Panama Canal Construction Problems

crewman television channel Construction ProblemsThe canalise of Panama is 77km long and it facilitates shipping in region by connecting the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. This stream has been a vital route for trade in international maritime. The US canal offer commenced in 1904 and completed in 1914. Since its completion, it has witnessed an increase of merchandise from approximately 1000 ships per year to 14,702 ships per year in 2008. This was one of the most complex and vast engineer declare oneself ever carried out. Its completion had a gigantic effect on navigation between the two water bodies since it aided to eliminate treacherous and long route through the Cape Horn and Drake Passage. The opinion of a canal in the neighborhood of Panama was embarked from too soon 16th century. The primary effort to build a canal started in 1880 under french headship, although it was deserted afterwards 21,900 workers were reported to have died. Many deaths were caused by lan dslides and diseases specifically yellow fever and malaria. The US started another attempt to construct the same canal that dissolving agented to 5,600 additional deaths although managed to open the canal in 1914. After completion, United States government took over authority of the canal and neighboring Zone of canalise. The get over of Panama was primed(p) under transition by the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties and starting from 1979 until 1999, the water way was under joint control of Panama and US. However, starting from 31st December 1999, the management of the watercourse was passed to Waterway Authority of Panama. Panama Canal construction increase several issues that resulted to change of the initial use. french Construction IssuesThe French government was inspired after it successfully completed the Suez Canal construction in 1869. This gave them confidence to pursue the project of same magnitude which was to join Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. The La Societe International e du Canal Interoceanique Company was established in 1876 to oversee the project and after two years from its creation it acquired a concession from the Government of Columbia, which at that time had the control of land, to construct a canal passing through Isthmus. The leader of the project was a Frenchman, Ferdinand de Lesseps, who oversaw the building of Suez waterway. Ferdinand managed to gain enthusiastic leadership accumulated from success of Suez Canal project. This kind of leadership allowed him to convince ordinary citizens and speculators to invest in the project to raise about US $400 million. Exceptionally, Ferdinand was not an engineer by handicraft although he succeeded in the previous scheme. The building of Panama water way was very distinct compared to Suez Canal that was simply digging a ditch in a level desert of sand, which represented few problems.The Central America terrain runs to a low spot at Panama, while still elevated to the altitudes of cx meters from level of sea at the lowest areas. Lesseps suggestion of sea level canal would need enormous digging presenting a challenge as a result of differentiated rock hardness. French was faced with another challenge presented by rivers passing across the canal because their flows would increase substantially in sealed seasons. The water would interfere with canal because it would raise a very serious danger to shipping. Therefore, the rivers cutting right across the canal course needed to be redirected. Another grave challenge that faced the French project was diseases in tropics, specifically yellow fever and malaria. This was aggravated even further by the leave out of skills on how diseases spread and any prevention measure was futile. The legs of hospital beds used by French workers were put into containers full of water to prevent insects from infesting the bed, little did they that the tins provided equal environment for mosquitoes breeding.The Panama project as proposed by Lesseps was track by deficiency of engineering professionalism from its initial stages. The meeting in Paris of international engineering congress in May 1879 comprised of 136 members with merely 42 professions in engineering and the rest comprising of non-professions. The building of the canal by French started in 1882 and a bulky manpower was prepared in 1888. The labor force comprised of approximately 20,000 workers where 90% of them were afro-Caribbean men originating from West Indies. The status of project and well-paid French engineers fascinated professionals from French engineering schools but massive losses of workers from diseases lowered their attraction. In early 1885, it became apparent to many that a canal of sea level was impossible and that a raised ditch with locks was the only feasible solution. Nevertheless, Lesseps did not readily buy the idea until late 1887 when the design of lock canal was accepted. At the time of adopting the plan, the project was dogged with a lo t of challenges such as mudslides, floods, death tolls, engineering problem and financial crisis. Additionally, the company was declared bankrupt in 1889 forcing it to abandon the project in 1889. Until the collapse of the project, money amounting US $ 234,795,000 had be used and project was only 40% done. The project was entirely abandoned in 1893 as a result of inadequate skills and other difficulties.U.S ConstructionUS showed a huge interest in constructing the waterway through Isthmus and in 1902, the US government embarked on the project of Panama waterway. The then US president, Roosevelt Theodore, decided to purchase the excavation and machineries from French at a cost of US $ 40 million and the assembly line was commenced in 1904. The head of Engineering between 1905 to 1907, John Stevens, opposed the plan of French to build a sea level canal. Fortunately, President Theodore bought the idea of party boss engineer to built waterway with locks and dams. Engineer John Stevens managed to lay down infrastructures in panama that were vital for completion of the project. He improved the transport engine room by restructuring Panama Railway and developing a way of collecting soil from the digging via rail. Additionally, he put in place good shelters for workers and support funding to improve sanitation. He also gave attention to programmes of controlling mosquitoes in golf-club to remove yellow fever and malaria from the region. The building of a raised waterway with locks started to be feasible after the considerable redesigning of the infrastructure and effective diseases control programmes were put in place. The US government saw the need to replace the deteriorating machineries of French with equipment designed for massive jobs to hasten the speed of construction. The Ellicott Dredges Company in US developed the cutter dredges utilize in building Panama waterway. The initial equipment to be build by the company was 900 HP steam engine with dredge of 20 inches. The completion of constructing Panama Canal was finished in 1914, much early than it was projected. The waterway was officially opened on August of the same year of completion.Panama Canal TechnologyThe technology that was busy to construct Panama waterway by French was sea level design. This is because they had successfully employed the same technology in construction of Suez Canal. Unfortunately, the technique did not work in the Panama Canal project. With the development of technology in field of engineering, the United States ignored the design of French and continued with the design based on a huge lake raised with one and two lock combination on the side of pacific and three locks at the Atlantic side at Gatun. The technology employed in design of sea level suffered severely from the huge volume of digging needed and from inundate that would have happened on the Charges River. This river was usually frequented by flooding that would have put the waterway into peri l and affect traffic flow. The engineering technology allowed US to built dam close to the Chagres River mouth in order to mitigate impacts of flood and reduce excavation. The locks were controlled by highly designed electro-mechanical control system that are still functioning since 1914.The issue of diseases that had cropped in French project was tackled by US through technological improvement in the field of science. A Doctor from Cuba, Dr. Reed Walter, had been able to discover that mosquito was the vector that transmitted malaria. In addition, technology saw US in the replacement of old ineffective equipments with machineries that were designed to handle huge work like the big hydraulic crusher. proofFrench government embarked on the attempt of constructing Panama Canal in 1982 after gaining motivation from successful completion of Suez Canal. The French head of project was not an engineer by profession and he employed the design that was used to build Suez Canal although Panama terrain was different. A sea level design utilized by French was faced with high elevations and rivers passing across the canal. Workers during French project perished from floods and diseases because of lack of skills to deal with those challenges. Owing to lack of enough skills and other difficulties, the project was entirely abandoned in 1893. In 1902, the Government of US embarked on the construction of Panama Canal. Learning from failure of French, US opted to use different design that employed locks and dams. There was a considerable redesigning of the infrastructure and effective diseases control programmes. The engineering technology enabled US to built dam close to the Chagres River mouth in order to mitigate impacts of flood and reduce excavation. The technology that was used in1914 to operate locks is still in use today.

Why I Chose to Study Engineering

Why I Chose to Study EngineeringThe significant contri neverthelession of railroad engineers to the local and global communities is what has inspired me to study plan. there are legion(predicate) a(prenominal) disciplines of engineering though I realise chosen to study architectural engineering. In this essay, I allow for reflect on my choice of study and look the skills and contributions of architectural engineering. I will discuss what fixingss have inspired and motivate my choice of study, the roles of an architectural engineer, the attributes required to be a successful engineer, how they serve decree and the obstacles that will be faced in the industry.I did not choose architectural engineering at random, in that location are some aspects that inspired and motivated my choice. I have always known I wanted to pursue a career in engineering, as I enjoy mathematics and physics, but I was unsure of which field. My personal interests have had a large impact on my choice of study. I love to design and ca-ca, take on modernistic challenges, solve problems and give back to my community. Originally, I intended to study mining engineering and participated in a week of work experience at a mine. After that week, I believed that it was not for me. I had heard of architectural engineering and thought I would check it out. I researched everything I could about it and knew that it was the field I wanted to do. architectural engineers give so much to the community through the structures they assist in designing. I hope to be able to help create systems that will assist our society. There were times when I was doubtful as engineering is a male-dominate field and the only course available is in Melbourne. However, my parents have pushed me to pursue my dream. They are my motivation, I do not want to let them down. I aspire to make them proud.architectural engineers apply engineering principles and technology to the design, saying and planning of buildings. They are responsible for taking a design from an architect and developing the details of the buildings morphological and environmental systems. The systems of a building include structural integrity, heating/air conditioning systems, ventilating systems, plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems 1. As shown in 2 architectural engineering incorporates elements of several other engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and others. or so architectural engineers may focus on specific areas, such as a structures capability to endure the stress of natural disasters. While others may trim back on improving air quality, energy efficiency and minimising environmental impact. They work in teams with architects and engineers who a specialist in other fields 1. As to be able to design and construct a stable and safe building, they need to be able to communicate, work together and solve problems.The attributes of a successful engineering can be listed in to three categories set by Engineers Australia. These three categories are knowledge and skill base engineering application ability and superior and personal attributes 3. The first two categories are based on having an understanding and application of engineering, mathematics and physics. The last category includes many of the key attributes required to be a successful architectural engineer. The ability to communicate with others and work in a team environment are two of the main key attributes. An engineer needs to be able to communicate well, both orally and in writing, to not only when other engineers but also other specialist. In the industry, there will be times when engineers must work with others that may not have the same level of knowledge, so they must convey technical ideas in non-technical language understood by the audience 3. Architectural engineers need to be creative, inquisitive, analytical and detail-oriented 1. This will enhance their problem-solving skills and lead to further ideas and developments that will serve society.Architectural engineering has a large impact on the systems that support societys standard of living 4. Engineers are continuously aiming to improve and develop concepts that will greatly gain society through the use of science and technology. Architectural engineers create building systems based on what is requested from society 4. They have developed buildings that can stand pat the stress of a natural disaster. They strive to create safe and convenient places for people to work and live. The designs developed by architectural engineers do not just benefit society with the final structure but also during the planning and construction phases. The different stages of a project require people from different professions, initiating many job opportunities for people within the communities. When architectural engineers have a project, they aim to create a safe and functional building suited for the consumers but this doesn t convey without many obstacles.In the work force, there will be obstacles and challenges. There are many factors that could impact a project including environmental impact, budgeting, resources and work environment. There are major concerns from society about the environmental impact of projects, thus engineers are trying to minimise our impact 5. Budgets are a foremost factor in the creation and construction of a building as it is what gives architectural engineers a guideline, though sometimes it is considered a constraint. The budget allowed also impacts the availability of resources and materials. Architectural engineers can only create a building with what is available as it is unprofessional to start a project and realise that there is a expressage amount of the building materials. The final factor, workplace environment as seen in 6 is the most critical factor in maintaining the productivity rate and satisfaction levels of a workplace and employees.The main aspect that has inspired me to study architectural engineering is the large contribution it has on improving and developing societys standard of living. In this essay, I have reflected, discussed and explored the aspects that have inspired and motivated my choice of study, the responsibilities and role of an architectural engineer, the attributes required to become an accredited engineer, the impact that they have on society and the challenges that will be faced in the workplace.References1 Architectural Engineering Overview, Sloan Career Cornerstone Center. Accessed on Mar. 10, 2017. Online. Available http//www.careercornerstone.org/pdf/archeng/archeng.pdf2C. Ozansoy, Class Lecture, Topic Chapter 1 What is Engineering? NEF1103, College of Engineering and Science, capital of Seychelles University, Melbourne, Vic., Feb., 27, 2017.3 D. Dowling, R. Hadgraft, A. Carew, T. McCarthy, D. Hargreaves and C. Ballie, What is Engineering? in Engineering Your Future An Australasian Guide, 3rd ed. Milton John W iley Sons, 2016, ch.1, pp. 24-27.4 University of Michigan (2013, Aug. 2). 2013 James R. Mellor Lecture William Banholzer Video file. Accessed on Mar. 19, 2017. Available https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XY4mMZNGl45D. Dowling, R. Hadgraft, A. Carew, T. McCarthy, D. Hargreaves and C. Ballie, sustainable Engineering, in Engineering Your Future An Australasian Guide, 3rd ed. Milton John Wiley Sons, 2016, ch.3, p. 119.6E. Ajala, The Influence of Workplace Environment on Workers Welfare, Performance and Productivity, The African Symposium An online journal of the African educational Research Network, vol. 12, no. 1, p. 141, 2012.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Cloud Computing

Advantages And Disadvantages Of obnubilate ComputingIn this essay Im going to prattle about the structures, suits, uses and some of the most famous helping providers of Cloud Computing. . Further more than I will discuss what I understood about this technology what it re every last(predicate)y means and provides. Lastly I will discuss how ethical and technical risks associated with Cloud Computing. The source element I will talk about is the technological advantages and disadvantages for a company using a Cloud Computing. This is an important part in essay.Cloud figure is the new trend in IT. It refers to the technology employ to feeler different goods over the internet. By using different services through the internet means that the entropy will be stored on servers, rather than individual drives. Cloud calculation al first gears people to access their files from anywhere, despite of the computer they atomic number 18 using. Cloud reckon has made an important impact o n the way we store and run applications. It also has made it easier for teams to collaborate, and communicate across the borders. Although it sounds very good, but there are also some disadvantages of grease ones palms calculate.Cloud computing became a viable business model because certain companies like Amazon had assembled enormous amount of servers and resources to handle their customers demands during peak seasons. This entire IT infrastructure wasnt utilise efficiently for the rest of the year. Therefore, they decided to rent out their resources to the public. This way the public is able to use computing resources over the internet, any time of the day, and from any regularise in the world. The third party service provider is responsible for linking the substance abusers with the type and amount of IT resources they necessitate, for their document management, and backup storage.There are three types of tarnish computing. The first one is known as infrastructure-as-a-serv ice (IaaS), in which the servers and the software are fully outsourced, and are billed based on the usage of resource. The second type of obscure computing is platform-as-a-service (PaaS), in which the service provider facilitates the use of different applications. The last type of cloud is known as software-as-a-service (SaaS), in which the user doesnt accept to found the software, and screw access it over the internet. Famous cloud service providers include Amazon, Google, Zoho, and Salesforce.There are four types of ways in which a cloud can be structured. The first type is the public cloud, in which the services are available through the internet from third party sources. The second type of cloud is the conjunction cloud, in which many another(prenominal) organizations realize that theyve got similar needs and requirements, and hence, should share the infrastructure. An example of a community cloud is Googles Gov cloud, in which the services are specifically modified for t he public sector agencies. The third type of structure is the private cloud, in which the business buys, and maintains the software, so that its employees could centrally store the date, and collaborate efficiently. The last type of structure is the hybrid cloud, in which a combination of public and private clouds is used. The advantage of such a structure is that it makes it easier to archive and back up the data on the public cloud.There are numerous advantages of cloud computing. Firstly, cloud computing lowers computer costs. As the services are provided over the internet, and theres no need to install any software, the desktop PC doesnt need to be powerful processing powers. Along with the hardware requirements, it also reduces software costs. Most of the cloud computing services are free. For example, Google docs can be used for free, instead of paying for the Microsoft Office suite. The software is also up-to-date in cloud computing, and there are no format compatibility issu es. Perhaps the biggest advantage of cloud computing is that there is unlimited storage capacity. Users of clouds dont need to worry about backing up their data, because redden if their computer crashes, they will be able to access it again from a nonher computer. Furthermore, cloud computing allows users to access their data from anywhere. other advantage of cloud computing is that it makes it easier for groups to collaborate their files. Multiple users can edit a document at the identical time, and apply discussions over the internet. With cloud computing, organizations can truly run a business without borders. They wont be restricted to a specific location as all their data is available on the internet. Lastly, cloud computing gives subterfuge independence there is no need to download specific software to view the file, or a specific network to access the files. With cloud computing, the user interface and the software remains the same regardless of the network, or location. (Miller, 2009)Along with the numerous advantages, there are some disadvantages of cloud computing. Firstly, cloud computing is mutually beneficial on the internet. If the internet connection is down, then the whole cloud doesnt work. It requires a constant internet connection otherwise a user may not be able to access own files. The same is the case with low internet speeds. Furthermore, even if there is a good internet connection, cloud computing may be irksome. As the files need to be accessed on the internet, the back and forth communication between the computer and the cloud may be slow to respond because it is busy handling other users. Another disadvantage of cloud computing is that the features that they offer are limited. For example, Zoho Presentations, another cloud service provider, dont induce the same features as of Microsofts PowerPoint. Lastly, the data on the cloud is as secure as the cloud itself. What would happen if the cloud crashes? Can other users gain unaut horized access? If the cloud crashes, the data might go missing unless its backed up on multiple servers. (Miller, 2009)As cloud computing is relatively new, and has grown at a significant pace, its ethical and technological implications need to be discussed so as to understand the risks associated with it. Firstly, companies will need to realize that they are sharing their data with another business, which is a huge risk itself. It will be sharing the information of its users with the cloud. Companies will need to define how much access does the cloud have over the data, and has it encrypted so that it is safe from unauthorized access. Furthermore, the security measures should be reviewed before selecting a cloud service provider. To provide assurance to the users, cloud service providers should have a take aim of transparency in their operations.Another issue is of the privacy of the customers. With the data being shared with the third party, it can use the data for all kind of p urposes. Along with the security and privacy issues, another concern is the availability and performance of clouds. The cloud community still needs to define the acceptable level of performance of their applications. A third risk with cloud computing is that of integration. If a business chooses a cloud service provider, it should make sure that it can be fully integrated into the business processes for consistency, and efficiency. Furthermore, the business will also need to address the operational challenges that arrive during the IT replacement period.There is also a nonstarter risk of the cloud service provider. Once the third party has the data, it can lockout the business and refuse to let it access its files. The biggest risk with cloud computing is that the service provider becomes a partner in the business, which makes it difficult to end the relationship. Businesses and individuals will need to do a background check on the cloud service provider before deciding on him. Ano ther technological risk with cloud computing is that the third party controls the data. For example, Amazon deletes already purchased books from Kindle without the users permission. Another example would be that when the user gives a request to delete a file, the cloud service provider doesnt delete the file. Instead, he keeps the file for his own usage. The that way to deal with these risks is to conduct a background check on the cloud service provider. Furthermore, the security measures of the cloud service provider should be checked.The ontogeny trend in cloud computing raised a number of issues regarding the best way to use this technology. A document was therefore created called the open cloud manifesto. The cloud computing manifesto is a document that describes a core set of principles for cloud service providers. It was formed to gather the worldwide cloud community on a single core set of rules, which are flexibility, and freedom of choice. They believe that the open cloud gives users choice, flexibility, speed and agility.There are four make out advantages of cloud computing. Firstly, cloud computing allows organizations to scale their hardware and software on demand. When an organization faces change, computing needs change magnitude significantly. With cloud computing, the organization is able to detonate it IT resources to handle peak times. Another feature of cloud computing is that it allows organizations to streamline their data centre by backing up their documents over the internet. Thirdly, cloud computing improves business processes by providing an existing infrastructure. Lastly, the most important key feature of cloud computing is that it reduces start up costs. As all the infrastructure is already in place, no investment is needed to build a data centre to backup your data.Although cloud computing has many advantages, there are many security and reliability related issues that still need to be answered. As it is still in its initial s tages, there is a lot of room for improvement. To increase its usage in the IT industry, cloud service providers will need to address some major issues like security, application interoperability, application and data portability, and governance. Theyll also need to come up with consistent variables so as to monitor and measure the performance of cloud applications. With big companies like HP, Dell, IBM, and Fujitsu reaping the benefits of cloud computing, it seems that in the future more and more data will be stored on clouds rather than on individual drives. Furthermore, many small businesses are also benefiting from cloud computing because of its low cost.

Biography of Princess Elizabeth Essays -- Queen of England History Roy

Biography of Princess ElizabethElizabeth I was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his turn wife, Anne Boleyn. When the little Princess was born on Sunday, the s steadyth of September, 1533, few could have predicted the glittering life ahead of her. Her birth was undoubtedly a great disappointment to her father, and a political disaster for her mother and all her supporters. For many years, Henrys main goal in life had been to father a healthy son to succeed him to the deal of England. Despite twenty years of jointure to the Spanish Catherine of Aragon, and the birth of several children, by 1533, Henry had only one living legitimate child, a daughter, Mary. Although on that point was no law in Tudor England preventing the accession of a woman to the throne as there was in France, the rule of a woman was considered undesirable. not only was it thought that a woman was incapable of ruling a kingdom, there were also practical considerations that made female s all overeignty problema tic, such as her marriage, and the problem of the role her husband should have, as well as the risks of childbirth. It was unlikely that Henry would ever have a son by Catherine of Aragon (she was older than him, and her child-bearing old age were numbered) and this troubled him considerably. Also he had fallen deeply in love with the young and dazzling Anne Boleyn and wanted to make her his bride. To marry Anne, however, he had to have his marriage to Catherine annulled, and annulling a marriage was never a simple process. For Henry, it proved colossal. The power to annull marriages lay with the Pope, and unfortunately for Henry, Catherine had very powerful family connections. She was the aunt of the great Emperor, Charles V, and the Pope could not afford to offend Charles by granting Henry his annulment. As time progressed, it became clear to Henry that if he wanted to marry again, he would have to find a way of getting an annulment without the Popes assistance. He and his advisor s found the answer in breaking with the Catholic Church releasely, and establishing an independent Church of England. This would give Henry complete power over matters ecclesiastical. This revolutionary step was made possible by the emergence in Europe at this time of a new severalize of Christianity that rapidly gained the name of Protestantism. This had very important doctrinal differences to Catholicism, but Henry... ...as lost. At her husbands bequest, Mary reluctantly accepted Elizabeth as heir to the throne. After Elizabeth, and passing over the Suffolk line, the most powerful claimant to the throne was Mary, Queen of Scots, granddaughter of Henry VIIIs eldest sister, Margaret. Mary had not long married the French heir to the throne, Francois, and the French and Spanish were enemies. Thus, even though Elizabeth was a Protestant, it was in Philips best interest to secure her accession to the throne to avoid the French obtaining it. Elizabeth was at her childhood home of Hatf ield when Mary died on the 17 of November, 1558. She was reputedly eating an apple underneath an Oak tree in the great park when the news of her accession to the throne reached her. Elizabeth was now dear twenty five years old, and Queen of England. For the first time in her life, her destiny lay in her own hands, and Elizabeth knelt on the ground and whispered in Latin what she truly must have felt This is the Lords doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Further Reading Alison Plowden, The Young Elizabeth David Starkey, Elizabeth Alison Weir, Children of England Anne Somerset, Elizabeth I

Prosperos Choice in The Tempest :: Tempest essays

Prosperos Choice in The Tempest   In The Tempest, Prospero reach outs his ultimate goals of exiting the island and regaining his kingdom without unnecessary killing, torture or deception. Both this choice, and his ending in the end to rescind his magic, allow him to morally settle down with himself.   Prosperos choice to refrain from murder sets his objectives above mere revenge. By apply ingenuity and the record Ariels help, he achieves the semblance of death without the reality thitherof. He could have simply made the tempest so furious that it destroyed the ship, or subjected the offenders to lingering torture, only if instead spends more time to separate the survivors into three groups to deal with them more effectively. Thus he avoids guilt and criticism for unnecessary death.   The island magician also abstains from using his arts to force the evil men of the group into excruciating pain with possible death. We know he is capable of this - he h as punished Caliban in such(prenominal) a way. However, no only does he refrain from torturing them, but also makes sure they are not uncomfortable Alonsos group includes the pervasively twinkly Gonzalo, and is never kept away from food or water. Caliban knows the island, and helps Stephan and Trinculo survive. Ferdinand even fins the love of his life.   Even though Prospero deceives the shipwrecked captives, it is never for his own personal enjoyment. Instead, he specifically aims to achieve his goals by putting pressure on Alonso and restricting Calibans scheming. As if this were not enough, he further surrenders his powers and even begs the readers help to assure his safety It becomes obvious that Prospero has no desire to rule or lust for power to corrupt him, but only wishes a return to his previous status.   Because he avoids death, torture and unnecessary deception, there is nothing to stain Prosperos long trek to return to civilization. He has given Fer dinand love, Alonso his son and recognition of his deeds, and Caliban a lesson in obedience. Thus, the long-suffering magician is able to reconcile morally with himself.   PEER FEEDBACK Very precise and well-organized, although it doesnt address every aspect of the question.

Honor in Thorstein The Staff-Struck :: Thorstein Staff-Struck

Honor in Thorstein The Staff-StruckHonor is something that is earned, but it must also be defended in order to beupheld in the look of all. In Thorstein The Staff-Struck ones respect is based on theirhonor alone. Honor is the essence of a life worth living. In this story, a life without honormeans that the life is worthless. Death is better than having no honor. Men will easily admit their lives without second mentation to earn, and protect it. Honors role in Thorsteinthe Staff-Struck takes on several roles, but all of them are to achieve one super C goal.The various roles take on the common goal of achieving honor itself. Thorsteins nick-name the Staff-Struck is a strain on his honor because hismasculinity is being questioned after his first gear bout with Thord. Thorsteins first reactionto the blow to his head by Thords staff is not thought of as being honorable. He didntrespond in a way that would defend his honor. He needed to stand up for himself toaccomplish that trying tas k.. His response to Thords blow was thought of as a cowardsresponse. That meant his honor had been shamed by his own action, or lack of the correctactions. After that, Thorsteins integrity was belittled in the eyes of others. Ones honor lies not only in the eyes of ones self, but also in the words, and eyes of all present, andaround. Thorstein had to visit his honor in the eyes of the spectators for himself.Thorsteins father prompted his vengeance though. Thorstein could not simply sit back,and be humiliated by his own father. That was just also much for him to deal with, nor didhe want to try. He knew he must honor his father by bringing, and restoring honor tohimself. His response, although late, was honorable. Timing is a crucial incision ofvengeance in this story though. Bijarni, the ruler of Hof, had a different role in society,but his honor was still of great importance. Bijarnis honor was questioned by hisservants, his wife, and others because they felt his reverence had b een stained byThorstein. His lack of action against Thorstein made him weak in the eyes of others. Hehad been challenged, but he had not that accepted the challenge. When honor is seen as challenged there must be action taken or soundness will be questioned. Thorhall andThorvald questioned Bijarnis honor in gossip, and in rumor. Bijarni then instructed thetwo to leave, and return with Thorsteins head, as he can not stand by while his servants

Oedipus The King: Images Of Blindness :: Oedipus Rex, Sophocles

Oedipus the King has many images of blindness, both physical and blindness of the mind. The characters surrounding these images are Oedipus and Tiresias the prophet. When the play begins Oedipus has vision and Tiresias ratnot see, but by the end of the play, it is clear who can really see and who is blind.When Oedipus first encounters Tiresias, the blind prophet proceeds to tell Oedipus after much pressure that Oedipus is the one who has brought the huge plague down upon Thebes and that he is the murderer he has sent the residents of the city to find and cast away. Although Tiresias is visually impaired, he can still see the accuracy of the contingency. However, Oedipus is blind to the truth and immediately begins accusing Tiresias of being involved in a conspiracy with Creon to overthrow him as king. Oedipus casts insults at Tiresias about his blindness say You have no strength, blind in your ears, your reason and your eyes. (374-375). Tiresias responds by saying that the insul ts Oedipus has hurled will before long come back upon him. He also tells Oedipus that what has brought him splendour is the very luck that will ruin him. Tiresias says Blind who could see, a beggar who was rich, through foreign lands hell go and point before him with a stick, (460) implying that although Oedipus can see now, the truth will eventually blind him and cause him to loose all he has.Oedipus remains blind to the truth until he can disclaim it no longer. After hearing the testimony of the herdsman it is perfectly clear to Oedipus that he has fulfilled the prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother, in routine bringing the great misfortune about the city of Thebes. Upon discovering this, along with discovering Jocastas dead body, Oedipus blinds himself with the pins on her dress and shouts that his eyes would no longer see the evils he had suffered or had done, see in the dark those he should not have seen.