The Trojan War :: essays research papers

The Trojan War   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Trojan War took place in approximately the 13th century. The ancient Greeks defeated the City of Troy. The Trojan War started after an incident at the wedding feast of Peleus, the king of Thessaly, and Thetis, a sea goddess. All the gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus had been invited except Eris, the goddess of discord. Eris was offended and tried to stir up trouble among the guests at the feast. She sent a golden apple inscribed â€Å"For the most beautiful.† Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite each claimed the apple as their own. Paris judged the quarrel and awarded the apple to Aphrodite because she had promised him Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world. Helen was already married to Kin Menelaus of Sparta but when visited by Paris, she fled with Paris to Troy. Menelaus organized Greek war against Troy to get Helen back. The Greeks battled for ten years but could not defeat Troy. The fall of Troy occurred when the Greeks built a large hollow horse and placed it outside the walls of Troy. The Trojans took the horse inside and thought the had won the war and the horse was a gift from the Greeks. Later that night, the Greeks stormed from the horse and opened the gates to allow their fellow warriors in and the Greeks conquered the City of Troy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ancient Greece was the birthplace of Western civilization about 2500 years ago. Greek civilization consisted mainly of small city-states. A city- state consisted of a city or town and the surrounding villages and farmland. The Greek city-states were independent and quarreled often with one-another. These city states established the world's first democratic government. The Greeks believed that certain gods and goddesses watched over them and directed their daily lives. Families would try to please these gods by offering sacrifices, gifts, and ceremonies. Greeks flocked to oracles to consult priests and priestesses to answer questions and fore-tell the future. Greek men enjoyed drinking, talking, and dancing at parties. They also like sports and religious festivals Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are the most important Greek philosophers. Socrates taught by carefully questioning his listeners to expose the weaknesses of their ideas and arguments. Plato explored such subjects as beauty, justice, and good government. Aristotle summed up the achievements of Greek philosophy and science. His authority on many topics remained unquestioned for more than 100 years Most Ancient Greeks were suspicious of philosophers and their theories. They continued to believe in superstitions and in myths. In 399 BC, an Athens jury sentenced Socrates to death for showing disrespect to the gods.

In the Face of Betrayal, Lewis Discovers Loyalty Cosi Essay

The play ‘Cosi’, written by Louis Nowra, is set in 1971 amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War. Australia’s involvement in the war was a topic of great controversy, and being the first televised war, reality was brought crashing into the lounge rooms of Australians. The horrific images displayed in people’s homes sparked anger from those involved in the fight against communism and conscription. The loyalty of Australians was heavily tested during these times, with society divided in their support of anti-communism. Nowra exposes the audience to the harsh treatment of those living in mental institutions during these times; a result of society’s’ predisposition to neglect those labelled ‘insane’ in the 70’s. Through the play he encourages the audience to ignore these perceptions and recognise the mentally ill as equals instead of undermining them. Furthermore, Nowra highlights society’s conflicting attitudes towards love and fidelity. When compared to the barbarism of the war, faithfulness was often viewed as irrelevant. However contending this idea, Nowra expresses the need for loyalty and taking care of one another, even when confronted with seemingly more ‘important’ matters. Through the journey of the protagonist of the play, Lewis, the audience learns that even in the face of deep betrayal, loyalty can be found. Although Lewis initially explains that he is directing the play due to his lack of money, it is evident that Cosi Fan Tutte becomes more than just a quick way to earn cash. In the beginning of Cosi, Lewis expresses his reason for directing the play by stating â€Å"I need the money, Lucy.† He is confronted and uncomfortable when first meeting the patients under such foreign circumstances, overwhelmed by the idea of having to deal with these â€Å"mad† people. Nowra embodies society’s negative attitude towards those with mental illnesses, where anyone classed as ‘insane’ were removed from society and thrust into the confinement of institutions. Instead of dealing with these people in a humane fashion, it was accepted that ECT treatment, drugs and surgery prevented them from creating a hassle. Lewis’s doubt and concerns about working with the patients are encouraged when he can’t convince them to perform ‘The Exception and the Rule.’ Instead, the antagonist of the play Roy, is determined to perform ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’, a Mozart play about fidelity and love. Lewis is not keen on the play and what it represents, his view on love evident when he states â€Å"Love is not so important nowadays.† Through Lewis, Nowra highlights the similar opinions of so many people during these times. In the face of war and politics, with horrific televised images thrust into people’s homes, fidelity was rated an irrelevant concept. This was the view held by Lewis and even more so his girlfriend Lucy, who states â€Å"After bread†¦.comes maybe love.† However the audience soon experiences a change in Lewis’s mindset towards not only the patients, but the importance of love and loyalty. He finds himself relating to the patients more and more, building relationships and accepting their quirks and issues. When Lewis’s close friend Nick confronts over his absence at the moratorium, stating â€Å"You said you were going to help out†, Lewis explains that Cosi Fan Tutte is more important, â€Å"This comes first.† It is clear that Nick does not support Lewis in the play or share his view of the patients â€Å"Only mad people†¦..funny farm.† Again, Nick’s comment only further exposes Lewis’s opinion, when he replies with â€Å"Nick, they’ll hear you.† Lewis’s comments exemplify his unwavering loyalty towards the patients and likewise, Nowra promotes the audience to recognise the importance of loyalty and support. Lewis’s changed perception of love is shown when he contends Lucy, telling her the Cosi Fan Tutte is â€Å"about important things, like love and fidelity.† This proves his changed attitude towards love, which he originally placed little value on. Nowra influences the audience to be open to the idea of fidelity and see the values within it. He contends society’s views in the 70’s and encourages the audience not to neglect and degrade the mentally ill, but see and treat them as equals. In the face of betrayal, Lewis experiences unswerving loyalty from a conservative Henry. Henry, a depressed and quiet man, is seemingly reserved. However it is clear when he learns that Nick gives money to North Vietnam for supplies, that Henry is strongly opinionated and willing to stand for his beliefs, â€Å"My ffffather fought†¦..you are traitors.† Henry’s loyalty to his father, who was a soldier, is deep seated and deeply held. His attack against Nick and Lewis proves that despite being ‘crazy’, he has the ability to stand up for what matters to him. Nowra demonstrates that everyone deserves the right to stand for their values. Henry’s loyalty is again demonstrated when Lewis learns that his girlfriend Lucy is sleeping with Nick. Lucy explains â€Å"I have sex with him and sleep with you,† highlighting her belief in ‘free love.’ On the contrary it is clear that, Lewis wants Lucy to be faithful, â€Å"It’s over. I’m shifting out of the house.† When Lewis confronts Nick over the matter, he repeats Lucy’s explanation â€Å"No, she’s sleeping†¦..having sex.† It is here that Henry shows his support and loyalty to Lewis, offering to beat up Nick, â€Å"Do you want me†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦stand up?† Henry’s display of loyalty highlights the relationship he has formed with Lewis. Nowra exhibits that we should not take advantage of our relationships with others, and value the loyalty and commitment that they offer us. Also, one can hold strong political values whilst also displaying empathy and loyalty. Despite Roy constantly undermining and insulting Lewis, when he suffers from stage fright Lewis provides him with encouragement and reassurance. Roy is extremely passionate about the performance of ‘Cosi Fan Tutte,’ displaying enthusiasm from the beginning when he alerts the cast to his plans, â€Å"I’ve already chosen what we’re doing. ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’.† Despite complaints about his choice and the difficulties it will create, Roy is utterly undeterred by any issue the Italian opera presents. His desire for the play to be performed the way he imagines it results in constant attacks regarding Lewis’s direction, â€Å"Couldn’t direct a nymphomaniac to a stag night.† Despite Roy’s passion, when it comes to the final performance he struggles with stage fright, telling Lewis â€Å"I can’t do it.† Putting aside the abuse and insults from Roy, Lewis only offers him encouragement and support, replying with â€Å"Yes, you can,† and, â€Å"I’ll whisper the lines to you.† Lewis understands how much the play means to Roy, and furthermore, it is clear that Lewis wants Roy to have the opportunity to succeed in his performance, â€Å"I want you to be noticed all the time.† Nowra suggest the idea that not only Roy needs to be noticed, but all those who have been locked away from society. That the mentally ill should no longer be ignored, but seen as equals with the rest of the world. Through evidence of the loyalty Lewis develops towards the patients, Nowra demonstrates that despite whether somebody is classed as ‘insane’ or not, strong relationships and trust can be built. Overall, Cosi demonstrates in numerous situations that whilst facing betrayal, one can also experience true loyalty and friendship. This is evident through Lewis’s support of Roy, and when Henry stands up for Lewis. Furthermore, Nowra highlights the cruel and degrading treatment towards mentally ill people during the 70’s, and promotes the audience to reconsider these views. Through Lewis’s acceptance of the patients and the relationships he builds with them, he influences us to alter our negative perceptions. Additionally, Nowra promotes the idea of fidelity and trust. Despite the reality of the televised war leading people to hold more ‘important’ values, Nowra encourages not to forget the importance of loyalty and love. On the whole, Cosi portrays what Nowra depicts to be important values; loyalty, trust, acceptance and empathy.

Reflection Of A Funeral Of My Friend s Aunt - 1107 Words

Death Funeral customs vary according to the religion, culture, and ethnicity. Religion is the foremost thing that plays an important role in a funeral event. From a cultural perspective when a person dies they must be buried with two weeks in the Nigerian culture. This is because it allows the family to heal faster and get over their loved one and also move into the next chapter. Well, here I am going to describe my experience and observation of attending a funeral of my friend’s aunt. Well, here I am going to describe my experience and observation of attending a funeral of my friend’s aunt.† I saw the obituaries in the newspaper. In addition, I heard about the death from another friend that is the mutual friend of me and my friend whose aunt had died. I did not receive a proper invitation letter for that funeral, and the cemetery was far away from my house. I live in Renton and the funeral was in Bremerton but attended the funeral anyway. I really wanted to cons ole my friend and let her know that she was not alone in this critical time. Funeral in my Nigerian culture is highly valued to the point that everyone would be there whether invited or not. It is perceived as a way to pay their last respect to the dead. The funeral ceremony was on a Saturday morning at 10am. I saw a graveyard by the side of the road, and other families were also present paying a visit to their deceased loved ones with flowers and some other families were cleaning theShow MoreRelatedThe Oldest Jest by Jennifer Johnston1010 Words   |  4 Pagesboth bringing aspect of their personal lives into the novels to be a type of biographical perspective of 1920’s Ireland. O’Faolà ¡in makes the distinction between Johnston and Keane with the following â€Å"[a]lthough Jennifer Johnston is not a daughter of the Big House, in the sense that Molly Keane maybe thus classified, she is closely linked to this world through family connections, friends, and personal tastes† (Mortimer 209). Yet each takes a different route to orient the reader to the realism ofRead MoreSociology Essay20437 Words   |  82 Pagessources (internet and the mass media) to read and research as widely as possible in order to deepen your understanding. AS Sociology Introduction  © Nelson Thornes Distance Learning 2010 xxxiii What do I need to do to be successful on my sociology course? Before you start the course you should understand appropriate general study skills required for distance learning and supported self-study via videoconferenced weekly tutorials: You need to be self-motivated and organised in yourRead MoreThe Ballad of the Sad Cafe46714 Words   |  187 PagesThe Ballad of the Sad Cafà © and Other Stories by Carson McCullers Back Cover: When she was only twenty-three her first novel, The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter, created a literary sensation. She is very special, one of America s superlative writers who conjures up a vision of existence as terrible as it is real, who takes us on shattering voyages into the depths of the spiritual isolation that underlies the human condition. A grotesque human triangle in a primitive Southern town. . . A youngRead More65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays 2nd Edition 147256 Words   |  190 PagesBUSINESS SCHOOL HARVARD SUCCESSFUL 65 APPLICATION SECOND EDITION E S S AY S APPLICATION BUSINESS SCHOOL HARVARD SUCCESSFUL 65 ECSNS A IYI O N S SE O D ED T With Analysis by the Staff of The Harbus, the Harvard Business School Newspaper ST. MARTIN’S GRIFFIN NEW YORK 65 SUCCESSFUL HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL APPLICATION ESSAYS, SECOND EDITION. Copyright  © 2009 byThe Harbus News Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of AmericaRead MoreIgbo Dictionary129408 Words   |  518 Pagessuch as the names of fishes, which were not in the first edition. Other words were added or revised from other sources, but in order to keep the size within manageable limits not all possible sources have been exploited. I am particularly grateful to my reviewers, who pointed out some of the glaring errors; I hope they will find this edition at least slightly less faulty. I am very grateful to Dr (now Professor) E.N. Emenanjá » , Mr (now Dr) P.A. Anagbogu, and to Miss Helen Joe Okeke and Miss Ifeoma OkoyeRead MoreComparison Between Japan and Russia13811 Words   |  56 PagesNihon-koku/Nippon-koku local short form: Nihon/Nippon Capital: name: Tokyo geographic coordinates: 35 41 N, 139 45 E time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) National anthem: name: Kimigayo (The Emperors Reign) lyrics/music: unknown/Hiromori HAYASHI note: adopted 1999; in use as unofficial national anthem since 1883; oldest anthem lyrics in the world, dating to the 10th century or earlier; there is some opposition to the anthem because of its associationRead MoreEssay on Fall of Asclepius95354 Words   |  382 Pageshumanity. If you said to me a year before the outbreak that this would happen, I would send you to a mental asylum. I guess the joke is on me, so to speak. I wasnt, what some would say, a confident person. I would just follow others and just do my job. The outbreak changed all that. It changed everyone, especially me. Some people got stronger due to the outbreak. Some became weaker. Being leader of the survivors? This idea would be absurd to me before the outbreak. I never wanted to be a leaderRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pagesleading to truth-valued conclusions but with making choices, assessing reasons, seeking advice, etc. Dowden gets the balance and the emphasis right. Norman Swartz, Simon Fraser University v Acknowledgments For the 1993 edition: The following friends and colleagues deserve thanks for their help and encouragement with this project: Clifford Anderson, Hellan Roth Dowden, Louise Dowden, Robert Foreman, Richard Gould, Kenneth King, Marjorie Lee, Elizabeth Perry, Heidi Wackerli, Perry Weddle, Tiffany