Saturday, May 23, 2020

The Civil Rights Movement Armed Self-Defense - 789 Words

I. Introduction and Context The Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s to the 1960s was a period that significantly changed America forever. African-Americans did not have the same rights as white men, and were faced with segregation and discrimination. Under the Jim Crow Laws, blacks did not have equal access to public facilities and were treated as lower beings than whites. After many years of pain and struggle, all the while remaining silent, blacks finally decided to stand up for themselves and refuse to be compliant. Many acts of civil disobedience took place during this time, some were peaceful, while some were violent. An example of a civil disobedience from the Civil Rights Movement was Robert Williams’ protest to integrate facilities, where he uses armed self-defense, so that blacks were able to have equal access as whites. This was an effective form of protest because without the arms to protect themselves, the African-Americans wanting their voices to be heard would be suppressed by the brutality of racist white men. Civil disobedience is the act of resisting unjust laws; it is commonly, though not always, nonviolent. In his interview on Civil Disobedience, Howard Zinn explains, â€Å"Direct action means acting directly on the object of your protest or the source of your grievance†¦ another form of direct action is nonviolent (that is, avoiding violence against human beings) action† (Zinn). Zinn explains that there are different forms of civil disobedience. One couldShow MoreRelatedUnderstanding The Origins Of Black Resistance1501 Words   |  7 Pagesillustrates that armed self-defense as a form of black resistance dates back to the colonial era. Whereas historian Jacquelyn Dowd Hall has urged historians to look to Reconstruction to understand the origins of black resistance, Cobb begins even earlier with the emergence of American slavery. As a former member of SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee), Cobb uses both his own experiences to highlight the complex relationship between nonviolent activism and armed self-defense at the grassrootsRead More`` This Nonviolent Stuff ll Get You Killed By Charles E Cobb Jr.2170 Words   |  9 PagesKilled: How Guns Made The Civil Rights Movement Possible. New York: Basic Books, A Member of the Perseus Group. 2014 The book that I will be discussing is â€Å"This Nonviolent Stuff’ll Get You Killed†, written by Charles E Cobb Jr. Cobb wrote this book to discuss the importance of the armed self-defense movement. Cobb wrote specifically on this subject because in talking about the civil rights movement, many only discuss the nonviolent activists and their role. The armed self-defense also played a pivotalRead MorePresentation Speech : Prelude Of The Civil Rights Movement 1950s1211 Words   |  5 PagesPresentation Speech: Slide 1: Prelude to the Civil Rights Movement 1950s First, to see how we have gotten to the point of where society is at today, we need to know where we have come from. We can trace the roots of the civil rights movement back to the late 1940s and 1950s, starting with World War 2. During the war, the military was kept segregated, which kept white supremacy prominent. For example, blacks had separate drafts which limited into what branch they could serve. The Air Corps and NavyRead MoreThe Impact Of The Black Panther Party 1156 Words   |  5 PagesSmith J. Buergel Civil Rights 5/11/16 The impact of â€Å"The Black Panther Party† â€Å"We knew, as a revolutionary vanguard, repression would be the reaction of our oppressors, but we recognized that the task of the revolutionist is difficult and his life is short. We were prepared then, as we are now, to give our all in the interest of oppressed people† (Baggins). Radical and provocative, the 60’s was an era of complete political and social upheaval. Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had bannedRead MoreAt The Dark End Of The Street1496 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"At the Dark End of the Street,† is a novel that takes back to the terrifying experience Recy Taylor had in Abbeville, Alabama. Taylor was gang-raped by six white men in the 1940s. This scene immediately shows readers the civil rights movement during the 20th century and how important it was in understanding what was happening. Danielle McGuire is the author of â€Å"At the Dark End of the Street,† which was published in 2010. However, â€Å"This Nonviolent Stuff’ ll Get You Killed,† is a novel that focusesRead MoreRadio Free Dixie1505 Words   |  7 Pagesroots of the movement had been planted long before by Mr. Robert F. Williams. In Timothy Tyson’s book: Radio Free Dixie: Robert F. Williams and the Roots of Black Power, Tyson details the life of a remarkable man who had the audacity not only to challenge racial injustice in America but also to contest the rarely disputed strategies of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Establishment. Tyson uses Williams life to illustrate his central thesis: how both the Civil Rights Movement and BlackRead MoreThe Black Panther Party Essay1064 Words   |  5 Pagesera of complete political and social upheaval. Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had banned the discrimination of people based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, the execution of this act were initially proven weak. Unlike other national organizations or campaigns against the U.S. government, the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense remains the only organization to take a militant stance, frequently seen campaigning armed and proudly wielding weapons. Huey P. Newton and Bobby SealeRead MoreThe Black Panthers1465 Words   |  6 PagesPanther Party for Self Defense) was a Black Nationalist organization in the United States that formed in the late 1960s and became nationally renowned. (Wikipedia:The Free Encyclopedia, 1997). The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 by party members Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in the city of Oakland, California. The party was established to help further the movement for African American liberation, which was growing rapidly throughout the sixties because of the civil rights movement and the workRead MoreThe Civil Rights Movement vs. The Black Liberation Movement Essay1103 Words   |  5 Pages On The Duty of Civil Disobedience, written by Henry David Thoreau, explains that civil disobedience is the act of standing for your beliefs even though they are against the law. Thoreau goes on to say that the government (because it is ruled by the majority) is not always right for everyone especially the individual and the minority. Over the course of American history, there have been many different groups formed for the purpose of civil disobedience. The two that I am going to focus onRead MoreDr. Martin Luther King Jr.1096 Words   |  5 Pagesand died August 22, 1989. He was an African-American political and urban activist who, along with Bobby Seale, co-founded the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born January 15, 1929 and died April 4, 1968. He was an African-American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. There have been several questions about the methods and strategies of each of these pr otesters. Some questioned whether or not MLK worked for the government

Monday, May 18, 2020

Life Of Christ Dr. E. Oakley, Israel, Jews And Jesus Christ

Brian Gusciora GBNT 620 Life of Christ Dr. E. Oakley Israel, Jews and Jesus Christ Jews lived in Israel at the time of Christ. They probably did not feel very safe. Once their country had been very powerful. David and Solomon had been their kings. That was 1000 years ago. Now they were not powerful. The people had done wrong things. They had not obeyed God. God had spoken to Abraham and Moses. He had given them a Covenant (made a special agreement with them). But the people did not obey God s rules. God punished them. He made them leave their country. He had told them that he would do this. In 586 BC, enemies burned down the *Temple of Solomon. This *temple was one of the most wonderful buildings in the world. The enemies took†¦show more content†¦Some Jews began to serve false Greek gods. After Alexander s death, his Generals (important officers) fought against each other. Each one wanted to rule parts of his lands. Some of these battles were in Israel. Then one General spoilt the Temple, which the Jews had rebuilt. This Gene ral did some evil things in the Temple. He killed people who would not serve his false Greek gods. So, some Jews became very angry. The Maccabees were a family. They wanted the Jews to serve the true God only. And they opposed the false Greek gods. The Maccabees encouraged the Jews to fight their enemies. The Maccabees ruled Israel for a short time. The Jews began to argue with each other. Then the Romans came and ruled Israel. They were very strict. The Jews wanted to be free. But the Roman Empire became very strong. The Romans ruled many countries. Their power was very great. It seemed impossible for the Jews to be free. At the time of the birth of Jesus, the Romans had made Herod to be king over Israel. Herod was not a Jew. He was a foreigner. Although he was a Jew by religion, he did not obey the laws of the Jews. He was a strong and cruel man. He became king by a plot. He wanted to control the Jews. So he built the Temple again. He made it much bigger. His workmen began to buil d the Temple in 20 BC. They continued until about AD 64. Herod s Temple was a very beautiful building. But what happened in the Temple was not

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Comparing the Characters of Beowulf and Achilles - 1291 Words

Comparing and Contrasting Beowulf and Achilles Both Beowulf and Achilles are poetic characters, who hail from different eras of history and different cultural backgrounds. While each is unique in his own way, the two heroes also share similar characteristics. This paper will compare and contrast the medieval Germanic hero Beowulf with the classical Greek hero Achilles (of Homers Iliad), and show how the two are similar and how the two are different. The first way in which both characters are similar is in the fact that they both travel from great distances to take part in a battle against some evil. In the medieval Germanic epic, Beowulf leaves his people the Geats of Scandinavia to help Hrothgar, the king of the Danish people, to kill Grendel, a monster who attacks the kings hall and devours the kings men. Beowulf slays Grendel but then must challenge Grendels mother in order to restore Hrothgars kingdom to safety. Likewise, Achilles joins the other Greeks and travels to Troy to do battle against Paris, Hector and the other Tro jans for having abducted Helen, the wife of Menelaus. Achilles performs many heroic deeds on the battleground and adds renown to his name among the Greeks. Both Beowulf and Achilles are also incredibly strong. Their powers seem, in fact, extraordinary and superhuman. For example, Beowulf has powerful lungs and is able to hold his breath for impossible lengths of time while underwater. He can swim great distances and hold his own in handShow MoreRelatedAchilles vs Beowulf compare and contrast Essay1150 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Compare and contrast Achilles vs Beowulf The way of the warriors Achilles and Beowulf were two characters that had an amazing power that made his name lives for hundreds of years. Great warriors need some to have some specific characteristics to reach their fame because we have seem in some heroes that they have gods strong, a unique way to be and goals to achieve. Comparing the character of Achilles and Beowulf who were two of the best warrior of the history we could know if there areRead MoreRevenge In Beowulf And Iliad1605 Words   |  7 Pagesthrough Beowulf and Iliad. In Beowulf, it seen through numerous characters. Revenge is a unique emotion in which is can be very motivating to accomplish a certain task, to serve for justice. In Iliad, Achilles using the feeling of Revenge to complete his journey. Comparing the two stories, vengeances is shown in both, and both stories have a unique way of related the events of the story to the events and the culture and society at the time the stories were written. Revenge in Beowulf: In Beowulf revengeRead MoreA Critical Appraisal of: Beowulf and Gilgamesh Essay examples1640 Words   |  7 PagesA Critical Appraisal of: Beowulf and Gilgamesh There are many differences and critical comparisons that can be drawn between the epics of Beowulf and Gilgamesh. Both are historical poems which shape their respected culture and both have major social, cultural, and political impacts on the development of western civilization literature and writing. Before any analysis is made, it is vital that some kind of a foundation be established so that a further, in-depth exploration of the complex natureRead MoreHero Archetypes and Epic Conventions in the Odyssey and Beowulf3110 Words   |  13 PagesHero Archetypes and Epic Conventions in The Odyssey and Beowulf It is remarkable how closely one can compare two epics that have such diverse and unique historical and cultural backgrounds. A Greek poet named Homer wrote The Odyssey sometime from BC 1400-900 during the Mycenaean Period. The epic preceding The Odyssey, called The Iliad, revolves around Achilles, the hero of the commonly known Trojan Wars. The Odyssey is a continuation of The Iliad and deals with Odysseus, another hero of the Trojan

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Impact Of Technology On Learning And Teaching - 841 Words

Research Question: President Obama remarked in his 2014 State of the Union Address, â€Å"It is not enough to train today’s workforce; we also have to prepare tomorrow’s workforce, by guaranteeing every child access to a world-class education (B. Obama, speech, January 28, 2014). This can only be done by preparing students to compete in the 21st century, and giving students the 21st century skills needed to compete in a global world. With that in mind, technology is going to be the driving force behind gain those skills. With this in mind, the focus of the research should focus on the following questions; what impact does a one to one technology initiative have on learning and teaching? What training and professional development must be required for teachers, students, and administrators to ensure that it fulfills the learning objectives of a school? These questions center primarily on understanding the impact that technology can have on learning, and particularly how a one to one tec hnology initiative can shape that learning. The purpose of this question is to better understand what instructional practice best equip a one to one technology program, and how to maximize the effect of this program to have the greatest impact on teaching and learning within the district. The ensuing question focuses on guaranteeing that there is a clear understanding of the resources and training that will be necessary to properly and execute a one to one technology programs within all of ourShow MoreRelatedThe Impact Of Technology On Teaching And Learning858 Words   |  4 Pagescomputers-in-schools initiative developed for a Midwestern urban school district. The researchers build on the concept that technology has an important role in today’s society, and that students should be exposed to technology in order to â€Å"foster learning and prepare [them] for a global economy†. Storz Hoffman were looking to analyze the effects of technology on teaching and learning, from the â€Å"perspectives of the teachers and students themselves†. Prior to rolling out the one-to-one computer initiativeRead MoreTechnology Education And Its Impact On Teaching And Learning791 Words   |  4 Pagesstrong argument encouraging others to pay attention to technology in schools and its impact on teaching and learning. She stated that her ideas about technology have changed over the years to now becoming a â€Å"cautious critic.† She argues passionately that technology will not solve our educational systems issues, cautions against the capitalistic consumerism of purchasing products, the pros and cons of computer use, and whether or not technology provides better support in the classroom rather thanRead MoreThe Concept Of E Learning Inclusion Into An Education Essay1555 Words   |  7 PagesThe Concept of e-learning inclusion into an education begins with the teacher and the manner in which they teach. A simple explanation of the view is that the teacher is the final authority and source of knowledge.The problem for many tea chers is transition of teaching in manner than accommodate the use of technology. Mining how they have previously been teaching with the use of technology which gives birth to e-learning. In e-learning, Technology is simply a mean that teachers may use in differentRead MoreTechnology Has Changed Our Society Essay1425 Words   |  6 PagesRATIONALE The predominance of technology has significantly influenced our society. Technology is being used all over the place, anywhere and is instant. When we say technology, it can mean a lot of things. But according to the New Zealand Ministry of Education, â€Å"technology is the use of practical and intellectual resources to develop products and systems (technological outcomes) that expand human possibilities by addressing needs and realising opportunities.† Technology is currently more complex andRead MoreTeaching And Learning Of The 21st Century1098 Words   |  5 Pages Teaching and learning in the 21st century Introduction Things are changing in this modern society at an epidemic rate. The world is starting to become much more interconnected and technology is constantly changing the world. We now live in an increasingly different, globalized, and complicated media saturated culture. So this Technological overthrow will have a greater change in education. Our students are facing many difficulties like increased population, climate changeRead MoreImpact of Technology on Education1146 Words   |  5 Pages------------------------------------------------- Positive Impact of Technology on Education Technology plays a very important role in the field of education, especially in this 21st century. In fact, computer technology has become easier for teachers to transfer knowledge and for students to obtain it. The use of technology has made the process of teaching and learning more convenient. Talking in a positive sense, the impact of technology on education has been extraordinary. Using Internet and computersRead MoreIntegrating Wireless Laptop Into the Classroom Essay1306 Words   |  6 Pagesteachers facilitate and observe their students. The focus must convey on understanding the vast amenities that technology presents and how it impacts the world (Kelley Kellam, 2009). Teachers can use wireless technology resources that support rich and multimedia models (Couros, 2010). Teachers can also use wireless computing to activate students thinking skills by providing meaningful learning experiences through explorations and discoveries. Wireless computing provides an access to immense knowledgeRead More21st Century Classrooms Essay1377 Words   |  6 Pageseducation today there is the view to link educational strategies, programs, initiatives, or technology to student achievement. There are many groups and organizations that are advocating for increased technology literacy. Generally in all aspects of our society, technology has revolutionized and in many ways simplified while enhancing our way of life. It is no surprise that the public expects that technology should have a similar effect on education. Over the past 20 years there have been so many advancementsRead MoreLong Term Effects Of Impact On Classroom Instruction1065 Words   |  5 PagesLong-Term Effects of IMPACT on Classroom Instruction Problem Statement Meeting the needs of faculty with professional development that fits their needs and abilities is not an easy task. Faculty-centered professional development had been shown to be more productive (Polly Hannafin, 2010). Faculty centered learning helps instructors take ownership of what they learn and apply more in their classrooms (Polly Hannafin, 2010). Personalized professional development for instructors has been shownRead MoreSocial Change And The 21st Century Classroom1464 Words   |  6 PagesWhile 21st Century learning and teaching is always changing, it is as dynamic as the world around us. There are many factors including globalisation, social change and technology, which are driving changes in education, with a variety of positive and negative impacts on teaching and learning in the 21st Century. With ongoing changes in teaching practices, which in turn changes the attitudes of today’s teachers and learners. A 21st century classroom is a productive environment wher e the teachers are

Leadership Equality, Justice, Truth, and Freedom Free Essays

Leadership: Equality, Justice, Truth, and Freedom| Busi 472- Organizational Ethics || Katherine Carpenter| 10/3/2011| Abstract | In this paper the reader will read about leadership. The basis for this paper is from a quote by Clarence Walton, â€Å"Leadership, an ill-defined word, comes from understanding and respecting four crucial ideas: equality, justice, truth, and freedom,† (Hosmer, 2011). This paper will illustrate the importance of the four ideas to leadership. We will write a custom essay sample on Leadership: Equality, Justice, Truth, and Freedom or any similar topic only for you Order Now Introduction Leadership is defined as â€Å"the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group,† (Dictionary. com, 2011). How does a person become a leader and what should that person’s values be to be a good leader? Clarence Walton said it best, he said â€Å"Leadership, an ill-defined word, comes from understanding and respecting four crucial ideas: equality, justice, truth, and freedom,† (Hosmer, 2011). The ideas stated by Clarence Walton are all important in building a talented leader. In this paper each of the four ideas will be expanded on. There have been many leaders in the past and the present who have been great leaders because they understood and respected the crucial ideas of being a leader. Equality in Leadership Equality is defined as â€Å"the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability,† (Dictionary. com, 2011). Equality should be followed by a leader, because they will lose or never earn respect if they do not treat each person equally. Even when women were first allowed to work with the men they were not treated equally. Some women were only given jobs that others felt that a woman could handle and the women that did have the same job title as a man were paid significantly less than the man. A great leader is one that will look at the work that the person has done rather than judge them on their sex or color. â€Å"Discrimination of any kind undermines the strength of our communities,† (Association of Flight Attendants, 2011). I think that this is a very true statement, because if one or several are not treated equally then the help and support of those is lost making the whole weaker. Justice in Leadership Justice is defined as â€Å"the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness,† (Dictionary. com, 2011). Justice is an important quality for a leader to possess. If a leader was not just then his authority would be unfair, and people will not want to work for someone who is unfair. If a leader is not just then people will not hold the position long. Blaise Pascal who was a French philosopher said, â€Å"Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just,† (BookRags, 2001). There are many interpretations of the Goddess of Justice but the main ideas of her are that she is blindfolded balancing a scale and wielding a sword, (Dean, 1999). This shows that being just in leadership takes a lot of hard work and dedication to overcome any obstacles. If being a leader was easy then everyone would do it. Truth in Leadership Truth is defined as â€Å"the true or actual state of a matter,† (Dictionary. com, 2011). Truth is a very cut and dry topic. If it did not happen or something is just a little bit off then it is not the truth. A great leader will not lie or fabricate truth in order to gain respect or to try and get to a particular outcome. I have had leaders that have lied to me or only given me partial truth; I lost all respect for them and did not know when I could actually believe them. One of the biggest problem is when a leader tells one lie they will have to tell another to cover up the first lie. Telling just one lie is not possible and it makes people not trust a leader who have lied to them. A leader who wants to be a good leader or wants to gain the respect of others should always strive to tell the truth. Freedom in Leadership Freedom is defined as â€Å"the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint,† (Dictionary. com, 2011). In this country we have many freedoms granted to us. All of our freedoms are written in the constitution. If we did not have those freedoms the only people that held jobs would be white males. There have been leaders in the past that have helped to give all people the freedom to be able to have jobs. Harriet Tubman was leader in her time helping to free slaves, she believed in the freedom of others. After Harriet Tubman helped free slaves in the Underground Railroad she pursued women’s rights, (Women in History, 2011). Conclusion In this paper the effort was put into trying to show that great leaders will have certain qualities. There have been great leaders in the past that have helped to define what great leadership is. â€Å"Leadership, an ill-defined word, comes from understanding and respecting four crucial ideas: equality, justice, truth, and freedom,† (Hosmer, 2011) is the definition that we can use for leadership. If we look upon the great leaders of the past and the four crucial ideas stated in this paper then incorporate that into ourselves we to can become great leaders. Being a great leader also takes a great deal of work so that others will respect and look up to the leader. References Association of Flight Attendants. (2011). Association of Flight Attendants. Retrieved October 3, 2011, from AFA: The Leader of Equality: http://unitedafa. org/news/details. aspx? id=6233 BookRags. (2001). Brainy Quote. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from Blaise Pascal Quotes: http://www. brainyquote. om/quotes/authors/b/blaise_pascal_3. html Dean, M. A. (1999). Images of the Goddess of Justice. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from http://mdean. tripod. com/justice. html Dictionary. com. (2011). Dictionary. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from dictionary. com: http://dictionary. reference. com/ Hosmer, L. (2011). The Ethics of Management, A multidisciplinary Approach (Vol. Seventh Edition). New York, New York: McGraw-Hill . Women in History. Harriet Tubman biography. Last Updated: 10/3/2011. Lakewood Public Library. Date accessed 10/3/2011. http://www. lkwdpl. org/wihohio/tubm-har. htm How to cite Leadership: Equality, Justice, Truth, and Freedom, Essay examples

Anton Chekhov The Beggar Commentary Essay Example For Students

Anton Chekhov The Beggar Commentary Essay Anton Chekhovs short story The Beggar is set in nineteenth century St. Petersburg. In this story, he presents a moral tale in which a cunning beggar named Lushkov succeeds in life by using his wit cleverly and taking advantage of others in society. Like his other short stories, The Beggar is written in the third person. Whilst descriptions are minimal, they are pithy and his characters personality and feelings are shown through their actions and dialogue. Through dialogue, the beggar is shown to be cunning but lazy. His benefactor, Skvortsov, is shown to be charitable but gullible. In the beginning, he recognises the beggars lying when he says Look here, it seems to me I met you the day before yesterday in Sadovaya Street. Cleverly, the beggar admits to his lying. Sir! he said, laying his hand on his heart, the fact is I was lying!'. Although Skvortsov thinks he is clever in catching the beggar out, ultimately the beggar wins as he manipulates not only Skvortsov but also his cook. Chekhov employs the third person narrative style very effectively. As the omniscient narrator, Chekhov is able to tell his readers what the beggar is really like while keeping the benefactor, Skvortsov, in the dark. Readers learn that Lushkov does not contribute to removing the furniture. He hardly touched the furniture, and walked behind the wagons hanging his head, not even making a pretence of appearing busy. Similarly, Skvortsov and the readers only learn at the end of the story, about his manipulation in getting the cook to chop the wood. This is a very clever device used by Chekhov to enable the readers to understand the true nature of his characters. In many short stories, the writer asks readers to align with a central character. In Chekhovs short story however, readers have two choices, to sympathise with the beggar who describes himself as a poor, hungry man! or with Skvortsov who thinks of himself as Lushovs godfather.You see, you are my godson, in a sense. Chekhov skilfully manipulates the readers because ultimately they know that the beggar is simply lying and cunning while Skvortsov is kind but duped. Lushkov inveigles his way to his sympathy and tells other people what they want to hear, gaining sympathy from those he comes in contact with. Chekhovs use of description is efficient. Rather than using long descriptions, he chooses his words carefully to emphasise what he wants readers to think of his characters. For example, throughout the story, the beggar is described as mendicant, waif, tatterdemalion scarecrow. These words are a concise image of the beggar. In the beginning, Chekhov describes his coat as ragged, fawn coloured overcoat, then a tattered, fancy overcoat and finally, as the beggar moves up the social hierarchy, a coat collar of curly fur.  Chekhov successfully employs dialogue in his stories to enable the characters to speak for themselves rather than the reader making a judgement. He uses first person narrative to allow readers to reveal the true personality of the character. Chekhov skilfully writes his short stories giving readers entertainment, a story, as well as a moral with a concise choice of words and by using dialogue.

Friday, May 1, 2020

Othello; Appearence vs Reality free essay sample

Othello Appearance vs. Reality Uploaded by firealive (20) on Oct 30, 2004 William Shakespeare focuses a lot of his play, Othello, on the theme of appearance versus reality. Othello, along with other characters in the play, depend on only their eyes and with that they jump to major conclusions. There are many instances in the book where there is hidden confusion, meaning the character believes on only what his or her eyes tell him, hence, Looks can be very deceiving. One of the first instances where the theme appearance versus reality appears, is when Othello sees Cassio walking away very quickly after conversing with Desdemona, Othello’s wife. The basis around which he is suspicious comes from Iago, a very jealous man. Iago has presented to Othello, in a sneaky way, that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. Iago whispers to Othello, â€Å"†¦I cannot think it, that he would steal away so guilty like. We will write a custom essay sample on Othello; Appearence vs Reality or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † (lll,iii,42) Othello then replies, â€Å"†¦I do believe ‘twas he. † (lll,iii,44) But, when in reality, Cassio and Desdemona are talking about how to get Cassio’s job back. Desdemona says to Cassio, I know’t. I thank you. You do love my lord; You have known him long; and be you well assured He shall in strangeness stand no farther off Than in politic distance. (lll,iii,11) Othello believes only what his eyes tell him. Now, Othello questions how Cassio and Desdemona are talking, but does not have a good enough motive to get angry at Desdemona nor does he ask her about Cassio. But, this instance is only the beginning of the lies that he sees from afar. A second instance in the book where appearance versus reality presents itself s when Iago places Othello where he can see but cannot hear. Iago then starts a conversation with Cassio about Bianca. Since this is later in the book, Iago has been able to give Othello a purpose for being mad at Desdemona. From afar, it looks like Cassio is talking in a sexual way about Desdemona. She was here even now. She haunts me in Every place. I was the other day talking on the Sea-bank with certain Venetians, and t hither comes, The bauble. (By this hand, she falls) thus about my Neck! (llll,i,150) In reality, Iago places Cassio in a position to talk about how great Bianca is so great. Othello sees this from afar and says in shock, â€Å"Crying, ‘O dear Cassio,’ as it were, his gesture imports it. † (lll,i,155) Othello now believes everything and has evidence of his eyes, which for him is all the evidence he needs. Now, since Othello trusts Iago, he believes everything Iago says to him and trusts his opinions, even though they are in reality, lies. Iago supports everything Othello has been lead to believe. This marks the begging of the period of Othello’s craziness. One of the last instances where the theme appearance versus reality appears is when Lodovico, the Duke’s messenger, comes into the book. Lodovico comes to deliver a message for Othello to return to Venice for Othello has done this job of defeating the Turks. Othello reads, â€Å" ‘This fail you not to do, as you will. ’† (llll,i,250) As Othello is reading the letter, Desdemona tells Lodovico about what has been going on since they reached Cyprus. Desdemona say, â€Å"Cousin, there’s fall’n between him and my lord. An unkind breach, but you shall make all well. (llll,i,255) Othello hears what she is saying because he is standing right there. So, obviously Desdemona did not intend for this to be a secret. He the threatens Desdemona by asking, â€Å"Are you wise? † (lll,i,257) He does not approve of Desdemona telling Lodovico these thing. Othello, now in a huge outrage, slaps Desdemona and storms out. Lodovico witnesses the entire episod e. He is very surprised that an honest, strong hearted man, who had so much passion for Desdemona could do such a thing. He says to Iago, Is this the noble Moor, whom our fill senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake, whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor pierce? (llll,i,297) Iago then states, behind Othello’s back, how much Othello has changed. He does because he is so carried away with his plan to destroy Cassio, he starts blaming Othello. It seems to Lodovico, that Othello has changed a lot since coming to Cyprus because hitting your wife is an imaginable crime. But what Lodovico doesn’t know is Othello thinks, because of what Iago has brainwashed into his head. Lodovico is one character who relies on only his eyes, and seeing this once incident rules out to be that Othello is a danger to the people around him. This event marks the last appearance versus reality situation. After this, the truth starts to come out. Appearance versus reality is a major theme in this book. Not only are looks deceiving, but looks alone, only cause trouble, trouble that is sometimes unfixable. People today, just like those in the Shakespearean period, jump to conclusions just by seeing. It is important to get all the facts before something tragic happens just like in Othello. Seeing isn’t always believing.