The Zoo Story Essay Example for Free

The Zoo Story Essay Edward Albee, in his play The Zoo Story, demonstrates his mastery of â€Å"the theater of the absurd. † Through absurdity he manages to bring to light the underlying social norms and limitations upon real human emotion and existence imposed by American culture. Superficially Jerry is the absurd character, but as the one act play progresses it becomes apparent that Albee intends to reveal the very real absurdity inherent in ordinary, everyday discourse and activity—this is provided by Peter. Peter is repeatedly referred to by Jerry as a vegetable; he seems to be vacuous in the sense that he behaves and acts absolutely as he is expected to by the norms of society. He is properly polite and his words are entirely empty; he almost never says what he actually feels, only what he believes it is appropriate to say. The plot is entirely linear, although the dialogue is anything but. Essentially, the play is just about Jerry and Peter as they happen to encounter one another at the park. They speak with each other; then Peter stabs Jerry and leaves him to die. So, the plot is linear in that it merely follows these events in real time as they happen. However, Jerry’s attempted explanations surrounding his life and the events that made-up his day are deliberately presented in a disjointed manner. Jerry seems to have trouble communicating with other animals; yet, we come to realize by the end, that he is far more successful in conveying his innermost emotions than Peter is. His explanation of why he went to the zoo makes no sense to a man who works with words every day—Peter is a publisher. There is no polite or unobtrusive answer to the question of why Jerry went to the zoo; as a result, he honestly tells Peter his lonely and violent motivations. This is why Jerry’s â€Å"zoo story† begins with a description of his apartment complex, and the perverse woman that is his landlord. It is important that this disorderly account of Jerry’s visit to the zoo actually occur in the straightforward structure of a simple conversation in a park: Peter becomes the audience to this unbridled expression of emotion and sin imposed upon his structured life. In a very literal sense, Jerry and Peter are simply animals. They have limitations placed upon their actions just as the animals in the zoo are kept behind bars. While Peter seems wholly content with his restricted position—or perhaps he is unaware that he is confined at all—Jerry seems to bristle at the very idea. To Jerry the orderly functioning of society has prevented him from reaching out to other people in any meaningful way. In this regard, he is rather fascinated by Peter—a man who embodies everything ordinary and artificial. When Peter jumps to conclusions about Jerry’s life he is asked, â€Å"What were you trying to do? Make sense out of things? Bring order? The old pigeonhole bit? † (Albee, 25). By posing these questions Jerry is revealing his interest in the mechanisms of Peter’s thought, but he also seems to be attempting to teach Peter something; to lead him to a conclusion which he has already reached. Jerry wants to reach out and touch Peter, but he cannot be successful until Peter realizes in what way he is restrained. Jerry is an individual type character: understanding his psychology is more important than his actual function in the play. Obviously, he is trying to, and eventually succeeds, in bringing about a change in Peter; but the exhibition of this change is less important than grasping the reason why Jerry wants to succeed. Basically, the play’s purpose is to uncover the psychology of the characters; the audience gets the sense that any structuring of the plot which achieved this would ultimately convey the same messages. Accordingly, Peter is also an individual type character, but this is dependent upon his reciprocal relationship with Jerry. In other words, Jerry and Peter’s particular psychological states are significant in and of themselves, but they require each other’s interaction to fully reveal the gravity of their existences. We could not possibly understand anything meaningful about Peter without Jerry; similarly, Jerry can only be perceived as being erratic or insane once Peter’s perspective is understood.

Running into Darkness in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness :: Heart Darkness essays

Heart Of Darkness: Running from the Truth In the novel Heart Of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad, the main character makes a decision to go against his convictions by telling a lie about Kurtz ¹s death to the intended. After careful analysis of the situation, one can see that Marlow is justified in lying to the intended because the lie enables Marlow live the rest of his life without having to bear the weight of truth on his shoulders.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There was great meaning in the actual final words uttered by Kurtz. Kurtz had seen the true heart of man, and he knew of the evil. In his final words  ³the horror, the horror ²(68), Marlow comes to understand and to accept Kurtz ¹s view of life. The things that Kurtz had both done and seen in his life were in fact horrible, but was something that Marlow was able to look past. This is later clear by what is in his thoughts as he talks to the woman. He condemning mankind as a whole with this statement. . This is why Marlow keeps the words to himself. It allows him to preserve hope both in the intended, and more importantly in himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Early in the story Marlow makes it clear that he detests lies. He says  ³There is a taint of death, a flavor of mortality in lies-which is exactly what I hate and detest in the world(29). ² This quote comes to mind at the end of the book when Marlow blatantly lies to the intended, but there is plenty evidence that Marlow ¹s has not changed, only his method of avoiding what he hates. He says that he hates the morality, and the taint of death associated with lies, but in this case these things are associated with the truth. Marlow tells of a vision that he has on his way into see the intended. He says that he saw Kurtz  ³on the stretcher opening his mouth voraciously as if to devour all of the earth with all its mankind ² and that he had seen Kurtz as  ³a shadow insatiable of splendid appearances, of frightful realities, a shadow darker than the shadow of night,(72). This is a real and vivid description of his feelings for Kurtz. To Marlow, Kurtz was an evil force that represented horror of what people could easily become under the right circumstances. Running into Darkness in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness :: Heart Darkness essays Heart Of Darkness: Running from the Truth In the novel Heart Of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad, the main character makes a decision to go against his convictions by telling a lie about Kurtz ¹s death to the intended. After careful analysis of the situation, one can see that Marlow is justified in lying to the intended because the lie enables Marlow live the rest of his life without having to bear the weight of truth on his shoulders.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There was great meaning in the actual final words uttered by Kurtz. Kurtz had seen the true heart of man, and he knew of the evil. In his final words  ³the horror, the horror ²(68), Marlow comes to understand and to accept Kurtz ¹s view of life. The things that Kurtz had both done and seen in his life were in fact horrible, but was something that Marlow was able to look past. This is later clear by what is in his thoughts as he talks to the woman. He condemning mankind as a whole with this statement. . This is why Marlow keeps the words to himself. It allows him to preserve hope both in the intended, and more importantly in himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Early in the story Marlow makes it clear that he detests lies. He says  ³There is a taint of death, a flavor of mortality in lies-which is exactly what I hate and detest in the world(29). ² This quote comes to mind at the end of the book when Marlow blatantly lies to the intended, but there is plenty evidence that Marlow ¹s has not changed, only his method of avoiding what he hates. He says that he hates the morality, and the taint of death associated with lies, but in this case these things are associated with the truth. Marlow tells of a vision that he has on his way into see the intended. He says that he saw Kurtz  ³on the stretcher opening his mouth voraciously as if to devour all of the earth with all its mankind ² and that he had seen Kurtz as  ³a shadow insatiable of splendid appearances, of frightful realities, a shadow darker than the shadow of night,(72). This is a real and vivid description of his feelings for Kurtz. To Marlow, Kurtz was an evil force that represented horror of what people could easily become under the right circumstances.

Children of Men

Children of Men â€Å"Children of Men† is set in the year of 2027, when the world is in chaos with the multitude of political and social issues including immigration and fascism. The movie could be classified as science fiction because it consists of two common elements of the genre: a futuristic setting and a dystopian society. There is, however, no advanced technology or artificial intelligence. The cities look just like today, except they are shabby and grimy. Everything is awash in grim to reinforce the theme of a dystopian society. The gloomy setting makes London look like it did in the 19th century with its criminal world of the time.The color palette is stark, favoring grays over other hues. The movie vividly paints a bleak and horrific future that none of us would want to live in. In 2027, the world has become sterile. Britain, where the story is set, has become a somber place with a climate of nationalistic violence. Everywhere there are signs, warnings, and surveilla nce cameras. Immigrants are being purged and penned in cages. Heavily armed police fill the streets â€Å"only Britain soldiers on. †Ã‚   And above all, there are no children. No child has been born for eighteen years. The human race has become infertile; it is facing the likelihood of its own extinction. Children of Men† offers a possible beginning of the collapse – a world without children. And that collapse does not come through war, famine, or disease, but from the human race's infertility. The situation of the 2027 setting is built around contemporary issues such as immigration and terrorism. The lack of children and the possibility of children are the cause for all the action. The movie, however, is not really concerned about the reasons for the situation or how infertility will end the collective human race. Instead, it focuses on the reaction of individuals and societies to the unexpected reproductive crisis.It examines how one ray of hope becomes a tool used for politics and power. â€Å"Children of Men† is not really about children; it is about human civilization. Science-fiction films concerning dystopian societies commonly use confident and well – skilled heroes, but not â€Å"Children of Men. † Theo Faron is at the center of the conflict between government forces and an organized group of terrorists, the Fishes. Theo's rugged appearance and lack of motivation makes him a reluctant hero. In the beginning, Theo is indifferent to the death of eighteen year old Baby Diego. However, his perspective on life hanges when he meets Kee, a pregnant woman. Theo, an ex-activist, then is forced to face his own demons and protect the world's last remaining hope. Despite his average profession, he becomes Kee’s protector. This shows that men continue to be the dominant figures in society. Theo represents masculinity, bravery, and courage. Throughout â€Å"Children of Men,† viewers might feel conflicted betwee n the theory of good and evil as they are challenged which side they should take. At the beginning of the film, the audience sees themselves identify with the government, and thus sees the terrorists as evil.As the film progresses, however, the audience learns that the terrorists in the film are actually fighting for a good cause. When the film continues to be unfolded, the audience finds out that the terrorists want to use the child as a tool to gain power. Julian's goal is to help Kee escape to a safe place of safety run by a mysterious group called â€Å"The Human Project. Other Fishes have different ideas, viewing Kee's baby as a crucial device for their politics ambitions. The Fishes are no longer seen as being good in the audience’s view. It would be incomplete not to mention about the sound effects of the film.A variety of music follows Theo’s journey throughout the film. The sounds of traffic, barking dogs, screaming, and exploded bomb all add vital results to the dystopian world depicted in the film. Most remarkable, however, is the sound at the opening and ending of the film. â€Å"Children of Men† begins and ends with darkness, with only sounds heard, but those sounds tell the story. â€Å"Children of Men†Ã‚  highlights on the same problems society is facing today: crises involving racism, terrorism, pollution, and more. It is a dark but vivid story of hope and humanity. Children of Men Children of Men â€Å"Children of Men† is set in the year of 2027, when the world is in chaos with the multitude of political and social issues including immigration and fascism. The movie could be classified as science fiction because it consists of two common elements of the genre: a futuristic setting and a dystopian society. There is, however, no advanced technology or artificial intelligence. The cities look just like today, except they are shabby and grimy. Everything is awash in grim to reinforce the theme of a dystopian society. The gloomy setting makes London look like it did in the 19th century with its criminal world of the time.The color palette is stark, favoring grays over other hues. The movie vividly paints a bleak and horrific future that none of us would want to live in. In 2027, the world has become sterile. Britain, where the story is set, has become a somber place with a climate of nationalistic violence. Everywhere there are signs, warnings, and surveilla nce cameras. Immigrants are being purged and penned in cages. Heavily armed police fill the streets â€Å"only Britain soldiers on. †Ã‚   And above all, there are no children. No child has been born for eighteen years. The human race has become infertile; it is facing the likelihood of its own extinction. Children of Men† offers a possible beginning of the collapse – a world without children. And that collapse does not come through war, famine, or disease, but from the human race's infertility. The situation of the 2027 setting is built around contemporary issues such as immigration and terrorism. The lack of children and the possibility of children are the cause for all the action. The movie, however, is not really concerned about the reasons for the situation or how infertility will end the collective human race. Instead, it focuses on the reaction of individuals and societies to the unexpected reproductive crisis.It examines how one ray of hope becomes a tool used for politics and power. â€Å"Children of Men† is not really about children; it is about human civilization. Science-fiction films concerning dystopian societies commonly use confident and well – skilled heroes, but not â€Å"Children of Men. † Theo Faron is at the center of the conflict between government forces and an organized group of terrorists, the Fishes. Theo's rugged appearance and lack of motivation makes him a reluctant hero. In the beginning, Theo is indifferent to the death of eighteen year old Baby Diego. However, his perspective on life hanges when he meets Kee, a pregnant woman. Theo, an ex-activist, then is forced to face his own demons and protect the world's last remaining hope. Despite his average profession, he becomes Kee’s protector. This shows that men continue to be the dominant figures in society. Theo represents masculinity, bravery, and courage. Throughout â€Å"Children of Men,† viewers might feel conflicted betwee n the theory of good and evil as they are challenged which side they should take. At the beginning of the film, the audience sees themselves identify with the government, and thus sees the terrorists as evil.As the film progresses, however, the audience learns that the terrorists in the film are actually fighting for a good cause. When the film continues to be unfolded, the audience finds out that the terrorists want to use the child as a tool to gain power. Julian's goal is to help Kee escape to a safe place of safety run by a mysterious group called â€Å"The Human Project. Other Fishes have different ideas, viewing Kee's baby as a crucial device for their politics ambitions. The Fishes are no longer seen as being good in the audience’s view. It would be incomplete not to mention about the sound effects of the film.A variety of music follows Theo’s journey throughout the film. The sounds of traffic, barking dogs, screaming, and exploded bomb all add vital results to the dystopian world depicted in the film. Most remarkable, however, is the sound at the opening and ending of the film. â€Å"Children of Men† begins and ends with darkness, with only sounds heard, but those sounds tell the story. â€Å"Children of Men†Ã‚  highlights on the same problems society is facing today: crises involving racism, terrorism, pollution, and more. It is a dark but vivid story of hope and humanity.

Knights Templar, the Famous Crusading Order

The Knights Templar were also known as Templars, Templar Knights, Poor Knights of Solomons Temple, Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon,  and Knights of the Temple. Their motto was Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name be the Glory, from Psalm 115. The Origin of the Templars The route traveled by pilgrims from Europe to the Holy Land was in need of policing. In 1118 or 1119, not long after the success of the First Crusade, Hugh de Payns and eight other knights offered their services to the patriarch of Jerusalem for just this purpose. They took vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, followed the Augustinian rule, and patrolled the pilgrim route to aid and defend pious travelers. King Baldwin II of Jerusalem gave the knights quarters in a wing of the royal palace that had been part of the Jewish Temple; from this they got the names Templar and Knights of the Temple. The Official Establishment of the Knights Templar For the first decade of their existence, the Knights Templar were few in number. Not many fighting men were willing to take the Templar vows. Then, thanks largely to the efforts of Cistercian monk Bernard of Clairvaux, the fledgling order was given papal recognition at the Council of Troyes in 1128. They also received a specific rule for their order (one clearly influenced by the Cistercians). Templar Expansion Bernard of Clairvaux wrote an extensive treatise, In Praise of the New Knighthood, that raised awareness of the order, and the Templars grew in popularity. In 1139 Pope Innocent II placed the Templars directly under papal authority, and they were no longer subject to any bishop in whose diocese they might hold property. As a result they were able to establish themselves in numerous locations. At the height of their power they had about 20,000 members, and they garrisoned every town of any considerable size in the Holy Land. Templar Organization The Templars were led by a Grand Master; his deputy was the Seneschal. Next came the Marshal, who was responsible for individual commanders, horses, arms, equipment, and ordering supplies. He usually carried the standard, or specifically directed a specially-appointed standard-bearer. The Commander of the Kingdom of Jerusalem was the treasurer and shared a certain authority with the Grand Master, balancing his power; other cities also had Commanders with specific regional responsibilities. The Draper issued clothes and bed linen and monitored the brothers appearance to keep them living simply. Other ranks formed to supplement the above, depending on the region. The bulk of the fighting force was made up of knights and sergeants. Knights were the most prestigious; they wore the white mantle and red cross, carried knightly weapons, rode horses and had the services of a squire. They usually came from the nobility. Sergeants filled other roles as well as engaging in battle, such as blacksmith or mason. There were also squires, who were originally hired out but later allowed to join the order; they performed the essential job of caring for the horses. Money and the Templars Though individual members took vows of poverty, and their personal possessions were limited to the essentials, the order itself received donations of money, land and other valuables from the pious and the grateful. The Templar organization grew very wealthy. In addition, the military strength of the Templars made it possible to collect, store, and transport bullion to and from Europe and the Holy Land with a measure of safety. Kings, noblemen, and pilgrims used the organization as a kind of bank. The concepts of safe deposit and travelers checks originated in these activities. The Downfall of the Templars In 1291, Acre, the last remaining Crusader stronghold in the Holy Land, fell to the Muslims, and the Templars no longer had a purpose there. Then, in 1304, rumors of irreligious practices and blasphemies committed during secret Templar initiation rites began to circulate. Very likely false, they nevertheless gave King Philip IV of France grounds to arrest every Templar in France on Oct. 13, 1307. He had many tortured to make them confess to charges of heresy and immorality. It is generally believed that Philip did this simply to take their vast wealth, though he may also have feared their growing power. Philip had previously been instrumental in getting a Frenchman elected pope, but it still took some maneuvering to convince Clement V to order all Templars in all countries arrested. Eventually, in 1312, Clement suppressed the order; numerous Templars were executed or imprisoned, and the Templar property that wasnt confiscated was transferred to the Hospitallers. In 1314 Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Templar Knights, was burned at the stake.