Hamlet’s Construction of Sanity Essay

In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet many characters appear to suffer from what appears to be mental instability, most notably Hamlet, Ophelia, and Gertrude. The apparent â€Å"madness† of these characters develops and drives the plot, which results in the play’s tragic ending. It is the reader’s responsibility to decipher which characters are actually mentally ill and which are merely pretending. Furthermore, it is important to keep track of which characters believe other characters are mentally ill. The most important of these is Gertrude, Polonius, and King Claudius’ belief that Hamlet is mad. Gertrude’s suspicion is confirmed by Hamlet’s slaying of Polonius and then shortly after his discussion with the ghost of King Hamlet, whom his mother cannot see. Shortly after the ghost leaves, Hamlet tells his mother, â€Å"No, in despite of sense and secrecy,/Unpeg the basket on the house’s top. /Let the birds fly, and like the famous ape,/To try conclusions, in the basket creep/And break your own neck down† (III. IV. 196-200). In this passage Hamlet instructs his mother to tell King Claudius what has happened. When Claudius discovers the apparent madness of Hamlet this begins a large series of events that leads to the death of all of the main characters. The above passage uses a simile, personification, and a pun to draw the reader’s attention to its importance. The most noteworthy of the figurative language comes in this line, â€Å"Unpeg the basket on the house’s top† (III. IV. 197). The line instructs Gertrude to reveal to Claudius the events that just transpired. However, to â€Å"unpeg† â€Å"the houses top† is a pun, which refers to tricking Claudius (the houses top) into believing that Hamlet is indeed insane. This line is followed by a simile: â€Å"Let the birds fly, and like the famous ape/To try conclusions, in the basket creep† (III. IV. 198-199). According to the footnotes, the story of the famous ape is no longer known, so it is impossible to understand the allusion and what comparison Shakespeare is trying to make. However, it is presumed that the audience of the day would understand the reference. For modern reading it simply shows the reader it is an important passage because of the use of figurative language. In addition, it is important to notice the use of the word â€Å"basket† in this passage. The line, â€Å"Unpeg the basket on the house’s top† (III. IV. 197) appears to be a saying similar to â€Å"letting the cat out of the bag† i. e. revealing a secret or telling Claudius what happened. Moreover, the second use of basket seems to refer to Claudius’s mind or head. This strengthens the pun uses earlier in the â€Å"houses top† by referring to what Claudius is thinking, or should think about Hamlet. The above quote sets up a huge piece of dramatic irony in the play. The audience is aware that Hamlet is not truly insane because they have seen the ghost and understand Hamlet’s intentions. However, Gertrude and Claudius are unaware of this and merely think that Hamlet has gone mad. This prompts Claudius to banish Hamlet and ask the King of England to execute Hamlet upon his arrival in England. Upon Hamlet’s return to Denmark the king makes new plans to kill Hamlet, which results in the deaths of Gertrude, Claudius, Hamlet, and Laertes. The use of figurative language in the above passage helps to drive the dramatic irony in the play. Hamlet wants his uncle, King Claudius to believe he is mad. The line, â€Å"To try conclusions, in the basket creep† (III. IV. 199) refers to Hamlet’s desire to trick Claudius into thinking he is mad. Hamlet wants Claudius to come to the conclusion the Hamlet is insane, although he really is not, so Hamlet can achieve his revenge. This passage is extremely important to the action of the play. These lines set up the action for the rest of the play and incite Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, and Laertes to take action in some way or another. It is here that Shakespeare begins to set up for the dramatic denouement where all the main characters die. The actions of Hamlet coupled with the dramatic irony that Shakespeare is establishing make these lines extremely important to the outcome of the play. Shakespeare’s use of figurative language here draws the reader’s attention to the importance of these lines.

Educational Aspiration: High School Education vs College Education

In our current economy, the need for a college education becomes increasingly valuable despite the high cost of tuition and loans. The demand for skilled, college-educated laborers is high. A college education can also determine your future income potential and in many cases, it is the only way a person can climb up the socioeconomic ladder. There are two theories that suggests why the need for a college education has been growing — increased international competition and skill-biased technology. The first theory focuses on the globalization of the U. S. economy. The argument is that increased competition from low skilled labor abroad has decreased the wages of low-skilled workers at home. At first, this theory seems to make sense but the statistics do not make sense. The reason is that only a small portion of the US economy is actually subject to competition from abroad. Also, job competition is growing in both the most and the least trade-affected industries at about the same rate. (Irons, 1998) The second theory for the increase in need for a college education has been called â€Å"skill-biased technological change†. The idea is current technology favors the higher skilled, higher educated workers over lower skilled workers. An example would be the increase use of computer technology has helped in the productivity and wages of the computer users and programmers. But, this increase does not help increase stagnated wages of the â€Å"lesser† educated worker who does not know this new technology. The only problem with this theory is that technological growth is a difficult to measure. There are two many hard to define variables to statistically measure this kind of change. (Irons, 1998) Even if these theories were to be debunked, the idea that a college education is more valuable that a high school education is correct. Statistically, a person with a college education generates a great deal more income in a lifetime than a high school graduate. Likewise, a high school graduate definitely has a higher income than a high-school dropout. The following chart shows a huge numeric difference in economic outcomes as a result of the educational status of the worker. The increase in income between the groups is a direct result of the educational degree attained. No High School 10,236 20,146 68,275 (Diaz-Geminiz, Quadrini, and Rios-Rull (1997) In Dimensions of Inequality, Diaz-Geminiz, Quadrini, and Rios-Rull theorizes the financial inequality in the U. S. according to the labor earnings, income, and wealth among U. S. households. Labor earnings are the amount of salary taken home as a result from working. Total income includes labor earning plus any additional income, such as stocks or savings accounts, and even income from government transfers, like Social Security and Welfare. And lastly, wealth represents the total stock of past savings. According to this theory of financial inequality, the top end of the distribution has seen a growth in their income while those at the lower end have seen their income stagnate. The financial distribution is highly skewed in the U. S. with the top 1% of households owning 30% of the American pie. This is 875 times more wealth that the bottom 40% of the distribution. Increasingly, the only way to obtain a decent piece of the economic pie is by earning a college degree. The higher your college degree, i. e. masters or Ph. D. , the higher your potential income earnings. Rather, education is the most important way in which people can make it into the upper end of the income distribution. Besides the differences in incomes among the college educated and non-college educated, there are also differences in employment opportunities among college educated, high school educated, and high school dropouts. The answer is yes. Your education also holds the key to what kinds of jobs or career you can or cannot obtain. According to the National Center For Education Statistics, â€Å"post-secondary degree attainment is associated with better access to employment and higher earnings. In 1995, on average, male bachelor†s degree recipients aged 25-34 earned 52 percent more, and female bachelor†s degree recipients 91 percent more, than their counterparts with a high school diploma. † On average, a limited education impedes a person†s employment opportunities. Rather, how much education one can obtain will affect how broad their job opportunity outlook will be. According to Youth Indicators, â€Å"Between 1965 and 1992, the percentage of non-college bound high school graduates entering the labor force changed little. The apparent dip in 1970 was caused by the entry of young men into the military rather than the civilian labor force. In contrast, the proportion of college students who were also in the labor force rose from 28% in 1965 to 49% in 1992. † Therefore, there are more job opportunities among the college educated than high school educated. Statistically, the value of a college education can be invaluable for one†s economic future. With this realization, post-secondary enrollments have increased continuously over the years. â€Å"The percentage of high school graduates who enrolled in 2- or 4- year colleges and universities in the October following graduation increased from 49% to 62% between 1972 and 1995. During this same period, the percentage of 25- to 29- year old high school graduates who had completed 4 or more years of college rose from 24% to 28%. † (National Center for Education Statistics) A college education also has a value beyond monetary terms. A college education can open the doors of opportunities for anyone willing to take advantage of that opportunity. High school cannot offer the same opportunity. A university has far superior resources for its students than high school. A person can learn a lot about life by simply being a college student. Most importantly, beyond attaining a degree, is the knowledge one can earn through attending college. The process of learning is a priceless tool that can only be enhanced by the college experience.

Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Culture - Essay Example iscuss whether or not there are ‘good’ stereotypes and discuss the pros and cons of the stereotype in the hope of understanding and logically assessing the veracity of this stereotype. The stereotype: homeless people are lazy drunks, have been used to describe and portray the picture of homelessness in America. The source of this stereotype has not exactly been pinpointed, however, the fact that homeless drunks make up about 30 to 40% of the total homeless population may be blamed for this stereotype (Jones, â€Å"News†). The fact that these homeless drunks are often the ones who gain the most attention from society because of their occasionally disorderly behavior may be one of the factors which contribute to the development of this stereotype. Many studies and statistics however were able to disprove this stereotype. In a paper by Jones (â€Å"News†) she disputes the claim that 90% of homeless people are drug or alcohol abusers. She firmly disputes these claims by citing accurate sources of statistics on the homeless people. She cites the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the Los Angeles Services Au thority as accurate sources for statistics on the homeless people (Jones â€Å"News†). Based on her review of statistics from these agencies, about 25 to 39% of the homeless population is composed of children. She then poses the question, on whether or not it is really true that these children can be drunks. On a more accurate note, Jones (â€Å"News†) notes that most of the addiction and alcohol abuse was seen after these people became homeless, not after. She also point out that substance abuse statistics from a Los Angeles survey reveal that 42% of the homeless were drug or alcohol users. Clearly, these figures are still well below the 90% rate that previous reports claim. She also points out that the more likely split in the statistics surrounding the homeless people is at 33%. This represents 33%

Cash rate, loan rate, equity funding Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cash rate, loan rate, equity funding - Essay Example This can be attributed to the increased cost of debt funding for the major banks in Australia. Study of major banks’ fund composition shows that the banks are shifting their focus towards deposits and long term borrowings more and there has been a decline in share of short term debt in banks funding. Amongst others, higher deposit rates have contributed significantly towards increase in debt funding costs for banks. Although the share of equity has also increased in the banks’ funding composition but it has not contributed much towards changes in housing loan rates, since they are less risky. Until recently, in 2011, the spread between standard housing loan rate and cash rate has reduced by about 10 basis points due to the increase in discounts offered by the banks on new mortgages, but it’s only a small reduction compared to the overall spread. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Widening of the spread between the major-banks standard variable housing loan rat e and the RBA’s cash rate since 2007 4 RBA’s Cash Rate 4 Variable Housing Loan Rate and Cash Rate 4 Composition of Banks’ Funding 5 Cost of Debt and Equity Funding 5 Pricing for Risk and Banks’ Housing Loan Rates 6 Conclusion 6 List of Graphs 7 References 10 Bibliography 12 Widening of the spread between the major-banks standard variable housing loan rate and the RBA’s cash rate since 2007 RBA’s Cash Rate The key objective of RBA’s monetary policy is to lower the inflation rate, targeting around 2 to 3%. Other objectives of RBA’s monetary policy include low unemployment rate and maintaining a stable growth of Australian economy. Cash rate is the primary tool which is used by RBA to regulate the monetary policy in the country. It increases target cash rate when the inflation pressure is in excess of the RBA’s target and it decreases the target cash rate when the economy can grow at a faster rate without creating any infla tion problem (Lowe, 1995, p. 3-15). If we look at the history of RBA’s cash rate, it can be inferred that there has been a steady increase in cash rate from 2007 till mid 2008, which was the beginning of Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Then there was a sharp decline in cash rate during the period of mid 2008 till April, 2009. The cash rate was as low as 3% and continued to be so till September, 2009. Since October, 2009, there had been a steady increase in cash rate (Graph 1). Until recently there had been minor cuts in cash rate and is at 4.25%, as of today (RBA, n.d.). Variable Housing Loan Rate and Cash Rate The trend of standard variable housing loan rates is believed to follow the trend of cash rate. It is so because the household cost of funds are driven by the cash rate. If we compare the standard variable housing loan rate with cash rate, we find an overall strong correlation between these two rates over the years but with some anomalies in between (Graph 2). If we wat ch closely, it can be found that there has been an increasing spread between the major bank’s standard variable housing loan rate and the cash rate since 2007. This increase in variable housing loan rate by major banks relative to the cash rate can be attributed to the increase in bank’s cost of debt funding. In addition to this, higher equity funding costs and increase in expected losses have also attributed to this widening of spread between the two rates. Until recently, in 2011, the spread has reduced by about 10

CVD Proposal Prrofreading Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

CVD Proposal Prrofreading - Essay Example Our long term goal is to utilize the outcome of the study in individualization of drug therapy and diagnosis of T2D with CVD bases on the genetic profile of patients from Arab Population. This would result in substantial improvements in quality of life of the affected individuals and a reduction in healthcare costs. Identification of target genes may also lead to development of novel therapeutic modalities. Furthermore, the characteristics of Arabic population make them ideal for the genome wide study of diabetes, a complex, polygenic, multi-factorial disorder. 3. Relevance It is hoped that this proposed study will pave way in identifying susceptibility genes for the Type 2 Diabetes with CVD in UAE population moreover. It will assess if genetic profiling could be used successfully to identify high-risk individuals, this would result in substantial benefits to both individuals and society. ... 4. Project Personnel Dr. Habiba alsafar is the lead investigator on this program and will dedicate 1.2 calendar months approximately 10% of her time overseeing the project. Dr. Nicolas Christoforou is a molecular-cell biologist and an academician at KUSTAR and will, he will avail essential tools in all aspects of molecular biology. He will also provide training and supervision to interns. Dr. Christoforou will dedicate 0.8 calendar months, approximately 8% of his time supervising the project. Dr. Ahsan Khandoker will dedicate 0.5 calendar months i.e. approximately 5% of his time preparing tools in the assessment of cardiac autonomic function for this study. Dr. Maher Maalouf from Industrial department in KUSTAR is planned to dedicate 0.5 calendar months approximately 5% of his time providing valuable support and consultative advice regarding statistical methods and analyses of the project KUSTAR nominees have also invited Drs. Ahmed Hasson to be a co-investigator in this study. He is a consultant Endocrinologist and chairman of Research & Medical Education from Dubai Diabetes Center in Dubai. Dr Ahmed will contribute as clinical expert, access to T2D patients with CVD and provide guidance on clinical matters. 5. Objectives and Goals This proposal present plan to initiate a seed project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) particularly in Abu Dhabi with an aim of identification of genetic associated with Type 2 Diabetes resulting to development of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction) among Arabs in UAE. Furthermore, address genetic diversity in UAE providing insight into mechanisms that cause this disease. These developments could possibly lead to improved intervention and prevention programs to improve quality of life throughout UAE and

Relationship maintainance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Relationship maintainance - Essay Example It ensures that none of the members has more benefits others within the society provided they have the same qualifications. It is not certain whether nepotism is right or wrong in the society; however, individuals in countries such as China believe in nepotism. Many people have different perceptions and beliefs concerning nepotism. Nepotism is a direct act of favoritism to other persons due to a given relationship status with such persons (Jones, 9). It does not consider merit in the allocation of opportunities or resources. Nepotism seems to favor a few individuals in the society; however, it is not fair in the modern world especially in educational and corporate institutions. Although it may be beneficial to some individuals, it could result in negative consequences in the long-term. Such consequences involve the denial of the acquisition of communication skills alongside other important skills due to overdependence on family networks and relationships. People who depend on nepotism for opportunities do not show effort or commitment to their work because they sure of their strong networks. China is one of the largest countries in the world. It is also one of the oldest civilizations and has improved technologically over the years. Many students graduate every year from higher learning institutions with expectations of easily securing working opportunities. However, it is difficult for such graduates to find employment despite having all the desired qualifications. This is because, for one to find a job they require higher educational qualifications, work experience, and above all a perfect network. A perfect network involves the ability to maintain constant visits to the home of a person in authority for a long time. For instance, I needed to find a job once I graduated. My father had already started a relationship with a particular manager a long time ago. This is because he needed the manager to

Napoleon and Romanticism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Napoleon and Romanticism - Essay Example Of the three, it was Byron (1788-1824) who made the biggest impact during his lifetime. His poems acted as a major source of inspiration for generations of Romantics. Unfortunately, his verses have not lasted well. His most famous poems are very long and belong to a more leisurely age when people had the time to read such things. But Don Juan still sparkles with a wit that is most un-English and the shorter lyrical verses can still give much pleasure. The defeat of Napoleon brought no improvement in the condition of the masses. After 1815 there was a deep fall, which paralyzed trade and brought a wide unemployment and poverty. The ranks of the unemployed were swelled by a flood of discharged soldiers and sailors. The victors of Waterloo and Trafalgar were forced to beg for crusts of bread in the streets of London, Manchester and Portsmouth. In an analogy to Stalin, Napoleon, the gravedigger of the French Revolution, was seen by many as the continuator of the revolutionary traditions of 1789-93. Wherever his armies set foot, they set about smashing the old order in Europe, and therefore, in a distorted form, they stood for revolution. On the other hand, the armies of England everywhere defended the forces of reaction. Nelson, the national hero, hanged the patriots of Naples and delivered them over to torture and murder at the hands of the reactionaries. Inside England, the reactionaries went on the rampage, smashing printing presses and beating up suspected radicals. One might say that occasionally the pose seemed more important to him than the idea itself. But this was entirely characteristic of the Romantics in general. It was also characteristic of many Romantics to admire, even worship - Napoleon, the Corsican upstart who had hijacked the French Revolution in its period of decline. The attraction felt for the person of Bonaparte among the Romantics bears a certain resemblance to the attitude of many foreign intellectuals to Stalin. Sincerely sympathizing with the cause of the Russian Revolution and the USSR, they lacked the Marxist understanding to be able to analyze the real nature of Stalin's regime or see any difference between it and the regime of workers' democracy established by Lenin and Trotsky in 1917. Therefore, napoleon is considered just the gravedigger of the French revolution and not the nemesis. Romanticism Romanticism was name given to the new tendency. According to "Walter pater", 'it is the addition of curiosity to the desires of beauty' , the eagerness for new impression and new pleasure, to be sought where the hard work of nature or the artist had been most cunning. More than this it was in revolt against authority, tradition and convention, whether political, social,