Chris Rock: Niggas vs. Black People Essay

This paper addresses the identity that is constructed of African-Americans through Rock’s language use of racial speech and taboo language. It also attempts to portray Rock’s function of the skit and the controversial attitudes that arose, including my own. 1. 0 Introduction ‘Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you’. Unfortunately for Randall Kennedy this limerick held no connotation that he wished to acknowledge, as he recites his Mother’s words, he finds himself in war with a word, a word that for every African-American is at the core of inflicted pain; Nigger. Kennedy narrates his Mother’s experience during the era of the Jim Crow segregation, ‘I have been called nigger to my face on a couple of occasions by people who sought to convey their racial hatred or contempt for all blacks including me. ’ (Kennedy, 2002) This word for Centuries, although has been at the centre of normalisation and empowerment in recent years, is the definition of prejudice assigned by white supremacists. Racial discourse has changed over the years, the media has been at the frontline of these changes along with the law and democratic societies yet the word nigger still remains a temperamental taboo, its history foreshadows it and no matter what context the word may be used in, its cultural inheritance warrants its preservation. (Kennedy, 2000:3) A man that attempted to manipulate its detrimental meaning was the illustrious comedian Chris Rock. Rock is known for his politically incorrect humour and his fight to tackle racism and his 1996 HBO special, Bring the Pain performance is what give him his contentious status today. ‘Niggas vs. Black people’ is a twist on street culture vs. working class; it is a linguistically controversial skit that portrays how boorish behaviour feeds racial stereotypes while including his own personal assessment of the state of Black America. Rock empowers the word nigger and attempts to change its injurious meaning. The pain this word has caused the African-American community has been an expedient one, compromising the dignity, identity and representation of their race. Rock intends to fight and abolish the pain and with this is calls his performance, ‘Bring the pain’. 2. 0 Laughing Matters The intrusion of laughter is an ideal that is sought after by many comedians; it is the notion of laughter that holds profound significance amongst its audience. It gives society and the individual access to the truth, truths which become identifiable from a different view point, ‘laughter serves as a means to understand both what is found in the world and what is found within the individual. ’ (Gray & Putnam, 2009:18). Without laughter fear would not be defeated and fears of the truth would not be overcome, with this society becomes reliant on laughter, it gives a sense of belonging, understanding and serves as a joint understanding and belief. (Clark, 1996) This idea of the truth is based upon Bahktin’s theoretical view on laughter, as Gray and Putnam (2009: 18) state, ‘Laughter is also a defence mechanism against external realities that contradict our inner truths. ’ These truths and fears are identified with concepts such as, racism, politics and feminism. 2. 1 Encapsulating the audience To capture Daniels’ (1989: 15) phrase when discussing the subjectivity of humour, ‘it’s funny because it makes me laugh’, highlights individual social ideologies, each individual has their own set of attitudes and beliefs and this therefore contributes to the success of an anecdote, whether or not it fits with ideological views is at the core of an audiences’ hilarity. It would be deemed accurate to acknowledge that comedy is maintained and controlled with ideological boundaries in mind however at the same time, the genius of comedy derives down to comedians pushing these boundaries, this disrupts social order and it advocates change and ridicule’s power rather than reinforcing it, which relates back to this notion of identifying our inner truths. According to Daniels (1989: 15), he states that comedy is not achieved through content alone, however when picking apart the history of African-American comedians on black comedy; it is in fact the content alone which becomes a pandemic with the characteristics of the comedians talk that sets off the entire performance. Dating back to the Minstrel era – the pioneers of comedy today, ‘Bert’ Austin Williams took stage to be the first black American to take a lead role on a Broadway stage, Williams first became noticed in Vaudeville as a successful double-act â€Å"Williams & Walker†. Williams and Walker were a success for the black community, their acts were a representation of their race but they entertained white audiences by delivering acts that included content which demeaned their race: using words such as, ‘coon’. At the risk of criticising the African-American race, they still, at the expense of their careers performed for the white audience and their expectations. This stereotype of African-Americans is one that became a collective ritual of rhetoric complaint and occurrence. In 1951, a TV show called ‘Amos ‘n Andy’ came to our screens but was cancelled in 1953 due to complaints from the NAACP (National association for the advancement of coloured people), who acknowledged the programme to be only one representation of black folks. ‘Stereotyping is a process of selective perception by which the complex character of experience is filtered and simplified into fixed categories. ’ (Daniels: 1989) Parallel to these representations of African-American figures in the media, notions cited from Daniels (1989:3) are those of Halls who profoundly highlights, ‘[t]he depiction of blacks in popular media is restricted to a repertoire of basic images – the slave, the native, the entertainer – as only certain traits and characteristics are selected for emphasis. ’ Black people were subjected to the notion that as a cohort they were portrayed to be the same as one another; having no original identity as an African-American as there were no other representations of the black cultural community. Comedians such as Dick Gregory, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby and Eddie Murphy were just a few of many that fought against these racial negative stereotypes that were portrayed within the media. In 1984 the introduction to ‘The Cosby Show’ was set across our screens. ‘The idea of The Cosby Show which was rejected by ABC, they felt that America was not ready to accept the concept of an intact, black middle-class family. ’ (Crenshaw, A) The Cosby Show declared positive attributes to the black stereotype in opposed to the black sitcoms that came before it. Although the success of The Cosby Show dispelled negative perceptions of the black community the initial idea was thrown, which contributes to racial segregation in American at that time during the 80’s. However, the typical black family perception did change as a result of ‘The Cosby Show’ and opened the doors for many comedians and sitcoms to come. ‘The fresh prince of bell air’ and comedians such as Chappelle and Chris Rock were the start of a new generation of insurgences. 3. 0 Rock’s linguistic segregation ‘Now we’ve got a lot of things, a lot of racism going on in the world right now. Who’s more racist? Black people or white people; black people. You know why, cause we hate black people too! Everything white people don’t like about black people. Black people really don’t like about black people. ’(Rock, 1996) In 1996 Chris Rock took to the stage with his controversial stand-up skit ‘Niggaz vs. Black People’ at the HBO special Bring the pain performance. Like Bill Cosby, Rock too was in attempt to eradicate negative perceptions of the black community but a way in which engages with a diverse group of audiences, to do this he interplayed cultural and linguistic taboos to mock ideological perceptions of African-American identities. Rock’s main aim of the debated skit was to diminish stereotypes that were apparent amongst the American public, this notion from white supremacists that African-American citizens are categorised to be ‘all the same’ was, in Rock’s eyes about to be obliterated. Rock proclaims ‘Nigga’s’ to be in clear detachment from working class African-Americans, whose bad behaviour is giving detrimental negative images towards other ‘black people’, his attempts to deliver vital messages in a comedic format is a portrayal of Rocks adamant intention to not allow a minority of troublesome individuals tarnish the image of the African-American. ‘Every time black people wanna have a good time, ignorant ass niggas fuck it up. ’ (Rock, 1996) His immediate intention is to of course eliminate racism not promote it, however from the view point from an audience member who are a collection of a variety of different races, the question to whether he reached out to all individual members is debatable due to ideological boundaries and beliefs, as discussed in (2. 1). Rock opens the show with Irony, it draws a ‘white’ audience in and takes members of the public by surprise; an African-American man is standing on stage telling his audience that black people are more racist. He has now captured communities of different races, whether that being good or bad he has his audience seized. He identifies his own community and creates a separate identity to others within the ‘black’ community; he takes these remarks made by the media, ideas that are created amongst groups of people and verbally throws it back allowing the power of discourse to be retained within the African-American community. Rock attempts to take on a social discourse, giving the ideology ‘Nigga’ a new contentious status, separating it from working class African-American citizens. In congruence to this, Gray and Putnam (2009:19) states, when referring to Chappelle’s ‘Exploring Niggerdom’, ‘[C]hapelle succeeds in appropriating a terminology that has previously been held in the hands of the whites. By using language for his own purpose, with his own nuances and intentions, Chappelle takes back the power that whites had originally given to that language. ’ The key notion that is represented here is power within language, although Rock attempts to capture this power as Chappelle (2003) successfully did, a small percentage of Rocks audience failed to connect to his language use decorously because of this Rock never performed that skit again. Some critics state that the ‘black’ community was offended while others felt they too had the public authority to say the ‘N’ word. 3. 1 The ‘N’ word; Nigger. ‘There’s black people and there’s niggas and nigga’s have got to go. ’ (Rock, 1996) The term ‘nigger’ is one many do not wish to publically celebrate, it is derived from the Latin word ‘Niger’ and has transformed over Centuries to hold different connotations; throughout history, the term ‘Nigger’ has been a frequent occurrence, its use is, ‘[e]mployed to impose contempt upon [blacks] as an inferior race’(Kennedy, 2002:5) It has even been employed upon children with nursery rhymes, one that may be commonly known is, ‘Eeny-meeny-miney-mo, catch a nigger by the toe, if he hollers; let him go, eeny-meeny-miney-mo. ’ Paradoxically, ‘Nigga’ is a phrase that is now used frequently amongst ‘black’ people, becoming a term of friendly salutation and even empowerment; it is comedians, rappers and hip hop entertainment that have created this discourse. However, what Rock does with the word is give the term a negative perception to emphasise distinctions between social groups regardless of their race. Terms such as, ‘Nigger’, ‘fuck’ and ‘shit’, are commonly known to be censored words, taboo words, words that when used today in a western society become intertwined with concepts of face and politeness. (Goffman, 1967; Brown & Levinson, 1978) Face-saving views of politeness start from this idea that humans are rational agents who are conscious of their language choices. (Brown & Levinson, 1987; Clark, 1996; Grice, 1975; Locher, 2004) Both interacting participants, for example H and S, would have an interest in maintaining each other’s face but often have to commit to face-threatening-acts. (Brown & Levinson, 1987) Face threatening acts can threaten the independence of ‘H’s’ face and the face needs of ‘S’s, (Locher, 2004: 66) in relation to this concept, when Rock uses racist speech and taboo language he puts his own face at risk, which knowingly as a comedian it is a risk that threatens the involvement of their face. When Rock uses commonly heard taboo language, there is a higher chance, as it has been heard before, that the audiences’ face needs are not jeopardised, however when using racial speech, for instance when Rock makes reference to the ‘KKK’, there is a possibility that face needs are threatened, whether that be the African-American community or the white community; it seems Rock knew that his language use would threaten the face needs of some of his audience members as near the end of his performance he exclaims, ‘Man, why you got to say that? †¦ It isn’t us, it’s the media. The media has distorted our image to make us look bad. Why must you come down on us like that brother? It’s not us, it’s the media. ’ (Rock, 1996) Rock in this sense does not blame the media for the corrupt behaviour of what he calls ‘Niggas’, he blames the cohort minority that are giving African-Americans a bad reputation. However to oppose this analogy Van Dijk (1992: 513) brushes upon racism in the press and offers examples to emphasis the ideas that are represented within the ‘black’ community. ‘We have racism too – and that is what is behind the plot. It is not white racism. It is black racism†¦ But who is there to protect the white majority? †¦ Our tolerance is our strength, but we will not allow anyone to turn it into our weaknesses. ’(Sun, 24 October) The black community do have an arguable point when feeling face-threatened by Rocks notion of Black people vs. Niggas, as clear evidence of discrimination is shown within Newspaper articles such as these, but Rock emphasises that it is the unruly, uneducated, minority of black people that are giving the community a bad name, he then puts himself in the shoes of a white person, comedic irony again, by being a part of the KKK and feeling threatened at night when drawing money out ‘at the money machine’. What is so fundamental about the article above is the correlation in language use within Rocks opening performance and the beginning of the article, two very similar introductions with two very different intentions and it may be perceived potentially by some members of Rocks audience that it was interpreted in ways that are incongruence to articles such as these, articles which are in denial of racism. The controversy caused by Rocks excessive use of the word ‘Nigga’ led him to remove the piece from his act; Jay Washington (2012) stated that in a 60 minute interview Rock said, ‘By the way, I’ve never done that joke again, ever, and I probably never will. Cos some people that were racist thought they had license to say nigger. So, I’m done with that routine. ’ 4. 0 Cultural Impact The cultural impact made by Rock’s 1996 performance of Niggas vs. Black people has been an pragmatic one, Barack Obama made reference to his skit in a Father’s Day speech in 2008, it also made television as ‘The office’ did a censored take on the monologue and audience members watching his 1996 performance still will laugh at his Ironic satire sketch. I certainly did, although Rock removed the piece from his act due to ‘overusing’ the word ‘N’ word, his hidden intention was genius. Rock was trying to give this word a new meaning, eradicating its history of contempt, he was trying to stop stereotypes of African-American people and push boundaries of the ideological perceptions within the audience. Rock’s intention was to unveil a hidden truth, a truth that may be covered up by fear but must be defeated with laughter. (2. 0) Why should Rock not use this word and attempt to give it a different connotation, his ancestors were victims of slavery, his parents were victims of discrimination and ridicule why should he not poke fun at true racists by empowering the tern ‘Nigger’ and giving hardworking African-Americans the voice to be disassociated with the word? A reference cited from Gray and Putnam (2009: 23), is a quote that correlates with my notion, Elizabeth Ludwig states, ‘[c]learly, if comedy is an expression of abjection, then it must be an expression of one’s own abjection. ’ I feel Rock exerts his right to use this word, despite its negative media responses. It is true racists that watched this sketch and felt that discrimination against black people was now acceptable, which is a shame because I feel what Rock intended to do was try to educate the thoughts of people who were of different ethnicities and it seems that the minority of these different racial groups let them down. Rocks main purpose was to target minority groups and bring to their attention to antiquated notions of stereotyping. 5. 0 Conclusion Rock is a linguistic comedic prodigy; he faces racism head on and delivers his content in such a confident manner that he encapsulates the audience and brings cathartic laughter from a masochistic inheritance. He draws upon truths, pushes ideological boundaries and empowers racial speech; this language use constructs a distinctive identity of working class African-Americans which is separated from the minority of gang culture which is influenced by bad behavior. Although the term nigger is used in a way that contradicts is ideological meaning and portrays positive perceptions of working class African American citizens, the term can be portrayed differently from different perspectives in the audience. ‘I think people who use the term nigger in their speech should bear the risk that listeners overhearing them will misunderstand their intentions. ’ (Kennedy, 2002:146) The truth about the ‘N’-word is that even as a euphemism the term should still be redundant due to historical context, the way in which the word has been empowered gains nothing but positive attributes however I feel its connotative history foreshadows its use and no matter who attempts to manipulate its meaning its history will always remain. References Brown, P, & Levinson, S. (1987) Politeness. Cambridge: Cambridge U. P. Chung, J. (2002) The Burden of Laughter: Chris Rock fights ignorance his way. In ‘The booth prize essays’ http://bootheprize. stanford. edu/0102/PWR-Chung. pdf Clark, H, H. (2006) Using Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Crenshaw, A. The Cosby Show changes the way blacks are viewed. http://www. shenet. org/high/hsacaddept/English/ddayton/Documents/Media/Stereotypes/Cosby%20Show%20Article. pdf Daniels, T. (1989) The colour black. British Film institute; London. Goffman, E. (2005) Interaction Ritual: Essays In Face-To-Face Behavior. New Brunswick: N. J. Kennedy, R. (2002) Nigger. Vintage Books: USA. Locher, M, A. (2004) Power and Politeness in Action: Disagreements in Oral Communication. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG: Berlin. Van Dijk, T. (1992) Discourse and the denial of racism. Sage Publications Ltd. Washington, J. (2012) Comedian Chris Rock sparks controversy with Independence Day tweet. http://educatedinsanity. com/2012/07/06/comedian-chris-rock-sparks-controversy-with-independence-day-tweet/ Wisniewski, K. A. (2009) The comedy of Dave Chappelle: critical essays. McFarland; USA.

Abraham the King

Chapter One1. Explain the significance of the parrot and the mockingbird at the beginning of this chapter.2. Why would Chopin have thought it important to include this detail in her brief mention of the children’s nurse?3. Why would Ponterllier consider his suntanned wife to be a â€Å"damaged piece of property?4. Who is Robert Lebrun?5. What is his relationship with Edna?Chapter Two1. Describe Edna Pontellier.2. What kind of person is Robert Lebrun?3. What shift in point of view is evident in Chapter Two?4. What do you learn about Robert and Edna from their conversation at the end of this chapter?Chapter Three1. How does Leonce’s behavior when he returns from the Klein Hotel reveal his attitude toward his wife?2. What is the first sign that Edna is not completely happy with her life as it is?3. Discuss how sounds are used as a backdrop to the scene of disagreement between Leonce and Enda?4. How do the gifts Edna receives from her husband symbolize her marriage and mos t marriages of this time?Chapter Four1. Describe the unusual nature of the relationship between Edna and her children.2. What is Chopin implying by this description: â€Å"They were women who idolized their children, worshiped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels. †3. Who is Adele Ratingnolle, and how is she the embodiment of the â€Å"mother- woman†?4. How does the fact that Edna is not a Creole affect her relationship with others on Grand Isle?Chapter Five1. How does Robert’s behavior toward Edna fit the pattern of Medieval and Renaissance courtly love?2.What is the difference between Robert’s present attentions to Edna and his past attentions to Adele Ratignolle?3. Compare Edna’s sketching with Adele’s sewing.4. To what tradition is Chopin referring when she has Edna compare Adele to a Madonna?5. What is ironic about the simile?Chapter Six1. What is signi ficant about Edna’s first saying she did not want to go swimming with Robert and then agreeing to go?2. How is the sea used symbolically in this chapter?Chapter Seven1. How are Edna Pontellier and Adele Ratignolle contrasted in this chapter?2. What does the road to the beach symbolize in this chapter?3. What is the significance of the lady in black and the two lovers in this chapter?4. What does the flashback to Edna’s childhood reveal to the reader?5. What do you learn about Edna as a person, given the reasons for her marriage to Leonce?6. â€Å"She grew fond of her husband, realizing with some unaccountable satisfaction that no trace of passion or excessive and fictitious warmth colored her affection,, thereby threatening its dissolution. † How does the narrator’s omniscience reveal Edna’s feelings about marriage and intimate relationships?

Bullying Bullying And Bullying - 1387 Words

An average bullying session lasts about 37 seconds; an adult intervenes in the problem about one in twenty-five times (Bullying Facts). Bullying is seen as aggressive and unwanted behavior between two or more people (Aspa). Most people who are not involved in the actions going on do not really know it’s happening. Most parents do not even know when their child, or children, are being bullied (Bullying Facts). Bullying can be prevented if the right consequences take place. Parents and schools have the rules about bullying prevention, but these do not prevent the bullying from continuing their ways. People who bully often should receive bigger consequences because eventually the problem could escalate and the bully will continue their†¦show more content†¦Although, if the children of this generation are taught the right way, not to bully, their future children will not have that characteristic passed down to them when they are enrolled in school. 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African Americans And The Abolition Of Slavery - 1177 Words

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Teacher Eric Burnett, for example, outlines a long list of catalysts leading up to the Civil War itself but omits the Mexican-American war even though the Civil War catalysts go back through the 1840s all the way back to Eli WhitneyRead MoreSlave Trade Abolition Of Britain And United States Essay1298 Words   |  6 PagesSlave Trade Abolition in Britain and United States Introduction In America, slavery began when African slaves were forcefully brought to work for the production of profitable crops like tobacco. The slavery was practiced all over the American colonies in 17th and 18th centuries. These slaves helped in building the economy of the new nation. Invention of cotton solidified the belief that more workers were needed to work in the farm and ginnery. By middle of 19th century, the Americans westward expansionRead MoreSlavery And Its Effects On Slavery889 Words   |  4 PagesSlavery Slaves suffered within a system characterized by undernourishment, overwork, harsh punishment, ill health, and despair. The purpose of this paper is to address the significant problems slavery caused the world in which talk of rights and liberties were increasingly popularized. Slavery divested lives of many African Americans who were sold into enslavement for many years. The Start of Slavery Slavery began when the African American people were brought to Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619. Hundreds

Essay on Democracy and Jacksonian Democrats - 817 Words

Jacksonian democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. In light of the documents and your knowledge of the 1820s and 1830s, to what extent do you agree with the Jacksonians view of themselves? Jacksonian democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. In light of the documents and your knowledge of the 1820s and 1830s, to what extent do you agree with the Jacksonians view of themselves? AP AM HISTORY DBQ 4 - (An A+ Essays Original Paper, written by Zoo Patrol) Jacksonian Democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the United†¦show more content†¦Another principle of the Jacksonian Democracy was the rotation system. Jackson limited a persons stay in office to just one term, and then appoint another in his place. Jacksonian Democrats believed that any American was capable of holding government office. Jackson also said that if a man were to hold office for a lengthy period of time, he would be capable of tolerating conduct from which an unpracticed man would revolt. Along with rotation, the Jacksonian Democrats reestablished the spoils system. Jackson fired any previous office holder who was not a loyal Democrat. He would then appoint a Democrat to that position. The spoils system and rotation were advances toward greater political democracy, because they showed that one man is just as good as another is. In addition to creating a more democratic country, Jackson also tried to establish equal economic opportunity for the people of America. The best example of this is the vetoing of the charter of the Bank of the United States. The bank was a huge monopoly. It was ran by aristocrats, most of which were from England. Nicholas Biddle, who was the president of the bank, often used funds from the bank to lend money to the members of Congress, thus wining their support. In his veto message, Jackson wrote, It is to be regretted that rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their selfish purposes. ThisShow MoreRelatedJacksonian Dbq Essays1637 Words   |  7 PagesJacksonian Democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the United States Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. However, the Jacksonian Democrats were in a catch 22. In order for them to protect the interests of the common man, they at times had to violate the very things for which they stood. By doing this, the Jacksonian Democrats stressed the importance of the power of the common man, at times by violating their own principles. TheRead MoreJacksonian America Essay1150 Words   |  5 Pages1820-1830, Jacksonian Democrats created a vastly popular political party. They were, of course, led by Andrew Jackson, a war hero and a man of the people. Jacksons followers who created the party were also for the people. Such ideals were shown throughout various times within the period. The democrats were essentially guardians of the United States Constitution and, similarly, were protectors of individual liberties. In addition to this, the Jacksonian Democrats promoted political democracy, and alsoRead MoreJacksonian Democracy Dbq Essay1198 Words   |  5 PagesKathy Dai M. Galvin AP USH Period 1 Jacksonian Democracy DBQ The Jacksonian democracy of the 1820s-1830s is often associated with an expansion of the political influence, economic opportunities, and social equality available to â€Å"the common man,† a concept of the masses which President Andrew Jackson and his newly founded Democratic party came to represent. The new administration certainly saw gains for the majority; namely, public participation in government increased to unprecedentedRead MoreThe Importance Of Jacksonian Democracy722 Words   |  3 PagesAndrew Jackson, war hero, man of the people, and seventh president of the United States of America led the Jacksonian Democrats; this political group was formed antebellum America. The democrats tried to aggrandize the puissance of lower classes, Americans that did not have as many opportunities unlike the aristocracy. While decreasing the clout of the rich and potent. Economically, they achieved benefits from governing during a period where huge advances in transportation, which ultimately acceleratedRead MoreAndrew Jackson And The Influence Of The Jacksonian Democracy1259 Words   |  6 Pagespolitician Andrew Jackson. The Democrats believed in a limited federal government and supported giving more power to the states. The economic monopolies in the East concerned the Democrats, they wanted equal opportunity for white males in the South and West. By the presidential election in 1828, new amendments to voting qualifications allowed more white males to vote. With support from this new population of voters, Jackson swept the election, dawning the Jacksonian Era that lasted until the end ofRead MoreAccelerated US History911 Words   |  4 Pagesbenevolent democracy. Jackson’s supporters, the Jacksonians, were as diverse as they were numerous; northern farmers, southern and western yeomen, and even urban immigrants all joined the ranks of the Champion of the Common Man (OI). During Andrew Jackson’s two terms, the state of Jacksonian Democr acy that took form upheld the principles of equality and majority rule that bound the United States together politically, economically and socially. During the 1820s and 1830s, Jacksonians served as guardiansRead MoreJacksonian Democracy1151 Words   |  5 PagesTopic: Jacksonian Democrats viewed themselves as the guardians of the United States Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. In light of the following documents and your knowledge of the 1820s and 1830s, to what extent do you agree with the Jacksonians view of themselves? Andrew Jackson began a whole new era in American history. Amongst his greatest accomplishments were evoking the common man to be interested in government and tailoringRead More AP HISTORY-Jacksonian Democracy Essay676 Words   |  3 PagesDBQ: Jacksonian Democracy Jacksonian democracy was created during the antebellum America. The Jackson democrats made an attempt to grant power to the lower classes while decreasing the influence of the rich and potent. The Jacksonian democrats viewed themselves as saviors of the common people and ruled by the means of a powerful executive branch who attempted to destroy aristocracy in America. In reality, they were typically very wealthy, they disregarded the capability of the federal governmentRead MoreEssay on Jacksonian Democracy755 Words   |  4 PagesJacksonian Democracy Jacksonian democracy was created during antebellum America. The Jackson democrats attempted to aggrandize the puissance of lower classes poor while decreasing the influence of the rich and potent. Economically, they benefited from governing during a time of paramount advances in transportation, which boosted commerce and helped the common man. Politically, they invested power into an overwhelmingly powerful executive branch. The Jacksonian democrats portrayed themselves asRead MoreAnalysis Of The War Hero After The Battle Of New Orleans934 Words   |  4 PagesNovember 2015 APUSH DBQ: Jacksonian Democrats Andrew Jackson became known as the war hero after the Battle of New Orleans. His victory over the Indians in the battle helped his public recognition and increased his popularity in society. In the election of 1820, Andrew Jackson ran for presidency and won with flying colors. Jackson’s humble background gave him an edge over other candidates - he was the voice for the â€Å"common man† and endorsed the idea of national democracy. His years in office was named

Quadrat Summary Essay Example For Students

Quadrat Summary Essay The drum kit is a percussion music instrument made up of various drums and percussion instruments played by one person the most common standard drum kit used today consists of a range of drums and cymbals the high tom, mid tom, floor tom, snare drum, bass, hi-hat, ride and the crash. The drum kit is an instrument that does not produce a melody but usually goes alongside other instruments that can create a melody. drummers also often extend their kits, adding other drums and often pitched percussion instruments such as cowbells. history The drum kit started out in 1865 at the end of the american civil war in marching bands where multiple people held drums and marched, playing alongside the band. After the american civil war ended many drummers started to experiment using two drums, a bass and snare, that was know as double drumming. Double drumming became popular in orchestras and theatres and was often used in dance bands where the drummer could sit still. In 1890 many drummers gained pedals for their bass drum so that they could play their snare and bass together and more efficiently. At that time in america ragtime was very popular and drummers experimented with improvisation and with many immigrants going into america they adopted new items to add to their kits such as the chinese tom and cymbal that turned into items that drummers use today. In 1909 the ludwig pedal was created and is extremely similar to the pedal we use today with the spring to hold it down and pedal attached, but before that pedals often overhung the drum and were hard to operate and clumsy so the pedal was a big advancement. In 1913 as other instruments had no amplifiers drummers needed to make their drumming quieter so they used brushes that were then known as fly swatters because people used them to swat flies, this caught on and gradually became its own style. Over the years more items were added to the kit such as the cymbals and drums became what they are today. Well Known players Ringo Starr, the drummer for the well known band the beatles. Chad Smith, the current drummer of the red hot chili peppers. John Bonham, the drummer of led zeppelin. Hip Hop Hip hop music today rarely goes without a drum beat of some sort. Most songs include electronic computer generated beats but can also be played on the drum kit. They often use clapping sounds or similar instead of a snare drum and mostly play repeated loops of a beat with small variations. So feared and rippled with every drop of blood. The ground grumbled and shivered as the escalators rolled into the unknown. Every jalt and movement sent shivers along her spine whilst the demons stood below and watched her. Following her every move and giving her thrills. The tracks creaked as the monster reached into the station and sped past her like a scythe wielded by the devil himself. She pounded onto the strips of metal, shimmering in the darkness and flew along the spine of the earth her heart pounding and gushing, racing the beast that sped above her. In a split second it was gone into the black hole, she could not see it but could sense another one and braced herself before her rush and in the same moment as the train hit the air in front of her she leaped onto the underside of the beast and felt the heavy air hit her at full speed. Her cloak of silk smoothened out and her bloodshot eyes gleamed in the darkness before her. Then she fell, her body twisted and writhed before hitting the floor and she awoke seconds later in the darkness and stumbled off back into the gloom. Away from the world and the fear and the tunnel. .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .postImageUrl , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:hover , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:visited , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:active { border:0!important; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:active , .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2 .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ufd7f39bb6be21ea0338f1da23847cff2:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Enjoyment of Music Section Summary EssayAs her paws plodded along the dusty surface, passers by stared up at her then walked by. The night grew darker and she sat there as still as her shadow. Once the streets were deserted, and night was at its full power, she relaxed her eyes and made her way down into the gloominess of the underground. Her whiskers flexed and twitched with the lights flickering and making forms in the puddles that she so feared and rippled with every drop of blood. The ground grumbled and shivered as the escalators rolled into the unknown. Every jalt and movement sent shivers along her spine whilst the demons stood below and watched her. Following her e very move and giving her thrills. The tracks creaked as the monster reached into the station and sped past her like a scythe wielded by the devil himself. She pounded onto the strips of metal, shimmering in the darkness and flew along the spine of the earth her heart pounding and gushing, racing the beast that sped above her. In a split second it was gone into the black hole, she could not see it but could sense another one and braced herself before her rush and in the same moment as the train hit the air in front of her she leaped onto the underside of the beast and felt the heavy air hit her at full speed. Her cloak of silk smoothened out and her bloodshot eyes gleamed in the darkness before her. Then she fell, her body twisted and writhed before hitting the floor and she awoke seconds later in the darkness and stumbled off back into the gloom. Away from the world and the fear and the tunnel.

The Merchant of Venice Coursework Essay Shylock; Victim or Villain Example For Students

The Merchant of Venice Coursework Essay Shylock; Victim or Villain On the first reading of Shakespeares play, The Merchant of Venice, the character of Shylock the Jew seemed to me to be that of a villain. Because it is a play, an audience in Shakespeares time may well have thought the same and, indeed, may have been expected to do so. The reason for this is that Elizabethan audiences expected to be shown stereotypes and it is down to the skill of the dramatist to keep them guessing. As the play unfolds, the character of Shylock develops so that he can also be seen, by more discerning audiences, as a victim. Exploring this contrast between the two views is something I find very interesting. We will write a custom essay on The Merchant of Venice Coursework Shylock; Victim or Villain specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Throughout that part of the play in which he features, Shylock gives us many opportunities to see different aspects of the character that Shakespeare portrays, as I intend to show. Three thousand ducats. From Shylocks first words, Shakespeare shows him to be focussed on his job as a moneylender, which was one of the very few professions that Jewish men could have had in a Christian city. From the very beginning, an Elizabethan audience would have seen Shylock as a business man, driven by the unwavering desire for profit at the expense of the Christians whom he despises. When Bassanio comes to take out a loan in Antonios name, Shylock shows immediately that he will grant it I think I will take his bond. , but not for the reasons he gives to Bassanio. Although the Jew pretends friendship to the pair, I would be friends with you, and have your love, he is all the while plotting some way of ridding himself of Antonio, who, besides being a Christian, is a personal enemy of Shylock, How like a fawning publican he looks! I hate him for he is a Christian. This hatred, however, is not without a past. Shylock tells the audience how, by Antonios actions, his profits as a moneylender have been damaged, He lends out money gratis, and brings down the rate of usance. , and of how he has suffered on account of Antonios harsh words, You call me a misbeliever, cut-throat dog, and spit upon my Jewish gabardine. So even though Shylocks villainous side is on view, his hatred is not entirely without reason and with a thirst for vengeance such as his, you can see why he would feel the need for revenge. Shylocks apparent good humour lulls the two gentlemen into a false sense of security, so that when he insists on charging no interest, Antonio at least is not suspicious. Instead Shylock jokes with the pair saying that If you repay me not on such a day .. let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh. Even though his blood-thirsty bond shows Shylock to be both cruel and vindictive, I think that Antonios past actions are some justification for Shylocks attitude. Before Shylock leaves his house to attend Bassanios dinner party, he seems ill at ease. He calls for his daughter, Jessica, with strict instructions over her duties and her behaviour during his absence. Shylock seems unsure whether he should attend the supper, for he fears that in his absence something awful will happen, There is some ill a-brewing towards my rest, for I did dream of money bags tonight. , nevertheless he decides to go. The situation is made worse when Lancelot, who has recently left his job as Shylocks servant and has no reason to be afraid of him anymore, starts teasing the Jew about his premonitions and his wariness about leaving the house. It seems to me that Shylock leaving the house of an evening is a rare occurrence. Hear you me Jessica, lock up my doors. Shylocks obsession over every single detail shows his protectiveness of both his money and his daughter. Although this makes him seem very miserly, his reasons are understandable. As without his money he has no security nor any means of maintaining his social status. Shylocks attitude towards Jessica can be seen as either cruelty or over-protectiveness. I think it is the latter, mainly because in those days, it would be normal for a Jewish father with a daughter of marriageable age. On reading the play we can assume, because Jessica is the one managing the house and the fact that there is no reference to her mother being there, that she has had only her fathers attitude to relate to. In his turn Shylock would have had only the role-model of a traditional Jewish father to guide him. When he hears about the masque, Shylock immediately instructs Jessica to Stop my houses ears .. let not the sound of shallow foppery enter and not to thrust your head into the public street to gaze on Christian fools demonstrating his knowledge of how drunken young men might behave. Shylocks concerns however, are wasted on Jessica, who later that night plans to elope with Lorenzo, taking most of Shylocks money with her O Lorenzo .. I shall end this strife, become a Christian and thy loving wife. This dramatic irony may have proved entertaining to an Elizabethan audience, but it is really one of the worst things to happen to Shylock. To my mind, Act 2 Scene 8, where Shylock realises that Jessica has not only eloped, but taken a great deal of his money as well, seems to be one of the most tragic scenes in the play. This, however, is not its main purpose. In this scene the plot is moved forward, and the device used is two unimportant people, like a Greek chorus, telling us what has happened. The famous speech, My daughter! O my ducats! that is reported by Salarino and Solanio, serves to deflate Shylocks character, that had dominated the play before. Shylock had become hysterical. I never heard a passion so confused. As a result he has been made a public figure of fun, taunted by the boys of Venice as he wanders the streets, searching for his daughter. The way it is reported to the audience, is one that reinforces the Jewish stereotype: that he would value his money more than his daughter. Throughout this part of the scene, Shylock is never referred to by name, merely as the dog Jew or the villain Jew which is dismissive. The scene now looks forward to the parting of Antonio and Bassanio, as the two of them are separated. The reference to how deep the love is between them, and with affection wondrous sensible he wrung Bassanios hand, and so they parted. I think he only loves the world for him. , was added to lighten the mood, and to try to lift the doubt that has been set in the audiences mind after learning that a shipwreck has occurred in the Narrow Seas. This increases the dramatic tension, because if the ship belongs to Antonio then he will not be able to pay for the bond. This is especially worrying, as with Shylock raging for his lost daughter and money, he will have no qualms about exacting the penalty of a pound of flesh. This scene was used, I think, to create more of a contrast between the Jews and the Christians, and to increase the audiences dislike of Shylock. However, although Solanio and Salarino are trying to make Shylock look even more like a villain, the way they make fun of his loss and his grief, make him seem to me more a victim than ever. In Act 3 Scene 1, where Shylock next appears, his true character shows through most clearly. At the beginning, Solanio and Salarino confirm, that it was indeed one of Antonios vessels that was wrecked in the English Channel, and that they are concerned for him. When Shylock enters, the two men immediately begin to taunt and bait him, How now, Shylock, what news among the merchants? . .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .postImageUrl , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:hover , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:visited , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:active { border:0!important; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:active , .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03 .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u6732f70f74d5087701b4df98026eef03:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: How would you direct Act3 Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet for a contemporary audience at the Globe Theatre EssayFirst they try to get him to react to Jessicas flight, I for my part knew the tailor that made the wings she flew withal,. Then they press him on the fact that he appears to have lost his investment in Antonios ship, not realising that it is really the pound of flesh he desires, It will feed my revenge. . Knowing that Shylock is feeling vulnerable, they persistently harass him until he loses his temper. When Shylock does react, the duo get a lot more than they had bargained for. Beforehand Shylocks obsession with his bond has been showing through, underlining his thi rst for Antonios blood. He says repeatedly, Let him look to his bond. . When Shylock can stand it no longer, he makes one of the most famous speeches in the entire play, beginning I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? It is a speech that, to an Elizabethan audience, would have been years ahead of its time, looking at racism from an almost modern perspective. The effect was that although Solanio and Salarino managed to achieve what they had wanted in provoking Shylock, they actually ended up looking like fools, with Shylock as the more powerful character. When the pair leave, it is the signal for Shylocks associate, Tubal, to enter, bringing yet more bad news. After searching for news of Jessica, Tubal returns with what he has found, I often came where I did hear of her, but cannot find her. The way Shylock reacts to these tidings is to curse Jessica, I would my daughter were dead at my feet, and mourn the loss of his money and jewels, rather than her flight. I think that this is mainly because Shylock is still coming to terms with Jessicas betrayal and his mind is in a state of turmoil. Another reason however, could be that with the blow to his pride and the way he sees money as equal to status, he is covering up the hurt he feels inside by trying to give the impression to his fellow Jews that it is the money that is the greater loss. Tubal is an interesting character because you cannot tell whether he is on Shylocks side or not. Throughout the conversation he appears slightly two-faced, sometimes coming out with a piece of good news, other men have ill luck too. Antonio as I heard , at which Shylock becomes jubilant, I thank thee, good Tubal: good news a ha, and sometimes being very spiteful, Your daughter spent in Genoa, as I heard, one night four score ducats. Which instantly depresses Shylock again, Thou stickst a dagger in me. This scene initially shows Shylock as victim, owing to Salarino and Solanios taunts. This is emphasised by Tubals snide comments, more surprisingly as he is also a Jew. However the villainous aspect of Shylocks character also emerges. His words reveal his deep hatred of Antonio and the reason for them, I will have the heart of him if he forfeit, for were he out of Venice I can make what merchandise I will,. After it is found that all of Antonios ships have been wrecked, taking with them the means to repay Shylock, Antonio is taken to a prison to await trial. By way of the jailor, Antonio has managed to arrange a meeting with Shylock in the street, in the hope of reasoning with him, I pray thee hear me speak. Shylock of course is on the defensive, and as he believes that attack is the best form of defence, he is lashing out at any attempt of Antonios to reason with him, I will not hear thee speak in order to hide the vulnerability that he is feeling inside. In Solanios words, Shylock is an impenetrable cur and will not be moved from his resolution to have his pound of flesh. His reason well I know: I oft delivered from his forfeitures many that have at times made moan to me; therefore he hates me. This scene really sets out, the reasons why Shylock has such a hatred of Antonio. At this point, an Elizabethan audience would really see Antonio as the suffering martyr and would support him for his goodness and his bravery coupled with dry humour in the face of death, These griefs and losses have so baited me that I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh tomorrow to my bloody creditor. The reason that both Shylock and Antonio are so sure that the Jew will win his case is because in Venice, justice comes above even the Doge (or Duke) and that it is not prejudiced towards the many different races that flock to the City. The Duke cannot deny the law since that the trade and profit of the City consisteth of all nations. So even though Shylocks fixation on his bond is outwardly very villainous indeed, he is just trying to carry out the law, and his attitude is due to him being victimised in the past. Set in the courtroom of the Dukes palace in Venice, Act 4 scene 1 is the longest and most complex scene in the play. It brings together all the different characters and stories that have been developing throughout the play. Before Shylock has even entered the court, there is prejudice forming against him from the Duke and the friends of Antonio. Thou art come to answer a stoney adversary, an inhuman wretch. This should not have been allowed to happen as not even the Duke can go against the law and his judgement is supposed to be unbiased. I do oppose my patience with his fury and am armed to suffer with a quietness of spirit. Again Antonio is ingratiating himself with the audience and the people around him, in his portrayal of the goodly Christian. Whether or not he is sincere, it is hard to tell, but I am of the opinion that he is not as virtuous as we are led to believe, trying to get more support for his cause. This means that the people around him, as well as the audience, are bound to see Shylock as even more of a villain than they would in other circumstances. When Shylock does enter the courtroom, the Duke immediately begins to patronize him, I think so too, that thou but leadest this fashion of thy malice to the last hour of act giving the Jew a chance to drop the charges against Antonio, releasing him from the bond. This is the Dukes way of saying, all right Shylock, youve made your point, now let Antonio go and well say no more on the matter but as he had said a moment before, Shylock is Uncapable of pity, void and empty from any dram of mercy and so will not be swayed from his decision, and even if he did, it would be admitting that the Christians have won, which he would never do. The Duke then goes on to say, insensitively, Glancing an eye on his losses that have of late so huddled on his back not sparing a thought for the fact that Shylock too, has recently lost money and jewels. Here, although feeling sorry for Shylock as the victim of the Christians words, I feel repelled by the answer he gives to the Duke, Youll ask me why I rather choose to have a weight of carrion flesh than to receive three thousand ducats. Ill not answer that but say it is my humour. Also, if he just gives in, his pride will be damaged, and it goes against his instincts to just allow the Christians total victory. .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .postImageUrl , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:hover , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:visited , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:active { border:0!important; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:active , .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u32faf6cce9aed816e45c9e33cf9e651e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Great Expectations an exciting opening to the story EssayAntonio at this point, has realised that it is fruitless to try and change Shylocks mind, You may as well do anything most hard as seek to soften that . his Jewish heart and does not want to satisfy Shylock by begging. Even when Bassanio offers the Jew six thousand ducats instead of three, Shylock replies that if the six thousand ducats were multiplied by six, he would still have his bond. Shylock also compares his bond with slavery, saying that if he told all those gathered there to Let them be free! Marry them to your heirs! that they would not, saying only that The slaves are ours. . His point is that he has bough t the bond, and it belongs to him, so why should their words make him give it up, arguing that If you deny me, fie upon your law I stand for judgement and that to deny him the bond would be breaking the law and going against all Venetian principles. So essentially, Shylock sees the advantages of hiding behind the law, which could be interpreted as the action of both a villain and a victim, but to me it is merely a tactical decision. The Duke decides that, unless a doctor that he has sent for to determine the matter comes, then he will dismiss the court. Nerissa, dressed as a lawyers clerk, then enters, bringing with her letters from Bellario. While the Duke reads these letters, Shylock, so confident of winning his case, is sharpening his knife in anticipation. This is a very threatening gesture, and to do that in the middle of the courtroom, in front of all those people, he must have known that with the law on his side, there was no way that he could lose. Gratiano especially takes great offence at this, and asks in anger and desperation Can no prayers pierce thee? Shylocks calm and collected reply, No, none that thou hast wit enough to make is unpleasant. Portia, in the guise of the lawyer Balthazar, then asks that Shylock be merciful, but is silenced by Shylocks On what compulsion must I? . Her silence however is short-lived and she immediately launches into her famous speech, beginning The quality of mercy is not strained, This speech, for Shylock, is the ultimate test of character and draws heavily on what Portia sees to be the values of Christianity. She tells how Mercy is above this sceptred sway meaning that mercy is a God-given gift, rather than the privilege of kings, and that we are most like God when we are being merciful, It is an attribute to God himself, and earthly power doth then show likest Gods when mercy seasons justice. Although this is a highly compassionate speech, it falls on deaf ears, My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, the penalty and forfeit of my bond, which has an echo of the trial of Jesus Christ. When Shylock says the line, An oath, an oath. I have an oath in heaven! Shall I lay perjury upon my soul? No, not for Venice he is bound to be seen as either victim or villain by different people, as to break an oath to heaven would be perjury, but might also be seen as an excuse. Shylock continues to show the villainous side of his character throughout the scene, saying such things as, By my soul I swear there is no power in the tongue of man to alter me. Also, from the moment Portia has arrived in the courtroom, she has given Shylock the opportunity to be merciful, Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, to stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death. but every time Shylock has thrown it back in her face, I cannot find it, tis not in the bond always, completely fixated on the bond. Tarry a little just as Shylocks knife is about to enter Antonios chest, Portia comes out with her master-stroke. In the bond there is no clause that allows, in the taking of the forfeit, the spilling of any of Antonios blood. At this, Shylock suddenly becomes quite afraid as he sees that his case is failing, and we begin to see the stronger side of Portia, and the cruelty with which she intends to thwart Shylock, Thou shalt have justice more than thou desirest. Shylock realises that he must renounce his claim, but Portia uses his own words against him, pushing him so that he loses both his revenge and the money Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture, to be so taken at thy peril, Jew From a gloating man, triumphant in the prospects of revenge, Portia has stripped Shylock of all he hoped to gain, and still she is not satisfied. Finally, Shylock is forced to become a Christian. This is the worst possible thing that could happen to Shylock. Even though Antonios action is supposedly merciful I dont think he realises that he has just destroyed the very essence of who Shylock is. Now, not only his daughter and much of his money have been taken from him, but his religion and his pride. When he utters the words I am content I feel so much sympathy for him as a victim, and he leaves the courtroom humiliated, a broken man. The difference between the views of a 16th century audience and a 21st century audience is that first and foremost, we in the 21st century have had the opportunity to read and study the script, whereas in Elizabethan times, the audience would have been swung first one way then the other as the plot unfolded. Nowadays we also have very different views on how to behave, for example, racial prejudice is recognized and controlled by law, unlike then, where it was acceptable for people to make racist comments. Portia herself openly says of Morocco Let all of his complexion choose me so. From a 16th century audiences point of view, not much would actually be known about other races, therefore Shylock as an outsider, would be seen as more of a villain. Overall I think that Shakespeare intended Shylock to be seen as a villain, because he knew that that was what would please his audience, but he has written a complex character, that is bound to raise questions from the more thoughtful members of any audience, for instance, when Antonio sentences him to become a Christian, he knows that Shylock will no longer belong to the Jewish community, but will never be able to belong to the Christian community either a paper Christian. What is interesting is that those who compel him to conform, in this case Portia and Antonio, are as much paper Christians as he is, for example, in her long speech, Portia talks at length of the quality of mercy, yet when she might have shown mercy to Shylock, she carried on, until she had taken from him all he held dear. In my opinion, I believe that it is impossible to separate victim and villain as they are not opposites. They overlap, and so I cannot define the character of Shylock as one or the other, as there is evidence of both, although I think that is what Shakespeare himself was thinking when he wrote the part.