Sunday, March 15, 2020

All the Transition Words Youll Ever Need for Academic Writing

All the Transition Words Youll Ever Need for Academic Writing In academic writing, transitions are the glue that holds your ideas together. Without them, your writing would be illogical and lack flow, making it difficult for your audience to understand or replicate your research.In this article, we will discuss the types of transitions based on their purpose. Familiarizing yourself with these most-used and best transition terms for academic writing will help bring clarity to your essays and make the writing process much easier on you.Like the links on a chain, transition words hold an academic paper together and make ideas flow logically. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.Types of transitionsThere are four types of transitions: Causal, Sequential, Adversative and Additive. Below, weve listed the most commonly used transitions in each of these categories, as well as examples of how they might be used to begin a paragraph or sentence.CausalWhen you use causal transitions, you are letting your reader know that there is a cause-and-effect relation ship between ideas or paragraphs or consequences.Accordingly (Accordingly, the author states†¦)All else being equal (All else being equal, these ideas correlate†¦)As a consequence (As a consequence, all data were aggregated†¦)As a result (of this) (As a result of this finding, scholars now agree†¦)Because (of the fact that) (Because of the fact that these numbers show signs of declining,†¦)Because (of this) (Because of this, scholars determined†¦)Consequently (Consequently, the research was stalled†¦)Due to (the fact that) (Due to the fact that all prior studies showed similar results,†¦)For the purpose(s) of (For the purposes of our argument, we will†¦)For this reason (For this reason, the researchers†¦)Granted (that) (Granted that the numbers were significantly higher, the study†¦)Granting (that) (Granting that the data was collected incorrectly, the researchers felt†¦)If†¦then (If this data is significant, then it i s obvious that†¦)If so (If so, the data is not useable†¦)In the event (In the event that it is not significant, we should consider that†¦)Inasmuch as (Insomuch as the authors attempt to refute these findings, research suggests that†¦)In the hope that (In the hope that new data will encourage more in-depth research, the author found that†¦.)In that case (In that case, weve found that†¦)Only if (Only if data is insubstantial should findings be ignored, thus†¦)Otherwise (Otherwise, the research would continue†¦)Owing to (the fact) (Owing to the fact that the gathered data is incorrect, †¦)Provided (that) (Provided that the same results occur, we can assume that†¦)Since (Since it would seem futile to continue to study this topic, we posit that†¦)So as to (So as to clarify past remarks, we initiated further research†¦)So long as (So long as there is established credibility, this journal seeks†¦.)So much (so) that (The data is manipulated so much so that it cant be used to clarify†¦)Therefore (Therefore, this result compromises the exploration into†¦)That being the case (That being the case, we should look into alternatives†¦)Thus (Thus, it would see that further research†¦)Unless (Unless this calls to question the original hypothesis, the exploration of this topic would be†¦)With (this fact) in mind (With this fact in mind, lets consider another alternative†¦)Under those circumstances (Under those circumstances, fewer participants†¦)SequentialSequential transitions show a numerical sequence or the continuation of a thought or action. They are used to establish an order to your main points in an academic essay, and help create a logical outline for your writing.(Once) again (Once again, this is not a reason for lack of rigor†¦)After (this) (After this, it would seem most prudent to†¦)Afterwards (Afterwards, it seemed a moot point to determine†¦)Altogeth er (Altogether, these data suggest that†¦)Anyway (Anyway, such loss would prove to be damaging..)As (was) mentioned earlier/above (As was mentioned above, the lack of attention given to†¦)As (was) stated before (As was stated before, there is little evidence show†¦)As a final point (As a final point, consider the connection between†¦)At any rate (At any rate, loss of significance was vital to†¦)By the way (By the way, one cant assume that†¦)Coincidentally (Coincidentally, this affected the nature of†¦)Consequently (Consequently, Smith found that†¦)Eventually (Eventually, more was needed to sustain†¦)Finally (Finally, we now know that†¦First (First, it seems that even with the additional data†¦)First of all (First of all, none of the respondents felt that†¦)Given these points (Given these points, its easy to see that†¦)Hence (Hence, we see that the above details†¦)In conclusion (In conclusion, since the data shows significant growth...)In summary (In summary, there are not enough studies to show the correlation†¦)In the (first/second/third) place (In the first place, we found that†¦)Incidentally (Incidentally, no findings showed a positive outlook†¦)Initially (Initially, we noticed that the authors†¦.)Last (Last, the most significant growth appeared to happen when†¦)Next (Next, its important to note that†¦)Overall (Overall, we found that†¦.)Previously (Previously, it was shown that†¦)Returning to the subject (Returning to the subject, careful observation of trends†¦)Second (Second, it was impossible to know the†¦)Secondly (Secondly, in looking at variable related to†¦)Subsequently (Subsequently, we found that†¦)Summarizing (this) (Summarizing this, the authors noted that†¦)Therefore (Therefore, the connection is unknown between†¦)Third (Third, when data were collected†¦)Thirdly (Thirdly, we noticed that†¦)Thus (Th us, there was no evidence that†¦)To conclude (To conclude, the findings suggest that†¦)To repeat (To repeat, no studies found evidence that†¦)To resume (To resume the conversation, we began discussing†¦)To start with (To start with, there is no evidence that†¦)To sum up (To sum up, significant correlation was found†¦)Ultimately (Ultimately, no studies found evidence of†¦)Adversative TransitionsAdversative transitions show contrast, counter arguments or an alternative suggestion.Above all (Above all, we found that†¦Admittedly (Admittedly, the findings suggest that†¦)All the same (All the same, without knowing which direction the study would take†¦)Although (Although much is to be learned from†¦)At any rate (At any rate, we concluded that...)At least (At least, with these results, we can†¦)Be that as it may (Be that as it may, there was no significant correlation between†¦)Besides (Besides, it is obvious that†¦)But (But, the causal relationship between†¦)By way of contrast (By the way of contrast, we note that†¦)Conversely (Conversely, there was no correlation between†¦)Despite (this) (Despite this, the findings are clear in that†¦)Either way (Either way, studies fail to approach the topic from†¦)Even more (Even more, we can conclude that†¦)Even so (Even so, there is a lack of evidence showing†¦)Even though (Even though the participants were unaware of which †¦.)However (However, it becomes clear that†¦)In any case (In any case, there were enough reponses†¦)In any event (In any event, we noted that†¦)In contrast (In contrast, the new data suggests that†¦)In fact (In fact, there is a loss of†¦)In spite of (this) (In spite of this, we note that†¦)Indeed (Indeed, it becomes clear that†¦)Instead (of) (Instead of publishing our findings early, we chose to)More/Most importantly (More importantly, there have not been any†¦)Nevertheless (Nevertheless, it becomes clear that†¦)Nonetheless (Nonetheless, we failed to note how†¦)Notwithstanding (this) (Notwithstanding this, there was little evidence†¦)On the contrary (On the contrary, no active users were†¦)On the other hand (On the other hand, we cannot avoid†¦)Primarily (Primarily, it becomes significant as†¦)Rather (Rather, none of this is relevant†¦)Regardless (of) (Regardless of previous results, the authors†¦)Significantly (Significantly, there was little correlation between†¦)Still (Still, nothing was noted in the diary†¦)Whereas (Whereas little evidence has been given to†¦)While (While causality is lacking†¦)Yet (Yet, it becomes clear that†¦)Additive TransitionsYoull use an additive transition to relate when new information is being added or highlighted to something that was just mentioned.Additionally (Additionally, it can be noted that†¦)Also (Also, there was no evidence thatà ¢â‚¬ ¦.)As a matter of fact (As a matter of fact, the evidence fails to show†¦)As for (this) (As for this, we can posit that†¦)By the same token (By the same token, no studies have concluded†¦)Concerning (this) (Concerning this, there is little evidence to†¦)Considering (this) (Considering this, we must then return to†¦)Equally (Equally, there was no correlation†¦)Especially (Especially, the study reveals that†¦)For example (For example, a loss of ones†¦.)For instance (For instance, there was little evidence showing†¦)Furthermore (Furthermore, a lack of knowledge on†¦)In a similar way (In a similar way, new findings show that†¦)In addition to (In addition to this new evidence, we note that†¦)In fact (In fact, none of the prior studies showed†¦)In other words (In other words, there was a lack of†¦)In particular (In particular, no relationship was revealed†¦)In the same way (In the same way, new studies suggest that†¦)Likewise (Likewise, we noted that†¦)Looking at (this information) (Looking at this information, its clear to see how†¦)Moreover (Moreover, the loss of reputation of†¦)Namely (Namely, the authors noted that†¦)Not only†¦but also (Not only did the study reveal new findings, but also it demonstrated how†¦.)Notably (Notably, no other studies have been done†¦)On the subject of (this) (On the subject of awareness, participants agreed that†¦.)One example (of this is) (One example of this is how the new data†¦)Particularly (Particularly, there is little evidence showing†¦)Regarding (this) (Regarding this, there were concerns that†¦)Similarly (Similarly, we note that†¦)Specifically (Specifically, there were responses that†¦)That is (That is, little attention is given to†¦)The fact that (The fact that the participants felt misinformed†¦)This means (that) (This means that conclusive findings are†¦)To il lustrate (To illustrate, one participant wrote that†¦.)To put it another way (To put it another way, there is little reason to†¦)What this means is (What this means is the authors failed to†¦)With regards to (this) (With regards to this, we cannot assume that†¦)Making the choiceWhen deciding which transition would best fit in each instance, keep in mind a few of these tips:Avoid using the same transition too much, as it could make your writing repetitive.Check at the beginning of each paragraph to ensure that a) youve included a transition, if one was needed, and b) its the correct transition to accurately relate the type of logical connection youre forming between ideas.Be sure that if you are using sequential transitions, they match. For example, if you use first to highlight your first point, second should come next, then third, etc. You wouldnt want to use first, followed by secondly.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Globalization - Good or Bad Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Globalization - Good or Bad - Essay Example In terms of International Trade, the author has described globalization as the platform that sets a level playground for both rich and poor countries. The author has also affirmed the less developed country can only improve their situation through the assistance of World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. I agree to a greater extent the assertions of the author except at some few issues which I total disagree. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have been described by the author as the pillars of global governance systems. The author overlooked the power of sovereignty of states, democracy, and the international justice system. The claim that developing countries can only improve their situation through these two global financial institutions is not accurate. Wallerstein (2004) pointed out that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund is ‘training’ poor countries to depend on them. Developing countries have difficulties servicing the loans they receive from these organizations. They find themselves overburdened by the huge interest rates and end up borrowing again from other sources including internal sources. This creates a scenario similar to the one of digging a hole to bury another hole. The problem still remains. In this regard, I view the two institutions as contributing to the slow growth of developing economies and not as the sole path to their economic prosperity. Multinational companies in developing countries have been highlighted as better paying compared to the local firms and that foreign firms are not really oppressing their workers. Hurst (2008) claim that multinational companies are one of the social oppressions in less developed and poor countries. They offer jobs to locals at a higher wage than local firms, but this should not justify the poor, working conditions, job insecurity, or the prolonged hours of work often witnessed especially in the manufacturing industry. The author claims that if the w orkers were not happy with these companies then they would leave. Hurst (2008) explains that is huge labor force in developing countries and very few job opportunities which leaves many workers to ‘persevere’ where they are. The reason, therefore, why these workers continue working for the foreign firms is not because they are happy but rather because they have nowhere else to look for a livelihood. On the issue of foreign companies being nothing compared to the government, and not being able to raise an army or taxes, the author failed to put into perspective that, at times, some senior government officials usually have personal interests in these companies. Revesz (1997) stated that when it comes to crisis where multinational firms are being accused of various reasons, ‘the states cannot be trusted’ in the way the matter is handled. He observed that despite huge negative publicity and accusations from both the media and the public, the government remains silent and waits for the ‘tide to settle’. The international trading system has been implied by the author as unbiased against developing countries. This may be true as far as international trade laws and regulations are concerned. But, on the other hand, according to Wallerstein (2004), there is a more serious issue of trade imbalance whereby developed countries have an upper hand due to their economic strength advantage, superior

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Democratic Peace Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Democratic Peace Theory - Essay Example 5). In that context the democratic peace theory not only directly challenges the validity and efficacy of the alternate political systems, but also the existing accounts of international relations that lay emphasis on the concepts like the strategic common interests and balance of power machinations, while delving on the international relations between salient democratic powers (Newman & Rich 2004, p. 5). Democratic Peace Theory In a simplistic context, one could ascribe the democratic peace theory as a theory that upholds the fact that the democratic nations seldom engage in war with each other (Schraeder 2002, p. 17). There exist varied other terms aimed at explaining and grasping this theory like ‘inter-democracy non aggression hypothesis’ or ‘mutual democratic pacifism’. ... 17). The other hypothesis that is put forward in the support of the democratic peace theory is that the democratically elected leaders are conversant in resolving issues through negotiations, and hence they carry on with this attribute in their approach towards foreign relations (Schraeder 2002, p. 17). No wonder, there are many people who tend to deny or criticize the democratic peace theory. What is Democracy? To a great extent the validity and relevance of the democratic peace theory is dependent on as to how one tends to define or explain a democracy. Although there is no single paradigm that grasps a holistic definition of democracy, yet, experts have identified varied salient features that delineate an ideal democracy. On most important attribute of the democratic nations is that they do have a democratically elected constitutional form of government that is answerable to people. Besides, these constitutionally elected governments happen to be representative in their scope and nature, directly responsible to the public sentiments, beliefs and aspirations. A workable and pragmatic democracy is always subservient to the principle of the separation of powers, where the powers of the state are judiciously allocated between the varied pillars of democracy like the executive and the judiciary. All the worthwhile and true democracies do extend varied judicial and legal rights to their citizens, which are legally and ethically upheld by the constitution and the state. Last but not the least, democracies do believe in extending avenues for participation to varied sections and segments of the society. Hence, in the interest of practicality, while delving on the democratic peace theory; one does

Friday, January 31, 2020

Reintroduce death penalty Essay Example for Free

Reintroduce death penalty Essay Death penalty is a legal process through which, as a punishment a person is sentenced to death for a criminal offense by the state. Criminal offenses punishable through death penalty are referred to as capital offenses or capital crimes. The death penalty proponents, pro-capital punishment argues that it is an important aspect for deterring crimes, preserving law and order, and is less expensive compared to life imprisonment. They also claim that it is in the honor of the victim to award the death penalty. This is because it ensures the offenders of the heinous offenses do not get another chance to commit such crime again. In addition, the death penalty consoles the victims grieving families. Those opposed to death penalty, abolitionists argue that there is no deterrent effect on crimes, and government wrongly uses it as power to take life. They claim that it is the death penalty is a means to bring about social injustices through targeting people who cannot afford good attorneys, and people of color disproportionately. They argue that life imprisonment is less expensive and more severe than the death penalty. With all these arguments, we are left to decide on what course to take, assess the pros and cons of capital punishment and decide to support or oppose it. Questions relating to who deserves the death penalty and who does not have been raised by both the advocates of death penalty and those opposed to the death penalty (Zimring 91-93). Should death penalty be introduced? This is the argument of this paper. Capital punishment, in many countries, cultures and societies, throughout the human history has been applied in the justice system; the question that arises is that is it morally acceptable? Is it justified? Both the advocates for death penalty and the opponents of death penalty have valid arguments to back up their reasons. Those for the death penalty argue that the act of capital punishment is a deterrent to crime. However, those against argue that the death penalty is only a life imprisonment and not a deterrent to crime. It is however evident that the deterrence from the perspec tive of capital punishment is about the murderer’s mind involving the existing psychological processes (Haag 70-71). Not everybody deserves the death penalty. However, some people earn capital punishment. A person who breaks into a grocery store and steals bread definitely does not deserve the death penalty. In addition, people who commit murder for self-defense or during moment of  passion. Such people according to me do not deserve death. On the other hand, a serial killer after the lives of innocent people for fun and personal gains deserves capital punishment. I support the proponents of capital punishment. This stance is informed by a number of facts and reasons. Death penalty is a deterrent to crime. Even though the death penalty is irreversible, convicted persons are often given numerous chances to prove their innocence. Capital punishment assures societal safety through elimination of criminals. A life for a life is a sensible and credible assertion. Deterrence is punishing someone to create fear among people for punishment. Capital punishment is a punishment creates fear, especially in the minds of sane persons. Haag (2003) in his article On Deterrence and Death Penalty, people refrain from dangerous and harmful acts because of inchoate, vague, habitual, and most importantly preconscious fear (Haag 72). Everyone fears death, and most criminals would have a second thought if they were aware their own lives would be on the line. There are not so many justifications and evidence of death penalty to effectively deter crime than the usual long term imprisonment. The countries or states with the capital punishment has no lower rates of crime or rates of murder than those countries and states without those laws. On the other hand, the states or countries that campaign against capital punishment have not shown any significant deviation in the rates of murder or crime. The indicates that capital punishment has no defined deterrent impact. Claims that the executions dissuade particular number of murders have been discredited thoroughly by the researches of social sciences. In fact people do commit murder widely in the heat of passion basically under drug or alcohol influence, or because of mental illness, without thinking about the implications of the act. Those murderers who make plans of their murder crimes expect and intend to escape punishment by avoiding getting caught (Haag 70-73). On the other hand, some social research has found that execution has a significant deterrence to incidents of murder. In addition, the implementation of the capital punishment is related to the increased murder incidences, while those against the death penalty argue that the capital punishment is used unfairly against the African Americans, every extra execution prevents murder of 1.5 African Americans. In moratoria, death row, and commuted sentences removals tend to increase murder  incidences. Americans have emerged to support the capital punishment for reasons such as; the existence of minimal justification that suggest unfair treatment of the minorities, and that the death penalty results into a reduction or deterrent to crimes and saves life. Those for capital punishment believe that the death penalty ultimately deter murderers from killing more innocent people. No concrete evidence justifies this assertion. Therefore the supporters suggest that the capital punishment is a basic reminder to the general public that there is no reward for crimes. It gives people a notion that if you engage in killing innocent people then you are forced to pay a quite high price (Zimring 95-96). Abolitionists, opponents of the death penalty argue that there is no need to take the life of a criminal to deter life, and that imprisonment in itself is a deterrent to criminal activities. Zimring (2004) asserts that deterring crime is only possible by frightening the would-be criminals by arrest, conviction, and punishment. However, imprisonment may not be enough for some criminals to stop committing more crimes. A number of criminals such as serial killers believe that they would never be caught and brought to justice. For these kinds of criminals, the death penalty should be warranted to teach others a lesson and instill fear in them. The advocates of anti the death penalty argue that capital punishment is irreversible, and may lead to making irreversible mistakes. I accept this fact because once someone is awarded the death penalty; there is no reverse even if they only failed to prove their innocence (Haag 77-78 ). However, the probability of making a mistake with the death pe nalty is very minimal, extremely low. Capital punishment is very extreme. Therefore, the judicial system exercises it with a lot of care and caution. Because of the various guaranteed rights protection of people facing capital punishment, guilt must be determined by convincing and clear evidence that leaves no room for alternative justification of facts. The right to appeal is also protected for the convicts, and other privileges that ensure only rightly accused persons are awarded the death penalty. According to Haag, whenever life is at stake, trials are often more likely to be fair, and the death penalty is less often inflicted unjustly than others. Therefore, the abolitionists’ argument of making irreversible mistakes is unjustified. People have argued that the death penalty theory is correct since people are deterred from doing crimes by what they fear most,  that people fear death more than any other punishment, that the death penalty is a deterrent to crimes that any other punishment possible, and that the capital punishment is humane enoug h and the law supports it. They also argue that because those sentenced to death normally do much to have the day postponed, it proves that people fear death and therefore will avoid it (Zimring 97). Others have also said that the televised executions are more effective as people exercise more reaction to what they see than that which they imagine. It is hence hard to threaten murderers with something basically invisible, but in their minds, the death penalty is a major deterrent option. These are justifications that the death penalty is effective. The U.S establishment of the death penalty was due to capital crimes and murder. State or congress legislature may recommend the death penalty for capital crimes. According to the Supreme Court ruling, the death penalty does not violate the Eighth Amendments ban per se on unusual and cruel punishment. However, the Eighth Amendment shapes certain aspects of procedures regarding where a jury may prescribe the death penalty and the way it must be conducted. Analyses of Eighth Amendment demand courts to consider the evolution of decency standards. This is important in ascertaining that a particular punishment constitutes an unusual or cruel punishment. It is required that when considering evolving decency standards, objective factors that show a change in standards of the community must be observed and independent evaluations made concerning the reliability and/or essence of the statute in question. Although the death penalty is being considered effective in deterring capital crimes, the Supreme Court ruling discredited capital punishment for juvenile offenders. Majority opinion indicated that juveniles are irresponsible and immature. They have incomplete character development and are greatly vulnerable to negative influences. The Supreme Court deduced that adolescent offenders assume reduced accountability for their crimes. However, social science researchers point out that people do commit murder widely in the heat of passion. The reas on for this may be influence from drug or alcohol, mental illness. This renders little or no thought to the consequences of the act. Those murderers who make plans of their murder crimes expect and intend to escape punishment by avoiding getting caught. Therefore, the death penalty may be appropriate in such cases (Zimring 98-101). In conclusion, I support the arguments given  by the proponents of the death penalty, the pro-capital punishment. I think death penalty should be reintroduced. I take this stance because I believe the death penalty serves a definite purpose of deterring crime and bringing criminals to justice, as well as honoring the victims. For capital punishment to rightly serve this purpose, it must be made efficient and more effective. The system of justice has gone through a drastic transformation to ensure only rightly accused persons are brought to justice. I believe the death penalty ensures societal safety, brings criminals to book, brings justice to the victims, and deter crimes and reduce the number of criminals. From these illustrations, I believe capital punishment should not be abolished. Capital punishment is necessary to maintain public safety and keep justice shining in the society. It also cuts down the number of convicts on death row. The death penalty relieves families and friends who lose their loved ones in the merciless hands of criminals. It also solves the problem of overcrowding through a humane action. From this account, the death penalty aids in resolving a number of societal criminal issues. Therefore, I take the stance of the pro-capital punishment: I support the reintroduction of death penalty. Works Cited Haag, Ernest Van Den. On Deterrence and Death Penalty, Reserved reading for Philosophy, 2(3) 2003; 44-78. Zimring, F. E. The Contradictions of American Capital Punishment, New York: Oxford University Press. 2004. Print.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

My Mom the Powerhouse Essay -- Descriptive Essay Examples

My Mom the Powerhouse One of the biggest influences in my life is my Mom. She is one of 10 children born to an Appalachian coal miner who could not read or write. Her family lived in the mountains of Kentucky in a little cottage that had no running water and no electricity. She read by kerosene lamp. As a child, she attended a one-room schoolhouse, which also had no electricity and no running water. There was one teacher for eight grades, and each row in the classroom was a grade. My mom says she liked listening to the lessons of the higher grades. There was a big, black potbellied stove in the middle of the room, between the fourth- and fifth-grade rows. My mom couldn't wait to get to the fourth grade so she could sit by the warm stove in the winter. She got her drinks of water from a big bucket in the back of the schoolroom. She would make a little cup by folding writing paper, and she would use a metal dipper to take water from the bucket and put it into the cup. She says the water tasted like the writing paper. At Christmas, my mom's family couldn't afford a tree o... ...She whispered softly, "I was 10." I try to fathom what it would be like if my mom had died when I was 10. I can't imagine, and I'm glad I haven't had to experience that. I must admit that my mom and I sometimes disagree because we're both so strong-willed. Actually, my father affectionately calls my mom "just plain stubborn." But now I realize that her will had to be powerful to pull her through tough times. I am thankful that she taught me to be determined and to focus on the positive. She says those two things can help everyone survive.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

A Synopsis of the Movie Edward Scissorhands Essay

Edward Scissorhands (1990) tells us a story about an artificial man, Edward ‘Scissorhands’, who was made by a lonely inventor in his mansion atop a hill near a small town. Long after his inventor’s death, Edward is brought into society by Meg, a local resident and encounters many new and interesting things as he attempts to belong in civilization. The text explores concepts of belonging to groups or communities and a sense of belonging in relationships shown by Edward’s endless struggle to find clarity and purpose. A sense of isolation can come from one’s difference to others, whether it be physical, mental or spiritual. Edward’s hands made out of sharp scissors are iconic of his separation from the rest of society. They create a physical barrier between him and others which greatly limits the amount of physical contact Edward can have with others and the rest of the world and in turn creates a sense of isolation. This is carefully and noticea bly communicated by Burton through the use of colour and contrast. Specifically, Edwards initial costume is completely black leather, decorated with metal studs and rings. His hair is jet black and very messy and his face is pale white. This along with Edward’s mansion, a dark place riddled with cobwebs and falling apart, so far away from society, juxtaposes fantastically with the bright and vibrant colours of the town, the houses and the clothes and outfits of the townspeople. He in fact only finds a sense of belonging when he is shown kindness and outreach by Meg. She gives him clothes to wear, which although do not seem to break his theme of darkness and dullness, do still symbolise his inclusion and belonging in their society. She also offers him purpose, letting him use his scissors to trim her garden hedges and in doing this, she turns what Edward, among others, fears to be tools of destruction into tools of creativity and resultantly breaches the barrier between Edward and the world. This gives him a sense of belonging within Meg’s family and the rest of the community. A sense of belonging can also be achieved though relationships with others. Edward finds love when he first lays eyes on Kim, Meg’s daughter. At first she is quite intimidated by Edward and does not quite feel as if he belongs there but she gradually warms to him as everyone else does and shows him deserved kindness, making him feel as if he does belong. However this feeling of connection is eventually lost when Edward is falsely accused by Joyce of sexual harassment and framed for robbery due to his innocence and loyalty to Kim; â€Å"(I did it) because you asked me to.† He is driven out of town after further misunderstandings in which he accidentally hurts few people and it becomes clear that he can’t quite belong their because of the sole fact that the vast majority of the townspeople can’t seems to understand him. His escape from the town and its community is symbolised by Edward tearing off his clothes to reveal his original apparel. Burton uses a motif in the film; the falling of snow-like ice shards as Edward makes ice sculptures with his Scissorhands. This is used to symbolise both Edward’s connection with Kim and his final state and residence in the film. In a key scene, Kim dances under the falling ‘snow’ and this is basically the exact moment she falls for Edward. When he is driven away, he spends his time making sculptures and this has the effect of making snow over the town. Kim as a grandmother tells us â€Å"Before he came down here, it never snowed and after, it did.† The snow is metaphoric of the lack of warmth in his life, as he longs for Kim’s love. Edward’s journey of belonging is full of changes. Through his experiences we can learn and see that one can attempt to belong somewhere, whether they seem to belong there naturally or not but they may not truly succeed.

Monday, January 6, 2020

Essay The Role of the Gods and Fate in Virgils The Aeneid

The Role of the Gods and Fate in Virgils The Aeneid Are the deeds of mortal characters in the Aeneid controlled by the gods or by fate? Aeneas must fulfill the will of the gods, while enduring the wrath of other gods, all the while being a worthy predecessor of Augustus and founder of the Roman people. Of course, the Trojan is successful because he gives himself up to these other obligations, while those who resist the will of the gods, Dido and Turnus, die sad deaths. Juno, the queen of gods, attempts to destroy Aeneas and his men in Book I of the Aeneid. The city of Carthage is Junos favorite, and it has been prophesized that the race of the Trojans will one day destroy that city. This is too much for Juno to bear as another†¦show more content†¦Thanks to Neptune, though, they are only thrown off course, and Venus assures that they will not be harmed in Carthage. At times in the Aeneid, it seems as if the story is less about the deeds of the mortal characters than about the bickering of the gods, who continuously disrupt or manipulate events on Earth. The one common theme, though, is that fate always comes true. Aeneas is destined to settle in Italy, and nothing can prevent this. Jupiter sees to it that his overall plan will come to pass by helping out Venus. The fall of Troy was brought about because the god Minerva helped to fool the Trojans into accepting the wooden horse. Sinon tells the Greeks, if your hands should harm Minervas gift, / then vast destruction...would fall on Priam?s kingdom and the Phrygians; / but if it climbed by your hands into Troy, then Asia would repel the Greeks (II.268-273). Minerva sends a strange sign to confirm this story: two giant serpents rise up from the sea, devour a priest and his two sons, and then slither up to the shrine of Minerva. The Trojans took this as a sign that they must appease the goddess, and so they wheeled the horse into the city of Troy. Throughout the book Aeneas is convinced that the gods are out to get him: Had the outcome not / been fated by the gods...Troy, you would be standing yet (II.75-79); But oh, it isShow MoreRelated Promoting Morality in the Aeneid and Metamorphoses Essay1621 Words   |  7 PagesPromoting Morality in the Aeneid and Metamorphoses    Just as the authors of the Bible use an evocative, almost mythological vehicle to convey covenants and laws that set the moral tone for Hebrew and Christian societies, Latin poets Virgil and Ovid employ a similarly supernatural method to foster their own societal and moral goals in Roman society. 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