A Midsummer Nights Dream Drama Essay

A Midsummer Nights Dream Drama Essay A point to consider before bringing the individual character interpretations into play is how to contextualise the performances within the text as a whole. In other words, the characters are not mutually exclusive entities, rather, they are interactive and woven into the landscape of the play. Therefore, I would like to propose a general outline for the overall performance. There are many ways to perform A Midsummer Nights Dream, and the way I choose will affect elements of the characters. There have been many performances of Shakespearean drama, where the play is brought into the modern day. I however, would like to perform the play in its classic setting. I would like the play to retain its archaic time setting. It is a very self-reflexive play it is a play about staging a play. This highlights the idea of drama at its root the reheasrsal and work that goes into a play. I would like to leave the play in an olden day setting because it consolidates the idea of drama being detached from life through its artifice, and the play being set in a by-gone era further consolidates the idea of detaching drama from everyday life. (a) The first character I would like to look at is Lysander. He refuses to yield to Demetriuss demand for Hermias hand, and risks the wrath of Theseus by eloping with Hermia. This demonstrates not only the depth of his feeling for Hermia, but also his conviction in his own beliefs, and the courage to carry out these beliefs. The comic arc of Lysanders performance hits its climax after Puck has sprinkled the love potion into his eyes and he falls in love with Helena. I would perform the character with some hyperbole at this point, in order to convey the comic element of the text to the audience. The idea of Lysander challenging Demetrius to a duel in order to win Helenas hand is an example of the excessive behaviour and heightened action that brings much of the comedy into the play. It is a humour that comes from the reversal of the natural order Helena has gone from being desperately in love with Demetrius and being scorned by him to being the object of both mens affection, for example. This reversal in the behaviour of Lysander is something Id like to highlight in performance. I think a change in demeanor, and in vocal qualities could highlight this. At the beginning of the play, Lysander is portrayed as a romantic hero. I would convey this to the audience through his appearance; ideally, the role would be filled by a tall, handsome man. I would like him to wear a costume of light material symbolising the innocence of the true lovers (Hermias description of themselves). As I would like to keep the play true to its chromatic origins, I would like Lysander to wear a type of Athenean costume, which he could change when he enters the wood. I would like all the characters to change their costumes when they enter the forest, to represent the immense change in their environment. I would like him to don a more earthy, swarthy coloured robe, such as green, to convey the pastoral environment to the audience. I would like to focus on how the character of Lysander should be performed during the sequence in which he challenges Demetrius to a duel. The interpretation that I would like to convey to the audience is one of escalating absurdity, which contributes to humour. This would be done through the props, delivery, vocal quality, paralinguistic features and a demonstration of how Lysander relates to Demetrius in this section: Lysander Helen, I love thee. By my life I do. I swear by that which I will lose for thee To prove him false that says I love thee not. Demetrius I say I love thee more than he can do. Lysander If thou say so, withdraw, and prove it too. (Scene III, Act II, lines 251-256) There is a strong sense of rhythm in these lines, and also rhyme, which contribute to the tension and sense of heightened action. I would like the actor to highlight the rhythm in his delivery. I would like Lysander to adopt a masculine stance, and to circle Dimitrius, expanding his movement around the stage, owning the stage, as it were, using the entire stage to convey to the audience that he feels he owns the space, as he prowls around it. Demetrius A character trait that emerges from the text is the point where he tells the infatuated Helena that when he says, Tempt not too much the hatred of my spirit;/For I am sick when I do look on thee. (Scene II Act I, lines 211-212). This utterance evokes a sense of his cruel nature, a pejorative view of Demetrius which is further consolidated when we examine the first first scene of the first act. When Lysander and Hermia are told that they cannot marry, Demetruis tells them they should let him have his certain right. (Scene I Act I line 92). There is subsequently a huge change in Demetruis when he falls back in love with Helena at the end of the play. This is indicative of a softening of his character a change which I feel should be represented visually in performance. In order to convey Demetruiss somewhat cruel, righteous nature to the audience, I think the actor should appropriate a certain demeanor. Body language could be used to demonstrate his confident, cocky side. For example, he could strut, use large gestures and also make use of all of the stage space exercising his self imposed right to the stage space in the same way that he wants to exercise his right to Hermias hand. I would like his costume to be dark colours such as a rich red and flamboyant design, to contrast with Lysanders. The vocal qualities should also demonstrate these traits. He only has two lines in scene I, act one, so it is very important how these are represented, as they will be the first impression the audience have of him. Demetriuss lines are: Relent, sweet Hermia; and, Lysander, yield Thy crazed title to my certain right. (Scene I, Act I, lines 91-92) The way in which this line is performed is very important. As the tormented lovers, the audience feels very strongly for Hermia and Lysander, to whom the presence of Demetrius is an invasive one. I would therefore also like to convey to the audience this sense of invasion. When Demetrius says, Relent, sweet Hermia I would like him to walk up to Hermia, and put his arm around her, caressing her with his other hand, turning them both away from Lysander. When he speaks to Lysander, Demetrius should keep his back to Lysander, but turn his head to face him, so that his line is like an aside, as if he does not respect him. The words crazed title should be accompanied by paralinguistic features, such as an outstretching arm to convey to the audience how much Demetrius does not want Lysander and Hermia to marry. Finally, the word my should be over emphasized to convey that Demetrius strongly feels that Hermia should be his, whether she loves him or not, because of the wishes of her father. His character, and especially his behaviour towards Helana changes at the end of the play. Whilst in the earlier stages of the play, he is confident, using large gestures and a lot of stage space, at the end of the play, I would like him to express a more tender side to the audience, to convey the development of his character: That we are awake? It seems to me That yet we sleep, we dream. Do not you think The duke was here, and bid us follow him? (Scene IV, Act I, lines 192-194) This line should be used to convey character development to the audience as it contrasts so strongly with his opening line the use of you in contrast to my for example. There is also a confusion in this utterance, which contrast with the confidence in the first lines. Helena At the beginning of the play, Helena is portrayed as hapless; the scorned lover who has been wooed by Demetrius and then ignored in favour of Hermia. However, like Demetrius, Helena demonstrates a massive character development and transformation. Like Lysander, the arc of her character trajectory reaches its crescendo after Puck has sprinkled the love potion in Lysander and Demetriuss eyes. When they both try to woo her, she feels they are mocking her, and gets angry. To best convey the transformation in her character between before and after the love potion has been dispensed, Id like to consider how vocal quality and demeanor can be used in two of her utterances: Call you me fair? That fair again unsay. Demetrius loves your fair. O happy fair! Sickness is catching. O, were favour so, Yours would I catch, fair Hermia, ere I go. O, teach me how you look, and with what art You sway the motion of Demetrius heart. (Scene I, Act I, lines 181-194) This except is from a long speech in which Helena proceeds to extol the virtues of Hermia, with whom Demetrius is infatuated. The key message I would like to convey to the audience from this speech is the idea that Helena is confused, upset and slightly jealous of Hermia. She is asking Hermia how she won the heart of Demetrius. In order to convey this dejection to the audience, I think the delivery of this speech should involve some rhetoric while Helena is asking Hermia how she wooed him, and saying how fair Hermia is, my interpretation of this speech is that it is a melancholy meditation on the loss of her love. She is not looking for external answers, rather internal answers, and so it is questions she is asking herself. This could be expressed to the audience by the character of Helena distancing her self physically from the group this would be a visual symbol of her isolation. Her demeanor and body language would be hunched and dejected, and her voice subdued and hushed The other speech that is a seminal moment in the performance of Helen is when she feels she is being mocked by the two men, and gets angry. Clearly her relationship with Demetrius is changed when he falls in love with her. While she may be unaware of it, the hierarchy of the relationship has been overturned, and she has now adopted a position of power. In her speech, she says: O spite! O hell! I see you are all bent To set against me for your merriment. If you were civil and knew courtesy You would not do me thus much injury. (Scene III, Act II, lines 145-148) This speech can be used to great effect to demonstrate the performance possibilities of this role. The demeanor and vocal qualities performing this speech would require differ hugely to the earlier one with a louder voice, delivery directed at the other characters and inflated body language required. Hermia Hermia is represented in the play as a strong, defiant young woman, prepared to take risks in order to fulfil her own desires. This is exemplified in her refusal to bow down to her fathers wish that she marry Demetrius. In the face of a death sentence, or life in a nunnery, she escapes with Lysander into the forest. Lysanders love for Hermia, along with Demetriuss desire, demonstrate that she is an attractive and desirable young woman. These are two important points Id like to consider when constructing the performance of Hermia. I would like to convey to the audience her inner strength and determination, alongside her physical attractiveness. The notion of physical attractiveness could be conveyed primarily through costume and appearance. As Hermia is clearly a woman of considerable charm (illustrated when Helena asks her what charm she used to capture Demetruiss heart), her costume should reflect this. As it is believed that she unwittingly won over Demetrius (this is an ambiguity in the text it is possible that Demetrius loves her because her father is so impressed by him) I would also like to impress upon the audience a sense of naivete and innocence. The obvious symbolic colour of this is white. White would also look striking under the stage lights. I would use floaty fabrics for the costumes, such as organza, to communicate the ethereal quality of not only Hermia herself, but also the forest, and the magic contained within it. When Hermia leaves Athens and escapes to the forest, I would like her to adopt a robe over her dress, of green, to convey to the audience, through her change in costume, that a change is impending in the play. While the charm and beauty of the character of Hermia will be communicated visually, the inner strength and courage that I interpret as being key elements of her character, will be communicated through her demeanor. It is commonly understood in the study of body language that confident people stand up straight, unlike shy people, who hunch up, in a subconscious decision to take up less space. In this way, stage space becomes an important indicator of personality. I have mentioned before that I would, at certain points in the text like characters to use the whole space of the stage to convey a sense of confidence. I would like the performance of Hermia to adopt a comfortable use of the entire stage space. More specifically, I would like to refer to one speech that I feel is very important in the text, in Scene I, Act I, when Hermia is talking to Theseus with regards to her desire to marry Lysander: So will I grow, so live, so die, my lord, Ere I will yield my virgin patent up Unto his lordship whose unwished yoke My soul consents not to give soveregnity. (Scene I, Act I, lines 79-82) This speech is an important point at the text because Hermia makes clear her intentions to avoid marriage to Demetrius. It is a very dramatic, sensitive piece. This speech should be delivered with intensity, to convey to the audience the depth of Hermias feelings for Lysander. The performance should include some paralinguistic features such as moving around the stage, facial expressions and hand movements to express her feelings visually. Theseus My understanding of Theseus is that he is a very complex character there is conflicting evidence in the text as to his true nature. There is one utterance in the text that brings up questions regarding his true nature, when he is talking to Hippolyta and he says that: Hippolyta, I wooed thee with my sword, And won thy love doing thee injuries; But I will wed thee in another key: (Scene I, Act I, lines 16-18) My interpretation of this line is that Theseus raped Hippolyta. The implications of this in terms of how the character should be performed are vast. In much of the text, Theseus is represented as a pensive, thoughtful man. He kindly advises Hermia to Take time to pause (Scene I, Act I, line 83) when discussing the situation with her father Egeus. This scene presents him as rational and kindly. The suggestion of rape in line 16 makes the line highly important, the suggestion I would like to convey to the audience is the idea that Theseus is warning Hippolyta. In bringing the issue of the rape to the forefront, he is reminding her of the power balance in their relationship. There is also possibly some penitence in this admission. This could be communicated to the audience through the use of certain vocal qualities, demeanor and stage space. Back to: Example Essays I would like Theseuss sense of power to be conveyed to the audience in a visual way, so he would deliver this speech standing, and walking around, whilst the character of Hippolyta would be sitting down. The discrepancy in their heights would be a visual representation of the hierarchy, which would further consolidate what Theseus was saying. This is such a patriarchal power play that props could be used to represent a sense of phallocentricity such as a sceptre a regal and phallic symbol. The use of this prop could convey to the audience my interpretation of Theseus as being the patriarchal and dominant force in the opening of the play. His kingdom is run on a set of rigid rules for example, Egeus invoking the ancient law of Athens as Hermia wants to marry Lysander. This is in stark contrast to the forest the mysterious, feminine arena which is the binary opposite of Athens. In terms of demeanor, Theseus should be calm, and considered in his movements. I would like his costume to be of dark colours, and of neat, clean lines. This operates in contrast to Hermias costume the white of her costume is a symbol of innocence while the dark of Theseuss costume is aligned with the dark side he hints at in this speech.

Role Of Sport In Modern Society Cultural Studies Essay

Role Of Sport In Modern Society Cultural Studies Essay The importance of sport in modern society Development of mass sports and its place in modern society is a topical issue of great importance. Popularization of physical culture, sports and healthy lifestyle plays an important role in society in any country. Mass sport is the basis of professional sport, the condition of physical perfection of the younger generations. Professional sport allows, by identifying individual opportunities and abilities of each person in a particular area of sports activity (through increased specialization and individualization of the training process), to achieve maximum, record sporting results. Records in professional sport, winning the official international, national and other sporting events, creates a moral incentive to the development of mass sports. Speaking about the role of sport in modern society, it can be argued that sport is a continuous social experiment, in which mankind showsits potential, accumulating and improving human capital, expanding its potential. Sports, by performing developmental, educational, patriotic, communicative function, integrates and coordinates individuals and social groups, helps the nation to develop.The sport system is directly connected with the subsystems of health, science, culture, upbringing and education. Sport has a significant impact on the socio-economic and political processes of any modern society. It is quite natural that nowadays complex socio-economic, psychological and ecological situation in the world is placing new demands to various sectors of public life, including in such kind of human activity as a sport. First of all, it should be noted that even today the problem of promotion of various types of physical culture and sport among diverse populations. It is obvious, that systematic sport activity and various kinds of physical exercises in a variety of ways will enhance the general resistance of people organism to the modern diverse effects of various kinds.Particularly important this problem is for young generation due to a significant decline in physical health among young people, spread among them of diseases, that threatens the economic, intellectual and social stability of our society in very near future.In this regard, government propaganda of healthy lifestyle and sport takes a special place in the process of development of modern mass sport. (Nicholson, 2008) SOCIAL ROLE OF SPORT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY Sport is an important social phenomenon in all levels of modern society, providing a large impact on key areas of social life: it affects national relations, business life, social status, fashion forms, ethical values, peoples lifestyle. In support of this thesis we can remember the quote of some athlete sports today is a major social factor, that is able to resist the invasion of cheap culture and bad habits. (Nicholson, 2008) Indeed, the phenomenon of sport has a powerful socialization force. Politicians have long considered the national sport as a hobby, able to unite the community with a unified national idea, filled with a kind of ideology, peoples desire to succeed, to win. In the U.S., for example, in the 60s, sport, becoming a national passion, that was declared as a model of American society, and since 70 80-s the sport in the U.S. has become the second religion, believed by most Americans. Important role in promoting the sport played media, that helped to overcome the so-called psychological barrier in public attitudes to physical activity. Sports as social phenomena ischaracterized by a specific cultural and general cultural function. That first include such functions as development of physical abilities, the satisfaction of social and natural needs in motor activity and optimization of the physical state and health, physical development, improves physique, helps to prevent and reduce the large number of diseases. Sport, being one of the most important means of enhancing human health, physical development and improvement, it also has a significant positive impact on his spiritual world, his attitude, emotions, moral principles, aesthetic tastes, promoting harmonious development of personality.Modern sport is also important in the development of contacts between people, not only within one country, but also internationally, playing a significant role in deepening mutual understanding between peoples,helps to create a climate of trust and peace. Therefore, the sport is closely connected with the mental, moral, aesthetic, communicative, and other spheres of culture, in this regard is integral component of peopleà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s social life.This refers to the specific cultural and general cultural functions of sport, and also socioculturalfunctions. (McPherson 1989) Firstly, it is necessary to mention acompetitive function, which expresses the socio-cultural nature of sport. It includes several critical aspects of the sport, both the creative activity of the athletes and the formation of necessary volitional qualities, and the exchange of sport results of experience and achievements, as well as other factors. In fact, the social phenomenon of the competition characterizes the sport as a form of intense social activity. As an initial form of athletic relations, any match for a person is a struggle, that requires a stress limit of strenght and abilities. The search for limit of human capabilities always sends an athlete on the path of continuous development and progress of physical and spiritual strength. Different sportevents like matches and competitions illustrate and compare variety of sporting achievements and results, show athletesà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ work on systematic training and self-improvement. In other words, it is obvio us that without knowledge and consideration of social and cultural processes in modern society, it is impossible to ensure athletes or sports team participation. Another aspect of the competitive function lies in strong-willed training of athletes and sports teams. Indeed, sport competitionshelpto developsuch socially important traits as dedication, perseverance, determination, courage, endurance, initiative, independence and self-control, so necessary for high achievement in competitions, as well as in everyday life.Named aspect complements the one more function as real exchange of experience of techniques of sports training between the individual athletes, sports teams, national teams. The object of exchange can be also sports titles, the technique of sports activity, forms of organization of sports and athletic work. Finally, in competitive function sports fully present its creative aspect that is associated primarily with the harmonic development of personality of sportsman. The second important function of sport is communicative function, which contribute to the enrichment of personality in the communication process. Aspect of communication in sports lies in those relations in which the athlete comes from society and its institutions, with the coaches, other athletes and sports fans.Communicative function also includes aspects of the prestige associated with the desire to self-affirmation and recognition, helps tobring-up children and teenagers, as a natural mean of isolating youth from the harmful influence of the street. Experience clearly shows that sport is one of the most effective mean of re-education, providing opportunities for the realization of energy, initiative, creativity and physical abilities, for leadership and competition in a healthy manner. Some of the problems of sport in modern society We are glad tolive in the times of the Olympic movement, which aims participation in building a peaceful and better world, through education of youth through sport, in a spirit of Olympism and without any discrimination. This requires us to a friendly understanding, solidarity and fair play Juan Antonio Samaranch . We can say that sport is a mirror which, in accordance with its objectives and the activity, reflects the basic values of society, without exerting an active influence on them. The historical process of organized sports movement about a century shows that in Western countries prerequisites for fast development of sport are based on contemporary social changes.The very emergence of high competitiveness in the sport was a reflection of a competitive society, associated with liberal thinking. A national physical culture reflects the basic trends of the values of society, and international sporting life is a barometer of international politics. Modern sport is also a microcosm of modern society, and therefore the most important problems of modern sport are similar to the basic problems of modern society, such as sexual, ethnic and racial discrimination, crime and deception, control of violence, drug use, gambling, alcoholism, environmental protection social, political and international relations, etc. also sport can be a cohesive force in society, which actively supports the social order and its values, as well as the power structure within which it operates. This thesis includes the fact that sport can be used as instrument by the government, it can easily be used to implement the objectives of social power. The past and recent events of our time show those multiple ways in which sport is usually used in national and supranational interests. (Coalter 2008) The first example is China. After the policies of Mao of the closed door , his successor Deng Xiao-ping tried to improve the image of the country using the sporting achievements in international competitions, as he and his administration believed that success in sport was an important factor in achieving international recognition. Ping pong diplomacy of China is a well-known example of how sport was used as a tool for establishing relations with other countries (Luo, 1995). But similar examples can be applied to the post-socialist countries and the countries of the capitalist world. Cases of boycotts, which are often used in connection with the most important international competitions, Olympic Games, are the result of totalitarization of sport (this term was used by KaleviHeinila), which has become an important tool in the Cold War. (Heinila 1982) An analysis of national forms of physical training can show how closely sport associated with the development of the nation. Studies can clearly showthe relationship of competitive sports with militancy and violence in society, and that competitive sports increase the belligerence (warlike) of social system. Also sport as an integral part of the dialectics of international relations, it can be used as a mean of strengthening the political power, but on the other hand, as an effective instrument for strengthening mutual understanding of nations, as sport has an opportunity to consolidate peace, especially in times of international tension, it can help to stabilize international relations as part of cultural exchange. Conclusion Modern sport is multifaceted, differentiated, and it is able to satisfy the most diverse needs of individuals and society in the field of sports. However, it has conflicting characteristics , which generates a dual attitude towards it: some see the sport as a source of health, disability, method of improving persons character, of expanding the boundaries of human capabilities; others note the negative impact of sport on physical health and personality traits. Positive or negative impact of sport on the individual and society depends not only on the sport itself, but on the appropriateness of different aims and forms of sports activities, the socio-economic level of society, from a particular system of moral education, sports related activities.Thus, we have attempted to show the place and main trends of modern sport, which is characterized by both positive and negative trends that require further analysis, reflection and solving.

Blind Ambition in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay -- Frankenstein es

Blind Ambition in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Mary Shelley, the renowned author of Frankenstein, explores the consequences of man and monster chasing ambition blindly. Victor Frankenstein discovered the secret that allowed him to create life. His understanding of how bodies operated and the science of human anatomy enabled him to make this discovery and apply it to the creation of his monster. Walton wished to sail to the arctic because no sailor has ever reached it. The monster was created against his will, his ambition was to avenge his creation as a hideous outcast. These three characters were all driven by the same blind ambition. After Frankenstein discovered the source of human life, he became wholly absorbed in his experimental creation of a human being. Victor's unlimited ambition, his desire to succeed in his efforts to create life, led him to find devastation and misery. "...now that I have finished, the beauty of the dream had vanished..." (Shelley 51). Victor's ambition blinded him to see the real dangers of his project. This is because ambition is like a madness, which blinds one self to see the dangers of his actions. The monster after realizing what a horror he was demanded that victor create him a partner. "I now also began to collect the materials necessary for my new creation, and this was like torture..." (Shelley 169). Victor's raw ambition, his search for glory, has left him. His eyes have been opened to see his horrible actions, and what have and could become of his creations. As a result, Victor has realized that he is creating a monster, which could lead to the downfall of manki nd. His choice is simple, save his own life or save man. The monster was created against his wi... ...the downfall of Frankenstein and the monster. Frankenstein found the secret to life, though he applies his gained knowledge and ambition to his own selfish goals, which wind up destroying him and those closest to him. Walton has something in common with Frankenstein; his ambition to achieve something that no man has ever accomplished before. The difference between Victor and Walton is tat Walton decides to turn back. The monster on the other hand never wanted any fame or glory; his ambition was motivated by the thirst for revenge. Ultimately even Frankenstein, on his deathbed, realized the harsh consequences of his actions. Victor states, "Seek happiness in tranquility, and avoid ambition..." (Shelley 229). Work Cited Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus. Edited with an Introduction and notes by Maurice Hindle. Penguin books, 1992

Late Adulthood Essay -- essays research papers

Late Adulthood (age 60 – 80)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During this closing period in the life span of human beings, people tend to â€Å"move away† from previous more desirable periods often known as â€Å"usefulness†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Age sixty is usually considered the dividing line between middle and old age. It is the time where you are considered an â€Å"elderly†- meaning somewhat old or advanced beyond middle age. Period of decline – comes partly from physical and partly psychological factors. The physical cause of decline is a change in the body cells due to the effects of the aging process. The psychological cause of decline has something to do with unfavorable attitudes towards oneself, other people, work and life in general. Senility – (â€Å"senile†) a more or less complete physical breakdown takes place and when there is mental disorganization. The individual becomes eccentric, careless, absentminded, socially withdrawn, and poorly adjusted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Social Attitudes toward the Old Age – due to the unfavorable social attitudes toward the elderly, treatment towards them in America, unlike other cultures, result in making them feel no longer useful, unwanted and more of a nuisance than an asset. People who come from countries where respect for the elderly is customary usually treat elder people with more consideration and respect. Old People as â€Å"second class citizens† – a status that excludes them to some extent from interaction with other groups in the population and which gives them little to no power in society. (Again a result from unfavorable social attitudes). Changes in Roles – from an active life having purpose and roles, even sometimes multiple roles, it is expected that old people will play a decreasingly less active role in social and community affairs as well as in the business and professional worlds. Because of the reduction in the number of roles the elderly person is able to play, the person will develop feelings of inferiority and resentment. Physical changes – the most obvious sings of aging are centered in the face although sometimes medical advancements have come up with ways to cover signs of aging, the hands are another part which give away the person’s age. Head region –   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mouth changes shape   Ã‚  Ã‚  &n... ...in the speed with which the individual reaches a conclusion in both inductive and deductive reasoning. Retirement – during the adults earlier years, retirement looks better to them because of the increased leisure time and reduced stress. Although, when one actually comes to that point in their lives, retirement seems less desirable. At this age, people holding jobs suddenly feel they have lost all their power and prestige. They tend to again, feel useless without purpose. Women, adjust better to retirement than men. For women, the role change is not as radical because women still have the responsibility of playing the domestic role like taking care of the house. Happiness – there is a saying that during one’s late adulthood years, there are 3 factors that determine one’s happiness – Acceptance, Affection and Achievement. Without any one of these 3 things it is difficult if not impossible for the elderly to be happy. For example, when they feel they are being neglected by their children or other family members, when they feel that their past achievements have fallen short or when they have developed the â€Å"nobody loves me† complex it is inevitable that they be unhappy.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder :: Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD

After experiencing a traumatic event, the mind has been known to horde away the details and memories and then send them back at unexpected times and places, sometimes after years have passed. It does so in a haunting way that makes the recall just as disturbing as the original event. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is the name for the acquired mental condition that follows a psychologically distressing event "outside the range of usual human experience" (Bernstein, et al). There are five diagnostic criteria for this disorder and there are no cures for this affliction, only therapies which lessen the burden of the symptoms. The root of the disorder is a traumatic event which implants itself so firmly in the mind that the person may be shackled by the pain and distress of the event indeinately, experiencing it again and again as the mind stays connected with the past rather than the present, making it difficult to think of the future. The research on this topic is all rather recent as the disorder was only added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) in the last twenty years. Yet, the disorder is quite common, threatening to control and damage the lives of approximately eight percent of the American population [5% of men and 10% of women]. Any person is a potential candidate for developing PTSD if subject to enough stress. There is no predictor or determining factor as to who will develop PTSD and who will not. Although all people who suffer from it have experienced a traumatic event, not all people who experience a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Each persons individual capacity for coping with catastrophic events determines their risk of acquiring PTSD. And not everyone will experience the same symptoms; some may suffer only a few mild symptoms for a short period of time, others may be completely absorbed, still others who experience great trauma may never develop any s ymptoms at all (Friedman). More than any other psychological problem, symptoms are a reaction to an overwhelming external event, or series of events. From a historical perspective, the concept of PTSD made a significant change in the usual stipulation that the cause of a disorder could be outside of the self, rather than some inherent individual weakness (Friedman).

Experiment to Measure the Heart Rate and Ventilation Rate Before, During and After Moderate Exercise Essay

I predict that during exercise the heart and respiratory rate (RR) will increase depending on the intensity of exercise and the resting rates will be restored soon after exercise has stopped. I believe that the changes are caused by the increased need for oxygen and energy in muscles as they have to contract faster during exercise. When the exercise is finished the heart and ventilation rates will gradually decrease back to the resting rates as the muscles’ need for oxygen and energy will be smaller than during exercise. Experiment: 1. To start with the experiment we measured the persons resting heart rate and respiratory rate where there was no strain on the muscles. We continued to check both pulse and respiratory rates at 30 second intervals during the course of exercise. 2. We decided to make the length of each consecutive exercise 30 seconds long. Between each session we allowed the student’s pulse and respiratory rate return to their resting rates, otherwise the results would not be fair if both rates were higher at the start of the exercise. 3.  Throughout each exercise the student made sure that equal paces were maintained so that it would not affect the heart or respiratory rate in a different way. Immediately after exercise the subject sat down in a chair so that both the heart and respiratory rates could be taken. The pulse rate was measured first for 15 seconds, if we had taken the pulse rate for 1 minute the pulse rate would have slowed down. As soon as the pulse rate was taken we then took the respiratory rate for 15 seconds. We then waited for both rates to return to their normal resting rates before starting the next exercise. Fair Testing: Our experiment was about how the heart and respiratory rates are affected by exercise. Unless we use a stethoscope we cannot measure both rates directly. We measured the pulse rate on the carotid artery. This will keep the experiment fair because each heart beat set up a ripple of pressure which passes along the arteries. The ripple can be felt as a pulse as the artery’s muscular wall expands and relaxes. Measuring the pulse rate is measuring the subject’s hearts beats except there is minimal lapse between the beat and the pulse. The diastole and systole produce a very distinctive two tone sound which is very easily felt. So to make sure we do not count twice we will always count the first pulse of the two. (Boyle and Senior Pgs. 160 – 161) Tiffin (Northumberland College Notes Jan’12) Sources of Error: The sources of error in this experiment that we would have to include are: * Subject being fit / unfit †¢ Healthy / Unhealthy * Smoker / Non-smoker †¢ On regular medication * Drinker / Non-drinker †¢ Suffer from any illnesses * No ECG Monitor †¢ Male / Female We have to make sure that we keep the same person throughout. This is because every person has a different diet, fitness level, weight, stature or is a different gender. All these factors affect a person’s heart or respiratory rate. If the person was changed during the experiment the results would not be reliable or fair. The subject’s resting heart and respiratory rates would be different and their body’s reaction to exercise would also be different. The pace of the subject will affect their heart and respiratory rates. They may start off at a quick pace, but go slower when they begin to tire. The subject must rest between each exercise so that all the lactic acid and CO? can be carried away. The tiredness of the student will affect the pace at which the subject performs their exercise. This is why it is crucial for fair results throughout the exercise. It is also necessary to allow the subject to recover before carrying on with their exercise. We must measure the subject’s pulse and respiratory rates in the same position as we did their resting rates. If we do not, we would not get accurate results. If we were to take the subject’s pulse rate standing up the heart rate would rise because the muscles are working to keep the subject upright. The heart rate would have to work harder in order to keep their muscles working. We decided to measure the subject’s pulse and respiratory rates whilst sitting down because there would be no additional stress on their heart, which would increase their heart rate. Their heart rate should also return to its resting heart rate due to the decrease of muscle use. I have placed the results from our experiment in form of a table and will use the average results to form a graph. I have also prepared a graph to show the results throughout the exercise. As the results show the highest increase in the pulse rate is in exercise 2 where the pulse rises by 44 BPM and the respiratory rate by 8 RR. Thereafter it continues to rise by 40 BPM and 8 RR. We did however experience a higher respiratory rate in the second lot of results in exercise 4 where the respiratory rate did rise by 12 RR. During exercise, the subject’s heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and their cardiac output (the amount of blood pumped per heart beat) all increase to maintain a state of balance, known as homeostasis. Homeostasis is a self-regulating process by which the human body maintains internal stability under fluctuating environmental conditions. Blood flow to the subject’s heart, their muscles, and their skin increase. Sweat glands secrete a salty solution that evaporates from the skin, taking heat with it. Their body’s metabolism becomes more active, producing CO? and H+ in the muscles and consequently lowers PH. The subject breathes faster and deeper to supply the oxygen required by this increased metabolism. With strenuous exercise, their body’s metabolism exceeds the oxygen supply and begins to use alternate biochemical processes that do not require oxygen. These processes generate lactic acid, which enters their blood stream. The subject’s cardiovascular system, their breathing system and their muscles work in conjunction with each other in order to perform their tasks more efficiently. A vital process of exercise is respiration (the production of energy). Principally, respiration is the breakdown of oxygen and glucose into carbon dioxide, water and ATP. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and has the ability to break down both fatty acids and glucose. Anaerobic respiration takes place when there is a lack of oxygen, a lactate is formed and fatty acids cannot be broken down. (Boyle and Senior Pgs. 62, Pg. 215 and Pg. 222) Tiffin (Northumberland College Notes Feb’12) Glucose + Oxygen Carbon Dioxide + Water – C6H12O6 + 6O? —–>6CO? +6H? O+Energy Oxygen is taken into the subject’s lungs and then diffused into their bloodstream. Cells need oxygen to respire so more oxygen needs to be transported to muscle cells. This then causes the subject to breathe more deeply. Thei r intercostal muscles (muscles in between the ribs) contract up and out, moving the subject’s ribs and diaphragm up and out (a sheet of muscle at the bottom of the thorax, chest cavity). This increases the subject’s space available in their lungs for air to fill. More air in the lungs means there is more oxygen, so that more oxygen can be diffused into the bloodstream. The number of the subject’s breaths increases too, to maintain a high concentration gradient. Heart rate also needs to increase to keep their blood flowing through the lungs. The subject’s heart and respiratory rates rise because during exercise, their cell respiration in the muscles increase, so the level of carbon dioxide in their blood rises. Carbon dioxide is slightly acid, the brain detects the rising acidity in the subject’s blood, their brain then sends a signal through the nervous system to their lungs to breathe faster and deeper. Blood flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. The area of high pressure is the pressure created by the contraction of the subject’s ventricles, which forces blood out of their heart into the aorta. Resistance is caused by friction between the blood and the vessel walls. Gaseous exchange in the subject’s lungs increases allowing more oxygen into their circulatory system and removing more carbon dioxide. The subject’s brain then sends a signal to the sinoatrial node (SAN) to make the heart beat faster. Heart rate is controlled by the SAN. The subject’s rate goes up or down when the SAN receives information via their two automatic nerves. (Boyle and Senior Pgs. 160-162) Tiffin (Northumberland College Notes Jan-Feb 2012) †¢ Their sympathetic or accelerator nerve which speeds up their heart rate. The synapses at the end of this nerve secrete noradrenaline. †¢ Their parasympathetic or decelerator nerve, a branch of their vagus nerve, slows down their heart rate. (Boyle and Senior Pg. 162) A negative feedback system controls the subject’s level of carbon dioxide. During exercise, their blood level of carbon dioxide starts to rise. This is detected by chemoreceptors situated in three places: the carotid artery, the aorta and the medulla. Nerve impulses travel from these receptors to the subject’s cardiovascular centre. In response, their cardiovascular centre sends impulses down the sympathetic nerve to increase the subject’s heart rate. Their heart rate returns to normal after the cardiovascular centre sends impulses down the parasympathetic nerve once carbon dioxide levels have dropped. Boyle and Senior Pg. 162) Tiffin (Northumberland College Notes Feb’12) At rest During Exercise These images illustrate the alveoli and a red blood cell during rest and activity. This is the site where the red blood cells exchange carbon dioxide molecules for oxygen molecules to transport throughout the body. Notice the increase of both molecules as activity increases. (Zygote Media Group, Inc. ) The heart’s natural pacemaker – the SA node – sends out regular electrical impulses from the top chamber (the atrium) causing it to contract and pump blood into the bottom chamber (the ventricle). The electrical impulse is then conducted to the ventricles through a form of ‘junction box’ called the AV node. The impulse spreads into the ventricles, causing the muscle to contract and to pump out the blood. The blood from the right ventricle goes to the lungs, and the blood from the left ventricle goes to the body. (SADS Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome) Conclusion: I have concluded, with the evidence provided in the graphs and table, in which the pulse and ventilation rates do increase during exercise. Overall, the results confirm the initial prediction that the heart and ventilation rates increase during exercise and return to normal level shortly after exercise has been completed. Heart and ventilation rates increased during the high intensity exercise to feed the body’s need for more oxygen and energy have been decreasing gradually immediately after exercise has finished as the muscles did not need more energy than usually. It is important to take into account each individual’s personal health, fitness and lifestyle when considering the effects of exercise. Generally, the fitter the individual, more quickly the resting rate is achieved.

Playing games teaches us about life Essay

People find themselves playing games throughout their entire lives. Games are essential to both children and adults since they teach people about life in a variety of ways. By playing games we can set our future dreams, reflect on our personal traits, and learn life-long morals. First, children can determine their future goals through playing games. For instance, a girl with childhood memories of dressing up her dolls or designing doll clothes with paper may choose to become a fashion designer. Likewise, a soldier can state his reason for joining the army as the shooting games he played as a young child. In both cases, the role of games extends from mere entertainment to a major contributing factor of one’s future dreams. Second, while playing games, people are given the chance to reflect on their characteristics. To be more specific, one can evaluate their sportsmanship and teamwork while playing a soccer game, both of which play an important role in succeeding later in life. Moreover, games make it possible for others to comment on your personal traits, which can promote healthy and good behavior in your relationships with people. Last, games teach people life long morals. A simple board game can teach someone to gracefully accept defeat, learn that cheating should be avoided, and enjoy the taste of victory when won fair and square. All of these morals end up playing a significant role in how we think and act in society. In conclusion, playing games teaches us about life in various ways. Playing games provides guidance in setting our future goals, allows people to reflect on personal characteristics, and teach life long morals that contribute to a person’s success in society.