Oedipus The King Essays - Literature, Greek Mythology,

Oedipus The King Even though Oedipus the King didn't detail all of Oedipus' adventures, I thought it was a good book. I think it was smart of Sophocles to pick out the most significant, life altering phase in Oedipus' life to bring to the stage. I also really respect how Sophocles took the myth of Oedipus and put all of the details of the story into it. I think it's somewhat amazing how he took something that supposedly happened and gave the people exact dialogue and specific feelings. I realize that Oedipus the King is only a myth and that all Sophocles needed was a creative mind, but I still respect him. Being as Oedipus the King's storyline was already laid out, I can't blame Sophocles for some of the events I didn't agree with or ridiculed. First of all, I know I shouldn't laugh at this myth because the ancient Greeks actually believed it, but I did. The Sphinx was a monster with the head and breasts of a woman, the body of a lion, and the wings of a bird. I just think it's absurd that someone would actually make up a story with something like the Sphinx in it. It sounds like something out of a science fiction story, and I just don't like science fiction. Next, why did Oedipus gouge his eyes out? I understand why Oedipus would do something so drastic in the instant he learned the foul deeds he committed, but I thought he would've killed himself as Jocasta did. That is, until I realized in a way he wanted to suffer because he believed he deserved it. Honestly, I feel bad for the guy. Finally, there was one part of Oedipus the King that I didn't like and can blame on Sophocles. That was the part where the chorus seems to go on and on about the gods and how Apollo and Zeus should save them. They chanted on about how they would never go to Delphi or another temple if Oedipus' story wouldn't come true. I did not like reading that part at all and consider it a waste of Sophocles' talent. In Oedipus the King I thought Oedipus was the central character because the whole play was about him. It focused on Oedipus' life and I believe that is a key component for being the central character. Oedipus was just trying to find himself. He grew up thinking that his parents were Polybus and Merope, the king and queen of Corinth, until some guy who had a few too many at a banquet told him they weren't. This sparked Oedipus' curiosity and he went to the oracle of Apollo to find out the truth. However, the oracle only told him he'd kill his dad and marry his mom. Upon hearing this, he surely wasn't going home in the hope of preventing this from happening. So he decided to start anew and on his way he ran into an old man and his servants who tried to run him off the road. He killed them in self-defense, except for one. Little did Oedipus know he had just killed his real father who had abandoned him at birth. Oedipus continued his journey and came to Thebes, where he defeated the Sphinx, winning the new position of king and husband to Jocasta, his real mother. The prophecy of Apollo had come true, without anyone knowing. Poor Oedipus had no idea what he was doing. He was just trying to live his life. He had no control over the situation, and if he had known who his biological parents were, I'm sure he never would've killed and/or married them. I pictured Oedipus as tall and muscular with curly brown hair, always dressed in a stereotypical toga, reminiscent of the times. Oedipus was a round character because he was just, innocent, and good-hearted, yet he was extremely stubborn and headstrong. He was also a developing character because he changed throughout the course of the story. In the beginning and middle, he adamantly refused to believe he could possibly be the terrible man he's accused of. Yet, in the end he finally does come to realize the truth about his past. The central theme in Oedipus the King was, ?Don't try to control your fate.? This theme not only applied to Oedipus, but also to Laius. When Laius heard of his son's disgraceful future and the costly effect it had on him, he tried

John Buford in the Civil War

John Buford in the Civil War Major General John Buford was a noted cavalry officer in the Union Army during the Civil War. Though from a slave-holding family in Kentucky, he elected to remain loyal to the Union when fighting began in 1861. Buford distinguished himself at the Second Battle of Manassas and later held several important cavalry positions in the Army of the Potomac. He is best remembered for the role he played during the early phases of the Battle of Gettysburg. Arriving in the town, his division held critical high ground north and ensured that the Army of the Potomac possessed the critical hills south of Gettysburg. Early Life John Buford was born March 4, 1826, near Versailles, KY and was the first son of John and Anne Bannister Buford. In 1835, his mother died from cholera and the family moved to Rock Island, IL. Descended from a long line of military men, the young Buford soon proved himself a skilled rider and a gifted marksmen. At the age of fifteen, he traveled to Cincinnati to work with his older half-brother on an Army Corps of Engineers project on the Licking River. While there, he attended Cincinnati College before expressing a desire to attend West Point. After year at Knox College, he was accepted to the academy in 1844. Fast Facts: Major General John Buford Rank: GeneralService: US/Union ArmyNickname: Old SteadfastBorn: March 4, 1826 in Woodford County, KYDied: December 16, 1863 in Washington, DCParents: John and Anne Bannister BufordSpouse: Martha (Pattie) McDowell DukeConflicts: Civil WarKnown For: Battle of Antietam, Battle of Fredericksburg, Battle of Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, and Battle of Gettysburg. Becoming a Soldier Arriving at West Point, Buford proved himself a competent and determined student. Pressing through the course of study, he graduated 16th of 38 in the Class of 1848. Requesting service in the cavalry, Buford was commissioned into the First Dragoons as a brevet second lieutenant. His stay with the regiment was brief as he was soon transferred to the newly-formed Second Dragoons in 1849. Serving on the frontier, Buford took part in several campaigns against the Indians and was appointed regimental quartermaster in 1855. The following year he distinguished himself at the Battle of Ash Hollow against the Sioux. After aiding in peace-keeping efforts during the Bleeding Kansas crisis, Buford took part in the Mormon Expedition under Colonel Albert S. Johnston. Posted to Fort Crittenden, UT in 1859, Buford, now a captain, studied the works of military theorists, such as John Watts de Peyster, who advocated for replacing the traditional line of battle with the skirmish line. He also became an adherent of the belief that cavalry should fight dismounted as mobile infantry rather than charge into battle. Buford was still at Fort Crittenden in 1861 when the Pony Express brought word of the attack on Fort Sumter. The Civil War Begins With the beginning of the Civil War, Buford was approached by the Governor of Kentucky regarding taking a commission to fight for the South. Though from a slave-holding family, Buford believed his duty was to the United States and flatly refused. Traveling east with his regiment, he reached Washington, DC and was appointed assistant inspector general with the rank of major in November 1861. Buford remained in this backwater post until Major General John Pope, a friend from the prewar army, rescued him in June 1862. Promoted to brigadier general, Buford was given command of the II Corps Cavalry Brigade in Popes Army of Virginia. That August, Buford was one of a few Union officers to distinguish themselves during the Second Manassas Campaign. In the weeks leading to the battle, Buford provided Pope with timely and vital intelligence. On August 30, as Union forces were collapsing at Second Manassas, Buford led his men in a desperate fight at Lewis Ford to buy Pope time to retreat. Personally leading a charge forward, he was wounded in the knee by a spent bullet. Though painful, it was not a serious injury.​​​ Army of the Potomac While he recovered, Buford was named Chief of Cavalry for Major General George McClellans Army of the Potomac. A largely administrative position, he was in this capacity at the Battle of Antietam in September 1862. Kept in his post by Major General Ambrose Burnside he was present at the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13. In the wake of the defeat, Burnside was relieved and Major General Joseph Hooker took command of the army. Returning Buford to the field, Hooker gave him command of the Reserve Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps. Buford first saw action in his new command during the Chancellorsville Campaign as part Major General George Stonemans raid into Confederate territory. Though the raid itself failed to achieve its objectives, Buford performed well. A hands-on commander, Buford was often found near the front lines encouraging his men. Old Steadfast Recognized as one of the top cavalry commanders in either army, his comrades referred to him as Old Steadfast. With Stonemans failure, Hooker relieved the cavalry commander. While he considered the reliable, quiet Buford for the post, he instead selected the flashier Major General Alfred Pleasonton. Hooker later stated that he felt that made a mistake in overlooking Buford. As part of the reorganization of the Cavalry Corps, Buford was given command of the 1st Division. In this role, he commanded the right wing of Pleasontons attack on Major General J.E.B. Stuarts Confederate cavalry at Brandy Station on June 9, 1863. In a day-long fight, Bufords men succeeded in driving back the enemy before Pleasonton ordered a general withdrawal. In the following weeks, Bufords division provided key intelligence regarding Confederate movements north and frequently clashed with Confederate cavalry. Gettysburg Entering Gettysburg, PA on June 30, Buford realized that the high ground south of the town would be key in any battle fought in the area. Knowing that any combat involving his division would be a delaying action, he dismounted and posted his troopers on the low ridges north and northwest of town with the goal of buying time for the army to come up and occupy the heights. Attacked the next morning by Confederate forces, his outnumbered men fought a two and half hour holding action which allowed for Major General John Reynolds I Corps to arrive on the field. As the infantry took over the fight, Bufords men covered their flanks. On July 2, Bufords division patrolled the southern part of the battlefield before being withdrawn by Pleasanton. Bufords keen eye for terrain and tactical awareness on July 1 secured for the Union the position from which they would win the Battle of Gettysburg and turn the tide of the war. In the days following the Union victory, Bufords men pursued General Robert E. Lees army south as it withdrew to Virginia. Final Months Though only 37, Bufords relentless style of command was hard on his body and by mid-1863 he suffered severely from rheumatism. Though he frequently needed assistance mounting his horse, he often remained in the saddle all day. Buford continued to effectively lead the 1st Division through the fall and the inconclusive Union campaigns at Bristoe and Mine Run. On November 20, Buford was forced to leave the field due to an increasingly severe case of typhoid. This forced him to turn down an offer from Major General William Rosecrans to take over the Army of the Cumberlands cavalry. Traveling to Washington, Buford stayed at the home of George Stoneman. With his condition worsening, his former commander appealed to President Abraham Lincoln for a deathbed promotion to major general. Lincoln agreed and Buford was informed in his final hours. Around 2:00 PM on December 16, Buford died in the arms of his aide Captain Myles Keogh. Following a memorial service in Washington on December 20, Bufords body was transported to West Point for burial. Beloved by his men, the members of his former division contributed to have a large obelisk built over his grave in 1865.

Zheng He and his voyage in Ming Dynasty Term Paper

Zheng He and his voyage in Ming Dynasty - Term Paper Example Zheng He, the Admiral and commander of these expeditions was entrusted by the Imperial court of China and the emperor to undertake these missions that were to serve mainly diplomatic purposes. He would surpass the court’s expectations upon return from each voyage with valuable trinkets and exotic, expensive goods from trade. In this article, the whole process and technical aspects of the Zheng He voyages during the Ming dynasty will be analyzed. This article will introduce Zheng He as an individual, his background and ascension to the position of Admiral. Furthermore, the article will lay emphasis on the impact of these voyages to the state of China and to some degree the countries or territories visited. Key areas that will be examined for this are Chinese culture, politics, history, business and trade. In addition, the effects of the voyages on countries toured will also be discussed. Attention will be diverted towards the reasons for the start of the voyages and ultimately those for their demise as a conclusion. Discussion Zeng He was born in 1371in Jinning, China and named Ma He (Chinaculture.org, 2005). Scholars indicate that his ancestors were of Arabian descent who immigrated into China during the Song and Tang dynasties between 7th and 13th Century AD. Research indicates that the great grandfather of Zeng He was appointed governor of Yunnan Province and is believed to have been a member of the Mongol Garrison in that province. During his childhood, Zheng’s home province of Yunnan fell under siege by the emperor of China and the ruler of the Ming dynasty at the time. He was taken to imperial court to serve as a eunuch. A eunuch is a person, who is castrated and forced to work for the government against his will (Chinaculture.org, 2005). Through service to Zhu Yuanzhang, he became prominent through aiding in the defeat of the Yuan Dynasty. He was rewarded with a promotion to an official government post. Zhu Di, Zhu’s fourth son initiated a coup in which Zeng played an integral role in Zhu Di’s acquisition of the throne. He was rewarded with the command of the Chinese navy. With this position, he wielded great influence and power at the court. An alternative reflection of historical texts is that upon ascension to the throne in 1402, Emperor Cheng appointed Zheng to command a large fleet of ships to the area known as Western Sea (Church, 2005). Zeng He’s voyages in the Ming Dynasty constitute this fleet of ships to distant lands. The ships travelled to nations in Southeast Asia and Africa (Levathes, 1997). The ships carried large quantities of products including food stuffs, silks, ornaments, soldiers and sailors. The voyages are considered a feat in navigation in that era. Though unexpected at the time, in Chinese history, they contributed considerably to trade and exchanges in culture. Historians believe that between the years 1405 and 1433, Zheng led his fleet of ships in seven voyages. The number of ships in each voyage ranged from between forty to sixty three. The total number of people on each voyage was estimated to be approximately twenty seven thousand. The ships navigated a vast area of seas and oceans from Ryuku Islands, Philippines, Mozambique all the way to South Africa. Mutual trade between China and the native lands the ships docked was developed. Cultures and technologies were also exchanged in addition to promotion of social economic development and enhancement of maritime traffic practices. The large fleets conducted voyages on the Indian Ocean astonishing the proficient Arab navigators of the time and Venetian merchants. These led to adoption of naval enlightenment to states in Europe (Church, 2005). Zeng He’s first expedition was in July 1405. Church (2005) observes that, â€Å"

I need to paraphrase Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

I need to paraphrase - Essay Example re cash flow, then the value of the asst is determined by discounting the future cash flows properly through taking into account the total of all the cash flows. d) The value of bonds is determined by the discounted value of the Principal and all the coupon payments and this is done through the use of discount rate. For instance, a ten year value bond that has a value of 10 % will yield value of 1000 or par. g) It can be observed that annual payment of 10 year bond is more risky compared to a similar bond of one year since the value is derived from cash flows that are closer to the current date and vice versa in case of the first one. Slight changes in the yield mean big changes in the discounted far away cash flow values. This results in more fluctuation of the 10 year bond. h) When discount rate (yield) is used to discount the future cash flows, it is assumed that the same return on the investment as the discount rate would be obtained. As commonly known, the discount rate or the current expected return constantly fluctuates depending on the market situation which means that the expected return might not be obtained. This type of risk is referred to as reinvestment risk. i) When there are semiannual payments, the number of periods used also increases. When there is a 10 year semiannual coupon bond with rate of 10% coupon while the current nominal rate is pegged at 13%, the value of the bond would be USD 834.72. j) If a 10 year bond with coupon of 10% as well prevailing interest rate of 10%, between an annual coupon bond and semiannual is bought, the semiannual one is bought while the cash flows are received more quickly. In such a scenario, both coupon rates and current interest rates are the same where there is no price difference. In the event that the coupon rate is different from the nominal rate, a difference is found. For instance, if the current nominal rate is 8%, the annual coupon bond will then be valued at USD 1134.20 while the semiannual is

Foundations in human physiology- structure, function and permeability Assignment

Foundations in human physiology- structure, function and permeability of cells - Assignment Example One or more cells constitute all forms of life. Cells can only develop from pre-existent cells. The smallest form of life is cell. The human cell consists of an outer plasma membrane which encloses the minute organelles dispersed within the cytoplasm. These organelles include endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, ribosome, chromosomes, nucleus, lysosome, vacuoles and centrioles. A typical human cell (Carone, 2001) The outer cell membrane is made up of lipid molecules and provides the passage for interaction of cells with each other. Different kinds of human cells have distinct structures that aid in the functioning of their particular activity, such as the axons of nerve and brain cells which transmit signals out across distances to other cells via neurotransmitters. The neurons are specially adapted to perform this function as the axons are as long as one meter in length and the nerve impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another. The various functions performed by human cells include enzyme production, movement, transmission of electrical impulses and demolishing invaders. Among the various cells constituting the human body five main are: epithelial, nerve or neuron, connective, adipose and muscle cells. The four main selected to be explained in the given text include epithelial cells, neuron, connective and adipose cells (Marieb & Hoehn, 2010). Nerve Cells Nerve cells or neurons are specialized cell often referred as the structural and functional unit of nervous system. A characteristic neuron consists of a cell body known as soma, an axon and dendrites. The thin structures arising from the cell body are dendrites that frequently extend for hundred micrometres and forming multiple branches thus forming a complex called "dendritic tree". An axon on the other hand is a peculiar cellular extension that originates from the axon hillock and travels as far as one meter (Chudler, 2012). A typical Neuron (Chudler, 2012) Synapse is a specialized c onnection of these neurons with other cells that facilitates chemical signal. Neurons communicate by electrical and chemical (via neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine and glutamate) synapses in a process referred as synaptic transmission. Action potential is the basic process that activates synaptic transmission, a disseminating electrical signal that is produced by tapping the electrically impulsive membrane (the myelin sheath) that encloses the axon of the neuron. This is also known as a wave of depolarization. Neurons are the central part of the nervous system consisting of the spinal cord, the brain and peripheral ganglia. A great number of these specialized neurons exist and are classified on the basis of their function as sensory, motor and inter-neurons. The inter-neurons connect other neurons within the spinal cord or brain while the motor neurons transmit the response generated from brain and spinal cord to the organs. Sensory neurons respond to light, sound, touch, taste and legion other stimuli impacting the epithelial cells of the sensory organs (Levitan & Kaczmarek, 2001). Dorsal root ganglion The sensory neurons cell bodies are settled outside the spinal cord and brain in ganglia or in the sensory organs. Ganglia situated along specific cranial and spinal nerves accommodate the sensory neurons

Learn About PC Virus :: Computer Virus

Learn About PC Virus A computer virus is a potentially damaging computer program designed to affect, or infect, your computer negatively by altering the way it works without your knowledge or permission. More specifically, a computer virus is a segment of program code that implants itself in a computer file and spreads systematically from one file to another. Viruses can spread to your computer if an infected floppy disk is in the disk drive when you boot the computer, if you run an infected program, or if you open an infected data file in a program. Computer viruses, however, do not generate by chance. Creators, or programmers, of computer virus programs write them for a specific purpose – usually to cause a certain type of symptom or damage. Some viruses are harmless pranks that simply freeze a computer temporarily or display sounds or messages. When the Music Bug virus is triggered, for example, it instructs the computer to play a few chords of music. Other viruses, by contrast, are designed to destroy or corrupt data stored on the infected computer. Thus, the symptom or damage caused by a virus can be harmless or cause significant damage, as planned by its creator. Viruses have become a serious problem in recent years. Currently, more than 45,000 known virus programs exist and an estimated six new virus programs are discovered each day. The increased use of networks, the Internet, and e-mail has accelerated the spread of computer viruses, by allowing individuals to share files – and any related viruses – more easily than ever. Types of Viruses Although numerous variations are known, four main types of viruses exist: boot sector viruses, file viruses, Trojan horse viruses, and macro viruses. A boot sector virus replaces the boot program used to start a computer with a modified, infected version of the boot program. When the computer runs the infected boot program, the computer loads the virus into its memory. Once the virus is in memory, it spreads to any disk inserted into the computer. A file virus attaches itself to or replaces program files; the virus then spreads to any file that accesses the infected program. A Trojan horse virus (named after the Greek myth) is a virus that hides within or is designed to look like a legitimate program. A macro virus uses the macro language of an application, such as word processing or spreadsheet, to hide virus code. When you open a document that contains an infected macro, the macro virus loads into memory. Certain actions, such as opening the document, activate the virus.

Be Fruitful and Multiply

â€Å"Be fruitful and multiply. † This is a line we commonly hear at Mass, but what does it really mean? If we read the bible, we can find this line in Genesis, at that moment after God has created heaven and earth, plants and animals, and Adam and Eve. This sentence is redundant and simple, yet it holds a deep meaning.â€Å"Be fruitful and multiply†Ã¢â‚¬â€this is God’s way of telling us to reproduce, to have children who represent God as we represent Him as we are created after His likeness. In the bible, however, there are certain instances that somehow contradict this line’s purpose.Two examples are the tower of Babel and the pharaoh’s order to gather and eliminate all Hebrew male babies. The tower of Babel was constructed after the Great Flood. Noah’s descendants have already multiplied—they have formed a very large family that uses the same language.They have built the tower to raise themselves to the heavens and seek glory highe r than God’s. At such insolence, God punished them by scattering them throughout the world and confusing their language. Thereafter, God’s people continue to multiply and be fruitful. However, they started to bear fruits of different natures, different colors, and different tongues.The pharaoh, at the time of Moses’ birth, ordered for all male Hebrew babies to be killed and cast to the sea for fear that, as their population continued to thrive, the Egyptians will be overthrown. This act contradicted God’s command of being fruitful and multiplying. However, though this had been the case, God’s words still found its way to being made possible.The Hebrews, led by the grown-up Moses, were able to break free from the Egyptians’ oppression. They were able to reach the Promised Land that overflows with milk and honey, and since that time, they were again able to be fruitful and multiply.