Dance as a Form of Cultural Expression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Dance as a Form of Cultural Expression - Essay Example Over the years, there have been different forms of dance and choreographers who have steered the American culture.   Non-academic modern dance in America was first introduced by St. Denis and Shawn, collectively referred to as Denishawn, who coached their students to use their talents so as to express themselves through movement (Thomas 85). This dance group was created against the backdrop of the First World War when America had developed a high sense of nationalism and the federal government took control of almost of sectors of the society. The Denishwan dance was characterized by ballets and exoticisms, adopted from Greek movements. According to Thomas, any person who was suspected of engaging in activities that could undermine national security was arrested and imprisoned (87). After the war, though, political goals posts changed and the then government minimized federal interference in business and other sectors. According to Thomas, progressive education during this era champ ioned for change. The modern dance was characterized by different experiments with bodily movements, which did not rely on Greek methods of dancing. In short, the new age dancers were in search of dance methods that reflected the American culture, as opposed to oriental culture. The Americanized dance involved more profound body movements as a way of expressing art. In addition, the modern dances sought to establish the independence of dance from music, considering that Denishawn had always viewed dance as secondary to music (Thomas 89). Martha Graham, a former dancer in Denishawn became one of the modern age dancers and produced numerous choreographic works in her career. Graham, for example, fused humor and dance as a form artistic expression relevant to the American culture. Graham’s choreography was characterized by increased torso movements, to go along with the breathing partners of the dancers (Thomas 89). The exaggerated contractions and expansions represented the inn er conflicts within the inner self of a human being. Additionally, there was the inclusion of emotional intensity and expression of inner feelings in the modern dance as compared to the formal ballet dances that were more narrative. Humphrey’s choreography involved isolating music from dance, in such a way that dancers sometimes performed in complete silence or a spoken word (Thomas 89). The relationship between balance and imbalance, depicted by falls and the rises of the dancers from the floor characterized much of Humphrey’s choreography. In addition, Humphrey preferred individual work as opposed to group dances in her choreography. Dancing with the Stars Dancing with the stars as a ballroom dancing reality show is designed to exemplify the American dream that encourages personal growth. The dream that everyone in America is accorded the chance to showcase their talents regardless of race, religion, background and other factors that make individuals different is wha t dancing with the stars is all about. The reality show serves to encourage people to pursue their dreams and believe that they can be successful regardless of any limiting factors.  Ã‚  

The Fatal Mistake Essay Example for Free

The Fatal Mistake Essay This is Swetas book, she gave it to me, she replied. I never knew you read Daniel Steel? , she glared at her. Sweta told me that this was really an emotional story and I would love it, she said. Why did you come back early from college? , she asked. The lecturer was absent. Anyway one of my classmate is coming here today, he has some doubts in economics, she said. Which classmate? , she asked. You dont know him, even I didnt know that he stayed in our apartments till today, she said. Fine! I am going to Nehas house, we have to do our homework together, she said picking up her books. When will you be back? , Kavita asked. In an hour, I have to go for Badminton practice after that, she said, she had goosebumps all over her when she thought of Nakul. What is this new you have started, badminton practice daily? , asked her sister. Someone told me that I was good and should participate in the junior tournament in the colony, so he is just teaching me, she said. He? Who is this he? , she asked. He is the champion of our colony and he is coaching me now days, you should see him, he is great, Mala said. Eeks! Badminton, please I hate that game, she said and got back to her books. Yeah! You cant see anything apart from your books, Mala said and walked out of the house. An hour later Mala came back from her friends house and saw that Kavita was clearing the table. So did that boy come? , Mala asked. Yes he did, he just went a few seconds back, she replied. You should have made him wait, I would have met him too, she grumbled. He will come here daily till our exams, so you can see him some other time, she said, going back to her room. Fine, I am going for my practice, will be back in two hours or so, Mala said and out she went. This time Nakul wasnt there, so she started to practice on her own. In another five minutes, Nakul came to the court. Sorry, I am late, he said. No problem, what happened? , she asked. Actually my exams are coming, so I have to study. I am weak at a few subjects, he said. Fine, she muttered, she didnt even know what he studied or where he studied, she made a mental note of asking it later. The game went off even better than the previous day. After the two hours both of them were completely dead. God! I just dont feel like going home, he said. Why? , she asked. I just feel like playing with you the whole day, it is so much of fun. Once you go home, you have to start studying the horrible subjects, he said. She laughed. What are you studying? , she asked. I am doing Final year Economics hons, he said. Great! Even my sister is doing that, she said. You have a sister, I didnt know that. Doesnt she play badminton? , he asked. She hates outdoor sports, she hardly comes out, she said. Oh! Mala I have to leave now, I am getting late for my tuitions, he said. Yeah bye! See you tomorrow, she said. Not tomorrow Mala, I have to take extra tuitions tomorrow, we will meet day after tomorrow, he said. Yeah fine, she said looking dejected. This time she didnt run all the way home, rather she was quite upset. He could have taken out at least an hour for the practice. That night again she had that bad dream, but this time she could see a few more things. She could see that the gleaming thing was a sharp knife. She could see that the other person was poking the knife at Kavita. And before Kavita lost her consciousness she wrote something on a piece of paper, it looked like a name alam. Mala got up feeling quite nauseated. The dream felt so real that she was literally shaking in fright. Who was Alam? And who killed Kavita? Why would anyone want to kill her? She would have to ask Kavita, who Alam was. The next day, Mala confronted Kavita. Do you know any guy called Alam? , she asked. Alam? No I have never heard that name, why are you asking that? , she asked. Have you picked up a fight with someone? , she asked. No, but why are you asking me all that? , she asked. Nothing, she got up. Maybe what I am thinking is all wrong, maybe I am going mad, she thought to herself. Mala, I have bought something for you. I was at Lajpat Nagar today and I found something that you will love, she said taking out a packet. Mala gasped in shock, it was a blue bag with Snow White on it. She held on to the bag, nervously. She had become completely pale. Did you like it? I thought your bag has become really old, so I bought this for you, Kavita said. Thanks I love it, she managed to say. She thought over her dream once again. The murder weapon would be in her bag or maybe she was the one who took the weapon from the bag. Would she try to kill Kavita? But why? Why would I kill my own sister? What is happening , she looked really scared. The next day was no out of usual. Mala was worried the whole day. She kept thinking about her dream again and again. When she came home in afternoon she lay tiredly on the bed. She soon dozed off. When she got up it was four in the evening. Oh, I am missing my badminton practice. oh Nakul is not coming today, she sighed in relief and again lay on the bed. She could hear Kavita in the hall. She was with her classmate, teaching him. Mala got up and freshened up, then she came out of the room to go to the kitchen. On the way she passed the hall and she stood for a while to see the guy, Kavita was teaching. Her heart took a double jump, as soon as she saw him. Nakul.. Nakul was in Kavitas class and she is teaching him. She quietly walked into the hall. Hi Mala! Come meet Nakul, he is in my class and Nakul, she is my sister Mala, she said introducing them. Hi Mala, I didnt know that you were Kavitas sister, he said. Hi and I didnt know that you were Kavitas classmate, she said with a smile. Excuse me! Am I missing something? Do you people know each other? , Kavita asked. Yes, I told you about the champion who coaches me for badminton, Nakul is the one, Mala said. Oh Great! I didnt know that, she said. I should say that Mala is great, you should just see her playing, Nakul said. I have heard that you are a champion, I should see you playing sometimes too, Kavita said with a smile. I have called her so many times to see my play and she never came and now she will see Nakul playing, Mala thought, as a tinge of jealously hit her. I am not a champion, you are the champion of the college, you should see your grades, he told Kavita. Oh please Nakul, stop that, she said giving him a shove. Kavi, dont be so modest dear, he smiled. Mala stared at them strangely. Even she didnt call her Kavi, who was he to call her that way and anyway the hell was she behaving like this with him? . I am tired, lets go out for a Pepsi, Nakul asked Kavita. Yeah Sure! Mala would you like to join us? , she asked. She stared at them. She felt that they didnt want her to join, Nakul didnt even ask her. No, I am a little busy. You guys go on, she said. Fine! Come Kavi, lets go, he said. He looks so happy that I am not going. We have practiced so hard, didnt he ever feel like going in for a Pepsi break with me, she was really pissed off. She walked into her room without even saying bye to them. She sat on the bed and the scene flashed through her mind again. The way both of them were looking at each other and talking to each other. Was there something going on between them? He looks quite impressed with Kavita and who isnt? She always impresses everyone with her sweet talking and her flirtatious attitude. But why Nakul, why couldnt she have just left Nakul for me? I loved Nakul, God! Why does this happen to me always? I will have to talk to her, she thought. That night their parents were not at home, so this was the perfect time Mala could talk to Kavita. Kavita we need to talk, she said gravely. Yeah, whats up? , she said, looking up from her novel. From when do you know Nakul? , she asked. I told you he is my classmate, I know him from three years, she replied. Are you close to him? , she asked. What sort of question is that? He is a good friend of mine, she said. Good Friend! You are having an affair with him, she screamed. Oh yeah! I am having am affair with him, she said sarcastically. Please Kavita! Dont make a joke of it. You have snatched away everything from me but not this time. I wont allow Nakul to fall into your trap, she roared. What nonsense are you talking? What trap? And what do you know about Nakul? , she asked. I know that I love him, I truly love him. My love is not an infatuation, I have loved him for four years and now when I am about to get him, you are playing your tricks, she shouted. Mala you are completely out of your mind, Nakul can never love you, she said. Oh yes! And why not? Because you love him and want him, you cant do this to me, you cant. I wont let him go away from me, she looked really flared up. Listen Mala! You dont know a thing about Mala, he will never love you because. , before she could complete her sentence, Mala had poked the knife she had brought in her bag into her stomach. Kavita gasped in horror. She turned and tossed in pain. She had a pen in hand and in the book she wrote mala , Its mirror reflection when Mala saw looked like alam. Kavita lay dead in a few seconds. Mala quietly cleaned all the fingerprints from the knife and kept it over the body. Then minutes later she screamed. Hearing her all the neighbours rushed to the house. Mala ran out like a mad girl and soon the police had arrived. Mala was in no condition to speak, everyone knew that she had loved her sister so much. The police registered the case as a robbery cum murder, the thief had come to rob the place but Kavita saw him and in order to save him he killed Kavita. All the while Mala was in the hall watching her favourite cartoon Snow White. A week later, everything came back to normal. Mala again started to practice badminton with Nakul. That day Nakul had come with a friend of his. He introduced him to Mala. Mala, this is Yash, my boyfriend, he said. Hi Yash, Nakul why did you refer to him as your boyfriend, you could have called him your friend. Boyfriend seems so weird, she said. Nakul looked towards Yash and he smiled back. Mala you have become a good friend of mine so I wouldnt hide it from you. He is my boyfriend, I am a gay, he said frankly. Mala looked stoned. She froze to her bones. She ran all the way to her house and sat on the bed. Kavita was so right, Kavita I am so sorry, I am so sorry.. you were right.. He could never love me he could never love me, Mala cried. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Miscellaneous section.

Politics in the Pakistan Media

Politics in the Pakistan Media Introduction: When someone brings news to you- you should investigate its credibility first (Quran). Politics is the life blood of media coverage because that forms the reality of perception on which action is based. Political environment is depicted by media. Today, everyone of us has make us more enjoyable and leisure life by watching TV, and they enjoy by listening radio and read magazine and newspaper. People are influenced by shows on TV and articles in the newspaper. Media keeps the people updated and informed about what is happening around the world. Not only people have positive impacts on the TV, they have negative impact too. They are informed and are intouch with the upcoming news. People should get aware of the information they get that can be dangerous in their minds. The TVs permeate their lives, guiding us what are we supposed to wear, how we are supposed to look and act. Television not only give positive but negative effects as well on the viewers of talkshows, many studies have impact of television on society. Mostly young ones are more affected by this. 14 August 1947 when 1st time these words were spoken instead of this is all India radio by Zahoor Azher in English and Mustafa Ali Hamadani in Urdu building of radio Pakistan Karachi built in 1950. In Pakistan Television was 1st introduce in the excitation near Mezare Quaid on 16 September. In 1955, it was a small source of entertainment and short circuit television came into being (Pakistan corporation limited PTV). 1st official television station commenced transmission telecast from Lahore. In Karachi 1966; In 1974 Peshawar and Quetta , In 1991-1992 original telecast work in black and white PTV launched a full-scale satellite telecasting services. PTV news , PTV national , PTV bolan (BOLOUCHI) , PTV Global (dish network) . In 15 July 1990 , 1st private channel NTM ( network television marketing ) was launched. On 1st March 2002 General Pervez Musharaf issued the ordinance for launching the private channels. Nearly 100 channels can see on TV like GEO , ARY , HUM , DUNIYA , SAMA , WAQAT , EXPRESS , CITY42 , MASALA , ZAUQ , GEO sports , Qtv , AJJ , etc , which is based on news , sports , religion , informative , documentary , music , cooking , business , political etc . Abdul Razaq Yaqoob (ARY) has leading private channels chain in Pakistan ( Javaid,2012) . History of talk show is quite long, and it represents first formats of programing in tv history. While the greater part of the early shows was geared towards politics and Government, a number of celebrity-oriented shows began to start up during the 1960s. In 1070s, talk shows were replaced by game shows.a host figures and anchors always host the talk shows.talk shows usually consist of groups of people who are learned and who get a great experience to whatever issue is being discussed on the episode of the show. A call-in show is that in which anchors takes the live call. Pakistani media is very lively. Current Affair programs or Talk Shows is most important format of private television channels. There are multi-dimensional role of Talk Shows or Current Affair Programs in Pakistani society : to inform to educate to formulate public opinion Current Affair Program or Talk Shows have great impact on politics , social values , life styles of people , relationship of masses and foreign policy. There are many Pakistani Talk Shows that are fulfulling our masses needs. For example : GEO Talk Shows ( AJJ RAAT KAMRAN KHAN K SATH ) , ( CAPITAL TALK ) ARY Talk Shows ( KHARA SACH ) , ( ) In theses talk shows , ask soft questions about our country crises due to this viewers like these programs because in these Talk Shows everyone fights and the anchor are expert in engaging people in fight with each other. Talk Shows is a TV program in which single anchor or more than one anchor have a conversation on different current affairs, participants of the talk shows are usually educated. They have great information experience about the current issues happening around the world. In some of the talk shows a single guest tells about their life experience, their work , career etc. the most important aspect of talk show is to spread awareness to give information to others etc. Nowadays people not only think about politics but they even are very interested in each and everything about talks ahows and happenings in it. By the talk shows nowadays viewers judge who is better what is good which political party they should give their votes to, and who will be the next leader this all helps the viewers to know more about it. Rationale of the study: The present study on â€Å"role of anchor of news channels creating political awareness in youth†. The researcher selected this topic to measure the role of news anchors to create political awareness among youth. Nowadays in Pakistan political issues are increasing day by day and almost every news channel is showing talk shows. Through these talk shows everyone got to know the political situation and issues happening in our country. Youth is the major part of our country on which our country development lies. From these talk shows people specially our youth came to know about political issues of our country. This study will also useful for our government. Objectives To find out the impact of talk shows Anchors in creating political awareness among youth in Lahore. To measure the level of political worth based on political participation and political awareness among youth in Lahore. To find out the knowledge of respondent about politics. Hypothesis Hi- Political Talk Shows motivate youth to take part in politics. Ho- Political Talk Shows are just for awareness of political issues. Hi- Talk Shows increase political efficacy among youth of Pakistan Ho- Talk Shows are informational live program for update of news in detail. Hi- Political talk shows increase the knowledge of respondents. Questions Do you think the role of talk shows Anchors effect the mind of youth in Lahore ? Do you think the Anchors play effective role in reporting a leader’s position? Is Anchors are providing proper information about political issue to their youth? Don’t you think that these political talk shows just give benefits to their channels? Are talk shows guided by the guests rather than anchor? Literature review Kabir (1965) states in his study that television has ability and it changes the tradition in the society and also has power to change the social rules of the society, television enforce the society to adopt new trends and made them part of their lives. . The purpose of the study is to measure the impact of t.v programs in the behaviors and the standard of living towards media. Roper (1975) as quoted by Mark (1982) in his research concluded that people habitually got most of the news about what is going on in the world from TV . When Ropers organization asked a national cross-section about this in 1974 , 65% replied TV and only 47% said newspapers. Rmeez Ahmad from the University of Punjab found that Talk Shows are increasing the political awareness and socialization of the viewers. Although respondents have awareness to talk shows they dont participate in politics. It showed the passive attitude of the young towards politics. Talk Shows of Pakistan TV channels are now an enjoyable battle of two political parties instead of conclusion on different issues or problems and demand from the people. Bilal et al. in 2012 consummated a study on talk shows on Pakistani TV. Their objective was to explore the relationship between spoken words and ideology of the Talk Shows anchors. They picked up two Talk Shows from GEO TV and they found that anchors try to maintain Talk Shows intentionally by setting agendas. However, Yousuf in 2012 states that Talk Shows are creating political awareness im Pakistan. Researcher showed that Pakistani electronic media is more informative. Talk Shows are playing a major role in shaping awareness. The researcher has conducted surveys. The study found that, TV viewers watch Talk Shows regularly and that they consider Talk Shows to be an informative program. A grand majority 96% of viewers believed that, Talk Shows can provide political knowledge and generate awareness to the public. Politics means social relations involving authority or power and to the methods and tactics used to formulate and apply policy. According to Hegel, Political History is an idea of the state with a moral and spiritual force beyond the material interests of its subjects: it followed that the state was the main agent of historical change ( Hegel, 1991). Aristotle concludes that man is a political animal : we can only achieve the good life by living as citizen in a state. Afsheen (2002 cited in saghir, 2009), in her article: As far as news Talk Shows section is concerned , private TV channels are doing well. In the discussion on ARY and GEO , people belonging to different political parties and areas of Pakistan express their views. They try to cover all the important occurring in Pakistan either having international values or not. So it is really a good sign that is public can get hold of all the information without censor or distortion of facts in governments favor. Today people not only think over it but also talk about politics. They know each and everything today due to political talk shows and also can judge who is better and should be next Leader and can work better for their country. ( politics portal, 2012). Four different ways of measuring the impact of anchor of Talk Shows have been used in previous research : stoichiometric techniques , interviews with key information , observation , and self-designating techniques (Jacoby , 1974; Rogers Cartano 1962 , Weismann 1994). The prominent measurements have always been self-designating techniques, because they can easily be administered in survey. Rees in 2007 said that uniqueness of the opinion in not special to the set-up of the talk shows. he states, In TV programs , we find normal arguments produce in normal ways, but intensified by the pressures of the specific purpose and layout of the show , hosts elicit arguments to increase the entertainment value of the show; participants use arguments to detract their opponents image and to enhance their own image. Alina , Marukh and Rana (2006) conducted the research level of interest in TV programs channels and its impact on personal aspiration of youth. For the conducted research, the greater the level of interest in TV programs, the greater will be the impact on personal aspiration of the students. Further, to find out the relationship, if any , between the level of interest in TV programs and its impact on personal aspiration. The study conducted by Daheem , Misbah and Atif (2007) , research of impact of political communication through electronic media on party loyalty. For the conduction of the present research , the researchers chose Pakistan Peoples Party that the division or categorization amongst this party has been seen to a much lower extent as compared to other contemporary political parties. Researchers also observed that the element of loyalty exists muh more in PPP as compared with other parties of its own level. Theoretical Framework There are many theories which are related to media and influence individual directly, proportionally, immediately etc. These theories have different means to the media and their users. Many theories come into this framework that can relate the topic of researcher. But researcher discussed the one theory which is : Two-Step-Flow of communication. Introduction Of The Theory: The two-step flow of communication theory was first introduce by Paul Lazarsfeld, Bernard Berelson , and Hazel Gaudet in The Peoples Choice, a 1944 study focused on the process of decision-making. These researchers expected to find empirical support for the direct influence of media message on their viewers. This theory assert the information from the media moves in two distinct stages. First, individuals(opinion leaders) who pay close attention to the mass media and its message receive the information. Opinion leaders pass on their own interpretations in addition to the actual media content. The term personal influence was coined to refer to the process intervening between the medias direct message and the audiences ultimate reaction to that message. Opinion leaders are quite influential in getting people to change their attitudes and behaviors and are quite similar to those they influence. The two-step floe theory has improved the understanding of how the mass media influence decision making. The theory refined the ability to predict the influence of media messages on audience behavior, and it helped why certain media campaigns may have failed to alter audience attitudes and behavior. Application Of The Theory: The theory describes that Talk Shows are answerable for refining viewers about the idea of political and social truth. This situation is clearly exposed by research which seeks to establish what audience can and do understand about and from the mass media. Such researches have shown that audience can talk intelligently, perform the way they see something influenced by media. The mass media may not be successful in telling people what to think , but mass media successful in telling what to think about. Media and the political talk shows creating awareness among audience and youth about the current situation of their country. The TWO-STEP FLOW THEORY asserts the following points: the information is transferred not only by the medium but also through interpersonal communication. There are people between the medium and the interpersonal communication network which are called opinion leaders or Anchor persons. The influence of such opinion leaders or Anchor persons is significantly larger than that of the medium. Research Methodology: Current Affair Programs are main source of television. It is playing a main role in creating political awareness among youth in Lahore. Mass Media is the source of influencing people to participate in politics and this is the only source of creating awareness in citizens that how to improve and run our political system. People are mainly affected by the news and news Current Affair Programs that are on air on different news channel of Pakistan around the clock. Research Design/Method: The design used by the researcher is survey design. Research Tool: The researcher used questionnaire . The questionnaire was usually developed to measure the role of Anchor persons in creating political awareness among youth in Lahore . close ended question were used. Close ended question allow the respondent to answer free and unbiased responses. Population: The population includes viewers of current affairs talk shows . So in this research the population is selected of youth in Lahore both Male and Female of ages 18 to 25. Sample: Different institutions of Lahore ( Kinnaird college , Lahore college , Punjab university and LUMS ) Accidental / Convenience Sampling : This sampling is used to collect data . A sample of 200 people has been selected. Department of media studies and political science are selected of chosen universities . The following universities have been selected randomly to conduct a survey among youth in Lahore Kinnaird college for women Lahore college for women Punjab university LUMS Variables: Daily watching Talk Shows creating awareness among youth Positive viewpoint about the country Political involvement 4.7Control Variable: Age 18-26 Respondents: Students or Youth 4.8 Statistical Analysis: The statistical software used is Mini Tab

The Status of Africa :: Politics Economics Geography African Essays

On October 7 1999, Arizona Daily Wildcat published a remarkable article by Lora Mackel, a history Junior in the University of Arizona. In the article, Mackel expressed her views about the current state of the African continent as follows: We have all seen the images before: Children with bloated bellies, rebels with assault weaponry, shanty towns that spread as far as the camera can pan. These images reflect our own modern conceptions of Africa, for it seems that these wretched conditions and the continent itself are permanently linked. (4) Mackel’s article reminded this writer of a little anecdote told by a fellow countryman of mine named Kagiso, who is from northern Botswana and is currently studying in Alabama. Apparently, one of his American classmates innocently asked him how he had escaped from the civil war going on in Africa. According to Kagiso, this particular classmate of his has this notion that Africa is just one big country. Although it was easy for my countryman, Kagiso, to dismiss his classmate’s question as emanating from an individual on the lower side of the I.Q. scale, the point is that it connects to Mackel’s views and summarizes the perceptions of some Americans about Africa. Their perception is that the whole African continent is a basket case. On the other hand, there are some Americans who – unlike some of their countryman – may not dismiss Africa entirely out of hand. Such Americans may hold the view that Africa is a serious cause for concern. Once in a while , a sympathetic soul who holds the latter view more strongly may arise. Unfortunately, most of the time, such people feel so sorry for Africa that they end up being apologists for the African continent, never mind the fact that the continent is home to 61 countries with varying economic successes (â€Å"Atlas† 122). The generalized descriptions of Africa by writers such as Mackel fail dismally to present a true image of the continent. Africa’s critics may single out the political instability prevalent in some African countries as a cause for their dismissal of Africa. These critics may use Rwanda to plead their case. In 1994, approximately 250,000 Rwandans crossed into neighboring Tanzania as refugees. This was after their village leaders forced them out just because they belonged to a different ethnic group (Shawcross 4). It is easy for Africa’s critics to gloat over these reports. However, one need not be reminded that political strife is not uncommon in this day and age.

Imagery in Winter’s Tale

†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. It is time for Polixenes, King of Bohemia, to end his visit with his boyhood friend Leontes, King of Sicily. While the two kings prepare to bid farewell in a state room of the Sicilian palace, a Bohemian lord named Archidamus and a Sicilian lord named Camillo are in an antechamber discussing the extraordinary friendship between the two rulers. Camillo, advisor to Leontes, observes that they were inseparable when growing up: â€Å"They were trained together in their childhoods; and there rooted betwixt them then such an affection, which cannot choose but branch now† (1. . 10). †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Archidamus says nothing will ever come between the two kings. (His observation is an ironic foreshadowing of a terrible jealousy that will soon divide them. ) He also praises the Sicilian king’s little boy, Mamillius, as the finest of lads with the brightest of futures. (This, too, is an ominous observation. ) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. In the state room, King Leontes presses K ing Polixenes to linger in Sicily one more week, but Polixenes begs off, worrying about â€Å"what may chance / Or breed† (1. 2. 15-16) in Bohemia in his absence. When Hermione, the beautiful wife of Leontes, joins her husband in importuning Polixenes to extend his visit, he agrees to remain a while longer. Pulling him aside, she asks what his childhood was like with her husband. Polixenes replies, We were, fair queen, Two lads that thought there was no more behind But such a day to-morrow as to-day, And to be boy eternal. (1. 2. 78-81) When Hermione asks about their childhood adventures, Polixenes says, We were as twinn’d lambs that did frisk i’ the sun, And bleat the one at the other: what we chang’d Was innocence for innocence; we knew not The doctrine of ill-doing, nor dream’d That any did . . . . (1. 2. 83-87) After Leontes learns that Hermione has persuaded Polixenes to stay, Leontes immediately regrets extending Polixenes’s welcome, for the friendly conversation between his wife and Polixenes has envenomed him with jealousy. Apparently, Polixenes has an unduly suspicious eye. Perhaps Polixenes and his wife have become too close, Leontes thinks; perhaps they have been meeting in secret. He even begins to wonder whether his son, Mamillius, is the the product of a tryst in an earlier time between Hermione and Polixenes. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Later, suspicion builds upon suspicion. In a conversation with Camillo, the king openly accuses his wife of infidelity. Camillo, shocked, says the king sins gravely in speaking against her. The king replies, Is whispering nothing? Is leaning cheek to cheek? is meeting noses? Kissing with inside lip? stopping the career Of laughing with a sigh? (1. 2. 332-335) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ . Finally, he orders Camillo to bear a poisoned cup to Polixenes. Camillo tells the king he will perform the deadly mission, but then warns the Bohemian king that his life is in danger. During the night, Polixenes steals away. Camillo, estranged by Leontes’s behavior, accompanies Polixenes. Their sudden departure convinces Leontes his suspicions against Hermione are well founded. Angry and bitter, he publicly denounces his wife, who is soon to have another child, as an adulteress. After imprisoning her, he deprives her of the company of little Mamillius. Hermione pleads her innocence, to no avail. She is guilty; Leontes is certain of it. To confirm her guilt for others, he sends two lords, Cleontes and Dion, to the Oracle at Delphi, Greece, to request a judgment. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ After Hermione bears a daughter, her servant, Paulina, presents the infant to Leontes, hoping the sight of the little girl will quench his anger. However, wrathful as ever, Leontes disowns the child–believing it is not his own–and orders Paulina’s husband, Antigonus, to abandon it in a far-off place. Leontes then subjects Hermione to a public trial. With utmost dig nity and grace, she proclaims her innocence, declaring she has always been faithful to Leontes. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. During the trial, Cleontes and Dion return from Delphi with a sealed verdict from the great Oracle. An official of the court breaks the seal and reads the verdict: â€Å"Hermione is chaste; Polixenes blameless; Camillo a true subject; Leontes a jealous tyrant; his innocent babe truly begotten; and the king shall live without an heir, if that which is lost be not found† (3. 2. 134). †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Leontes rejects the verdict and orders the trial to continue. A servant interrupts the proceedings with tragic news: Prince Mamillius, pining for his jailed mother’s love, has died. The news staggers Leontes, and Hermione collapses. Suddenly realizing how wrong he as been, Leontes tells Hermione’s attendants to treat her gently when they escort her from the courtroom. Later, Leontes receives another shock: Hermione, too, has died. Profoundly moved, the king laments his vengeful deeds and goes off to mourn. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. What of the newly born child, the infant princess? As instructed, Antigonus leaves her in a far-off place, the coast of Bohemia, along with certain effects, including a note identifying the infant as â€Å"Perdita,† a name that came to Antigonus when he imagined he saw Hermione in a vision. But before Antigonus can return to his ship, a bear attacks and kills him and an angry sea wrecks the ship and swallows it and all aboard. Consequently, no one is left to report the fate of the child. A clown, the son of a 67-year-old shepherd, witnessed the bear attack and gives a report to his father, who discloses news of his own: He has found a baby girl on the coast along with a â€Å"bearing cloth† and gold. Sixteen Years Pass †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Shakespeare updates the audience on important developments through a speaker called Time. He tells the audience that Leontes now lives in seclusion and that the setting of the drama has shifted to Bohemia, where the son of Polixenes has fallen in love with a shepherdess. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. In Bohemia, Polixenes stews about his son, Florizel, because the young man frequently visits the house of an elderly shepherd to woo his beautiful sixteen-year-old daughter, Perdita. Because of her lowly status, she is unworthy of Florizel’s attentions, Polixenes believes. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Polixenes and Camillo, who has become the advisor of the king, decide to call at the shepherd’s house to observe Florizel and Perdita during a sheep-shearing and feast in which visitors are welcome. They wear disguises. Also present are the old shepherd and his son; a shepherdess, Mopsa (who hopes to marry the shepherd’s son) and her friend, Dorcas; and a thief, Autolycus, who has presented himself as a seller of ballads after arriving while singing a song. Earlier, Autolycus had picked the clown’s pocket on a road near the shepherd’s cottage. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. When Polixenes discovers that Florizel plans to marry Perdita, Polixenes reveals his identity and threatens retaliation against anyone who abets the wedding plans. Sympathizing with the lovers, Camillo persuades them to abscond to Sicily. Later, at Camillo’s request, Autolycus assists in the escape plan by gladly trading his shabby clothes with the princely garb of Florizel. Dressed as a commoner, Florizel will be able to avoid detection on his way to a ship. Before returning to the palace, Camillo tells the audience in an aside that he will provoke Polixenes into following the lovers. His purpose is not to betray the lovers; rather, it is to go with Polixenes to Sicily, for which Camillo has been homesick these many long years in Bohemia. His scheme works and Polixenes prepares to follow the lovers in his own ship. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Elsewhere, the old shepherd and his son are on their way to see Polixenes at his palace. The shepherd carries a box containing keepsakes of Perdita from long ago. These objects, he believes, will prove that Perdita is not his daughter and, thus, enable him and his son to escape the king’s wrath. On their way, they meet Autylocus, still dressed in Florizel’s clothes; they think he is a royal personage. When he says the king is about to embark on a ship to chase Florizel and Perdita, they offer him gold to take him to the ship and speak for them. But because he is not who he says he is, he takes them to Prince Florizel’s ship. All of them–Florizel, Perdita, Autolycus, the old shepherd, and his son–then set sail for Sicily ahead of the king’s ship. Many days pass while the ships are at sea. The setting then shifts to Sicily. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. When Florizel and Perdita arrive at the palace of Leontes and wait for an audience with him, a gentleman of the court informs the king of their presence, announcing them as the Prince and Princess of Bohemia. He says the princess is the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. After they are escorted into the court, Florizel greets Leontes on behalf of his father, Polixenes, saying an infirmity prevented Polixenes from making the trip himself. When Leontes inquires about the lovely Perdita, Florizel describes her as the daughter of a Libyan lord. He and the princess sojourned in that African country, he says, before sailing to Sicily to carry out a mission for his father. While Leontes visits with the young couple, all of the others from Bohemia assemble at the court: the old shepherd, his son, and Autolycus, as well as the travelers from the other ship–King Polixenes and Camillo. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Leontes, now a reformed man who is deeply sorry for his past misdeeds, reconciles with Polixenes and Camillo. The old shepherd and his son then reveal the contents of the mysterious box of keepsakes. It contains a â€Å"bearing-cloth† (3. . 77) Hermione had given to Antigonus. Leontes recognizes it as Hermione’s, unique because of a jewel on it. He also recognizes the handwriting in the note Antigonus left before a bear attacked and killed him. Just as convincing as these items identifying Perdita is the remarkable resemblance Perdita bears to Hermione. King Leontes joyfully reunites with his daughter and accepts Florizel as his future son-in-law; Polixenes accepts Perdita as his future daughter-in-law. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Leontes’s joy, though, is tinged with sadness, for he still grieves over the loss of Hermione. Paulina, the servant who sixteen years before pleaded on Hermione’s behalf, then invites Leontes to her house to show him a statue of Hermione, sculpted by an Italian master. While the royals and nobles are on their way to Paulina’s, Autolycus begs and receives the forgiveness of the old shepherd and his son for deceiving them back in Bohemia, then taking their gold and putting them on the wrong ship. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Upon viewing the statue at Paulina’s house, Leontes discovers that it is no statue; it is the real Hermione. She has been living in hiding with Paulina these many years praying for the return of her daughter. Paulina was afraid to disclose Hermione’s whereabouts for fear of interfering with the will of the Delphic Oracle, as expressed in the prediction that â€Å"the king shall live without an heir, if that which is lost be not found† (3. 2. 134). In other words, Leontes–if reunited earlier with Hermione–might have fathered another child. In so doing, he would have produced an heir before his lost child had been found. The will of the Oracle would have been defeated. When Perdita appears, Hermione rejoices and invokes the gods to bless her child. The joy of the occasion spills over to include a proposal by Leontes that Camillo and Paulina marry. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. And what of Mamillius, the little prince? Nothing can bring him back, but Leontes does have a new son in the person of Florizel. . Now Available†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Shakespeare: a Guide to the Complete Works†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. In Hardback & Paperback By the Author of This Web Site . Plot Summaries of All the Plays and Narrative Poems | Themes | Imagery | Historical Background | Glossaries Shakespeare's Theatre | Drama Terms | Essays | Analysis of the Sonnets | and Much More .. . Characters . Protagonist: King Leontes Antagonist: The King's Jealousy and Suspicious Nature . Leontes: King of Sicilia (Sicily). He is a headstrong man who is at first guided more by emotions than reason. His unfounded suspicions against his wife, Hermione, and his friend, King Polixenes, separate him from both of them and cause him to reject his infant daughter. His unjust actions also indirectly result in the death of his son, Mamillius. In many ways, he resembles the flawed protagonists of Greek tragedy; however, reforms himself before it is too late. Hermione: Honorable and loyal Queen of Sicilia. Polixenes: King of Bohemia. He opposes his son's marriage to Perdita, believing her to be a commoner. Although he accepts Perdita at the end of the play, he does so only after he learns her true identity. Whether he has overcome his prejudice against commoners remains open to question. Perdita: Extraordinarily beautiful daughter of Leontes and Hermione. Florizel: Prince of Bohemia. Mamillius: Young prince of Sicilia. His death adds a tragic element to the play. Camillo: Upright advisor of King Leontes. After Leontes order him to poison Polixenes, Camillo returns with Polixenes to Bohemia and becomes his advisor. Old Shepherd: Reputed father of Perdita. He is 67 when the infant Perdita is found and 83 at the end of the play. Clown: The shepherd's son. Autolycus: A comic thief and pedlar who assists Florizel and Perdita. Gaoler (Jailer) Paulina: Loyal attendant of Hermione. Antigonus: Kindly husband of Paulina. He rescues the infant Perdita and takes her to Bohemia. Cleomenes, Dion: Lords of Sicilia. Archidamus: A Lord of Bohemia. Mariner: Crewman of the ship that carries Antigonus and Perdita to Bohemia. Emilia: Lady attending Hermione. Mopsa, Dorcas: Shepherdesses. Rogero: Lord who tells other gentlemen that a prophecy by the Delphic Oracle has been fulfilled. Minor Characters: Other lords, gentlemen, ladies, officers, servants, shepherds, shepherdesses. . Settings . The action takes place in Sicily (or Sicilia) and Bohemia. Sicily is a large island west of the toe of Italy's boot. Bohemia was a kingdom within the boundaries of the present-day Czech republic, between present-day Poland on the north and Austria on the south. In ancient times, a Celtic people called the Boii settled the land that became Bohemia. In The Winter's Tale, Bohemia has a coastline along which ships arrive and debark. In real life, Bohemia was a landlocked region; it was entirely surrounded by terra firma. Shakespeare may have been a magnificent writer, but he was no geographer. .. Climax . The climax of a play or another narrative work, such as a short story or a novel, can be defined as (1) the turning point at which the conflict begins to resolve itself for better or worse, or as (2) the final and most exciting event in a series of events. The climax of The Winter's Tale occurs, according to the first definition, when Leontes receives news of the death of his wife and son, then owns up to the grave sin he has committed in doubting the fidelity of his wife. According to the second definition, the climax occurs in the final act when Leontes reunites with his daughter, whom he abandoned when she was an infant, and with his wife, whom he thought was dead.

Just in Time for the Holidays ... How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile is now in PRINT!

Just in Time for the Holidays ... How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile is now in PRINT! As you may have read in my recent newsletters and my recent blog article, I have been working tirelessly on a print version of How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile, and Im happy to announce that its finally ready and available in full color just in time for the holidays! With this print version, my goal is to reach a wider audience, including universities, bookstores, and the people who simply prefer to hold a real paper book in their hands. Is that you? You may be asking yourself, But isnt LinkedIn constantly changing? Yes, it is! Thats why with every copy of my print version, I am also including a subscription to unlimited LIFETIME updates of the PDF version of my e-book. Youll have the inside scoop on whatever changes LinkedIn is making and my up-to-date tips for keeping with the latest trends. What a perfect holiday gift for your job-seeking friends and family! And for a limited time, get my early bird price plus free shipping! I have been contacted by numerous recruiters, and it has only been four days since I purchased the book! Now, I have people at work asking me to help them work on their accounts. MUST buy!!! Bill Cozad, Account Manager, Milwaukee, WI Thank you for you for supporting my effort to get the print version of my book into circulation. And please pass this information along to any people or groups who would benefit from a KILLER LinkedIn profile. Happy Holidays!