The Black Arts Movement Essay examples -- African Americans History Es

The Black Arts Movement The Black Arts movement refers to a period of â€Å"furious flowering† of African American creativity beginning in the mid-1960’s and continuing through much of the 1970’s (Perceptions of Black). Linked both chronologically and ideologically with the Black Power Movement, The BAM recognized the idea of two cultural Americas: one black and one white. The BAM pressed for the creation of a distinctive Black Aesthetic in which black artists created for black audiences. The movement saw artistic production as the key to revising Black American’s perceptions of themselves, thus the Black Aesthetic was believed to be an integral component of the economic, political, and cultural empowerment of the Black community. The concepts of Black Power, Nationalism, Community, and Performance all influenced the formation of this national movement, and it proliferated through community institutions, theatrical performance, literature, and music. The symbolic birth of the Black Arts Movement is generally dated to 1965 and coincides with a major transformation in the life of its most prominent leader, Amiri Baraka, formally LeRoi Jones. Early in his career LeRoi Jones won notoriety and critical acclaim for his plays, specifically the Dutchmen, while living in Greenwich Village at the heart of the Beat Scene. However, beginning in 1964 he underwent a personal transformation which resulted in his distancing himself from white culture. LeRoi Jones divorced his white wife, moved to Harlem, changed his name, and adopted a Black Nationalist View. Shortly after Malcolm X’s assassination in February of 1965, Amiri Baraka joined forces with Charles and William Patterson, Askia Toure, Clarence Moure, an... ...) – Part 1.† The Black Collegian Online. 28 Nov 2004. http://www.black-collegian.com/african/bam1_200shtml Kalamu ya Salaam. â€Å"Historical Background of the Black Arts Movement (BAM)– Part2† The Black Collegian Online. 28 Nov. 2004. http://www.black-collegian.com/African/bam2_200shtml Modern American Poetry. Ed. Cary Nelson. 29. Nov. 2004. http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/index.html Neal, Larry. â€Å"The Black Arts Movement.† The Black Aesthetic. Ed. Addison Gayle, Jr.New York: Doubleday &Company, Inc., 1971. 272 - 290. Perception of Black: African American Visual Art and the Black Arts Movement. University of Virginia. 28 Nov. 2004. http://xroads.virginia.edu/~UG01/hughes/blackart/html Smith, David Lionel. â€Å"The Black Arts Movement and Its Critics.† American Literary History. 3.1 (Spring 1991): 94-109.

Invictus Poem Analysis Good Copy Essay

Defiance Human fate, whether predetermined or not, has always been a subject of great debate. Numerous inconclusive arguments have erupted from scientific as well as religious perspectives as to whether or not destiny is controlled by an outside force. Author William Ernest Henley’s poem â€Å"Invictus† is frequently regarded as an eye opening piece of literature that has imitated and facilitated the self reinvention of countless lives. Challenging Christian ideals, Henley elicits a powerful emotional response by supporting the philosophy that man is the sole determinant of his fate. By presenting such a bold and controversial belief, Henley greatly increases the impact of his poem. He titled the poem â€Å"Invictus,† Latin for unbeaten, in order to show that although his spirits were low and mind deterred, they still remained unconquered, demonstrating the retention of control he had over his destiny [Invictus (Meaning of)]. The Christian faith is well known for its belief of having one god who watches over and guides all. Henley begins the poem by thanking â€Å"whatever gods may be† for providing him with his â€Å"unconquerable soul.† Henley purposefully uses the term â€Å"gods† as a passive aggressive challenge to this fundamental Christian belief in monotheism. He also states that his head has remained â€Å"unbowed,† referencing his refusal to submit when times are hard. The â€Å"bludgeonings† that have beat Henley down most surely represents his hardships, while the bowing down represents submission to Christian ideology and to God himself. His refusal to surrender himself to these ideals is representative of his belief that no one but himself can change or affect where he is in life. In a further defiance of Christianity, Henley says â€Å"It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll.† The gate is supposed to be the very same one that leads to Heaven, strait referring to the narrow passage that allows for very little admittance. Meanwhile, the punishments on the scroll reference the metaphorical list of sins that belabor the human soul, challenging the general concept of sin. By invalidating the scale of right and wrong upon which Christianity is so heavily based, Henley attacks the validity of the entire Christian faith.  This assault continues in the poem with the lines â€Å"I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.† The theme of self reliance presented in these lines reinstates Henley’s belief that each person is the only one accountable for their journey, not God or any other omnipresent being. Henley was a strong willed individual that chose to look past his negative experiences in life and continue his journey of personal discovery and self definition. Henley was not the first to come to the belief that man was exclusively responsible for shaping his own destiny. An ancient Korean philosophical idea known as Juche shares this same belief (CITATION). â€Å"The circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are† (Mewtwo). It doesn’t matter where a person’s life begins, it doesn’t matter what that person has been told, in the end, everyone’s soul is their own, and only they are responsible for their fate. Works Cited: Henley, William Ernest. â€Å"Invictus [I. M. To R. T. Hamilton Bruce (1846-1899)].† 12 Dec. 2013 â€Å"Invictus (Meaning Of).† Encyclo. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. â€Å"Juche.† Blue Cottage Taekwon-Do. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. â€Å"Live by Quotes.† Live by Quotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2013.

Biography of Ellsworth Kelly, Minimalist Artist

Ellsworth Kelly (May 31, 1923–December 27, 2015) was an American artist who played a key role in the development of minimalist art in the U.S. He was also associated with hard-edge painting and Color Field painting. Kelly is best-known for his single color shaped canvases that went beyond the typical square or rectangular shapes. He also produced sculpture and prints throughout his career. Fast Facts: Ellsworth Kelly Occupation: ArtistBorn: May 31, 1923 in Newburgh, New YorkDied: December 27, 2015 in Spencertown, New YorkEducation: Pratt Institute, School of the Museum of Fine ArtsSelected Works: Red Blue Green (1963), White Curve (2009), Austin (2015)Notable Quote: The negative is just as important as the positive. Early Life and Education Born in Newburgh, New York, Ellsworth Kelly was the second of three sons of insurance company executive Allan Howe Kelly and former schoolteacher Florence Githens Kelly. He grew up in the small town of Oradell, New Jersey. Kellys paternal grandmother introduced him to birding when he was eight or nine years old. The work of legendary ornithologist John James Audubon would influence Kelly throughout his career. Ellsworth Kelly attended public schools, where he excelled in his art classes. His parents were reluctant to encourage Kellys artistic inclinations, but a teacher supported his interest. Kelly enrolled in the Pratt Institutes arts programs in 1941. He studied there until his induction into the U.S. Army on January 1, 1943. Military Service and Early Art Career During World War II, Ellsworth Kelly served with other artists and designers in a unit called The Ghost Army. They created inflatable tanks, sound trucks, and fake radio transmissions to deceive the enemy on the battlefield. Kelly served with the unit in the European Theater of the war. Exposure to camouflage in the war influenced Kellys developing aesthetic. He was interested in the use of form and shadow and the ability of camouflage to hide items in plain sight. After the end of World War II, Kelly used funds from the G.I. Bill to study at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. Later, he attended the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France. There, he met other Americans such as avant-garde composer John Cage and choreographer Merce Cunningham. He also associated with French Surrealist artist Jean Arp and Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi. The latters use of simplified forms had a profound effect on Kellys developing style. Ellsworth Kelly said that a key development of his painting style while in Paris was figuring out what he didnt want in a painting: [I] just kept throwing things out, like marks, lines and the painted edge. His personal discovery of Claude Monets brightly-colored late-career works in 1952 inspired Kelly to explore even more freedom in his own painting. Kelly made strong connections with fellow artists in Paris, but his work was not selling when he left to return to the U.S. in 1954 and settled in Manhattan. At first, Americans seemed somewhat mystified by Kellys minimalist canvases of bright colors and geometric shapes. According to Kelly, the French told him he was too American, and the Americans said he was too French. Kellys first solo show took place at the Betty Parsons Gallery in New York in 1956. In 1959, the Museum of Modern Art included Kelly in their landmark exhibition 16 Americans alongside Jasper Johns, Frank Stella, and Robert Rauschenberg among others. His reputation grew quickly. Painting Style and Minimalism Unlike many of his contemporaries, Ellsworth Kelly showed no interest in expressing emotion, creating concepts, or telling a story with his art. Instead, he was interested in what happened in the act of viewing. He was curious about the space between the painting and the person looking at it. He eventually abandoned the constraints of typical square or rectangular canvases in the 1960s. Instead, he used a variety of shapes. Kelly called them shaped canvases. Because he used only isolated bright colors and simple shapes, his work was considered part of Minimalism. In 1970, Ellsworth Kelly moved out of Manhattan. He wanted to escape a busy social life that was eating into his time producing art. He built a 20,000 square foot compound three hours north in Spencertown, New York. Architect Richard Gluckman designed the building. It included a studio, office, library, and archive. Kelly lived and worked there until his death in 2015. During the 1970s, Kelly began incorporating more curves in his work and the shapes of his canvases. By the early 1970s, Ellsworth Kelly was prominent enough in American art to be the subject of major retrospectives. The Museum of Modern Art hosted its first Kelly retrospective in 1973. Ellsworth Kelly Recent Paintings and Sculpture followed in 1979. Ellsworth Kelly: A Retrospective traveled in the U.S., the U.K., and Germany in 1996. Kelly also worked on sculpture in steel, aluminum, and bronze. His sculptural pieces are as minimal as his paintings. They are mostly concerned with simplicity in form. The sculptures are designed to be seen quickly, sometimes in a single glance. Ellsworth Kellys final art project was a 2,700-square-foot building influenced by Romanesque churches that he never saw in its completed form. Named Austin, it stands in Austin, Texas as part of the Blanton Museums permanent collection and opened to the public in February 2018. Facades of the building include blown-glass windows in simple colors that reflect Kellys life work. Personal Life Ellsworth Kelly was known as a shy man in his personal life. He had a stutter as a child and became a self-described loner. For the last 28 years of his life, Kelly lived with his partner, photographer Jack Shear. Shear became director of the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation. Legacy and Influence In 1957, Ellsworth Kelly received his first public commission to create a 65-foot-long sculpture titled Sculpture for a Large Wall for the Transportation Building at Penn Center in Philadelphia. It was his largest work yet. That piece was eventually dismantled, but a wide range of public sculpture still exists as part of Kellys legacy. Some of his best-known public artworks include: Curve XXII (I Will) (1981), Lincoln Park in ChicagoBlue Black (2001), Pulitzer Arts Foundation in St. LouisWhite Curve (2009), Art Institute of Chicago Kellys work is seen as a forerunner of artists like Dan Flavin and Richard Serra. Their pieces are also focused on the experience of viewing art instead of trying to convey a specific concept. Source Paik, Tricia. Ellsworth Kelly. Phaidon Press, 2015.

Ford Motor Company A Good Investment - 960 Words

Ford Motor Company became incorporated in 1903 with 12 investors and 1000 shares of stock. The company spent most of the cash on hand before the first vehicle was sold. However, before October 1, 1903, Ford Motor Company was showing a profit. In the upcoming years, Ford Motor Company continued to grow by opening a plant in Canada and a sales branch in Paris. In 1956, despite Henry Ford’s wishes, Ford Motor Company went public with the largest IPO (initial public offering) in history at the time (Our History, n.d.). Once the stock went public in 1956, Ford Motor Company had 300,000 owners. There were 10.2 million shares of stock available for the IPO. Today, Ford Motor Company has 1.8 billion outstanding shares (Henry, 2003). With so many outstanding shares of stock, is Ford Motor Company a good company to invest in? By analyzing the annual financial reports from 2013, 2014, and 2015, hopefully it will be determined to be a good investment. Listed is a table of a few valuation ratios, profitability ratios, and financial strength ratios for the past three years of Ford Motor Company. The valuation ratios are used to determine how well a company is doing. In 2013, Ford investors were willing to pay 8.5 times of Ford’s earnings to purchase a share. There was a large jump in in the price earnings ratio for 2014 to 20.12. Ford’s stock price in 2014 had gone up slightly over 2013, but there was a decrease in EPS due to lower net income and an increase in the numberShow MoreRelatedFord Motor Company Is A Good Investment Essay1448 Words   |  6 PagesStudent’s Name Professor’s Name Course 8 September 2016 Ford Motor Corporation Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the Ford company is the world’s fifth largest automaker in the world. Publicly traded and held on the New York Stock Exchange, Ford uses the symbol of â€Å"F† to identify itself. The purpose of this document is to investigate and determine if the Ford Motor Company is a good investment. I will further cover a financial analysis of Ford Motor Company, evaluate the businesses consolidated statementsRead MoreAnalysis Of The Ford Motor Company Is A Good Investment Essay2169 Words   |  9 PagesNational American University – Online â€Æ' Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the Ford company is the world’s fifth largest automaker in the world. Publicly traded and held on the New York Stock Exchange, Ford uses the symbol of â€Å"F† to identify itself (Motorsport.com, 2001). The purpose of this document is to investigate and determine if the Ford Motor Company is a good investment. I will further cover a financial analysis of Ford Motor Company, evaluate the businesses consolidated statements of incomeRead MoreFord Company Analysis873 Words   |  4 PagesCase Study: Ford Motor Company’s VEP Question 1 Go ahead with the Value Enhancement Plan The feature of having both cash and new share options makes the VEP have its strengths and makes an excellence choice for Ford Motor Company. The cash option solves the problem of Ford having massive amounts of extra cash. Since Ford has no profitable activities for the extensive amounts of cash, returning the excess cash to shareholders allows them to make profitable investments. Different from aRead MoreCase Study : Ford Motor Company984 Words   |  4 PagesI. Introduction of Firm Ford motor company has been business for over a hundred and ten years. Ford also has a manufacturing arm, a credit business and dealer licensing. Additionally the company operates in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The segment is divide into categories for Ford North America, ford South America, Ford Europe and lastly Ford Africa and Asia-Pacific (Ford Motor company: Automotive, 2014). II. Overview of Firm Competitive Advantage Ford has some business advantagesRead MoreFord Motor Company Case Study1738 Words   |  7 Pages The ford company was established on June 16, 1903, by Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI. The Company keeps on growing from an auto organization to an auto and a portability organization, the organization stays concentrated on expanding its worldwide authority in trucks, vans, business vehicles and execution vehicles, while developing its worldwide quality. The vital mission is to improve individuals lives and it continues as before. It implies proceeding to make incredible autos, trucks, and executesRead MoreFord Motor Company s First Experimental Car1548 Words   |  7 PagesINTRODUCTION A. Corporate Background Ford Motor Company, American automotive corporation founded in 1903 by Henry Ford and 11 associate investors. Henry Ford built his first experimental car (Quadricycle) in a workshop behind his home in Detroit in 1896. After formation of the Ford Motor Company, the first Ford car (model A) was assembled in July 1903. By October 1 of the same year, Ford Motor Company turned profit of $37,000. Five years later, in 1908, the highly successful Model T was introducedRead MoreCorporate Strategies And Implementation Of Ford Motor Company Essay1545 Words   |  7 PagesCorporate Strategies and Implementation Profitability is a crucial element in determining the financial health of the Ford Motor Company. The financial statement analysis is what allows the company’s managers to point the stability out of the company. This encompasses the income statement, the balance sheet, the cash flow, and the profitability and the liquidity ratios, which are established from December, 2012 until the third quarter (June to September), which means 5 years of ratio focus. TheseRead MoreFord Financial Analysis Essay1129 Words   |  5 PagesFord Motor Co Industry: Automobile (Auto Manufacturers – Major) Sector: Consumer Goods Products and Services: Ford Motor Company primarily develops, manufactures, distributes, and services vehicles and parts worldwide. Ford operates in two sectors: †¢ The Automotive sector: Offers vehicles primarily under the Ford (www.ford.com) and Lincoln (www.lincoln.com) brand names. This sector markets cars, trucks, and parts through retail dealers in North America, and through distributors andRead MoreCase Study : Ford Motor Company813 Words   |  4 PagesThe company our group chose to analyze was Ford Motor Company. They are based out of Michigan with 181,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide. They currently sell on six continents and sold 2,493,918 vehicles in 2013. The Ford Motor Company Brand also includes Lincoln but it is only sold in North America. There are many risk factors currently for the company, but a main one is the high fixed structural cost they have in place that are easily susceptible to losses in a turn down of the economyRead MoreFord Motor Company1472 Words   |  6 PagesFord Motor Company: A Business Analysis Mary J. Richardson MGT 521 January 30, 2012 Erick Espinosa Developing sound strategic plans to address the changing business climate is crucial to organizations operating in today’s global environment. Throughout its history, Ford Motor Company has developed effective strategic plans to adapt the business to the changing economy while addressing the needs of their customers and employees. By analyzing the company’s strategic planning, along with its

Essay on William Shakespeares The Tempest - 1420 Words

William Shakespeares The Tempest Consider the character of Prospero and show how he used his position to control many of the characters in the play and how his actions contribute to the dramatic effectiveness. How do his actions and the attitude of the characters to him relate to the events and thinking of Shakespeares day? In the Tempest, the character of Prospero is the protagonist. Prospero is the father of Miranda and has spent twelve years on the island since he was usurped from being the Duke of Milan. Prospero is a powerful man, which makes him a good leader. He is very knowledgeable because of the books he read. He also has control, because he can be harsh and firm but also virtuous†¦show more content†¦Ariel is Prosperos servant much like Caliban, but Ariel is mischievous, ubiquitous and able to carry out any task that Prospero wishes to be done. Prospero is also harsh and firm towards Miranda, but is in total control of her as well. He can control her every move and put her to sleep at once. He is also loving and kind towards her because he is her father and that is what fathers should be like towards their daughters. His language therefore alters when he is speaking to Miranda even though he is in control of her like all the other characters, he warns her about Ferdinand by saying to her, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ I fear you have done yourself some wrong. A word! Miranda replies to this by saying, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦this is the third man that eer I sawà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Although he is her father and is in total control of her, he is therefore not as harsh towards her as he is towards Caliban or various other characters. He therefore is harsh towards Ferdinand at first and that is why he uses stronger language towards Miranda to warn he about him, Follow me. Speak not you for him. Hes a traitor -come. This quotation shows the power Prosp ero has over Miranda. Prospero is full of kindness and tenderness not just harshness as he shows at the end of the play when he rightfully hands the island back to Caliban. As Prospero is in total control of Miranda he will not tell her about her past untilShow MoreRelatedEssay on William Shakespeares The Tempest2096 Words   |  9 PagesWilliam Shakespeares The Tempest Love, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a â€Å"strong affection†, a â€Å"warm attraction†, an â€Å"unselfish loyal and benevolent concern† for another. It is â€Å"to feel a passion, devotion, or tenderness† for another. Love is simple and yet so utterly complex. Love is that which has the power to build you up and when taken away has the potential to knock you down. The Tempest by William Shakespeare is a political play with a love story woven throughout it. This taleRead MoreEssay on William Shakespeares The Tempest2363 Words   |  10 PagesWilliam Shakespeares The Tempest Generally acknowledged as one of Shakespeares final plays, The Tempest may be described as a romantic tragi-comedy - where love and contentment prosper despite the threatening presence of evil forces. However, beyond the almost fairy-tale like exterior lies a seemingly direct approach to a greatly topical debate at the time. This was the supposed contrast between civilised and uncivilised persons, brought to the fore as a resultRead More Prospero in William Shakespeares The Tempest Essay1246 Words   |  5 PagesProspero in William Shakespeares The Tempest Prospero has long been read as one of Shakespeare’s most cherished and provocative protagonists. His timeless role in â€Å"The Tempest† has provided readers and critics with insights into many attributes of Shakespeare as a man, his works, and the political views that are personified in his play. The historical context of â€Å"The Tempest† is one that convincingly conveys the political views of the English people of his time, relating to the colonizationRead MoreThe Role Of Utopia In William Shakespeares The Tempest1509 Words   |  7 Pagesnovels and plays have been written about utopian and dystopian society. Gonzalo, a character in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest describes how he would be able to form a utopian society on the Island he has been shipwrecked on with many others. However, the current state of the island and its inhabitants are living in a very dystopian society. The state of the island where the characters of The Tempest are shipwrec ked is far from the definition of a utopia, because of the complete lack of equalityRead MoreEssay on Mothers in William Shakespeares The Tempest1502 Words   |  7 PagesMothers in William Shakespeares The Tempest Although Miranda’s mother and Sycorax never actually appear in The Tempest, their memories occupy a precarious position in Prospero’s will to power. Prospero invokes the memory of Miranda’s mother to legitimize his lineage, yet feels threatened by the control she exerts over it. His narration deftly erases his wife’s presence from Miranda’s memory, rendering him the sole purveyor of his daughter’s imagination. Prospero employs a discourse whichRead More Slavery and Freedom in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest Essay1978 Words   |  8 PagesSlavery and Freedom in William Shakespeare’s â€Å"The Tempest† The subtly comedic interactions and juxtapositions between masters and slaves in William Shakespeare’s â€Å"The Tempest† generate a question which has been the source of much controversy throughout history: are the hierarchical classifications â€Å"slave† and â€Å"free† reflections of a person’s fundamental nature, or are they social constructions based on bias and self-interest which have nothing to do with absolute truth? This question is crucialRead More Prospero and Caliban of William Shakespeares The Tempest Essay1036 Words   |  5 PagesProspero and Caliban of William Shakespeares The Tempest  Ã‚   Within The Tempest, characters such as Prospero and Caliban share an intimate connection. Without some kind of malevolent force motivating the action of the play, none of the major characters would come into contact with each other. A violent storm, formed by Prosperos magic, subjects the foreign characters to the might of his mysterious power. Issues of control become a central part of The Tempest. One way in which this is highlightedRead MoreEssay on Prospero in William Shakespeares The Tempest2266 Words   |  10 PagesProspero in William Shakespeares The Tempest In act 1 we learn that Prospero is a very complex character with many different aspects to his presentation. The first and probably the most obvious aspect to his character is that of the magician. Some critics argue that the 4 main characters on the Island can be said to represent different attributes to humanity: Caliban represents instinct, Miranda represents love, Ariel represents spirit and Prospero represents powerRead MoreWilliam Shakespeares The Tempest Act One, Scene One626 Words   |  3 PagesWilliam Shakespeares The Tempest Act One, Scene One This scene introduces the play, and is set during on a ship during a ferocious storm. The passengers are the royal party of the King of Naples, and include the King Alonso, his brother Sebastian, the Prince Ferdinand, and the Kings counsellors, Gonzalo and Antonio. The storm, which begins the play, isnt real, but has been conjured by Prospero, a magus, to lure the passengers to his island. This storm is also representationRead MoreIn William Shakespeares The Tempest, the line between the realm of reality and illusion is blurred900 Words   |  4 PagesIn William Shakespeares The Tempest, the line between the realm of reality and illusion is blurred by Prospero, who through the use of his magic is able to manipulate and control both the island and those who are stranded on it. The duality between illusion and reality, the contrast between the natural and unnatural are being represented and questioned by Prosperos magic. Throughout the play, Shakespeare is stating that illusions can distort reality, but in the end reality will always makes itself

The dark comedy Scotland, PA relates the story in an understandable manner Free Essays

1. The original Macbeth takes place in the 11th century Scotland, while Scotland, PA takes place in the American 1970s. Thousands of historical events and many generations set these two time periods apart. We will write a custom essay sample on The dark comedy Scotland, PA relates the story in an understandable manner or any similar topic only for you Order Now Yet, while the time span seems immense, noting really changed in human nature. People undoubtedly were and remain social creatures who intensively struggle for their rights, and, in extreme circumstances, power. Of course the setting of Medieval Scotland and modern America contrast each other, but what doesn’t change is the characters’ drive. Both in the play and in the movie, Macbeth wants recognition and rewards for his work, whether it will be a throne or a boss chair. Macbeth and his lady want to emancipate themselves from subjection and be the ones to take control. Thus the issues of social struggles are visible throughout both versions. Another human quality revealed is the abuse of power. In the original Macbeth, the lovers become absolute, despotic rulers of Scotland. They throw feasts, rejoice in their glory, and, unfortunately, often forget about their subjects. Although the film couple does not obtain this much control, its excessive pride does shine through. Pat used to complain about her boss, but once she herself took the position, she didn’t change any of the things she disliked not so long ago. She couldn’t remember an employee’s name, annoyingly calling him ‘Richard,’ and wore beautiful clothing, while the employees wore ugly, orange uniforms. Additionally, in both versions, Macbeth falls under pressure. In persuading her husband, Lady Macbeth uses her eloquence to achieve her greedy means, while Bet cunningly employs her charming looks. Macbeth also lets the witches/hippies guide him, albeit he suspects that they aren’t the best advisors. It must be admitted that Scotland, PA did lose some of Macbeth’s themes by switching the time setting. For instance, there are no battles between Norway and Scotland, no problems with the tyrannical ruler, no loss of followers, and no strong social dissatisfaction. However, the unrest and struggle between the subjects and the state can still be observed, only in the form of the workers versus the Duncan’s restaurant. It can even be argued that the narrowing of the population circle serves well, because the struggles of the workers are easier to follow. 2. Macbeth is a noble work of literature that for many centuries was accessible only to the elite or educated people. By adapting the play into a film that contains things familiar to everyone, the creators of the film gain a larger audience. Now, the viewers don’t have to relate the events to history or have any background information on the beliefs of the age. Keeping the work up to date also makes it easier for the audience to relate to it, while the themes of revenge, manipulation, guilt, and fate are well preserved. Additionally, for people who are familiar with the actual play the movie is particularly interesting. It is entertaining to parallel the events of the play with those on the screen. On the one hand, some details are cut out or diminished. For instance, instead of the commander’s acclaim of Macbeth’s performance on the frontline, the viewers see a scene in which Joe throws two troublemakers out of the restaurant. On the other hand, some events are completely new to the plot. For instance, the play avoids the actual killing of Duncan, while the film clearly shows how he gets boiled. If in the play the murder was intentional, in the movie the murder is shown as a result of Macbeth’s carelessness. Other events are interwoven strictly with the original plot. For instance, Pat’s guilt manifests itself as a burn that cannot heal, and the viewer immediately recalls Lady Macbeth’s famous sleepwalking. The alterations in the plot somewhat dilute Shakespeareâ €™s tragedy, but yet keep it recognizable. Of course the â€Å"descending† of Macbeth to such level is open to criticism. For instance, conformists and lovers of classics would argue against such a rebuilding of Shakespeare’s work. They might view the cutting out of important scenes and Shakespearean language and addition of too many kisses and curses as a bad reflection of modern culture. Also, if in the play there are slight hints on Macbeth’s intellectual level, in the play he is openly displayed as a dummy. I would also agree that this is a wrong interpretation of his character, that doesn’t look in the depth of him inner conflict. From my own standpoint, I would say that it has to be kept in mind how much time passed between the two versions. I would appreciate the way this film finds an inventive approach and risks standing out from the rest of the interpretations. 3. Scotland, PA completely revolutionizes the play by turning it from a tragedy into a comedy, and thus missing some of the play’s serious issues. The film is also visibly low budgeted and should probably be viewed as an experiment. Nonetheless, through comical approach the film serves a purpose of social criticism. Morrissette satirically comments on fast-food, small towns, and culture of the 1970s. The viewer recognizes the people, the shops, the cars, and many other aspects of the 70s, but this recognition comes through a new light. By watching the events unfold from a side, the viewer sees how the lack of opportunities in the 70s created the most appropriate atmosphere for greed, lust, and dishonestly to proliferate. Since the film is an overall comment on human greed and desire for leadership, it can be viewed as a subliminal message about Richard Nixon, who covered up the Watergate break-in that led to his resignation. However, from a positive side, the viewer gets acquainted with the goodness of the age. For instance, the witty slang of 70’s Middle America, the clothing, and the sneaky fellows introduce the culture of the time. Also, the soundtracks play the Bad Company’s songs, which were extremely moving and valuable to the youth of the 70s. The youth itself is very well portrayed with Malcolm as a rock ‘n’ roller, and Donald an enigmatic gay teenager. The progress and innovation are also showed in how Macbeth invented the â€Å"drive-thru† in the restaurant. This is the time when some of the major corporations begin to arise and attract customers. For example, in the matter of a few weeks after it underwent the renovations, the restaurant skyrocked in its popularity. 4. Many students have trouble following the events in Macbeth and interpreting Shakespeare’s complex language. The dark comedy Scotland, PA relates the story in an understandable manner, but spares students of the real Shakespearean classic. The adaptation is oversaturated with its own whimsy, which obliterates most of the drama in the play. Shakespeare’s dictions, allusions, and symbols, which are essential to the play, are completely obliterated. Instead, the addition of the references to the 1970s forces one to view the play as â€Å"American-made.† By over-simplifying the play and giving it new cultural references, the creators leave only superficial plot references to the tragedy. Thus the highly intellectual ideas that Shakespeare incorporated in his work are lost along the way. Very clever writing and great casting make this a comedy that is fun to watch even if one is not familiar with the source material. However, the adaptation can supplement the understanding of the play, but absolutely cannot take its place in the school’s curriculum. The witches as three hippies, Duncan as a hamburger joint owner, Banqo as a hamburger seller, and Macbeth and his wife as self-advantageous couple undoubtedly may help the youth to perceive the characters’ relationships. However, their original connections and motivations are not demonstrated in-depth. For example, the desire to become a King is much more powerful than desire to become a restaurant’s owner. Similarly, predictions given by supernatural beings are much more convincing than those given by the three hippies on marijuana. Thus the power Shakespeare invested in his play is indeed undervalued and â€Å"dumbed-down.† 5. It sure was an original decision to give Macbeth a new birth by bringing it into the American 1970s. Although low-budgeted, the film literally re-builds the 1970s. This is partly achieved through shooting the film in a Canadian suburb that resembles the 1970s’ streets. The shooting in the Nova Scotia, whether planned or serendipitous, adds a nice touch to the film production and even more unexpected irony to the modern interpretation of Macbeth. The switch of the settings may seem dramatic, but the Moorissette’s underlying message is that human nature applies to every historical period and section of society. One can be a dignified man in 11th century Scotland, a homeless guy in American 1970s, or any other person in any other place and time, but the humiliation and power games will always exist. The adaptation proves that although Shakespearean epoch passed, his work is still appreciated in America. 6. On the one hand, Macbeth has always been considered one of the literary world’s most celebrated tragedies. It is possibly the darkest and most gruesome of Shakespeare’s plays. Scotland, PA steals all of the play’s seriousness by turning it into something sloppily simple and funny. If the original version centered on characters’ development, the reworking was unable to create characters of even the slightest interest and fully show how they change after their gruesome actions. The result is a lifeless film, which is only saved by its setting and soundtracks. The film will most likely be enjoyed by someone who knows absolutely nothing about Shakespeare, because those who know the original work would view Scotland, PA as a silly parody. Also, although much gets cut out, the added details get unnecessarily overcomplicated and the film gets unexciting. On the other hand, Scotland, PA stays on the task. It has many parallels with Macbeth and enhances some of its themes. Major themes from the original work: revenge, guilt, self-doubt, fate, and prophecy still exist in this manipulated adaptation, even in a new light. These themes are revealed straightforward through peculiar, funny, and incredibly well-conceived approach. The adaptation is also educational, for it shows an interesting piece of American history. For teenagers like me, the setting in the 1970s is very exciting to see because this is the time of our parents’ youth. So looking at contrasting young characters – bold, rebellious Malcolm and gentle Donald – it is interesting to think about to which extreme our parents appealed. Also, the portrayal of vegetarian lieutenant McDuff and suspicious Banconi captivate the reader. Actors who played these two characters, in my opinion, showed the best effort and understanding of the actual characters in Macbeth. With both its drawbacks and its wonderful additions, Scotland, PA causes a lot of mirth and leaves the viewers with positive impressions. How to cite The dark comedy Scotland, PA relates the story in an understandable manner, Papers

History in Popular Music free essay sample

This essay discusses three songs, providing historical background and analysis, and relevance. This paper discusses the historical relevance and accuracy in popular music. The research discusses the history, musician, and lyrics from three songs specifically: David Bowie is Space Oddity, Abbas Waterloo , and Don McLeans Vincent. The author examines how these songs are examples of our cultures attempt to understand and relate to history. Historical events are often written about in fictional novels, used in television and cinematic forms, and even more often, referenced in music. Popular music often fictionalizes actual events for dramatic effect like Space Oddity by David Bowie or emphasizes a personal lament by referencing actual events like Waterloo by Abba. Some popular songs are even written about the lives of historical figures, such as Vincent van Gogh in Don McLeans Vincent. These three songs are an example of our cultures attempt to not only understand the past, but relate to it as well. We will write a custom essay sample on History in Popular Music or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The question, of course, is whether these songs are using the history they refer to in the correct context or correctly describe the events of the past.