The Merchant of Venice Essay example -- Merchant of Venice Essays

William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is one of his most controversial plays for a variety of reasons. Written in sixteenth-century England, where anti-Semitism was common and the presence of Jews was not, the play poses many questions concerning racial, religious and human difference. The play is especially tricky to examine in today’s society, as its anti-Semitic themes and language can be uncomfortable to face in a world post-Holocaust. Additionally, the depiction of the relationship between Jews and Christians, which has always been an ambivalent one, adds a very interesting albeit difficult dimension to this play. Ultimately, through dramatic plot and distinctive characters, The Merchant of Venice explores what it means to be Jewish and what it means to be Christian. A closer analysis of these opposing groups unearths inconsistencies between what the characters preach versus what they practice, as well as their problematic notions of justice, mercy and love. Though he clearly fulfills the role of the villain and main antagonist in this play, the character of Shylock is extremely complex and multi-dimensional. He seems to have two sides that can be emphasized or played up in order to create a fundamentally different play, as has been done many times throughout history; post-Holocaust reproductions, for example, are obviously radically unlike than ones that may have come before (Rich 1). In most modern adaptations, Shylock is seen as a sympathetic character, perhaps due in part to the widespread acceptance in most modern societies of those from varying religious and racial backgrounds. However, it is entirely possible that Shakespeare, who was a genius playwright famous for his complex and multi-faceted characters, del... ... actually considered this a happy ending for the Shylock character (4); by converting he is â€Å"saved† from the possibility that â€Å"misfortune [may] cross†¦ / †¦ a faithless Jew† (2.4.35-37). This paper barely scratched the surface of the religious and moral complexity that is The Merchant of Venice, but it is clearly a complicated play and for many reasons: the racially charged tension, the anti-Semitic language and the morally ambiguous characters. What makes this play so exciting is that it provides neither answers nor apologies, provoking the ongoing disagreement as to what is really happening in this play. Shakespeare’s multi-layered characters and complicated representations of mercy, justice, love, religion and difference produce a remarkable piece of work that has kept people talking and guessing for centuries, and is sure to continue to for centuries to come.

Educating The Girl Child Is The Best Way To Enpower The Nation Essay

It is crystal clear that empowering girl child is the need of hour or present day scenario.Education of girl child has been a high priority with the govt.of India.According to the RIGHT TO EDUCATION act,every child of the age of 6-14 years shall have a right to free and compulsory education in a neighbourhood school till competition of elementary education.For the success of Sarva Shiksha Abhayan or the education for all, the education of a girl child is the must. No doubt,girls deserve a better deal from society as the are getting, at present.It is said by society that girls are no way inferior to boys.But what are they getting from the society? A whole range of discriminatory practices including female foeticide,female infanticide,early marriage and dowry, which have buried the future of girl child.It seems very difficult to empower the girl child.Our society is still suffering many weaknesses.Intend of giving them education,they are being subjected to sufferings under likes of Purdah System.Twelve million girls are born every year but, unfortunately one third them survive.Some are killed in the womb,some at the time of birth,some die due to poor health and some die due to nutritional status.We have to remember this reality that educated girl can shoulder any kind responsibility.See the example ofKalpana Chawala,Kiran Bedi,Sonia Gandhi and so on every one has earned a name in the society.For the success of any person,,,,education plays an important role. Education for the girls is more important as she not only builds the home, but all routine responsibilities are completed by her.Today ‘s girl child will be the mother of tomorrow.In ancient time, girl ‘s education played significant place in the society.Gargi Mitreyi played very encouraging role in spreading the education to a great extent.That is why, empowering the girl child is the best way to empower the nation.

Personal Statement Educational Autobiography Essay

Educational Autobiography As a young student my goal was to fly under the radar going unnoticed. However, time combined with life experiences changed my perspective and I am now very motivated to cultivate my academic skills to reach my full potential. Although I was smarter than most of my peers, as a product of growing up in lower income neighborhoods I was becoming as Rose puts it â€Å" One of those rough-hewn intellectuals whose sources are a mix of the learned and the apocryphal† (3). In other words I was one of those intellectuals who was rough around the edges and my sources were limited to what I figured out along with being doubtful. The more time went by, the more I learned that I was in charge of the outcome of my life, and that I didn’t have to follow the path that was laid before me that so many of my friends and family had taken. Grade school came easy for me, but I didn’t want to be seen as a nerd. I usually picked up on subjects pretty easily without any help at home. It’s a good thing too because my parents didn’t have the desire nor the capability to help with schoolwork. So most of the time I did the best I could in class to prove to myself and to the teacher that I was more than capable. When it came to homework I thought I was too cool for that, and besides, my trouble- making buddies and I had our own agenda for after school. Introducing Chess to the 7th and 8th grade students at Fairfax Junior High was a very exciting time. It started out as a conversationShow MoreRelatedCultural competence can change personal perceptions and attitudes800 Words   |  4 PagesCultural competence can change personal perceptions and attitudes According to the NASW (2008), practitioners need to look beyond cultural variations, historic oppression and discrimination. They need to look outside of ethnicity, race, age, gender, ability, and sexual identity while being aware of sensitivity to cultural norms. 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