The Importance of Being Earnest and Dr. Faustus | Comparison

The Importance of Being Earnest and Dr. Faustus | Comparison Deception and hypocrisy remained a challenge to social morality since ages and every great writer has taken into consideration this socio-ethical dilemma in his works and has depicted its various manifestations at various levels. Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde depict various manifestations of deceptions and hypocrisy i.e. self-deception by denial of realities, trickery to others, and self-consideration through various thematic expressions. Main characters in both plays suffer from moral illusions at one level and their unique characteristics make it easier for them to hide behind the mask of trickery and hypocrisy at another level. The most subtle form of deception is self-deception and protagonists of both plays suffer from acute self-deception by denying realities around or within them. Faustus seems to be obsessed with his own intelligence and this tragic flaw laps over with his pride and leads him toward self-deception. Dr. Faustus unlimited passion for absolute knowledge set an impetus toward hypocrisy and self-deception that ends with his tragic downfall. As a perfect epitome of renaissance man, he hankers after excessive power and considers knowledge as the only instrument available to him to get absolute power. His overambitious quest for knowledge forces him to make a deal with Satan. This deal refers to an intellectual myopic illusion, a form of acute self-deception, as he believes that a devilish character, who himself does not have absolute knowledge, will capacitate him with absolute knowledge. In Wildes play, despite the fact that both Jack and Algernon are Bunburyists, but at certain points in th e play, Wilde shows denial of this reality by these protagonists regarding the issue of homosexuality. They deny the fact and feel for heterosexuality. Algernon is entirely pleased to be a homosexual whereas Jack feels disgusting about it. Algernon says in this regard; Nothing will induce me to part with Bunbury, and if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely problematic, you will be very glad to know Bunbury. A man who marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious time of it. (Wilde, 1990, p. 7) Jack oppositely says; That is nonsense. If I marry a charming girl like Gwendolen, and she is the only girl I ever saw in my life that I would marry, I certainly wont want to know Bunbury. (Wilde, 1990, p.7) But his transformation is not known completely in the play. So he essentially remains a Banbury but denies this fact apparently. Furthermore, Jack creates an imaginary figure to escape from social liabilities and moral obligation. So Faustus in Dr. Faustus and Jack and Al gernon in The Importance of Being Earnest are unable to recognize and accept realities around and within them in the right perspective. Hypocrisy is another form of deception that these two plays incorporate in the plot as a thematic expression and manifest through misleading practices and fraudulencies of certain characters. Algernon, the major character in The Importance of Being Earnest elaborates this terminology of Bunburying as a sophisticated deception exercise that permit to conceal ones original personality and indulge in activities which society does not allow. Wilde has beautifully shown the subtle fraudulencies and trickeries of Ernest. Cecily Cardew assumes about Ernest that Ernest has a strong upright nature. He is the very soul of truth and honor. Disloyalty would be as impossible to him as deception. (Wilde, 1990, p. 36) So she negates any blemish of foul play about him. Jack not only lies about his name being Earnest but when inquired by Algernon about an inscription on his cigarette case from Cecily, he falsely claims she is his aunt before finally admitting that he is guardian to his adopted father s granddaughter. This leaves the reader to wonder if anything about Jacks or Earnests life is real at all, perhaps he has been lying for so long that he doesnt even know what the real truth is. Thats the reason that Cecily says in the end, A gross deception has been practiced on both of us.(Wilde, 1990, p. 39) Marlowe points out the religious hypocrisy by the deceitful practices of church members. When Faustus visits Pope for guidance and advice but finds his men raucous and hypocrite, he satirizes them for on their petty rituals and hypocritical practices. He says; How! Bell, book, and candle; candle book and bell, / Forward and backward, to curse Faustus to hell (Marlowe, 1990, p.44). But Marlowe also reveals that though Faustus castigates church men for their double standards, he himself is indulged in hypocrisy. His underlying objective to get more knowledge is different from what he propagates to others. He does not want to be a petty magician and his designs are grand and dang erous. So he acquires his knowledge by mere hypocrisy. Mephistopheles and Lucifer also deceive Faustus through their hypocritical practices. In Scene 5, Mephistopheles informs Faustus that after signing the pact with Lucifer he will be as great as Lucifer (Marlowe, 1990, p. 19) and his every desire will be fulfilled. But after signing the contract with his own blood, none of these promises come true. So Faustus is trapped to sign the contract by false promises that are a manifestation of hypocrisy on part of Mephistopheles and Lucifer. Third level of deception that Marlowe and Wilde take into account is self-love and self-consideration. Narcissm is considered a chief deception that hampers one attitude to look around and search for the best. Jack in Importance of Being Ernest, only has himself in mind when he claims to be Earnest, and goes to call on Cecily, In fact, now you mention the subject, I have been very bad in my own small way. (Wilde, 1990, p. 24). The tragedy of Faustus solely arises out of his self-centeredness and self-consideration. It was his love for his own self that compels him to acquire absolute knowledge in order to become eternal and the most powerful man on earth. This self-love is further augmented by his pride and arrogance. Diluted by this self-love, a great man as Faustus challenges the natural orders of things and this self-love finally brings his tragic downfall. Above-mentioned arguments and textual evidence from the plays clearly demonstrate that deception works through various means in these plays. These various forms and levels deception are illustrated effectively through characterisation and development of plot. Both Marlowe and Wilde have effectively used various thematic expressions of deceptions to bring out the moral illusions of characters and their weaknesses. References Marlowe, C., Dyce, A. (1990s). Dr. Faustus. [Montana]: Kessinger Publishing. Wilde, O. (1990). The importance of being earnest. New York: Dover Publications.

Macbeth. Progression of a Tragic Hero

Kevin Durran Ms. Bural ENG3U1-02 November 27, 2011 Macbeth, the Progression of a Tragic Hero â€Å"In tragedy people are tested by great suffering and must face decisions of ultimate consequence. Some meet the challenge with deeds of despicable cruelty, while others demonstrate their ability to confront and surpass adversity, winning our admiration and proving the greatness of human potential† (Aristotle). The character Macbeth is an archetypal paragon in Shakespearean literature; he truly embodies the title of the tragic hero.The aspects that lead to the Protagonist’s downfall are countless; three major factors contribute to his progression to the tragic hero. The first being the prophecies from the witches, Lady Macbeth’s malicious influence that disoriented his counsel and lastly his ambition to achieve greatness by becoming King. Curiosity and tragedy have gone hand in hand throughout history; the aphorism â€Å"Curiosity killed the cat† can be personi fied through Macbeth’s demise as his curiosity is remedied by the witch’s prophecies.The witch’s vague foretelling only lead Macbeth to curiosity, by stating the two titles he does not have â€Å"All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter! † (I, III, 49-50) inciting Macbeth’s confusion to be solved from the counsel of his wife. While each prophecy is said his level of curiosity increases. Another example of Macbeth’s curiosity is shown through his hallucinations as he goes forth with the murder of Duncan, â€Å"Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?Come let me clutch thee†¦ a dagger of the mind, a false creation†¦ Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear† (2, I, 41-42, 46, 65). The quote projects . Macbeth tends to format his ideal future by using false prophecies which in turn rid him of his worries and concerns for these prophecies p rophesised that he will stay king. To assuage Macbeth’s curiosity he wanted the prophecies to make him what he wanted to hear. The definition of Emasculation is to make a man less of a man through verbal influence; such examples of this are shown from the character Lady Macbeth, who contributes to Macbeth’s downfall.Lady Macbeth has shown countless times why she is such a large factor to Macbeth’s demise; she is portrayed as a manipulative prick. By ultimately forcing Macbeth to go along and murder Duncan she introduces him to the beginning of his tragedy, because of her planning out the murder she ultimately distorts his judgement. After the shaky Macbeth assassinated his dear king, the audience will notice a change in character as regret as a noble Macbeth turns into a depressed and confused King.Duncan’s murder was just the beginning, to maintain his authority and reign over Scotland he continued to kill because murder at the time seemed to ensure his title. Lady Macbeth is considered a large factor in the progression of Macbeth an honourable nobleman to the tragic hero; she relayed the concept of murder to him initiating his fulfillment of his deep dark desires. Macbeth’s ambition is minor factor in his progression towards him being the tragic hero. His ambition alone was never such a striving force, Lady Macbeth’s emasculation magnified/provoked thoughts of Duncan’s murder.His ambition was never so great that he would actually assassinate his king but the medleys of the prophecies which added to his level of curiosity awakened his dormant aspirations. The emasculation he received from his wife added to his ambitions, as almost he was challenged to murder the king, this shows a great example of his fall from loyalty to the tragic hero. With these new factors adding to his ambition, greed, lust, violence combines to a malicious power hungry tyrant. â€Å"Tragedy occurs when noble or great persons are led, th rough pride or a secret flaw in their personalities, to suffering that changes their fortune.The tragic hero must begin in a high position and end in death or some sort of degraded role†. The whole play inevitably showed character change, of not only Macbeth but others around him influence by the acts he committed. His ambition, emasculation, the witch’s prophecies and excessive ambition lead to his demise. The character Macbeth is an archetypal paragon in Shakespearean literature; he truly embodies the title of the tragic hero. Quotes: EMASCULATION: Macbeth says of his wife: â€Å"undaunted mettle should compose/ Nothing but males. † (I, vii, 73-74).He notices his wife's unnatural, unwomanly strength and ambition, and he feels that only men should have such power. Lady Macbeth says: â€Å"†¦ unsex me here,/ And fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full/ Of direst cruelty† (I, v, 41-44). She is calling for the strength to cast away the guilt of the crime, and she realizes she needs to suppress all femininity in order to pull through. She also says: â€Å"make thick my blood,/ stop up the access and passage to remorse. â€Å"(I, v, 43-44). and: â€Å"Come to my woman's breasts,/ And take my milk for gall, you murdering ministers. (I, vii, 47-48). She needs to suppress her femininity to chalk up the strength to conquer her conscience. Curiosity: act 1 scene 2 All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis! |   |   50| Second Witch  | All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! |   | Third Witch  . â€Å"Beware Macduff, Beware the Thane of Fife! † and â€Å"The power of man, for none of woman born/Shall harm Macbeth† and then finally â€Å"Macbeth shall never vanquished be, until/ Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinaine Hill/ Shall come against him. Read more:  http://wiki. answers. com/Q/What_was_the_three_witches_prophecy_to_Macbeth#ixzz1eg86iOxiAMIBTION| All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter! | | Quote #1BANQUO [†¦] My noble partner You greet with present grace and great prediction Of noble having and of royal hope, That he seems rapt withal. To me you speak not. If you can look into the seeds of time, And say which grain will grow and which will not, Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear Your favors nor your hate. (1. 3. 2)|After hearing the witches predict that Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland, Banquo notes that his friend is â€Å"rapt withal,† suggesting that Macbeth is consumed or entranced by the prophecy. Banquo is eager to hear what the witches have in store for him and we can see that Banquo is ambitious – he's pleased as punch when he learns his heirs will be kings (even though he will never wear the crown). Yet, Banquo  never  takes drastic measures to gain power for himself or his heirs, which makes him a foil to Macbeth who, eventually, will stop at nothing to secure his power.Macbeth's tragic flaw is excessive ambition; ambition by itself is not a bad thing. But Macbeth's ambition gets the best of him, and he begins to feel â€Å"bulletproof† — no man born of woman can kill him and he will come to ruin when Birnam Wood doth come to high Dunsinane Hill. How can a man NOT be born of woman? And how can a wood move? But Macbeth's undoing comes when he allows Fleance to escape. He returns with the army disguised as trees that move toward Dunsinane and Macduff was â€Å"untim'ly ripped from his mother's womb. † Fleance's escape is the beginning of his undoing. Quote #2MACBETHMy thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man that function Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is But what is not. (1. 3. 9)| After the weird sisters predict that Macbeth will be king, his thoughts turn to â€Å"murder,† which the sisters have said  nothingabout. Could it be that the witches' prophesy awakens within Macbeth a murderous ambition that was there all along? Quote #3MACBETH [Aside] The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see. (1. 4. 4)| By the time Malcolm is proclaimed Prince of Cumberland and heir to the throne of Scotland, Macbeth is willing to push all morality aside. He knows that killing Duncan in order to become king is wrong, which is why he says it's necessary to hide his â€Å"black and deep† desires. Here, ambition is portrayed as something dark and ugly. 33  Ã‚  Ã‚  Is this a dagger which I see before me, 34  Ã‚  Ã‚  The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. 35  Ã‚  Ã‚  I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. 36  Ã‚  Ã‚  Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible 7  Ã‚  Ã‚  To feeling as to sight? or art thou but 38  Ã‚  Ã‚  A dagger of the mind, a false c reation, 39  Ã‚  Ã‚  Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? > ACT 2, SCENE 1, LINE 33-39 Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear 58  Ã‚  Ã‚  Thy very stones prate of my whereabout, 59  Ã‚  Ã‚  And take the present horror from the time, 60  Ã‚  Ã‚  Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives:     61  Ã‚  Ã‚  Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives. (Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come let me clutch thee†¦ a dagger of the mind, a false creation†¦ Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear) 33-34, 38, 57)

Empowerment: Transforming Power and Powerlessness

The precise definition of transformational politics is a never ending issue in the governmental realm.   Consequently, Edward W. Schwerin stresses the idea in a connotation with deliberative state that such is a social and scholarly movement wherein such adherents are sharing an interest towards building a political community basically coherent to norms and other significant details in the concept of empowerment. Conceivably, these factors that build up the connotation are also based on standards such as cooperation, grassroots democracy, equality, environmental awareness and other demonstrative dynamics which possess the ability to the implications and the answers to how these dynamics are able to gain what tends to be the root on how â€Å"politics† and the people shall actually change or live with political decisions. Obviously, Shwerin’s definition and characterization of empowerment is derived from the philosophical works of Plato as well as with the idea that empowerment is in point of fact dependent on how the individual believes how one can be empowered or be disempowered for that instance. To quote his line with regard to the definition of â€Å"empowerment†Ã¢â‚¬â€the process of gaining mastery over one’s self and one’s environment in order to fulfill human needs (p.81)—perhaps his ideological definition may be correct in the factual basis, but if collaborated with the contemporary scenario, empowerment is not only conquered through an individual’s conception on such idea, but it must also be given by the environment upon which that person who wants to achieve such will be vested in the most holistic sense possible. Further, it would also be taken to assumption that Schwerin’s basis for stressing his views on â€Å"empowerment† are too vague and broad that upon arguing on the aforementioned perspective as a composition of the following: â€Å"self-worth, self-effectiveness, piece of knowledge and of abilities, awareness on the political aspect, and participation on socially and politically inclined events—it may be taken to assumption that he is nevertheless referring on the ideological perspective alone on transformational politics and not barely lingering on the schemes of contemporary deliberation and analysis on empowerment. However, his views on mediation experiences (p.93)—as empowering factors on individuals who participate on the ‘activities’—may be acceptable in further delight.   Specifically, his prediction that mediation trainees shall have personal empowerment is a great ordeal on understanding empowerment and the objective of empowering those who are powerless, per se. On the aspect of â€Å"grouping† and on the mediation strategy towards building a highly empowered group, his research has led him good value worth the critical analysis.   As far as political threshold is concerned, it is indeed realistic to say that mediators possess the higher chance to achieve â€Å"empowerment† rather than those who do not get exposed on the organizational activity—those who are experienced shall have the highest empowerment scores—more experience, greater the chance.   In the classroom basis, a â€Å"group of leaders† will have the highest score of getting â€Å"empowered† than only those who are considered as â€Å"group of mediators†Ã¢â‚¬â€intensive training is effective at teaching recruits (Schwerin, 1995).   Precisely true enough to prove his worth on his research. Levels of personal empowerment may be brought upon by training and the acquisition of knowledge, so to speak.   But the â€Å"real† empowerment comes from experience—dispute resolution, bringing up conflicts to a formal legal system—all these are piously given ample importance in trying to distinguish the definition of â€Å"empowerment.†Ã‚   Hence on personal opinion, empowerment may come from â€Å"own† beliefs but making other people believe that one is capable of such â€Å"high regard† is the best empowering method to be taken into account. Reference Schwerin, E. W. (1995). Mediation, Citizen Empowerment, and Transformational Politics. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger Publishers.      

Silks and Religion in Eurasia Essay - 1103 Words

Silk trade in Eurasia has transformed threw the past centuries mainly because, of cultural and religious differences. Between the textiles, colors, different styles, and embroidery techniques the silk market was consistently changing and innovating. Many different people through out history have had the honor to wear this delicate and valuable fabric such as: priest, emperors, elite officials, and even some merchants. The creation of the unique embroidery design â€Å"tiraz† changed the way different historians distinguished what era, ruler, and even what religion the owner of the silk lived during. Color style has disgusted different types of people and their ranking position in society. Similarly, the book’s chapter â€Å"Transforming the†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Only a small amount of silk yarn was needed to produce the decorated textiles with appropriate religious and political messages† (â€Å"Transforming the Eurasian Silk Market† 99). There are many different ways publications can explain the tiraz mainly because, historians are frequently leaning new things and finding new artifacts that may open up discovery to something new. In continuation, the pigment of the silk was a big distinction where you rank in the social society. People knew where you ranked in society based on the color of your silks and, they found other information by looking at your artistic embroidery. Primarily, in both publications purple and yellow were the main colors that emperors and higher officials wore. â€Å"Purple ranked in prestige just behind yellow; purple robes were for the highest three levels of officials in the Tang court† (â€Å"Silks and Religions in Eurasia† 29). The other lower levels in society wore other colors not as prestigious as the purple and yellow. As Confucianism came to rise both publication speak of the criticized purple color. â€Å"Confucius had considered red the purest and most virtuous color and had condemned purple for its impurity since it was not a primary color, and for its pretension to redness† (â€Å"Transforming the Eurasian Silk Marketâ€Å" 88). Likewise, the other publication also agrees with this fact that purple was impure, â€Å"This practice deviated significantly from traditionalShow MoreRelatedAncient And Medieval World Of Eurasia1678 Words   |  7 Pagesdeveloped a similar culture. In the case of Eurasia, Europeans and Asians, divided by a geographic expanse, developed their own discrete cultures. However, as these civilizations began to explore and expand, they developed communication routes that eventually evolved into trade routes. As a result of the establishment of these land and sea trade routes, began a cultural exchange between the east and west through the diffusion of goods, technology, medicine, and religion. The two most vital networks of tradeRead MoreThe Change to Trade Routes Over Time926 Words   |  4 Pagesnorthern coast of Africa was always involved in the trade between Africa and the rest of Eurasia. The trade networks between African and Eurasia remained very important during this time period by means of the trade networks contributions to the Afro-Eurasian world. The ebb and flow of trade between Africa and Eurasia during the period 300 to 1450 C.E really reflects the struggles and fortunes of the three dominant religions in the area; Christianity, Buddhism and an upstart known as Islam. Although ChristianityRead MoreThe Silk Road Essay1623 Words   |  7 PagesThe Silk Road was an intricate and evolving network of overland trade routes that linked China, India, and western Eurasia for centuries. The trade route was key to the diffusion and transportation of technology, goods, religions, and language throughout Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa and southern Europe. As the stron gest link between major population centers in the largest landmass on earth, the Silk Road was one of the most important of all long-distance trade routes in human history. Study ofRead MoreTrade Networks Change Over Time Essay928 Words   |  4 Pages In 300 CE the trade routes of Africa and Eurasia were increasing in complexity, as they became major arteries for the exchange of goods and ideas over long distances. The trade networks of these regions consistently enabled the spread of religious ideas far beyond their original homelands. Networks like the Trans-Saharan, Indian Ocean, and Silk Road systems always brought wealth to foreign products that enabled local producers to specialize in items best suited to their regions. Yet, theRead MoreThe Rise Of The Mongols1220 Words   |  5 Pages The Silk Road has endured the test of time for over a millennium, from around 114 BC to the 1400s AD. The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes and oasis cities that ultimately linked the East and West via commercial, cultural, technological, political and many other exchanges. In its height, the route extends over 100,000 kilometers (6,400 miles): stretching from China, to its furthest east, to the Roman Empire, to its furthest west. The exchange between the two sides on Silk Road haveRead MoreCcot Between Africa and Eurasia Trade Networks from 300ce-1450ce629 Words   |  3 Pagesbetween Africa and Eurasia from 300CE-1450CE. The motives for creating trade relations was to get the necessary goods to live on as well as becoming richer despite of living in different regions. However the goods that were traded changed like gold, salt, indigo, and Persian rugs. As well as the trading of ideas that changed technology and religion. Trade between Africa and Eurasia remained constant during 300CE. Egypt would rise in power becoming an empire in Africa while Eurasia was a combinationRead MoreAlexander, Han Dynasty, Roman Empire, Hinduism, Islam1179 Words   |  5 Pagesof Hellenism on societies outside Greek homeland during this time period. What aspects of Hellenistic culture held broad appeal for diverse groups? Zoom -culture was common denominator of style, language, politics with access anywhere in afro-eurasia -attractive culture(elites) -secular disciplines history to biology, philosophical and political thinking -cosmopolitans belong to world -emphasized spiritual concerns of humans as individuals -pop. entertainment in theatre, public games,Read MoreAlexander The Great s Large Accomplishments1528 Words   |  7 Pageschanged the landscape of Afro-Eurasia in ancient times, and arguably through modern day. With the growth of his empire came the spread of Hellenistic culture throughout the lands he conquered. From the Mediterranean to Asia to the Middle East he helped expand trade routes and most of all the spread of ideas in religion, politics, and culture. One of the larger aspects of this spread of culture from Alexander was the expansion of the Greeks language across Afro-Eurasia. As he conquered the lands theRead MoreA Brief Note On Trans Saharan Trade System1521 Words   |  7 Pagessignificantly. The Sahara Desert was also a big traffic area for the trading of gold during this time which allowed a few surrounding kingdoms to undergo dramatic transformations. The Silk Road was an extensive network of trade routes that linked much of Eurasia with North Africa during the Classical Society Period. The Silk Road network had many advantages along with many disadvantages during the Classical Society Period. The vast empires of Persia, China, and Rome that arose during this time periodRead MoreThe Silk Road Essay1857 Words   |  8 PagesThe Silk Road was an elaborate and ever-changing network of overland trade routes that linked China, India, and western Eurasia for thousands of years. The trade route was key to the diffusion and trans portation of technology, goods, religions, and language throughout Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa and southern Europe. As the most durable links between major population centers in the largest landmass on earth, the Silk Road was one of the most important of all long-distance trade routes in human