The Modern Prometheus - Free Essay Example

Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus, has long been considered one of the first and greatest gothic novels of all time. First published in 1818 when the author, Mary W. Shelley was just 20 years old, the novel follows the journey of Robert Walton as he seeks to discover a new passage through the Arctic Ocean. Along the way he encounters a man, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, who recounts his tale of his own journey to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and the tragedy that ensued. The novel tackles the issue of unbridled scientific discovery and advancement leading to the destruction of civilization, however underlying themes also arise pertaining to religion and Greek mythology. BODY 2 The novels themes center on the social and cultural aspects of society during Shelleys lifetime, including the movement away from the intellectually confining Enlightenment. Writers of the Romantic period were concerned with nature, compassion, and heroes, but they also were rebelling against technology, commercialization, and loss of humanity. The characters in the novel reflect the struggles members of society were facing at the time. Part of the romantic reaction against Enlightenment rationalism, which began with Rousseau (see Chapter 17), Shelleys novel presented Frankenstein as a man driven by obsessive intellectual curiosity and the monster as a tragic symbol of science out of control. Written in the optimistic dawn of the industrialized age, when humanity seemed on the verge of taming the natural world, Shelleys Frankenstein is one of the earliest warnings that scientific research divorced from morality is an open invitation to personal and social disaster (Matthews, Platt, and Noble 481). The monster is portrayed as an outcast from society, and the reader can empathize with his subsequent rage at being ostracized. Nature and science, opposing forces during this period, are important themes shaping the novel. Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley, is one of the most iconic tales of 19th century literature. Grandly displaying a mastery of psychological depth within the characters, the author portrays a flawed society inherent within their scientific progression. As such, the enriching tale draws many criticisms from the society in which Shelley lived in, some of which encompasses appearances, feminism, and class restrictions. Retold through multiple mediums, the story is generally seen as a tale of the dangers of scientific progression to such an extremity that it illustrates faults in the upbringing of its citizens. Although, there is more to the story than a criticism of science being a dangerous endeavor with harsh complications, the characters show faults in their psyche from being ill-treated by civilization. The creatures symbolism emphasizes a defect in a hypocritical society and its discontents. Thus, the creature reveals societys flaw in supporting a superficial image of the world. Victor represents the tendency of science to divorce itself from ethics. As a scientist, Victor does not consider the consequences of his research, and he does not take responsibility for what happens as a result. What is more, this lapse in Victors judgment arises in part from his absence from home, both literally and figuratively: In order to do his work, he must cut himself off from other human beings. The story begins with an ambitious mans journey to the North Pole, but he is facing many perils on his way and faces many ethical issues blurring the line between morals and science. Meeting with Dr. Frankenstein, the captain is told the long, life story of a man who cannot see the line between ethics and science, and showing complete remorse over his creation, the unnamed creature. Frankenstein forewarns him, You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I Shelley is also commenting on human prejudice, especially concerning appearance. the story is generally seen as a tale of the dangers of scientific progression to such an extremity that it illustrates faults in the upbringing of its citizens. Although, there is more to the story than a criticism of science being a dangerous endeavor with harsh complications, the characters show faults in their psyche from being ill-treated by civilization. The creatures symbolism emphasizes a defect in a hypocritical society and its dis contents. Thus, the creature reveals societys flaw in supporting a superficial image of the world. BODY 3 The novel also explores the boundary between life and death, and the potential dangers human arrogance might arouse when trying to play God. Frankenstein contains a great amount of biblical symbolism, particularly the theme of the outcast and the story of creation. The creature is bitter and dejected after being turned away from human civilization, much the same way that Adam in Paradise Lost was turned out of the Garden of Eden (Smith). Shelley explores some aspects of human nature, specifically human lust for power and the unfortunate way we deal with it once it is achieved. Dr. Frankenstein achieved the power of giving an inanimate body life. This is a Godlike power. He continues to play God by passing judgment on his creation. The tragedy is he (as well as all the other people the monster encounters) fails to see the good in his creation that is obviously there. If Dr. Frankenstein is the monsters God, then the monster is literally Godforsaken. Considering the situation, the monster reacts in a very human way. It is largely agreed in American society today that a child who is isolated from human interaction cannot be blamed for his/her actions, and that neglect is one of the worst forms of abuse. In the same way, Frankensteins monster is not at fault for his acts of destruction but is actually the victim. In fact, if there is a villain in this story it would be Frankenstein for his abuse of his monster. Shelleys novel focuses on an aspect of the Prometheus myth typically overlooked in the more traditional version of the Titans defiant martyrdom, namely, an offsprings need for sustained guidance, influence, pity, and support from its creator. BODY 4 During her European travels with her husband, while staying in Geneva with the poet Lord Byron, 18-year-old Mary Shelley created Frankenstein in response to a ghost-story competition among the literary group. To pass the time, the party held stirring discussions of current scientific theories. They were particularly fascinated by the experiments with electricity carried out the century before by Luigi Galvani, who had observed how an electric current made the legs of a dead frog twitch. They speculated on the possibility of bringing dead matter back to life by using electrical impulses. Since she and her husband Percy had recently traveled through southern Germany, not far from the centuries-old Frankenstein Castle, some people have speculated that shed probably also heard the rumors of an eccentric inventor there who claimed to have discovered an elixir of life. After all this scientific talk, Lord Byron took the group in a different direction and suggested that each member of the party write a horror story. Out of this parlor game came a new kind of tale, Mary Shelleys terrifying novel, Frankenstein. Conclusion Frankenstein brought new light to the worries of the 19th century population about whether science and technology would lead to the destruction of mankind. Those same fears continue to plague mankind, whether it is cloning of animals, or the current ideas of genetic modification. The fact that these big questions still inform the social implications of science in the 21st century is a key reason that the popularity of Mary Shelleys story has only grown over time.

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Personal Statement Mba University - 917 Words

Personal statement I take this opportunity to express my interest in joining your institution, Widener University. I hold a bachelor degree in accounting from King Saudi University where I graduated in 2010. Currently I am studying leadership and education for my masters at Concordia University. My GPA stands at 4.00. Education for me never stops and I believe the only time I will stop learning is when my life ends. This is why I am interested in joining your institution; in order to continue with my education, better my grades, and stand in society. Apart from learning, I also love discovering new things, working, and completing. In this front, I have taken part in different disciplines of which I hold certificates and trainings. I participated in organizations and challenges that have earned me a scholarship from the government. I have a certificate in differentiated instruction for diverse student population, which took place in 2014. In addition, I also have a certificate in complete portfolio requ irement for EDS 506, Community learning laboratory; furthermore, I also have other certificates in global education ISO, and distance education. My key research goals in my doctoral program are- guided by the following core objectives; to foster an understanding of theory and its relevance to problem solving , and the expansion of our knowledge base. To contribute towards the improvement of leadership by encouraging the spirit of critical inquiry and analysis throughShow MoreRelatedMy Personal Action Plan For 20171464 Words   |  6 PagesIncluded in my Personal Action Plan for 2017 are several goals that I need to achieve in order to reach my long-term personal objectives. They include, earning a promotion to Vice President, saving $3.5 million for retirement, maintaining my health, and attaining an MBA degree. All four long-term objectives are specific, relevant to me, in line with my life goals, and time-bound. 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Notes and Study Guide free essay sample

Exam one was returned for students review. Listening assignment for this week was distributed and uploaded to mix. Ensemble- usually a small group of performers Polyphonic- The simultaneous sounding of two or more melodies of equal importance. Group Work: Sidney Becket First notable Jazz saxophone player, soprano sax Played clarinet, too. Composer Professional by age of 6. Louis Armstrong 1901-1971 [Greatest trumpet player] The most Influential Jazz musician Learned to play the bugle In home for boysFirst to be considered a jazz artist. Big Bedecked 1903-1931 1924 Formed a band named the Wolverines Trumpet player From Iowa First cool artist Influenced by Debussy, classical music The King Designation reserved for trumpet players A King was designated by peers. Joe King Oliver was the last designated King. Joe Oliver mentored Louis Armstrong Early New Orleans Jazz- Ease of style, 4/4 rhythm, included cornet, trombone, clarinet, drums Chicago Style- sasss, faster, more intense, featured solos, 2/4 rhythm, instruments now included: guitar, sax, string bass Notes on Board cot 9, 2013Another listening assignment was distributed and will be uploaded to MIX. We will write a custom essay sample on Notes and Study Guide or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Reminder: Next exam is on October 30th, 2013 Scat Singing- The use of nonsense syllables while improvising vocally. Obbligato- An accompanying or free melody played by a second instrument. We studied Louis Armstrong: Had an effect on all music that followed. [We listened to music from two movies: Youve Got Mail and The Jungle Book which featured his music, though there are others] Made the impossible possible on the trumpet. Changed the whole idea of what a band was. Changed the way soloist thought of themselves.He created interest in soloists because his talent was so obvious, people wanted to hear him play; Emerged as a solo instrumentalist Master accompanist Ensemble player Pioneer in scat singing [popular singer all around] Was first taught by instructor Peter Davis. [in the Boys Home] Was a protog of Joe King Oliver Armstrong was the first Jazz player to receive international fame His artistic style: well developed technique, tone, rhythm and a master at improvisation Armstrong created and recorded with bands in Chicago known as the Hot Five and later, HotSeven He knocked the Beetles off the Top 100 charts with Hello Dolly in 1964 He received the Grammar Lifetime Achievement Award in 1972 H) Notes on Board for Cot 16 Next exam: October 30th 2013; Page 1 of 2 A new listening assignment was distributed and all six pieces have been uploaded to Mix. You will need to be able to identify Title, Artist and Style for the next exam. We listened to the following pieces: All of Me, OK-OK, Maple Leaf Rag, West End Blues, Singing the Blues, Dipterous Blues.Today, we are reviewing Chapter 6. Obbligato- An accompanying or free melody played by a second instrument. Swing- In general, swing refers to the music of large dance bands that played written arrangements and occasionally improvised solos. Swing Era- Era of Jazz in the sass and early sass. Riff-A short pattern of sounds repeated and played by a soloist or group. Mary Lou Williams First woman to compose/arrange for a large Jazz band Greatest female performer in Kansas City Her first public performance was at six years of age. Composer and band leader Count Basis Joined the road show of Bennie Moment Became a big band leader and composer in Kansas City 928 played with Walter Page and Famous Blue Devils and nicknamed Count Played an economic piano style and organ Died 1984 Benny Goodman Named the King of Swing Played clarinet Organized his first band in 1934 Ella Fitzgerald Named the First lady of song and the Queen of Jazz By 1982 had received 10 Grammars and 22 downbeat readers polls Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George Bush National Medal of Arts by Ronald Reagan Sold 40 million records in 59 years Jimmie Luncheons ContinuedPage 2 of 2 Biggest diverse program of music by any black dance band His band played 19 engagements in WV Formed by a group of college students with unusual discipline Ranked as high as any other swing band Duke Longtime Proved that orchestrating was an art of the highest level His music was a combo of solo and ensemble playing One of the figures of the Harlem Renaissa nce Developed his own sound by using exotic trombones, growls, way wash, and high squealing trumpets and sultry saxophones.Chick Webb Drummer One of the first band that appeared in NY Unable to read music, he memorized the arrangements played by the band In the id 19302 Ella Fitzgerald raised the band to prominence Could swing while playing lightly Fletcher Henderson Came to NY to study chemistry at Colombia but became so involved with music that he followed it instead Pianist Arranging was his most notable talent His arrangements [with the help of WV Don Redden] were used by the Benny Goodman orchestra Helped bridge the gap between age of Jazz and swing era He thought that too much improvisation was dreary and that polyphonic and Dixieland style were too risky [for large bands. ] Notes on Board, October 23, 2013 Exam next week, October 30th. Study Guide for exam 2 was distributed and will be uploaded to Mix. Listening assignment for exam 2 was distributed and will be uploaded to Mix. Cotton Club- A Harlem night spot, this club was both a part of the Harlem renaissance and an expression of the racial divide. Plunger Mute- The rubber bottom of a plumbers helper. Waving it in front of the bell off brass instrument like a trumpet causes the sound to be modified drastically. Cross-sectional voicing- Instead of all the saxophones playing together for example, grouping the voices (instruments) of a big band in a creative way. West Virginian Don Redden developed the arrangement of instruments for swing band: l)saxophones, 2)trumpets, 3)trombones, 4)rhythm.The Duke Longtime, Chapter 7 Duke was born on April 29, 1899 [Edward Kennedy (Duke) Longtime, born in Washington DC] Duke was recognized as one of Jazzs premiere composers He formed an effective balance between individuals and group expression because he struck a model between personal musical freedom [within his orchestra] while other band lea ders restricted their individual musical freedom. By the age of 17, Longtime had a five-piece band called the Washingtons. Longtime began his career in New York as a leader in 1923. Some of the skills Longtime developed early in NY were: band leader, writer and composer and arranger. Duke helped lay a foundation for future musicians. Dukes major instrument was the piano. He got his nickname Duke from a high school friend. [Because he always gave great attention to his appearance. ] Fats Waller and Willie (the lion) Smith were stride pianist who inspired Longtime.The Cotton Club was a Harlem night club, which was both Harlem Renaissance and expression of racial divide. Duke Longtime was booked t the Cotton Club from 1927-1932 Longtime played: swing, Jungle Jazz, mood style, concerto, [standard] Duke didnt like his music categorized as simply Jazz. It limited it. To What about swing? He replied, What about harmonics? After his mother died, Duke Longtime experimented with longer musical compositions and almost was robbed of his musical ambitions. [He overcame this grief. ] Billy Statutory- Composer and arranger for Duke Longtime. Of him, Duke said, Billy Statutory was my right arm, my left arm, all the eyes in the back of my head, my brain waves in his head, and his in mine.