Evaluate the potential motives behind Ho Chi Minhs triumph in Essay

Evaluate the potential motives behind Ho Chi Minhs triumph in liberating Vietnam from two great western powers between 1941 1965. To what does he owe his suc - Essay Example Considered ‘part Gandhi and part Lenin and all Vietnamese’, Ho Chi Minh’s use of communication methodologies peculiar to Vietnamese had been unknown to the western world. America too had joined French to help contain Vietnamese Revolution with its own justification. But for these interventions, Vietnamese would have unseated French by revolution themselves as dictated by communist ideologies they had embraced. Ho Chi Minh was more than any single man of the twentieth century. He had completely reflected the aspirations of the Vietnamese people to whom he was ‘Uncle Ho’ and to the French, he was ‘communist agitatator’. His rhetorical discourse motivated Vietnamese to unite together and rally behind him which helped him end the 87 year old French Colonial rule, once in 1945 and again in 1954 subsequent to French reoccupation in 1946 and the American invasion which came to an in 1974. No leader of twentieth century had the capability of HO C hi Minh to unite the divided people. Main reason for the debacle of the U.S. was due to its lack of understanding of the Vietnamese politics reinforced by Ho Chi Minh’s leadership. (DeCaro, 2003, p 1-3) Ho Chi Minh had been formerly known as Nguyen Ai Quoc until 1942. He was in Chinese prison throughout 1942 and in January 1943 when he came into contact with a Chinese revolutionary Chang Fakwei and joined his organization on release under the name of Ho Chi Minh mainly to travel in China secretly as a blind peasant (Sainteny, 1972 p 34-35) Ho Chi Minh was a ruthless to any one whether a friend or foe if he felt he was opposed to his cause. He would have that person assassinated or jailed. He also made a lot of political blunders prior to 1945 and when he negotiated with French and the United States in 1945-46. (De Caro, 2003 p7) Ho was born in 1890 in the family of scholars and mandarins. His father was born to a concubine and hence did not have respect in his society. He however managed to

Asian Carp Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Asian Carp - Essay Example Asian Carp are filter feeders, feeding on zooplankton, phytoplankton and organic particles that are suspended in water columns. They have a very large filtering capacity and their maximum size can reach greater than 3 feet long and 100 pounds (Butz, pg. 20). They have been found in the Illinois River since the 1990's. The problem is that to grow to that size, they have voracious appetites. The Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP) have been catching them in the routine monitoring of the La Grange Reach, Illinois River since 1995 and 1998. The population has increased rapidly since 2000 and now dominates the fish community on the La Grange Reach (Sharp, pg. 42). They are in constant contest for the same feeding grounds with river fishes such as gizzard shad and bigmouth buffalo and the shad and buffalo are losing. In fact, the buffalo and gizzard are not being eaten, they continue to lose size and weight until they die so they are just being starved out. Most recently Asian Carp DNA has been found east of the Chicago lock which is just 8 miles from the entrance into Lake Michigan. There has now been a great deal of controversy over closing the Chicago lock and canal. The canal and lock manage most of the shipping business for the State of Illinois as well as the sewage from Chicago. This would lead to decreased shipping and a large loss of income for the people of Chicago and the State of Illinois but it would also affect other nearby States. The problem is that if the Carp get into Lake Michigan, there will be no controlling them and the Lake could be decimated of its fish population and the commerce related to it, which is already a fragile eco-system (Guarno, 2010). The Lakes have been a matter of eco-system work for some years. At one point, Lake Michigan was so dirty that it was not wholly safe to eat the fish. It has taken many years and millions of dollars to clean the eco-system up which is just beginning to thrive again. Recently in an effort to stop the invasive species without closing the Chicago lock more than a dozen Federal, State, and Local agencies got together to do some major poisonings and held a press conference in November. Biologist fear the fish will devastate the lakes to the tune of $7 billion in destruction of fishery so it was allowed to dump 2200 gallons of poison in the Chicago canal. The total cost of the poison and those to perform this task was 3 million dollars. Dead fish were dragged from the water and there was only one Asian Carp among them. However, this does not mean they did not exist and the they have not reached Lake Michigan. It is believed that they will have to adapt the Lake because they spawn in fast moving water but studies prove that they adapt quickly. They also have the advantage of being a non-native species in the sense that studies now show that non-native species have a better chance of surviving in climate changes which are occurring because they have already adapted once. The White has held the Asian Carp Summit in a effort to deal with the fish as well as the methods of bringing non-native species of animals to the United States under any circumstances. A secondary issue that is being discussed is the fact that this species would not be moving into the Lake if man did not consistently change eco-systems to provide for themselves and the Chicago canal is an example. Though it does have fish blocks up, they may get

A Project Management study of Impact of stakeholders on project delays Research Proposal

A Project Management study of Impact of stakeholders on project delays and increase cost in transport sector - Research Proposal Example Project stakeholders are the representatives of the interests achieved at these levels. The author defines a project stakeholder as a group of people or a person who has vested interest in the project’s success as well as the environment in which the project operates. It means that even the environmental protection agencies are stakeholders. The citizens of a country are stakeholders to a construction project of a highway. Stakeholder for this research study will include any persons, group of people or organizations involved in the construction project with some vested interest including the citizens of the international community if found to qualify as stakeholders. Construction projects worldwide are characterised by delays which is always accompanied by time and cost overruns. The project delays have devastating effects on various stakeholders such as on consultants, owners, financiers, and the contractor. These stakeholders are mostly affected in terms of litigation, growt h in adversarial relationship, arbitration, distrust and cash-flow problems. Project delays contribute a lot, through various ways, to the failure of most construction projects. It puts a lot of strain in the management of the projects. In most cases, project progress reports report project delays with no specific reference to the causes (Haseeb, Xinhai-Lu, Bibi, Maloof-ud-Dyian & Rabbani., 2011). It is important to find the causes of project delays in order to develop strategies for eliminating them. This forms part of risk management. Lack of preparedness in managing any risks associated with a project constitutes poor project management. It is therefore important to identify every source of risk and make preparations on how they can be mitigated. Delays in large construction projects have been found to be a major problem. They cost the job owner and the contractor a lot of money. Although some of the causes are universal, construction projects are different and the causes of dela y may vary (Haseeb, Xinhai-Lu, Bibi, Maloof-ud-Dyian & Rabbani., 2011). In the United Kingdom for example, there are various large construction projects going on (Construction News, 2013). A project manager may have assessed similar projects from different regions and countries to find out the risks associated with project delays, the causes of project delays, and how to manage these delays. This is an important step, but as the project continues, different activities, situations and cost changes affect the project. This in turn affects the causes of delay. In the UK for example, workers are a source construction delays. According to Terry (2013), workers take in excess of 130 million days sickness absence every year. 330,000 workers drop out of employment every year. These cost the state and the employer, and have a drastic impact on the society. The government has worked over several years to find out ways to reduce the levels of sickness absence and related costs. It has currentl y published proposals for reform which may change the approach given to sickness absence in the UK. Employers are expected to change their role and be more involved in assisting employees to return to work as soon as possible when they are able to return, and in rehabilitation. These new recommendations are expected to be introduced in the next 12-18 months (Terry, 2013). This project management plan focuses

The Merchants Tale Essay Example for Free

The Merchants Tale Essay The merchants tale presents a thoroughly cynical view of women and marriage How far do you agree off such a statement as an accurate general description of the Merchants Tale. It is true to say that the merchant presents a thoroughly cynical view of women and marriage but it is not an accurate general description of the tale. The cynicism is apparent at the very beginning in the Merchants Prologue. The outburst by the merchant even before the tale opens sets the scene for what is to come: a parody of women and marriage. I have a wyf, the worste that may be; For thogh he feend to hire ycoupled were, She wolde him overmacche, I dar wel swere Although the Merchant prepares his audience for a story about a shrewd wife, he begins the Tale with an extended debate about the pros and cons of marriage. The beginning of the tale serves as a warning against marriage. Justinus prophetically warns January that Or wheither hire thoughte it paradis or helle. There is also a mounting criticism towards women that is inherent in the way Justinus argues his point that a wife, especially a young wife will be his purgatory: Where she be wys, or sobre, or dronkelewe, Or proud, or elles ootherweyes a shrewe, a childestere, or wastour of thy good, or riche, or poore, or elles mannish wood. This promotes an overall negative view of women even before May comes into the tale. However it is not only the merchant and January that present a cynical view of women and marriage but also Justinus; the supposedly just voice of the tale. Justinus tells January Ne take no wyf and to take a servant instead because a trewe servant dooth moore diligence. The merchant himself intervenes to say that scholars, including the well-known classical misogynist Theofraste, recommend a reliable servant as being more use than a wife, who is `only after thy good. Justinus concludes gloomily that `nis no so greet felicitee in marriage. However despite Justinus warnings about women and marriage, January ignores his advice and instead listens to the voice of the sycophant, Placebo. We are also reminded later by Pluto of the tresons whiche that women doon to man. The merchant is not only cynical towards May but also cynical of women in general. The merchant is cynical of women in the Bible as well as the Greek goddess Proserpine and Griselda in the initial outburst of the merchant. Pluto tells his wife of her untrouthe and brotilnesse. The tale concentrates on women who have been unfaithful to their husbands such like Rebekka and Sarra to promote the deception of May and women in general. It is also ironic when Justinus requests for May to be lyk Sarra and Rebekka. The merchant is also skeptical towards Proserpine who gives May the gift of persuasion. Pluto further disparages women: Amongst a thousand men yet foond I oon, But of women alle foond I noon.

Study Of Injection Mold Temperature And Cooling Time Engineering Essay

Study Of Injection Mold Temperature And Cooling Time Engineering Essay Majority of complicate plastics products are formed by the injection molding process. Faster production rate and repeatability are the key elements. Although most of the injection molding machines are highly sophisticated in terms of process control yet the control of mold temperature is the most neglected aspect. The mold cooling time contributes a major portion (usually 30 to 60%) of total cycle time. Reduction in mold cooling time is directly associated with profitability. The effect of mold temperature on cooling time and product quality is very important to understand. Here an effort has been made to analyze various aspects of mold cooling. Introduction Injection molding is one of the most favorite processing methods among the polymer processors that has revolutionized the polymer processing. Continuous research work carried out by the injection molding machines manufacturers is the key behind the success of this processing technique. Todays injection molding machines are one of the most sophisticated in terms of process control. Various processing parameters like injection pressure, injection speed, hold on pressure, cavity pressures etc. are very precisely controlled by close loop control. Latest developments in the field of microprocessors/ microcontrollers technology resulted in PLCs, with very short scan time, for quicker response. Many other developments like advancements in plasticizing screw design, mould safety, all electrical actuators, robotic part removal etc. came into existence in early nineties [1]. Although a lot had happened at the technological front, still the control of mould temperature is the most neglected aspect of injection moulding technology. In spite of well known relationship between mould temperature and cooling time, in other words mould temperature has great effect over cycle time (that ultimately leads to profitability), no serious efforts has, however, been made to extend the advancements in process control up to the mould. As on today most of the processing industries involved in injection moulding business, especially in Asian countries are using either a cooling tower or refrigerated chilling plant and seldom a mould temperature controller for engineering/ specialty polymers. In fact moulders usually do not bother about the mould temperature. In most of the cases, setting of cooling time and adjustment of mould temperature is an experience driven exercise that may not always land up at optimum solution [2]. In this paper an effort has been made to take a deeper insight of various aspects of mould temperature and cooling time by modeling and simulation route. An innovative design concept of mould temperature controller is also discussed which is in its early developing stage. Heat Transfer in Injection Mould Heat transfer in injection mould is quite complex in nature. It involves conductive and convective type of heat transfer, although negligible heat loss from mould takes place in form of radiation [3]. The solidification process for molten polymer mass inside mould involves a complex heat transfer mechanism. In order to simplify the problem of heat transfer associated with turbulent fluid flow, here an assumption is made defining a constant temperature between the cavity wall and cooling channels of mould. However in actual practice a temperature gradient will exist depending upon the thermal conductivity of mould steel. The typical heat path in the cooling stage of injection molding is that heat is conducted from hot polymer to the comparatively cold mold, and then conducted through the mold to the cooling line, where it is removed by convection through coolant [7]. In injection molding, in order to reduce the cycle time, the coolant undergoes turbulent flow. Rapidly flowing fluids are fully turbulent when Re >10,000 the transfer of heat is very efficient. Slowly flowing fluids are laminar when Re For turbulent flow, Equation 1 is used to calculate the heat convection coefficient [5], à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (1) Where: d; diameter of cooling hole (m), V; coolant velocity (m/s), à Ã‚ ; coolant density (kg/mâ‚ ¬Ã‹â€ ), ÃŽÂ ¼; viscosity, h; convection heat transfer coefficient (W/m.K), k; thermal conductivity (W/m ².K), L; perimeter of the cooling hole (m). For this case, Re is > 10,000, so the flow is fully turbulent. A simulink model was developed to simulate the variation of mold temperature from start up to approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes run with following conditions [6]; Table 1: Conditions for Simulation Initial Melt Temperature 523 deg.K Initial Mold Temperature 298 deg.K Ejection Temperature 364 deg.K Mass of Mold 200 kg Specific Heat of mold (P-20 steel) 461.2 J/kg k Cycle Time 30 sec Injection Time 5 sec Cooling Time 20 sec Material ABS plastic, Grade: Cycolac GPM550 Thermal Conductivity of ABS 0.22 (W/m.deg.K) Specific Heat of ABS 2352.4 (J/kg.degK) It is usual practice among molders to run injection molding machine for few (10 20) cycles without flow of coolant in mold to increase the molds surface temperature up to the required mold temperature [7]. This is usually done to avoid short shots, flow lines and other possible molding defects. A dead zone has been incorporated in simulink model for 450 sec (about 15 molding cycle). This effect can be seen in plot. Initially the rise in temperature is rapid (up to 450 sec) compared to rest of the part of plot. Fig 1: Graphical representation of Model using Simulink Fig 2: Simulation Result for mold temperature for more than 150 cycles from startup. It is clear from the plot shown in fig 2, that under the conditions as defined in table 1, mould will take about 1hour to reach steady state temperature of about 320 deg.K Dependence of Cooling Time over Mould Temperature Cooling time is defined as the time required to reduce the temperature of molten polymer up to ejection temperature. Usually ejection temperature of moulding is few degree (20 30 degC) below the heat deflection temperature (HDT) of material to insure distortion free removal of moulded part. Cooling time starts just after complete filling of cavity up to ejection. A rough estimation can be made for the cooling time, using the correlation given below; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (2) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (3) s; part thickness (cm), ÃŽÂ ±; thermal diffusivity (cm.sq/ sec), Tm; melt temperature ( °C), Tw; mold temperature ( °C), Te; ejection temperature ( °C), K; thermal conductivity (W/m- °K), à Ã‚ ; density (gm/cc), Cp; Specific heat (KJ/Kg- °K) It is clear from simulated result shown in fig. 2 that mould temperature is not a constant, in fact it is not only a variable from startup temperature to steady state temperature but also it changes during each cycle, fluctuating about cycle average temperature [5]. In order to simulate the cooling time for one injection cycle the instant energy balance equation for cooling of given geometry of part can be written as; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (4) This equation can be solved using finite element method with suitable boundary conditions i.e. constant boundary temperature or constant heat flow rate. For simplification of problem, a square shaped, ABS plastic part has been chosen. The two dimensional drawing and 3-D view of the part under analysis is given below; Fig-3: Two Dimensional orthographic view and three dimensional view of ABS Plastics part under analysis. ABS plastic material was selected for above geometry of part, the processing conditions and properties of the polymeric material are given below; Table-2: Processing conditions and properties of material Initial Melt Temperature 523 deg.K Initial Mold Temperature 323 deg.K Ejection Temperature 345 deg.K Material ABS plastic, Grade: Cycolac GPM550 Density 1005 (Kg/mâ‚ ¬Ã‹â€ ) Thermal Conductivity 0.22 (W/m.deg.K) Specific Heat 2352.4 (J/kg.degK) In order to simplify the analysis and to reduce the simulation time, the analysis was done in 2 D. Transient thermal analysis was carried out using ANSYS 5.4. For the analysis 4-node thermal solid (PLANE55) element type was selected. Fig-4: Temp distribution at t = 50sec at mold temp = 312 K The 2 D model was suitably meshed and analysis was done with different mold temperatures, given in table 3. Polymer melt temperature and part ejection temperature were kept same. Table 3: Polymer melt temperature vs. simulated cooling time Polymer melt Temperature = 523 deg.K Part ejection temperature = 345 deg.K Mold Temperature (deg.K) Cooling Time (Sec) 312 62.5 323 70 333 92.5 343 130 Cooling time was graphically calculated at a point where the part temperature was below HDT i.e. 345 K, for each of the run. ANSYS Post processor was used to obtain the cooling time vs. temperature data. (A). Mould Temp = 323 K, Ejection Temp = 345 K and Cooling Time = 70 sec (B). Mould Temp = 312 K, Ejection Temp = 345 K and Cooling Time = 62.5 sec (C). Mould Temp = 333 K, Ejection Temp = 345 K and Cooling Time = 92.5 sec (D). Mould Temp = 343 K, Ejection Temp = 345 K and Cooling Time = 130 sec Fig-5: Dependency of cooling Time over Mold Temperature It is clear from the above plots that the temperature gradient (between melt and mould) is a diminishing quantity during every moulding cycle. In other words we can say that rate of heat transfer from melt to coolant is maximum at the start of cooling time and reaches to its minimum value at the end of cooling time. This diminishing rate of heat transfer is responsible for longer cooling time resulting higher cycle time [8]. Mould Cooling At Constant Heat Transfer Rate The cooling time may be defined as the ratio of total heat to be removed (so that ejection temperature is below HDT), to rate of heat removal from the mould via coolants flowing in cooling channels of the mould. As mentioned above that diminishing temperature gradient (due to cooling of polymer melt inside the mould) is responsible for diminishing rate of heat removal during every moulding cycle. In order to have deeper insight, we apply heat balance to mould; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (5) It is clear from Fig. 2 that the temperature of mould increases initially and ultimately reaches to steady state average constant temperature within few hours depending upon the size of mould and moulding. At this stage the rate of heat accumulation in mould will be negligible, therefore at steady state condition of mould; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (6) (i). Rate of Heat Input Rate of heat input to the mould may be considered as impulse input, since the most of the polymer melt (about 90% of shot weight) is injected in very short span of time (), comparatively very less than actual injection and hold time. The heat input rate to the mould; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (7) m = shot weight, Cp = specific heat at nozzle temperature. (ii). Rate of Heat Removal For simplicity we can assume the design of mould to be cylindrical, where four cooling channels are at 100 PCD, concentric with cylindrical shape of cavity as shown in Fig. 6, Fig 6: Top view Cylindrical Mould The rate of heat removal from the mould is function of heat transfer by conduction and convection (we can neglect the heat transfer by radiation). For the cylindrical design of mould and moulding, the conductive and convective heat transfer can be written as [9]; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (8) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (9) Ksteel; Thermal conductivity of mould steel (W/m- °K), Dmold Dpart; Diameter of cylindrical mould and moulding (m), Dchannel; Diameter of cooling channel (m), h; Convection heat transfer coefficient (W/m.K), Therefore, the net rate of heat transfer will be; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (10) It is obvious from equation no. (10). that rate of heat removal (q) will continuously reduce because the Tmelt will tend towards the Tejection. The trend of melt temperature curve with time will be as shown in fig 5. There may be two different methods to keep the rate of heat removal (q) constant i.e. reduction in coolant temperature (Tcoolant), parallel with (Tmelt) so that temperature gradient is constant during entire cooling cycle. This method has some practical difficulties like limitation of very fast changing temperature of coolant, thermal shock to the mould and lots of energy drain from coolant to atmosphere. In the next approach to maintain constant heat removal rate, the flow rate of coolant can be increased with time to increase the value of film transfer coefficient (h). Booth of these problems were modeled using Matlab and simulated results are discussed. The following boundary conditions and data was used for simulation; Table 4: Boundary Conditions and data Parameters Value Dmold 100 mm Dpart 15 mm Ksteel 36.6 W/m degK Dchannel 10 mm L 1.5 meters Tmelt 523 degK Tejecion 364 degK Cp 2352.4 (J/kg degK ) for ABS Cycolac GPM 5500 Grade Shot Weight (m) 100 gms Tcoolant 283 degK Result and Discussion Simulation result for constant heat removal rate achieved via transient coolant temperature, are shown in fig. 8 and fig. 9. The heat removal at diminishing rate curve is of the same pattern as obtained by using Ansys FEA package, shown in fig. 5. Fig 7: Heat removal from mould at constant and diminishing rate. Fig 8: Melt temperature, Coolant temperature vs. Cooling Time. The cooling time is approximately 120 sec in this case whereas for constant rate heat removal cooling time is about 60 sec. That much saving in cooling time is at cost of having arrangement for mould cooling that can vary from 323 degK to 175 degK within 1 minute. Reducing the mould temperature up to 175 degK has many engineering problems; mould sweating will be tremendously high at that temperature. In next step, flow rate of coolant was varied keeping the coolant temperature constant at 283 degK. Fig 9: Melt temperature, Heat removal rate and Film Heat transfer Coefficient vs. Cooling Time Fig 10: Reynolds No. and Coolant Flow Rate vs. Cooling Time The cooling time in this case found to be approximately 80 sec. and the coolant flow rate was initially 400 lpm that was ramped up to 1600 lpm within 80sec of cooling time. The shape of melt temperature curve with time is not a straight line which is identification of constant rate heat removal, but still there is a lot of saving in cooling time. To achieve that much saving in cooling time extremely high turbulent coolant flow rate (Re is approximately 3500000 at the end of cooling time) was used. Conclusion The mould temperature and coolant flow rate have great effect over the heat transfer mechanism from mould. Proper adjustment of coolant temperature and flow rate can be useful in reducing the cooling time. Transient coolant flow rate may be used to reduce the cooling time and such mold temperature controllers can be made for achieving reduction in cooling time and ultimately reducing cycle time.

The Origin of Dreams Essay -- Sleep Sleeping Psychology Papers

The Origin of Dreams It is late and you are tired. You slide between the soft sheets and tug on the comforter until it reaches your chin. Your head sinks gratefully into the pillow, the smooth folds of pillowcase caressing your cheek. Your heavy eyelids fall closed. Slowly, all the muscles in your body relax. Your body is comfortable and ready for sleep, but your mind remains active. You think over the day’s events, the funny moments, the people you saw, the things you forgot to do. You think about what you will do tomorrow and the next day and next month and so on. Your breathing deepens and your heart rate slows. You realize you are no longer directing the pattern of your thoughts: they are moving off on a path of their own. But you are too tired to care. You drift to the edge of the world of sleep. After about 90 minutes of peaceful inactivity, your brain becomes extremely alert, but you do not awaken. You have entered the period of sleep know as Rapid Eye Movement, where dreams most often occu r. Random, disconnected scenes unfold before you like images on a movie screen. You see your parents waving to you from across a crowded room. You are transported to a large, sunlit meadow, where you are playing with a kitten, your first childhood pet. You can hear the kitten’s quiet purring, and you are filled with sensations of happiness and tranquility. Then you see your own body floating high above the ground, propelling itself effortlessly. You don’t understand these feelings and images, but they all seem to make perfect sense, and you don’t question them. Upon waking, recollection of the previous night’s journey will seem hazy and clouded, if you can remember it at all. This series of events occurs every night i... ...Dreams† http://psych.ucsc.edu/dreams/ Accessed 11/24/02 â€Å"dream† Encyclopedia Britannica http://search.eb.com/eb/article?eu=117531 Accessed 11/24/02 Eccles, John ed. Mind and Brain Washington: Paragon House, 1982 "electroencephalography" Encyclopedia Britannica http://search.eb.com/eb/article?eu=32861 Accessed 12/4/02. Foulkes, David. Dreaming: A Cognitive-Psychological Analysis Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1985 Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 1998 â€Å"mind† Encyclopedia Britannica http://search.eb.com/article?eu=54131 Accessed 12/5/02 Pfenninger, Karl H. and Valerie R. Shubik The Origins of Creativity Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001 â€Å"sleep† Encyclopedia Britannica http://search.eb.com/eb/article?eu=117529 Accessed 11/24/02

Music in William Shakespeare’s Plays :: Biography Biographies Essays

Music in Shakespeare’s Plays    Elizabethans, during the time of the notorious William Shakespeare (1564-1616), were extremely sensitive to beauty and grace and had an undying enthusiasm for music and poetry. Music was a vital part of Elizabethan society; it was thought that a man who could not read music or understand it was poorly educated. The common entertainment and amusement was centered on music, song, and dance, people of all classes enjoyed the splendor of the music at this time. Since music was so popular and so widely understood, it is little wonder that most Elizabethan plays, including Shakespeare’s plays, have music in them.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Shakespeare uses music in his plays for several reasons, all of which are extremely significant. The first is evident in which music was so popular during this time that it influenced the performed plays. Shakespeare had a mixed audience who enjoyed and attended his plays. Music, which was understood practically universally allowed everyone to understand his plays and relate to them more easily. If people did not understand the language or the plot, the music could make it easier for them to follow along.      Secondly, on the stage music played a very important role. Music contributed to the atmosphere and set the mood in many of Shakespeare’s plays.   There was a special musicians’ gallery above the stage, the music sometimes was played on the stage, and there were occasions when it was played under the stage to achieve an eerie effect. During comedy plays gentle songs would be played with the lute and during tragedies and histories the sounds of trumpets and drums would echo through the theater. For example, if a king entered the trumpets would sound and everyone would know who it was. The Twelfth Night is also a good example; it includes instrumental serenades and rousing drinking songs, all to show the gaiety and sadness for the mood of the play.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some songs and music are intended to represent a soliloquy, when private thoughts and feelings are performed. Songs, music, and sound effects represent themes, tones, moods, emotions, and even people. Shakespeare, being a lyric poet, used fifty or more songs in his plays and wrote hundreds of stage directions calling for music.