The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Importance of Being Earnest - Essay Example One of his most famous plays titled ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is the play chosen to be discussed in this essay. Thesis and Hook There is a funny side to life that brings out the child in each one of us and what better way to do this than with the use of satire? Playwright Oscar Wilde, in his scintillating masterpiece, shows mastery in making use of satire to shed light on Victorian values by weaving the paradoxes in a most hilarious way. The play titled ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is packed with wit and humor while portraying mistaken identities to enthrall his audiences who can easily identify with its characters, while relating to such incidents in their day to day lives. Considered to be Oscar Wilde’s most perfect work ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is a play wherein the witty comedy of manners has been brilliantly plotted from its opening effervescent act to its hilarious denouement. In this play, the late Victorian v alues are hilariously presented and comically critiqued by the playwright. This play is regarded as a masterpiece in the genre of comedy. It is a showcase of the mastery that Wilde had in so far as satire is concerned. The play is filled with parallelism, paradoxes, and understatements. In passing his comments on Victorian society Wilde states –â€Å"London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years." (Oscar Wilde, Act 3) Some of English literature’s most famous epigrams can be found in this play. In fact, the play is a celebration of the language itself. However, there is a rejection of serious discourse and the device of the epigram is used as a potent tool to entertain the reader. The play deals with mistaken identities and even after a century, it continues to enthrall audiences the world over. The brilliance of his wit and humor seem current even after a passage of a hundred years and his writing seems evergreen even in these contemporary times. Wilde deals with the institution of marriage and class that are deftly subverted through the guise of farce. Greed and hypocrisy lurking under Victorian politeness are exposed in the play. The moral decay that is portrayed is well illustrated by each of the aristocrats in the play. Even though they seemingly obey propriety, Jack, Algernon, Gwendolen, Cecily and Lady Bracknell, all deceive and lie to do so. Wilde reveals the undercurrent of politics involved in a Victorian marriage. This point is clearly evident in the betrothals of Jack with Gwendolen and Algernon with Cecily which are accepted only after their social standing and fortunes are openly revealed. However, When Lady Bracknell found that her daughter Gwendolen wished to marry a person who was not a blue blood, she was loath to accept the union of the couple. In Victorian society, it was politics that was considered more important than love because it was politics alone that drove the marriage market. The playwright has elevated to a high art in the form of a pun. The wordplay on â€Å"earnest† pervades throughout the play. The meaning of the word â€Å"earnest† in the context of this play is toyed with and played upon as we witness the same as the plot evolves. The primary theme of the plot revolves around the efforts of Jack and Algernon to be earnest by deceiving and lying.

Discuss Michael Jacksons influence on modern dance

Discuss Michael Jacksons influence on modern dance Michael Jackson: The King of Pop (1958-2009) World-renowned for the influence he brought to the international music and dance scene, Michael Jackson was and still is an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. He was an all-rounded phenomenon in the history of pop culture, a singer, songwriter, dancer and choreographer, all incorporated in one body. His talent in being able to fuse his music and dance style together so seamlessly was probably one of the reasons for his booming success as an artist. The transformation and influence that he had brought about in the entertainment industry, dance included, might very well be the greatest legacy that any solo artist had ever left behind. Michael Jacksons Career as an artist A born artist, Michael Jackson had been a singer and dancer throughout his lifetime, from an age as young as 5 years old. He initially learnt to dance by studying the shows of leading artists at that time, such as James Brown and Jackie Wilson. From the time of Michaels entry into the Jackson 5, at the age of 5, till the time he was 13 years old, the Jackson 5 had already been featured in numerous television programmes, live shows and produced several hit albums. (Carlsson, The Jackson 5 Era) At the age of 13, Michael produced his first solo single, Got To Be There, which topped the charts both in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). He was a phenomenon to be reckoned and displayed maturity in his singing far beyond his actual age. With his solo career well on its way, Michael continued to perform with his brothers as the Jackson 5. Along with the release of the song Dancing Machine, Michaels talent as a dancer was also realized as he pioneered what was called the robot dance, a disco dance style that quickly became popular. By 1974, Michael Jackson had produced 4 albums of his own, including a number 1 hit on the US charts, making him the youngest vocalist to ever top the US charts at the age of 16. His solo career was further developed in versatility when he was featured in a motion picture, Wiz. (Carlsson, Off the Wall Era) By the age of 26, Michael had won multiple awards as a musician, acted in various movies and had already reached the point of international stardom. About this time as well, Michael began his first solo tour. With his whopping success, popularity, fame and talent, Michael proved himself to be the greatest entertainer of the 1980s and the best-selling artist of all time. It was also in 1989 that the term King of Pop was so aptly coined for him. Michael Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, one as a part of the Jackson 5 and another as a solo artist. Over the years, he established for himself a reputation for his dance moves and choreographic work as well, above being a singer, songwriter and actor. He developed certain signature moves, which the world has come to know and see so much of in his work, such as the moonwalk, the toe stand and the anti-gravity lean. (Harrington) Though his personal life was filled with controversies and tarnished with accusations of various misdeeds, he was no doubt a great entertainer and artist who left behind a legacy that many artists, singers, dancers and musicians alike, continue to keep alive. Michael Jacksons Approach to Dance Michael Jacksons dance style was influenced by a wide range of people, varying from RB artists to even ballerinas. His influences included jazz, street dances and African-American indigenous styles. Throughout his career, he was under no formal training, nor did he have any dance teachers supervising him, further affirming his natural talent. He was completely self-taught and worked very much in isolation when it came to mastering his famous dance moves. (Beers) He was creative in the way he brought different techniques of various dance styles together, taking whatever he saw and liked in other dancers and making them his own. (Roy) By fusing various styles and techniques, together with his own artistic creations, he introduced an entirely new dance style to the world. He was born with natural flair, grace, flexibility and even musicality. Most definitely, these developed further as he grew as a part of the Jackson 5 and eventually as a solo artist. He was a perfectionist as a dancer, refining his steps and moves till they were flawless before they were presented on a stage. His dance works took long periods of preparation and hard work, rarely a result of instantaneous improvisation. Michael Jackson was also born with a talented and creative mind. While his works were inspired by various styles and specific artists at that time, he was known for his original and phenomenal invention of steps as well. His moves may have been similar to certain techniques in some styles, yet what defined them as a whole new dance style was the difference in their execution and presentation as part of pop culture, along with his songs. He executed his movements with sharpness and great precision, evidence of his many hours of practice in the dance studio on his own. With all these factors taken into consideration, it was obvious how he so easily left a legacy as a dancer just as much as he did as a singer. Its Relation and Impact on Dance From the moment Michael Jackson stepped into the Jackson 5 at the age of 5, whether he was part of the group or going solo, he was an entertainer and performer wherever he went and captured the hearts of many who watched him. He was as successful a dancer as he was a musician and his works continue to inspire many in the entertainment industry today. Traces of his dance moves are still being kept alive by many leading artists such as Usher and Justin Timberlake, though not executed as flawlessly as the man himself. (Brown) His influence on the worldwide dance scene was something that I believe took place largely due to his success as a musician and singer. The style of his dance moves complemented his songs so well that these two elements together gave a whole new dimension to pop culture. Before Michael Jackson, few have had as much success in transforming and redefining dance the way he did. He played a pivotal role in the history of dance as he gave new breadth and depth to the vocabulary of different genres of dance such as jazz and hip-hop. I believe that what sets him apart from other choreographers and artists who also create their own moves is the fact that his dance movements have lasted not only the test of time but have also moved across space to become a worldwide phenomenon. Through him, the dance scene has changed all across the globe. Many seek not only to learn the steps but to execute them with as much precision and style as he did. This proves that his success as such an influential dancer was not only due to the aesthetic value of his steps but can also be attributed to the amount of entertainment value he possessed when he performed them. The impact of Michael Jacksons work may not be as evident in some genres of dance as they are in others but he has no doubt played a highly significant role in molding the artists of this generation, dancers included. He still stands strong as the King of Pop and will continue to do so till the next time as great a phenomenon as him emerges in the arts scene. Conclusion Dance, as a part of the performing arts, has grown over time to become more important in terms of entertainment value, beyond the technically perfect and intrinsically precise. Michael Jackson could very likely be responsible for pushing this element of dance to the point where it is today, with the combination of music, use of the body and entertainment value all together as one. Though many other classical and traditional forms of dance continue to stand firm in their original forms, not infused with modern elements of great artists such as Michael Jackson, it is sufficient to say that his overwhelming success as an artist throughout his life has, at the very least, transformed a very large part of the broad genre of modern dance in the world today.

Essay --

An Overview of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome The human genome is a remarkable system composed of over 3 billion DNA base pairs that encode for the characteristics that makes people distinctly human and unique themselves. Without the genome’s nearly flawless ability to self-replicate the human species would cease to exist. As incredible as this replication methodology is, it is not without its faults. Genetic mutations, though rare and typically harmless, can strike at any time and in various ways. Still, when they do cause harm the effects can be profound and impossible to ignore. Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is an instance where the mutation of just one nucleotide has devastating results. The Mayo Clinic defines progeria as a progressive genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly, beginning in their first two years of life. This study defines the disease of progeria by outlining symptoms and identifying causes that lead to its diagnosis. In addition, treatment methods and extensive research tha t give those affected by the disease hope for a brighter future are highlighted. It is noteworthy to mention that there are numerous diseases associated with rapid ageing and progeria like symptoms. Cockayne, Lison, Werner’s, and Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch Syndromes are amongst these diseases. The shortened term progeria can be used to address any of these disorders but is most often specifically associated with HGPS. This distinct disease was named after Jonathan Hutchinson and Hastings Gilford who each independently described it in 1886 and 1897 respectively. Thankfully, this alarming syndrome is so rare that it only affects about 1 in every 4 million children born. Progeria is onset by a complicated series... ...ties are still exciting to speculate over. In closing, as overwhelming as the complications brought about from progeria may seem it is important to keep things in perspective. Research has gone a long way to improve the livelihood of those affected by this awful disability and in the process opened several new doors. While these fresh discoveries raise a plethora of new questions, it is essential to pursue the betterment of life for everyone. After all, HGPS is but one of many disorders set off by a slight and uncontrollable mutation. Fortunately, organizations such as the Progeria Research Foundation are working hard to raise awareness of the disease and unlock its true cure. In time all of this strife will bring a rich reward of enlightenment and new possibilities for the genes of every living being as the mesmerizing depths of the genome are abundantly explored.

Gillette Fusion Essay

Recommendation In order to increase total sales and put Gillette Fusion on track to be a $1 billion business in the next few years, Gillette Fusion should launch a new advertising campaign and reduce cartridge package prices by 20% with the introduction of a onetime coupon. Explanation The media’s reaction to the â€Å"blockbuster† advertisement campaign highlights many of the campaign’s flaws. The campaign focused on the product features rather than its benefits. Due to the ad’s product focus, Gillette failed to communicate why the additional blades and elastomer handle coating improved the quality of consumer’s shave. The proposed advertising campaign would address these flaws and focus on the customer experience. In order to educate consumers, Gillette should employ a mass media campaign similar to Pepsi’s â€Å"Pepsi Challenge.† This campaign will include blindfolded individuals testing and comparing the Gillette Fusion with several other razors, and will be hosted by a celebrity who shares similar brand qualities as the Fusion. The celebrity will be young, sleek and innovative, like Ashton Kutcher or Dwayne Wade. †¢TV Advertisement: The television advertisements will include a short introduction by the celebrity and clips of customers who have taken the challenge describing why the Gillette Fusion is superior to its competitors. It should be featured during male-focused programing, like sporting events and adult comedies. †¢Print Advertisement: The print advertisement will feature a picture of the celebrity next to the razor and several quotes from individuals who have taken the challenge. It should be featured in men’s style magazines (GQ), music magazines (Rolling Stone) and sports magazines (ESPN, Sports Illustrated). †¢Radio Advertisement: The radio advertisement will begin with an introduction by the celebrity describing why he prefers the Gillette Fusion and then transition to reviews by those who have taken the challenge ( i.e. â€Å"The Gillette Fusion is incredible because †¦ If you don’t believe me, hear what people who have taken the challenge have to say for themselves †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). It should be featured during adult talk shows (Howard Stern Show) and sports programming. In order to encourage users to purchase the product, Gillette should offer a 20% discount on cartridges with the introduction of a one time coupon. Because 64% of men look at the price of the cartridge before  purchasing the corresponding razor, introducing a 20% discount with a onetime coupon will encourage those consumers weary of the high cartridge prices to purchase the razor. Once purchasing and using the razor, it is likely that the consumer will notice a significant difference in the quality of shave, and be willing to pay a higher price for the superior product. This is supported by the fact that of the 9,000 men who tested the new razor, Fusion was preferred 2 to 1 over the competition. For the few who would usually not be willing to pay the higher price for the cartridges, they will likely continue to purchase the cartridges because of the switching costs associated with purchasing a new razor. The coupon should be displayed at points of purchase and in direct mail outs. The former can be achieved by providing collaborators with display allowance. Alternative Strategies Unlike the proposed strategy, each of the alternative strategies fails to simultaneously communicate the effectiveness of the product and encourage customers weary of the price to purchase the product. †¢Lowering the retail price of the razor – This will not encourage customers to purchase the product because (a) 64% of consumers look at the cartridge price before purchasing a razor and (b) a razor is a one-time cost to consumers, with a less elasticity of demand than cartridges. Also, without a new advertising campaign, they also will continue not to understand why the product is superior, and more expensive, than its competitors. †¢Reducing cartridge package prices by changing cartridge package size. Reducing the current four cartridge package with three cartridge packages is only effective if consumers fail to register the difference in package size because the price per cartridge will actually increase. Moreover, this strategy fails to educate consumers on why the product is superior, and more expensive, than its competitors.

Intellectual Property Right Essay

1. Do you think that the international business community is being too lax about the abuse of intellectual property right? Are international companies simply afraid to speak out for fear of jeopardizing access to attractive markets? In our opinion, the international business community is not being too lax about the abuse of intellectual property right. It is because there is a great incentive to abuse intellectual property rights since it provided legal right to the inventor of the product. Those countries are not neglecting the anti-piracy regulations and any other legal rules related to intellectual property rights but they cannot control the increase of production and distribution of counterfeit products that spread widely especially in Asian nations. Because of that, local governments of those countries are having difficulty to handle and manage the actual infringement situations. Actually, it is hard for a country that lax antipiracy rules to fight against the piracy cases since it can damage the business relations with others. We do not think that they afraid to speak out for fear of jeopardizing access to attractive markets but it is due the fact that sufficient safeguards and proper actions for piracy have not been taken so far and some areas of law need to be reinforced. Based on many cases regarding piracy, intellectual property laws and regulations are fine but poor enforcement is to blame for high rates of piracy and some nation’s regulatory body allow a counterfeiter to remove an infringing trademark and still sell the substandard goods. This proves that some countries take it lightly as they find the situation is common and they have no advantage to against it.