Symbols in Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House

Symbols in Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House Symbols of new beginnings for Nora In A Doll’s House the protagonist, Nora lives in a Victorian society where women are heavily controlled and treated as second-class citizens. The average Victorian women belonged to a stereotype that the women were required to stay home and clean, prepare meals and raise children. In marriage Victorian women lost ownership of their wages, all physical property, including land, and all other cash generated once married. The husband would represent both man and woman placing the husband in control of everything and that including the wife as if she was a piece of property. This was Nora before her new beginning. The playwright employs a variety of literary techniques and symbolism to convey the transition from a traditional Victorian woman to the image of her seen at the end of the play; an embittered yet sophisticated, intelligent, and newly empowered woman boldly escaping the infantilizing clutches of her old life. Amongst the symbols employed throughout the play many were one s in which represented a new beginning for Nora. From the point of act one she played the submissive, seemingly selfish, foolish wife refusing to acknowledge the strength that she was building. From the Christmas tree to the macaroons to the Tarantella to New Year’s day are very important symbols which are Nora’s loves, they are what helped her to obtain her new beginning, these symbols conveyed to the reader the beginning a new for her. Christmas is favored holiday for Nora, the level of happiness is exponential, but part of the reason why she is so happy is the joy that she has when playing the role of a wife and mother. The toys that she chose for her children suggests that she is fine with the status quo of Victorian society, girls being nurturing and growing up to be a homely wife and mother while boys grow up to be strong and powerful. Though during this stage her action of wanting to buy something for herself implies that she wants to make a decision for herself going against the status quo. At this point though unaware she starts to think of independence as if the thought of it was in the back of her mind. Though Torvald does not allow her to do so, the fact that Torvald will not trust her with money to buy herself a present demonstrates a major imbalance of power. We see her during the play ordering the Christmas tree and then decorating it, secretly acting independently an implication of growth of strength to be an independent woman growing, edging towards a new beginning. During Christmas Eve Nora believed her marriage to be one that had little to no issues. At the beginning of the second act, the tree has been stripped and the candles burned out; stage directions dictate that is should look â€Å"bedraggled†. This represents the end of Nora’s innocence and foreshadows the Helmer family’s eventual disintegration, the tree represents the family and its unity, the stripping of the tree foreshadows Nora stripping from the family unit and her becoming her own person and reaching her new beginning. She is starting to change significantly at this point. Though the first implication of a strength that was beginning to grow was in her little act of eating a macaroon. The macaroons was a treat that Torvald had forbidden Nora from eating. Nora claims that she â€Å"would never dream† of doing anything that Torvald did not want her to do, but this is disproved in the very opening of the play when Nora eats macaroons while she was alone in the living room. The macaroons come to represent Nora’s disobedience to Torvald, as this was her first act of disobedience seen by the audience. The macaroons show that Nora is the perfect little â€Å"pet† that Torvald views her to be. The macaroons function in the play was to demonstrate that although that some families and lives seem picture perfect, most of the time it is not true, as proven by Nora’s need to hide the bond and macaroons from Torvald. Ibsen’s use of symbolism in using such a minor pleasure impacts the story in a huge way by subtly showing the audience that Nora’s lifestyle is not as truthful, happy and dependent as it seems, an independent act can lead t o more and such implies her growing strength. After giving a tempestuous performance of the tarantella Nora asks that the macaroons be served at dinner, indicating a relationship between the macaroons and Nora’s inner passions, the tarantella and the macaroons can be said to be two of Nora’s loves which help to show the audience the truth of who she really is. The tarantella symbolizes a side of Nora that is fiery and passionate she could express her true nature in this dance. The Tarantella was a wild southern Italian dance, generally danced by a couple or line of couples. The dance was named after the tarantula spider, whose poisonous bite was mistakenly believed to cause tarantism, an uncontrollable urge for wild dancing. The cure prescribed by doctors was for the sufferer to dance to exhaustion. Pyscologists reason that the only form of expressing passion to its fullest, was the Tarantella. It is the fiery, passionate dance that allows Nora to drop the faà §ade of perfect mild-mannered Victorian wife it is the catalyst in which Nora is able to demonstrate a repressed side of herself, her true self. Ibsen’s placement of the Tarantella in the third act is an foreshadowing element which implies the breaking out of Nora. Her new beginning, is clearly seen in this dance something that is not controlled. Throughout the play Nora uses performances to please Torvald, and the tarantella is no exception; he admits that watching her perform makes him desire her. However this is only under controlled circumstances, and Torvald seems to enjoy that the performance impresses other people more than anything. But she can be only controlled to a certain point such can be said when Torvald was trying to give instructions â€Å"slow down†, trying to control her as he watched her practice before the actual event. Though this seems to be only done to please her husband with a performance, what drives her to perform is the underlying aspect that she can demonstrate her emotions to the fullest uncontrolled. New Years day is traditionally viewed as a new beginning and such can be said to be the Helmer family’s view, they are looking forward to this new beginning. Torvald starts a better paying job at the bank at which he works, Nora is almost free if not already free of her debt by New Years day. By the end of the play Nora has definitely made a new beginning for herself though not as expected; without her children and her husband. As the secret about the debt is found out by Torvald and she has reached an epiphany because of this that she â€Å"existed merely to perform tricks† blaming him and her father for treating her like a spoilt child and a plaything for their own entertainment. They wanted her to be ignorant and helpless, and thus far she has only tried to please them and in turn missing out on any opportunity to educate and improve herself. All the times she subtly rebelled or disobeyed or rather she was the one in control behind the scenes but now she is seen clearly, no more deception. Nora’s submissiveness to Torvald is no longer seen. She shows herself no longer as a child but as an adult woman these symbols that the author has employed has shown her development over time. Especially when Torvald fails to provide the strength that she needed, because of that she can truly say that she no longer loves him. Her realization that she wants to pursue her independence is not so much a transformation but an awakening to a strength that she had possessed all along and with this strength she can begin a new.

Solar Energy Informative Speech

Heather Smith Informative Outline Michelle Talasis Topic: Solar Energy General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose:To inform the uses of Solar Energy to my audience. Thesis:When all of our natural fossil fuels are low or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. Introduction Attention Getter: Natural fossil fuels, such as coal used for burning, oil used for gasoline, and natural gas used to heat and warm houses, are a threat to the Earth and everything in it. Fossil fuels pollute the air and they are non-renewable and non-recyclable.We need different energy sources that are renewable and recyclable for our future existence. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is renewable and recyclable. When all of our natural fossil fuels are scare or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. With all of the technology we have today, we can develop different ways to use and harness these ener gy sources. Reason to Listen:Solar energy is making a big impact on lives today all over the world. The development of solar energy in all ways and technologies is making our world a cleaner, safer, and less dependent nation.A. Thesis Statement: When all of our natural fossil fuels are low or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. B. Credibility Statement: My dad is an electrician that puts up solar energy plants for businesses. I had to research for this paper. C. Preview of Main Points: 1. First I will explain solar energy technology and how it can be used in houses. 2. Next, I will explain the uses of solar energy and how it will be helpful saving water. 3. Finally, I will explain the unique uses of solar energy in transportation and military weapons. II. Body A.People have created new technologies for others to use in their homes, vehicles or buildings. 1. One of the technologies that people have created to be energy effi cient is the photovoltaic cells or â€Å"solar cells† which use sunlight and convert it into electricity automatically. PVs can be used in anything from watches to an electric grid. They can also be used to provide energy to places where power lines cannot be attached to buildings. â€Å"Thermal technologies use the heat from the sun and use it directly in space or water heating in homes and buildings or it is directly converted into electricity,† says Fischer and Finnell.Thermal technologies are also used for agriculture needs that farmer’s livestock or crops require. With solar energy being used in electrical, heating, and transportation applications, the idea for an energy efficient house would be more probable. Energy efficient improvements can cut energy costs by over 40% in most affordable housing. They help reduce health risks from mold, dust mites, radon, and combustion by-products and other contaminants. These houses have less condensation, and better m oisture control and temperature. These energy improvements usually cost less than the savings they offer on utility bills.Increasing the value of a home is a great investment-paying high energybills are not. Transition:Now that I have discussed new solar technologies that people use in their homes, and for electricity, I will now explain the uses of solar energy in water. A. Solar power has helped with electricity and heat, but it can also help with the growing need for fresh water. 1. â€Å"Instead of using fossil fuels and electricity to desalinate water, engineers at the University of Florida have developed a system that uses a gravity-induced vacuum and solar energy. † (â€Å"Here Comes the Sun†) The desalination of water is the same process as nature. . A U-shaped pipe is place in two different containers, one side in salt water and the other in fresh water. ii. A vacuum is then surrounded by a circulator that heats the saltwater and the salt water is then evapora ted. iii. The evaporated steam is then condensed and finally the fresh water drips down into a tank. This system have been proved to be 90% efficient, while the solar â€Å"stills† only proved to be 50% efficient. Water has been desalinized by solar power for more efficient and inexpensive drinking water and fresh water supply, but it is also being detoxified by solar power for other usages around the house.Detoxification of water by solar power has proved to be one of the most promising methods to disinfect water, an earth-friendly operation and it does not create harmful emissions. â€Å"One way was ZED or Zero Effluent Discharge,† says Inamdar and Singh. i. ZED disposed of inadequately cleaned waste water that is contaminating fresh water resources, the waste water will recycle water properly if it is forced to generate fresh water from the waste water generated by them, and it is economical to use recycled water than to pay for consuming fresh water and wasting was te water.Transition:Now that we have learned the uses of solar energy in water, I will explain the uses solar energy in military weapons and transportation. Solar power is being used for disinfecting water and electricity, but for transportation and military weapons? 1. Solar power has been used in cruise boats and ferries. â€Å"The first boat that used solar power was in Australian waters that won a contract to build another ferry to carry passengers between San Francisco Harbor and Alcatraz Island,† explains Thwaites, a science writer and broadcaster in Australia. i.The guy who built the solar powered boat is Robert Dane. ii. He wanted to build a boat that was powered by solar power and wind power. iii. He called it the Solar Sailor, which has an electric motor they can power to drive the propeller properly, meaning the boat will be more efficient and easy to move and back up without stalling them. Solar Sailor technology also helped the Navy create UOVs or Unmanned Ocean Vehicles. i. These vehicles could be used to collect data for climate research, ocean exploration, offshore oil exploration and production and even surveillance of pipelines and telecommunications.Solar power is also being used in the US Military and even some weapons too. â€Å"The US Military have installed black and blue solar panels to use in solar-powered battlefield radios and even in tents with solar panels woven into their fabric to power military equipment,† says John Naish, an environmental campaigner. The solar panels are also being used for sensors and radars, which saves troops from being predictable targets when they regularly refuel generators. I. Conclusion Review of Main Points: Today, I explained how solar energy technology can be used in houses.Second, I discussed the uses of solar energy and how it will be helpful saving water. Finally, I talked about the unique uses of solar energy in transportation and military weapons. Restate Thesis:When all of our nat ural fossil fuels are low or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. Closure: If we don’t continue to develop different ways and technology to lessen our needs on all of our natural fossil fuels, water, natural gas, and the environment, we will soon be living in our own human and mechanical waste.

Research Paper on Abortion

The ethics of abortion is one of the most controversial topic that has been continually argued over years and probably many years to come. The main controversy is the question of legalization of abortion, which ties into ethical issues, emotions, and political issues or laws. Before I discuss the many sides to abortion, it is critical to define the term. The Webster’s Dictionary defines abortion as the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the fetus. Despite the liberal attitudes toward abortion, it still remains an important political issue. Even in societies where abortion has been legalized, many actions are being raised by the anti-abortionists. These anti-abortionists believe in â€Å"pro-life† and their religious perspectives are responsible in their arguments against abortion. They believe that â€Å"it is equally as heinous intentionally to kill a human being in existence at fertilization, as to kill a larger pre-born child. † On the other hand, there are reasons for legalization of abortion. Most people agree with the concept of reproductive freedom—the fundamental right of every individual to decide freely and responsibly when and whether to have a child. Human life is defined as â€Å"any living entity that has DNA from the species homo sapiens. This includes an ovum, spermatozoon, zygote, embryo, fetus, newborn. It also includes an infant, child, adult, elder. It also includes a breast cancer cell and a hair follicle and a skin scraping. Some forms of human life have little or no value; others are the most valuable and precious form of life in the known universe†. Because an unborn fetus is considered to have a human life, abortion should not be legalized. It is a definitely a crime to kill a living and breathing fetus even though the embryo may not take the form of a human structure. If abortion is permitted, the dignity of human will be destroyed. In the medical field, the doctors prescribe the baby before 15 days after conception as dividing cells. But after this short period, abortion is prohibited from the principal of identifying. This is because the fertilization process contains many cell divisions by zygote progressing into a human being. Many people assert the right that women do not have a baby because they have the right to choose. But it is neglecting the right of the baby who has his or her own life. Just because an unborn fetus is not capable to express his or her feelings, is it morally right to end its life? Considering moral issues, abortion is definitely equally termed a murder. However, I do understand the other point of view for legalizing abortion. The exception to abortion is considered when the mother bearing the child has illnesses or diseases that can be transmitted to the baby genetically. Also, financial issues are often being raised by the parents whom are not able to support another family in the house. In this case, abortion may be permitted because it is rather better to not be alive than be living under such poor conditions. Furthermore, abortion is considered as a rightful act when the women get pregnant from rape. Some people may generally think that a crippled person is pessimistic about the world. But in fact, they thank their parents who gave life to them. The life as a handicapped person could be better than not experiencing life at all. If it’s not by the force of other one, people must take the responsibility for their behavior. Every action you make comes in consequences and therefore, it is important to choose birth controls if pregnancy is not wanted. If the reason that causing abortion is merely a problem of foster, it is never permitted. We must keep in mind that life is most precious thing in the world. It is estimated that the number of aborted babies is almost 4000 in a month. Vast majority of abortions are done for convenience, by women who simply want to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. But abortion is a murder. So, now is the time for us to think about the abortion again and to search for the best solution. In any circumstances, the life must be admired. Work Cited http://www.religioustolerance.org/abortion.htm http://abortion-alternatives.adoption.com/ http://www.friesian.com/abortion.htm

The Epistemic Closure Principle By Edmund Gettier

Alexander Jerde Phil 312 10/20/2014 The Epistemic Closure Principle The Epistemic closure principle explains that knowledge can be gained by the logically implied inferences between a predicate, based on past experience, and a conclusion. By definition epistemic closure purports that we are justified in believing that our logical inferences are true. Therefore, we can conclude that our past experience (predicate) is a reason to believe a proposition. This principle has been used as the basis of various forms of skeptical arguments against the traditional analysis and inductive/deductive reasoning. Such an example was presented by Edmund Gettier, whose arguments question if we are justified in believing our beliefs as knowledge. Also, Hume questioned if we can really trust inductive/deductive reasoning. In the following I will argue that even though, Gettier’s arguments hold some truth, we are still caused to conclude that the epistemic closure is a logical necessity and true. The epistemic closure principle stat es that knowledge can be gained by acceptance of predicates logically implied relationship with their conclusions. Epistemic closure entails that, deductive and logical reasoning are sound principles of reaching knowledge. Also that, a conclusion (proposition) can be known then by understanding that a necessary logical or deductive inference between a predicate and a conclusion exist. Epistemic closure also entails that we are justifiedShow MoreRelated Evidential Basis in Epistemic Justification Essay5302 Words   |  22 PagesThe Significance and Priority of Evidential Basis in Epistemic Justification ABSTRACT:There are various approaches to epistemology as well as to the philosophy of science. The attempt to naturalize them is the newest approach. In the naturalistic framework, epistemology turns out to be identical with the philosophy of science. The main characteristic of both naturalized epistemology and naturalized philosophy of science is their methodological monism. Therefore, both of these meta-level areas