Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Free Handmaids Tale Essays: The Handmaids Dystopia :: Handmaids Tale Essays
The Handmaid's Dystopia "The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood is a dystopia about a world where unrealistic things take place. The events in the novel could never actually take place in our reality." This is what most people think and assume, but they're wrong. Look at the world today and in the recent past, and there are not only many situations that have ALMOST become a Gilead, but places that have been and ARE Gileadean societies. We're not in Kansas any more, Dorothy! Even today there are places in the world where there is startling similarity to this fictitious dystopia. In Pakistan, women's rights are non-existant, and many policies are that of Gilead in The Handmaid's Tale. In Gilead, the handmaids must cover their bodies and faces almost completely with vales and wings. In Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and similar South Asian countries, this is a must for women. Other Gileadean-like persecutions take place towards women. In Pakistan, women can be raped, and unless there is full proof that there was no consent, the man will get off scot free, and the women charged with pre-marital sex and sentenced to a prison term. In Afghanistan, the police force has and continue to torture and rape innocent women for unnecessary reasons. This is similar to The Handmaid's Tale in that Offred, and other handmaids, not only go through the devestation of "The Ceremony", but also can be used and possibly even raped by their Commanders, and there is nothing the handmaid can do about it. If she speaks, she is usually not believed, and then she is sent away because she broke the law. The handmaid would usually die for making such accuasations. Women are given little to no rights in Gilead. They obey what they are told by the men or by the Aunts (who get their orders from the men). They are not permitted to read or write, or participate in any extra-curricular activity. They are alive only to serve a purpose. In countries such Iran, women are subject to similar laws. Although more recently they may be allowedread and write, it is on a strict level only, and activites are out of the question. There is no specific law against it, however with the Islamic government making it manditory for all women to wear complete body coverings, sports and other activities are nearly impossible.
Sunday, January 12, 2020
The Blue Sword CHAPTER TWO
Harry and Lady Amelia took their leave, and the older woman closed the breakfast-room doors with a sigh. Harry smiled. Lady Amelia turned back to her in time to see the smile, and returned it ruefully. ââ¬Å"Very well. We will leave the men to do their uncomfortable waiting alone. I am going to visit Mrs. McDonald, you are going to go riding with Beth and Cassie and bring them back here for luncheon.â⬠ââ¬Å"Perhaps under the circumstances ââ¬â â⬠began Harry, but Lady Amelia shook her head. ââ¬Å"I see no reason why you should not. If he is here, those girls have very pretty manners, and are just whom I would invite if we were to give a formal dinner. And ââ¬â â⬠here her smile broadened and became as mischievous as a girl's ââ¬â ââ¬Å"if he has brought his thousand best men, we shall be terribly short of women, and you know how I dislike an unbalanced table. I shall have to invite Mrs. McDonald as well. Have a pleasant ride, dear.â⬠Harry changed into her riding-clothes, mounted her placid pony, already bridled and saddled and held for her by one of the Residency's many servants, and rode off in a thoughtful mood toward her meeting with her two friends. She wondered first what and how much she should tell Cassie and Beth; and, second, found herself hoping that this Corlath would stay at least long enough for her to see him. Would a witch-king look any different than any other man? The sun was already hot. She pushed her hat back long enough for a cautious squint at the sky. It was more dun-colored than blue, as if it, like everything else near Istan, were faded by the fierceness of its sun. It looked as hard as a curved shell overhead, and brittle, as if a thrown lance might pierce it. The placid pony shuffled along, ears flopping, and she stared out over the sands. The woods to the west of her father's house were old, hundreds of years old, tangled with vine and creeper. Ancient trees had died and, not having room to fall, crumbled where they stood. No landlord had thought the old forest worth clearing and the land put to use; but it had made a wonderful jungle for herself and Dickie as children, to be bandits in, and hunt dragons through. Its twisted shadows had always been welcome to her; when she grew older she liked the feeling of great age that the forest gave her, of age and of a vast complicated life that had nothing to do with her and that she need no t try to decipher. The desert, with the black sharp-edged mountains around it, was as different from what she was accustomed to as any landscape could be; yet she found after only a few weeks in Istan that she was falling by degrees in love with it: with the harsh sand, the hot sun, the merciless gritty winds. And she found that the desert lured her as her own green land never had ââ¬â but what discovery it lured her toward she could not say. It was an even greater shock to realize that she was no longer homesick. She missed her occupation; and even more she missed her father. She had left so soon after the funeral that it was difficult to believe that he was dead, that he was not still riding around his estate in his shabby coat, waiting for her to return. Then she found that she remembered her parents together again; as if her mother had died recently, or her father five years ago ââ¬â or as if the difference, which had been so important, no longer mattered. She didn't dream of honeysuckle and lilac. She remembered them with affection, but she looked across the swirled sand and small obstinate clumps of brush and was content with where she was. A small voice whispered to her that she didn't even want to go Home again. She wanted to cross the desert and climb into the mountains in the east, the mountains no Homelander had ever climbed. She often speculated about how other people saw the land here. Her brother never mentioned it one way or another. She was accustomed to hearing the other young people refer to ââ¬Å"that hateful desertâ⬠and ââ¬Å"the dreadful sun.â⬠Beth and Cassie didn't; they had lived in one part or another of Daria for most of their lives ââ¬â ââ¬Å"except the three years our mother took us Home, to acquire polish, she saidâ⬠ââ¬â and to both of them, Darian sun and Darian weather, whether it be on the fertile red earth of the south, with the eternal fight against the jungle to keep the fields clear, or the cool humid plateaus of the orange plantations, or the hot sand of the northeast Border, were simply things that were there, were part of their home, to be accepted and adjusted to. Harry had asked them how they liked the Homeland, and they had had to pause and think about it. ââ¬Å"It was very different,â⬠Cassie said at last, and Beth nodded. Cassie started to say something else, stopped, and shrugged. ââ¬Å"Very different,â⬠she repeated. ââ¬Å"Did you like it?â⬠pursued Harry. ââ¬Å"Of course,â⬠said Cassie, surprised. ââ¬Å"We've liked all the places we've lived,â⬠said Beth, ââ¬Å"once we made some friends.â⬠ââ¬Å"I liked the snow in the north,â⬠offered Cassie, ââ¬Å"and the fur cloaks we had to wear there in the winter.â⬠Harry gave it up. The older people at the station seemed to put up with the land around them as they would put up with any other disadvantage of their chosen occupation. Darian service, civilian and military, bred stoicism in all those who didn't give up and go Home after the first few years. The Greenoughs' making-the-best-of-it attitude was almost as tangible as mosquito netting. Harry had once won an admission from Mr. Peterson, Cassie and Beth's father. There were several people to dinner at the Residency that evening, among them the Petersons. Mr. Peterson had been seated across from her at dinner, and had not appeared to pay any attention to the conversation on the other side of the table. But later in the evening he appeared at her side. She was surprised; he spoke rarely enough at social gatherings, and was notorious around the station for avoiding young unattached ladies, including his daughters' friends. They sat in silence at first; Harry wondered if she should say anything, and if so, what. She was still wondering when he said: ââ¬Å"I couldn't help hearing some of what that young chap next to you was saying at dinner.â⬠He stopped again, but this time she waited patiently for him to continue and did not try to prompt him. ââ¬Å"I wouldn't pay too much attention, if I were you.â⬠The young chap in question had been telling her about the hateful desert and the dreadful sun. He was a subaltern at the fort, had been there for two years and was looking forward to his escape in two more. The subaltern had continued: ââ¬Å"But I wouldn't want you to think we have no change of seasons here. We do: we have winter. It rains steadily for three months, and everything gets moldy, including you.â⬠Mr. Peterson said: ââ¬Å"I rather like it here. There are those of us who do.â⬠He then stood up and wandered away. She had not spoken a word to him. But she remembered what he said later as she realized that she too was becoming one of those who liked it here. She pondered who else might belong to their select club. It was a game, and she amused herself with it when she ran out of polite conversation. She took mental note of all those who did not complain of the heat, the wind, the unequal rainfall; and then tried to separate those like herself who actually enjoyed being scratchy with blown sand and headachy from glare, from those like Cassie and Beth who were merely cheerfully adaptable. Harry at last settled on Colonel Dedham as the most likely member of her club, and began to consider if there was any way to broach the subject with him. She thought that perhaps there was a club rule that read, Thou shalt not speak. But her chance came at last, less than a fortnight before Corlath's messenger arrived at the Residency at four a.m. It was at another small dinner party at the Greenoughs'. When the gentlemen brought themselves and an appalling reek of Sir Charles' finest cigars into the drawing-room to join the ladies, Colonel Dedham came across the room and tossed himself down on the window-seat beside Harry. She had been looking out at the mysterious white pools the moon poured across the desert. ââ¬Å"Open the window a bit,â⬠he said, ââ¬Å"and let some of this smoke out. I can see poor Amelia being brave.â⬠ââ¬Å"Cigars should be like onions,â⬠she said, unfastening the catch and pushing back the pane. ââ¬Å"Either the whole company does, or the whole company does not.â⬠Dedham laughed. ââ¬Å"Poor Melly! She would spoil many a party, I fear. Have you ever smoked a cigar?â⬠She smiled, with a glint in her pale eyes, and he reflected that some of the young men had labeled her cold and humorless. ââ¬Å"Yes, I have: that is how I know. My father was used to giving dinners for his hunting friends, and I would be the only woman there. I was not going to eat in my room, like a punished child, and I liked to stay and listen to the stories they told. They permitted themselves to become accustomed to my presence, because I could ride and shoot respectably. But the smoke, after a few hours, would become unbearable.â⬠ââ¬Å"So your father ââ¬â ?â⬠prompted Dedham. ââ¬Å"No, not my father; he taught me to shoot, against his better judgment, but he drew the line at teaching me to smoke. It was one of his friends ââ¬â Richard's godfather, in fact. He gave me a handful of cigars at the end of one of these very thick evenings and told me to smoke them, slowly and carefully, somewhere that I could be sick in private. And the next time the cigars went around the table, I was to take one for myself ââ¬â and he'd help me stand up to my father. It was the only way to survive. He was right.â⬠ââ¬Å"I shall have to tell Charles,â⬠said Dedham, grinning. ââ¬Å"He is always delighted to find another cigar-lover.â⬠Her gaze had wandered again to the moonlight, but now she turned back. ââ¬Å"No, thank you, Colonel. I am not that. It was the stories that made it worth it. I only appreciate smoke when I'm seeing things in it.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know what you mean, but you must promise not to tell Charles that,â⬠he replied. ââ¬Å"And for heaven's sake call me Jack. Three months is quite long enough to be called Colonel more often than business demands.â⬠ââ¬Å"Mmm,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Cassie and Beth do it very nicely. Say ââ¬ËJack.' ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Jack,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"There, you see? And for your next lesson I will walk across the room and ask you to say it again, and you will see how quickly I turn around and say ââ¬ËYes?' ââ¬Å" She laughed. It was hard to remember that Dedham was a few years older than Sir Charles; the latter was portly and dignified and white-haired. Dedham was lean and brown, and what hair he had left was iron grey. Sir Charles was polite and kind; Dedham talked to one like a friend. ââ¬Å"I see you staring out of the windows often, at our Darian wilds. Do you see yew hedges and ivy-grown oak and, um, cattle and sheep in green pastures?â⬠She looked down at her lap, a little uneasily, because she had not thought she was noticed; but here was her chance. She looked up. ââ¬Å"No. I see our Darian wilds.â⬠He smiled a little at the ââ¬Å"our.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're settling in, then? Resigned to too much sun all of the time ââ¬â except for when there is too much rain? But you haven't seen our winter yet.â⬠ââ¬Å"No ââ¬â no, I haven't. But I'm not resigned.â⬠She paused, surprised at how hard it was to say aloud, and her club's first law floated across her mind. ââ¬Å"I like it. I'm not sure why, but I like it here.â⬠The smile disappeared and he looked at her thoughtfully. ââ¬Å"Do you?â⬠He turned and looked out of the window himself. ââ¬Å"There aren't many of us who do. I'm one ââ¬â you must have guessed that I love the desert. This desert. Even in winter, and the three weeks of jungle after the rain stops and before the sun gets a good hold again. Quite a lot of my griping about being the oldest colonel still active is noise only; I know that if they promoted me they'd almost certainly promote me away from here ââ¬â to one of the more civilized parts of this uncivilized land. Most of Daria is not like this, you know.â⬠He paused. ââ¬Å"I don't suppose that means very much to you.â⬠ââ¬Å"But it does.â⬠He frowned a little, studying her face. ââ¬Å"I don't know whether to say you're very fortunate or very unfortunate. We're strangers here, you know ââ¬â even I, who've been here forty years. This desert is a little piece of the old Damar. It's not even really under our jurisdiction.â⬠He smiled wryly. ââ¬Å"Not only can we not understand it, we are not able to administer it.â⬠He nodded toward the window. ââ¬Å"And the mountains beyond. They stand there, looking at you, and you know you'll never climb them. No Homelander ever has ââ¬â at least to return to tell the tale.â⬠She nodded. ââ¬Å"It is not a comfortable passion.â⬠He chuckled. ââ¬Å"No; not a comfortable passion.â⬠ââ¬Å"Is that why no one ever mentions it? One hears enough for the other side.â⬠ââ¬Å"God! Don't I know it. ââ¬ËOnly four hundred and ninety-six days till I get out of this sand pit.' Yes, I suppose so. It's a strange country, especially this corner of it, and if it gets too much in your blood it makes you strange too. And you don't really want to call attention to it.â⬠She recalled that conversation as she rode; and now she saw Cassie and Beth jogging toward her. She was thinking again of Corlath, and trying to recall what little she knew of the Free Hillfolk. Jack had been reluctant to talk about them, and his evasiveness led her to believe that he knew quite a lot about them, because he was always open about saying he didn't know something. He was trying to spare her, perhaps, from her uncomfortable passion. Oh, glory, she thought, and with a quick leap her curiosity transformed itself into excitement: I do hope he's there when we get back. The question of what to tell her friends died painlessly. As soon as their ponies came abreast Beth said: ââ¬Å"Is he here yet?â⬠Harry was expecting a good-morning-and-how-are-you and for a moment didn't know who was meant. ââ¬Å"Corlath,â⬠said Cassie. ââ¬Å"Jack came to our house to see Daddy before breakfast, told him to go up to the Residency, that they would need him there.â⬠Mr. Peterson and Jack Dedham were the only people in the station who knew Hill-speech even passably fluently. Most Darians who had much contact with Homelanders learned Homelander. Harry had picked up a few Darian words, but only a few; no Homelander had thought to write a Darian grammar for general use, and when she inquired further was told that there was no need for her to learn it. The only person who encouraged her, and who had taught her the words she did know, was Jack Dedham, and he had not the time to spare for more. Sir Charles was reasonably articulate in Darian speech, but uncomfortable about it. He felt a responsible commissioner should know the language of those he oversees, but it made him no happier to fulfill his own expectations. He kept an interpreter near at hand. ââ¬Å"Corlath,â⬠breathed Beth, as if the name were a charm. ââ¬Å"Daddy says that the Hillfolk have never liked us much ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"We've always known that,â⬠put in Cassie. â⬠ââ¬â so he'll probably slip in and out again and we'll never even see him.â⬠ââ¬Å"I've permission to invite you to lunch,â⬠said Harry. ââ¬Å"If he's there at all, we'll see him.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, how wonderful!â⬠said Beth. ââ¬Å"Surely even he won't have finished his business before lunch. Let's not ride far; we should see something when he comes, and then we'll know when to ride back. It's very tiresome to have a real king come to visit and not even have an excuse to meet him.â⬠ââ¬Å"Do you know anything of the Free Hillfolk?â⬠said Harry. They rode at an angle away from the Residency, where they could keep an eye on it over their shoulders. ââ¬Å"I don't. No one will tell me anything.â⬠They both laughed. ââ¬Å"The Hillfolk are the best-kept secret in Daria,â⬠said Cassie. ââ¬Å"I mean, we know they exist. Some of them come here ââ¬â to the station, I mean ââ¬â for the spring Fair.â⬠Harry looked at her. ââ¬Å"Oh, surely Lady Amelia has told you about our pair,â⬠Cassie said. ââ¬Å"After three months of the rains we come out of hiding and work off our foul temper by holding a Fair ââ¬â ââ¬Å" â⬠ââ¬â where we sell to each other all the ridiculous little bags and bonnets and dolls and footstools that we've made during the rains to keep from going mad because we couldn't go out,â⬠Beth continued. ââ¬Å"Yes, most of it is nonsense. But everyone is very gay for the first two or three weeks after the rain stops. The weather is cool enough ââ¬â the only time all year you can go out even at midday; and there're green things growing up from the ground, and everything you own is spread on the roofs and hanging from the windowsills, and they're green too,â⬠Cassie added with a grimace. ââ¬Å"We decorate the streets and the square with paper flowers and real flowers, and banners and ribbons, and the whole town looks like it's on holiday, with the dresses and blankets hanging out everywhere. We do have real flowers here ââ¬â besides the eternal pimchie ââ¬â although nothing like what you're used to at Home, I daresay. Everything grows tremendously for two weeks, so for the third week, Fair week, everything is green and blossoming ââ¬â even the desert, if you can believe it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then of course the sun kills everything again. That's the fourth week. And you know what it's like here the rest of the time.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes, but the Fair ââ¬â everyone comes to the Fair. The Hillfolk too, a few of them, although never anyone very special. Certainly never the king. And it's not all the bead purses that our sort has been making in despair. There are always some really lovely things, mostly that the Darians themselves have made. Even the servants aren't expected to do as much, you know, during the rains. After the first few weeks you're far too cross yourself to give many orders to anyone else.â⬠ââ¬Å"But mostly the best things come up from the south. It's only Way up here that the weather's so ridiculous, but the south knows about our Fair, and the merchants know that when we break out of winter prison we're so mad with our freedom that we're fit to buy anything, so they come up in force.â⬠ââ¬Å"There are Fairs, or celebrations of spring of one kind or another, all around here, but ours is the biggest.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well,â⬠said Beth, ââ¬Å"we've the biggest in things to buy and so forth; and we're the only Homelander station up here. But there're quite a number of Darian villages around here, and they take spring very seriously. Lots of singing and dancing, and that kind of thing. And they tell the most beautiful stories, if you can find someone to translate into Homelander. Which isn't often.â⬠ââ¬Å"We have singing and dancing too,â⬠said Cassie. ââ¬Å"Yes, I know,â⬠said Beth slowly; ââ¬Å"but it's not the same. Our dancing is just working it off, after being inside for so long. Theirs means something.â⬠Harry looked at her curiously. ââ¬Å"You mean asking the gods for a good year ââ¬â that kind of thing?â⬠ââ¬Å"I suppose so,â⬠said Beth. ââ¬Å"I'm not quite sure.â⬠ââ¬Å"No one will talk about anything really Darian to Homelanders,â⬠said Cassie. ââ¬Å"You must have noticed it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes ââ¬â but I'm new here.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're always new here if you're a Homelander,â⬠said Cassie. ââ¬Å"It's different in the south. But we're on the Border here, and everyone is very aware that Freemen live in those Hills you see out your windows every day. The Darians that do work for you, or with you, are very anxious to prove how Homelander they really are, and loyal to all things Homelander, so they won't talk; and the others won't for the opposite reasons.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're beginning to sound like Daddy,â⬠said Beth. ââ¬Å"We've heard him say it all often enough,â⬠Cassie responded. ââ¬Å"But the Hillfolk,â⬠said Harry. ââ¬Å"Yes. The one thing I suppose we all have in common is a joy in those three short weeks of spring. So a few Hillfolk come to our Fair.â⬠ââ¬Å"They don't act very happy, though,â⬠said Beth. ââ¬Å"They come in those long robes they always wear ââ¬â over their faces too, so you can't see if they're smiling or frowning; and some of them with those funny patched sashes around their waists. But they do come, and they stay several days ââ¬â they have the grandest horses you've ever seen. They pitch camp outside the station, and they always set guards, quite openly, as if we weren't to be trusted ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Maybe we aren't,â⬠murmured Cassie. â⬠ââ¬â but they never sell their horses. They bring the most gorgeous tapestries, though, and embroidered sashes ââ¬â much nicer than the cut-up ones they wear themselves. These they sell. They stalk around the edge of the big central square, the old marketplace, carrying all this vivid stuff, while the rest of us are laughing and talking and running around. It's a bit eerie.â⬠ââ¬Å"No it's not,â⬠said Cassie. ââ¬Å"You listen to the stories too much.â⬠Beth blushed. After a pause she said, ââ¬Å"Do you see anything at the Residency?â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠said Harry. ââ¬Å"What stories?â⬠There was another pause while Cassie looked at Beth and Beth looked at her pony's mane. ââ¬Å"My fault,â⬠said Cassie presently. ââ¬Å"We're not supposed to talk about them. Daddy gets really annoyed if he catches us. The stories are mostly about magic. Corlath and his people are supposed to be rotten with it, even in this day and age, and Corlath himself is supposed to be more than a little mad.â⬠ââ¬Å"Magic?â⬠said Harry, remembering what Dedham had said earlier. ââ¬Å"Mad?â⬠He hadn't said anything about madness. ââ¬Å"How?â⬠They both shrugged. ââ¬Å"We've never managed to find out,â⬠said Cassie. ââ¬Å"And we can usually wring what we want to know out of Daddy eventually,â⬠said Beth, ââ¬Å"so it must be something pretty dreadful.â⬠Cassie laughed. ââ¬Å"You read too many novels, Beth. It's just as likely that Daddy won't talk about it because he refuses to admit it might be real ââ¬â the magic, I mean. Jack Dedham believes it ââ¬â he and Daddy argue about it sometimes, when they don't think anyone else is around. The madness, if that's what it is, is tied up somehow in the king's strength ââ¬â in return for having power beyond mortal men or some such, he has to pay a price of some kind of mad fits.â⬠ââ¬Å"Who reads too many novels?â⬠said Beth, and Cassie grinned. ââ¬Å"It does rather catch the imagination,â⬠she said, and Beth nodded. ââ¬Å"No wonder you're so eager to set eyes on him,â⬠said Harry. ââ¬Å"Yes. I know it's silly of me, but I feel maybe it'll show somehow. He'll be eight feet tall and have a third eye in the middle of his forehead,â⬠said Beth. ââ¬Å"Heavens,â⬠said Harry. ââ¬Å"I hope not,â⬠said Cassie. ââ¬Å"Well, you know how the legends go,â⬠said Beth. ââ¬Å"No, not really,â⬠said her sister repressively. ââ¬Å"Even when Daddy is willing to translate some, you can tell by the pauses that he's leaving a lot out.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes, but even so,â⬠persisted Beth. ââ¬Å"The old kings and queens were supposed to be taller than mortal ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"The Darians are mostly shorter than we are, at least the ones we see,â⬠interrupted Cassie. ââ¬Å"A king could look quite ordinary to us and be very tall for them.â⬠â⬠ââ¬â and you can tell the royal blood by something about the eyes.â⬠There was another pause. Harry said, ââ¬Å"Something?â⬠Again they both shrugged. ââ¬Å"Something,â⬠said Beth. ââ¬Å"That's one of the things Daddy always leaves out. Like the madness.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're hoping he'll froth at the mouth,â⬠said Cassie. Beth threw a peevish look at her sister. ââ¬Å"No. I'll settle for the third eye.â⬠This conversation had taken them well away from the outlying houses of the station, and the dust kicked up by their ponies' feet was giving up even the pretense of being anything other than desert sand. A silence fell; Cassie suggested a canter, which was duly accomplished. The sun was hot enough that when they pulled up again, after only a few minutes, the ponies' shoulders were dark with sweat. Harry sent another of her long looks across the desert, and had to squint against the shivering light. ââ¬Å"Do you think we might turn back now?â⬠Beth asked wistfully, shading her eyes with an elegantly white-gloved hand. Harry grinned. ââ¬Å"We can spend the rest of the morning in my sitting-room, if you like. It overlooks the front door, you know.â⬠Beth gave her a grateful look, Cassie chuckled; but they all three turned their ponies' heads with dispatch and sent them jogging homeward as quickly as the heat would allow. By the time they reached the suggestion of shade offered by the thin determined trees marking the outskirts of the station proper, Harry was hot and slightly headachy, and cross with herself for rushing back for no reason. Nothing could have escaped their notice; the Residency stood a little apart from the rest of the station, in its own grounds, and the road that ended at its front door had been under their eyes for the entire ride. They had been gone only a little over an hour. Harry considered suggesting that they meet again after another hour, time enough to change and have a bath; in her present condition she didn't feel like meeting any kings, mad or otherwise. But she stole a glance at Beth and saw how anxious she was not to miss anything; and she thought, Oh well, I can wash my face at least, and we can all have some cold lemonade, and watch the front door in comfort. The horses walked slowly up the street to the Residency. Cassie pulled off her hat and fanned herself with it. Harry shut her eyes for a moment. An execrable habit, she told the insides of her eyelids. What if this fat sleepy fourposter with ears and a tail should bolt, or shy suddenly? What if the sky should fall? responded the insides of her eyelids. The fourposter stopped dead in the road and raised its head a few inches just as Beth said in a strangled whisper: ââ¬Å"Look.â⬠Harry and Cassie looked. They had come nearly to the end of the road; what was left was the broad circle in front of the Residency, suitable for turning carriages in, or forming up half a regiment. Off to one side, where the tall house cast a little shade, seven horses and one man stood. The horses stood in a little semicircle around the man, who sat cross-legged near the wall of the house. They stood quietly, stamping a foot now and then, and occasionally one would put out its nose to touch the man; and he would stroke its cheek a moment, and it would raise its head again. The first thing Harry noticed was the beauty of these animals; not a one was less than sixteen hands high, with long clean legs and tails that nearly touched the ground. Three were chestnuts, their coats shining even in the dusty shadow; one grey, one dark bay, one golden dun; but the finest horse stood farthest from three fat ponies standing foolishly in the carriage drive. He was a blood bay, red as fire, with b lack legs and tail; he stood aloof from the other horses and ignored the man at his feet. He stared back at the newcomers as if it were his land he stood on, and they intruders. As the other horses slowly swung their heads around to see what their leader was looking at, Harry noticed something else: they wore no bridles. ââ¬Å"He's here,â⬠said Cassie flatly. Beth drew a deep breath. ââ¬Å"How?â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Look at those horses,â⬠said Harry, and the longing in her voice was so clear that even she heard it. Cassie looked away from the impossible sight of seven horses that had made their way invisibly across a bleak desert right in front of three people who were looking for them, and smiled with sympathy at her friend. ââ¬Å"Haven't you ever seen a Hill horse before? They're supposed to be the finest in Daria.â⬠ââ¬Å"And they never sell them,â⬠said Harry, remembering. Cassie nodded, although Harry's eyes never left the horses. ââ¬Å"Jack Dedham would give an arm even to ride one once.â⬠ââ¬Å"No bridles,â⬠said Harry. ââ¬Å"No stirrups, either,â⬠said Cassie, and Harry saw that this was true. They wore saddles that were little more than padded skins, cut and elegantly rolled; and she could see the gleam of embroidery on girths and pommels. Not a horse moved from its place in the semicircle, although all now, with the man, watched the three ponies and their riders. ââ¬Å"Horses,â⬠said Beth disgustedly. ââ¬Å"Don't you understand what they mean? They mean that he's here already, and we never noticed a thing. If that's not magic, what is?â⬠She prodded her pony forward again. Cassie and Harry followed slowly and stopped before the steps. Three stable boys appeared, ready to take the ponies back to the stable behind the house. Harry's feet had only just touched the ground ââ¬â the boy hovering anxiously to one side, since he had learned through bitter experience that this Homelander did not wish to be assisted while dismounting ââ¬â when there was a commotion at the entrance to the house. Harry turned around in time to see the heavy door thrown violently open, so that its hinges protested; and out strode a man dressed in loose white robes, with a scarlet sash around his waist. Several more figures darted out in his wake, and collected around him where he paused on the verandah. He was the axis of a nervous wheel, moving his head slowly to examine the lesser people who turned around him and squeaked at him without daring to come too near. With a shock Harry recognized four of these small mortals: Sir Charles and Mr. Peterson, Jack Dedham and her own brother, Richard. The man in white was tall, though no taller than Richard or Sir Charles. But there was a quivering in the air around him, like the hea t haze over the desert, shed from his white sleeves, cast off by the shadows of his scarlet sash. These who stood near him looked small and pale and vague, while this man was so bright he hurt the eyes. More men came quietly out behind the Homelanders and stood a little to one side, but they kept their eyes on their king. He could be no one else. This must be Corlath. Harry took a deep breath. He didn't look insane or inhuman. He did look uncooperative. He shook his head and frowned at something someone said, and Sir Charles looked very unhappy. Corlath shrugged, and made a sweeping movement with his arms, like a man coming out of a forest gratefully into the sunlight. He took a long step forward to the edge of the verandah. Then Dedham took two quick steps toward him and spoke to him, a few words only, urgently; and Corlath turned again, as it seemed unwillingly, and looked back. Dedham held out his hand, palm down and fingers spread; and so they stood for a long minute. Corlath dropped his eyes to the hand stretched toward him, then looked into the face of its owner. Harry, watching, held her breath without knowing why. With a nasty feeling in the pit of her stomach she saw a look of terrible strain cross Dedham's face as the Hill-king held his gaze; and the outstretched hand trembled very slightly. Corlath slowly reached out his own hand and touched the back of Dedham's wrist with two fingers; the hand dropped to Dedham's side once more, but as if it were heavy as stone, and the man slumped in relief like a murderer reprieved at the scaffold. The look of strain slid off his face to be replaced by one of great weariness. Corlath swung around again, and set his foot on the top stair, and no one moved to stop him. Five men in the loose robes of the Hillfolk separated themselves from the verandah shadows and made to follow. Harry found she could not take her eyes off the king, but from the corners of her eyes she noticed that the other men too wore vivid sashes: gold and orange and green and blue and purple. There was nothing to indicate the king but the glitter of his presence. Harry stood only a few feet from the bottom step, holding her pony's bridle. Cassie and Beth were somewhere behind her, and the stable boy stood frozen a few steps from her elbow. Corlath still had not noticed them, and Harry stared, fascinated, as he came nearer. There seemed a roaring in the air that beat on her eardrums and pressed against her eyeballs till she blinked. Then he looked up abruptly, as if from some unfathomable depth of thought, and saw her: their eyes met. The man's eyes were yellow as gold, the hot liquid gold in a smelter's furnace. Harry found it suddenly difficult to breathe, and understood the expression on Dedham's face; she almost staggered. Her hand tightened on the bridle, and the pony dropped its head and mouthed the bit uncomfortably. The heat was incredible. It was as though a thousand desert suns beat down on her. Magic? she thought from inside the thunder. Is this what magic is? I come from a cold country, where the witches live in cool green forests. What am I doing here? She saw the anger the man was holding in check; the anger stared at her through the yellow eyes, and swept through the glistening white robes. Then it was over. He looked away; he came down the last steps and past her as if she did not exist; and she cowered out of his way so that no corner of his white sleeve should touch her. The man with the horses emerged from the shade, riding one of the chestnuts; and the six others went up to their riders and nuz zled them. The blood bay reached the king first, and greeted him with a low whinny. Corlath mounted with an easy leap Harry could not even follow with her eyes, although she could see anger informing the set of his legs against the great stallion's sides. The horse felt it too; without moving, all its muscles were suddenly taut, and its stillness was the quiet before battle. The other men mounted. Corlath never looked at them, but the red stallion plunged forward at a gallop, and the other men followed; and the sound the horses' hooves made on the hard earth suddenly reminded Harry how unnaturally silent everyone had been since Dedham's last words. The inaudible thunder faded with the sight of the colored sashes and the bright flanks of the Hill horses. Harry woke up to who she was, and where; Sir Charles and Jack and Mr. Peterson looked their normal size again, and she had a raging headache.
Saturday, January 4, 2020
The Success of Imperialism - Free Essay Example
Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 697 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/04/15 Category Politics Essay Level High school Tags: Imperialism Essay Did you like this example? The Success of Imperialism Imperialism is a form of government which looks to extend its rule across the borders through a forced action or any other form of force. The state government extends power and dominion; often done through a direct territorial acquisition and gaining political as well as economic control of other specific areas. Imperialism uses power, either in the form of military or any other form, considered to be morally reprehensible and thus is commonly used in the international propaganda to deny and also denounce the foreign policies from opponents and competing countries. Donââ¬â¢t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Success of Imperialism" essay for you Create order English naturalist, Charles Darwin, developed the biological evolution theory that explains how species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small inherited variations that increase the ability to compete, survive and reproduce (Brower Sanders, 2014). Poem: White Mans Burden Social Darwinism is the theory and belief that people are subject to the theories and laws of natural selection as do plants and animals and through these selections, there is the possibility of human beings understanding how they can survive, compete and reproduce where necessary. In most parts of the world and as explored in the poem, through natural selection; humans can find their own ways of doing things and also explore the necessary aspects of survival. Social Darwinism has been largely used to justify and observe aspects such as political conservatism, imperialism, and racism and to discourage intervention and reform. Kipling references taking up the white manââ¬â¢s burden and this he does with the consideration of several motivating factors and considerations. The most important motivations and consequences for undertaking the white manââ¬â¢s burden according to Kipling include taking their children in the outside world or across the borders to come up with the best goodies as well as be in charge of the other people for as long as it takes. Based on his perception, this is all about power and thus the people taking up the white manââ¬â¢s burden are to come up with full advantages that include resources, profits, control, power and independence or the best practices that might be associated with the travels abroad. At the same time, Kipling criticizes the assumption of the burden and in a way mentions that this is a form and a show of cowardice, ââ¬Å"Comes now, to search your manhoodâ⬠(Kipling, 1929); shows this is an act of cowardice and not bravery. Therefore, despite the good attributes that might have been associated with the process, it is important to consider as per Kipling that the take up of the white manââ¬â¢s burden is more of a disadvantage than an advantage; his lines are full of mockery rather than genuine good of the process (Brower Sanders, 2014). In the poem, there are trains and signs of ethnocentrism as may be seen from the write ups; ethnicity has taken toll of the author as well as the target audience he is addressing. First of all, he mentions that going into other countries will be like creating profits for them and working for them rather than staying and developing their own country. Other cultures are judged based on the preconceptions associated with their cultures, ââ¬Å"Go send your sons to exile, to serve your captives needâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Your new-caught, sullen peoples, half devil and half childâ⬠(Kipling, 1929). These elements of ethnocentrism are judging on the people from other continents as captives as well as being half devil and half child, based on the perceptions that they are often bad. The ââ¬Å"Half-devil and half-childâ⬠peoples are described by the author as being uncivilized. Based on judgement and per his preconceptions is it difficult to understand the right approach and perception of the same system. It is portrayed that whites should go to the people and do most things for them means that they are less civilized or less into the modernization and the present day enlightment. References Kipling, R. (1929). ââ¬Å"The White Manââ¬â¢s Burden: The United States the Philippine Islands, 1899.â⬠Rudyard Kiplingââ¬â¢s Verse: Definitive Edition. Garden City, New York: Doubleday. Brower, D., Sanders, T. (2014). The world in the twentieth century: From empires to nations (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Friday, December 27, 2019
College Isn t For Everyone - 992 Words
W.J. Reeves, a professor of English at the Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, offers his idea of college being too easy to access and with that low retention standards. He begins by stating that 15 million Americans attend college and of those 15 million, half should not be enrolled. Reeves believes that students entering college fresh out of high school are not ready for the challenges college will bring to them due to grade inflation while being in high school. He also argues against colleges in regards that they do not influence one s ability to expand their intelligence and readiness for the workforce. In College Isn t for Everyone, W.J. Reeves argues that colleges have become too easy to enter and students show a lack of drive to succeed once enrolled in college. Reeves believes colleges should raise expectations when accepting students into their schools, and the students admitted continue to demonstrate responsibility during the years spent at school. He points out colleges have lowered the bar when it comes to admissions due to the fact that a college cannot exist without a funding source. Reeves argues against unwilling matriculations by drawing your attention to the fact those students are not ready for college. Reeves is specific on the areas where students are slacking most in. He cites another professor s experience with a student where the student informed the professor of a very elaborate excuse as to why they had not come to class. HeShow MoreRelatedCollege Is An Opportunity That Changes Your Life913 Words à |à 4 Pageslearning in person...College sums up all of thes e different assumptions and options. College is an opportunity that changes your life no matter if it is a four-year college or a two-year community college. In some cases, you need to study certain majors in that you feel are necessary for particular careers. However, college may not be for you. Many of you would rather go into the army, instead of spending your time and patience in a place were you feel as if you donââ¬â¢t belong. College is a great optionRead MoreShould College Education Be Free?1266 Words à |à 6 PagesThe Proposal: Should College Education be Free There are people who are in our nation right now that can t afford to go to college and gain the education they need to succeed. People have a deep conviction about this controversy. This issue has lead to the debate should the first two years of a college education be free. If college was free for the student the yes, it comes to the taxpayers to come up with the money. There should be rules and regulations in place and should be maintained byRead MoreReasons For Attending College For All Kinds Of Reasons Essay929 Words à |à 4 PagesMilliner EES21QHà 02 09à 26à 2016 People go to college for all kinds of reasons . The college experience is one of the many factors in life that affects a person. Obtaining a college degree and having the ability to live on your own are why many people go to college. On the other hand, people feel as though everybody doesn t need college and it is a waste. One reason that college is important in people s eyes is it opens doors to the passage of a career. College provides the education that jobs want toRead MoreMaking A Happy And Successful Life For Yourself1167 Words à |à 5 Pageshappy and successful life for yourself, you need to go to school, get good grades, and obtain a college education. Only then will you be financially secure and have a high quality lifestyle. This is a common misconception many people have, but it s only because this is the belief they were taught growing up. Yes, collage can be a great vehicle to help you pursue the career you want, but if college isn t a necessitate for you, there s no need to pay thousands of dollars, get into serious debt, andRead MoreRacial Discrimination : Black And Middle Class1527 Words à |à 7 Pagesare fifty years later and it is still happening today. To be black and middle class is not the same as to being say white and middle class and not for obvious reasons. The white has a major advantage and doesn t have to do anything to earn it. The unemployment rate of blacks with a college education is 5 percent higher than that of whites and one of the main issues creating that statistic is racial discrimination. Employers will try to use different excuses and make different claims on why they hiredRead MoreThe Effects Of Free Secondary Education On The Middle Class1361 Words à |à 6 Pagesschool degree and a factory job. In the new flat world with outsourcing these jobs are no more. The new way to the middle class is a secondary education, and that costs lots of money. Even though free community college would cost US taxpayers 65 billion dollars in 10 years, it would make college education more accessible than ever before. We should also consider free vocational school. With education becoming free and more accessible, this would not only help the ambition gap, but also the gap at theRead MoreCan Not Guarantee A Job For The Growing Youth?1401 Words à |à 6 Pagesdegree (Appendix 2). This is because the value of a degree is currently falling. Every year, its value drops. Kids are now able to find work without having to go to college, and some are actually doing quite well for themselves. A lot of jobs offer on-the-job training and that in itself allows people to be qualified for work. College degrees are now only becoming measly pieces of paper that people only want just to say that they have it. The value is diminishing not only economically, but in theRead MoreGraduation Speech At Utah Valley University873 Words à |à 4 PagesEver since I could remember my parents told me that college was key to being successful in life, if you didn t attend a good college your life was most likely not going to be a very happy one. This message stay throughout my life , education was of great importance and college was the key factor of where you ended up in life. High school counselors, teachers, parents, and mentors all emphasized that the better the college you attend the more opportunities you ll have. Being a high school seniorRead MoreWhat I ve Learned From College1372 Words à |à 6 Pagesthings I ve learned from college: Go out as much as possible Okay, I know what your thinking, and I m not saying that you should drink until the AM at some frat house. I m saying that you need to get outside and take an adventure with friends. You need to get involved in something your passionate about. Breech your comfort zone, and do something other than sit at your desk with your nose in a book. I personally know how easy it is to continuously tell yourself you can t go do X,Y, or Z - you haveRead MoreThe Book Make Lemonade By Virginia Euwer Wolff The Environment1313 Words à |à 6 Pages In life many experience hardship. We live in a world where for some have to work so hard everyday just to survive society. In the book Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff the environment isn t stable for a lot of people. There is poverty and crime surrounding the area and this makes it hard on everyone to be, and feel secure in their own environment. Throughout the book Jollyââ¬â¢s and LaVaughnââ¬â¢s environment changes involuntarily. Once they both accept what they can and cannot control their environments
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Identifying The Connection Between Families And Identify...
Today genograms are used in psychology and medical settings to identify the connection between families and identify how members of the family communicate with one another. There are several types of genograms that created for many reasons such as ethical, career, and sexual. This genogram helps an individual map out the connection of their contextual history with their framework. My experience of creating a genogram was an amazing feeling and it helped me discover several factors that occur in life as an adult. The interview with mom helps me to identify a lot of unknown features that can be possible genetically transmitted to my children. During my genogram creation, a few explanations of conflicts were discussed according to family memberââ¬â¢s characteristics and beliefs. Discovery of my genogram alerts me with the many personalities that I share with my family. While reading this book I was eager to finish the book because of the interested information that was listed to hel p me understand my developmental structures. These authors influence readers to search for an unknown answer concerning an individual creation along with underlining features that make each individual unique. Again the authors provide you with the key to unraveling the true identity with cultural background information that would have remained untold if never asked. My effects of this book are very deep feelings of relief that canââ¬â¢t be explained no other way by soul searching. This book includedShow MoreRelatedIdentifying The Connection Between Families And Identify How Members Of The Family Communicate With One Another1252 Words à |à 6 PagesToday genograms are used in education, psychology, and medical settings to identify the connection between families and identify how members of the family communicate with one another. There are several types of genograms that are created for many reasons such as ethical, career, and sexual. These genograms help an individual map out the connection of their contextual history an d developmental framework. My experience of creating a genogram was an amazing feeling and it helped me discover severalRead MoreDeveloping A Better Diagnosis And Treatment For The Problem Essay1548 Words à |à 7 Pagesessential to analyze human behavior in social environments to develop a better diagnosis and treatment for the problem. A helpful practice in social work and other related fields is the system theory and ecological perspective. One of the first steps in assisting clients is identifying the presenting problems. There are several alarming components in Charlie situation. Charlie has been living with his maternal aunt Eleanor for the past three months due to the fact that his biological mother Eloise suffersRead MoreDescription Of A Nurse At Amber Glen Alzheimer s Special Care Center1283 Words à |à 6 Pagesbeen a Nurse for over 20 years and she has also worked at numerous healthcare settings. After working with her for several occasions, I began to notice how great her communications skills were with the residents. Communications the means of connection between people or places, whether at work or school communication is needed. An example of the importance of communication is found in an article by Amanda B. Brown and Jennifer H. Elder named ââ¬Å"Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Guide forRead MorePersonal Statement On Interpersonal Communication1598 Words à |à 7 Pageswhen we talk the overall message sent to each other effects our emotions and relationship. For example w e like to cook together some times and when we talk we know not to criticize each other on how we cook or if we accidentally do something wrong. Another example could be when cleaning the house I know my husband doesnââ¬â¢t like to do the dishes and he knows I donââ¬â¢t like doing the laundry so we communicated and traded chores to help each other out. This resulted in a change of emotion (less frustration)Read MoreIdentity Crisis Among African Americans1618 Words à |à 7 Pagesemphasizes on double consciousness. He was concerned that African Americans put superiority of one part of their heritage over the other. On the other hand, Delaney argues that the major problem with identity is the separation and how it was derived from slavery. However, these arguments have not effectively addressed the issue of defining oneââ¬â¢s identity. My paper addresses the issue of successfully identifying what we consider ââ¬ËAfrican Americansââ¬â¢ with special attention to why ther e was once only BlackRead MoreThe Roots Of Identity And Denial1279 Words à |à 6 Pagesgive us the sense of identity. Countries are no exception, their course of history and culture created a unique identity for themselves. Their cultures involves; language, values, belief, religions, and norms that identify who we are. This has caused division and struggles between groups or people, which influence our daily lives. Nevertheless, at the same time makes every person or country a unique culture to learn and explore. As the article, ââ¬Å"The Roots of Identity and denialâ⬠stated more thanRead MoreA Letter of Advice2316 Words à |à 10 Pagesand outs of communication in many relationships in todayââ¬â¢s society. II. Identify the barriers to effective interpersonal communication 1. Identifying effective communication. 2. Ways to gain effective interpersonal communication. III. Recognize how words have the power to create and affect attitudes, behaviors, and perception. 1. Learning how affective words can be. 2. Using words to communicate effectively. IV. Understand how perception, emotions, and non verbal,Read MoreNursing Paper on Peplaus Theory of Interpersonal Relations1734 Words à |à 7 Pagesthis profession. Theories explain and help to grasp the understanding of the distinctive relationship between the nurse and other individuals such as the patient and other health care professionals. Nursing is definitely an art and the various nursing theories assist with the practice of nursing. Hildegard Peplau had an excellent insight into how humans interact. She was able to observe and identify how dynamic and unique the nurse patient relationship is. Peplau knew that nursing was more than aRead MoreWhat It Is For The Anthropology Of Religion957 Words à |à 4 Pagesconcentrating mainly on his focus on symbols and identifying the contributions this idea has given to the anthropology of religion. I will also touch upon the similarities and differences between Geertzââ¬â¢s (1966) definition and that of Asad (1983). Geertzââ¬â¢s describes his definition of religion as a universal one but geared to focus on the particular; one that can be applied to all religions, and once identified as a religion we can distinguish a separation between religion and other entities i.e. politicsRead MoreEssay about Health Care Communication1509 Words à |à 7 PagesCommunication HCS/350 June 27, 2011 Personal and Professional Health Care Communication à à à à à à Health communication refers to health-related transactions between individuals who are attempting to maintain health and avoid illness (Northouse amp; Northouse, 1998, p. 20). The effectiveness and therapeutic nature of communication between individuals in any health care relationship has a strong influence on the success of interpersonal relationships and health outcomes. Definition of Health Care
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Black Wax Museum free essay sample
The Black Wax Museum captures the untold history of African Americans. The founders of the Black wax Museum designed it to educate those less informed about the history of Africans. This extraordinary museum exposes the hidden skeletons of the past and gives you a better appreciation and understanding of the achievements and hardships of those with African decent. Visiting the Black wax museum is an unforgettable experience that will always remain in my heart. Going through every emotion as I read the story of my ancestors left me in tears. This extraordinary museum covers the Tate, national and global history. This museum expounds on the truth unlike the history book. The most powerful part Of the museum was the Horrors Of the Middle Passage. This section showed vivid figures of how the slave ships were structured and the strategies behind destroying the identity of a person. There are notable figures such as Frederick Dallas and Harriet Tuba. We will write a custom essay sample on Black Wax Museum or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There were religious leaders that many people dont discuss such as Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Church and Mother Mary Lane. Then it went from slave ship to spaceship introducing Ron McNealy, Guide Bluebird and Nay Jimson. The museum also covered the leaders of global history who helped their African nations to come into freedom. These great leaders are known as Nelson Mandela, Hailed Classed, Winnie Mandela and Shame. They have a wax figure of the first African American woman to run for president, Shirley Schism.Knowing the history of the people that are in our circumference is the key to understanding one another. Many African Americans do not value their ancestries because they do not know who they are or where they came from. Because the lack of information that students receive from the education system, the achievements made by the great traders with African decent are not acknowledged. Our lack of understanding for each other and for those who walked the earth before us is one of the reasons many do not value their roots.The generations from before are stronger than the generations now. The courage and respect that the young once had is dying out. Our lack of knowledge of who we are and where we come from is the reason the love we have for ourselves is fading. If we educated ourselves more about our past we wouldnt have to question the present. The more we know about where we came from the closer we will get to knowing who are.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
The Pyramids of Giza
Introduction The history of Egypt is one of the richest and the most amazing examples of how people could be devoted to their roots and traditions and what methods they could use to protect and improve their own culture.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Pyramids of Giza specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Egyptian Art was influenced by a variety of things: religion, politics, relations with different countries, environment, and citizensââ¬â¢ treatment (Sporre 205). Due to such close connection, Egyptian Art became recognizable by different countries within a short period of time, and Egyptian pyramids are considered to be one of the first and the most marvelous world wonders. Three magnificent pyramids of the desert at Giza have a long history that began over 4,000 years ago and represent a true marvel of architectural art: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure were the kings under which orders the pyramids wer e build and the kings those actions, ideas, and principles will be saved and protected by the power of the pyramids. Reasons to Create Pyramids in Ancient Egypt The idea of pyramid creation was dated more than 4,000 years ago (Filer 20) and accepted as another powerful form of sophistication of the necessity to cover royal platforms. During the period when the 4th dynasty of Egypt ruled, the three most famous pyramids were built: they were those of Khufu also known as Cheops, Menkaure also known as Mycerinus, and Khafre also known as Chephren. These pyramids symbolized the power of Egyptian pharaohs and the idea of wealth that was inherent to the Egyptian nation in the Old Kingdom. ââ¬Å"Though the kings of the Old Kingdom built pyramids not for the sun god but for the gods they themselves incarnated, they nonetheless strove to create a sacred space partaking of the eternity of the heavensâ⬠(Assmann and Jenkins 62). Each of the above-mentioned pyramids has its own peculiariti es and functions. Different pharaohs and queens found piece in these sites, and nowadays people come to see this wonder and to demonstrate their respect, memory, and care about their past and their history. The Magnificence of Pyramids The Great Pyramid of Khufu. This pyramid was named after the king Khufu, who came to the throne of Egypt land around 2589 B.C. (Levy 6) and who spent more than 20 years to build it. It is necessary to admit that only this pyramid is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one that remains. It was the highest building until French people introduced the Eiffel Tower. And finally, it is still the most intact building in the whole world. About 2,300,000 stone blocks were used in order to create this wonder (Levy 6), and many tens of thousands of people who were skilled workers but not slaves participate in this building process.Advertising Looking for research paper on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get yo ur first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Pyramid of Khafre. The son of Khufu, Khafre, was the second pyramid builder under whose ruling another large pyramid was created. At first sight, it seems that the Khafre pyramid is higher in comparison to Khufuââ¬â¢s. However, it is possible only due to the fact that it takes place on higher ground. This pyramid does not have anything in common with the first creation except the entrance that is also in the north facing side. This 15-meters-entrance introduces a rather narrow corridor that leads to a large burial room where a number of ancient rituals took place. Khafre offered to use the symbol of the Sphinx as the guardian of tombs in the pyramid, however, after his death, this idea was forgotten, and nobody wanted to recognize its power again. The Pyramid of Menkaure. In spite of the fact that this pyramid is the lowest and the youngest among these three buildings, it still plays an important role in the history of Egypt an d contains the tombs of the Pharaoh of the 4th dynasty, Menkaure. The point is that Menkaure died before the construction was finished, this is why many his ideas and suggestions were not taken into consideration. Maybe because of his death, the material of the pyramid was changed from white limestone to pink granite that was popular in the city of Aswan. It is hard to imagine how magnificent the third pyramid could be if the king was alive and was able to finish the construction to exceed all expectations and became a good substitution for his father and grandfather. Conclusion The role of pyramids in Egypt is significant indeed. Each king made numerous attempts to demonstrate his power and wealth by means of pyramids and other buildings. The pharaohs like Khufu, Menkaure, and Khafre, who came from the 4th dynasty, left probably the most significant and amazing heritage that is now recognizable by the whole world. The three pyramids of Giza attract the attention of people because o f different purposes: to grasp the idea of Egyptian culture, to learn deeper the architecture of ancient buildings, to understand the essence of traditions and the significance of pharaohsââ¬â¢ lives, etc. The evaluation of these three pyramids helps to realize the Egyptian Art is one of the most delicate and amazing arts in the whole world that cannot be duplicated under any conditions. Works Cited Assmann, Jan, and Andrew Jenkins. The Mind of Egypt: History and Meaning in the Time of the Pharaohs. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard UP, 2003. Print.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Pyramids of Giza specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Filer, Joyce. Pyramids. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. Print. Levy, Janey. The Great Pyramid of Giza: Measuring Length, Area, Volume, and Angles. New York: Rosen Pub. Group, 2006. Print. Sporre, Dennis, J. Reality through the Arts. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prent ice Hall, 2009. Print. This research paper on The Pyramids of Giza was written and submitted by user Rivka Moreno to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.
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