The Oedipus complex Essay Example

The Oedipus complex Paper Psychoanalytical criticism, developed by Freud, is a way to interpret authors, and other artists work, making connections between the authors themselves and what they actually create. The Oedipus complex is a psychoanalytical theory where a child has the unconscious desire for the exclusive love of the parent of the opposite sex. The desire includes jealousy towards the parent of the same sex and the unconscious wish for that parents death. It usually occurs between the ages of three to five and is a normal developmental process of human psychological growth. The stage is usually ended when the child identifies with the parent of the same sex and represses its sexual instincts. Freud believed that all people experienced the Oedipus complex but many researchers in psychoanalysis believe it develops as a result of a persons environment and does not occur in everyone. Freud believed the complex could stay in the unconscious mind and affect the person in adult life.? Within Hamlet the Oedipus complex can be applied to Hamlets character. Hamlet still isnt over his fathers death, and the appearance of the ghost of his father at the start of the play fuels his anger to take revenge, but he delays killing Claudius throughout the play. This is because unconsciously he admires Claudius, because he has fulfilled Hamlets own unconscious wishes of killing his father and marrying his mother, a father killd, a mother staind, which is exactly the position Hamlet would like to be in. The Oedipus complex can appear to be reflected in Hamlets behaviour in Act III Scene IV. We will write a custom essay sample on The Oedipus complex specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Oedipus complex specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Oedipus complex specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer From the start of the scene Hamlet is talking to his mother with anger and resentment. He is disgusted with her for marrying her dead brothers wife; You are the Queen, your husbands brothers wife (III, IV, 14). This is because unconsciously he feels he should be in Claudius position, of being King of Denmark, and being married to Gertrude. Things start getting very heated between Hamlet and Gertrude and he shows his disapproval of their relationship; In the rank sweat of an enseamed bed, Stewd in corruption, honeying and making love Over the nasty sty! (III, IV, 92-94). At this point Hamlet sees the ghost of his dead father appear before him to remind him of what his purpose is, which distracts him and interrupts their heated conversation. The ghost appearing at this particular moment could be seen as Hamlets unconscious creating the image of his father to stop something happening with his mother. Hamlet then warns his mother But go not to mine Uncles bed (III, IV, 161) because he doesnt want her sleeping with Claudius, or being close to him because he wants her for himself. Act III Scene iv is a crucial part of the play for a director when deciding whether to interpret the play with the Oedipus complex in mind or not, because there is so much dialogue interaction between Hamlet and his mother, more so than other scenes in the play and because it is easy to identify the Oedipus complex in this scene. Looking at this scene especially, in different film versions different directors have interpreted it in different ways. In Zefirellis 1990 film version, Act III Scene IV has been performed with strong reference to the Oedipus complex in mind.? Oliviers 1948 production is performed with only a slight reference to the Oedipus complex in the way the characters interact with each other.? In Brannaghs 1996 film version, there is no direct reference to the Oedipus complex in Act III Scene IV at all.? Freuds theory can be applied to the text as a whole as well as just Act III Scene IV. In Act I Scene ii this is the closest Hamlet gets to confronting Claudius about the marriage to his mother. He talks to himself about it straight after Claudius and the rest of the court have left She married -O most wicked speed! (I, II, 156) but it is still directed at Gertrude not Claudius because unconsciously he cant blame him. And throughout the whole play he never says anything about, or to Claudius, being incestuous for marrying his brothers wife. After Hamlet sees the ghost of his father and is told by it to take revenge for his murder, Hamlet pretends to be mad, unconsciously, to delay killing Claudius. The Oedipal complex explains why Ha mlet delays killing him and is unable to take direct action, through out the whole play. Claudius has coincidentally fulfilled Hamlets unconscious fantasies. After the Mousetrap play is performed and Hamlet knows for sure that Claudius is guilty of his fathers murder, he still doesnt take action, but chats with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, O, the recorders. Let me see one. (III, II, 36). He doesnt realise he is doing this, and so wont think that Claudius will stop him from telling people and he does. He sends Hamlet to England. Before Hamlet pretends to be mad, he is deeply in love with Ophelia, I did love you once (III, I, 115). But when he is pretending to be mad he tells her bluntly that he no longer does, which hurts her so much that she kills herself! The desire for his mother is so much that he no longer cares about Ophelia. Surely if he realised what he was doing, he wouldnt have done it because he cares for her. But he doesnt realise and unknowingly plays a part in her death. When Hamlet finally does take action against Claudius in Act V Scene II (the final scene), it is only after Gertrude is dead that he is able to kill Claudius. This is because Claudius is no longer a projection of Hamlets unconscious mind so he now takes revenge for the murder of his father and his mother. When applying the Oedipus complex to Hamlets character, it can be a valid interpretation. The behaviour of Hamlet, and his actions through out the play, shows how the theory can be applied, as it is in film versions by Zeffirelli and Olivier. But there is actually little textual evidence to support the idea. The only way it can be applied is by looking at it as a deep Freudian interpretation. If taken at face value with out reading into it as much, it is difficult to see the theory applied in the text, although it can be seen if a director has chosen to interpret it this way. As Shakespeare wrote Hamlet, and it was being performed, in the seventeenth century, the Oedipus complex and Psychoanalysis would not have been applied, as it was only developed in the twentieth century by Freud. This means that at the time, it would not have been performed with the Oedipus complex in mind. In Elizabethan England It most likely would have been performed simply as a play to entertain the audience and would have been understood by them to be a revenge tragedy which were popular types of play at the time. Act III Scene IV is a major part of the play for a director when deciding whether to interpret the play with the Oedipus complex in mind or not. In Brannaghs film version, there is no evidence of the Oedipus complex being applied to the scene, or the play as a whole. With out applying the Oedipus complex, Act III Scene IV can be presented in different ways. From the start we know Hamlet is still not over his fathers death; Do not for ever with thy vailed lids Seek thy noble father in the dust. (I, II, 70-71). He has so much pent up anger and emotion from the death of his father and the hasty marriage between Gertrude and Claudius, he doesnt know what to do. Act III Scene IV can be presented as a point where Hamlet finally releases all his anger because Claudius has just shown his guilt from his reaction to the Mousetrap play. This leads to the confrontation with his mother, where he shows his dislike for their marriage, Mother, you have my father much offended (III, IV, 9), and where he warns her to stay away from Claudius But go not to my uncles bed (III, IV, 161). He is so angry he has no hesitation in killing the person behind the arras, especially as he thinks its the king. The play can be presented at face value, simply as a story of revenge as it would have done at the time it was written. I think the Oedipus complex is a valid interpretation of the text when psychoanalysed and can be performed well with the theory in mind, but it is a twentieth century interpretation. In the seventeenth century when it was performed, it would have been written to be performed as entertainment. The performers would of performed it to entertain the audience and the audience would of understood it as it was performed, not my looking into the text and looking for deeper meanings.

Dr. Reynolds Essays - Brian Welch, Converts To Christianity

Dr. Reynolds Essays - Brian Welch, Converts To Christianity Dr. Reynolds ENGL 105 September 1, 2016 The Struggle of Writing Ever since I was a little girl, and could hold a pencil, I was taught how to write. I started out writing by doing the tedious task of tracing the huge ABC letters on to the silly dotted lines. From then on it turned into hundreds of mindless sentences consisting of words like "cat", "mat", "at" and "sat". As I grew up from an innocent child to a wiser student the writing got harder. The mindless sentences turned into flowing paragraphs. As I went through my life as a student, the complicated syntax blossomed into beautifully coherent essays. As I look back the growth of my writing skills, I am really shocked. At a first glance it may not seem like I have changed a lot, but as I look through my past assignments, I have realized I've changed a lot as a writer. My writing is stronger, is easier to read, and more comprehensive. Not only have I noticed a difference in my writing, but I have also noticed that I also do a lot of weird things while writing essays.With the different techniqu es taught to me through the years, I realized I have picked up some good and bad habits that have affected my writing in many ways. The first thing I do is start off with my bad habit; procrastination. Whenever I write an essay, I always start it with the procrastination stage. This stage is my biggest enemy and best friend at the same time. It has helped me get through some tough essays. Procrastination helps me to forget about the essay completely and all the anxiety accompanies writing. I don't normally start my essays until two days before the due date. When I know I have an essay due the next day, I turn into the most OCD person on the planet. I start cleaning and doing chores that no normal person would like to do on their free time, but since I have an essay due, I think it is fun to clean the toilet, and reorganize my bookshelf 6 different times to avoid my assignment. The anxiety of writing causes me to believe that I need to make sure everything is spotless in order for me to write and stay focused on the task at hand. After I have cleaned up everything in the house, I will take a nap because I've ti red myself out from cleaning up all day. I figure that to write my best, I need to take a quick nap to reenergize my brain. So I can awake to having a fresh and clear mind. However, the quick little nap usually ends up being 4-hour long waste of time. To make matters worse, when I wake up I am starving. So then what do I have to do? I have to make myself some food because how can I work on an empty stomach. It's just not possible. I then go to my other best friend the refrigerator to make my favorite snack- apples and peanut butter. So after I have made my delicious snack, I finally sit down at my desk and start all the other homework just to prolong the process more. I think to myself that If I have all my homework done, then I won't have to worry about it while I am writing my essay and I will have a clear head. After I have finished eating, sleeping, and doing anything in my power to stall myself from my essay, it's finally time to start the thing I have been dreading the most the essay. When I finally start, It's usually around ten at night. I will sit at my spotless desk and begin to write indiscriminant thoughts down. I don't necessarily think this is a bad habit of mine; however, I just think it prolongs the process of writing because I have already procrastinated for so long. I think over time I need to figure out a faster and easier way to start my paper, so that the process is more organized and quick. As I begin to write, I will open the window

Philosophy Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Philosophy Questions - Essay Example In giving a â€Å"religious† response to this argument, Kant would state that it is God’s intention to preserve life, and as our lives are the property of God, it is a rebellion against our duty towards Him to take our own life. When we alter the course of a river we are not going against the intention of God, however, when we take our own life, it is, in essence, rebellion as we throw away our life. In my opinion this response is quite good as if my life the property of God, it goes to show that God has given it to me as a â€Å"trust† and I am to take care of it until the Owner deems fit. It would not be fitting for a trustee to take over the trust that has been handed over to him, as in essence it does not belong to him, but he is merely a caretaker of the property so given in trust. When a person thinks of his own life as not belonging to him, and realizes that his position is that of a caretaker, it follows that he will take care not to damage it in anyway or destroy it altogether. I am not in the position to destroy my life because it belongs to God and my duty towards Him is to take care of his property in the best possible way. (2) On p. 311, Brandt asks, "Is there any sound argument†¦ to establish that there is (or is not) some moral obligation to avoid suicide as such...?" What is the argument that he considers? What other argument, not considered by Brandt, might one give to support the claim that there is? Brandt states that normally suicide is committed under a fit of depression or anger, and for it to have a negative moral implication results in such people thinking long and hard about taking their own life. He states that normally a person who commits suicide does not serve anyone’s welfare by doing so; however, sometimes it is in the best interest of everybody concerned for the person to take his own life. Therefore, there is a moral obligation to instill the immorality of suicide into the minds of people, as mostly people who are

Evaluate the recent performance of the uk economy Essay

Evaluate the recent performance of the uk economy - Essay Example Currently, the GDP of France is at $2,734.95 billion, a rise from 2,611.22 the previous year (Trading Economics 2015). The rate of inflation in the U.K. was at -0.10 percent during the first quarter of 2015. Between 1989 and 2015, it has averaged 2.72 percent, reaching highest at 8.5 percent in 1991 and lowest at –0.10 percent in 2015. In the United States, the inflation rate witnessed during the first quarter of 2015 was -0.2 percent. For France, the country witnessed at the inflation rate of 0.1 percent in the first quarter of 2015 (Trading Economics 2015). During the first three months of 2015, the level of unemployment in the U.K. has gone down to 5.50 percent from 5.60 percent the previous year. The between 1971 and 2015, the level of unemployment averaged 7.24 percent, with highest at 12 percent in 1984 and lowest at 3.40 percent in 1973. In the United States, the rate of unemployment was at 5.50 percent during the first quarter of 2015. The average rate of unemployment in the U.S. has averaged 5.83 percent between 1982 and 2015, with highest levels at 10.8 percent in 1982 and lowest at 2.5 percent in 1953. In the case of France, the rate of unemployment went down to 10 percent during the first three months of 2015 from 10.40 percent in last quarter of 2014. The average rate of unemployment between 1996 and 2015 has averaged 9.20 percent, with highest levels at 10.80 percent in 1997 and lowest at 7.20 percent in 2008 (Trading Economics 2015). With regard to the government budget, United Kingdom has a government budget deficit, which is representative of 5.70 percent of the country’s GDP. In the United States, government budget deficit accounts for 2.80 percent of the country’s GDP. In the case of France, the budget deficit represents about 4 percent of the country’s GDP (Trading Economics 2015). To determine income distribution, the GNI index is appropriate as it reveals the extent

Policy brief on New York State Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Policy brief on New York State - Research Paper Example Comparing the sin tax levy imposed on our state is significantly similar as the one levied on other states. 2. A sales tax is a tax levied on the sale or lease of goods and services and it is imposed at retail level only. Food tax on the other hand can be defined as the tax imposed on the use of food and its ingredients which are meant for human consumption. Similarly soda tax is a tax levied on soft drinks. There is a significant relationship between these taxes as all of them are aimed at reducing obesity which is in the rise in the state and also the medical cost that come with obesity. Therefore, as a way of curbing obesity and other health related problems these taxes are imposed. 3. Considering the adverse effects of alcohol and cigarette smoking in my New York over a period of time, the number of people who are indulging in these risky activities, which affects their health, have been increasing day by day. Comparing it to other states and also the nation it is posing to be a challenge because the number of people engaging in such activities is increasing among the youths. 4. There is a weak negative correlation of -0.061 between the overall tax and the outcomes at the state level implying that as the tax levied is increased the response towards the use of those products reduces. Similarly the correlation of taxes at different regions indicate a positive correlation implying that both the taxes imposed and the outcomes move in the same direction 5. The demand for tobacco, soda and beer are not affected by either an increase or decrease in the price and therefore this implies that people will continue to indulge in consuming these products even after imposing a ‘sin’ tax. This will affect my recommendation since we need to find a way of curbing their use as they are a health threat. My recommendation is mainly based on the budgetary and public health impact

Family Meals More Than Just at Home

Family Meals More Than Just at Home In todays society families are busier than ever before. Many families consist of both parents working outside the home to make ends meet, and increasingly, many children are being raised in a single-parent and blended or binuclear homes. Some statistics claim that 75% of all children will spend some time within a single-parent household. When something has to give to meet the demands of raising a family, one of the first things to go seems to be family meals. How many families continue to eat meals together on a regular daily basis? And, does not eating meals together as a family impact family relationship and to what extent? Research on this subject is overwhelming and seems to prove that the lack of family mealtime not only impacts the family, but society as well. During a recent family dinner, a young female acquaintance was amazed to find that there was no special occasion that brought the family to the dinner table, that it was a nightly affair. To the family it was just an ordinary meal of pot roast, nothing special, but to her, it was a feast. In questioning her as to her family traditions and meals, it was amazing to learn that her family never ate meals together. Their meals consisted of pre-packaged or frozen foods and they ate whenever they were hungry and wherever they happened to be. They ate in the living room while watching TV or in their bedroom, but generally they ate alone. That was the normal routine for her family. It is no wonder that families today are facing problems with obesity, eating disorders, drug abuse, students with low scholastic achievement, and battle depression. Statistics show that Children who frequently eat meals with their families tend to do better in school, consumed higher amounts of important nutrients such as calcium, fiber, iron, vitamins B6 and B12, C and E and consumed less overall fat, compared to families who never or only sometimes eat meals together (Meals Matter, 2008). Studies show that the more a family eats together the less likely the children are to drink, smoke, do drugs, have eating disorders, get depressed and have suicidal tendencies. Families who eat together regularly have children who do better in school, delay having sex, eat healthier, have better table manners, and a larger vocabulary. This confirms that it isnt just about eating food, but rather the interaction and caring between families. A ten year study at Columbia University by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) found that the older kids are, the more they need time together with their family, but they are less likely to get it. The study shows that 12-year-olds claimed they had dinner seven nights a week, but only a quarter of 17-year-olds did (Time). This same study found that the least educated parents ate meals together the most, while parents with diplomas or college degrees shared fewer meals together with their kids. Another interesting find was that more than half of Hispanic teens ate with a parent at least six times a week, in contrast to 40% of black teens and 39% of whites. Mealtime is where a family builds its culture and identity, family traditions and stories are passed down as well as humor being shared. Eating meals together encourages more communication within the family. Topics can be discussed, parents can see how their child interacts, what they are wearing, find out who their friends are and what they are interested in, as well as discuss current events and help qualm fears their child may have concerning school, friends, their future plans, and life in general. In other words, family interaction at mealtimes informs the parents as well as the kids what is happening within the family and the world that surrounds them. According to Science Daily, parents who have regular meals with their adolescent children might help lessen the chances they will start drinking or smoking later in their teen years. (ScienceDaily, 2008) The Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine at the University of Minnesota surveyed 806 Minnesota adolescents as to how often they ate meals with their family as well as their use of marijuana, cigarettes and alcohol and followed up with a second mail survey five years later. According to the follow-up survey, girls who ate regular family meals had significantly less substance abuse than girls who didnt have regular family meals. The surprising find in this survey was that boys showed no difference in substance abuse determined by the frequency or absence of family mealtime. In a study of 65 children that spanned 65 years, Harvard researchers looked at activities of children and how they contributed to healthy child development. They used things such as play, story time, family functions and other factors and the end result was that dinners were the most important attribute for better adjustment. (Marino Butkus, unknown) Researchers discovered a link between well-adjusted adolescents and the frequency of family meals, with no correlation to gender, age, or family type. A survey conducted in 1997 of 527 teens revealed that those who were best adjusted ate a meal with an adult family member at least 5 days a week, were less likely to do drugs or be depressed and were more motivated at school and had better relationships (Marino Butkus, unknown). Meanwhile, according to Child Trends Data Bank, in 2003, 42 percent of adolescents ate a meal with their family at least six days a week, while 27% ate a meal as a family four to five days a week, and 31% ate mea ls as a family less than three days a week. (Child Trends, 2007) In taking a survey of a sons friends (1 female, 5 males) the results revealed that a surprising number of them that did not eat regular family meals together (Zemke, Feb 10, 2010). One of these friends had a family dinner once a year, for Thanksgiving, while two ate together generally on Sundays. Two usually ate meals as a family each night, unless there was an outside activity that prevented it, such as the child working. There was only one student who ate meals together as a family daily. Each of these kids felt that their family mealtime was normal and those who did not eat together did not seem to mind, which a person can assume that is because it has become their normal routine and they know nothing different. This is an alarming trend considering the repercussions from families not spending quality time together, generally around the dinner table. But, there are solutions to this problem and ways to reverse this trend. Children model our behavior. If parents dont perceive something such as healthy eating and quality time with our children important, we shouldnt be surprised to find that it is not something that they will perceive as important. Family meals should be dynamic, nutritious, interesting, and a habit. There are many ways to ensure this: Keep meals simple Have everybody help with the cooking Sit down and slow down for mealtime Dont eat in the car Eat together as a family if going to a restaurant Avoid confrontations mealtimes shouldnt be the time to discipline your children Give praise and invite conversation with your children Tell family stories; build identity and culture within your family Dont answer the phone during mealtime Cook in bulk so you dont have to cook each day Ask children for meal suggestions to involve them Make time to eat together as a family Purchase ready-made sauces or marinade and add it to sautà ©ed chicken, beef or shrimp for a tasty main course. Order pizza and make a salad, then watch a movie or play games together as a family. The benefits of taking the time to gather the family for a meal will be a worthwhile investment in any family and enrich everyones lives. Another way to build a strong bond within a family if dinner isnt an option is to have breakfast together; this can give a good start to a childs day with a healthy breakfast. Research has proven that breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, helps you concentrate and perform better in school or at work. As stated earlier, todays families are busier than ever and this makes having quality time with your children even more important in todays society. There are multiple ways to maintain a healthy relationship with your children as well as your spouse. It makes no difference if dinner is with both parents or one, or even with extended family members, nor does it matter if it is dinner. The meal can be breakfast or lunch, whichever fits the families schedules the best. Having a family breakfast can be a wonderful start to a busy day. The main idea is to allot time for the family to communicate and form a strong bond. Eating together will improve childrens manners, provide intimacy as well as create a secure environment for teenagers. Eating meals together is important for a childs development and self-esteem outside of the home, gives the child confidence and teaches them how to behave with others. Eating together enables parents to see what their child is eating and if they finish their food, this may help ward off any upcoming eating disorders or other emotional problems the child may have. Families who eat together on a regular basis tend to eat healthier by eating more fruit, dark-green vegetables and drink less soft drinks. Children feel more positive about themselves and their family, they are less likely to smoke, use drugs or alcohol, or become depressed and more likely to do well in school and develop better relationships with their peers. Schools and community organizations should also be encouraged to make it easier for families to have shared mealtimes on a regular basis. Help organize events that would include the whole family being together. If meals are hard to pull together because of work, plan a family night for games, puzzles, read a story or watch a movie. Order pizza, or have a bowl of ice-cream, something that will bring the family together for even one-half hour will be beneficial. More importantly, remember that children mimic their parents, if the parents do not care enough to make time to be with their children for mealtime or any other time, then dont be surprised if the child seeks attention from someone or something else to fill that void in their life. A relaxed family meal is the perfect time to teach kids, not just about manners, but about personal and spiritual beliefs, values and lessons we want them to learn (Knight, 2002). It is a great time to give your child your undivided attention, which lets them know you care about how they feel, their concerns, passions, and who their friends are. Mealtimes can be a time to quell a childs fears about current events, make plans for family vacations, or what you plan on doing for the weekend. Lifestyles make it difficult but eating together as a family is important to begin from a young age and becomes particularly important for the physical and emotional health of teens. Even if you order pizza and eat off paper plates, the time spent together as a family will always be time well spent.

Revelation and Rebirth in Helena Viramontes The Moths Essay

Revelation and Rebirth in Helena Viramonte's The Moths  Ã‚      The famous phrase "looks may be deceiving" strongly pertains to Helena Viramontes's short story, "The Moths." The story, instead of focusing the creatures in the title, is actually about a young girl who comes of age as she is faced with the deterioration and death of her grandmother. Even though the title, "The Moths," seems to have no relevance at the beginning, these creatures help to portray a sense of spirituality, rebirth, and become, finally, an incarnation of the grandmother. The relationship between the moths and the main characters aids in conveying the main theme of the story, which is not simply the death of a loved one, but a spiritual and maturing experience undergone by the grandchild. The moths help illustrate a sense of spirituality in this short story. Abuelita, the grandmother, uses old remedies which stem from a religious/spiritual nature to cure physical illnesses such as scarlet fever and other infirmities. Her granddaughter is very disrespectful and doubtful of the medicines which her grandmother used, but they always work. The granddaughter tells us that "Abuelita made a balm out of dried moth wings . . . [to] shape my hands back to size" (Viramontes 1239). In this way the granddaughter begins to accept the spiritual belief and hope. The spirituality is not only present in the moth wing balm, but is also evident after the death of her grandmother. A sense of spirituality is apparent in the quote, "Then the moths came. Small gray ones that came from her soul and out through her mouth fluttering to light" (1242). This presents a religious parallel in which the light resembles heaven. These moths represent angels who are carrying Abuelit... ...esses the grandchild?s comfort when she is at her grandmother?s house (1239). Abuelita is her grandchild?s guardian angel or moth?she shows her the light. She cures her illnesses, instills values in her, and brings religion into her life. She is the reason that the grandchild undergoes such spiritual and emotional maturation. It is clearly apparent that "The Moths" is not only the title, but also an important piece of the story which embodies its central theme. The moths become the catalyst that gives identity to the grandmother and her granddaughter, bringing revelation, security, rebirth, and the desire to be reunited. The grandmother, in becoming a moth herself, leaves some of herself behind with her grandchild. Works Cited Viramontes, Helena. "The Moths." The Harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York: HarperCollins, 1991. 1239- 1242.   

Liberty and Equality Essay

The principles of liberty and equality are what led America to be the great country it is today. Those terms would not be as meaningful if Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and many other founders of our country did not embrace those ideas and adopt them from the Europeans. The strong belief in liberty and equality led this nation to adhere to those standards set by the great leaders above. Without liberty, equality, and those who fought for the pursuit of these ideals, life in America would not be the same. The great leaders who helped bring liberty and equality to America did not create these concepts; they were adopted from the European countries that were also fighting for equality and liberty. William Russell claims that the idea was not formed in America. He states, â€Å"The climate of America did not breed liberty, nor did its geography foster equality† (Russell 55). Even though the idea might not have come from Thomas Jefferson himself, he was stil l instrumental in the formation of American values and the implementation of democratic ideals in America. Jefferson strongly believed that every citizen deserved to be equal. He did not like the fact that some people had more rights than others, because this implied that not everyone in America was the same. Jefferson had the perfect opportunity to express his feeling and he did; when he helped draft the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wanted to make sure that no group’s rights were limited. Jefferson also highlighted the importance of everyone’s ability to pursue their own ambitions, by stating that we all possess â€Å"unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness† (The Declaration 7). This statement has become iconic because of its message—anyone can and should be able to follow their dreams. This step was crucial in the formation of America’s democracy. Similarly, George Washington upheld the values of liberty and equality by citing views comparable to Jefferson’s. Washington strengthened his argument when he included the notion of God’s involvement in the success and the happiness of  the people in America. In his First Inaugural Address, he expresses to the people that the Almighty Being has the power and the will to heal all defected humans and to bring happiness to every human being in this country. Washington asks that God’s â€Å"Benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people in the United States a government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes† (First Inauguration 44). Washington believed in the importance of God in guiding citizens toward a thriving government and nation, which he believed would lead to the happiness of the American people. He states the significance of sticking to rules placed by the Almighty, because the nation that follows the rules of Heaven will receive smiles. Like Washington, Abraham Lincoln also felt that God was an influential Almighty Being, who could help America meet its longtime goals of Liberty and Equality. Lincoln wanted everyone—from the slaves to the slave owners—to be in an equal nation under God. He expressed these thoughts in the â€Å"The Gettysburg Address.† In this speech, he explains that the current Civil War was being fought to preserve the idea of total equality, and to abolish the institution of slavery. Lincoln states that the nation under God â€Å"Shall have a new birth of freedom† (Gettysburg 93). The war’s purpose, to settle a longstanding dispute between the North and the South, evolved from Lincoln’s desire to rid the nation of slavery. Both Washington and Lincoln believed everyone—including African Americans, women, and any other marginalized group—had the right to freedom. Likewise, Henry David Thoreau’s essay â€Å"Civil Disobedience† exp resses his thoughts and feelings about laws set by the government. Thoreau explains the role of liberty and equality in America differently than Washington and Lincoln. He decides against using God as a persuasive tool. Instead, he encourages people to stand up to the government and disobey the laws they feel are denying justice to certain people. Thoreau believed that to fight a law in a â€Å"civil† way, you must â€Å"Cast your whole vote, not a stripe of paper merely, but your whole influence† (Civil Disobedience 9). He suggests that if one person expresses his or her idea of justice, more people may speak up and fight back. He believed this would lead to the government’s forced compliance with more just acts of liberty and equality. Martin Luther King Jr. took Thoreau’s ideas to heart. He very famously stood up to laws he believed were unjust during the Civil Rights movement. He fought a very long  time to bring a greater level of equality to Ameri ca, especially for African American people. King felt that liberty and equality had been denied too long for African Americans. He expresses that thought in a letter from his jail cell in Birmingham. King writes, â€Å"We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God given rights† (King Web). King’s frustration led him to believe that his best option was what Thoreau describes: civil disobedience. Ultimately, King’s pursuit of liberty and equality proved incredibly worthwhile; his acts of civil disobedience changed the landscape of American culture. Throughout history, America has had great leaders of all backgrounds and religions. This diversity has strengthened our desire and pursuit of equality and liberty for all. Each great leader, writer, and thinker has contributed to the molding of America as a democratic land. Each person encouraged others to contribute to their cause, resulting in a country where liberty and equality have truly become a group effort. Works Cited Jefferson, Thomas. â€Å"Declaration Of Independence.† The Declaration of Independence and Other Great Documents of American History, 1775-1865. Ed. John Grafton. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 2000. 5-9. Print. King, Martin L., Jr. â€Å"Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.].† Letter. 16 Apr. 1963.Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.]. University of Pennsylvania, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. . Lincoln, Abraham. â€Å"The Gettysburg Address.† 1863. The Declaration of Independence and Other Great Documents of American History, 1775-1865. Ed. John Grafton. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 2000. 92-93. Print. Thoreau, H. D. â€Å"Civil disobedience.† Civil disobedience, and other essays (pp. 1-18). New York: Dover Publications. Print. (Original work published 1849) Russell, William Fletcher. Liberty vs. Equality. New York: Macmillan, 1936. 54-55. Print. Washington, George. â€Å"George Washington: First Inauguration Address.† The Declaration of In dependence and Other Great Documents of American History, 1775-1865. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 2000. 43-46. Print.

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