Essays on Tragedy

Use of Common Property to address the Commons Problem

Introduction
The use of common property to address the problem of common people refers to the tragedy of the commons. Most of the work on environment cuts across the pro-regulatory traditional protectionist laws and policies.
According to Acheson, the tragedy of commons does not hold correctly to the future of all the available resources. Private owners instead of the general deserving public use the resources. Acheson reviews several classic examples of managing environmental resources in his essay. There are some institutional regimes, which have been in operation for a long period without degrading the available resources. In addition, Acheson Continue reading...

The Tragedy of the Commons is an article authored by Garret Hardin in 1968. In this article, Hardin presents a sensational and compelling formulation of the human population problem. He poses the problems of population in very stark terms. He first examines the relationship between the human population and the available resources and makes a conclusion that there is a need for the population to be effectively controlled. He then engages in a comprehensive discussion of the reasons that have led to the observed swelling of the current population. Hardin then uses this analysis to propose plausible solutions.
Hardin’ Continue reading...

Many philosophers have come up with different definitions of tragedy. However, the definition by Aristotle remains the most comprehensive definition of the term. In his definition, Aristotle lays major emphasis on the terms pity and fear. According to him, these are the two main elements of tragedy. Absence of them means there is no tragedy. In plain words, Aristotle’s definition of tragedy was: “Tragedy, then, is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of Continue reading...

Thesis: Based on Aristotle’s definition of not only a tragic hero but also of tragedy, Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice could rightly be described as a tragedy due to the main character’s lack of knowledge as well as due to the play’s depiction of a community and adherence to tragic guidelines.
- Othello as a Tragic Hero
- Noble and Admirable Characteristics
- Common, Human Elements
- The Issue of Race in Separating Othello from Other Characters
- Othello’s Tragic Flaw or Mistake
- Adherence to Greek Tradition
- Presence of the Masses
Continue reading...

Abstract

The Bhopal disaster is the most damaging industrial disaster in the global history. The event that led to the death of about 7,000 and 10,000 people within a few days and subsequent deaths of about 25,000 people has raised ethical debates of the person who should assume the responsibilities of cleaning up the toxins from the environment and compensating the victims, who continue to experience devastating effects of the tragic event. Union Carbide was the Indian company responsible for the disaster when it occurred and has since compensated a few victims. However, Dow Company acquired the Continue reading...

William Shakespeare was born on April 23rd, 1564 in a small town Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare was a great English dramatist, poet and actor. He was often called the English national poet, and a lot of people agree with me that he also was the greatest dramatist of all time. It is believed that Shakespeare attended the Stratford "grammar school", where he studied Latin, Greek and got the basics knowledge of ancient mythology, history and literature, which were reflected in his work. The first time we hear about Shakespeare as a writer was in 1592, in a Robert Greene’s pamphlet “ Continue reading...

INTRODUCTION

When most people think of Ancient Rome, they imagine great marble statues, sky-soaring columns, and men and women dressed in draped togas. However, there is one name that is eternally synonymous with this Ancient era, Julius Caesar, the great and incredibly powerful ruler, whose reign would end with his assassination, by his friend and peers. Most people’s interpretation of Julius Caesar comes not from history, but from the imagination of the William Shakespeare, in 1599, within the pages of his play titled, “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” (Layson and Zurcher 1). Many people see this play as a Continue reading...

Euripides literature does not reflect outer side of the war, the glitter of swords and loud sounds of victory, but the truth about it; the pain of those who suffers from war clashes more than others through all the history - women and children. This theme in one form or another is described in many works of Euripides, including those which are known to us only in fragments. In "Hecuba" author depicts a heavy destiny of Trojan female prisoners, who were captured and sent to the Greece. Euripides sees in war mostly tragic sides and senses. He gives a Continue reading...

The play “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles begins with Oedipus the king explaining his concern about his citizens thus: “My zeal in your behalf ye cannot doubt; Ruthless indeed were I and obdurate, If such petitioners as you I spurned” (11-15). These lines clearly establish the fact that Oedipus is a good king and looks after his kingdom, Thebes, quite well. However, this is not enough. No matter how well Oedipus governs his kingdom or how valiant he is, tragedy befalls Oedipus through what can be said as “Hamartia”. Hamartia or tragic flaw is what brings down a great Continue reading...

Macbeth is one of the most brilliant, fascinating, well thought works of Shakespeare. Equally, it is widely accepted as one of Shakespeare’s darkest works. The play is set in the Victorian age and pundits and critics have come to describe it as a tragedy. This is due to the fact that, despite the heroic acts of the lead character Macbeth, his expeditions are laced with tragedy. Shakespeare seeks to portray the utter destruction rendered when evil is allowed to have its way. He uses a brave, courageous, regal general in Macbeth. Macbeth ambition is further increased when a Continue reading...

Analysis of Hiroshima, Mon Amour

When Alain Resnais’ debut feature Hiroshima, Mon Amour opened in 1959, it was celebrated in Cahiers du Cinema as the first really “modern film.” The positive reviews poured in, mostly focusing on the sophistication of the movie. It was not only a success in France, though; it played for half a year in London and New York City, and it became the symbol for the “new wave” of film that was emerging from France (Kreidl). From the very outset, this is a powerful film that continues to leave a significant impact on its audience.
The prologue to the film Continue reading...

Death of a Salesman is a story that represents the real and contemporary American society and their dreams and aspirations. It is a story of the common people and their dreams. The title itself reveals the tragic end of the protagonist Willy. As far as the tragic flow of the story is concerned, it can be studied as the modern version of the Aristotelian tragedies, though it can be a comparative analysis with some resemblances and some differences. The story fulfils many parameters of the tragedy. Only the difference is that unlike the typical Aristotelians tragic hero, Willy does Continue reading...

“Good for me, good for you, and bad for us” as sung by the economists implies the tragedy of the commons. The common in this case is the pasture, which ensures that the flocks of the two economists thrive. The sheep provide benefits to them such as wool and meat. When a single economist increases his flock (selfish interest) to reap the maximum benefits of the sheep, it is “good for him.” When the other economist also pursues his selfish interest and increases the number of his animals, it would be “good for him.” But since the pasture is Continue reading...

In chapter 2 Nietzsche makes a distinction regarding how people respond to drama and response to events in real life. The arguments present the distinction between Apollonian and Dionysian personalities. The distinction of these two personalities is crucial in gaining an insight as to how people behave in this world. The ultimate goal is to promote full awareness of oneself and the behavior of humanities. It is also vital in discovering how humanities can work for different people. In studying humanities, referring to these personalities is vital in understanding the distinction of personalities portrayed by a person
According to Continue reading...

Shakespeare is well-remembered for his exemplary work in the work of literature. Considered by many as the finest author during his time, he wrote books on different genres. However, it is how he managed to employ certain themes in all the genres he worked on that communicates his mastery of literature. He mostly worked on here genres of literature: History, comedy and tragedy. The two genres that this paper will work on are tragedy and comedy. The paper will focus n Merchant of Venice as the comedy and Macbeth as the tragedy. Using these two works, the paper will Continue reading...

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, generally dated to 1594-1595 years, is a tragedy in five acts. The ancient tragedy analogue is the story of true lovers Pyramus and Thisbe, told in “Metamorphoses” by Publius Ovidius. The signs of the historical background and spirit of the plot that presents Italian life at that time adds a likelihood to a sad story of the lovers of Verona. Contradicting to the religion outlook and faithfulness to the family, Romeo and Juliet’s love seems to more valuable than society norms and symbolizes fated love.
Young Romeo (the son and heir of Continue reading...

Introduction

David Sedaris is known as a humorist. Time magazine named him the Humorist of the Year in 2001. Many of his essays are said to locate comedy in his childhood in North Carolina. The same can be said of these two of his essays: Six to Eight Black Men and Now We are Five. This paper compares and contrasts these two essays, covering a number of elements including whether they meet abide by the ‘humorist’ tag given him, and to what extent they may be autobiographical (that is, whether they are rooted in his childhood in North Carolina), as Continue reading...

GRA #2

Othello
In this paper such important issues as the theme of civil disorder, status of a person as an outsider in adopted culture, issues of race, gender and class are viewed on the example of Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello”, alongside with symbolic meaning of the setting in the tragedy.
Civil disorder is defined as a public disturbance that involves acts of pressure, violence, damages, immediate danger and injuries to people and their property. For example, signs of civil disorder in “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles are revealed in the very beginning and go through the whole tragedy. Thus, committing many Continue reading...

It is clear that a modern and ancient audiences use different concepts and words to express their emotional credentials with tragic characters. According to Aristotle concept of pity and fear in more detail, that indicates why ancient audience may not apply to the modern theater. Aristotle legendarily recognized characteristic emotions produced by tragedy as eleos and phobos which simply means pity and fear. The concept explanation provides a valuable idea as to how ancient audience replied to tragedy. However, to take advantage of his insight, we must clearly understand his concept of pity and fear. Words, after all, change Continue reading...

Sophocles was an ancient Greek writer, who along with Aeschylus and Euripides had a great influence on the development of the dramaturgy in general and became the forefather of the tragedy in particular. Those several dramas that remained till nowadays (“Ajax”, “Antigone”, “Electra”, “Philoctetes”) are the masterpieces of ancient Greek literature, and “Oedipus the King” is recognized as one of the peaks of the world drama and the crown of a tragic theater. On the first stages of Athenian tragedy’s formation and development Aristotle was one of the first philosophers who determined the features of this form of Continue reading...

In simple words, the tragedy of commons could be described as individuals working for self-interest and ignoring the needs of society. For example, there is a meadow that is utilized by the farmers of the countryside. The meadow can serve 20 cows in any season. If a farmer increases his number of cows from 2 to 10, this will put negative effect on other 18 cows as their resources will be over utilized. The farmer being aware of this situation does not think about the well being of all the farmers or cows, but only protects his personal interest. Continue reading...

The black swan is a movie about a girl who discovers her other side through dancing. She is born and raised by an overprotective mother who wants to live her dream through her daughter. Nina, the main character, is a ballerina in a leading company. She is to battle with the new girl from San Francisco, Lily, for the lead role in playing as both the black and the white swan. Nina is originally the collected girl whose mother has protected from all the happenings of the world. However, the tragedy strikes when she turns evil in an effort Continue reading...

Friedrich Nietzsche is one of history’s foremost philosophers and philologists, often called the father of nihilism. This extends to his portrayal of women in his literary works; while he focused primarily on works of dramatic theory rather than writing stories himself, these books are nonetheless the expression of his thoughts on women as a species, particularly as they relate to the overall condition of man of which he was so concerned. Nietzsche’s own personal views on women were hardly positive, as he seems to believe that women were the essence of everything that was unreasonable and distracting Continue reading...

English

The conversations between Lou and Rolph, and Rolph’s interactions with his sister and Mindywere a mix of incidents from the lives of the characters played in the story-A Visit from the Goon Squad: This part of the story gives an idea of the meeting of all the 3 friends and their sharing of experiences from their childhood. With the sharing of the incidents it seems that all the characters Rhea and Jocelyn knew about the incident. It does give a hint of some type of a mishappening however it does not clearly give us an idea about the Continue reading...

The nature of the tragedy in Romeo and Juliet and A Man for All Seasons is based on the struggles and conflicts exciting inside and outside main heroes. A Man for All Seasons struggles with ideas of identity and conscience. The core argument of this play is whether morality, religion and law are absolutely different things. More says to Norfolk, "What matters is not that it's true, but that I believe it; or no, not that I believe it, but that I believe it." More depends upon the idea that any deal with a conscience will course him damnation, Continue reading...

Tragedy of the commons is an economic theory presented by Garret Hardin. It states that exhaustion of shared resources by individuals, acting autonomously and rationally according to each one’s self-interest, act different to the group’s long-term best interest by depletion of the resource. Common pool of resources (CPRs) are the ones always involved in the tragedy.(David, pg. 18) De Young explains that use of public goods by does not in any way affect another as the CPRs do. In this context, therefore, CPRs are said to be subtract-able. Although the tragedy is not inevitable, it is Continue reading...

When people describe an event as “tragic,” the first thing that comes to mind is that something terrible has happened to a person or people. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines tragedy as “a very bad event that causes great sadness and often involves someone's death; a very sad, unfortunate, or upsetting situation , something that causes strong feelings of sadness or regret, [or] a play, movie, etc., that is serious and has a sad ending.” In life, it is not difficult to classify particular situations as tragic, such as the ending of a young life by a drunk driver or the Continue reading...

In the short story (!) The Necklace or The Diamond Necklace, French classic writer Guy De Maupassant tells an ironic story about Mathilde Loisel. She is the main character who was born in a family of laborers. She lives an uptight life with a little clerk who works in the Department of Education. One day, Mathilde’s husband receives an invitation to a palace ball, but she starts worrying she has no appropriate dress or accessories to wear to it. Therefore, her husband has to spend four hundred francs on a new dress. Mathilde also borrows a diamond necklace from Continue reading...

Press release

At around 1:20 p.m. on 23 March 2005 there was a series of explosions at our BP Texas City refinery which has led to injuries on workers, loss of life and destruction of property in the refinery plant. We are saddened to announce that fifteen employees were killed and more than one hundred and eighty were injured during that accident. The disaster has left operations at the refinery on a complete halt as investigations are being conducted by the Chemical safety board in the US. The extent of the damage is still being investigated and we would like to Continue reading...

Sophocles was a fifth century Greek writer whose play Oedipus Rex was exalted by Aristotle in Poetics as the perfect tragedy as it invokes both fear and pity in the audience. Aristotle explains that a tragic hero is one who is befallen by tragedy brought about primarily by factors usually outside the control of the aforementioned hero thus possessing a noble sense and attaining stature in the society. The hero he however argues is not an embodiment of righteousness but rather an ordinary man prone to the common failings of man but who stands up for his values. His Continue reading...

This paper will reflect if the United States Patriot Act adequately balances people rights with national security. It will reflect over cons and pros with this act. It will explain how the safety and security and well-being of America and America citizens are because of the United States Patriot Act. It will explain about sacrifice needed and why this is needed. Last it will explain why this is important.
The US Patriot Act was signed into law after 911 Tragedy. This act entails for law enforcement officials the ability to spy for the purpose of possible terrorist attack. This Continue reading...

Introduction

Arthur Miller believes that a common person is like apt subject for tragedy in its highest sense a king could be. On the face of a modern psychiatry, the tragedies are obvious. The analysis of such tragedies is upon formulations such as Orestes and Oedipus complexes. For instance, the complexes might have been formulated by the royal beings but their effect applies to all people in the same emotional situations. For several reasons humanity is held below tragedies and tragedies above them. Former founder president of independent South Africa lived a tragic life under the colonial rule that brought Continue reading...

The aim of this essay is to present you with a portrait of two dramas. The first one is ‘Antigone’ and it was written in the Ancient Greek Classical period in approximately 442 B.C., by Sophocles, one of the three poets of Ancient Greece, who along with Aeschylus and Euripides are considered to have established the tragedy as a poetic, theatrical kind of writing. The second play is ‘Another Antigone’, a modern theatrical play of nowadays which was written by A.R. Gurney and first produced in 1987. The portrait of both plays will be drawn in this essay so Continue reading...

Biographic Information of the Author

The topic, which has been chosen for this paper is Oedipus the King. The author of this piece of writing is Sophocles. Sophocles was the innovator of drama. He has well known as the master of tragedy. Sophocles was appreciated because of his multiple roles including a political, priest and the leader of the military (Zachrisson pp. 313). There are several writings, which are associated with Sophocles. However, most of these writings are ancient. Therefore, it is not possible to consider them trustworthy. The biographical information of Sophocles, presented in this paper, is related to the general information, which Continue reading...

Michail Bakunin was a great revolutionary and so was his political thought. He lived in Tsarist Russia in 19th century and was fighting against any form of state organization in favor of a common to mankind fraternity. Revolution for Bakunin was a key word of human existence. He is known for the idea of collective anarchism. The Russian revolutionary proclaimed that a will to revolt is the most natural thing in the world by stating that “Even a worm turns against the foot that crushes it”. In this essay I will connect this quote and its meaning to a Continue reading...

Movie Review: Bhopal Express

The film Bhopal Express is an account of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984. The tragedy which led to the death of more than 8,000 people and systemic injuries to more than 500,000 others was caused by leakage of poisonous gas from the Union Carbide Factory in Bhopal, India (Hazarika, 1987). The film Bhopal Express tells of that sad event through the story of a newlywed couple that is threatened with the genetic aftermaths of the gas tragedy (Nayar, 2004). Against this background, corporations have a duty to protect the communities in which they operate and at Continue reading...

Antigone, by Greek author Sophocles, is one of the most famous and important plays of all time. It has gone through numerous reincarnations in many different time periods, and has been studied by such famous philosophers as Hegel and Goethe. This may be because it includes issues that have been problematic throughout Western civilization: the difference between right and wrong, between just and unjust laws, the importance of family, the place of deity, etc. Nevertheless, contrary to what its name suggests, the tragedy is not Antigone’s, but Creon’s, as this is the character whose downfall through a Continue reading...

Macbeth As A Tragedy

One of the most prominent themes in the story of Macbeth is ambition. Once the main character gets a taste of power, he does almost anything in order to keep his seat of the throne. This is representative of human nature, in a way where people are always very paranoid and greedy. Although at first, he wanted to leave things to chance, or fate, he soon convinced himself that this isn’t the best way (Shakespeare, 1.4.4). He grew impatient and also hateful. Instead of allowing things to fall into place, Macbeth wanted to take things into his own Continue reading...

In his popular essay The “Tragedy of Commons” Gareth Hardin presented a model whereby a commons, grazing pasture, would eventually be degraded and depleted. He showed that every herder with the right to grazing pasture would graze as many animals as possible for personal gain which in turn would lead to a depleted grazing pasture, the tragedy (Hardin pg. 10). Self-interest drives the over consumption of this common resource. Over the years this model by Hardin has been important in understanding the degradation of many common-pool resources.
The Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) is a body of water Continue reading...

Philosophy of Art

Through his book The World as Will and Representation, in which the author claimed that the world was driven by an unsatisfied will, Arthur Schopenhauer influenced a philosophy student, Friedrich Nietzsche at the University of Leipzig. Nietzsche found Schopenhauer as the best possible educator and began to convince his friends to join his new faith, where they consulted Schopenhauer’s work in every trouble that they encountered. Friedrich went further dedicate to him one of his essays ‘Schopenhauer als Erzieher’, one among his ultimate meditations, to show his appreciation. The significance of philosopher rests more on the example that Continue reading...