Intercultural Awareness

The Biography of Francisco Morazan

The Biography of Francisco Morazan Jose Francisco Morazan Quezada (1792-1842) was a politician and general who ruled parts of Central America at different times during the turbulent period from 1827 to 1842. He was a strong leader and visionary who attempted to unite the different Central American countries into one large nation. His liberal, anti-clerical politics made him some powerful enemies, and his period of rule was marked by bitter infighting between liberals and conservatives. Early Life Morazan was born in Tegucigalpa  in present-day Honduras in 1792, during the waning years of Spanish colonial rule. The was the son of an upper-class Creole family and entered the military at a young age. He soon distinguished himself for his bravery and charisma. He was tall for his era, about 5  feet 10 inches, and intelligent, and his natural leadership skills easily attracted followers. He became involved in local politics early, enlisting as a volunteer to oppose Mexico’s annexation of Central America in 1821. A United Central America Mexico suffered some severe internal upheavals in the first years of independence, and in 1823 Central America was able to break away. The decision was made to unify all of Central America as one nation, with the capital in Guatemala City. It was made up of five states: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. In 1824, liberal Jose Manuel Arce was elected president, but he soon switched sides and supported the conservative ideals of a strong central government with firm ties to the church. At War The ideological conflict between liberals and conservatives had long been simmering and finally boiled over when Arce sent troops to rebellious Honduras. Morazan led the defense in Honduras, but he was defeated and captured. He escaped and was put him in charge of a small army in Nicaragua. The army marched on Honduras and captured it at the legendary Battle of La Trinidad on Nov. 11, 1827. Morazan was now the liberal leader with the highest profile in Central America, and in 1830 he was elected to serve as president of the Federal Republic of Central America. Morazan in Power Morazan enacted liberal reforms in the new Federal Republic of Central America, including freedom of the press, speech, and religion. He limited church power by making marriage secular and abolishing government-aided tithing. Eventually, he was forced to expel many clerics from the country. This liberalism made him the implacable enemy of the conservatives, who preferred to keep the old colonial power structures, including close ties between church and state. He moved the capital to San Salvador, El Salvador, in 1834 and was re-elected in 1835. At War Again Conservatives would occasionally take up arms in different parts of the nation, but Morazan’s grip on power was firm until late 1837 when Rafael Carrera led an uprising in eastern Guatemala. An illiterate pig farmer, Carrera was nevertheless a clever, charismatic leader and relentless adversary. Unlike previous conservatives, he was able to rally the generally apathetic Guatemalan Native Americans to his side, and his horde of irregular soldiers armed with machetes, flintlock muskets, and clubs proved hard for Morazan to put down. Defeat and Collapse of the Republic As news of the successes of Carrera came to them, conservatives all over Central America took heart and decided that the time was right to strike against Morazan. Morazan was a skilled field general, and he defeated a much larger force at the battle of San Pedro Perulapan in 1839. By then, however, the republic had irrevocably fractured, and Morazan only effectively ruled El Salvador, Costa Rica and a few isolated pockets of loyal subjects. Nicaragua was the first to officially secede from the union, on Nov. 5, 1838. Honduras and Costa Rica quickly followed. Exile in Colombia Morazan was a skilled soldier, but his army was shrinking while that of the conservatives was growing, and in 1840 came the inevitable result: Carrera’s forces finally defeated Morazan, who was forced to go into exile in Colombia. While there, he wrote an open letter to the people of Central America in which he explained why the republic was defeated and laments that Carrera and the conservatives never tried to really understand his agenda. Costa Rica In 1842 he was lured out of exile by Costa Rican Gen. Vicente Villasenor, who was leading a revolt against conservative Costa Rican dictator Braulio Carrillo and had him on the ropes. Morazan joined Villasenor, and together they finished the job of ousting Carrillo: Morazan was named president. He intended to use Costa Rica as the center of a new Central American republic. But the Costa Ricans turned on him, and he and Villasenor were executed on Sept. 15, 1842. His final words were to his friend Villasenor: â€Å"Dear friend, posterity will do us justice.† Legacy of Francisco Morazan Morazan was correct: Posterity has been kind to him and his dear friend Villasenor. Morazan is today seen as a visionary, progressive leader and able commander who fought to keep Central America together. In this, he is sort of the Central American version of Simon Bolà ­var, and there is more than a little in common between the two men. Since 1840, Central America has been fractured, divided into tiny, weak nations vulnerable to wars, exploitation, and dictatorships. The failure of the republic to last was a defining point in Central American history. Had it stayed united, the Republic of Central America might well be a formidable nation, on an economic and political par with, say, Colombia or Ecuador. As it is, however, it is a region of little world importance whose history is most often tragic. The dream is not dead, however. Attempts were made in 1852, 1886 and 1921 to unite the region, although all of these attempts failed. Morazans name is invoked anytime there is talk of reunification. Morazan is honored in Honduras and El Salvador, where there are provinces named after him, as well as any number of parks, streets, schools, and businesses.

To what extent did the end of the Cold War provide an impetus for the Essay

To what extent did the end of the Cold War provide an impetus for the United Nations to try to re-establish itself at the heart of multi-lateral action - Essay Example Of the many possible reasons behind these wars, two, which could easily be identified, are identity of the people and the distribution of resources among them (Harris & Reilly, 1998). To resolve these ethnic based wars is a big challenge for major actors in the international politics like the UN and for the international political and security environment. The end of the Cold War saw an expanded process of decision making in the multilateral organizations like United Nations Organisation based on multilateral mechanisms contained in the Charter of the United Nations.These were mainly to be used to reduce the actual number of armed conflicts . The periods since the end of the cold war also gave rise to new complexities. The Cold War had presented a fragmentation of the global strategic balance. Things were made worse by the bitter realities of the Post Cold War era which had a negative perspective to conflict resolutions and peacemaking. There was an over whelming baggage of leftover conflicts from the conflicted post war atmosphere and a need was felt to create the awareness of the importance of addressing these conflicts effectively through multilateral action and to address these difficulties of conflict prevention and conflict resolution. On another level this impetus can be labelled as being mainly based upon the political agenda of â€Å"democratisation and globalisation† of the world through multilateral agenda. This may involve the use of international law ,UN political resolutions and â€Å"peacekeeping efforts† to prevent another threat of Communist take over which was a major fear of the Western powers during the Cold War.My essay examines the extent to which this â€Å"impetus† is tainted by political agenda and economic interests in a critical right. The essay concludes that this impetus is not based mainly upon the â€Å"fear of another communist takeover† which is still a Western Nightmare but that there is a more profound

Dance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Dance - Essay Example Indeed, the term â€Å"confiscation† as used in Lesson 1 sought to integrate African dance traditions into the American culture. The terms â€Å"fusion† and â€Å"confiscation† are very significant in the American culture especially with reference to the American dance and society since they play a huge role in creating a new American dance form. The term fusion refers to the aspect of creating a singular and original, high quality show, which blends dance, fashion, and music to establish a high-end performance (â€Å"York Media† 1). Fusion brings a diverse collection of best dancers, models, musicians, artists, fashion designers, hairdressers, and make-up artists to create an original and unique music and dance performance in America (â€Å"York University† 1). In terms of dance and society, confiscation refers to the adoption of techniques and effects from native cultures into the American dance and society (Rogers 10). With reference to cultures and dance, confiscation integrates the conflicting association between the African dance traditions and the American culture. The Ghost dance is a dance practice that exemplifies "confiscation" of dance forms to "create" a new American dance form. From the Ghost Dance, we can indeed derive the fact that there was a confiscation of techniques and effects from native cultures into the American dance and society. The immigration of Indians and the integration of Wodziwobs teachings with the American traditions led to the confiscation (â€Å"United States History† 1). Notably, the American belief systems adopted the religious attributes of Ghost Dance movement. This is clear where the dancers performed the dance with a belief of getting cure for their illness. This related to the ritual intentions as depicted by Wodziwob who started the dance. They disregarded the ritual beliefs and adopted

King Lear and his relationships with his daughters Research Paper

King Lear and his relationships with his daughters - Research Paper Example A later version, The Tragedy of King Lear was included in the 1623 First Folio. As a rule, the present-day editors conflate the two; however some maintain that each version possesses its individual integrity that ought to be preserved. After the Restoration, the play used to be revised to have a happy end for the audiences who hated the plays depressing and dark tone, yet since the nineteenth century William Shakespeare’s original version has been esteemed one of his most outstanding achievements. The tragedy is especially noted for its observations upon the nature of human kinship and sufferings. Elderly King Lear wishes to retire from his throne. He makes a decision to divide his kingdom among the three daughters of his. Moreover he offers the largest portion to the one who is the favorite one. Regan and Goneri flatter the father claiming that they love him more than anything else in this world and their speeches please him much. Cordelia has nothing to compare her love to. Furthermore she has no words to express it as eloquently as her sisters do. She speaks frankly, honestly though bluntly, so that is her manner to speak that eventually infuriates Lear. Being infuriated he disinherits Cordelia and divides his kingdom between Goneril and Regan. Earl Kent objects to such an unfair treatment. Lear gets still more enraged by the protests of Kent, so he banishes the Earl from the kingdom. The Duke of Burgundy abandons his suit having learnt that his fiancee has just been disinherited, though the King of France is so impressed by Cordelia’s honesty that marries her as she is. The King announces he is going to live alternately with Regan and Goneri and their husbands, the Duke of Cornwall and the Duke of Albany respectively. The King reserves to himself as a suite of a hundred knights to be supplied by his daughters. Egan and Goneril speak tete-a-tete and agree that Lear is foolish and old. Edmund resents his status and plots to restore his legitimat e elder brother Edgar. He deceives Gloucester, his father with forged letter and thus makes him think that Edgar plots to usurp the realm. Kent comes back from exile disguised as Caius, so King Lear hires him as his servant. Lear finds out that Goneril has power now. Moreover she does not respect him any more. She demands that he behave himself better and eventually reduces the number of her father’s suite. Infuriated, Lear leaves for Regan’s home. The Fool jeers at his master’s misfortune. Edmund simulates an attack by Edgar so Gloucester absolutely taken in. Thereupon he disinherits Edgar and proclaims the latter outlaw. Then Kent meets Oswald at the home of Gloucester, quarrels with the former. As a result Reagan and Cornwall have him put in stocks. When Lear arrives, he protests yet Regan takes the same course as Goneril. This infuriates the King yet he finds himself impotent to do anything. Eventually Lear indulges his rage. He goes out into the storm to ye ll at his dishonest daughters, attended by the jeering fool. Then Kent follows to protect Lear. Gloucester argues against the King’s maltreatment. Wandering through the field after the storm, King Lear meets Edgar disguised as Tom O’Bedlam, who is mad. Edgar babbles foolishly while the King denounces the daughters of his. Gloucester leads them all to the shelter. Then Gloucester is betrayed by Edmund to Goneril, Regan

Nora And Torvalds Relationship English Literature Essay

Nora And Torvalds Relationship English Literature Essay A Dolls House is a play written by the dramatist Henrik Ibsen in three acts. Throughout the play, his effective use of minor characters such as Dr. Rank, his illness, death and relationship with the main protagonist, Nora Helmer serves a symbolic purpose towards Nora and her husbands relationship. The play is set in the 19th century which makes it out to be controversial and critical of the marriage norms of the time due to the way Ibsen portrays certain characters values and morals. Ibsen critiques the cultural norms through the play and its characters by asking more questions than answering them. As A Dolls House progresses, problems associated with obligations, values and gender roles which took place in a typical upper-middle class society of the time arise. At a first glance, Torvalds best friend, Dr. Rank comes across as one of the minor characters in the play who shows to be unconcerned with what others think of him. What shows significance in Dr. Ranks character is when he is noted for his calm and stoic acceptance towards his ill-fate, of how he is incurably diseased and is dying. This characteristic of Dr. Rank also shows to be in contrast to most of the other characters in the play such as Nora and Trovald. He also is portrayed as honest and sincere. Dr. Rank comes across as an extraneous character in as he does not further into the plot as much as Nil Krogstad and Mrs. Linde. However, he may be portrayed as a symbolic figure for many messages that Ibsen wished to illustrate throughout A Dolls House regarding the social and cultural expectations of the 19th century. Firstly, Ranks character may symbolize moral corruption within society. On the other hand, because of the many sincere and humble aspects of his character, that view upon him is highly debatable. Furthermore, although Ibsens use of Rank does not meddle with the main conflict or climax, this minor character plays a role which is also symbolic towards Nora and Torvalds marriage, which is the main aspect and focus of A Dolls House. Moreover, Ibsens use of the name Rank may be a clever technique which creates irony as his name creates contradiction towards the way his character is shown in the play as none of the other characters consider him of high thought. Dr. Ranks presence in the play also creates a contrast between the way Trovald and himself treat Nora through the way he acts towards her. Dr. Rank first appears during Nora and Mrs. Lindes conversation and there is an obvious contrast between the way he treats Nora and the way Torvald treats Nora. Ranks treatment of Nora is that of an adult, whilst Torvalds is of a child. Further into the play, it can be seen how Nora feels comfortable in Ranks presence and shares insight on personal details about herself that she would think twice before sharing with Torvald. At one point in the play, she admits to Dr. Rank: Torvald is very like being with papa. (196), which shows how Nora is completely herself around Ranks company-and how Rank treats her with dignity, something that lacks in Torvalds treatment of her. This quote also contributes to the theme of honour as she does not wish to further dishonour Torvald any more than she already has, as honour is of overwhelming importance to Torvald and it is what motivates his behaviour towards Nora in the first place. Therefore, Nora does not feel comfortable enough to share the same thoughts with her husband that she is able to share with Rank. Nora also states at one point, In the early days [Torvald] used to get quite jealous if I even mentioned people Id like back at home, so of course I gave it up. But I often talk to Dr. Rank, because, you see, he likes to hear about them (184) this shows how Dr. Rank and Noras very friendly relationship with one another also allows further understanding of Nora and Torvalds marriage as it shows the distance that lies between them. Rank is also able to help Nora in understanding her self-worth, which contributes to the theme of growth and development of her as a character as he indirectly influences her future decisions on whether or not being with Torvald is the right decision to make albeit the social pressures and expectations of society she is a part of at the time. Another significant aspect of Ranks character is he is important in revealing things about other characters as the story progresses. At one point in the play, he tells Nora, Helmers too sensitive to be able to face anything ugly-I wont have him in my sick-room (191). This shows how Rank does not trust Torvald to be there, but he trusts Nora. This also shows how Rank is well aware of how Torvald reacts to certain unfortunate situations, and it shows a paradoxical shift in the role that Nora had been portrayed in with how Torvald is being portrayed at this point in the play, because Torvald is the one who is being portrayed as a child-like character. Statements like this made by Rank about Torvald also shows how Torvald may have been the sheltered one in his marriage from Nora, which contributes to the theme of deception. Dr. Ranks progressive illness may also plays of a symbolic purpose to interpret Nora and Torvalds relationship as ceasing. At the same time, Nora faces conflict with herself and in her marriage with Torvald as she is restricted from being herself. Rank tells Nora, I shall send you my card with a black cross on it and then youll know that my disgusting end has begun, (191) which shows foreshadowing towards not only the end of Dr. Ranks life, but also towards the end of Nora and Torvalds marriage. Although Dr. Rank may be portrayed as a minor character in A Dolls House, his role as his character is crucial in terms of understanding the plot. This is because the functions that Dr. Rank performs as a character allows the play to progress and develop whilst including connections with him and other factors which allow the readers a fair view on the personalities of the characters, specifically Nora and Torvald. The most significant function of Dr. Rank in the play is when he influences Nora to evolve and grow by breaking down the pressures of society that Nora is conflicted against-this is linked to one of the main themes of A Dolls House, which is growth. Dr. Rank is not only a symbolic figure for Nora and Torvalds ceasing relationship, but his illness also symbolises the corruption of society. Towards the end of the play, when he sends the letter to Nora and Torvald, it is received at the same time as Krogstads letter. This is a clever technique used by Ibsen as it shows a connection between Dr. Ranks death and Noras ceasing relationship with Torvald, because right after the letters from Dr. Rank have been read, she lets Torvald read the letter from Krogstad which foreshadows the end of their marriage. This wraps up the entire play well as Dr. Ranks death is not only symbolic for the deterioration of society, but Ibsen uses him as a strong symbolic representation for the death of Nora and Torvalds marriage. PART 1 WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT LANGUAGE A-LITERATURE HL A: Fulfilling the requirements of the reflective statement. To what extent does the student show how their understanding of cultural and contextual elements was developed through the interactive oral? NOTE: The word limit for the reflective statement is 300-400 words. If the word limit is exceeded, 1 mark will be deducted. B: Knowledge and understanding How effectively has the student used the topic and the essay to show knowledge and understanding of the chosen work? C: Appreciation of the writers choices- To what extent does the student appreciate how the writers choices of language, structure, technique and style shape meaning? D: Organization and development How effectively have the ideas been organized, and how well are the references to the works integrated into the development of the ideas? NOTE: The word limit for the essay 1200-1500 words. If the word limit is exceeded, 2 marks will be deducted. E: Language How clear, varied and accurate is the language? How appropriate is the choice of register, style and terminology? (Register refers, in this context, to the students use of elements such as vocabulary, tone, sentence structure and terminology appropriate to the task). 0 The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. 0 The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. 0 The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. 0 The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. 0 The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. 1 Reflection on the interactive oral shows superficial development of the students understanding of cultural and contextual elements. 1-2 The essay shows some knowledge but little understanding of the work used for the assignment 1-2 There is some mention, but little appreciation, of the ways in which language, structure, technique and style shape meaning. 1 There is some attempt to organize ideas, but little use of examples from the works used. 1 Language is rarely clear and appropriate; there are many errors in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction, and little sense of register and style. 2 Reflection on the interactive oral shows some development of the students understanding of cultural and contextual elements. 3-4 The essay shows knowledge and understanding of, and some insight into, the work used for the assignment. 3-4 There is adequate appreciation of the ways in which language, structure, technique and style shape meaning. 2 Ideas are superficially organized and developed, with some integrated examples from the works used. 2 Language is sometimes clear and carefully chosen; grammar construction is fairly accurate, although errors and inconsistencies are apparent; the register and style are to some extent appropriate to the task. 3 Reflection on the interactive oral shows development of the students understanding of cultural and contextual elements. 5-6 The essay shows detailed knowledge and understanding of, and perceptive insight into, the work used for the assignment. 5-6 There is excellent appreciation of the ways in which language, structure, technique and style shape meaning. 3 Ideas are adequately organized and developed, with appropriately integrated examples from the works used. 3 Language is clear and carefully chosen, with an adequate degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction despite some lapses; register and style are mostly appropriate to the task. 4 Ideas are effectively organized and developed, with well-integrated examples from the works used. 4 Language is clear and carefully chosen, with a good degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction; register and style are consistently appropriate to the task. 5 Ideas are persuasively organized and developed, with effectively integrated examples from the works used. 5 Language is very clear, effective, carefully chosen and precise, with a high degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction; register and style are effective and appropriate to the task.

Imprisonment of Women Exposed in The Yellow Wallpaper -- Yellow Wallpa

Imprisonment of Women Exposed in The Yellow Wallpaper When asked the question of why she chose to write 'The Yellow Wallpaper', Charlotte Perkins Gilman claimed that experiences in her own life dealing with a nervous condition, then termed 'melancholia', had prompted her to write the short story as a means to try and save other people from a similar fate. Although she may have suffered from a similar condition to the narrator of her illuminating short story, Gilman's story cannot be coined merely a tale of insanity. Insanity is the vehicle for Gilman's larger comment on the atrocities of social conformity. The main character of "The Yellow Wallpaper" comes to recognize the inhumanity in society's treatment of women, and in her awakening to this, visualizes her torment in the faded yellow wallpaper that hangs in her chambers, her jail. The unnamed narrator of the tale is purposefully left unnamed; the narrator could be any wife, any mother, any woman. Gilman transforms the hysterical, insane female of early 19th century literature into g enius. The first striking image that readers of "The Yellow Wallpaper" are presented with is not that of a room, it is not of the house, but of the character of John, the husband. John is described as a man of a "practical and extreme" nature (246). His presence throughout the tale provides for the narrator's motive. John refuses to accept her wife's condition; he does not believe that there is anything truly wrong with her. If a physician of high standing, and one's own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression, a slight hysterical tendency - what is one to do? (246) The narrator is possessed by her hus... ...ion. Sven Birkerts. Boston, Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon, 1992. 387-400. Haney-Peritz, Janice. "Monumental Feminism and Literature's Ancestral House: Another Look at 'The Yellow Wallpaper.'" Women's Studies 12 (1986): 113-128. Johnson, Greg. "Gilman's Gothic Allegory: Rage and Redemption in 'The Yellow Wallpaper.'" Studies in Short Fiction 26 (Fall 1989): 521-530. King, Jeanette, and Pam Morris. "On Not Reading Between the Lines: Models of Reading in 'The Yellow Wallpaper.'" Studies in Short Fiction 26.1 (Winter 1989): 23-32. Knight, Denise D. "The Reincarnation of Jane: 'Through This' - Gilman's Companion to 'The Yellow Wallpaper.'" Women's Studies 20 (1992): 287-302. Rigney, Barbara Hill. Madness and Sexual Politics in the Feminist Novel: Studies in Bronte, Woolf, Lessing, and Atwood. Madison, WI: The University of Wisconsin Press, 1978.