Critical Analysis of Film free essay sample

This essay will focus on the current representation of women and men in the classical Holly Wood western film High Noon, focusing on the gender roles of each character and the stereotypical roles that are given. High Noon  is a 1952 Western film  directed by  Fred Zinnemann, one which broke genre rules of masculine ideals and popular themes of cowboys and indians (Johans;1994). The male protagonist Marshal  Kane (Gary Cooper  ) starts out as the typical unambiguous, uncomplicated hero of a cowboy. He was represented and given the typical role of the handsome, older man who likes to be in charge however, unlike most cowboy films he turns in his badge to become a shopkeeper and live a nonviolent life with his beloved wife, Amy (Grace Kelly) This suggests that he is given up his authority, his manhood and the job of being the townspeople’s â€Å"hero. † Critic John Mellen described 50’s male heroes like Kane as ones that â€Å"revaluated the male psyche† as â€Å" characters became less action – oriented, more psychologically introspective even sexually ambivalent† (Ben Johans; 1994). We will write a custom essay sample on Critical Analysis of Film or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page As we can see throughout the film this point made by Mellen is relevant however, in some sense we can see the stereotypical views of representation of men in this era when Marshall Kane hears that Frank Miller (the ostensible villain) will be arriving on the noon train with his gang to kill him. This is when he becomes the main man again and stands up for his town, even though the town’s people haven’t his back, like a true cowboy; he will finish what he started. An American cinema objectifies woman of the 1950’s as not having much diversity in their roles, but High Noon takes a different take of the norm for 50’s females. There are two types of women in these films: the civilizing woman who seeks to end violence and endorse the community; and the dark woman who understands the marshal and the need for violence (Matthew Costello; 2003). In High Noon these are Amy (Grace Kelly), Kane’s wife, and the saloon keeper, Helen Ramirez (Katy Jurado). High Noon is known for being momentous as it gives a different standing point of representation towards women. The female’s roles within this movie make it unconventional as women of this era were usually known as the ‘Damsel in Distress’ but not in this case . We are shown an example of this when Helen Ramirez stands up for herself against her lover Harvey Pell, â€Å"Youre a good-looking boy: youve big, broad shoulders. But hes a man. And it takes more than big, broad shoulders to make a man† (1). In her relationship with Pell we realize that she is the stronger of the two and when it comes to the gender role of Harvey he is the weak one and not a real â€Å"man†, again degrading the representation of men once contrasted against Ramirez, which shows how unconventional the movie is to the typical, stereotypes of men of this particular time period. Amy, at the start is shown to be the cliched domesticated housewife as she comes across as the characteristic loving, beautiful young lady getting her hand in marriage. Once we are shown the circumstances that come with Kane staying to kill Frank, we can see the formulaic reactions of the emblematic woman as she turns into a feeble, fragile and frail character in fear of her husband’s life. Once Amy gets talking to Kane about the situation, she swore that she would leave without him if he stayed, â€Å"I mean it! If you wont go with me now, Ill be on that train when it leaves here† (1) showing that she isn’t afraid to threaten her husband and stand up to him. However, the real courageous act and breakthrough that highlights High Noon as being ‘unconventional to the stereotypes of women’, is when Amy gets off the train as she realises she must be there for he husband which finishes up the final scene when she is the one that ends up shooting one of Frank Miller’s gang. She has saved her husband’s life, rather than him saving hers, which is a change in the stereotypical gender roles of a cowboy movie.

The Jesuits Essay Example For Students

The Jesuits Essay Word Count: 1334 missionaries in America faced many problems, one in particular dealt with relations between the missionaries and the Natives. The letter deals with the treatment of prisoners after a brief military engagement and in addition, attempts by the Jesuits to convert the captured Iroquois. The treatment of the prisoners seems benevolent, compared to the past modus operandi used by the Church to hasten conversion. Furthermore, the letter exemplifies the hypocrisy of the missionaries after the prisoners, willingly, convert. This letter is a perfect of the Counter Reformation, and Churchs attempt to expend its areas of influence as well as to save more souls from the Devil. Furthermore, the content of the letter can be easily proven to be bias towards the Iroquois in order to promote Catholicism. This letter, being one of many, is a part of the Counter-Reformation and serves as propaganda for the Catholic Church. We will write a custom essay on The Jesuits specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The author of the Relations letters, Jerome Lalemant, tells of a victory over the Iroquois. The first paragraph describes how the Algonquins, allies of the French, easily defeat the Iroquois without a single loss of their own. Immediately, the letter seems to embellish the victory of the Algonquins. The Iroquois were one of the most powerful tribes in the French America, possessing a large army of veteran, gun armed, warriors. In fact by 1675, the Iroquois had wiped out or absorbed four tribes, and destroyed most of the Huron country (Eccles, 138). Do to the strength of the Iroquois, it seems unlikely that the Algonquins would have been able to defeat the Iroquois, without inquiring a single loss of their own. In the second paragraph, the Jesuit priest describes the treatment of the captured foe. The author acknowledges that the first action that the Algonquins take, however, is to .return thanks to Heaven. The meaning of that can be interpreted in two ways. The first, is that the Algonquins are going to thank their native Gods. However, since this letter is being written to the Vicar General in France and the Papacy in the Vatican, however, it seems unlikely that Jerome would discuss native offerings. The second interpretation can be that the Algonquins have infact converted to Catholicism.Jerome continues with his observation of the treatment of the captives, by noting that they are not tortured. .instead of the shower of blows wherewith prisoners are usually received, instead of the cutting off of fingers, the pulling out of tendons, and other caresses, for so they call the prisoners first torments, which form the prelude to those that he is made to suffer by fire.(Thwaites, 107). Infact, the Iroquois are taken to the local Chapel, were they urge the captives to receive Baptism, and intone Canticles of devotion in their presence. It seems, that Jerome wishes to establish an image of, savages, as the Europeans called them, becoming pious Catholics. It is doubtful, yet not unrealistic, that the natives have become such dedicated Christians. Furthermore, the natives usually did not turn to Christianity due to the teaching, but rather of the advantages, it gave them. For example, .many Huron turned to Christianity as protection against sickness. In their zeal, priests (Jesuits) were not above using their influence to secure special privileges (firearms) for those who accepted baptism (Parkman, 264). The Iroquois finally agree to be Baptized before they are killed. The priest notes this act as; .the most heroic acts possible on the part of Savages. (Thwaites, 107). The Father considers the offering a chance to become Christian before death, a heroic act. This seems a bit hypocritical, due to the teaching of Ben Joseph (a.k.a. Jesus Christ), which stressed none violence. Jerome Lalemant, points out the animosity between the Huron, Algonquin, and Iroquois tribes, that even those Algonquins and Hurons who believed in Christianity, could not accept the believe that all Christian souls go to the same location. What, my brothers, would you have those people go with us to Paradise? How could we live there in peace? Do you imagine you can make the soul of a Huron agree with that of an Iroquois (Thwaites, 108)? However, it also seems that Jerome views the natives as less than human, even though it was natural to view the native with less regard, however, again it seems hypercritic to rega rd them as less human, even after the show of such pious Christianity. .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a , .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a .postImageUrl , .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a , .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a:hover , .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a:visited , .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a:active { border:0!important; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a:active , .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3cb32729c91ac3258047a9f424c9610a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Roosevelts Conservation and Consumer Protection EssayIn the fourth paragraph, the Jesuit priest claims that the Iroquois accept the teachings of Christianity with open hearts and souls.In addition, he adds that they exclaimed, How fortunate for us, that he who made Heaven and Earth, and who has no need of us, saved our lives. (Thwaites, 109). However, in the fifth paragraph, Jerome acknowledges that, these poor prisoners knew not what to think of such marvels; they were bewildered, and their last songs, which they call death-songs, were only upon the life Everlasting (Thwaites, 109). It seems ironic, that the people who only a short time before that accepted Christianity w ith open hearts, were now bewildered and confused. Furthermore, the Iroquois obviously believed that their lives were being spared, however, the Iroquois were tricked. Instead of being burned at the stakes like gentiles, however, the prisoners were dispatched with muskets. It seems obvious that the Iroquois believed that by converting to Christianity, however, their lives would be spared. However, not all the prisoners were executed, one of the Iroquois had Huron lineage, and was spared, this seems due to the fact that the French and Huron had an alliance. The Catholic Encyclopedia states that, force, violence, or fraud may not be employed to bring about the conversion of an unbeliever. Such means would be sinful (Vatican, 479). However, the Counter-Reformation was in full affect, and the use of torture, force, or fraud seemed a perfectly acceptable means of conversion as is exemplified in this letter. In paragraph seven, Jerome Lalemant claims that those take prisoners by the Iroqu ois are not treated this graciously. However, Jerome states that the Christians have the last laugh, since the infidels will spend eternity in either Purgatory or suffering in Hell. Furthermore, Jerome supports his believe by the brave actions of three Hurons who, a short time before the letter was written, were burned by the Agniee. Father Jerome claims that the three Hurons saved their souls, by uttering amid the flames, I am going to Heaven, which he claims they chanted with such ardor as to charm even their executioners. Furthermore, Jerome believes that their martyrdom served as an example to the executioners of how powerful Christianity is. It seems ironic that before the death of these three Hurons, prior to their death, were encouraged by Father Helene to meet their death with firmness in the possession of the Faith. This letter seems to be more of propaganda than a report. Infact, the mission reports, Relations Letters, were sent to the Propaganda, the Roman Congregation overseeing all missionary activity. It seems ironic the name of the Congregation, that received letters from around the world from their missionaries would be called Propaganda. Furthermore, the letter was published, and in the interest of spreading Catholic sentiments during the Counter-Reformation, however, for that reason the letters were reviewed in Paris and were edited. In conclusion, it seems that Father Jerome Lalemant seems to present ironic situations, most likely in order to please the Vicar General as well as the Propaganda Council. Some of the actions and relations seem embellished and exaggerated. Although the letter contains certain uncertainties, however, the letter does provide a case study of the relations between the European and native governments, relations between native tribes, attempt at pro-Catholic prop aganda, and the affects the Counter-Reformation had on religious policies towards the New World.

How to Write a Sample Essay For Students and Parents

How to Write a Sample Essay For Students and ParentsWhen you are writing a sample essay for students and parents, then you should know the importance of a good sample essay. As a matter of fact, your essay can greatly help you or your professor to get a better evaluation of your skills as a writer. You would also be able to write a lot better if you learn the basics of writing an essay sample that helps you in the process of getting a good grading system for you.Writing a sample essay for students and parents is very important because it can give you lots of ideas as to how you should handle your essays in the future. It is not always easy to write essays especially if you are first writing a sample essay for students and parents. If you would really want to create an essay that is good, then you should know the basics of writing an essay.First of all, you should know what things I need to include in my essay. The first thing that you should do is to know the topic that you want to t alk about. What exactly do you want to talk about? This is very important because the topic of your essay is what defines the content of your essay.Speaking of content, your topic will play an important role in determining the overall theme of your essay. You should be very careful when you decide on the topic of your essay because you would want to make sure that the topic is one that is able to add to the interest of your readers. If you just want to just read a certain topic, then you should avoid it because it is hard to read for most people.Another part of writing a sample essay for students and parents is to choose your topic carefully. Of course, the topic is important because it is the starting point of your essay. It should give your readers a lot of information that they can use in their future jobs. Thus, you need to make sure that the topics you choose are at least relevant to the kind of job you have.Next, you should focus on how you want to start the content. In additi on, you should make sure that you do not end the content in any way. Although, this can be a good way to make your readers slow down but in reality, it will just drive them crazy.In the final stage, you should focus on the key parts of your essay. You need to remember that the main point of your essay is to convince the reader to pick you for the position that you want. This is what makes your essay a good essay. Therefore, you should make sure that you include these points properly.These are the basic points that you need to know about in order to write a sample essay. You can also go online and find sample essays for you to look at.

Examples Demonstrate Use of Subjunctive Mood in Spanish

Examples Demonstrate Use of Subjunctive Mood in Spanish The subjunctive mood can be daunting for English speakers learning Spanish - mostly because even though English has a subjunctive mood  we dont use its distinctive forms very often. Therefore, the subjunctive can often be learned best by studying examples of its use. What Is the Subjunctive Mood? Lets start with the basics: First of all, the mood (sometimes called the mode) of the verb expresses either the speakers attitude toward the verb or describes how it is used in a sentence. The most common mood, the indicative mood, is used to refer to what is real, to state facts, to make declarations. For example, the verb in Leo el libro (I am reading the book) is in the indicative mood. In contrast, the subjunctive mood is typically used in such a way that the verbs meaning relates to how the speaker feels about it. In the sentence Espero que està © feliz (I hope that she is happy), the second verb (està © or is) may or may not be reality; what is important here is the speakers attitude toward the second  half of the sentence. Examples of the Subjunctive Mood How the subjunctive is used can best be seen through examples of various uses. In these sample sentences, the Spanish verbs are all in the subjunctive mood, although the English verbs may not be: Quiero que no tengas frà ­o. (I want you to not be cold. Its irrelevant whether the person is cold or not. The sentence expresses a wish, not necessarily reality.)Siento que tengas frà ­o. (Im sorry you are cold. The sentence expresses the speakers emotions about a perceived reality. What is important in this sentence is the speakers feelings, not whether the other person is cold.)Te doy mi chaqueta para que no tengas frà ­o. (Im giving you my coat so you wont be cold. The sentence expresses the speakers intent, not necessarily reality.)Se permite que lleven chaquetas allà ­. (People are allowed to wear jackets there. The phrase expresses permission for an action to take place.)Di a ella que lleve una chaqueta. (Tell her to wear her jacket. This expresses a command or wish of the speaker.)Es preferible que ustedes no viajen maà ±ana a Londres. (It is preferable that you dont travel to London tomorrow. This subjunctive is often used in giving advice.)No hay nadie que tenga frà ­ o. (Nobody is cold. This is an expression of a negation of the action in a subordinate clause.) Tal vez tenga frà ­o. (Perhaps he is cold.) This is an expression of doubt.Si yo fuera un rico, tocarà ­a el violà ­n. (If I were a rich man, I would play the fiddle. This is an expression of a statement contrary to fact. Note that in this English translation, were is also in the subjunctive mood.) Example Sentences Contrasting Subjunctive and Indicative Moods These sentence pairs show show differences between the indicative and subjunctive. Note how in most of the examples the English verb form is the same in translating the two Spanish moods. Indicative: Es cierto que sale tarde. (It is definite that she is leaving late.)Subjunctive: Es imposible que salga tarde. Es probable que salga tarde. (It is impossible that she is leaving late. It is likely that she will leave late.)Explanation: In the indicative sentence, the early departure is presented as fact. In the others, it is not.) Indicative: Busco el carro barato que funciona. (Im looking for the cheap car that works.)Subjunctive: Busco un carro barato que funcione. (Im looking for a cheap car that works.)Explanation: In the first example, the speaker knows that there is a car that matches the description, so the indicative is used as an expression of reality. In the second example, there is doubt that such a car exists, so the subjunctive is used. Indicative: Creo que la visitante es Ana. (I believe the visitor is Ana.)Subjunctive: No creo que la visitante sea Ana. (I dont believe the visitor is Ana.)Explanation: The subjunctive is used in the second example because the subordinate clause is negated by the main clause. Generally, the indicative is used with creer que or pensar que, while the subjunctive is used with no creer que or no pensar que. Indicative: Es obvio que tienes dinero. (It is obvious you have money.)Subjunctive: Es bueno que tengas dinero. (It is good you have money.)Explanation: The indicative is used in the first example because it expresses reality or apparent reality. The subjunctive is used in the other example because the sentence is a reaction to the statement in the subordinate clause. Indicative: Habla bien porque es experto. (He speaks well because hes an expert.)Subjunctive: Habla bien como si fuera experto. (He speaks well as if he were expert.)Explanation: The subjunctive is used in the second example because its irrelevant to the sentence whether hes an expert, although the sentence suggests that he isnt. Indicative: Quizs lo pueden hacer. (Perhaps they can do it (and Im sure of it.))Subjunctive: Quizs lo puedan hacer. (Perhaps they can do it (but I doubt it.))Explanation: In a sentence such as this, the subjunctive is used to emphasize uncertainty or doubt, the indicative to emphasize certainty. Note how the Spanish verb form is used to indicate an attitude that might need further explanation in English. Indicative: Hay polà ­ticos que tienen coraje. (There are politicians who have courage.)Subjunctive:  ¿Hay polà ­ticos que tengan coraje? (Are there politicians with courage?)Explanation: The subjunctive is used in the second example to express doubt, and it is not clear that the subject of the sentence  exists in reality. Indicative: Llegarà © aunque mi carro no funciona. (I will arrive even though my car isnt running.)Subjunctive: Llegarà © aunque mi carro no funcione. (I will arrive even if my car isnt running.)Explanation: The indicative is used in the first sentence because the speaker knows his car isnt working. In the second sentence, the speaker doesnt know whether it is running, so the subjunctive is used. Indicative: La pirmide se ha reconstruido por el gobierno provincial.. (The pyramid has been restored by the provincial government.)Subjunctive: Estoy feliz que la pirmide se haya reconstruido. (I am happy that the pyramid has been restored.)Explanation: The indicative is used in the first sentence because it is a direct statement of fact. The main point of the second example is the speakers reaction to the event, so the subjunctive is used.) Indicative: Cuando ests conmigo se llena mi corazà ³n.  (When you are with me my heart is full.)Subjunctive: Cuando està ©s conmigo iremos por un helado. (When you are with me we will go for an ice cream.)Explanation: When the indicative is used with cuando in a sentence of the type in the first example, it refers to a recurring action. The use of the subjunctive in the second example indicates that the event has yet to take place. A note about English use of the subjunctive The subjunctive was once used in English more than it is today, and today it is used more frequently in formal speech than in everyday use. Cases where it is still used in English might help you remember some of the instances where it is used in Spanish. Contrary-to-fact condition: If I were the president, Id keep us out of war.Expression of a desire: I would like it if he were my father.Expressions of request or advice: I insist that he go. We recommended that he fill out the form. In all the above cases, a straightforward translation to Spanish would likely use the subjunctive mood. But remember that there are numerous instances where the subjunctive is used in Spanish where we make no distinction in English.

Eric Schmidt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Eric Schmidt - Essay Example For those who hope to be leadership material, Eric Schmidt's rise to the top of the leadership ladder is worth studying. Who is this man and how has he managed to become such a successful business leader He didn't do this overnight. Schmidt has been involved in electronics since his graduation from Princeton in 1976, and he presently has a doctorate in computer science. He began in research labs, moved into executive positions with Sun and Novell, and presently is CEO of Google ("Dr. Eric Schmidt"). Schmidt has the credentials to be at the top of his field, but in the business world of the 21st century, more than experience is necessary to meet market expectations. According to Dean of Dartmouth Business School, good leaders need a giving spirit, a balanced perspective, self-awareness, and a moral compass (Damos). Most people see the business world, especially in the United States, as reflecting corporate greed, the bottom line, and fierce competition. By looking at current corporate success in a global community, it quickly becomes evident that drastic change has taken place. No one is in a better position to understand this than Eric Schmidt. With the Internet the major source of information, he has to be the information guru, the leader who finds ways to educate other leaders and show by the growth in his company how to establish a strong customer base. In a recent interview for the Financial Times Limited in London, Schmidt said that gathering more personal data was a key way for Google to expand and felt that the company was very early in the total information already available within Google (Daniel & Palmer). The race to accumulate the most comprehensive database of individual information worldwide, has, according to Daniel and Palmer, become the new battleground for search engines. Even as Schmidt looks to the future, he is faced with issues about privacy brought into play by his recent acquisition of DoubleClick, which could build up a detailed picture of someone's behavior by combining its records of web searches with information from DoubleClick's "cookies." Schmidt acknowledges these concerns and has promised to work on technology to reduce them. It is obvious that Schmidt has followed the tenets that create a good leader by his recent election to Apple's board of directors (Apple). Besides the fact that this will benefit both Google and Apple, Apple's brand recognition is connected to innovation and new product development, which will extend to Google. Already, the company has created iGoogle, a personal page for Google users that will bring recognition because of Apple's iPods, iLife, and iTunes. As of April 2007, Google said its profit soared almost 70 per cent in the first quarter. The company met Yahoo's challenge when it introduced its new search platform called Project Panama, which has not had a short-term impact. However, Google keeps moving ahead. Schmidt said in a statement to CNN: "The global growth of our core

To be effective, leadership and management development must be aligned Essay - 1

To be effective, leadership and management development must be aligned to organisational strategy - Essay Example Those that fail to adapt to the rapidly changing external environment must risk becoming obsolete and losing crucial market share. Learning and management development assures successful accomplishment of organizational goals. This essay aims at discussing the key definitions, objectives and purpose, the effectiveness of LMD, the relationship between talent management and management development cycle and the impact of training and development to improve LMD among others. The key aim of this report is to critically evaluate the concept of leadership and management development (LMD) and the relevance and impact of aligning LMD with organizational strategy to improve its effectiveness. It also seeks to answer the quote through an in-depth discussion on the topic. The concept of LMD entails various programs that help the managers to attain the type of leadership as well as managerial qualities required to achieve organizational goals. LMD is an inevitable and crucial aspect of talent management along with career planning and career management activities since it combines a range of learning activities including "planned experience, self-directed learning, coaching, mentoring, action-learning, outdoor learning, and formal education and training programs based on an analysis of learning needs" (Armstrong & Taylor, 2014: p. 322). Burgoyne (2010) defines leadership development as "the acquisition, development and utilization of leadership capability or the potential for it" (p.43). Leadership development includes planned or emergent learning. Planned development refers to an "intervention with the specific aim of enhancing learning by participants" while emergent learning on the other hand entails learning that "occurs through activities that not been undertaken with leadership development in mind" but instead are created through experiences that enable and enhances learning development in the managers. This includes on-the-job learning where the managers /employees

Sherlock Holmes Essay Example for Free

Sherlock Holmes Essay His appearance also, with his pipe and deerstalker, has become a widely accepted depiction of a detective. Many detectives since Sherlock Holmes have copied his basic appearance, also being depicted as wearing a cloak and deerstalker, and smoking a pipe. Conan Doyle uses the aspect of Holmes appearance to reflect his character; Watson describes him as having a hawklike nose. This comparison to a hawk suggests that Holmes is powerful, strong, and inescapable; Holmes is predatory, and he is hunting his prey. Further symbolism as to the depiction of a hawk is that large birds of prey are revered for their immense skill at catching prey, in a similar way to Holmes. Their speed and power, is that of Holmes. The United States of America use a bald eagle as their national bird and as part of the great seal of national congress; the eagle, as a bird of prey, symbolizes power. Throughout the Holmes stories, he exhibits an intelligence that goes beyond the traits of a common investigator. His powers of observation and deduction are most apparent when he meets his client Helen Stoner; There is no mystery, my dear madam, said he, smiling. The left arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you sit on the left-hand side of the driver. This shows how superior Holmes ability to observe and deduct information really is. This superiority is emphasised by Watson; serving as a filter between Holmes himself and the reader, Watson is able to emphasise Holmes abilities and to make him appear even more admirable. Conan Doyle creates the character of Dr Watson, whom we learn about as we read through the stories, as Holmess companion. He is always there with Holmes and assists him when he is in trouble. He occasionally helps Holmes solve elements of different cases and is reasonably good at working things out, however his powers of deduction are not nearly as powerful as Holmes; You reasoned it out beautifully, I exclaimed, in unfeigned admiration. It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings true. Doyle uses this sense of inferiority to subtly elevate Holmes ability. Watson is always there for Holmes and he makes the stories more interesting by serving as a comparison to Holmes; Watson is a person who has a romantic, less practical imagination than Holmes. This contradictory attitude serves to exalt Holmes and the abilities of his concentrated mind. Watson is also used as a filter; Because I made a blunder, my dear Watson which is, I am afraid, a more common occurrence than anyone would think who only knew me through your memoirs. Through Watson we see only what Conan Doyle wishes us to see, this then means that when the mystery is revealed, it is even more awe-inspiring, since the reader, along with Watson, were oblivious to what was such an elementary conclusion. Holmes has a very prominent duality that is obvious to us as a reader; It saved me from ennui, he answered, yawning. Alas! I already feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little problems help me to do so. Holmes took drugs on a regular basis while he was not working; he used them to help him relax. Holmes detests being unable to occupy his ceaseless mind and reverts to drugs to give himself a distraction from his boredom. Since first appearing in the Strand magazine, the Holmes stories have been enjoyed by many readers. These stories appealed to the Victorians because they offered an escape from the crime ridden society they lived in. Holmes never failed to solve a crime and offered them moral certainty. Although in current society we are more competent at solving crimes, Conan Doyles stories are still enjoyed as they are an entertaining, easy read for many modern day readers. I, for one, enjoy the old-fashioned, formal language used.   Matthew Gatehouse 10i 2 Friday 1st May 2008 1 | Page Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Arthur Conan Doyle section.