she dies in four days. Romeo says she stands above everyone, a snowy dove trooping with crows. He has compared her to Rosaline but Juliet is a much better sight. In the last four lines Romeo declines his love for Rosaline and announces his love for Juliet. Romeo speaks in rhyming couplets during the ten line speech which shows his passion for his new found love. There is another dramatic shift in emotion as Tybalt sees Romeo and shows his anger, conveyed through the sharp sounds and rhythms of the lines. His first reaction to Romeo is Fetch me my rapier. Rapier is a sword which illustrates Tybalts intention to kill. His last two lines are a rhyming couplet which shows his passion for hate; Now by the stock and honour of our kin/To strike him dead I hold it not a sin. This adds tension as Tybalt is willing to kill and that is against the Princes law. His first reaction is to get his sword which could ruin the feast and result in an execution. Shakespeares language makes Tybalt seem spiteful with sharp sounds and rhythm: Hear and scorn at our solemnity, conveying his love for hate and violence, proved in the final two lines written in the form of a rhyming couplet. When Capulet hears of Tybalts plans, he immediately tries to calm him down: Content thee, gentle coz, let him alone. Tybalt argues and Capulet suddenly is filled with rage as he int errupts Tybalt, Ill not endure him, He shall be endured. Repetition and broken sentences, Go to!-Go to!, show Capulets rage at Tybalts attempt to disrupt the feast. Tybalts final threat foreshadows his and Mercutios death and is in the form of a rhyming couplet again conveying his passion for hating the Montagues. From sharp danger to romantic hope, Shakespeare introduces the lovers to each other through a sonnet. This is appropriate because sonnets are usually poems about love but another key theme in Elizabethan sonnets was death and time which could prelude the tragedy to come in the play. Also Romeo as a courtly lover would be expected to write sonnets to his beloved. Every sonnet is built upon an argument, and Romeo argues for a kiss; My lips two blushing pilgrims ready stand/To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss. Juliet being able to respond in sonnet form shows how well matched she is with Romeo, especially as she has had no experience in courtship; this shows she has found her soul mate. There is a lot of religious imagery in the sonnet, pilgrim and saint which creates the impression that their love is holy and above the ordinary. At the beginning of their second sonnet, they are interrupted by the nurse who says: Madam, your mother craves a word with you. The interruption indi cates that the family will always come in between their love and sends a sense of danger through the relationship which remains throughout the scene. .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a , .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a .postImageUrl , .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a , .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a:hover , .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a:visited , .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a:active { border:0!important; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a { 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; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a:active , .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a .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; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uaec3501327cc13da62087c2d8b78dc3a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Mary Shelly's Novel Frankenstein EssayRomeo then finds out that Juliet is a Capulet and he that can lay hold of her, shall have the chinks., said by the nurse, once again shows the Capulet obsession with money. Romeo is shocked as he now owes his life to his enemy because of his love, My life is my foes debt. This creates suspense as the audience wonders if they will ever be together or if the families will stop them. Within this scene Shakespeare alternates from romance and danger many times. Juliet then seeks the identity of Romeo in excitement but doesnt want the Nurse to suspect anything so she asks the identity of two other men. Already, Juliet is keeping secrets which is a sign of things to come. Her thoughts as the nurse seeks Romeos identity, If he be married, my grave is like to be my wedding bed, shows Juliet is already thinking of marriage in terms of death. She finds out Romeo is a Montague and is instantly distressed. She now loves him and cannot change her feelings, even though now he is a Montague. Her rhyming couplets express her passion for Romeo, but with Juliet her passion often leads to desperation. We then see Juliet isolated as the strangers leave and keeping her love secret from her Nurse makes Juliet alone literally with her new found love. Act 1, Scene 5 is a scene full of dramatic emotion, especially romance and danger. As the final scene of Act 1, it is the catalyst for the rest of the action in the play. It is clear from this scene that Romeo and Juliet will never be together and even they know it.