George MacDonalds The Princess and the Goblin :: MacDonald Princess Goblin Essays

George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin In his novel The Princess and the Goblin, George MacDonald has cleverly crafted an underground society populated by a distorted and "ludicrously grotesque" race. Within the body of his tale, he reveals that these people are descended from humans, and did in fact, once upon a time, live upon the surface themselves. Only eons of living separated from fresh air and sunlight have caused them to evolve into the misshapen creatures we meet in this story (MacDonald, 2-4). MacDonald calls the beings goblins, and while they certainly may fit that definition from a 19th century point of view, they are far more akin to the dwarves that we have come to know from classic stories like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and popular games like "Dungeons & Dragons," as well as countless movies, cartoons and video games. Still, it is clear that MacDonald had a considerable knowledge of folklore and mythology and that he drew upon that background to help evoke and manifest a convincing culture of underground dwellers, or little folk. There seems to be little agreement, at least in a modern world of mass communication, of what exactly a goblin is. The origin of the word appears to come from the medieval French town of Evreux, which claims to have been haunted by a demon named Gobelinus (who may or may not have been, at one point, an actual living person). From there the term evolved to refer to any small spirit or creature who (unlike modern interpretations of the word) may be either good or bad, but is almost certainly mischievous (Wiseley). Dwarves, on the other hand, are also small creatures, but the popular connotation is one of a generally amiable and hard-working being who lives underground building mines. MacDonald's creations fall somewhere in between these descriptions, but they probably lay closer to the latter. Scandinavia and Germany are the primary homes to the legends that inspired both MacDonald and many other writers both before and since. The Scandinavians spoke of the land that the dwarves hailed from, calling it Svartalfheim. This land of "dark elves" was described as a dark, cold realm of caverns, sounding convincingly like the twisting, black underground tunnels which Curdie is forced to blindly explore. An alternative to this hidden land was Nifleheim, a land of the dead that could also easily pass for MacDonald's subterranean labyrinth (Mott).

Quantitative Research and Black Males Essay

On the run: Wanted men in a Philadelphia Ghetto. American Sociological Association, 74(3), 339-357. After reading the article, it was clear that it was written to give insight on what really happens in black neighborhoods and how daily lives are affected. Goffman’s (2009) purpose is to show that, â€Å"Although recent increases in imprisonment are concentrated in poor Black communities, we know little about how daily life within these neighborhoods is affected† (p. 39). Additionally, there are no research questions directly stated, but are implied throughout the article as to how exactly prejudice and racism towards the black communities can affect a black person’s life and to those around him. The major independent variable in the analysis is that over the years, young black males with little or no education have been imprisoned at least once in their life. The number of people being incarcerated keeps growing. The dependent variable ,or effect, of this cause is how being incarcerated even just once, can affect their daily lives in getting employment and always being on the run because of fear of being incarcerated again. The article did show theoretical frameworks as part of the literature review which focused on young uneducated black males. This article focused on the failure of young black men’s color, on how they could get arrested just by being seen as a black male. Other research and/or studies would focus on the â€Å"ghetto,† not just as a black male ghetto, but possibly people from other origins who live in ghettos such as Latino gang members. Goffman (2009) focuses only on black male gender theory. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in the article. For quantitative methods, a percentage of black males being imprisoned were shown. As evidence, Pettit and Western (2004) stated, â€Å"30 percent of those with only high school diplomas have been to prison, and 60 percent of those who did not finish high school have prison records by their mid-30s,† (p. 39). Wildeman (2009) also stated, â€Å"One in four Black children born in 1990 had a father imprisoned,† (p. 339). For the qualitative method, Goffman (2009) used descriptive events and places that she was actually involved and observed in. The research design made the article more understanding and interesting by giving us a clear picture of how pe rcent numbers grew for black males being incarcerated and how the outcome of it affected their daily lives. In order to obtain information for the article, Goffman (2009) would actually spend time hanging out with young male men who had a record of being incarcerated and living in a bad neighborhood where cop surveillance had increased. Goffman (2009) would be, â€Å"spending most of my waking hours hanging out on Chuck’s back porch steps, or along the alley way between his block and Mike’s block,† and â€Å"for the next four years I spent two and six days a week on 6th street and roughly one day a week visiting members of the group in jail and prison,† (p. 42). The data collection Goffman (2009) obtained consisted of observations and actually taking field notes with the young men’s consent, although she would not directly ask questions. Goffman (2009) used quotes of what people would say by, â€Å"typing it down directly onto a laptop or by using a cell phone text message,† (p. 342). She also interviewed lawyers, police officers, probation officer s and a judge to get more research information for the article. Goffman (2009) analyzed the data she obtained by observing actual events that went on in Black communities and placing them in the article very descriptively. They were systematically described by the events being in order and giving readers a clear view of imagining what exactly was happening. As a result of all the evidence put together, Goffman (2009) found out that because black males had been incarcerated they were the main target of being incarcerated again because of their color, due to this fact they live in fear of going back to jail and are always on the run. They cannot keep a decent life and those around them such as family, friends, and girlfriends use the fact that they can be incarcerated again to their advantage to get money, keep them â€Å"in check†, and to get payback if they’ve been done wrong by them. Goffman (2009) also stated that, â€Å"Young men also turn their wanted status into a resource by using it to account for shortcomings or failures that may have occurred anyway,† (p. 354). These findings are accurately and adequately described so that readers can evaluate the claims and have a good picture of how their lives are affected. The research findings matter to me in a sense that I now have a much broader understanding on what black males go through in the type of neighborhoods that they live in. I was able to see how prejudice and racism also play a big role in young black male men being the target of being incarcerated. The issue in American society that may have shaped this article and research is racism because due to a male’s color they are automatically suspected of doing something wrong and whether or not they’ve done something wrong at the time they are taken to jail. Very much creditability should be given to the research and findings of this article because it helps us see the side of the story we did not know about. The research is solid and very useful because it helps us understand how and why young male black men live in fear and can’t lead a normal life without actually being caught by authorities. Goffman’s (2009) article helps provide a new outlook on how lives are in fact affected in Black neighborhoods.

Iago, By William Shakespeare - 1563 Words

â€Å"lago is a compelling and sophisticated villain (Bachelorandmaster, n.d., n.p.).† When it comes to the discussion of Shakespeare’s malicious characters, Iago seems to be one of a kind. At the beginning of the play, Iago is described as a character who is a good liar with a silver tongued eloquence. However, he turns out be a more villain in the end, putting other characters in peril without any justifiable reason. In Act 1 Scene 1 (Shakespeare, 1997), Iago shows discontentment toward Othello for placing him as lieutenant instead of promotion. This part clearly shows why Iago is upset and feels hatred. However, as the story goes on, there is a change in Iago’s characterization. According to Hazlitt (1817), the character of Iago is unnatural due to the fact that every word or action he takes is very vicious, but lacks reasonable motives to do so. This indicates that the illustration of Iago in the play changes, as his behaviors seem to become more incomprehens ible in lack of convincing motivation for such cruel and malicious conspiracy. This essay first identifies the overall character development of Iago, discussing how the image of Iago has changed throughout the story. It will then go on to explore two different perspectives regarding the nature of Iago: whether there is compassion to him or he is a pure evil. Among numerous characters in Othello, the role of Iago stands out, as the flow of the play tends to be greatly affected by Iago’s behaviors. In fact, the story getsShow MoreRelatedIago, By William Shakespeare1669 Words   |  7 PagesIn William Shakespeare’s Othello, the antagonist Iago is arguably the most heinous villain in all of literature. His ability to shape shift in and out of character is what makes him unique. His tactics are similar to that of a cold blooded chameleon. Iago’s art of persuasion, his mastery of rhetoric as well as his ability to sense his victims’ insecurities and weaknesses, is what makes him so diabolically ruthless. Throughout the play, one can truly see the power of words and their delivery,Read MoreThe Concept Of Iago By William Shakespeare1163 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"The Concept of Iago† William Shakespeare’s plays all have a common theme: death. There is almost always death, and the play of â€Å"Othello† is no different since it ends in a â€Å"tragedy.† It begins with a man named Iago who speaks to Roderigo of how he should have received the position of lieutenant that was instead given to Cassio, a inexperienced man in his words, by Othello, the General. Iago shows distaste towards Othello, the play then goes through the story of Iago attempting to receive the positionRead MoreThe Character of Iago in William Shakespeare Essay665 Words   |  3 PagesThe Character of Iago in William Shakespeare In the extract Iago truly shows himself to be a man of great impression upon people around him, and mostly of course people of his choice, in this case Roderigo being his victim of persuasion. Most importantly to be regarded is that Iagos methods are structured almost completely behind the way in which he communicates, and put Read MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Othello - The Jealous Iago !1171 Words   |  5 Pages1102 The Jealous Iago! Jealousy is a strong emotion which everyone has experienced in some point or time in their life. Throughout Othello by William Shakespeare, the character Iago is known as â€Å"honest Iago† and deals with the roots of jealously. Iago uses jealousy, lies, and deception to manipulate and hurt other characters for his own personal gain. Iago is consumed with jealousy for Michael Cassio and Othello because he was not chosen as lieutenant, and Cassio was. Because of Iago jealously and hatredRead MoreIago By William Shakespeare s Othello Essay914 Words   |  4 Pageson today. Behind every lie, there is a motive for doing so. In Shakespeare s Othello, Iago is no exception to this rule. He is living a dual life of lies. On one face Iago is a trustworthy friend who is attempting to set up Roderigo with the love of his life. His other face is the one whose main goal is to be the Lieutenant of the Venetian Army. In order to reach that status he must ruin the relationship of Cassio an d Othello. Iago uses each other character against others and against themselvesRead MoreIago By William Shakespeare s Othello946 Words   |  4 Pages Iago’s selfish ways may stem from deep-rooted envy. Cassio, a handsome, well-mannered, likeable strategist was promoted above Iago, despite having no practical experience; unlike Iago who has been Othello’s ensign on the field for many years. Iago’s contempt for Cassio’s â€Å"bookish theoric† as â€Å"mere prattle, without practise† is grounded in jealousy, and his dismissive way of comparing strategy to fighting on the battlefield reveals his dislike of Cassio early in the first scene of the play. In thisRead MoreIago By William Shakespeare s Othello1292 Words   |  6 PagesIago is able to manipulate different characters throughout Othello by appearing to be honest and trustworthy, and using this to make people believe what he is saying is the truth. This means that Iago can tell them what he wants, in order to achieve whatever he desires. Simply, Iago is a two-faced character. A very ironic part of the play is when Iago says, â€Å"By J anus†, as Janus is a two- faced Roman god. The first person/character is Rodrigo. Rodrigo is blinded by his love for Desdemona and is preparedRead MoreIago ´s Facade in William Shakespeare ´s Othello520 Words   |  2 Pagesdescribes the villainous Iago better than this. Iago hides behind the faà §ade of a loyal soldier while secretly manipulating the world around him not only for personal gain but also in order to ruin the lives of those he feels have wronged him. Even those close to Iago, such as his loyal servant Roderigo, who think they know him, are being deceived. Throughout the play Iago shows his ability to manipulate people based on their good traits, one key example being Othello. Iago ruins Othello’s life byRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Othello - A Diagnosis Of Literary Character, Iago1460 Words   |  6 Pages A Diagnosis of literary Character,Iago In a Shakespearean tragedy, no man is left out in the vicious storyline of fate. Meaning in every situation there must be a character that is fraudulent and misleading. To which this character would tell false lies to hopefully make the plot end in disaster. In the dramatic play Othello, Shakespeare unleashes the tale of an interracial marriage between a Moor (Othello) and a Venetian woman. Which continuously builds on internal dialogue, race, genderRead MoreBetraying and Lying in Othello by William Shakespeare1726 Words   |  7 Pagesuntruthfulness are a keen description of Iago. Iago causes pain in a lot of the characters life because he is unhappy about his life; Therefore, Iago is the main problem in everyone’s life. In Othello the main characters are Othello, Desdemona, Iago, and Cassio. Iago causes great conflict between Othello and Desdemona, along with Cassio and Othello. Iago causes all the conflict because he is angry at Othello for making Cassio lieutenant. After Iago put his plan in action he led Othello to a