Fiesta and Social Control in Rural Mexico Essay

Fiesta and Social Control in Rural Mexico - Essay Example 'The nature of things' do form the notion of mind. (Bacon 1960, first published in 1620). Stanley Brandes also enters in the field with the pre-conceived notion that fiestas do have the mechanism of social control and mechanism is thrust by power and persuasion. Following the steps of Bricker (1973) and Crumrine (1976) he believes that ceremonial life is also helpful in understanding the Mexican Indian ideas about humanity. The study of hierarchical order and his personal observation of rural Mexico provide him the bases to substantiate his hypotheses. The objective is to explore the paradox of the way the fiestas promote order and social control in Rural Mexico whereas, at the surface level the fiestas are the break from the rut of routine life and mostly are 'formless and chaotic' but in reality it helps to "reinforce the Brandes cites the early efforts of Robert Redfield (1930) and Elsie Clews Parson (1939) who tried to demonstrate the relationship of ideology and social behavior. The writers mentioned above became the victim of the biases of the methodology of qualitative descriptive research and jaundiced their point of view by romanticizing the Mexican folklore, giving the impression that Indians were 'free of psychic and social conflict.' In the later study of Gossen (1974) et al it comes out that ethnic identity is confirmed by the ceremonials, since the person who does not share the rituals and belief of its community is considered an outsider; providing Brandes the base to study fiesta as mechanism of social control. He found that fiestas are the mechanism of controlling process and it is maintained through power and persuasion. Persuasion to Brandes is "the totality of informal pressures and instructive procedures that lead people to conduct their lives with regard to particular standards." Persuasion is concept to bring to light the influence that social equals exercise on one other. Brandes defines power as, "Coercive and manipulative influences of formally constituted organs of church and state." The church and state become the active agents of supernatural to mobilize people for 'collective religious action' and the skills demonstrated in performing rituals and fulfilling the responsibilities on behalf of community is to exert their power over the community. The study is concerned with the 'fiesta cycle' in anthropological domain fiesta cycle is defined as rituals and folklorists call it festivals. The analysis pattern in the book is of 'Cycle's History' and its effect. The analysis tries to resolve two paradoxes. Ethic and aggrandizement of self have replaced the shared values of equality and the concept of 'shared poverty' in Tzintzuntzan. With the disappearance of the old cargo system the responsibility to bear the brunt of funding has been shifted to the community. The cargo system relied on two major principles; first was the individual responsibility and the nobles of the community were to sponsor, for longer or short period of time, fiesta and they also fulfilled the responsibility to take care of the sacred images, churches and chapels. The second was the hierarchal order, wherein, the

One Day In September Essay Example for Free

One Day In September Essay Analyze how the opening sequences of two documentary films help to establish genre and narrative. The two documentaries Im going to discuss are called one day in September and when we were kings these are both documentaries about well known sporting events. One day in September is about a group of Israeli athletes in the Olympics who are captured and held hostage by Palestinians whereas when we were kings is based on two boxers from America who compete for their country in Africa in 1974 called George Forman and Muhammad Ali. They are both an example of a well known competitive sport. One day in September opens with a short clip of Munich where the Olympics is due to be held it is presented as if it is advertising it as a holiday destination. The music at first is very cheerful and light with a narrator describing Munich and its attractions this is known as non diagetic sound. There are quick clips of the lifestyle and scenery in Munich to give you a general idea of what Munichs culture and lifestyle is like. It soon changes very serious and dramatic credits with a man quoting Well nobody could foresee what later on happened this leads the viewers to think already that this is not going to be a usual day. The credits slide onto a very dark blurred background with distorted reports on what seem to have happened in the background, this effect intrigues the audience to what actually happened on that day in September. When the credits finish the music changes back to the calm, peaceful music as before and the audience see slides of what appears to be a happy couples marriage. The viewer can already sense that these people are going to be involved. A woman is narrating over these short clip and goes straight in to talking past tense saying It was only a year and three months that I was married to Andrà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Spitzer this gives the audience the impression that they are not married anymore. The narrator carries on discussing her marriage and how she met Andre Spitzer this creates a bond between the audience and the narrator to leave a bigger effect on the viewers. The shot then changes to a prisoner however you cannot see his face, the sound then changes into tension building music to create suspense between the audience and this prisoner this also shows us black and white images of were he lives over these shots the prisoner goes directly into who he is and describes his past and his training. The camera shots keeps us curious into who he is and what he has done while the suspense of the music engages us into what happened one that day in September. The audience then go back to Andrà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Spitzers wifes perspective however the music stays the same building up the suspense while the point of view changes from the goodies to the baddies. The documentary then changes into a anonymous male describing what was about this Olympics that made it different from all the others for Andrà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ and his team. The sound then changes to an upbeat feel good song showing clips of the Olympics which confuses the audience slightly to what went wrong.

Social And Cultural Aspects Of Thailand Cultural Studies Essay

Social And Cultural Aspects Of Thailand Cultural Studies Essay Historical background: Thailand has a wide variety of fauna and flora and boasts wide ethnic diversity as well. Thanks to its abundant resources and fertile land, it has attracted peoples of many countrys, who have settled and thrived here. The origin of the Thais is not agreed on amongst academics. Three decades ago it could be said with presumed certainty that the Thais originated in northwestern Szechuan in China about 4,500 years ago and later migrated south to their present homeland. However, this theory has been altered by the discovery of remarkable prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban Chiang in the Nong Han District of Udon Thani Province in the Northeast of Thailand. These include evidence of bronze metallurgy dating back 3,500 years, as well as other indications of a culture far more sophisticated than previously believed by archaeologists. It now appears that Thais might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia, including some parts of China. Siam is the name by which the country was known to the world until 1939 and again between 1945 and 1949. On May 11, 1949, an official proclamation declared that the country would henceforth be known as Thailand. The word Thai means Free, and therefore Thailand means Land of the Free. The Monarchy: The words of the Thai Royal Anthem, performed at most official ceremonies and before the start of every movie, may strike a Western ear as somewhat archaic. After all, the system of absolute monarchy ended in 1932, following a revolution staged by a small group of disaffected civil servants and military men. Since then, Thai kings have ruled under a constitution; their powers theoretically no greater than those of European monarchs. Yet, since he was officially crowned in 1946, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has assumed the role of constitutional monarch and has worked tirelessly on behalf of his people, gaining a measure of personal devotion that is probably more intense than that felt for any of his all-powerful ancestors. It has been said that Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit are the hardest working royal couple in the world with a work load once estimated to be equal to at least one function every day of the year. Of the several institutions that form the foun dation of modern Thai life, the one His Majesty represents is not only the most visible but also the most revered. His Majesty has devoted himself to public service and made enduring contributions to Thailands development, initiating vital royally-suggested projects such as crop rotation, fish breeding, irrigation, natural watershed programs, dairy farming, reforestation, road building, and the establishment of self-help villages. His Majesty has traveled countrywide by helicopter, jeep, train, boat and on foot, often to the remotest corners of his Kingdom, in pursuit of his projects. He is held in high esteem nationwide for his profound interest in his peoples welfare. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit frequently accompanies His Majesty and shares a close interest in the welfare of rural Thais. Her Majesty has wholeheartedly helped establish foundations such as SUPPORT which assists Thailands rural population to produce and sell traditional craft products for supplementary income. The Thai monarchy is revered and regarded as the central, unifying element in the pillars of the nation. King Bhumibol was born on December 5, 1927, ascended the throne on June 9, 1946, and married Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on April 28, 1950. Their Majesties have four children; Their Royal Highnesses Princess Ubol Ratana, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and Princess Chulabhorn. The Royal Couple are conscientiously assisted by their children, who frequently accompany them and represent Their Majesties at official functions and ceremonies. The Flag: Thailands national flag, ceremoniously raised each morning at 08.00 and lowered at 18.00 in every town and village. The flag is composed of five horizontal bands of red, white, and blue. Outer bands of red representing the nation enclose equal inner bands of white evoking religion. The blue band, occupying the central one-third of the total area, symbolizes the monarchy. The harmony of design expresses the complementary nature of these three pillars of the Thai nation. The tri-colored flag, first introduced by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1917, replaced an earlier design which featured a white elephant on a red background. Public Hollidays: Most national holidays and festivals are of a religious nature and serve to evoke a sense of devotion to the monarchy, the religion, and the nation. Some are celebrated by the lunar calendar and thus vary in date from year to year, while others are celebrated according to the solar calendar. Bank Holidays for 2010 are: Thai culture and customs Informality and general friendliness in relationships of all age, economic and social groups characterize the Thai culture and people. Thai people are tolerant of almost all kinds of behaviour and never expect foreigners to understand the intricacies of Thai social customs. A Thai greeting In Thailand people do not normally say good morning, good afternoon, good evening or good night. They greet each other with the word Sawadee, and instead of shaking hands, they put their palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly. It is customary for the younger or lower in status to begin the greeting. When taking leave, the same word and procedure is repeated. This gesture is called a Wai. If you are greeted with a Wai you should reply with the same gesture, though it is not necessary to return a Wai to a child. Think of a Wai as you would a handshake. Initiate a Wai because of sincere pleasure at an introduction. You will not cause offence if you Wai inappropriately in Thailand, but you may create confusion. Dont return a Wai from waiting staff, drivers or other help. You might hope to strike a blow for equality, but will in fact cause embarrassment. A Wai to your teacher (any kind of teacher) is definately appropriate; any smiles you receive in return are of appreci ation. Sanuk means fun One of the first things you will notice when you visit Thailand is the Thai peoples inherent sense of playfulness and light heartedness. Sanuk is the Thai word for fun, and in Thailand anything worth doing, even work, should have some element of Sanuk. This doesnt mean Thai people dont want to work or strive. It is just that they live more in the moment, and do their best to enjoy it. The famous Thai smile stems partly from this desire to make Sanuk. The concept of saving face Thai people have a refined sense of public image and believe strongly in the concept of saving face. That is, they will go to great lengths to avoid confrontation and endeavour not to embarrass either themselves or other people (unless of course it is Sanuk to do so!). The ideal face saver does not bring up negative topics in conversation, or talk in an argumentative, judgemental or aggressive manner. Raising your voice or losing your temper will never be constructive in Thailand. It will result in loss of face for everyone involved, and you may be ignored as a result. You may notice Thai people smiling in the face of anothers misfortune. This is not a sign of callousness, but an attempt to save face for the person suffering misfortune. Saving face is the major source of the famous Thai smile. It is the best possible face to ease almost any situation. Social status in Thailand According to simple lines of social rank defined by age, wealth, and personal and political power all relationships in Thai society are governed by connections between Phu Yai (big people) and Phu Noi (little people). When meeting someone new a Thai person will automatically make an assessment regarding their Phu Yai or Phu Noi status. They may ask quite probing questions in order to place them. A set of mutual obligations requires Phu Noi to defer to Phu Yai through demonstrations of obedience and respect. In return Phu Yai are obligated to care for and offer assistance to Phu Noi they have regular contact with. Phu Noi may ask Phu Yai for favours such as financial help or assistance securing employment. It would cause Phu Yai some loss of face to refuse these favours. When eating out in restaurants, Phu Yai will normally settle the bill. Examples of automatic Phu Yai status include: adults over children, bosses over employees, elder classmates over younger classmates, elder sibling s over younger siblings, teachers over students, military over civilian, Thai over non-Thai. As a visitor to Thailand you may be assigned Phu Yai status as a sign of courtesy, stemming somewhat from assumptions regarding your wealth and education. Do not be offended by these assumptions. If you are lucky enough that Thai people hold you in high regard, take it as a compliment. Mai Pen Rai never mind Mai Pen Rai means never mind (or more literally its nothing). Symbolising Thailands unofficial national philosophy these three little words help to calm the heart of a nation. Mai Pen Rai enables the Thai people to retain their composure, keep smiling and be happy in everything they do. Thai people care little about trifling things. If they are frustrated, instead of getting angry they simply say Mai Pen Rai and solve the problem by some other means. Thai people believe strongly in avoiding confrontation, which is one of the reasons travel in Thailand is such a pleasure. To the Thais, foreigners over-worry, see trouble where there is none, and are constantly fretting over the future. When Thai people think about their future, they are optimistic. If they are not so happy now, they believe they are sure to be in their next life! Concept of time in Thailand The Mai Pen Rai philosophy is well demonstrated by the Thai concept of time. Estimates of time, in terms of the past or the future, can be vague or even wildly inaccurate in Thailand. Thais are often late for appointments, but nobody seems to mind waiting. Traffic jams are common, restaurant service, and hotel check-in procedures can seem slow and inefficient, but you wont see Thai people getting upset about it. In fact, most Thai people find it pathetic to see a person childishly expressing their irritation. Such behaviour will set you apart as someone less than properly evolved. The best thing to do is to relax and let things proceed at their natural pace. Trying to pin Thai people down about times will generally get you nowhere. If you must ask when will we be ready to leave? or when will this job be done? go ahead. But be prepared for an answer that proves wrong, not because of bad planning, but simply a different attitude towards time. Thai business customs In business circles some Thai people will have a reasonable command of English. However, most Thais do not feel comfortable speaking English. Address a Thai man or woman by their first name, not their surname, using the prefix Khun instead of Mr or Mrs. It is not considered informal or familiar to call Thais by their first name. Although Thai people appreciate punctuality when conducting business, there is a differentconceptHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQofHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO 7ma2LQtimeHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQinHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQThailand. Deadlines are often overlooked and it is necessary to allow for this when scheduling meetings. Dont contradict or criticise people in public. An essential tool for success in Thailand is patience. A person who lets inconveniences pass and forgives easily is respected. Dos and donts in Thailand Loud voices, calling attention to yourself, pointing at people or things, throwing or dropping things, and making big hand gestures all seem graceless to the Thai sensibility. Preferred modes of comportment are those that reflect the quiet, subtle and indirect as opposed to the loud, obvious and direct. Although the southernHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Koh%20Phangan/people.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNFO_U149i3qhoxZw4kCnw5vfMHhwQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Koh%20Phangan/people.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNFO_U149i3qhoxZw4kCnw5vfMHhwQThais can at times be alarmingly direct in their interactions with others. The monarchy remains highly respected throughout Thailand and visitors to the country must be respectful also. Avoid disparaging remarks or jokes about the royal family; they will not be appreciated. All Thai people love their king, HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSwHMHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSw HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSwKingHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSw HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSwBhumibol; if you want to know why, ask them politely. Public displays of sexual affection are not acceptable in Thailand, although this may be changing with the younger generation in some areas. Thai people are extremely offended by public nudity, along with just about everyone else in the world. Thai people are modest in this respect and it should not be the visitors intention to reform them. A polite man in Thailand will not touch a woman. The feet in Thailand are considered spiritually as well as physically the lowest part of the body. Dont step over peoples legs, even in a crowded place such as on a train; wait politely for them to move out of the way. Do not point things out or pick things up with your feet. And do not wave your feet around peoples heads! If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, apologise. Food in Thailand is often eaten on the floor. Stepping over food is really a bad thing in Thailand. Shoes are not worn inside peoples houses, or in some guest houses and shops. If you are not sure watch other people. A pile of shoes at the entrance is your clue to remove yours (socks are OK). To Thai people wearing shoes indoors is disgusting. Show respect for religious symbols and rituals, and avoid touching spirit houses and household alters. Thai people, particularly those in rural areas, can be highly superstitious and may feel the need for lengthy ritual should you contaminate their sacred areas. Do not stare at Thai people. They may be smiling, but still do not look into their eyes too long. Particularly in rural areas young and old may react violently to such a gesture, which is considered a rude insult. During normal conversation most Thai people do not look directly at one another, and will avoid anything but the briefest eye-to-eye contact. Phu Nawy (little people) often keep their head bowed when conversing with Phu Yai(big people) as a sign of respect. As a foreigner it can be hard to know if you have a persons attention. And it is difficult to hear what people are saying if they speak with their back to you. Laundry and bathing Modest dress and a clean, neat appearance will create a very good impression in Thailand. Keep up with your laundry and you will receive better treatment everywhere. Most Thai people bathe in cold water. This is not a problem, as it is almost always hot enough for you to feel the need to cool down. Most Thais shower and put on fresh clothes at least twice a day. You will be more comfortable and sleep more soundly in the hot and humid climate if you do likewise. Many washrooms in Thailand do not have showerheads fitted to the wall. There is a cement trough or other kind of water reservoir provided for use. A plastic or metal bowl is used to sluice water over the body. This water is meant for cleaning and should remain clean for other peoples use. Do not contaminate this water. And do not climb into the reservoir in order to bathe! In rural areas many Thai people still use rivers and streams, or will bathe from an outdoor reservoir at home. When bathing in view of others men wear underpants. Women should wear a Pha Sing (cotton wraparound). Nude bathing in public view is not acceptable. In Thailand the squat toilet is the norm except in hotels and guesthouses geared towards foreigners. If you have never used one before it may take a bit of getting used to. Contrary to what some people seem to think, these are flushing toilets. They are flushed in the same way as western toilets, i.e. by dropping water through the hole. The difference from Western-style toilets being, you must scoop water with a bowl from a nearby reservoir and drop water through yourself, rather than release water from a tank using a lever. You can chuck water all over the place in a Thai toilet, so when you are finished it is a good idea to rinse the floor of any sand or mud you may have brought in on your feet. Thai people do not normally use toilet paper, prefering to rinse themselves thoroughly with soap and water. If you absolutely must use paper dont drop it down the toilet. Place it in the bin provided. If there is no bin provided, find another facility. Plumbing in Thailand simply isnt desig ned to handle paper, and in most places you will cause a great deal of inconvenience if you drop anything other than your natural waste through the toilet.

Omar Epps Essay -- Actor Love and Basketball Movies Essays

Omar Epps In the movies, Love and Basketball, and The Program the viewer can see various similarities that develop. One of the obvious comparisons can be seen in how the actor Omar Epps performs and the similar situations he’s faced with. In both films, he goes through struggles and reveals the life of a highly recruited athlete. The Program is produced by Samuel Goldwyn, Jr., while Love and Basketball is produced by Spike Lee and Sam Kitt. Love and Basketball is a movie that combines a love story with how basketball affects the relationship of two high school sweethearts. The two main characters in the movie are Quincy and his girlfriend, Monica. Quincy is played by Omar Epps and the story begins with showing how he is a very talented athlete in the central part of Los Angeles. He goes to a high school by the name of Crenshaw and is the leader of their well-known basketball team. By the end of his senior year, many colleges around the nation want him to come and represent their school. Quincy eventually tells all of his fans and supporters he has chosen to go to the University of Southern California. In the mean time, his soon to be girlfriend, Monica, is also expected to attend the same college. Later in the movie, Quincy and Monica get together and problems start to rise. Because Quincy is so popular with all the girls on campus he ends his relationship with Monica and starts his quest for the right girl to m arry. On another note, throughout the movie a very noticeable trait that Quincy displays is his confidence. For instance, Quincy always seems to get what he wants and his attitude towards everything is he will eventually be the best. This is mostly seen in his actions around girls and on the bask... ...et with Autumn because he is confident in his capabilities. Another correlation between the two films is the family problems they face. Each character comes from a home where the parents aren’t together anymore or they really never knew them. Lastly, Omar Epps is rewarded with the girl of his dreams in each motion picture, and it ends in a fairy tale fashion. Looking at each movie, the observer can see why Omar Epps was chosen for the main roles. He does a great job of presenting a college athlete faced with hardships and how to deal with adversity. His actions in both movies are comparable and because he plays an athlete, they have the same general theme. Each performance feeds off the other and after making The Program, Spike Lee and Sam Kitt probably thought Omar Epps would be perfect for Love and Basketball. In the end, he did a pretty good job.

Frankenstein Ch 1-10 Quote Analysis Essay

Chapter 1 â€Å"I was their plaything and their idol, and something better- their child, the innocent and helpless creature bestowed on them by Heaven, whom to bring up to good, and whose future lot it was in their hands to direct to happiness or misery, according as they fulfilled their duties towards me. With this deep consciousness of what they owed towards the being to which they had given life.† This quote expresses Victor Frankenstein’s beliefs that it was up to this parents to make him happy and to succeed in life. The last line expresses a belief that any parent owed it to their child happiness and love by bringing them to life. Frankenstein is being hypocritical, putting so much responsibility and pressure on his parents when he, himself will not take on the same responsibilities when it is laid out in front of him. â€Å"They consulted their village priest, and the result was that Elizabeth Lavenza became the inmate of my parents’ house–my more than siste r–the beautiful and adored companion of all my occupations and my pleasures.† Elizabeth’s beauty is a sign of her inner goodness. (Halo Effect in Psych) â€Å"Everyone loved Elizabeth. The passionate and almost reverential attachment with which all regarded her became, while I shared it, my pride and my delight. On the evening previous to her being brought to my home, my mother had said playfully, ‘I have a pretty present for my Victor–tomorrow he shall have it.’ And when, on the morrow, she presented Elizabeth to me as her promised gift, I, with childish seriousness, interpreted her words literally and looked upon Elizabeth as mine–mine to protect, love, and cherish. All praises bestowed on her I received as made to a possession of my own. We called each other familiarly by the name of cousin. No word, no expression could body forth the kind of relation in which she stood to me–my more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only.† Victor sees that Elizabeth’s beauty is the reason people love her. Yet this seems to be the reason he loves her himself. â€Å"When my father returned from Milan, he found playing with me in the hall of our villa a child fairer than pictured cherub†¦ They were fond of the sweet orphan. Her presence had seemed a blessing to them†¦ the result was that Elizabeth Lavenza became the inmate of my parents’ house–my more than sister–the beautiful and adored companion of all my occupations and my pleasures.† Although Elizabeth is welcomed into Victor’s family, her being an orphan reminds us that family that can be destroyed at any moment. Chapter 2 â€Å"Destiny was too potent, and her immutable law had decreed my utter and terrible destruction.† Dr. Frankenstein cannot take blame for his immoral actions in life. First he gives his parents the sole responsibility for how he turns out and if he is happy or not, now he is blaming destiny for the actions that are out of his parents control. â€Å"Wealth was an inferior object; but what glory would attend the discovery, if I could banish disease from the human frame and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death!† Dr. Frankenstein says that he did not start this for the money but for the pure purpose of the glory for being the first man to discover something. Similar to Walton in the beginning of the book, he wants to make a mark in the world for himself. â€Å"Natural philosophy is the genius that has regulated my fate†¦ A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, ‘Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash.’† Victor learns that his interest in alchemy is useless and that such a field is outdated. Instead, science and natural philosophy are the accepted forms of thought. â€Å"As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed.† The natural world is beautiful and also capable of destruction. â€Å"No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. We felt that they were not the tyrants to rule our lot according to their caprice, but the agents and creators of all the many delights which we enjoyed. When I mingled with other families I distinctly discerned how peculiarly fortunate my lot was, and gratitude assisted the development of filial love.† Victor says his family is happy, and his parents as the bringers of â€Å"many delights.† Victor knows how great it is to have your creators care about you, but this knowledge does not convince him to do the same for the creature that he has brought to life. Chapter 3 â€Å"After having made a few preparatory experiments, he concluded with a panegyric upon modern chemistry, the terms of which I shall never forget: ‘The ancient teachers of this science,’ said he, ‘promised impossibilities and performed nothing. The modern masters promise very little; they know that metals cannot be transmuted and that the elixir of life is a chimera but these philosophers, whose hands seem only made to dabble in dirt, and their eyes to pore over the microscope or crucible, have indeed performed miracles. They penetrate into the recesses of nature and show how she works in her hiding-places. They ascend into the heavens; they have discovered how the blood circulates, and the nature of the air we breathe. They have acquired new and almost unlimited powers; they can command the thunders of heaven, mimic the earthquake, and even mock the invisible world with its own shadows.’† This professor gives Victor a way to see scientific questions as coming from older traditions. This respect for the old combined with the new is what allows Victor to go forward in his scientific explorations. â€Å"My departure was therefore fixed at an early date, but before the day resolved upon could arrive, the first misfortune of my life occurred–an omen, as it were, of my future misery. Elizabeth had caught the scarlet fever†¦Elizabeth was saved, but the consequences of this imprudence were fatal to her preserver. On the third day my mother sickened†¦On her deathbed the fortitude and benignity of this best of women did not desert her. She joined the hands of Elizabeth and myself. ‘My children,’ she said, ‘my firmest hopes of future happiness were placed on the prospect of your union. This expectation will now be the consolation of your father. Elizabeth, my love, you must supply my place to my younger children. Alas! I regret that I am taken from you; and, happy and beloved as I have been, is it not hard to quit you all? But these are not thoughts befitting me; I will endeavour to resign myself cheerfully to death and will indulge a hope of meeting you in another world.’† The loss of Victor’s mother is a foreshadowing of the loss he is going to encounter again. At the same time, her death shows that family is what is most important to Victor. Chapter 4 â€Å"The summer months passed while I was thus engaged, heart and soul, in one pursuit. It was a most beautiful season; never did the fields bestow a more plentiful harvest or the vines yield a more luxuriant vintage, but my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature. And the same feelings which made me neglect the scenes around me caused me also to forget those friends who were so many miles absent, and whom I had not seen for so long a time. I knew my silence disquieted them, and I well-remembered the words of my father: ‘I know that while you are pleased with yourself you will think of us with affection, and we shall hear regularly from you. You must pardon me if I regard any interruption in your correspondence as a proof that your other duties are equally neglected.’† The beauty of nature distracts Victor from his other worries. Nature’s beauty can affect human feelings. â€Å"Darkness had no effect upon my fancy, and a churchyard was to me merely the receptacle of bodies deprived of life, which, from being the seat of beauty and strength, had become food for the worm. Now I was led to examine the cause and progress of this decay and forced to spend days and nights in vaults and charnel-houses. My attention was fixed upon every object the most insupportable to the delicacy of the human feelings.† The beauty of the church is a juxtaposition with the ugliness and decay of death. Chapter 5 â€Å"How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! Great God! His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun-white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips.† Victor’s attempt to create a beautiful creature is a failure. â€Å"I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.† The beauty of Elizabeth and the goodness that comes with it is threatened by Victor’s scientific findings and the ugly thing he has created. â€Å"Oh! No mortal could support the horror of that countenance. A mummy again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. I had gazed on him while unfinished; he was ugly then, but when those muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived.† The ugliness of the monster is compared to something worse than something in Dante’s Inferno. This further states the halo effect that prevents the monster from functioning in society. â€Å"I stepped fearfully in: the apartment was empty, and my bedroom was also freed from its hideous guest. I could hardly believe that so great a good fortune could have befallen me, but when I became assured that my enemy had indeed fled, I clapped my hands for joy and ran down to Clerval.† Victor assumes that because his creature is ugly, he must be evil. Chapter 6 â€Å"Justine, you may remember, was a great favourite of yours; and I recollect you once remarked that if you were in an ill humour, one glance from Justine could dissipate it, for the same reason that Ariosto gives concerning the beauty of Angelica–she looked so frank-hearted and happy.† Justine’s beauty represents her happy, good nature. â€Å"Justine has just returned to us; and I assure you I love her tenderly. She is very clever and gentle, and extremely pretty; as I mentioned before, her mein and her expression continually remind me of my dear aunt.† Justine’s beauty makes her an object worth loving. â€Å"I must say also a few words to you, my dear cousin, of little darling William. I wish you could see him; he is very tall of his age, with sweet laughing blue eyes, dark eyelashes, and curling hair. When he smiles, two little dimples appear on each cheek, which are rosy with health. He has already had one or two little WIVES, but Louisa Biron is his favourite, a pretty little girl of five years of age.† William’s attractiveness is equal to the affection people feel for him. â€Å"The pretty Miss Mansfield has already received the congratulatory visits on her approaching marriage with a young Englishman, John Melbourne, Esq. Her ugly sister, Manon, married M. Duvillard, the rich banker, last autumn. Your favourite schoolfellow, Louis Manoir, has suffered several misfortunes since the departure of Clerval from Geneva. But he has already recovered his spirits, and is reported to be on the point of marrying a lively pretty Frenchwoman, Madame Tavernier. She is a widow, and much older than Manoir; but she is very much admired, and a favourite with everybody.† People like Madame Tavernier because she is good looking. Chapter 7 â€Å"I wept like a child. ‘Dear mountains! my own beautiful lake! how do you welcome your wanderer? Your summits are clear; the sky and lake are blue and placid. Is this to prognosticate peace, or to mock at my unhappiness?’† Nature has the power to strongly affect emotions because of its beauty. â€Å"During this short voyage I saw the lightning playing on the summit of Mont Blanc in the most beautiful figures. The storm appeared to approach rapidly, and, on landing, I ascended a low hill, that I might observe its progress. It advanced; the heavens were clouded, and I soon felt the rain coming slowly in large drops, but its violence quickly increased.† Beauty and violence coexist in nature. â€Å"A flash of lightning illuminated the object, and discovered its shape plainly to me; its gigantic stature, and the deformity of its aspect more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy daemon, to whom I had given life. What did he there? Could he be (I shuddered at the conception) the murderer of my brother?† The ugliness of the monster’s crime is reflected by the awful weather. â€Å"During our walk, Clerval endeavoured to say a few words of consolation; he could only express his heartfelt sympathy. ‘Poor William!† said he, dear lovely child, he now sleeps with his angel mother! Who that had seen him bright and joyous in his young beauty, but must weep over his untimely loss! To die so miserably; to feel the murderer’s grasp! How much more a murdered that could destroy radiant innocence! Poor little fellow! one only consolation have we; his friends mourn and weep, but he is at rest. The pang is over, his sufferings are at an end for ever. A sod covers his gentle form, and he knows no pain. He can no longer be a subject for pity; we must reserve that for his miserable survivors.’† Henry expresses affection for William by describing his physical features. Chapter 8 â€Å"The appearance of Justine was calm. She was dressed in mourning, and her countenance, always engaging, was rendered, by the solemnity of her feelings, exquisitely beautiful. Yet she appeared confident in innocence and did not tremble, although gazed on and execrated by thousands, for all the kindness which her beauty might otherwise have excited was obliterated in the minds of the spectators by the imagination of the enormity she was supposed to have committed. She was tranquil, yet her tranquillity was evidently constrained; and as her confusion had before been adduced as a proof of her guilt, she worked up her mind to an appearance of courage. When she entered the court she threw her eyes round it and quickly discovered where we were seated. A tear seemed to dim her eye when she saw us, but she quickly recovered herself, and a look of sorrowful affection seemed to attest her utter guiltlessness.† Justine’s innocence is seen in her beauty. Unlike the monster, her looks reveal her true nature. Chapter 9 â€Å"When I reflected on his crimes and malice, my hatred and revenge burst all bounds of moderation†¦ Elizabeth was sad and desponding; she no longer took delight in her ordinary occupations; all pleasure seemed to her sacrilege toward the dead; eternal woe and tears she then thought was the just tribute she should pay to innocence so blasted and destroyed.† Because he cannot let go of a grudge, Victor seeks revenge on the monster in hopes of curing his guilty conscience. â€Å"I, not in deed, but in effect, was the true murderer. Elizabeth read my anguish in my countenance, and kindly taking my hand, said, ‘My dearest friend, you must calm yourself. These events have affected me, God knows how deeply; but I am not so wretched as you are. There is an expression of despair, and sometimes of revenge, in your countenance that makes me tremble. Dear Victor, banish these dark passions. Remember the friends around you, who centre all their hopes in you. Have we lost the power of rendering you happy? Ah! While we love, while we are true to each other, here in this land of peace and beauty, your native country, we may reap every tranquil blessing–what can disturb our peace?’† Victor’s guilt due to the deaths of William and Justine causes him to seek revenge against the monster. Chapter 10

Relation between Economics and Law

Relation between Economics and Law The study of Law without the knowledge of other related social sciences i.e., Political theory, Sociology and Economics, etc, is incomplete. In any law curriculum the study of Economics and Law and their interaction is increasingly found necessary.As Law influence Economics, Economics also influence Law. As a matter of fact Economics forms the basis of the study of Law. Economics reflects the socio-economic ethos of the country in particular and world in general. It becomes out of date and misleading if the Economic ethos change. But it was proved to be wrong by Dalton. The organisation, industrial structure and performance have changed in the thirty years. E.g.: policy goals, policy instrument, Economic institutions.Economics derives its aims and objectives from the study of man and must derive at least a large part of its methodology from a study of Nature. Legal Economics is a vital part in understanding the interactional dimension of Law and Economics, i.e.,Economics Q & A, IVhow modern Economics can be used to illuminate a number of legal problems. It is not sufficiently realised that the economic analysis can aid our understanding of the Law and how economic factors limit and shape the operation of crime control and legal systems. Economic considerations have varied and widespread effects on the costs and benefits that prospective offenders may expect from crime, on decisions to litigate or to settle out to court, on the significance of legal costs the practical problems of legal administration and the provision of legal services. Law and legal policy help to determine the behaviour of the economy. There are extensive legal constraints on the allocation and the distribution of resources and on labour and housing markets.The social functions of Law are broadly classified into three:(1) Encouraging good behaviour and discouraging bad behaviour.(2) Facilitating the...