Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Example

Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Symbolism is a literary technique used in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to give a deeper significance to the plot. The poem is littered with symbolisms. The symbols juxtapose one another and provide structure and symmetry within the story. The symbolisms also have specific historical context that adds to the story line and influences how the reader interprets the poem. Sir Gawain’s pentangle on his shield and the acceptance of the girdle from Lord Bertilak’s lady are two of the most prominent symbols presented to us in this authors tale. The pentangle painted in pure gold on Sir Gawain’s shield and embroidered on his shawl can be seen as a symbol of Gawain’s perfection and power over evil. According to Garald Morgan, â€Å"Gawain’s courtesy is associated with his virtue in the symbolic device of the pentangle in his shield. † (Morgan 770) The poet uses 46 lines to describe the meaning of the pentangle. No other symbol in the poem is described in such detail. Such a long explanation seems out of place in a poem full of fast-paced action, beheadings and temptations. The narrator acknowledges this but proceeds to delve into his description after establishing a disclaimer: â€Å"And why the pentangle was appropriate to that prince I intend now to say, though it will stall our story. † (Armitage 623-4) This passage alerts the reader to pay attention; the symbolic meaning of the pentangle is important to a proper understanding of the narrators message. The poet illustrates the pentangle as a symbol of faithfulness and an â€Å"endless knot† saying, â€Å"It suits this soldier in his spotless armor/fully faithful in five ways five times over. (Armitage 631) The five points of the pentangle represent five virtues attributed to Gawain. Gawains life at this point is the perfect application of the virtues the pentangle signifies. The poet states, â€Å"the figure is a five-pointed star and each line overlaps and links with the last so it is ever eternal,† (Armitage 627) and then goes on to say, â€Å"So these five sets of five were fixed in this knight, each linked to the last through the endless line† The pentangle is a unity in which all parts are interrelated just as the spiritual, moral and social qualities are united in Gawain. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In the poet’s account of the â€Å"five sets of five† he specifies the spiritual, moral and social virtues that constitute the pentangle by including religious faith in lines 642-643 and the operation of the senses in line 640. The first attributes mentioned in the â€Å"five sets of five† is being flawless in the five senses and his five fingers never being at fault. According to Morgan’s interpretation of the poem he states, â€Å"From the poet’s attribution to his hero of perfection in the five senses it would seem that we are to understand that Gawain does not sin through mere sensual gratification† (Morgan 774). What he is saying is, Gawain is able to appropriately control his sensitive desires by reason. Next, the five wounds of Christ and the five joys of Mary specify religious dimension. This appeal to faith symbolized by the pentangle is not at all out of the ordinary as we can see from other works of this time; â€Å"the appeal of metaphor and symbol was especially strong in a time that not only drew on the treasuries of the Christian tradition and classical literature and mythology, but invented the new â€Å"sign- language† which was one of its real innovations. † (Bruce 15) These aspects of Gawain’s chivalry are the source of his courage. A lot of attention is given to this, suggesting that, â€Å"courage is a significant element in the moral scheme of the poem† (Morgan 775). The fifth set of five presents five virtues: fraunchyse or friendship, felawshyp or fraternity, clannes or purity, cortaysye or politeness and pite or pity; all of which have a specific social extension in the poem. That is to say, the five qualities are relevant to the subsequent events of the poem. Following the beheading test at the Green Chapel, Gawain accuses himself of â€Å"cortayse† and â€Å"cowarddyse† for his acceptance of the girdle. As translated by Simon Armitage, he says, â€Å"A curse upon cowardice and covetousness† (Armitage 2374). He claims the girdle as his downfall stating, â€Å"I gave into greed, and in doing so forgot the fidelity and kindness which every knight knows† (2380-1). We see Gawain’s failing in friendship and fraternity with his failed loyalty to Bertilak by accepting the girdle. According to Conor McCarthy’s interpretation, fraunchyse and felawshyp are linked on the pentangle because â€Å"it is in these two senses that Gawain will fail in his quest. (McCarthy 299) In this context then, it could be said that clannes and cortaysye are paired together because Gawain succeeds in preserving both qualities, despite temptation. The final quality attributed to Gawain is pite, translated as pity by Armitage. The word pite is rather ambiguous, and although Armitage translates it as pity, meaning compassion (an important attribute for a chivalric knight), it seams as a w hole that piety, meaning moral virtue or faithfulness, is a better fit for the poem. Piety draws us back to Gawain’s religious faith which in a sense links the other four qualities. Not only is the pentangle a symbol in itself clearly described by the poet, it is also often times linked as a symbol to magical traditions. The Gawain poet states, â€Å"It is a symbol that Solomon once set in place† (Armitage 625). Some scholars claim that the pentangle had magical defense against evil spirits. This could be supported by the inclusion of Solomon in the poem. Solomon, the third king of Isreal, in 10th century BC, was said to have the mark of the pentagram on his ring, which he received from Archangel Michael. The ring was said to give Solomon power over demons. The reason why the pentangle, in popular superstitions, has come to be adopted as a mystical symbol to ward off evil is not hard to see when we consider other medieval symbolism. The number five itself is deeply significant in medieval numerology. V. F. Hopper points out how important numbers were in medieval thought. He states that numbers were deeply rooted in medieval thought â€Å"not as mathematical tools, nor as the counters in a game, but as fundamental realities, alive with memories and eloquent with meaning† (Hopper viii). According to Hopper, the most potent numbers in magic appear to have been three, four, five seven and nine. Of the number â€Å"five† he states as a â€Å"holy† number in the east. The number five was also said to be â€Å"incorruptible by virtue of its reoccurrence in multiplication† (Kitely 45). The question of how the magical side of the pentangle affects one’s reading of the poem is important to look at. Also important to question is why the poet focuses on the moral aspects of the pentangle and not the magical ones. Kitely notes, â€Å"Gawain sets out to meet a magical creature of unknown power†¦he is a creature of malignant magic. What more suitable device could Gawain, therefore, bear than the five pointed pentangle†¦Gawain therefore leaves with the dual moral-magical defense of the pentangle. Superstition and philosophy are equally satisfied† (Kitely 47). The poet reveals through the poem that magic of itself is insufficient to combat against another species of magic. Kitely says, â€Å"Paradoxally, the poet has revealed that he was after all, correct to focus on the moral and religious side of the pentangle. (Kitely 49) If Gawain had placed total reliance on this thought, then he would have been unscathed. The pentangle might have seemed like a dual symbol of defense, but it is ultimately only reliable in its moral defense. Medieval audiences who knew of the magical association might have been left feeling that only total reliance on Christian virtue would help when faced with uncertainty in medieval times. Kitely affirms saying, â€Å"In the poem, as it stands, the magical side of the pentangle serves to underline the basic moral themes. (Kitely 50) It seems that rather than clashing with the moral side, the magical aspect emphasizes the poet’s attitude towards superstition and a reliance on aids other than Christian virtue, as we see costly toward Gawain. There is an ingenious symmetry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and can be seen prominently between the pentangle and the green girdle. The poet spends 46 lines carefully, and almost laboriously, expounding the symbolism of the pentang le and yet he says nothing explicitly about the girdle. Its symbolic value is simply what Gawain assigns it and what the reader believes it to be. Jan Solomon calls the girdle â€Å"the thematic and symbolic nexus of the poem† (Solomon 274). The girdle is a tangible object upon which the climax of the poem focuses. The girdle unites two major plot lines, the temptation and the beheading game, and yet the girdle remains somewhat of a debated mystery. The anonymity of the author has allowed more latitude for scholars to make it what they will. Some scholars such as Roger Loomis (pg. 154) and Larry Benson (pg. 40) believe the girdle to be a â€Å"love token†. Martin Stevens however, contests references to the girdle as a â€Å"sexual symbol† or â€Å"sexual trophy† (Stevens 77). He believes such descriptions arise from confusing the medieval girdle with the modern undergarment. According to the medieval dictionary, a girdle is â€Å"a belt worn around the waist, used for fastening clothes or for carrying a sword, purse, etc. † Considering the girdles importance in the poem it is a good idea to fully understand the nature and meaning of the girdle more precisely. This will provide a better conception of what the girdle really was and what it symbolized and should affect how one reads the poem. We can all concede that the girdle is a belt of some sort. We see it then as an accessory. Originally, however, the girdle was not worn for warmth or ornament but as a magical binding either as a protective amulet or sign of the individual’s mystical incorporation into a social group. Later leaves or cloth panels were attached for modesty’s sake. Wilhelm Wundt states, â€Å"the celtic use of champion belts among the Greeks and Semites, even the Church’s corona of tonsure, derive from the principle of binding or encircling as magically promoting divine protection and positive good fortune† (Wundt 86) This is true in other parts of the ancient world as well. The wrapping of the toga by the Romans can also be seen as a species of engirdling magic. Zoroastrians had a similar custom; at the initiation rite by which a Cathar became a perfectus, the initiate was â€Å"girt† about the body with a thread, which was called his garment. (Onians 453) The girdles magic can even be seen in the Bible when God has Jeremiah carry out with his linen girdle to demonstrate that â€Å"as the girdle clingeth to the loins of men, so have I cause to cleave unto the house of Judah† (XIII 1-11) and in Isaiah’s prediction â€Å"And the Righteous shall be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins† (XI. ). These passages have been analyzed by Onians: â€Å"God and medicine man use the same means and no less in blessing than in cursing† (Onians 367). The girdle, as one can see, in some form or another is littered throughout pre medieval history and literature. The archaic magical force of girdling continued then into the Middle Ages. Male girdles began to represent sovereignty, authority and power. Freidman and Osberg state, â€Å"To get someone’s head under your girdle meant to conquer him† (Freidman and Osberg 304). A vassal, or one who entered into mutual obligations with a monarch, was supposed to take off his belt in the presence of his suzerain, or superior. From Roman times to medieval romances foot soldiers surrendered by unfastening the cords around their hips which held up their undergarments. The woman’s girdles on the other hand, involve somewhat different magical and symbolic associations. The girdle of Ishtar, the goddess of fertility, love, war and sex, became a girdle of fertility. When she unfastened it in the underworld, the earth became infertile. The most famous of all girdles, the cestus of Aphrodite-Urania, became as early as Homer a â€Å"gurdel of lecherie†, excluding all enticements of lust. (Freidman and Osberg 304) It also is seen frequently in medieval and Renaissance poetry. The proponent girdle was the maiden’s sash or belt. According to Freidman and Osberg, it was â€Å"an amulet to preserve by advertising the virginity of the wearer, it was credited with, among other things, holding wolves at bay† (Freidman and Osberg). Another instance of the girdle can be found in religious legends as such: the maiden rescued by Lydgate’s St. George was able to lead the dragon into the city by her girdle. The girdle was also seen as a husband’s trophy, suggestive of the sexual act and fertility and a pledge of marital chastity. Interestingly enough, in medieval England prostitutes were forbidden to wear girdles of any sorts. Now, with all of that history at the forefront we have to ask; what fashion of girdle was the one Gawain received from Bertilak’s lady and what did it symbolize? Can this question even be answered or is it to be left to the readers’ interpretation? The connotations of the girdle explain why the lady wanted Gawain to conceal it from her husband and why Gawain finds her request completely legitimate. Gawain felt justified in concealing it for upon showing it to Bertilak, he would surely think things that never were. Gawain’s overriding reason for keeping the girdle was to preserve his own life and to level the playing ground with the Green Knight. The magical connotations of the girdle strengthen his rationalizations. By an understandably devious process, the girdle becomes exclusively associated in Gawain’s mind with the adventure of the Green Chapel, not as a relevant item in the exchange agreement, which is just a game. The girdle complicates the motivating impulses and refracts the lines of moral action. With the acceptance and concealment of the girdle Gawain is removed from the unnatural category of systematic perfection, as symbolized by the pentangle, and brought into the reach of human relatability. According to Friedman and Osberg, â€Å"his final succumbing to the lady’s wiles to the extent of accepting the girdle, retrospectively soils the resolute but polite skill with which he had parried her onslaught up to that event† (Friedman and Osberg 312). The possession of the girdle, even though it is left ambiguous how much Gawain really trusts the magic of it, could be seen to undercut his bravery. Although it could also be said that it is no more cowardly than relying on the pentangle to give him strength. Aside from the connotations associated with the girdle, the fashion in which Gawain wears it is also important to discuss. It is easy to fall into the error of believing that the girdle is concealed under his armor when he leaves the castle. We are deceived by the fact that Gawain initially conceals it from Bertilak. Gawain, in fact, wears it on the outside. The poet explains that he wraps himself with the girdle after he clothes himself with his coat which was emblazed with the pentangle. He wraps it over his coat, which is a symbol of his parting from the virtues of the pentangle. Spiritually and physically the girdle superseded the pentangle. Gawain wearing it in sight also shows his reliance on the magical symbol of the girdle. As Gawain sets out for the Chapel he notably displays is to bring the magical influence into play. This indicates that he does have some faith in the girdle’s magical implications, though these implications prove to be trumped in the end just like those of the pentangle. There is symbolic polarity between the image of the pentangle and the image of the girdle given to Gawain by Bertilak’s wife in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The pentangle or â€Å"endless knot† illustrates Gawain’s virtuous perfection and the girdle becomes an indication of the knight’s lapse of perfection. There is however a significant link between the two symbols. Both of the figures’ definitions change by the end of the poem. The shield and the girdle are real objects and function in the poem as living articulate symbols dynamically paired. The pentangle evokes the chivalric ideal. In the beginning, when Gawain sets out on his quest, the pentangle is emblematic of his knightly virtue. He is seen as a flawless knight. Gawain embarks on his adventure and along the way deviously accepts a girdle from Lord Bertilak’s lady. Upon his meeting with the Green Knight at the Chapel, his blunder is revealed and the girdle becomes emblematic of his fault. The whole movement of the story hangs upon his yielding to temptation, accepting the girdle, and having his failing revealed to him. When we reach this point the poem is shifted and the meaning behind the two symbols is altered. The pentangles â€Å"endless knot† is seemingly broken. In desperation to save his own life, we see Gawain fail in friendship and fraternity, two parts of the pentangle that are placed together. The pentangle, which once symbolized his faithfulness and honor, is broken and morphed into a reminder of his shortcomings. The girdle, on the other hand, starts out as a symbol of Gawain’s imperfection and fault. When Bertilak reveals himself as the Green Knight and confronts Gawain for the acceptance of his wife’s girdle, Gawain says, â€Å"My downfall and undoing; let the devil take it† about the girdle. The girdle is a sign of Gawain’s sin. On his homeward journey Gawain wears the girdle across his chest and knotted at the hip. When he arrives back in Camelot he recounts his trip to the Green Chapel and describes the girdle as a band of shame. King Arthur and the rest of the court laughs and provides comfort to lift their noble knight. The girdle changes to a symbol of honor. It is redefined by the collective as a symbol of greatness. Collectively the brotherhood had the power to bear the shame and wear the girdle as a symbol of nobility. Sir Gawain’s pentangle on his shield and the girdle given to him by Bertilak’s wife are two of the most prominent symbols presented to us in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The pentangle’s appropriateness to Gawain is outlined in an explanation of its fivefold symbolism. The author goes to great lengths to illustrate the importance of the pentangle. The pentangle in its self is a symbol of Christian perfection. Also, it would have magical implications to the readers familiar with medieval superstition. Knowing the â€Å"other† characterization of the pentangle can change how the reader perceives the text. The girdle also has magical and historical connotations that affect the way the poem is read; proving that the history behind certain aspects of the poem was important to the poet’s overall moral of the story. The one question that remains is; if the girdle is so important to the poem, then why does the poet go to the painstaking lengths to lay out the symbol of the pentangle, but leave the meaning of the girdle open to our interpretation? The symbol of the pentangle is artificial and therefore must be meticulously defined, whereas the meaning of the girdle defines itself in the eyes of the reader. The two symbols are juxtaposed throughout the poem and their meanings oppose each other to provide a symbolic representation of the moral of the story. That is, human reality is not pure Christian perfection, neither is it absolute shame on those who sin, but it is found somewhere in between. Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Example Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Paper Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Symbolism is a literary technique used in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to give a deeper significance to the plot. The poem is littered with symbolisms. The symbols juxtapose one another and provide structure and symmetry within the story. The symbolisms also have specific historical context that adds to the story line and influences how the reader interprets the poem. Sir Gawain’s pentangle on his shield and the acceptance of the girdle from Lord Bertilak’s lady are two of the most prominent symbols presented to us in this authors tale. The pentangle painted in pure gold on Sir Gawain’s shield and embroidered on his shawl can be seen as a symbol of Gawain’s perfection and power over evil. According to Garald Morgan, â€Å"Gawain’s courtesy is associated with his virtue in the symbolic device of the pentangle in his shield. † (Morgan 770) The poet uses 46 lines to describe the meaning of the pentangle. No other symbol in the poem is described in such detail. Such a long explanation seems out of place in a poem full of fast-paced action, beheadings and temptations. The narrator acknowledges this but proceeds to delve into his description after establishing a disclaimer: â€Å"And why the pentangle was appropriate to that prince I intend now to say, though it will stall our story. † (Armitage 623-4) This passage alerts the reader to pay attention; the symbolic meaning of the pentangle is important to a proper understanding of the narrators message. The poet illustrates the pentangle as a symbol of faithfulness and an â€Å"endless knot† saying, â€Å"It suits this soldier in his spotless armor/fully faithful in five ways five times over. (Armitage 631) The five points of the pentangle represent five virtues attributed to Gawain. Gawains life at this point is the perfect application of the virtues the pentangle signifies. The poet states, â€Å"the figure is a five-pointed star and each line overlaps and links with the last so it is ever eternal,† (Armitage 627) and then goes on to say, â€Å"So these five sets of five were fixed in this knight, each linked to the last through the endless line† The pentangle is a unity in which all parts are interrelated just as the spiritual, moral and social qualities are united in Gawain. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolization in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In the poet’s account of the â€Å"five sets of five† he specifies the spiritual, moral and social virtues that constitute the pentangle by including religious faith in lines 642-643 and the operation of the senses in line 640. The first attributes mentioned in the â€Å"five sets of five† is being flawless in the five senses and his five fingers never being at fault. According to Morgan’s interpretation of the poem he states, â€Å"From the poet’s attribution to his hero of perfection in the five senses it would seem that we are to understand that Gawain does not sin through mere sensual gratification† (Morgan 774). What he is saying is, Gawain is able to appropriately control his sensitive desires by reason. Next, the five wounds of Christ and the five joys of Mary specify religious dimension. This appeal to faith symbolized by the pentangle is not at all out of the ordinary as we can see from other works of this time; â€Å"the appeal of metaphor and symbol was especially strong in a time that not only drew on the treasuries of the Christian tradition and classical literature and mythology, but invented the new â€Å"sign- language† which was one of its real innovations. † (Bruce 15) These aspects of Gawain’s chivalry are the source of his courage. A lot of attention is given to this, suggesting that, â€Å"courage is a significant element in the moral scheme of the poem† (Morgan 775). The fifth set of five presents five virtues: fraunchyse or friendship, felawshyp or fraternity, clannes or purity, cortaysye or politeness and pite or pity; all of which have a specific social extension in the poem. That is to say, the five qualities are relevant to the subsequent events of the poem. Following the beheading test at the Green Chapel, Gawain accuses himself of â€Å"cortayse† and â€Å"cowarddyse† for his acceptance of the girdle. As translated by Simon Armitage, he says, â€Å"A curse upon cowardice and covetousness† (Armitage 2374). He claims the girdle as his downfall stating, â€Å"I gave into greed, and in doing so forgot the fidelity and kindness which every knight knows† (2380-1). We see Gawain’s failing in friendship and fraternity with his failed loyalty to Bertilak by accepting the girdle. According to Conor McCarthy’s interpretation, fraunchyse and felawshyp are linked on the pentangle because â€Å"it is in these two senses that Gawain will fail in his quest. (McCarthy 299) In this context then, it could be said that clannes and cortaysye are paired together because Gawain succeeds in preserving both qualities, despite temptation. The final quality attributed to Gawain is pite, translated as pity by Armitage. The word pite is rather ambiguous, and although Armitage translates it as pity, meaning compassion (an important attribute for a chivalric knight), it seams as a w hole that piety, meaning moral virtue or faithfulness, is a better fit for the poem. Piety draws us back to Gawain’s religious faith which in a sense links the other four qualities. Not only is the pentangle a symbol in itself clearly described by the poet, it is also often times linked as a symbol to magical traditions. The Gawain poet states, â€Å"It is a symbol that Solomon once set in place† (Armitage 625). Some scholars claim that the pentangle had magical defense against evil spirits. This could be supported by the inclusion of Solomon in the poem. Solomon, the third king of Isreal, in 10th century BC, was said to have the mark of the pentagram on his ring, which he received from Archangel Michael. The ring was said to give Solomon power over demons. The reason why the pentangle, in popular superstitions, has come to be adopted as a mystical symbol to ward off evil is not hard to see when we consider other medieval symbolism. The number five itself is deeply significant in medieval numerology. V. F. Hopper points out how important numbers were in medieval thought. He states that numbers were deeply rooted in medieval thought â€Å"not as mathematical tools, nor as the counters in a game, but as fundamental realities, alive with memories and eloquent with meaning† (Hopper viii). According to Hopper, the most potent numbers in magic appear to have been three, four, five seven and nine. Of the number â€Å"five† he states as a â€Å"holy† number in the east. The number five was also said to be â€Å"incorruptible by virtue of its reoccurrence in multiplication† (Kitely 45). The question of how the magical side of the pentangle affects one’s reading of the poem is important to look at. Also important to question is why the poet focuses on the moral aspects of the pentangle and not the magical ones. Kitely notes, â€Å"Gawain sets out to meet a magical creature of unknown power†¦he is a creature of malignant magic. What more suitable device could Gawain, therefore, bear than the five pointed pentangle†¦Gawain therefore leaves with the dual moral-magical defense of the pentangle. Superstition and philosophy are equally satisfied† (Kitely 47). The poet reveals through the poem that magic of itself is insufficient to combat against another species of magic. Kitely says, â€Å"Paradoxally, the poet has revealed that he was after all, correct to focus on the moral and religious side of the pentangle. (Kitely 49) If Gawain had placed total reliance on this thought, then he would have been unscathed. The pentangle might have seemed like a dual symbol of defense, but it is ultimately only reliable in its moral defense. Medieval audiences who knew of the magical association might have been left feeling that only total reliance on Christian virtue would help when faced with uncertainty in medieval times. Kitely affirms saying, â€Å"In the poem, as it stands, the magical side of the pentangle serves to underline the basic moral themes. (Kitely 50) It seems that rather than clashing with the moral side, the magical aspect emphasizes the poet’s attitude towards superstition and a reliance on aids other than Christian virtue, as we see costly toward Gawain. There is an ingenious symmetry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and can be seen prominently between the pentangle and the green girdle. The poet spends 46 lines carefully, and almost laboriously, expounding the symbolism of the pentang le and yet he says nothing explicitly about the girdle. Its symbolic value is simply what Gawain assigns it and what the reader believes it to be. Jan Solomon calls the girdle â€Å"the thematic and symbolic nexus of the poem† (Solomon 274). The girdle is a tangible object upon which the climax of the poem focuses. The girdle unites two major plot lines, the temptation and the beheading game, and yet the girdle remains somewhat of a debated mystery. The anonymity of the author has allowed more latitude for scholars to make it what they will. Some scholars such as Roger Loomis (pg. 154) and Larry Benson (pg. 40) believe the girdle to be a â€Å"love token†. Martin Stevens however, contests references to the girdle as a â€Å"sexual symbol† or â€Å"sexual trophy† (Stevens 77). He believes such descriptions arise from confusing the medieval girdle with the modern undergarment. According to the medieval dictionary, a girdle is â€Å"a belt worn around the waist, used for fastening clothes or for carrying a sword, purse, etc. † Considering the girdles importance in the poem it is a good idea to fully understand the nature and meaning of the girdle more precisely. This will provide a better conception of what the girdle really was and what it symbolized and should affect how one reads the poem. We can all concede that the girdle is a belt of some sort. We see it then as an accessory. Originally, however, the girdle was not worn for warmth or ornament but as a magical binding either as a protective amulet or sign of the individual’s mystical incorporation into a social group. Later leaves or cloth panels were attached for modesty’s sake. Wilhelm Wundt states, â€Å"the celtic use of champion belts among the Greeks and Semites, even the Church’s corona of tonsure, derive from the principle of binding or encircling as magically promoting divine protection and positive good fortune† (Wundt 86) This is true in other parts of the ancient world as well. The wrapping of the toga by the Romans can also be seen as a species of engirdling magic. Zoroastrians had a similar custom; at the initiation rite by which a Cathar became a perfectus, the initiate was â€Å"girt† about the body with a thread, which was called his garment. (Onians 453) The girdles magic can even be seen in the Bible when God has Jeremiah carry out with his linen girdle to demonstrate that â€Å"as the girdle clingeth to the loins of men, so have I cause to cleave unto the house of Judah† (XIII 1-11) and in Isaiah’s prediction â€Å"And the Righteous shall be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins† (XI. ). These passages have been analyzed by Onians: â€Å"God and medicine man use the same means and no less in blessing than in cursing† (Onians 367). The girdle, as one can see, in some form or another is littered throughout pre medieval history and literature. The archaic magical force of girdling continued then into the Middle Ages. Male girdles began to represent sovereignty, authority and power. Freidman and Osberg state, â€Å"To get someone’s head under your girdle meant to conquer him† (Freidman and Osberg 304). A vassal, or one who entered into mutual obligations with a monarch, was supposed to take off his belt in the presence of his suzerain, or superior. From Roman times to medieval romances foot soldiers surrendered by unfastening the cords around their hips which held up their undergarments. The woman’s girdles on the other hand, involve somewhat different magical and symbolic associations. The girdle of Ishtar, the goddess of fertility, love, war and sex, became a girdle of fertility. When she unfastened it in the underworld, the earth became infertile. The most famous of all girdles, the cestus of Aphrodite-Urania, became as early as Homer a â€Å"gurdel of lecherie†, excluding all enticements of lust. (Freidman and Osberg 304) It also is seen frequently in medieval and Renaissance poetry. The proponent girdle was the maiden’s sash or belt. According to Freidman and Osberg, it was â€Å"an amulet to preserve by advertising the virginity of the wearer, it was credited with, among other things, holding wolves at bay† (Freidman and Osberg). Another instance of the girdle can be found in religious legends as such: the maiden rescued by Lydgate’s St. George was able to lead the dragon into the city by her girdle. The girdle was also seen as a husband’s trophy, suggestive of the sexual act and fertility and a pledge of marital chastity. Interestingly enough, in medieval England prostitutes were forbidden to wear girdles of any sorts. Now, with all of that history at the forefront we have to ask; what fashion of girdle was the one Gawain received from Bertilak’s lady and what did it symbolize? Can this question even be answered or is it to be left to the readers’ interpretation? The connotations of the girdle explain why the lady wanted Gawain to conceal it from her husband and why Gawain finds her request completely legitimate. Gawain felt justified in concealing it for upon showing it to Bertilak, he would surely think things that never were. Gawain’s overriding reason for keeping the girdle was to preserve his own life and to level the playing ground with the Green Knight. The magical connotations of the girdle strengthen his rationalizations. By an understandably devious process, the girdle becomes exclusively associated in Gawain’s mind with the adventure of the Green Chapel, not as a relevant item in the exchange agreement, which is just a game. The girdle complicates the motivating impulses and refracts the lines of moral action. With the acceptance and concealment of the girdle Gawain is removed from the unnatural category of systematic perfection, as symbolized by the pentangle, and brought into the reach of human relatability. According to Friedman and Osberg, â€Å"his final succumbing to the lady’s wiles to the extent of accepting the girdle, retrospectively soils the resolute but polite skill with which he had parried her onslaught up to that event† (Friedman and Osberg 312). The possession of the girdle, even though it is left ambiguous how much Gawain really trusts the magic of it, could be seen to undercut his bravery. Although it could also be said that it is no more cowardly than relying on the pentangle to give him strength. Aside from the connotations associated with the girdle, the fashion in which Gawain wears it is also important to discuss. It is easy to fall into the error of believing that the girdle is concealed under his armor when he leaves the castle. We are deceived by the fact that Gawain initially conceals it from Bertilak. Gawain, in fact, wears it on the outside. The poet explains that he wraps himself with the girdle after he clothes himself with his coat which was emblazed with the pentangle. He wraps it over his coat, which is a symbol of his parting from the virtues of the pentangle. Spiritually and physically the girdle superseded the pentangle. Gawain wearing it in sight also shows his reliance on the magical symbol of the girdle. As Gawain sets out for the Chapel he notably displays is to bring the magical influence into play. This indicates that he does have some faith in the girdle’s magical implications, though these implications prove to be trumped in the end just like those of the pentangle. There is symbolic polarity between the image of the pentangle and the image of the girdle given to Gawain by Bertilak’s wife in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The pentangle or â€Å"endless knot† illustrates Gawain’s virtuous perfection and the girdle becomes an indication of the knight’s lapse of perfection. There is however a significant link between the two symbols. Both of the figures’ definitions change by the end of the poem. The shield and the girdle are real objects and function in the poem as living articulate symbols dynamically paired. The pentangle evokes the chivalric ideal. In the beginning, when Gawain sets out on his quest, the pentangle is emblematic of his knightly virtue. He is seen as a flawless knight. Gawain embarks on his adventure and along the way deviously accepts a girdle from Lord Bertilak’s lady. Upon his meeting with the Green Knight at the Chapel, his blunder is revealed and the girdle becomes emblematic of his fault. The whole movement of the story hangs upon his yielding to temptation, accepting the girdle, and having his failing revealed to him. When we reach this point the poem is shifted and the meaning behind the two symbols is altered. The pentangles â€Å"endless knot† is seemingly broken. In desperation to save his own life, we see Gawain fail in friendship and fraternity, two parts of the pentangle that are placed together. The pentangle, which once symbolized his faithfulness and honor, is broken and morphed into a reminder of his shortcomings. The girdle, on the other hand, starts out as a symbol of Gawain’s imperfection and fault. When Bertilak reveals himself as the Green Knight and confronts Gawain for the acceptance of his wife’s girdle, Gawain says, â€Å"My downfall and undoing; let the devil take it† about the girdle. The girdle is a sign of Gawain’s sin. On his homeward journey Gawain wears the girdle across his chest and knotted at the hip. When he arrives back in Camelot he recounts his trip to the Green Chapel and describes the girdle as a band of shame. King Arthur and the rest of the court laughs and provides comfort to lift their noble knight. The girdle changes to a symbol of honor. It is redefined by the collective as a symbol of greatness. Collectively the brotherhood had the power to bear the shame and wear the girdle as a symbol of nobility. Sir Gawain’s pentangle on his shield and the girdle given to him by Bertilak’s wife are two of the most prominent symbols presented to us in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The pentangle’s appropriateness to Gawain is outlined in an explanation of its fivefold symbolism. The author goes to great lengths to illustrate the importance of the pentangle. The pentangle in its self is a symbol of Christian perfection. Also, it would have magical implications to the readers familiar with medieval superstition. Knowing the â€Å"other† characterization of the pentangle can change how the reader perceives the text. The girdle also has magical and historical connotations that affect the way the poem is read; proving that the history behind certain aspects of the poem was important to the poet’s overall moral of the story. The one question that remains is; if the girdle is so important to the poem, then why does the poet go to the painstaking lengths to lay out the symbol of the pentangle, but leave the meaning of the girdle open to our interpretation? The symbol of the pentangle is artificial and therefore must be meticulously defined, whereas the meaning of the girdle defines itself in the eyes of the reader. The two symbols are juxtaposed throughout the poem and their meanings oppose each other to provide a symbolic representation of the moral of the story. That is, human reality is not pure Christian perfection, neither is it absolute shame on those who sin, but it is found somewhere in between.

India and World Science Essays

India and World Science Essays India and World Science Essay India and World Science Essay Introduction: In ancient and Medieval India, there was development in science and Technology. Concept of zero in Vedic literature, Astronomical Knowledge in Rig Veda (2000 BC), Civil Engineering Architectural Knowledge of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa and other ancient monuments etc, are worth to mention. However in modern India, development in scientific research can be looked broadly in the following categories. * Food Sufficiency. * Health. * Information technology. * Energy. * Science and Technology. * Food sufficiency : After achieving independence, India could bring about a Green Revolution in 1960’s. Mechanization of agriculture’s, high yielding variety of crops helps India to become the 2nd largest paddy producer and world largest producer of sugar. Development of Biotechnology recently enhances production in agricultural products. Also in Horticulture our country is at the top place in the production of mango, banana and grapes. A successive production of technology and milk cooperatives Followed by an immensely successful operation flood led India to become largest producer of milk in the world. All these are reflected in table showing gradual increase in crop production, food production, and livestock production even today. In fisheries research, Indian scientist could have a breakthrough pushing the country ahead with a Blue Revolution and become self sufficient in food production. * Health : In health sector India position is not that good even among the developing countries (Brazil, China, Iran, Pakistan, Columbia etc. )Though it has achieved a breakthrough in eradicating smallpox. Infant mortality rate is very high (about 70 per 1000) while it is about 5 per 1000. Also the percentages of population for age above 65 years is very low (4. 8%) while it is about 15% in developed countries. However Indian Pharma industry is greatly benefited from the development of bio technology in recent years and the country is ranked 4th in the world in term of production manufactures. The government has developed a number of bio-technology Park at different places in the country. Also the government has allocated a huge sum of money (Rs 5,535 crore) for the six upcoming AIIMS like institutes and up gradation of 13 existing government medical colleges to improve the health condition of the people. * Information Technology sector: IT sector, India is growing very fast. It has one of the Telecom network in Asia with fixed lines and wireless subscribers number crossing 543. 2 million by 2009. The country is ranked 12th in term of Broadband internet user, in the world. IT institutes in the country today has produce technically proficient engineers more than the IT industry can absorb. India‘s growing stature in the information age enable it to formed a close tie with USA and European union. The industry find many applications in satellite communication ,Tele medicines etc. and it contributes to 5. 9 of the country GDP and export earning as on 2009. Energy: In energy sector India is led to moved ahead to meet its requirement or complete electrification of rural areas. At present India power source come from at Thermal Power Plan(65%),Hydel Power Plan(24. 6%),Nuclear Power Plan(2. 9%) and other renewable sources like wind energy farm etc. (7. 7%) . At present the install Power generation capacity is 147000 MW by 2009. India has lot of potential fo r Hydel Power Plan but it has use only 17% of total Hydel Power potential of 150,000 MW. The figure is much bigger in other developer countries – Norway (50%), Brazil (31%). Science and Technology: In science Technology, India is in a dismal state in both number of research paper published and quality of work. In number of research paper published India ranked 20st in the world bur in quality it drop to 119 according to the report in Current Science, July 2004. It is reported that our productivity is 20 papers per million while it is 1000 per million for US. It clearly shows that our per capita productivity is very small also we have 140 Researchers per million population compares to 4,651 in US. Our shared of Global output in R D is only 1. 8 % while we have 17% of Global population. However India could develop PARAM super computer and its latest version PARAM PADMA which can make one trillion processes per second by Centre for Development of Advance Computing (C-DAC), Pun e. Such a Super Computer can only be developed by USA and JAPAN. Today India is one of the leading Nuclear Power countries to have complete infrastructures for a viable Nuclear Program. It has the expertise of Uranium Exploration, mining, extraction, enriching and recycling and management of waste materials. In space and moon expedition India have a place in the world today. It has made Chandrayaan-1 moon mission(22nd Oct 2008)for exploring the moon fully and is planning the next Chandrayaan-2 moon mission in 2012 and manned mission in 2016. Recently India successfully test fired an interceptor missile from Orissa(26th July ,2010). India could establishes a permanent researches center MAITRI at the Antarctic in 2002 to explore the continent and study more about the phenomena associated with AURORA. Now India is in eight positions in the world Science and Technology map recently, though it was 15th in 1990’s CONCLUSION: Thought India is self sufficient in food, it has to improve the health condition of the people of country and research in development in various scientific fields. Our research lay more emphasis on target oriented research in some thrust areas like defence, Atomic energy etc at the cost basic science which are backbones of scientific development. The dismal state of RD in India is due to a number of factors. * Poverty of the country which is now in a better condition after the economic reforms in 1991 leading to economics globalization. Population explosion (1. 34 Billion in 2008) increasing the population at the fastest rates 1. 3% per year (2008). * Low Literacy Rate (63. 2%). * Low Public Expenditure by the government in Health sector, Education and Research Development. To improved the scientific status of the country there is need to control population increase literacy rate more funding in Health, Education ,Research on basics sciences and technology in the country more to go ahead to meet the challenges of the future. THANK YOU

Smart Alternatives for SAT Practice Tests

Smart Alternatives for SAT Practice Tests SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips You probably already know that the gold standard for studying for the SAT is to use the official practice tests released by the College Board. Unfortunately, theSAT is getting completely redesigned after January 2016 – and there aren’t that many official questions for the new test yet. But the great news is that there are many ways to use otherresources to study effectively! Questions from other standardized tests, materials from your high school education, magazines and other publications –there is no shortage of ways to practice the knowledge and skills you’ll need for the new SAT! In this article, I’ll go through each section of the new SAT and talk about all the possible alternatives to regular practice questions. When it comes to the SAT redesign, the world really is your oyster. Which SAT Are You Studying For? After January 2016, the SAT will undergo a dramatic redesign. Each section will undergo major changes to both the format of the questions and the content that they cover. The main big picture change is that the SAT will no longer focus on testing skills and knowledge in isolation. For example, instead of checking your understanding of vocabulary or grammar through single sentences, the new SAT’s reading and writing sections will be entirely passage-based and depend a lot more on your ability to understand ideas in context. Sherlock Holmes: understandingincontext since 1887. In general, if you’re in the Class of 2016 or 2017, our advice is to take thecurrent version of the SAT (maybe even the ACT). That way you can take advantage of existing study resources. For some options, read ourroundup of the best SAT books, sometips for better test taking, and our detailed and extensive guides to the current SAT’smath,reading,writing, andessay sections. In this article, I'll describe how best to use alternative resourcesto study for the new SAT (the one that will be given after January 2016). Alternative Resources and the Best Way to Use Them Getting better scores on the SAT comes from better mastery of content and greater familiarity with format. In other words, to do well on the new SAT, you have to understand the math, grammar, logic, and writing concepts that are being tested. And at the same time, you have to have a good sense of timing and pace, the way test questions are phrased, and how the scoring system works. The best way to have the format start to feel like second nature is to use official tests from the College Board to imitate test-day conditions as closely as possible However, brushing up on the ideas and key concepts that are tested bySAT questions doesn’t have to be done only through officially released SAT materials. This is good news because there simply aren’t that many official materials available for the new test yet. In fact, since the new SAT tries to test reasoning and logicrather than your ability tospot confusing tricks, you don't need to rely quite as much on SAT guides that help you beat the test's weirdtricks. Instead, you can use published essays to help you understand how authors put arguments together, whichyou'll need for the new essay portion,or use science writing to get familiar with the way graphs and charts work as evidence, which will be key for the new reading questions. Mypoint is that the SAT is now trying to test actual real-world understanding, so using materials from that real world is a great way to build skills. Real-world knowledge? Finally, a chance to wow everyonewith my point-by-point comparison ofthe 7190 and 4504 Millennium Falcons! (R K/Flickr) In the next part of the article, I'll go through each of the new SAT’s sections and explain all the unofficialresources that can be used to study for it. Alternative Study Resources for Each New SAT Section Overall, the new SAT is a big change from the current format. But not each section has been changed to the same degree! I will go through them in order of least to greatest transformation. For a bird's-eye perspective on study approaches, you shouldreadour guide to studying for the new SAT. Math This is far and away the least changed part of the SAT, though there will be slight shiftsin question distribution. For example, there will now be fewer geometry questions and 5% of the questions will be on trigonometry. There will also be a greater emphasis on being able to interpret charts and graphs, and a general move towards more realistic scenarios for questions. Finally, there will be some multi-step questions based on a single problem. Math Content: Algebra – most questions will be about algebra concepts Geometry – now less than 10% of the test Basic trigonometry – now about 5% of the test Data interpretation – using graphs and charts Alternative Study Resources for Math Practice Tests: Old SAT math sections. These can help zero in on your knowledge and skill weaknesses, if youuse a notebook to keep track of your mistakes. These are also probably the closest to what you’ll see on test day. Companion books to official old SAT tests. Combining books that explain the answers toold SAT questionswith the notebook method could be a great way to figure out exactly why you are making the mistakes you’re making – and in turn this will help you isolate the content you need to review. Online SAT-style math questions. Although question banks written by other companies don’t tend to faithfully represent actual SAT questions, they are perfectly fine for studying content and for getting in even more practice with your math weak points. Check out ouroverview of the best question bank websites. SAT review books. There are so many of these that we have put together areview of the best ones to make your life easier. Your math textbook or an online version. Few SAT-type materials have questions on trigonometry because it has never been included on the SAT before. To review it or relearn it, you have to go back to the source. You can also tryKhan Academy’s math zone for the same thing. ACT math questions. Not only is the material covered quite similar, but the ACT also includes trigonometry. Trigonometry: where sin(gerine) / cos(gerine) = tan(gerine) Writing and Literature (previouslyReading and Writing) The old SAT’s separate Reading and Writing sections will now be combined into one section called Writing and Literature. Questions will now be entirely passage-based and will come from 1 passage on US and World Literature, 2 on History/Social Studies, and 2 on Science. Reading Content: Defining vocabulary in context – figuring out complex words through the role they play in a passage Logic and argumentation – identifying the way arguments are structured Evidence support questions – understanding how evidence is used to make arguments Data interpretation – making sense of charts and graphs used as evidence in nonfiction writing Alternative Study Resources for Reading Practice Tests: Passage-based reading questions from the old SAT. These won't be exactly like the ones on the new test, but they can help you practice context-based questions. For help onhow to tackle passage-based questions, read our guide. Passage-based reading questions in SAT review books. We havea list of the best ones for critical reading skills, so you don’t drown in the almost limitless choices out there. ACT Reading questions. The ACT Reading is also based on interpreting passages, so this is a useful source for more multiple-choice questions. GRE Reading Comprehension questions. The GRE Reading Comprehension passages (in the GRE Verbal Reasoning section of that test) are pitched at a higher level than the old SAT. If you are already a medium- to high-scoring student, thisis a great way to be exposed to more complex reading passages and questions. ACT Science questions. This suggestion may seem to come out of left field, but because the new SAT will feature data interpretation questions, ACT Science is a great place to test your graph and chart understanding skills. AP Language and AP Literature multiple choice section questions. These questions are all passage-based, and focus on the complexities of passage structure and logic. They are pitched at a higher level than the SAT, but if you do well on these, you’ll be fine on the SAT as well. Vocabulary guides. The new test will approach vocabulary very differently (only in context), but it could still help to check out ourfree set of 200 flashcardsof the most frequently occurring words on the old SAT as well as ourexplanation of the most effective way to use them. Read widely – particularly nonfiction. Books, magazines, and newspapers are great for gaining familiarity with the kind of language you will encounter on the new SAT. They'll also give you thebackground knowledge to help you understand reading passages better. Finally, they'll show you real-world examples of how charts, graphs, and other visual data representation areused as evidence in a passage. I recommend a weekly deep dive into a few articles fromWired, Grantland, The Atlantic, Slate, or FiveThirtyEight.If you have access to a subscription, you can also readThe Economist, the New York Times, Time Magazine, the magazine Science, or The New Yorker. I'll practice reading passages. I'll learn grammar and vocab. But charts and graphs? That's where I draw the line! Writing Content: Grammar – explaining grammar as it relates to the passage Punctuation rules – the proper way to use punctuation to clarify meaning Paragraph organization and logic – how individual sentences work within paragraphs, and how paragraphs are organized for logical flow Alternative Study Resources for Writing Practice Tests: Improving Passages questions on old SATs. These aren’t exactly like the questions you will find on the new SAT, but they will drill some of the same content. Grammar guides. Though there will be less gotcha-type grammar questions, you still need to know these rules of writing cold. To brush up, read through ourthorough explanation of SAT grammar. ACT English questions. These are already all passage-based and cover similar content, so they makeuseful toolsfor practicing your skills. Reading widely will help with this section as well. The more you read, the more language is embedded in your brain, the more you pick up on nuances of syntax and grammar. Read a piece of nonfiction every day! My go-to nonfiction? Science. I read a book on anti-gravity the other day, and couldn't put it down! The Essay The Essay section will be completely different on the new SAT. Not only will it now be 50 minutes long, but it will also be much closer to the essays you’ve been writing all along in high school. Essay Content: Analytical writing – you'll have to analyze an essay and explain how the author builds the argument Using evidence in your writing – your analysis should be supported by evidence from the passage (not examplesyou preslected inpreparation) Close reading – your analysis will necessarily focus not just on big-picture logic, but also deconstruct the author’s use of rhetorical devices and diction (also known as word choice) Alternative Study Resources for the Essay: AP English Language and Composition –Free Response Question 2.This part of the APtestalso asks you what the author is arguing and how the author is doing it – exactly what you will need to be able to do on the SAT. Things you learned in English class. Look through your notes, through your English class textbook, and over the essays you’ve written throughout high school to refresh your memory about the kind of writing you will have to do on this part of the SAT. Focus on close reading and learning to recognize rhetorical devices – hyperbole, figurative language, metaphors and similes, and other techniques to produce a response in the reader. Guides to the standard 5-paragraph essay. You will still be able to successfully use this format to answer the essay section of the SAT. For many explanations of the structure, search for â€Å"5-paragraph essay.† Excellent essays written by others. Reading well-written essays can help you understand how essays work and how authors structure arguments and ideas. Being very familiar with the genre makes itmuch easierto analyze the essay text you'll get on the SAT. You may pick up some helpful ideas for your own writing as well!One great source of excellent short essays isThe Electric Typewriter. What’s Next? Can’t get enough SAT books? We have more reviews of the best SAT prep books overall, and those books best suited to intense study. Want to explore more online resources? We have compiled a list of all the websites you should be using for your SAT prep. Need a break from all that studying? Relax with somefun SAT facts, feed yourcelebrity gossip cravings, and marvel at theaccomplishments of the famous. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points?We have the industry's leading SAT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and SAT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible. Check out our 5-day free trial today:

The Global Business Environment Meeting Challenges Essay

The Global Business Environment Meeting Challenges - Essay Example The company presently has a central savoury production unit and an armada of 375 delivery vehicles present throughout the day for ensuring the punctual delivery of the fresh food to the customers. The company also is the leading employer of approximately around 20,000 people and has a future dynamic plan of installing 500 new shops in the near future and generating 6,000 new jobs. The regional bakeries prepare baked food for the daily delivery shops with expert advices and under strict supervision from the skilled bakers from 90 in- store bakeries responsible for the provision of ultimate fresh baked food (Company Overview, n.d.). Growth potential-present scenario The analysts have established the facts with their sophisticated statistical forecasting tools and inferred that around 50% of the population of UK currently is devoid of access to Greggs shops. Thus they state that there is a boosting potential for the establishment of an additional 600 shops in the United Kingdom in the n ext few years (Growing Greggs, n.d.). Fig. 1. Dynamic Growth Potential (Growing Greggs, n.d.) The above diagram depicts the positive and rising growth potential forecasted by the analyst. Focus of the paper The paper emphasizes on the analysis of several factors affecting the financial health of the company initially with the macroeconomic environment analysis with respect to the famous PESTEL analysis and subsequently the microeconomic variables including customers, competitors and collaboration. Having a transparent insight about the factors affecting the company the focus will be shifted on the SWOT analysis in order to analyze the strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threats the company faces with an endeavor to formulate optimal strategies to ensure the forecasted escalating growth potential and reaping huge revenue generation along with the spreading of the reputation of the company to an all new dimension. A short insight on the financial health and performance of the comp any Before entering into the detailed analysis a short glimpse of the financial operations of the company needs to be mentioned. The year 2011 was indeed a challenging year for the company with respect to the economy and the consumers. The performance of the company was noteworthy in 2011 and has maintained the pace of progress towards the attainment of the strategic objectives with the record number of openings of shops across UK as well as investment in two major bakeries in Newcastle and Cumbria. A five period analysis (2006-2010) of the company’s financial health with respect to the key performance indicators (although trhere are many four of them are discussed) can be seen from the graphical analysis provided as below: A) Like-for-like sales growth Fig.2 The Like-for-like Sales growth figure (Annual Report & accounts, 2010, p. 18) The variable Like-for-like sales growth performs the comparison of year on year cash sales in the core shops of the company and is not distort ed by the opening or the closure of the shops. The refitted shops are included in the like-for-like comparison unless there have been significant changes in the trading space. The growth of the Like-for-like sales also incorporates the selling price inflation. Year 2009 was a 53 week year affecting the total sales growth for that year and also

Blood diamonds, how they originated and what's been done to clamp down Essay

Blood diamonds, how they originated and what's been done to clamp down on the industry - Essay Example However, militant groups gain access to diamonds fields in order to get access to money. The main reason that Diamonds have been able to fund civil wars is not just because they are present in conflict regions but also because diamonds are a concentrated form of wealth. Moreover they are fungible and are dealt by smugglers and arms dealers. Diamond trade is considered to be a very shady business considering that this business has financed and ‘funded wars, massive death, and refugee crisis in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Cote d’Ivoire’ (Bieri, 1). Diamond mines are often accompanied with some militant groups who want to control the diamonds mines in order to fulfill their own agendas. Many civil wars have been fought where the only source of funding for the militant groups were diamonds that were traded legally in the diamond market. The money received from these deals was then used to buy weapons to further fund civil wars. Even to this date, trade of blood diamonds continues as militant groups have been replaced by terrorist organizations such as the Al-Qaeda. Reports on blood diamonds and Al-Qaeda have revealed that Al-Qaeda has been funded to some extent by blood diamonds (Campbell, 213). Blood Diamonds have been the cause of many crimes against humanity. Militant groups that deal with blood diamonds require the services of the local people to mine these diamonds. The local people are forced to work pathetically in diamond mines just out of fear of these militant groups. In order to instill fear among the masses, a militant group by the name of RUF, amputated lips, ears, legs, breasts, and tongues of the local people. The trade of blood diamonds has also been the cause of 4 million deaths. In the 1990s, before relevant steps were taken to curb the problem, conflict diamond trade amounted to be between 3.7-20 percent of the total global diamond trade (Bieri, 1). All these diamonds were

Education - Teacher Essay Example for Free

Education Teacher Essay Discussion of aim of education is a function of the philosophy of education or educational theory. The aim of education in the fullest and deepest sense of the word is in keeping with the nature of the human personality or human nature. Human nature is defined in terms of the cultivation and development of perceptive intelligence based on experience i. e. creative intelligence. Creative intelligence or intuition combines reason of understanding with wisdom of compassion depends on human awakening or enlightenment. aim of education is to cultivate creative intelligence required for adaptation to changes in the social environment i. e. adaptability. Life is very complex and complicated. But an aim in life can make the complex life simple and purposeful. Aims give us direction to work and without aim, destination, or objective life becomes incomplete and haphazard. Individual has different interests, attitudes and needs. Every individual wants to achieve certain goals in life. But a clear-cut aim makes the road of life easy. Educational aims are varied. They have their different role in different fields. Some specific aims are listed below: (i) Knowledge Aim: The aim of education is the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes. It helps to adjust properly in one’s own environment. Knowledge helps the man to overcome the nature and satisfy human wants. It links the teacher and taught with social situation. It helps with certain skills to live in a society as human being and civilized one. Philosophers and educationists of the world believe in knowledge. It is the valuable asset of life, which helps the individual to overcome misery and problems of life. (ii) Vocational Aim: Knowledge aim of education is narrow by nature. The theoretical knowledge will never meet our basic needs of life. We need bread and butter to fill up our belly. We can get it if education is vocationalised. Gandhiji realized it in 1937 when he introduced Basic Education. Vocational aim develops the social efficiency of the individual. It reduces mental tension after completion of education. Those who are lower, intelligence in vocational education or training are a blessing for them. Realizing this aspect. Indian Education Commission (1964-66) introduces work-experience in the curriculum. (iii) Character Building Aim: The Indian concept of education believes in self-realization. Self-realization is possible through moral education. So the individual should cultivate moral virtues or values which constitute character. Swami Vivekananda said, â€Å"We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one’s own feet. † (iv) Complete-Living Aim: The individual has various aspects to be developed. Every aspect of the personality is reflected in various activities to be performed. Education should help the individual to fulfill the various needs and necessities of life like self-preservation, fulfilling necessities of life, rearing and bearing of children, performing civic responsibilities and utilizing his leisure time properly. Firstly, the individual must know the art of self-preservation. Secondly, education should enable to him to earn his living. Thirdly, he should know how to take care of his own children. Lastly, he must have the idea how to utilize the leisure hours properly in a profiting manner. (v) Harmonious: Development of the personality aim- Gandhiji said, â€Å"By education, I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man-body, mind and spirit. † The meaning itself indicates to develop all-round aspects of individual-physical, intellectual, social and spiritual. All these aspects of the individual should be harmoniously developed. True education is development of 3H’s instead of 3R’s. The development of Head, Heart and hand of an individual makes him happy. (vi) Democratic Aim of Education: One of the important aims and objective of education suggested by Secondary Education Commission (1952-54) is to develop the democratic citizenship. India is a democratic country. Even citizen must have to realize the duties and responsibilities carefully. So the aim of education is to train carefully the future citizens. Training should be provided to develop the following qualities of the individual. (i) Capacity for clear thinking (ii) Receptivity of new idea (iii) Clarity in speech and writing (iv) True patriotism Further the democratic aim of education develop vocational efficiency, personality and leadership quality. Indian Education Commission (1964-66) under the chairmanship of Dr. D. S. Kothari suggested the following as the aims of education in a democratic set-up. (i) Increasing productivity (ii) Developing social and national integrity (iii) Making education modernized and (iv) Cultivating of social, moral and spiritual values. Each individual teacher has an opinion about what the aim of education should be, not only in their own classroom but also in school in general. Many issues occur when differing opinions about the purpose of education collide. It is important to recognize that other people, including many of your coworkers, administrators, and your students parents might have a different point of view concerning what education should be all about. Following is a list of different aims of education that individuals might espouse. 1. Knowledge to Get By. This old school belief holds that school is important in providing students with the knowledge they need to get by in their day-to-day lives. They need to know how to read, write, and do arithmetic. Even though these core topics form the foundation of a students education, most educators today would probably not agree that this should be the extent of a students school career. 2. Knowledge of Subject Matter Being Taught The purpose of education to some teachers is to impart knowledge about the subject matter they are teaching without much thought to other classes. When taken to the extreme, these teachers focus on their own subject matter as being more important than what students are learning in other classes. For example, teachers who are unwilling to compromise their own subject matter for the good of the students can cause problems for the school at large. When the school I taught at tried to implement senior projects, we got push back from a couple of teachers who were not willing to change their lessons to include cross curricular activities. 3. Desire to Create Thoughtful Citizens. This might be considered another old school belief. However, this is held by many individuals, especially within the larger community. Students will some day be a part of a community and need the skills and mores to exist within that society as thoughtful citizens. For example, they will need to be able to vote in presidential elections. 4. To Gain Self Esteem and Confidence While the self esteem movement often gets ridiculed, we do want our students to feel confident about their learning abilities. The problem comes in with inflated self esteem not based on reality. However, this is often cited as an aim of the educational system. 5. To Learn How to Learn Learning how to learn is one of the key elements of education. Schools need to teach students how to find information they will need once they leave school. Therefore, the specific subject matter being taught is not as important for future personal success as is the ability for students to understand how to find answers for any questions and problems that might arise. 6. Lifelong Habits for Work. Many of the lessons that schools teach are necessary for success in their students future lives. As adults, they will need to be able to get to work on time, dress and behave appropriately, and get their work done in a timely manner. These lessons are reinforced on a daily basis in schools around the nation. Some individuals see this as one of the main reasons for sending students to school. 7. To Teach Students How to Live Finally, some individuals look at school in a more holistic manner. They see it as the means towards right living for the rest of their lives. Not only do students learn information in their individual subjects, but they also learn life lessons in and out of class. As previously explained, proper work etiquette is reinforced in the classroom. Further, students have to learn how to deal with others in a cooperative manner. Finally, they learn about how to learn information they might need in the future. In fact, one of the things that many business leaders cite as being necessary for future workers is the ability to work as part of a team and problem solve.

New Deal America :: American America History

New Deal America The stock market crash of 1929 helped launch the United States and many other nations into the worst economic depression in history. The severity of the Great Depression called for federal government programs to protect the general welfare of citizens. The New Deal programs created by Franklin D. Roosevelt provided the framework for the welfare state that still serves as a basis for American public policy. All aspects of American society suffered during the Great Depression. By 1932, there were thirteen million people unemployed. There was no security for the millions who lost all of their savings in the bank failure or stock market crash. Volunteer organizations attempted to help the needy, but their resources were simply not adequate (Madaras and SoRelle 218). Hope seemed non-existent. Americans had never seen such a severe depression. They could not look to history for guidance. The New Deal was Roosevelt's attempt to restore the economy. His willingness to act decisively and experiment with new policies set him apart from previous presidents. He often said, "I have no expectation of making a hit every time I come to bat. What I seek is the highest possible batting average"(Tindall and Shi 1238). In the first years of Roosevelt's term he worked hard to empower the federal branch. The New Deal set the precedent for 20th century liberalism. The first order of business for the Roosevelt administration was financial reform. Banking is a crucial aspect of capitalism and Roosevelt was very aware of this fact. On his second day in office, Roosevelt called Congress to meet in a special session. The outcome was the Emergency Banking Relief Act, which permitted stable banks to reopen and provided managers to those who remained in trouble. The Glass-Steagall Act separated commercial and investment banking and created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. These actions all helped restore banking confidence within American people. Roosevelt ensured that it was safer to "keep your money in a reopened bank than under the mattress"(Tindall and Shi 1238). After accomplishing this task, the new administration was ready to solve other problems. Other financial programs included the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA), and the Agriculture Adjustment Administration (AAA). The SEC functioned in regulating the stock and bond markets. The NIRA and AAA were aimed at recovery through regulation. The NIRA played a big role in restoring faith and confidence in the system and helped to increase demand and wages, but realistically it was impractical; it abandoned the American market system.

Community teaching work plan proposal Essay

Lorenz et al. (2005) define end- of –life as a chronologically indefinite part of life when patients and their caregivers are struggling with the implications of an advance chronic illness. Every person’s end- of – life trajectory is different and the need for quality healthcare services, hospital or homecare interventions, family and patient legal rights, government policies and regulations pose some challenges to some patients at the end of their life. Therefore, the provision of good end- of- life care should be driven mainly by the concern to enhance life at end- of – life. The important issues for policy makers and healthcare services planners and providers are to find a lasting solution that required client’s autonomy in decision making, excellent healthcare management, love and family support throughout the end- of-life period. Moreover, the healthcare industries should understand that the altitude toward the process of dying is a reflection of the social values the society placed on how its members are supported and cared for at the end-of their lives by nurses, caregivers, social worker, and counselor’s and doctors. Furthermore, the reason majority of our elderly people die outside their own home are due to the nature of the illness and the varying stages and changing needs of the patients, which required certain hospital setting or services that most home caregivers or family members are not trained for or capable to handle. Even with the emergent of palliative care programs and hospice programs, the majority of elderly people do not die in their home because of their preference to seek better care outside the home in order prolong their lives. Although, family members, friends, partners and neighbors commonly assist with the care of older relatives, but when the patient become chronically ill or disable and not responding to treatment, the better option is to transfer the patient to the hospital or home care placement. Before making these decisions most families or caregivers factors in other problems such as patients lack of financial support, patient condition becoming burdensome to the care givers both financially and times spent in taking care of the patient. Furthermore, family members knowing that the patient is at the point of dying at any moment, the best option would be to place the patient in the hospital or homecare setting where the illness would be managed with special care and less painful services and with dignity before they die. As a nurse, I would consider first the well- being  of my patient, treat all my patients with compassion and respect, respect patient’s right and confidentiality, maintain accurate patient clinical records and refrain from denying treatment to patients. On the issue of deciding how I would help my clients at the end –of- life care stage, would be based on the guidelines of the official positions taken by the American Medical Association on end- of- life- actions. AMA’s Code of medical Ethics ( AMA,2012-2013) which provides health care physicians with a guidelines on how to deal with issues regarding end- of- life, likewise the nurses ANA;s Code of Ethics (2001) also have a guide line on what is expected from nurses when confronted with end of life issues. However, these actions should be based on clients wishes, such as Do- Not- Resuscitate Orders, Futile Care process, Quality of Life, Withholding or withdrawing life – sustaining medical treatment, Optimal Use of Order- not to intervene and Advance Directives in clients living will, health care treatment plan, health care power of attorney and do not resuscitate at home. Furthermore, we all know that some people are contented to leave decisions regarding their death in the hands of the others. By doing so, they expose themselves to the unnecessary treatments and restrictions. Family members are often forced to make decisions about life- support and treatment without knowing whether their loved one would have wanted these interventions. I would help the patient and the family plan and make the appropriate ethnical choices in accordance with the Hospice and palliative Nursing Association directives. Also, knowing the end – of –life often involves risks and ethical dilemmas such as in withdrawal of life- sustaining treatment like dialysis or feeding tube and the large need of doses of opioids, I would address the patients need based on ANA guidelines, which stated in the case of administering opioids on end-of- life patient, nurses must use effective doses of medications prescribed for symptom control and nurses have a moral obligation to advocate on behalf of the patient when prescribed medication is insufficiently managing pain and other distressing symptom. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) 2011 CQG series between elderly patients under the palliative care and family evaluation of Hospice care patients who have died, shows the extensive evidence and numerous interventions available for patients in palliative care, such as  applying many types of medications and other interventions to treat pain are supported by strong evidence of reductions in pain severity and helps to prolong patients life. On the other hand, patients who are in Hospice care before death has a lot of complaint from the family members and noted that 18.2 percent of the family members stated inattention to the needs of their love ones and support from hospital among hospices varies from 12.6% to 21.4%, and 9 percent of family members reported that their need for emotional support was not met. References AMA’S Code of Medical Ethics-American Medical Association. www.ama-assn.org/go/codeofmedicalethics. Code of Nurses Ethics for Nurses-American Nurses Association. www.nursingworld.org/codeofethics.

The Debate of Proposition 8

Should sexual preference determine marriages? This is the ongoing debate our generation will have to address. California has been in the epicenters of this debate; as we witnessed voters oppose gay marriage in the elections of 2008. The success of Proposition 8 discriminated against those of homosexual orientation. Proposition 8 adjusted California’s marriage laws to prevent a change in language, favoring the majority of heterosexual America. As California’s constitution in article 1, section 7. reads, â€Å"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California† (California Marriage Protection Act). This perception of marriage adopted to be law is built upon gender identity ideals that men and women have to fulfill. Women are to marry that of the opposite gender and sex. Accordingly, the language used to describe marriage was contorted by gender ideals in the fight for Proposition 8. Those for Proposition 8 argued it would restore the defin ition of marriage. From this perspective, marriage is seen as a tradition that is natural and immutable. To the contrary, the argument against Proposition 8 states, â€Å"OUR CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION—the law of our land—SHOULD GUARANTEE THE SAME FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS TO EVERYONE—NO ONE group SHOULD be singled out to BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY† (Official California Legislative Information). Marriage is a right that cannot be exercised by all due to sexual preference. Gay and lesbians are discriminated based on societies resistance to amend the definition of marriage past sexual preference. Additionally, the language used to describe marriage and the roles of individuals, is a major outlining factor behind the issue itself. Analyzing the language used in both arguments allows us to delve further into this question and expose why Proposition 8 should have been abolished. Proposition 8 is simply a resistance to change in language in how we come to define marriage. â€Å"Typically, language changes as a result of social political and economic processes such as lifestyle changes, new experiences, counters with technologies and communication media, colonization, or migration† (Litosseliti 19). Although political action may try to slow down this historical ongoing change in language, just as the world changes, so will the language. Marriage will eventually cease to be defined by the standards of sexual preference. In such, the argument against Proposition 8 holds more validity than those in favor of it. Those opposed to Proposition 8 rely on California’s constitution promise for equal rights and freedom to every person, gays included. This allowed those opposed to use powerful words associated with civil rights such as, equality, dignity, freedom, and respect. These are portrayed to the audience from a gay language lending more of feminine like characteristics of care, nurture, and support. This gay language serves a purpose in relaying the message to oppose Proposition 8. As scholar Don Kulick believes, â€Å"†¦homosexual slang serves communicative functions, the most important of which is to ‘reinforce group cohesiveness and reflect common interests, problems, and needs of the population’ (Sonenschein 1969:289)† (Kulick 250). They used the gay slang as to draw attention from all gay and lesbians to feel connected. They refer to themselves as the â€Å"gay community†. This self maintained identity allows them to reach out to all gays and lesbians. For instance, there is a great example in YouTube, where the protest against Proposition 8 continues. In their advertisement they are promoting the Eve of Justice March for gay rights. In the video words displayed are â€Å"if you believe†¦Ã¢â‚¬  followed by the alternating words such as life, happiness, kindness, beauty, compassion, and love. These words of sentiment and support are a prime example of the gay language inducing activism throughout the gay community. â€Å"In constructing particular subject positions for the readers or viewers, advertisements play a role in constituting identities† (Litosseliti 108). The gay language so to speak allows them to create a desired identity for the gay community, which allows them to mobilize themselves within their civil rights movement. Additionally, the gay community has maintained a similar identity to heterosexual relationships on what role individuals play in a marriage. They believe in the similar manner as to what is expected out of a relationship. For instance in the official voters guide an example of daily interaction between spouses is descript as if to show they are not much different than a heterosexual marriage. The guide postulates, â€Å"When you’re married and your spouse is sick or hurt, there is no confusion: you get into the ambulance or hospital room with no questions asked. IN EVERYDAY LIFE, AND ESPECIALLY IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH† (Official California Legislative Information). The gay community displays the similarity of marriage interaction in daily life is the same as any other marriage would be. Marriage roles are portrayed to be similar, and the situation presented above uses words such as, hurt and sick. This invokes the audience to relate to the situation presented of care and nurture for one’s spouse. Although, there are some differences in the expected roles in a marriage, for only a single gender identity is shared between the spouses. For instance, in the role of a wedding usually both partners wear the traditional clothing used for their sex. Lesbians dress in wedding dress attire as the gay men wear the traditional suit. This infers that in a gay marriage their roles are different than that of traditional couples. It objectifies the image of two masculine or feminine figures in a relationship, demonstrating marriage is about love, and not fulfilling prescribed gender roles. The symbolic meaning of commitment is also displayed through the exchange of wedding bands. The gay community’s ideals on marriage are centered more around love than sexuality. Gays use this traditional wedding practice as a way to explicate the language of love, and equality in marriage. To the contrary, those in favor of Proposition 8 argue the need to restore the definition of marriage for the sake of protecting the children. They argue that marriage itself is traditional and the meaning needs to be reallocated for sexual preference. The argument is made that domestic partnerships give all the same rights as a marriage just the title is different. Further, the language used to describe gay marriage is severely negative. Gay marriages are described as â€Å"same-sex marriages† for the sole purpose of pointing out the sexuality of the marriage. We can distinguish this in the arguments presented that our children are to be protected from. The voter’s guide reads â€Å"It protects our children from being taught in public schools that ‘same-sex marriage’ is the same as traditional marriage† (Official California Legislative Information). The argument uses strong words such as protect and traditional as if gay marriage were a threat to our society. Those in favor of Proposition 8 question why they should have to deal with gay marriages when raising children. As I recall there was an advertisement on television during election warning people about societal issues our children will have to deal with. The commercial demonstrated a hild’s confusion as to why she had 2 daddies, yet mommies were the ones who made the babies. The child’s confusion of marriage sexual identities promotes gay marriage as a social issue in raising kids. Those in favor of Proposition 8 claim that gays are putting their adult desires first before the children. Derogatory terms are used in protests against those who oppose Proposition 8. In rallies across California supporting Proposition 8, such as the one on the left, implement the feeling of hate. The term fag implies a negative connotation upon the being homosexual. Additionally, the word depraved implies that the gay lifestyle is a social burden to America. Those who support the banning of gay marriage perceive this as a social problem of a minority group trying to change social culture. Gays should live private lives and not bring their lifestyle to the public arena and force society to change. Moreover, the argument against Proposition 8 holds a much stronger stand against those who support it. First, we must understand that language in society will always change and adapt to the needs of society. Marriage just as many other words will be redefined as society expands out of the two traditional gender roles. The gay community needs to be included as the law has to prescribe to everyone equally. As we see in the protest rallies, the movements’ association with civil rights of the blacks helps their argument gain solidarity. A popular slogan across protests was â€Å"Gay is the new Black†. I experienced protestors in Fresno, CA yelling this to supporters of Proposition 8. The correlation of the blacks civil rights display their desires and emphasize discrimination. In addition, supporters claim children will be confused as to sexuality preferences, yet sexuality preferences don’t usually profess themselves until puberty. In this adolescence the children will be able to cognate their own sexual preference. Those in support are simply trying to prevent gays from their prescribed rights. When have we ever heard of a vocabulary word that needed its definition restored? Marriage is defined differently by many societies and who are we to say that a minority group should be exempt from it. As the gay language further manifests itself with civil rights language, it will draw increasing support from the gay community as well as civil rights activists. Works Cited California Marriage Protection Act,  § 7. 5. Kulick, Don. â€Å"Gay and Lesbian Language. † Annual Review of Anthropology 29 (2000): 243-85. Litosseliti, Lia. Gender and Language Theory and Practice. New York: A Hodder Arnold Publication, 2006. Official California Legislative Information. 04 Nov. 2008. California Legislation. 05 Mar. 2009 .

Women in Beowulf Essays

Women in Beowulf Essays Women in Beowulf Essay Women in Beowulf Essay Essay Topic: Beowulf Grendel In nearly every society throughout history, women have never held an extremely important place. The role of a woman seems miniscule compared to that of a man. However, there are some women who abide to the unwritten rules of how to behave, and others who challenge those rules. The contradicting roles of the women in the poem beowulf aim to show the differences between them and how they exist in society. The characters who are mainly introduced into these various roles in the poem consist of Queen Modthryth, Grendel’s Mother, Hrothgar’s wife Wealhtheow, and Queen Hygd; all of whom play roles in the poem that either contradict or relate to each other. In Beowulf, Queen Wealhtheow serves as the ideal example of an appropriate woman. After Beowulf defeated Grendel, the Queen spoke to all of the occupants of Heorot Hall as the hostess of the banquet. Just one small example of Wealhtheow’s cadence and poise comes from her praise to Beowulf for his defeat of Grendel as she says, â€Å"And so, my prince, / I wish you a lifetime’s luck and blessings/ to enjoy this treasure. Treat my sons/ with tender care, be strong and kind. / Here each comrade is true to the other, / loyal to lord, loving in spirit† (lines 1224-1227). This shows the genuine kindness that Hrothgar’s wife exudes. The men react with extreme pleasure to her speaking, giving applause for their Queen, which demonstrates that men in that time period did hold respect for a woman who was tasteful, kind, and most importantly gave praise towards other men. Queen Wealhtheow serves as the picture of grace, poise, kindness, and most importantly as a vast contrast between other women throughout the poem. The next woman to make an appearance in the poem comes in the form of a monster. Grendel’s mother’s stark contrast to the traditional role of the queen shows that a woman who refuses to follow that traditional role becomes an outcast of society. Grendel’s mother first appears at Heorot Hall as everyone sleeps from the overwhelmingly joyful day of Grendel’s defeat. While they’re sleeping, she stages a surprise attack, slaughtering men for revenge. â€Å"Her onslaught was less/ only by as much as an Amazon warrior’s/ strength is less than an armed man’s/ when the hefted sword, its hammered edge/ and gleaming blade slathered in blood,/ razes the sturdy boar-ridge off a helmet† (lines 1282- 1287). The way in which she blindly murders so many men highlights her barbaric nature. She lacks all the grace and poise held by Wealhtheow. Her actions cause others in society to view her as a horrid monster. Grendel’s mother highly contradicts the traditional role of a kind or generous woman as compared to the Queen. Instead she plays the role of a horrendous murderer and burden upon society, challenging the well known role of women. One of the most obvious comparisons between women in Beowulf is that of Queen Hygd and Queen Modthryth. The contrast of the two shows the difference between an acceptable and unacceptable woman. The poem first introduces Queen Hygd as the ideal Queen, stating, â€Å"her mind was thoughtful and manners sure. / Haereth’s daughter behaved generously/ and stinted nothing when she distributed/ bounty to the Geats† (lines 1928- 1931). Throughout Beowulf, women who are thoughtful of men are seen as better members in society. Along with Queen Wealhtheow, Queen Hygd fulfills the role of the proper, submissive woman. The introduction of Hygd acts as a perfect lead into the story of Queen Modthryth. After the poem introduces Queen Hygd, it offers a stark contrast by introducing Queen Modthryth. Her unacceptable behavior was inevitably only able to change because of her marriage to a man. The story of the Queen began by telling how she committed awful murders, and the negativity that came from these crimes. Most people showed this as they thought,† Even a queen/outstanding in beauty must not overstep like that. /A queen should weave peace, not punish the innocent/with loss of life for imagined insults† (lines 1941-1944). The tone at this point in Beowulf holds obvious negativity towards Queen Modthryth. Murder in that society of innocent people was highly looked down upon, especially coming from a woman. However, the tone of the story changes when another tale of Queen Modthryth marrying Offa begins. Because of her marriage, she becomes graceful, devoted to her king, and overall a better woman in society. This stark contrast created between both opposites, Queen Hygd and Queen Modthryth, contributes to the many differences of women throughout the poem. The main four women compared throughout Beowulf are Queen Wealhtheow, Grendel’s Mother, Queen Modthryth, and Queen Hygd. Both Grendel’s mother and Queen Modthryth are examples of horrifying monsters who commit the worst of wrongs. They starkly contrast the peace-bringing and gracious roles of Queen Hygd and Queen Wealhtheow. Both queens represent their kings, King Hygelic and King Hrothgar, with great poise and kindness, the ideal role for a queen. Overall the contrast between the women in Beowulf show how each differs and exists in society.