The Man of the House Essay Example for Free

The Man of the House Essay The Man of the House The book Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt is about a young man that retells his childhood, when he and his family move from America to Ireland. Throughout the book the three main characters are Angela Mc Court (Frank’s mother), Malachy Mc Court (Frank’s father), and himself. All three of the characters play a very important role in the book, and they also affect each other. The most complex character of the book is Frank. Frank is not only the protagonist of this book, but he is also able to express all of his feelings in all the situations he goes through, throughout this book. Frank is the most variegated character in this book. He is the one that has to deal with not only his problems but everyone else’s. As the book continues the protagonist, Frank is growing up to be a man by himself (324). Usually boys have fathers that help them grow up into mature men, but Frank never was able to have that. His father was out drinking, not worrying what was going to happen with his family, and being irresponsible and selfish, which is what happens to a person when they have an addiction. When his father abandons the family, the weight is then put on Frank to take care of his siblings and mother. He is then put in the spot of â€Å"the man of the house†. Frank doesn’t mind getting a job at all, in fact he rather get a job then get an education (261). He likes the idea of working because when you work you see the result right away, which is money, but when getting an education your reward is more long term than short term. He sees this as a responsibility, but he also looks forward to being a man, and bringing home the wages his father was never able to do (265). Frank goes through this struggle throughout the book, becoming a man without his father, but he also has a hard time with his religion. Frankie, at this point, goes back and forth with Catholicism. His whole family is catholic and he believes in God, but there has been so many times where the Catholic Church has shut the doors on him. All of the experiences that Frank has had with the church do not make him think of his Irish religion as a positive thing. Frank mentions that when he is out being the messenger boy the poor people of Limerick are the ones who will tip him exceptionally well, the wealthy people on the other hand, the nuns, and the priests do not tip at all (315). Mentioned  throughout the book are the sins that Frank makes, all of the sins he makes guilt him, and they just get worse as the time goes on. Frank, as any other protagonist, goes through a long journey that makes him the man that he grows into by the end of the book. He goes through many obstacles, which is why I think he is the most complex character. Frankie makes the most progress, he has a goal that he makes early in the book, and that is to go back to America, which he later on succeeds at doing. He keeps determination that comes from within, but from also people around him that believe in him and what he is capable of doing.

Features of Karate

Features of Karate Karate-do Introduction Karate is a martial art that was originally created in Japan. The main idea of karate is battling and defending by using defensive and counteroffensive body movements including punches and kicks. The psychological and ethical characteristics of karate aim to advance and improve the student in general. The term karate is a mixture of two Chinese characters: kara (empty) and te (hand), thus karate means empty hand. The suffix -do is added to the word karate to indicate that karate as an overall way of life. An individual who practices karate is sometimes referred to as a karateka. The conventional karate-do is a difficult sport and it takes time and dedication to become a master in this martial art. Three components of karate   Ã‚   The five main karate styles are: Shotokan, Shito-ryu, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, and Kyokushin. Karate training is separated into three sections: Kihon, Kata, and Kumite. Kihon means basic techniques. These techniques are mostly attacking moves, blocking moves, stances, and other movements. The trainer demonstrates a certain move, which is then imitated by the student. It is vital to practice and repeat the basic fundamental movements because as a result, the student develops the right techniques. Kata means form. It is a sequence of certain movements displayed in a pattern that the student has to memorize. It represents a battle or a fight against an enemy or enemies. In karate training, every kata begins with a block and this proves that defense is the most significant aspect of karate. In karate, there are numerous katas as they help at shaping the body and mind. The katas are performed slowly with full strength and help at developing control of the entire body, mind, breathing, rhythm, and breathing. In order to perform the katas in the right way, they have to be repeated thoroughly and carefully with full relaxation and focus. Kumite means partner work. In karate, there should not be any opponents or enemies, only partners. Traditional kumite help advance karate students both mentally and physically with the help of their partners. Karate ranks In karate, different colored belts indicate the ranking and the skill level of a karate practitioner. Once a karate student has obtained a karate belt of a certain/rank, people can see your ranking and that you have dedicated your time getting to that level. Simply because somebody has a white belt tied to him/her, it doesnt mean that he/she is not experienced in karate, it means that the person is ready to thrive to gain the skill. There are nine belt colors in karate: white, orange, blue, red, black, yellow, green, purple, and brown. Not all karate schools/clubs use all of these colors and the arrangement of the belts/ranks differ from school to school. The role of an instructor is very important in karate and they have different behaviors. Some teachers easily hand out new belts without thinking and others are careful when choosing the student who deserves a higher rank. Karate belt colors vary from school to school. Some schools include the colors red and purple in their system, while others only have 7 colors. Some schools also use stripped belts with different colors. The order of the belt colors may vary, but most of the time, the white belt is for the beginner and the black belt is the highest ranked belt color. Three of the most common orders of belt colors are: 1. White, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, red, brown, black. 2. White, red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, black. 3. White, yellow, green, orange, red, blue, purple, brown, black. To get to the next phase/belt, the student is required to dedicate his time into improving every day and trying his/her best. Generally, it takes anywhere from 8 to 18 months of training and practice to move to the next phase in karate. The more you practice, the faster you will get a new belt. Each of nine colors of belts in karate have meaning behind them. White Belt: The white belt is the symbol of purity. This makes sense because those who are just starting out in karate are innocent and do not know how much work and discipline is required in order to become a master in karate. This level introduces the basics and the first ideas about karate. This is the beginning of a path to mastery. Yellow Belt: Once a student gets a yellow belt, it means that he/she is past the introductory level of karate and has basic understanding of the art and has the ability to do basic karate. The yellow belt represents energy. The student now has more control over their bodys energy. Orange Belt: The symbol of an orange belt is stability. Practicing karate includes basic punches, kicks, blocks, and postures. The basic skills gained from the first three belts will be necessary to progress in karate because all of the techniques learned in higher belts will be learned upon the basic skills. Purple belt: Once a student gets a purple belt, it means that he/she has advanced from beginner to intermediate level. At this stage, students should be able to understand all basic strikes and blocks. They should also be comfortable with controlling and moving their body in order to do a certain strike/block. Blue belt: A student who has a blue belt must learn to adapt to given situations. Karate belt colors vary from school to school. Some schools include the colors red and purple in their system, while others only have 7 colors. Some schools also use stripped belts with different colors. The order of the belt colors may vary, but most of the time, the white belt is for the beginner and the black belt is the highest ranked belt color. Three of the most common orders of belt colors are: 1. White, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, red, brown, black 2. White, red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, black 3. White, yellow, green, orange, red, blue, purple, brown, black To get to the next phase/belt, the student is required to dedicate his time into improving every day and trying his/her best. Generally, it takes anywhere from 8 to 18 months of training and practice to move to the next phase in karate. The more you practice, the faster you will get a new belt. Each of nine colors of belts in karate have meaning behind them. White Belt The white belt is the symb ol of purity. This makes sense because those who are just starting out in karate are innocent and do not know how much work and discipline is required in order to become a master in karate. This level introduces the basics and the first ideas about karate. This is the beginning of a path to mastery. Yellow Belt Once a student gets a yellow belt, it means that he/she is past the introductory level of karate and has basic understanding of the art and has the ability to do basic karate. The yellow belt represents energy. The student now has more control over their bodys energy. Orange Belt The symbol of an orange belt is stability. Practicing karate includes basic punches, kicks, blocks, and postures. The basic skills gained from the first three belts will be necessary to progress in karate because all of the techniques learned in higher belts will be learned upon the basic skills. Purple belt Once a student gets a purple belt, it means that he/she has advanced from beginner to interme diat

Analysis Of So Far From The Bamboo Grove History Essay

Analysis Of So Far From The Bamboo Grove History Essay So Far From the Bamboo Grove was written by Yoko Kawashima Watkins. The story took place in the final days of World War II from 1945 to 1953. The story happened in a time when Koreans were determined to take back their county from Japan. They were tired of the Japanese people having control of them after the war. The affects of World War II left many countries devastated and in ruins especially Japan and Korea. The author of So Far From the Bamboo Grove Yoko Kawashima Watkins wrote this book to tell the world her story of how World War II affected her and her family. The Kawashimas are a Japanese family living in Korea. Yoko Kawashima Watkins was born in Japan in 1933. Yoko and her family lived in Manchuria. Her father Worded as a Japanese government official in the northern region of China. Her family then moved northern Korea to Nanam; where she was given the nick name little one or Yoko. Her father was then assigned to manage the Japanese political benefits. Her family was living well in Korea until Japan started losing World War II on July of 1945. Yoko, her sister KO and their mother had to leave Korea to the mainland of Japan where they will be safe from being killed by other Koreans and Russians. Yoko finished middle and high school in Japan and attended Kyoto University where her major was the English language. She graduated and worked at the US Air Force Base as a translator, where she meets Donald Watkins an American pilot. In 1953 Donald Watkins and Yoko got married and moved to the United States. They lived in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Oregon and then later moved to Brewster, Massachusetts where they still live today. Together they had four kids. Yoko wrote her book So Far From the Bamboo Grove in 1986 and won many awards like the ALA Notable Childrens Book and the Parents Choice Gold Award. Yoko now travels to public schools telling her story to little kids. So Far From the Bamboo Grove is about the author, Yoko Kawashima life and struggles in Nanam, Korea. The story starts when Yoko and her family were living peacefully in Northern Korea when Japan started losing the war. Yoko and her family had to escape Japan or face being capture by the communists Russian military or the Korean military. (Watkins 68) Yoko father was already separated from the family but a couple hours after Yoko brother Hideyo left to go to work at ammunition factory, Yoko sister KO, Yoko and their mother were force to flee from their house by Corporal Matsumura who was a kind and loving friend to the Kawashima family. Corporal Matsumura heard that the Korean Army was looking for the Kawashima family because of the intel that their father have. KO, Yoko and their mother followed Corporal Matsumura directions and fled to the train station where they will found Major Ryu who would get them on a train to Seoul. (Watkins 81) On their way to Seoul the train was attack and was unable to work. KO, Yoko and their mother started walking to Seoul which was about forty five miles away. On their walk to Seoul they were attack by Korean soldiers but were saved by a bomb that went off and killed the soldiers. They took the dead soldiers clothes and continue their journey. After many days and nights KO, Yoko and their mother made it to the Seoul train station. At the station they heard that Japan had lost the war. After five weeks at the Seoul station KO, Yoko and their mother tried to wait for Hideyo but were force to leave again. This time to the main land of Japan but before they left they wrote all over the station hoping that Hideyo would see it and know where to go. When they arrive on the homeland of Japan, KO and Yoko mother left them at the train station to enroll them in school and see if her parents were still alive. (Watkins101) Their mother came back in a few days and told Yoko and KO that their grandparents were dead. Few days went by and Yoko a nd KO mother became very ill and died a couple days later. KO and Yoko were given a free place to live by an old couple who knew Yoko and KO mother. Yoko went to school and earns straight As her first year there. She also won an essay contest and 10,000 yen. (Watkins139) A few days and Corporal Matsumura saw Yoko essay in a newspaper and went to her school to check and see how she was doing. Corporal Matsumura helps the two sisters anytime he was able to. He put missing people reports hoping to find Hideyo and their father. Their brother Hideyo was working at an ammunition factory, when the factory was attack by Korean Communist soldiers. Hideyo and three of his friends Shoichi, Makoto, and Shinzo manage to escape through a bathroom window before the factory was blown up. Hideyo and his friends hike back to his house and found that his house had been ransacked. He examined the rooms carefully, the hanging scroll painting in the receiving room had been slashed to pieces, closet doors stood open and their contents had been stolen. (Watkins57) Hideyo continued to examine the room and found that his mother have let him a secret note wish told him to meet them at the train station in Seoul. Hideyo grab whatever he can to make his trip to Seoul. Hideyo and his friends went to each of their house to check on their love ones. Shinzos and Shoichis parents had fled south, where their relatives lived but Makotos parents were dead. Shinzo and Shoichi told Makoto and Hideyo that they can live with them in the south but Hideyo said he must found his family at the train station in Seoul. The next morning Hideyo headed to Seoul by himself. On his way there he began to get weak and then a buzzard started. He was later found by the Kim family. The Kim family was taking a very dangerous risk taken in Hideyo. If they were caught by the Korean military, they could have all been killed on the spot for helping Japanese. When Hideyo came to, he started working and he learned the way of the Korean people and how to speak the language. He helped the Kim family anyway he can until he had enough strength to continue his journey. Hideyo continued his journey to the Seoul train station hoping that his sisters and mother was still alive. When he arrived he couldnt find his sisters or mother anywhere. He stayed there for about two weeks until right when he was about to give up he saw writing the wall that looked like Yoko hand writing telling him to go to the mainland. Hideyo took the next ship to Japan where he continue to see Yoko handwriting on the ship and the station where he arrived. He wonders the streets of Japan looking for his family. Then one month later he read in a newspaper about a little girl who won 10,000 yen in an essay contest. He ran as fast as he can to the newspaper office when he saw his sister name. One year had passed since Yoko seen her brother or father, then one day when Yoko and KO came from school, a man was standing in front of their door. They started crying and hugging each other. It was there brother Hideyo who final reach his family. Yokos father was later released from a prison camp in Siberia six years later. 1945 was a terrible time live especially if you were a Japanese girl living in Northern Korea. The Koreans hated the Japanese people for conquering their country. The Russians were about to join England and the United States in the war against Japan. The United Sates were already starting to bomb industrial sites in northern Korea. The history and interest in Korea started because Koreas geographic position has made it main ground of power struggles between Russia, China and Japan. (Watkins174) In the seventeenth century, the Russia fought with China for control of many territories of Manchuria and southern Siberia. Japan was interested in Korea more than two thousand years.(Watkins174) The Japanese warlord Hideyoshi invaded Korea in 1592 in an attempt to control the country and conquer China. The invasion failed and caused Korea to have hatred toward Japan. Early in the seventeenth century Korea began to be dominated by China and was called the Hermit Kingdom. After Hideyoshis death in 1598, Japan began its own period of isolation that ended with the arrival of the American Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who opened trade with the West in 1854. (Watkins175) In 1876, Japan showed renewed interest in Korea by forcing a commercial treaty. The first Sino Japanese War started in 1894 and was fought for control of Korea. The war ended one year later in 1895. By the 1900, the Japanese had a strong base in Koreas capital city, Seoul. (2) They controlled the Korean royal family and had begun to take over their political and economic life of the people. (3) Korea was at war again with Japan and Russia. When Japan won, Theodore Roosevelt from the United States sustained a claim with Japan for special interest in Korea and Manchuria. (4) In response, Japan agreed not to terrorize the United States position in the Philippines. The Treaty of Portsmouth allowed Japan to convert Korea into a colony. Korea was no longer a nation but continued to exist as a nation in the hearts of its people. Most people continued to live in their homeland under the strict Japanese rule. Other people who couldnt stand the Japanese military and wanted Korea to have their own Independence moved to China, United States, Siberia and Manchuria. Manchuria was north of Korea and was a refuge for Korean nationalists. Many people turned to the communists for aid and as guerilla soldiers and fought the Japanese military with increasing intensity during the 1930s and 1940s. (9) The Chinese Communists controlled a number of the supporter groups. These groups were called the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. The Soviets also supported the Korean independence movement. Japan established military and governmental control in Korea and denied Koreans basic rights, the right to bear arms, freedom of press and freedom of the speech. The Japanese closed Korean schools and opened new ones making Korean students study the Japanese language and were forbidden to study Korean language or history. Japans surrender to the Allies in 1945 and ended the thirty six years of Japanese rule in Korea. (2) The emperor announced the surrender of Japan on August 6 and Nagasaki on August 9. (5) Korea did not gain its independence because the Allies decided that, after so many years of foreign rule, Korea would not be able to govern itself immediately. (6) Great Britain, China, the United States, and the Soviet Union set up a trusteeship, which meant the four countries would supervise the governing of Korea. Korea was divided along the thirty-eighth parallel. The area north of this line was occupied by the Soviet Union. The land south of this line was occupied by the United States. In 1948 Korea was officially divided into two separate republics North Korea and South Korea. Many book open different doors to other countries and cultures. Many books like So Far From the Bamboo Grove give an understanding of the consequences of domination and war. War alone is bad and the after effects can leave a country in ruins. Japan was in this position because of their domination and determination to still win the war even after they were hit with two atomic bombs. Japan was given a chance to surrender even before the bombs were drop on the city of Hiroshima and on Nagasaki. These bombings happen three days apart given Japan plenty of time to surrender because of this over a 100,000 people were killed. Japan surrender on August 14, 1945 five days later after the bombings. The after affects not only left Japan cripple but Korea as well. In 1950 on June 25 the Korean War broke just 5 days after World War II. The Cease Fire Line was established after the end of the Korean War three years later in 1953 on July 27. Stories like Yoko Kawashima Watkins teach the important value of life and family. Also how the story of courage and survival bring out the best of a individual person in the time of war. Also how Yokos brother is an inspiring reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

The Form of Non-Traditional Blazon Essay -- Shakespearean Literature

In the sixteenth century, poems in blazon format were very popular. Blazon is a technique that â€Å"described the position and relation of one picture to another†. (The Overview of â€Å"Sonnet 130†, Woolway). This technique was to illustrate the main features of the subject, usually a female body. Popular blazon would start from the bottom to the top of the body. For example, like hair, eyes, lips, breasts, and so on. Occasionally, it would start from the bottom to top, starting with feet, legs and so on. Woolway points, â€Å"This form was well suited to the style of courtly love poetry that was flourishing at the time, as it allowed writers to project an idea of an idealized and distant woman whose features they could admire from afar† (The Overview of â€Å"Sonnet 130†). From the beginning, readers could easily define the subject Shakespeare portrays. The Mistress was detailed in humorous tone, which negates the typical blazon. The striking first four lines of the poem contradict the common blazon. Traditionally, blazon is to compliment and praise the subject’s features, and not to insult, which in this case, the Mistress. However, Shakespeare does not ignore the format and goes forth describing her from head to toe. Shakespeare started the first four lines picturing the Mistress’ eyes, lips, breast and hair. Symbolically, eyes, lips breast and hair are essential clichà © features of a female beauty. Nevertheless, from his intense sketch of her features, he portrayed that she does not carry any representation of beauty. From the simile in line one; Shakespeare negates the comparison of the Mistress to the sun: â€Å"My Mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;† (Woolway). Line two to three mentions the shades like red cor al, and â€Å"dun†. Coral is a fami... ...simile and metaphor brought enriching imagery to the readers. The poem was written with insults and mockery, but with the unexpected flattery showed the author’s love for the Mistress and his poetic practices of love through volta. Works Cited Napierkowski, Marie Rose. â€Å"Overview: ‘Sonnet 130.’† Poetry for Students 1 (1998): n. pag. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 23 Mar. 2012. Shakespeare, William. â€Å"Sonnet 130.† Literature: A Portable Anthology. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2009. 467. Print. â€Å"Volta.† Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature. Springfield: Merriam-Webster, 1995. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 23 Mar. 2012. . Woolway, Joanne. â€Å"An overview of â€Å"Sonnet 130†.† Poetry for Students: n. pag. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 23 Mar. 2012.

Movie Review Of Jerry Maguire :: essays research papers

Movie Review of Jerry Maguire   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If you want to take a break from the frigid air of a Montreal winter, go to see Jerry Maguire; it will be sure to warm your heart. If you're like me, you're a little tired of going to see big name stars in overly hyped, big time busts. Combine that with the fact that sports movies are rarely impressive, (Necessary Roughness?!? The Program?!?) and I have to say that my hopes were not too high for this movie. Let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The title character, played by Tom Cruise, is a sports agent at the top of his business, and at the bottom of humanity. He works for Sports Management International as a ruthless devil procuring the largest contracts and endorsement deals he can muster, at the expense of personal well-being and old- fashioned love of the game. The movie begins when one night, in a fit of passion, he has a revelation and writes a mission statement about how the business can be altered to include humanity. His plan focuses on reducing the number of clients to produce higher quality relationships with them. He then distributes it to all his colleagues before realizing what a big mistake he made. His boss fires him promptly. Only one client out of his previous 72, Arizona Cardinals wide reciever Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), remains faithful. Ironically enough, his only concern is money. Only one former colleague, Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger), joins Jerry when he forms a new company. His memo inspired her. Her five-year-old son, Ray (Jonathan Lipnicki), develops a huge crush on Jerry and is the deciding factor in convincing Jerry to marry Dorothy on impulse after he breaks up with his fiance, Avery (Kelly Preston). The movie tracks the trials of his relationship with Dorothy, and Rod's ascent to stardom.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jerry is not a typical role for Tom Cruise. He's accustomed to playing, and we're used to seeing him in, macho, heroic type roles, (Mission Impossible, A Few Good Men, Days of Thunder etc. . .). In this movie he plays a loser, and I would call it his best performance yet. He really has to do some serious acting, and he renders his part brilliantly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another huge surprise in this movie was newcomer Renee Zellweger. Part of her succcess in this movie, is rooted in her relative anonymity. Had her character been played by a big name actress, like a Gweneth Paltrow or Sara Jessica Parker, the movie wouldn't have been the same. She is perfectly suited to the struggling, single mother role that she plays. Movie Review Of Jerry Maguire :: essays research papers Movie Review of Jerry Maguire   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If you want to take a break from the frigid air of a Montreal winter, go to see Jerry Maguire; it will be sure to warm your heart. If you're like me, you're a little tired of going to see big name stars in overly hyped, big time busts. Combine that with the fact that sports movies are rarely impressive, (Necessary Roughness?!? The Program?!?) and I have to say that my hopes were not too high for this movie. Let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The title character, played by Tom Cruise, is a sports agent at the top of his business, and at the bottom of humanity. He works for Sports Management International as a ruthless devil procuring the largest contracts and endorsement deals he can muster, at the expense of personal well-being and old- fashioned love of the game. The movie begins when one night, in a fit of passion, he has a revelation and writes a mission statement about how the business can be altered to include humanity. His plan focuses on reducing the number of clients to produce higher quality relationships with them. He then distributes it to all his colleagues before realizing what a big mistake he made. His boss fires him promptly. Only one client out of his previous 72, Arizona Cardinals wide reciever Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), remains faithful. Ironically enough, his only concern is money. Only one former colleague, Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger), joins Jerry when he forms a new company. His memo inspired her. Her five-year-old son, Ray (Jonathan Lipnicki), develops a huge crush on Jerry and is the deciding factor in convincing Jerry to marry Dorothy on impulse after he breaks up with his fiance, Avery (Kelly Preston). The movie tracks the trials of his relationship with Dorothy, and Rod's ascent to stardom.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jerry is not a typical role for Tom Cruise. He's accustomed to playing, and we're used to seeing him in, macho, heroic type roles, (Mission Impossible, A Few Good Men, Days of Thunder etc. . .). In this movie he plays a loser, and I would call it his best performance yet. He really has to do some serious acting, and he renders his part brilliantly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another huge surprise in this movie was newcomer Renee Zellweger. Part of her succcess in this movie, is rooted in her relative anonymity. Had her character been played by a big name actress, like a Gweneth Paltrow or Sara Jessica Parker, the movie wouldn't have been the same. She is perfectly suited to the struggling, single mother role that she plays.

Pocahontas: A Great American Myth Essay -- Native Americans History Es

Pocahontas: A Great American Myth John Smith's tales of the Indian princess, Pocahontas, have, over time, encouraged the evolution of a great American myth. According to this myth, which is common knowledge to most Americans, Pocahontas saved Smith from being killed by her father and his warriors and then fell in love with John Smith. Some versions of the myth popular among Americans include the marriage of Smith and Pocahontas. Although no one can be sure of exactly what happened almost four-hundred years ago, most historians agree that the myth is incorrect. Pocahontas did not save John Smith's life from "savages" and never showed any affection for him. The events of her life differ greatly from the myth Americans have created. Historians, such as Nancy Egloff, of the Jamestown settlement, believe Smith created the story of his attempted murder to gain fame (Vincent 1). Our sole evidence that Pocahontas saved Smith's life comes from his story in The General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles (1624), but this may not be a reliable source. According to Smith, he was captured by Indians, taken to their chief, Powhatan, and was to be killed, but Pocahontas, Powhatan's daughter, saved his life (111). John Smith was captured by the Indians, but whether he was to be killed by them in the ceremony which he describes in The General History of Virginia is not certain. Smith describes a scene where all of the Indians gather around him, place his head on a stone, and Pocahontas lays her head on top of his to save him from being clubbed to death (111). Historians believe that this was not an attempt to "beat out his brains," as Smith describes (111), but rather an adoption ceremony. The Indians merely welcomed Smith into the tribe, for after the ceremony, Chief Powhatan named him his son, which Smith also describes in his General History, but attributes his acceptance to Pocahontas' love for Englishmen. This ceremony was actually a traditional ritual of the tribe, and Pocahontas played a designated role in that ritual (Chief Crazy Horse). She accepted Smith as her brother in the ritual, while Smith believed she saved his life from ruthless savages. Smith may have misinterpreted an Indian ritual, or he may have romanticized the story to gain fame, which many believe was typical of him. Some believe Smith's captivity may never have occurred... ...ey's further dramatization of the myth: It is unfortunate that this sad story, which Euro-Americans should find embarrassing, Disney makes "entertainment" and perpetuates a dishonest and self-serving myth at the expense of the Powhatan Nation. (3) Perhaps we, as Americans, enjoy this romantic tale of Indians and Europeans, our ancestors, uniting. We therefore continue to relay this obstruction of the truth from generation to generation, until the truth is no longer recognizable. Works Cited "Pocahontas." Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. Online. Internet. January 24, 1998. Available at http: //www.apva.org /history/ pocahont.html. "John Smith." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Baym, Nina et. all. 4th ed. Vol. 1. New York: Norton, 1994. 111. Chief Roy Crazy Horse. "Pocahontas Myth." Powhatan Nation. Online. Internet. January 24, 1998. Available http://www.powhatan.org/pocc.html. "Pocahontas." Columbia Concise Encyclopedia: Microsoft Bookshelf. Microsoft Corporation: 1993. 1. Vincent, Mal. "Preview: the historical Pocahontas." Online. Internet. 24 Jan. 1998. Available http://www.pilotonline.com/movies/mv0620his.html

Play Macbeth by WIlliam Shakespeare Essay

The play Macbeth was written by WIlliam Shakespeare in the 1600’s. The whole play revolves around the theme of power. The theme of power is shown through ambition, betrayal and revenge using the symbolisms of sleep and blood. William Shakespeare used the issue of ambition to portray power in Macbeth. Macbeth was driven by his ambition of gaining power. Macbeth’s hunger for power made him blond to the atrocities and iniquitous deeds he was performing. In Act 1 Scene 7 Macbeth is stating that ambition was his only motivation to kill Duncan. â€Å"I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent,but only Vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself And falls on th’other.† Shakespeare used a horse metaphor to show the conflict of emotions in Macbeth’s mind.Macbeth thinks of his purpose to kill Duncan as a cavalry horse:but he has no motive to urge it into action so it stands still. Macbeth’s ambition is pictured as a rider springing into his saddle who overleaps himself and falls on the other side of his steed.Macbeth means that his ambition to be king would inevitably lead him too far. The quote is effective in defining Macbeth’s drive to ambition. Ambition is used by Macbeth to take the power from Duncan. William Shakespeare used the issue of betrayal to portray power in Macbeth. The issue of betrayal is shown throughout the play from the start when the Thane of Cawdor betrayed Duncan. Macbeth betrayed Duncan,his guest,king and relative by killing him to take the crown of Scotland. Macbeth betrayed his friend and colleague Banquo who stayed by his side when they were fighting against the Norwegians. Macbeth also betrayed Lady Macbeth his wife by dismissing her from formal duties. In Act 1 Scene 7 Macbeth is telling lady macbeth to hide their knowings of duncan’s murder under an innocent face. â€Å"Away,and mock the time with the fairest show, False face must hide what the false heart doth know.† Shakespeare used an iambic Pentameter to lend dignity and presence to Macbeth after his devious plans to kill Duncan. The quote is effective in showing that Macbeth would betray his king and guest and act innocent with the devious plan in his mind and stoop low just to gain what he wanted. Betrayal is the weapon that Macbeth used to gain power. The issue of revenge was used by William Shakespeare to show power in Macbeth. Revenge was shown from the start of the play when the witches got revenge on the sailors wife who didn’t give the witches any chestnuts. Banquo got his revenge on Macbeth when he came back as a ghost and frightened Macbeth as well as embarrassing him in front of other thanes. Macduff got his revenge by killing Macbeth who slaughtered his family. In act 4 scene 3 malcolm comforts macduff who heard that his family was slaughtered by Macbeth by telling him to make revenge his medicine to cure his grief. â€Å"let’s make us med’cines of our great revenge To cure this deadly grief† Malcolm is telling Macduff to make the revenge on Macbeth, a medicine that would cure his grief. Malcolm is implying that revenge is sweet. The quote is effective in showing that macduff’s revenge on Macbeth was to cure his own grief caused by Macbeth. Revenge was the issue which made one person to rise up or fall down. Blood was a symbolism which helped to symbolize the issues that shows power in Macbeth. The word ‘blood’ occurs frequently throughout the play. In act 1 scene 2, the wounded captain told a report which described the bloody war. Blood was also related to guilt after after macbeth had murdered Duncan. Once Macbeth and lady Macbeth embark upon their murderous journey, blood comes to symbolize their guilt, and they begin to feel like their crimes have stained them in a way that cannot be washed clean. Blood symbolizes the guilt that sits like a permanent stain on the consciences of both Macbeth and lady Macbeth, one that hounds them to their graves. The enormity of Macbeth’s crime has awakened in him a powerful sense of guilt that will hound him throughout the play.