Symbolism in Hedda Gabler :: essays research papers

The mid-nineteenth century realist playwright Alexandre Dumas wrote the following about his drama. â€Å"If†¦I can exercise some influence over society; if, instead of treating effects I can treat causes; if, for example, while I satirize and describe and dramatize adultery, I can find means to force people to discuss the problem, and the law-maker to revise the law, I shall have done more than my part as a poet, I shall have done my duty as a man†¦.We need invent nothing; we have only to observe, remember, feel, coordinate, restore†¦.As for basis, the real; as for facts, what is possible; for means, what is ingenious; that is all that can rightfully be asked of us.† Along with the realist dramatists of his time, Dumas wrote his plays with a noble mission: to ignite social change and to raise social awareness of a problem or issue through realistic dramatization of his environment. Like Dumas, Henrik Ibsen concerned himself with problems of human behavior and m orality in society. And like his predecessors, Ibsen used naturalistic writing to exhibit human beings as they really are and as they really behave in the culture of his time. But the reasons why Ibsen was more effective and successful at Dumas’ objective that was Dumas himself was because he abandoned happy and acceptable resolutions to his plays, confronted human behavior with honesty and acute observation, often raising disturbing and embarrassing questions, and left out the didactic solutions to the problems in question in favor of offering no solution, leaving his questions open to thought and interpretation. Ibsen saw his wild success as a playwright well before he died, and it was in great part due to his rejection of realist proponents like the emphasis of mainly external detail and his uproar-causing and shocking resolutions to his plays. But in addition and I think more importantly, Ibsen’s triumph was because of his reach ahead of his time and his inclusion of symbolist elements in his drama. While at the base a naturalist play, the symbols and images in Hedda Gabler bring immeasurable weight and power his naturalistic depiction of a woman constricted by her society and, whether because of this constriction or simply because of her inherent nature, intent on similarly sucking the life out of other individuals. Ibsen did not strive to write a symbolist play. Naturalist drama is much better suited for social change than is symbolist drama.

Review of Psychology and Christianity 5 Views

Assessment 1 Assessment 1 What does psychology have to do with the Christian faith? In Psychology and Christianity: Five Views, by Myers, Jones, Roberts, Watson, Coe, Hall, and Powlison (2010) is an introductory textbook for Christian psychology that provides sound arguments for an array of positions on psychology and faith. Each author contributed an essay and in return the other essayist respond by either agreeing or disagreeing by pointing out faults and explaining why. The first position by David G.Myers titled, â€Å"A-Levels-of-Explanation View,† who is a psychological scientist who supports that Christian theology and psychology are two very distinct disciplines, but they do share similar goals. Myers defines psychology as, â€Å"the science of behavior and mental processes† (2010, pg. 49) and that over time different variations of this definition have agreed that psychology is a science. By having curiosity and humility we should seek out to test each other†™s ideas. He has high regards towards empirical psychological research that it can reveal about a person’s personality, behavior, attitudes, relationships and more.He also confirms that psychology can affirm aspects of Christian faith, for example psychological science supports family values, and that at time psychological science might cause us to change our view on Christian theology and interpretations of scripture. Myers admits that he has changed his stance on homosexuals, as there is more research on psychological findings and genetic research. He concludes that, â€Å"sexual orientation is a natural disposition, not a voluntary moral choice† (2010, pg. 72). Secondly, Stanton L.Jones writes about, â€Å"An Integration View,† where psychology and Christianity should be intertwined with each other. He believes that science is a tool that God uses as an instrument of revelation. Although Jones upholds that scripture determines the foundational beliefs and u nderstanding of Christians, it does not provide us with the full knowledge of understanding humans. Throughout Jones view, he emphasizes the importance of â€Å"a thoughtful Christian appreciation for science† (144) and as Christians we should be able to engage with secular psychology, but he also acknowledges this engagement has its limits.Furthermore, Jones uses homosexuality, like Myers, as a test case, but is very clear on what scripture says about this behavior and does not let data change his mind on this topic since the Authority of Scripture cannot be mistaken. The Christian Psychology view by Roberts and Watson, have a more historical and philosophical approach. They do not deny modern psychology, but argue that psychology has been around for the past 2500 years. For example, he brings up issues relevant today with the Sermon on the Mount instead of the science offered by todays establish psychologist.Roberts and Watson also claim that Christian psychologist should a pproach psychology with the bases of the Christian tradition. â€Å"Christians must approach the subject matter of humanity embracing what God has told us about what it mean to be fully human first; that then is our framework for engaging psychology as a social science† (p. 183). Roberts and Watson purpose a two-stage method: â€Å"to first appropriate the resources of the rich, Christian psychological tradition, and then to employ it in the advance of empirical science and applied science† (p. 184).This is how a Christian understanding of the person can come to hypotheses that can be tested, therefore advancing our comprehension on humans. Lastly, the Biblical Counseling Model, by Powlison opens up his view with, â€Å"Christian faith is a psychology† and that â€Å"Christian ministry is a psychotherapy† (p. 245). He uses these terms differently when compared to modern psychologist.. He further illustrates that psychology can be categorized into six line s (Psych-1 to Psych-6): the raw experiences of life, organized knowledge, interpretive and explanatory models, psychotherapy, institutional and professional arrangements and the ethos of culture.He goes on and uses these terms with numerous biblical themes by providing a test case. Powlison is more interested in assisting the individual using biblical insights to better understand. I found that Stanton L. Jones, An Integration View, was the most persuasive for me. He emphasizes that if we Christians believe that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord of all and that there is no life outside of the scope of his sovereignty. An integrationist view believes the Christian psychologist should draw on the resource of God’s answers to these ultimate questions as the foundation both for how we engage the science of psychology and how we structure our practice in the profession of psychology† (p. 101). I also strongly agree with him that our human experiences should be based on scriptu re, but he also acknowledges that Scripture alone could provide every aspect for understanding people as well as their problems and solutions. He also argues that the Christian faith â€Å"can and should relate to science in general and psychological science in particular† (p. 06). He emphasizes that if Christian psychologist focus more on the Bible and Christian theology, it will help shape their work because they will embrace biblical truth and theological principals. Jones also argues not just for the Christian faith in psychology, but for the science as well. â€Å"Because by his sovereign choice, God’s acting and speech are limited. Further, he has created humans as rational beings capable of knowing more and more about reality around them through the exercise of their reason and curiosity† (p. 10). Therefore we should integrate the discipline of psychology with one’s commitment to Scripture to shape their work. Although I agreed with most of what My ers argued for, I strongly disagreed with his view on sexual orientation. He professes that he is a Christian who reads the word, spends time with the Lord daily, but also confesses that over time data has swayed him to change his mind and now believes that â€Å"sexual orientation (most clearly for males) is a natural disposition, not a voluntary moral choice† (p. 73).I believe that Scripture has clearly stated what is right and wrong in our sexual lives. Myers also states that, â€Å"our assumptions and beliefs always shape our approaches to science† (p. 81). Since Myers is heavily influenced by science, this has led him to change his moral views on sexual orientation, therefore, ignoring the moral aspect that biblical teaching that the act of homosexuality is immoral and is a disorientation of what God meant for human life. I thoroughly enjoyed learning and reading the four out five views in this book.It has made me acknowledge that I need to spend more time in theo logy and in the word in order to better grasp the understanding of people. By doing so I hope to become not only more knowledgeable in the area of psychology, but a better servant for Christ. References Myers, D. G. , Jones, S. L. , Roberts, R. C. , Watson, P. J. , Coe, J. H. , Hall, T. W. , Powlison, D. (2010). Psychology and Christianity five views. E. L. Johnson (2nd ed. ). Downers, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Analysis Of I Have A Dream Speech - 758 Words

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech in 1963 to a divided and unjust nation. King’s tactful writing reached the entire nation, and his words resonated with everyone who heard them. His speech addressed the injustices and inequalities blacks face in America. â€Å"I Have a Dream† has gone down in history as one of the best speeches in modern history, received at a time of turmoil and racial tension. Therefore, King’s words have rung in the hearts of innumerable people, and his dreams and aspirations of equality, peace, and unconditional love for fellow mankind are morals and lessons everyone should model their life after. Martin Luther King Jr. uses metaphor heavily throughout â€Å"I Have a Dream†. King begins by addressing†¦show more content†¦Martin Luther King Jr. utilizes assonance to fortify the time people of color have suffered in America with no change. â€Å"But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free; one hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination; one hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity; one hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land.† Martin Luther King Jr.’s use of assonance elicits feelings of sadness as this mistreatment has gone on, as he emphasizes, for hundreds of years. By stressing the phrase and repeating it, King emphasizes how long the suffering of blacks in America has gone on. â €Å"It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note in so far as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked â€Å"insufficient funds.† (King). The repetition of the O and hard I sound creates a smooth rhythm that fabricates a smooth rhythm to follow. Martin Luther King Jr. alludes to many other greats in his speech. King alludes to Abraham Lincoln for his leaps to a more equal society with the abolishment of slavery. â€Å"Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed theShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of I Have A Dream Speech1152 Words   |  5 PagesThe major argument that is being portrayed in Martin Luther King Jr.’s â€Å"I Have A Dream† speech is all men and women should be treated equally, regardless of their skin color. Dr. King states, â€Å"When the architects of our repub lic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienableRead MoreI Have A Dream Speech Analysis1714 Words   |  7 Pagesuses words to provoke, calm, and inspire in his famous I Have a Dream speech. Using these words, he creates a connection with the audience, and he gained their trust. Cesar Chavez also gave a speech that provoked, calmed, and inspired the audience to come together and get rid of pesticides because it is causing many diseases among adults, as well as children. He also mentions King many times to gain the audience’s trust. â€Å"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out theRead MoreAnalysis Of I Have A Dream Speech1419 Words   |  6 PagesKennedy have the first televised debate, Mohamed Ali wins a gold medal and the Civil Rights Movement at its climax in America. As the chaos of segregation was unfolding in the Southern states, Governor George C. Wallace and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, were at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. In the beginning of the year, Governor Wallace will address his constituents with his, â€Å"Segregation Now, Segregation Forever† speech and seven months later, Dr. King will deliver his famous, â€Å"I Have a Dream†Read MoreAnalysis Of I Have A Dream Speech1199 Words   |  5 Pagesthe forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. In the beginning of the year, Governor Wallace will be addressing his constituents with his well-known, â€Å"Segregation Now, Segregation Forever† speech. Nevertheless, it will be seven months later, that Dr. King will convey his message in his famous, â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech. Individually, they deliver historical speeches concerning civil rights, however, the dialogue encompasses completely different messages. Comparatively, the two speeches will be presentedRead MoreI Have A Dream Speech Analysis1154 Words   |  5 PagesMartin Luther King Jr.s impact of pathos throughout his speech has the impact of exploit the audience, empowered, determined, and grateful. Throughout his speech, his audience responds to him by applauding with agreement. Impact of Pathos Martin Luther King, Jr. uses attribute within the starting of his known, I actually have a Dream Speech, to realize the audience to feel as theyre fighting with several alternative known Americans, like the beginning Fathers and Abe Lincoln. Since, several AmericansRead MoreAnalysis Of I Have A Dream Speech937 Words   |  4 PagesMany people have different perspectives on hope. Some hope for a life full of happiness, being wealthy, or just being happy. Martin Luther King Jr. had hope, he had hope for equality and for everyone to be treated equal. In MLK’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech this is the most uplifting segment of it. King knows that his audience has suffered from injustice, so they must have faith that things will soon change. King also stresses in the speech about non-violent resistance, African American equality, actionRead MoreAnalysis Of I Have A Dream Speech1086 Words   |  5 PagesI am writing this letter to you in hopes of gaining insight on how to ha ndle the grave issues of racism and injustice that appear to be a curse upon our great country, the United States of America. Back then, you used your cogent words to penetrate into the minds of all those listening in hopes of uniting our nation, and erasing racial barriers along the way. You fought for peace and freedom using non-violence and preached equality to the people of this country. From your involvement in the firstRead MoreI Have A Dream Speech Analysis1441 Words   |  6 Pagesorder to procure its ultimate victory throughout the 1960s. From his civil rights-related endeavor, the â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech, given on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the â€Å"March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom† in 1963 (â€Å"March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom) arose. In his speech, he spoke about the injustice of segregation and discrimination of African Americans. His speech had a prodigious impact as it succeeded to illustrate the issue of racism a t the time and instigated theRead MoreI Have A Dream Speech Analysis847 Words   |  4 Pagesget along, but that isn’t what life really is. If you want something to change you don’t sit back and hope it will change you have to make it change. In the story Cairo: My City, Our Revolution, Ahdaf Soueif goes and fights for her country. In the speech I Have a Dream, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was influencing people to go and protest to get their rights and in the speech A Eulogy for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F. Kennedy influences people to change and do as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. TheRead MoreAnalysis of I Have a Dream Speech1857 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"I Have A Dream† Martin Luther King Jr. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech that electrified a nation. In Washington D.C, King delivered his speech on the steps of the Lincoln memorial and as his powerful voice echoed out across an audience of 200,000 people, echoes of the Gettysburg address could be heard as well as the Declaration of Independence and the Bible. It has been called â€Å"masterfully delivered and improvised sermon, bursting with biblical language and imagery.†The