Examine the idea of games Essay Example for Free

Examine the idea of games Essay Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf is a play about the emptiness that comes with regarding a material lifestyle as a fulfilling one, and the cruelty associated with people who suffer from a lack of more spiritually rewarding pursuits. For example Martha and Georges inability to have children, and her corresponding harsh comments to George on the subject of their son, who could not tolerate the shabby failure his father had become. The games and rituals George and Martha are so obsessed with are in many ways an outlet for raw emotion they cannot vent in more meaningful ways, Martha simply a woman with too much time and George a bogged down History lecturer. However, the games George and Martha play often serve to reinforce the love in their marriage the ability to simply allow these comments to run off shows how comfortable they are with one another. These games mean clichi d demonstrations of cute affection are not required to show their love, which would in some ways romanticise the play, and cut through the true nature of their relationship. Albees customised Genre attempts to contradict the popular notion of faultless marriages and living happily ever after. A quote from Albee himself said he was trying to break away from the Broadway productions of the period, which were simply, A reaffirmation of the audiences values, for those who wanted reminding of the status quo. It appears Albee uses the games as a metaphor of the trivial pursuits that people wade through having overlooked the more valuable things in life. The games are a test of endurance, and in general are based around winning a contest fairly based on rules. Honey and Nick represent a sheltered section of society that when exposed to the relentlessness of the games discover things about themselves that were previously unknown to them. Its as if they see the how hollow these games really are, and search for what they truly represent. For example the symbolic bringing up baby game helps Honey realise that she really does want a child, when previously her illusions of the importance of keeping those slim hips threatened her purpose in life of procreation. In some ways Albees use of the games put the audience in Nick and Honeys position, and the games convey the sub-text of the play that arent immediately obvious. In playing these games with the audience he gets the people thinking of the other hidden symbolism that piece together to give the overall message of the play; Albee revelled in giving the audience an experience they would remember. For example the names George and Martha, those of the founding couple of the American Constitution: a solid moral base for a nation that slowly warped over the years. The consumer revolution of Albees time signified the loss of sight of the true importance of ones roll in society, and the reluctance to recognise such mistakes is the biggest blunder of all. In many respects, George and Martha failed to snip their obsession with games and rituals in the bud and face the prospect of years of torment. Yet the final exorcism suggests that a sacrifice of some kind could allow the purity to return, most likely a message to the audience that the material illusions that have so heavily affected their lifestyles are a hindrance to a more meaningful progression. But the bringing up baby game is one of the more ritualistic games, and highlights the difference of the two. While Albee uses games to build the tension, and subtly suggest underlying themes, the rituals are usually used to diffuse the tension. Due to the nature of the games, there is an unpredictability that relies on the people playing, a theme Albee made sure to include by showing segments of everyone playing off against each other, some more significant than each other. For example George and Nick, the old and the new, the professor of the future of science and the professor of history, have a reasonably long debate, a form of game. It has connotations of the knowledge learnt from the past overriding the more here and now approach, another concealed message that there are things to be learnt from the past. However the rituals are more solid and planned, as with the rituals associated with the church they have a purpose, a meaning theyre symbolic. Games keep you occupied momentarily, but the rituals have an affect on your attitude to life. The rituals that Albee presents are very much simply a more dramatic and emotive effect than any games do. They give deep insight to the true nature of the characters, that cannot be judged purely on face value. It is Marthas ritualistic, rehearsed account of her son that provokes Honeys reaction of, I want a baby! , which in some respects relieves previous anxiety she would have suffered from over her indecision i. e. the proposed abortions. The most moving and important ritual of the play, the final Requiem Mass, relives all of the tension caused by the bitter conflict. It finishes with a quite calm and sane approach to the situation they are in; it awakens Martha to the truth of her illusions; she has come to rely on what at first helped her cope, much like the world has come to rely on the material things in life. The play finishes with the prospect of hope. The rituals in the play come in two forms. There are the routine, habitual practices that come as second nature to George and Martha, such as the antagonistic references to Marthas braying and George being a bog, and customary insults. But then there is the darker notion of a more ceremonial practice, such as the apparently set service of Georges exorcism. The interspersion of light-hearted games and sinister rituals, serves to stress the devolution of Martha and Georges relationship as the lines between the two slowly faded. In the same way a couple can jokingly accept a frivolous jibe, George and Martha have come to deem poignant, offensive comments as rudimentary. Martha: Uh you make me puke. George: That wasnt a very nice thing to say Martha: I like your anger The tone of the play builds towards the end because the Games slowly develop to rituals. At the start of the play, Marthas comment of, you make me puke is quickly fixed when Martha tries to give George, A big sloppy kiss, and it is taken in jest. But as the play advances, their interaction becomes more ritualistic. At one point their argument diffuses into calling each other names in French, something they are obviously accustomed to as they have French insults at the ready. Martha and Georges arguments become increasingly ritualistic, leading up to the previously collaborated behaviour of their son. They accuse one another of having failed their son, A son that came to his father for advice that wasnt mixed with sickness to which Martha retorts, A son who was so ashamed of his father . These are clearly things that they have accused each other of before, over a son that doesnt even exist. The comments are those divorces are made of, over the illusion of a son that can in actual fact give no input, meaning they are left to make up the rest for themselves, entrapping themselves in a web of further deceit. The irregularity of George and Marthas relationship is really due to the collage of games and rituals that govern their life their sniping is a set routine, a series of games, some of which they have become so accustomed to that they have become rituals. For example Marthas accusation of Phrasemaker, an idea we see so often throughout the play, with finishing each others sentences,that they even do it to their guests; Nick: actually, shes very frail and George: Slim-hipped. A prime example of the poisoning affect of the Games Martha and Georges relationship revolves around is that they seem to forget others arent familiar with the barrage of insults, that often appear intentionally offensive, Nick: I try not to George: Get involved. The games and rituals serve the purpose of revealing things about characters we may have previously been unaware of, and build great amounts of tension that keep the audience enthralled. However, Albee has also used them to give structure to an otherwise talking-based play. The games add an erratic element, in the idea that it is a contest to be one. People arguing can just seem relentlessly stressful, which admittedly at times Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf is, but by presenting them in this way Albee turns it into a spectator sport. Albee achieves realistic conflict and tension, but simultaneously intersperses the human arguments with the more surreal and metaphorical sections of the play. The overall message created can be as awakening to the audience as it has been to some of the characters.

The Real King :: essays research papers

Riley B. "B.B." King (guitarist/singer, born September 16, 1925, Itta Bena, MS) The most touching bluesman of our time, and the most influential electric guitarist ever, the "King of the Blues" sums up his message with some simple advice. "I would say to all people, but maybe to young people especially--black and white or whatever color--follow your own feelings and trust them, find out what you want to do and do it, and then practice it every day of your life and keep becoming what you are, despite any hardships and obstacles you meet." So hard to follow yet so good to live by, those words also describe the course of the musician's extraordinary career. The obstacles in his path were many: He was born during the Great Depression in the poorest of American states, the son of black farm laborers. Only talent, hard work, and an unstoppable artistic vision can account for King's journey out of the Mississippi Delta, through the roadhouse joints of the "Chitlin' Circuit" in the South to the legendary Apollo Theater in New York, into the recording studio, to the hearts of millions. Praising his "apparently inexhaustible reserve of creativity," as he presented B.B. King with the National Medal of Arts in 1990, President George Bush hailed the blues musician as a "trailblazer, an authentic pioneer who literally helped shape his art form." Riley B. King (the extra "B" came later and doesn't stand for anything) spent his childhood all over the state of Mississippi. When his parents separated in 1929, the boy went to live with his maternal grandmother in Kilmichael; his mother died when he was nine and, in 1940, B.B. joined his father's new family in Lexington for two years before returning to Kilmichael. He took on farm work in Indianola in 1946 but, after wrecking a tractor, decided his future lay in Memphis, Tennessee. A fan of the bluesman Bukka White, young B.B. looked him up for advice and found himself working as a street corner bluesman in Memphis. In 1948 he worked up the nerve to audition for WDIA, a hillbilly radio station that was about to change its format to cater to the black community. He got the job. He cut his first record in 1949, "Miss Martha King," followed by "Three O'Clock Blues" and "She's Dynamite" in 1951. Both reached Number One in Memphis. By 1955, King decided to put together his own band, and a steady string of hits followed that included "Recession Blues," "Rock Me, Baby," "How

Advantages & Disadvantages of E-Learning

E-learning is a broad term that generally refers to any kind of learning done with a computer and Internet connection or CD-ROM. It is used by individuals, educational institutions and businesses. As with any type of learning, it works better for some than others. The quality of e-learning has improved in recent years, as teachers and students have become more comfortable with the technology. 1. Considerations * E-learning is an excellent option in education, particularly when there are hindrances to traditional learning situations.For example, some people wish to continue their educations but do not live within driving distance of a college or university and don't find it feasible to relocate. E-learning is a viable alternative for these students. Another hindrance to traditional learning, especially in grades K through 12, is the â€Å"one size fits all† mentality it embraces. Many students just do not learn well in a traditional learning environment, but thrive in a more fl exible setting. To address this issue, parents are turning to e-learning opportunities for their children.Some choose full-time enrollment in a virtual school, while others use e-learning to supplement a home school curriculum. In the business world, e-learning provides a way for companies to train and instruct employees without requiring them to travel to a central location. Advantages * Convenience is one of the major advantages of e-learning. It allows students to work and learn at their own pace without the unyielding time restrictions of traditional learning. Because e-learning provides access to learning materials at any time, students have the flexibility to schedule around families, jobs and other activities.Another major benefit of e-learning is the accessibility it provides. Students can learn from anywhere in the world. This is an especially important consideration for students who wish to study in a different country. In addition, because e-learning can be done from home , students have less clothing and driving expenses than with traditional learning. Disadvantages * A major disadvantage to e-learning is the self-discipline it requires. While being able to work at your own pace can be an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage.This is especially true for students who have difficulty with time management and procrastination. These students tend to be more successful with the structure of traditional learning. Another disadvantage to e-learning is the technology involved. Some people do not have ready access to a computer and Internet connection. And some who do have the required equipment feel ill-equipped to use it. Lack of interaction between teacher and student is another drawback to e-learning. Some students need the immediate feedback that interaction provides. Types * There are several types of e-learning situations.The most common include taking a single course online, full-time enrollment in an online high school or college, distance learni ng via satellite and learning from information on a CD-ROM. Many businesses and organizations offer training for their employees using various e-learning methods. Warning * E-learning greatly increases the availability of educational opportunities. Unfortunately, it also increases the number of scams related to online education. Persons considering e-learning possibilities should be alert to such scams and thoroughly investigate any program before making a commitment.

The Role Of A Guard And A Prisoner - 1405 Words

Why do people typically act the way they do when in a specific situation? Answering a question similar to this one was the aim of this experiment. Brutality among American prison guards toward prisoners had been reported and psychologists were interested in finding out what motivated their actions. In 1971, psychologist Philip Zimbardo and his colleagues set out to create an experiment that looked at the impact of becoming a prisoner or prison guard. The aim of this experiment was to investigate how readily people would conform to the roles of a guard and a prisoner. In this role playing simulation, individual would experience prison life. Zimbardo was interested in finding out whether the brutality reported among guards in American prisons was dispositional: due to the sadistic personalities of the guards, or Situational: having more to do with the prison environment. For example, prisoner and guards may have personalities which make conflict inevitable, with prisoners lacking resp ect for law, order, and any authoritative figure and guards having domineering and aggressive personalities. Alternatively, prisoners and guards may behave in a hostile manner due to the rigid power structure of the social environment in prisons. If the prisoners and guards were not aggressive towards one another this would support the dispositional hypothesis, or if their behavior was similar to those in real prisons this would support the situational explanation. To study the roles peopleShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of The Guard And Prisoner Roles On Men878 Words   |  4 Pagesstudy of prisoners and guards in a simulated prison was conducted by the United States Department of the Navy. The study took place in 1971 at Stanford University. The study examined the effects of the guard and prisoner roles on men who each had similar characteristics. They were an â€Å"average group of healthy, intelligent, middle-class college males.† (Haney, Banks, Zimbardo, Jaffe, 1971) They single hypotheses of the author was â€Å"That the assignment to the treatment of guard or prisoner would resultRead MoreZimbardo s The Zimbardo Essay1106 Words   |  5 Pagesup a bunch of students to play the roles of prisoners and guards. Zimbardo wanted to investigate how readily people would conform to the roles of guard and prisoner in a role played situation that would be equivalent to prison life. (McLeod 1) During this experiment that lasted six days, Zimbardo found out that the guards treated the prisoners horribly (McLeod 1) This turned the tables and Zimbardo became interested in finding out if the brutality of the guards were due to their malicious personalitiesRead MoreThe Stanford Prison Experiment1006 Words   |  5 Pagesinto two groups, guards and prisoners. Once at the prison the environment became harsh. â€Å"There were no windows or clocks to judge the passage of time, which later resulted in some time-distorting experiences† (Zimbardo 6). The pris on environment, the harsh ruling of the guards, and the stress being in jail took a tole on the prisoners. As Zimbardo once said, â€Å"We wanted to see what the psychological effects were of becoming a prisoner or prison guard† (4). It was not only the prisoners that paid theRead MoreThe Stanford Prison Experiment Essay1207 Words   |  5 Pageswere randomly split into two groups’, guards and prisoners. Participants who were selected to be prisoners were arrested, blindfolded and sent the Stanford prison. The prisoners had to strip down and put on a prisoner uniform. The guards had to have a uniform also. Their uniform was composed of silver reflective sunglasses, handcuffs, whistles, billy clubs, and keys to all the cells and main gate. Prisoners had no freedom, rights, independence and privacy. Guards had social power and the responsibilityRead MorePrison1200 Words   |  5 PagesMcLeod  Ã‚  published  2008 Aim:  To investigate how readily people would conform to the roles of guard and prisoner in a role-playing exercise that simulated prison life. Zimbardo (1973) was interested in finding out whether the brutality reported among guards in American prisons was due to the sadistic personalities of the guards or had more to do with the prison environment. Procedure: Zimbardo used a lab experiment to study conformity. To study the roles people play in prison situations, Zimbardo converted a basementRead MoreThe Ethics Of Science Based Medicine1618 Words   |  7 Pagespsychological effects 13 of becoming a prisoner or prison guard under the typical restraints and conditions of a regular 14 prison. The experiment was conducted at Stanford University from August 14–20, 1971, by a 15 team of researchers led by psychology professor Philip Zimbardo. This study was funded by 16 the U.S. Office of Naval Research for the results were of much interest to both the U.S. 17 Navy and Marine Corps as the causes of conflict between military guards and prisoners may be 18 able to be haltedRead MoreReview Of Philp Zimbardo s Stanford Prison Experiment 1472 Words   |  6 Pagesconducted by Philp Zimbardo and the objective of the experiment was to study the Psychological affects that the prison atmosphere has on both independent groups, the guards and prisoners of the Stanford prison experiment (6. Grievances. n.d.). The other objective of the experiment was see how labels affect both the prisoners and guards in either negative or positive ways while being incarcerated. The experiment consisted of twenty-four college students ranging from U.S. and Canada, those twenty-fourRead MoreStanford Prison Experiment Essay1222 Words   |  5 Pagesexpectations of their role. The men involved in the experiment were assigned either the role of a prisoner or a guard to represent positions in society, both with power and without. More specifically, the conductors of The Stanford Prison Experiment focused on analyzing the different behavioral outcomes produced depending on what role the men were assigned. The men that were assigned the role of prison guards displayed surges of power and status over the prisoners. The prisoners themselves experiencedRead MoreThe Psychological Impact Of Imprisonment For Two Weeks1487 Words   |  6 Pagessituation overwhelm the good people?† Psychologist Philip Zimbardo proves throughout his research that when people are put into certain roles they feel a need to conform to that role. Everyone can harbour an evil side of th eir personality but it takes a certain environment or circumstance to bring it out. In a prison, will a guard abuse their power? Or will a prisoner have a mental breakdown? In the Stanford Prison Experiment, Zimbardo saw that when â€Å"normal† people are given too much power, they canRead MoreDas Experiment Essay919 Words   |  4 Pagesaffects the behavior of prisoners and guards and the perception of their roles. As the scientists trusted and soon learned to fear, the volunteers immediately fell into their, anticipated, roles. The guards abused their power and the prisoners let free what tugged them into their reality as humans. The study was stopped before the two weeks, however it proved to be too late. A group of volunteers is divided into guardians and prisoners in a simulated jail. The guards slip into uniforms complete