The Life and Times of William Shakespeare Essay Example for Free

The Life and Times of William Shakespeare Essay Shakespeare is widely regarded as the world’s greatest playwright, and there’s no real reason to dispute that. People are still seeing his plays 400 years after he wrote them, not because it’s â€Å"trendy† or â€Å"hip,† but because they’re so good. His insight into the human spirit has never been equaled. This paper is a brief biography of Shakespeare and a discussion of the times in which he lived. Discussion His life: It’s somewhat difficult to find factual information about Shakespeare, because the â€Å"first attempts at biographical research were not begun until over half a century after Shakespeare’s death† (Best, 2005). In addition, there were few biographies written of important persons at this time, especially dramatists, since plays were not considered â€Å"serious literature† (Best, 2005). In addition, the Puritans closed the theaters in 1642, and many manuscripts and other records were lost (Best, 2005). It also doesn’t help that there are numerous spellings of his name. Nevertheless, scholars have pieced together a fairly complete picture of his life, and where facts are not known, they have drawn reasonable inferences (Best, 2005). However, the fact remains that much of what we know is based on indirect information. William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon some time in April, 1564, the son of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden (Hanna Life). Although there is no record of the exact date of his birth, there is a baptismal record at the church, so most scholars put his birthday as the 23rd of April, 1564 (Hanna Life). John Shakespeare was a â€Å"prominent and prosperous alderman† in Stratford, and was â€Å"granted a coat of arms by the College of Heralds† (Hanna Life). Little is known of Shakespeare’s boyhood but it is believed that he probably attended the â€Å"Stratford Grammar School† (Hanna Life). There is no record of him having gone on to either Oxford or Cambridge, both of which were well established by his time (Hanna Life). Shakespeare’s name turns up next in 1582 when he marries Anne Hathaway, some eight years his senior (Hanna Life). Their daughter Susanna was born in 1583 and twins, Judith and Hamnet, were born in 1585 (Hanna Life). Once again Shakespeare disappears from the records and doesn’t turn up again for seven years, by which time he is â€Å"recognized as an actor, poet and playwright† (Hanna Life). His recognition comes in the form of an insult from a rival, Robert Greene, who calls Shakespeare â€Å"an upstart crow† in his (Greene’s) play, A Groatsworth of Wit (Hanna Life). It’s thought that at about this time (1592) Shakespeare joined an acting troupe known as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, one of the best in London (Hanna Life). The troupe leased the theater (named, unoriginally, â€Å"The Theatre†) where they performed; they lost the lease in 1599 (Hanna Life). By this time, though, the troupe had enough money to build their own theater, across the Thames on the less fashionable South Bank; this new theater was, of course, The Globe (Hanna Life). The Globe opened in July, 1599, with some of the old timbers salvaged from The Theatre used in its construction (Hanna Life). The Globe featured â€Å"Totus mundus agit histrionem (A whole world of players)† as its motto (Hanna Life). When James I ascended the throne in 1603, the company changed its name to the â€Å"King’s Men† or â€Å"King’s Company† (Hanna Life). The company’s instructions, conveyed to them in Letters Patent, told Shakespeare and eight other company members specifically to â€Å"use and exercise the art and faculty of playing Comedies, Tragedies, Histories, Interludes, Morals, Pastorals, stage plays as well for recreation of our loving subjects as for our solace and pleasure (Hanna Life). Things went well for the newly-christened King’s Men for another ten years, until 1613 (Hanna Life). Then, on June 19, a cannon fired from the theater’s roof during a â€Å"gala performance of Henry VIII† set the Globe’s thatched roof on fire and the theater burned to the ground (Hanna Life). The audience was so absorbed in the play that at first they ignored the fire, but when the walls and curtains went up, they surely must have run (Hanna Life). By some miracle â€Å"there were no casualties, and the next spring the company had the theatre ‘new builded in a far fairer manner than before’ (Hanna Life). Shakespeare â€Å"invested in the rebuilding† effort, but by that time he had retired to Stratford, to the â€Å"Great House of New Place† that he’d bought in 1597 (Hanna Life). There were considerable land holdings associated with the house, and Shakespeare remained there, where he continued to write, until his death in 1616 (Hanna Life). Ironically, he died on his alleged birthday, April 23 (Hanna). He was 52. Although he died at what we would consider a young age, he left behind a body of work that has made him immortal, and continues to light up theaters around the world. His Times: The world 400 years ago is often seen as romantic and noble, but it was brutal, unsanitary and often terrifying. We’re familiar with a lot of the history of the time through films and TV shows; a movie about Elizabeth I was released recently. Shakespeare lived at a time of political upheaval and court intrigue, as well as a time of exploration. For example, a man named John Hawkins sailed to the New World a second time in 1561 (Hanna Times). Trips like this were dangerous and daring, but also yielded treasure and more importantly, lands for the Crown. From 1577-1580 â€Å"Francis Proke sailed around the world† (Hanna Times). In 1586 when he was 22, Mary Queen of Scots was tried for treason and executed the following year (Hanna Times). And in 1588 one of the greatest events in English history took place: the English under the command of Queen Elizabeth I defeated the Spanish invasion fleet known as the Armada (Hanna Times). Unfortunately, this was also the time of the great plagues; plague swept through London in 1592-93, necessitating the closure of the theaters; plague struck again in 1603 (Hanna). This was also the year that Elizabeth I died and James IV, King of Scotland became James I of England (Hanna Times). It was at this point that the â€Å"Lord Chamberlain’s Men† became the â€Å"King’s Men†; James I liked the theater and was a writer himself, publishing works on such subjects and witchcraft and â€Å"the divine right of kings† (Best-James I, 2005). In 1605, the â€Å"Gunpowder Plot† was hatched and Guy Fawkes lead a group of Catholics in an attempt to assassinate James and blow up Parliament (Hanna – Times). The English still celebrate â€Å"Guy Fawkes Day. † As we saw, the Globe burned down in 1613 by which time Shakespeare had returned to Stratford. He lived only another three years.

Madness and Insanity in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay -- GCSE Coursework

     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Shakespeare's Hamlet, there are two characters that display qualities of insanity.   They are Hamlet and Ophelia.   Although they both appear to be mad at times, their downfall (or supposed downfall) is quite different.   Ophelia's crazed characteristics show up and intensify quite rapidly, until she is ultimately led to suicide.   Her madness seems definite, and it is never questioned.   The insanity or sanity of the main character is an arguable question.   The issue can be discussed both ways, with significant support to either theory. Certainly, Hamlet has many reasons to lead him to becoming insane, because of the pressure and emotional strain that he is suffering from.   This might be enough to cause the character to become deranged, but there is much evidence that shows how Hamlet remains sharp and credible through it all.   Although in some instances Hamlet appears to be crazed, there are many indications that his madness is only an illusio n that he is purposely trying to portray.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Horatio gives Hamlet some good advice when he says, "What if it tempt you toward the flood my lord, or to the dreadful summit of the cliff that beetles o'er his base into the sea, and there assume some other horrible form which might deprive your sovereignty of reason, and draw you into madness?   Think of it" (I.iv.69-74).   This warning might be where Hamlet gets the idea to use a plea of insanity to work out his murderous plan.   In the following scene, Hamlet tells Horatio that he is going to feign insanity.   If Horatio notices that Hamlet begins to act strangely, it is only because he is putting on an act, in order to fulfill a future purpose.   Later in the play, Polonius questions the authenticity of Hamlet's madness.... ...s on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Excerpted from Stories from Shakespeare. N. p.: E. P. Dutton, 1956. Danson, Lawrence. "Tragic Alphabet." Modern Critical Interpretations: Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House, 1986. Rpt. from Tragic Alphabet: Shakespeare's Drama of Language. N. p.: Yale University Press, 1974. Felperin, Howard. "O'erdoing Termagant." Modern Critical Interpretations: Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House, 1986. Rpt. of "O'erdoing Termagant: An Approach to Shakespearean Mimesis." The Yale Review 63, no.3 (Spring 1974). Hart, Bernard. The Psychology of Insanity. London: Cambridge, 1914. Landis, Carney, and James D. Page. Modern Soceity and Mental Disease. New York: Farrar and Rinehart, 1938. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Norton Critical ed. Ed. Cyrus Hoy. New York: Norton, 1992.   Madness and Insanity in Shakespeare's Hamlet Essay -- GCSE Coursework      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Shakespeare's Hamlet, there are two characters that display qualities of insanity.   They are Hamlet and Ophelia.   Although they both appear to be mad at times, their downfall (or supposed downfall) is quite different.   Ophelia's crazed characteristics show up and intensify quite rapidly, until she is ultimately led to suicide.   Her madness seems definite, and it is never questioned.   The insanity or sanity of the main character is an arguable question.   The issue can be discussed both ways, with significant support to either theory. Certainly, Hamlet has many reasons to lead him to becoming insane, because of the pressure and emotional strain that he is suffering from.   This might be enough to cause the character to become deranged, but there is much evidence that shows how Hamlet remains sharp and credible through it all.   Although in some instances Hamlet appears to be crazed, there are many indications that his madness is only an illusio n that he is purposely trying to portray.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Horatio gives Hamlet some good advice when he says, "What if it tempt you toward the flood my lord, or to the dreadful summit of the cliff that beetles o'er his base into the sea, and there assume some other horrible form which might deprive your sovereignty of reason, and draw you into madness?   Think of it" (I.iv.69-74).   This warning might be where Hamlet gets the idea to use a plea of insanity to work out his murderous plan.   In the following scene, Hamlet tells Horatio that he is going to feign insanity.   If Horatio notices that Hamlet begins to act strangely, it is only because he is putting on an act, in order to fulfill a future purpose.   Later in the play, Polonius questions the authenticity of Hamlet's madness.... ...s on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Excerpted from Stories from Shakespeare. N. p.: E. P. Dutton, 1956. Danson, Lawrence. "Tragic Alphabet." Modern Critical Interpretations: Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House, 1986. Rpt. from Tragic Alphabet: Shakespeare's Drama of Language. N. p.: Yale University Press, 1974. Felperin, Howard. "O'erdoing Termagant." Modern Critical Interpretations: Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House, 1986. Rpt. of "O'erdoing Termagant: An Approach to Shakespearean Mimesis." The Yale Review 63, no.3 (Spring 1974). Hart, Bernard. The Psychology of Insanity. London: Cambridge, 1914. Landis, Carney, and James D. Page. Modern Soceity and Mental Disease. New York: Farrar and Rinehart, 1938. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Norton Critical ed. Ed. Cyrus Hoy. New York: Norton, 1992.  

The Role of History in our Contemporary Understanding of Economic and Political Globalization

Deion M. MaithGeorge Mason University September 29, 2018 History plays a fundamental role in developing a better understanding of economic and political globalization. The movement of people and resources has a long history but was amplified by the colonialism which laid the groundwork for international relations and the adoption of neoliberal policies. Globalization has established a link between countries and people across the globe. This has led to the opening up of economies which has led to an increased flow of goods, people, and services across borders. Neoliberalism on the other hand focuses on the need for the free market capitalism where the government interference is limited. On the other hand, Globalization helps in the adoption of the contemporary neoliberal given that it facilitates the flow of people, resources, knowledge, and technology. Therefore, the success of the neo-liberal policies hinges on the success of the globalization (Wallerstein, 2004). However, it is the historical events such as colonization that helped in shaping economic and political globalization. Globalization increases the connectivity to people across the globe therefore leading to sharing of information and distribution of wealth (Middell, & Naumann, 2010). This is important since it leads to global development and in making sure that the technology flows from one country to another thereby improving the global economy. Even though globalization has been vital to the global economy, it has led to a dilution of cultures across the globe and uneven distribution of wealth and therefore increased the gap between the rich and poor. Globalization helps in facilitating international transfers, investments as well as the trade which is beneficial to the countries involved. The flow of people help in the movement of labor, which helps in improving the living condition, thereby, reducing the rate of poverty. The flow of investment from the developing countries gives the opportunity to the poor which helps in improving their standards of living and amount of resources. Global connectivity is beneficial to individuals, businesses, and nations. As a result, global connectivity has positively contributed to the spread of knowledge and modern technology. In addition, global connectivity provides a platform where there is an exchange of ideas, skills, as well as resources which help in improving personal and national development. Businesses can benefit from global connectivity by establishing trade deals and facilitating the flow of goods and services (Gills, & Thompson, 2012). This has also played a key role in fostering national development as countries are able to receive resources from other countries to promote economic development. Sharing of knowledge through global connectivity has paved the way for the eradication of diseases and providing political and economic solutions in the long run. Furthermore, global connectivity has also created a leeway where people can share traditions, cultures, and access to a different set of opportunities across the globe. Global connectivity is also instrumental in Disaster warning and recovery which is beneficial to a county and individuals since it helps in saving lives. Even though global connectivity has positive outcomes, it may contribute to the spread of the risks in the long run if it is mismanaged. The spread of the financial crisis in 2008 was facilitated by the global connectivity which mainly affected different economies across the globe. Global connectivity may also lead to an increase in unequal distribution of wealth due to the dominance of the developed economies. With this in mind, the increased global connectivity has also led to the destruction of national resources and the dilution of culture across the globe. Industries in developing countries may negatively be affected due to the flow of cheaper goods and services from the developed economies. Countries that primarily benefit from global connectivity are mainly those with the ability to produce goods and services at a low cost. Furthermore, global connectivity leads to exploitation of natural resources in developing countries. Although globalization may affect countries differently depending on the flow of resources and investment, globalization has created a situation where the free flow of cheap goods to developing nations have destroyed jobs and industries to those economies which have resulted in an increase in the rate of unemployment (Steger, 2017). As a result, the inequality gap has increased as those with the resources have benefited more than others. However, the flow of knowledge, technology, and investment reduce the rate of poverty and inequality in developing countries. Therefore, the impact of globalization may be positive or negative depending on the flow of resources and the effect that such on the local economies. Dependency theory indicates that wealthy or more developed countries plow resources from developing countries which further negatively affects the poor economies (Smil, 2010). The developed countries have dominated the global economy due to the technological advancement, availability of natural resources, and the production of good and services at low prices. Developing countries, however, rely on the developed countries to improve their infrastructures which have increased the public debt and their reliance on the wealthy nations (Allensens, 2018). The link between neoliberalism and the globalization is that, globalization plays a crucial role in establishing the right environment where the free market environment can be established. In the past, globalization has played a vital role in the spread of capital, technology as well as the information across the border through economic globalization. This also played a vital role in the spread of the neoliberalism which increases the need for the governments to limit their interference in the market such as privatization of government companies and creating a free market environment. It is through neoliberalism that economic affairs and global markets are allowed to function on their own without governed interference. Even though this is the case, the spread of neoliberalism policies across the globe has been facilitated by globalization (McMichael, 2012). The Washington Consensus was structured to assist developing countries, in particular, those in crisis. This primarily concentrated more on the need to expand the market, facilitating movement of investment to those countries and also the need for the macroeconomic stabilization. On the other hand, contemporary global affairs are often structured in a way that they can generate positive results for the developing countries. Therefore, both the developing and the developed nations work towards making sure that those countries in crisis can develop. Countries such as Greece, have faced an economic crisis in the past and it is the bailout plans and the contemporary global affairs that has facilitated the recovery of such economies (Wallerstein, 2004). Furthermore, colonialism laid the foundation for globalization and the opening up of economies across the globe. Colonialism played a crucial role in promoting the interaction of economies where the raw materials from developing countries were diverted to developed nations. However, during this period the main highlight was the link provided between the colonial powers and the developing nations. Neoliberalism has played a vital role especially through the free flow of resources from one country to another. This was similar to what was practiced during the colonial period as the resources moved from developing countries to developed nations. Therefore, both colonialism and neoliberalism lead to a flow of resources from one country to another with minimum government interference. Through this, both countries benefit as they acquire the scarce resources and at the same time export the resources that are abundant to other countries similar practices that were practiced during the colonialism. It was the colonialism that laid the foundation for the globalization and global connectivity similar concept held by the neoliberalism (Introduction to Sociology, 2018). In conclusion, understanding the historical development of globalization and events such as colonization, one may be able to develop a better understanding of economic and political globalization. Furthermore, globalization has facilitated in opening up of economies which lead to a flow of goods and services. As a result, globalization has played a vital role in boosting of economies given that economies can distribute the goods and services across the border. On the other hand, colonialism by the European countries played a vital role in the spread of ideologies and linking the economies across the globe. The colonialism was facilitated by the European expansion motivated by the need to search for raw materials for their economies and had a positive and negative impact on different countries. ReferencesAllensens. (2018).  Dependency Theory  [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN6LlMY2ApQ&feature=youtu.beGills, B. K., & Thompson, W. (2012).  Globalization and global history. Routledge.Introduction to Sociology. (2016).  Globalization and Neoliberalism  [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwGgLfu5aGs&feature=youtu.beMcMichael, P. (2012).  Development and social change: A global perspective. Los Angeles: SAGE.Middell, M., & Naumann, K. (2010). Global history and the spatial turn: from the impact of area studies to the study of critical junctures of globalization.  Journal of Global History,  5(1), 149-170. Smil, V. (2010).  Prime movers of globalization: The history and impact of diesel engines and gas turbines. MIT press.Steger, M. B. (2017).  Globalization: A very short introduction (Vol. 86). Oxford University Press.Wallerstein, I. M. (2004).  World-systems analysis: An introduction. Durham: Duke University Pre ss.

Asian American And Pacific Islanders Essay - 1981 Words

Introduction Asians have migrated to and have lived in the Americas since the days of our founding fathers. The first to come from the Eastern Hemisphere were a small group of Filipinos in the early 18th century that settled in present day Louisiana. The first major influx of Asian Americans was Chinese Americans who came in the 1800’s to find financial opportunity during the California gold rush. They settled in the Golden State and eventually spread out all over the United States, creating the now-famous Chinatowns that millions of Americans visit every year. There is a continual migration of well educated South Asians and East Asians for job and education opportunities and their success has formed the basis for the â€Å"myth of the model minority† (MMM). This is the idea that all people who are Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are successful both socioeconomically and educationally. This does have a logical basis rooted in statistics—AAPI students are reported to have higher grade point averages, math scores, and overall standardized tests scores on tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Testing Exam (ACT). Other studies often use a racialized rhetoric comparing Asian Americans to white Americans in terms of education and socioeconomic status while contrasting them to the so-called â€Å"lazy† and â€Å"incapable† Hispanic and African Americans. The term â€Å"model minority† was first coined in a 1966 New York Times article written by WilliamShow MoreRelatedAsian American And Pacific Islanders2310 Words   |  10 PagesIntroduction Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are one of the fastest growing minorities in the United States. 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