Saturday, December 7, 2019
hydrated salt Essay Example For Students
hydrated salt Essay Chemistry report : experiment 2 Analytical methods in determining the water content of a given hydrated salt. Objective : to determine the weight of water,h20 in a given hydrated salt using of analytical balance. Problem statement : 1. What it the weight of water in hydrated salt? 3. 2. do really water exist in a hydrated salt? Introduction : A hydrate salt is build of anions which is a known as negative ions(-), and cations which is known as positive ions (+), where it is surrounded by and also eakly bonded with water molecules. A fixed number of water molecules associated with each hydrate salt. It is known as waters of hydration or water of crystallization. If a salt bonded with water of hydration, we assume it as a hydrated salt or a hydrate. Apparatus : Bunsen burner, porcelain crucible and lid, crucible tongs, lighter, gloves, weighing machine, clay triangle, stop watch, desiccator, goggles, spatula. Chemicals : copper(ll) sulphate, water Procedure and diagram : 1. Get a porcelain crucible from the stockroom. Wash it with water thoroughly and heat it on a clay triangle for five minute to remove any surface moisture on the crucible. The heating process should be on a direct flame. use crucible tongs when handling hot crucibles. 2. Let it to get cool and dry. Weight the crucible with lid. Record the observation on a data sheet. Reweight it to get an average reading and record the weight. 3. Place 1. 5g of cus04. xh20 in the crucible and reweight the crucible with lid. Repeat the process for average reading. Record the observation on he data sheet. 4. Calculate the weight of the hydrate by subtracting (2) (3). Record the mass of the hydrate on the data sheet. 5. Result : Triall Trial 2 Average Mass of crucible (g) Mass of crucible + CuS04. xH20 (g) Mass of CUS04. XH20 (g) Mass of crucible+ CuS04. xH20 (after heating) (g) Mass of water (g) Discussion : Hydrated salt have water molecules. handling. html Think tank: IQ The weight of water in the salt is 0. 535g. CuS04. xh20 Procedure!!!! Discussion!!!! Think tank!!!! = 159. 5+18X 1. mass of hydrated salt was heated to evaporate the water. Given that the mass of the hydrated salt is known. From our observation, findings showed the experimental percentage of water within the hydrated salt is 36. 95%. The experimental stoichiometric ratio between copper sulfate and water was found to be: 1 The formula for hydrated copper sulfate is: CuS04. 5H20 It can be conclude that water do really exist in the hydrated salt. Hydrated salt is bonded with wa ter molecules. In 1 mole of CuS04 , 5 mole of water H20, is bonded.
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Statistics in Business
Importance of statistics in business Statistics is applied in a number of ways in the business sector, thus playing a significant role in business. The fact that statistics majorly entails making crucial decisions makes it quite handy in the planning function of any business (Evans, 2013). For example, when deciding on the marketing strategy of the business, statistics helps in getting the actual data that can be used to advertise the products of a business.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Statistics in Business specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is seen in most marketing phrases that will give actual figures on product efficiency or usage. For instance, a phrase that a specific brand of detergent removes 99% stains will definitely make the product sell. This information on efficiency is obtained through statistical analysis. In addition to this, various types of data obtained from a business can be analysed a nd interpreted to give a performance review of the business hence being able to plan and predict the future of the business. It can therefore be concluded that statistics is key in the survival and existence of a business. Difference between a population and sample The primary exercise in statistics involves data identification and collection. In data collection two types of data sets are involved, which include population and samples. A population entails all the elements of the data on study while a sample will entail a proportion of the items on study picked from the total population. This is the case because population involves a big number of elements making the study difficult hence the decision to have representatives of the population, which is the sample. A sample is easier to study and analyse thus giving results that will depict the whole population. It therefore is understood that the samples will have characteristics similar to those of the population since they have be en selected from the population. Most often than not, samples will contain fewer elements than the population. However, this depends on various factors among them the sampling method. Samples play an important role in statistics of minimizing chances of biasness since the number of elements involved in a sample is manageable. Types of charts available in excel and their characteristic data sets Microsoft Excel comprises of a variety of charts that help in data analysis as well as display. Some of the commonly used chart types include pie charts, line charts, column charts, area charts, surface charts, bar charts, stock charts and area charts just to mention a few. All the aforementioned chart types will be used in accordance to the type of data sets available.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Column charts These charts entail columns that are vertically oriented whereby the v alues are in the vertical axis while the horizontal axis contains the categories (Evans, 2013). They are applicable in data that is periodic and will change over a given time such as the sales of a product by a company or within a given region. Column charts can also be used when comparing two different types of data sets such as sales of different brand types. Bar charts The only characteristic difference that bar charts have from column charts is their horizontal orientation. In that case, the horizontal axis contains values while categories are plotted on the vertical axis. They are used when comparing characteristics between different data sets. Pie charts These will entail graphical representation in a circle/ pie of data sets out of the total sum of items involved. This is computed by getting the percentage representation of each item. These proportions when slotted in the circle, they form pie-like shapes hence the name pie charts. Line charts These show trends of particular items that have a continuous type of motion. As such, the horizontal axis will contain periods while the vertical axis contains the values. Statistical measures used for describing data dispersion To describe data sufficiently the extent of variation is required, which is given by dispersion measures. Common measures of dispersion include standard deviation, variance, and range. ââ¬Å"The range is normally the difference in value between the largest and smallest observation of the data setâ⬠(Gravetter and Wallnau, 2000, p. 163). The standard deviation measures how far an item deviates from the mean value. ââ¬Å"It is computed by taking the square root of sum of squared deviation from the mean divided by the number of observationsâ⬠(Gravetter and Wallnau, 2000, p. 164). When the standard deviation of a data set is squared, variance is obtained which is yet another measure of dispersion. The concept of correlation and correlation coefficient In statistics, correlation de scribes the relationship between variables whereby some will show positive relation while others will not have any degree of relationship. Correlation coefficient on the other hand gives the strength of the relationship between the variables involved (Evans, 2013). It also indicates the direction of the relationship, which could be towards the positive, or negative depending on the computed values.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Statistics in Business specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Interpretation a. +0.3= this is can be interpreted as a positive correlation coefficient of thirty percent. Therefore, a thirty percent increase in one variable leads to a thirty percent increase in the other variable and vice versa. b. 0.0= In this case, the two variables have zero relationship, that is there is no correlation between the two variables. As such, a change in value of one variable does not affect the other variable. c. -0.95= this can be interpreted as a ninety-five percent negative correlation coefficient. This therefore means that a ninety-five percent increase in one variable will result to a similar percentage decrease of the other variable and vice versa. Reference List Evans, J. (2013). Statistics, Data Analysis, and Decision Modelling. New York: Prentice Hall. Gravetter ,F., , Wallnau, L. (2000). Statistics for the behavioural sciences. Belmont: Wadsworth ââ¬â Thomson Learning. This essay on Statistics in Business was written and submitted by user Jagger Walter to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Free Essays on Ivy League Education
Is there any cost too high for success? According to David Brooks, the author of ââ¬Å"The Organization Kidâ⬠, Americaââ¬â¢s youth are hard at work striving to achieve. These leaders of tomorrow progess step-by-step towards their ambitious goals; but they do so in a society that has molded achievers, with the cost of character. In his article, Brooks brings to light the question of whether morals are sacrificed as a result of increased emphasis on achievement and success. Growing up during a period of relative political, economical, and cultural stability in America, Brooks maintains that the elite have acquired a changed values system. Rather than being taught to be individuals, they have learned to be conformists. Rather than challenging authority, they accept it without question. This generation of achievers has been programmed to please since early childhood when activities were planned specifically for enrichment and development. Brooks sheds some light on the direction in which the country is going: ââ¬Å"The Romantics- and the neo-Romantics of the 1960s and 1970s- thought that children wereâ⬠¦natural beings, as yet uncontaminated by the soul-crushing conventions of adult society. Hence they should be left free to explore, to develop their own creative tendencies, to learn at their own pace. Now, in contrast, children are to be stimulated and honed.â⬠(Brooks). Brooks implies that the country is moving in a direction which sacrif ices moral character for accomplishment. This viewis supported when he states, ââ¬Å"The most striking difference between and this one is that its members were relatively unconcerned with academic achievement, but went to enormous lengths to achieve character. We, on the other hand, place enormous emphasis on achievement, but are tongue-tied and hesitant when it comes to what makes for a virtuous life.â⬠(Brooks). The American youth work from point ââ¬Å"aâ⬠to point ââ¬Å"bâ⬠for the sake of reaching ... Free Essays on Ivy League Education Free Essays on Ivy League Education Is there any cost too high for success? According to David Brooks, the author of ââ¬Å"The Organization Kidâ⬠, Americaââ¬â¢s youth are hard at work striving to achieve. These leaders of tomorrow progess step-by-step towards their ambitious goals; but they do so in a society that has molded achievers, with the cost of character. In his article, Brooks brings to light the question of whether morals are sacrificed as a result of increased emphasis on achievement and success. Growing up during a period of relative political, economical, and cultural stability in America, Brooks maintains that the elite have acquired a changed values system. Rather than being taught to be individuals, they have learned to be conformists. Rather than challenging authority, they accept it without question. This generation of achievers has been programmed to please since early childhood when activities were planned specifically for enrichment and development. Brooks sheds some light on the direction in which the country is going: ââ¬Å"The Romantics- and the neo-Romantics of the 1960s and 1970s- thought that children wereâ⬠¦natural beings, as yet uncontaminated by the soul-crushing conventions of adult society. Hence they should be left free to explore, to develop their own creative tendencies, to learn at their own pace. Now, in contrast, children are to be stimulated and honed.â⬠(Brooks). Brooks implies that the country is moving in a direction which sacrif ices moral character for accomplishment. This viewis supported when he states, ââ¬Å"The most striking difference between and this one is that its members were relatively unconcerned with academic achievement, but went to enormous lengths to achieve character. We, on the other hand, place enormous emphasis on achievement, but are tongue-tied and hesitant when it comes to what makes for a virtuous life.â⬠(Brooks). The American youth work from point ââ¬Å"aâ⬠to point ââ¬Å"bâ⬠for the sake of reaching ...
Friday, November 22, 2019
Beowulf and Norton Essay Sample
Beowulf is one of the greatest lasting heroic poem verse forms. It was composed by Germanic people more than twelve hundred old ages ago. Although it is written in Old English. it deals with the Norse forbears of the Anglo-Saxons. the Danes and the Geats. This heroic verse form concerns itself with Christianity. internal and external immoralities. and the warriors get the better ofing monsters. The first transition of this narrative fundamentally describes the edifice of Heorot. Hrothgar. decides to construct a Valhalla-type of sanctuary for his warriors that he names ââ¬Å"Heorotâ⬠. or the Hall of the Hart ( deer hall ) . This is in the first chief transition of the narrative of Beowulf and this is the first topographic point we find the subject of internal versus external immorality. The transition implies that internal immorality will finally destruct the hall. instead than being attacked by monsters: ââ¬Å"The hall stood tall. high and wide-gabled: it would wait ferocious fires of vindictive fire: the clip was non yet at manus for sword-hate between son-in-law and father-in-law to rouse after homicidal fury. ââ¬Å" ( Norton 28 ) This foreshadows the internal immorality that will destruct the Danes. Another subject in this narrative is the subject of work forces versus monsters. This subject comes to light when Grendel is described: ââ¬Å"The animal of immorality. inexorable and ferocious. was rapidly ready. barbarian and cruel. and seized from their remainder 30 thanesâ⬠. ( Norton 28 ) Heorot is a imbibing hall. where warriors gather for parties and to acquire rummy. Heorot is a creative activity of civilisation made by Hrothgar. for work forces to garner as a meeting topographic point and a topographic point to kip. Hrothgar builds the biggest hall of all time made. Grendel so attacks the hall for 12 winters straight. destructing more and more work forces every dark with no compunction. and the work forces are afraid to kip in the hall. believing that possibly Grendel will eat them. Grendel is a pitiless caniball: ââ¬Å"I think that if he may carry through it. unafraid he will feed on the common people of the Geats in the war-hall as he has frequently done on the flower of work forces. â⬠( Norton 32-33 ) Grendel is a barbarian. and he ruthlessly eats his victims. The Hall Heorot is a imbibing hall. and most of the warriors stand no opportunity against Grendel. They are intoxicated and are non able to assail Grendel. That is portion of the ground Hrothgar wa nts Beowulf to contend Grendel. because the Danish warriors who are excessively intoxicated. The hall was built for the warriors to bask themselves: ââ¬Å"Thus these warriors lived in joy. blessed. until one began to make evil workss. a beastly enemy. â⬠( Norton 28 ) Here a analogue is made between Grendel and the warriors. The warriors enjoy themselves. and Grendel is the 1 on the exterior: ââ¬Å"The Grim Spirit was called Grendel. known as a wanderer of the boundary lines. one who held the Moors. fen and fastnessâ⬠( Norton 28 ) . This is the first history of who Grendel is. Grendel is non allowed in the imbibing hall and is non portion of the community of work forces. Grendel does non play by the regulations of work forces. but he ââ¬Å"did greater slaughter-and had no compunction for it-vengeful Acts of the Apostless and wickedâ⬠. ( Norton 29 ) In futher description of Grendel. the reader learns: ââ¬Å"He wanted no peace with any of the work forces of the Danish host. would non retreat his deathly resentment. or pay compensation: no counsellor at that place had any ground to anticipate glorious refund at the custodies of the killer. For the monster was relentless. the dark death-shadow. against warriors old and immature. ballad in delay and ambushed them. â⬠( Norton 29 ) Grendel operates outside of the normal regulations. He is a monster who kills people. There are mentions to many elements of pagan religion. The undermentioned quotation mark reverts to pagan ways and how they pray to the Satan. ââ¬Å"Soul-slayerâ⬠describes the Satan and it was believed that heathen divinities were really Satans. ââ¬Å"At times they vowed sacrafices at pagan temples. with their words prayed that the soul-slayer would give aid for the hurt of the peopleâ⬠. ( Norton 29 ) Harmonizing to the heroic poem verse form. Beowulf is bigger and larger than anyone else physically. During that clip a popular manner of Tell a narrative was by word of oral cavity are really common during that clip. An eye-witness history is given when the seashore gaurd describes the hero: ââ¬Å"Lo. for a long clip I have been guard of the seashore. held ticker by the sea so that no enemy with a force of ships might work injury on the Danes land: neer have shieldbearers more openly undertaken to come ashore here ; nor did you know for certain of a word of leave from our warriors. consent from my kinsmen. I have neer seen a mightier warrior on Earth than is one of you. a adult male in conflict frock. â⬠( Norton 30 ) We learn Beowulfââ¬â¢s individuality when he proclaims that ââ¬Å"Beowulf is my nameâ⬠. ( Norton 31 ) That is when he is presented for the first clip. Mentions were made to Beowulf before this point. He was built up to being a super hero and here is whe re he makes his first visual aspect. Abrams. M. H. et Al. . The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Volume 1. 6th Edition. New York: W. W Norton A ; Company. 1993.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Research Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1
Research Assignment - Essay Example This paper will look at the two pieces of art, the two murals, found in a knight library of the University of Oregon in the United States of America and their significance in the art industry. The two murals found in the knight library of the University of Oregon bear a lot of significance to the university as well as to the people who sees the murals. A lot can be learnt from the murals concerning the historical development of the human society as thinking and creative and expressive organisms. As is argued by Teague the murals are drawn in an ascending manner depending on their levels of complication and sophistic look that can be interpreted at two distinct but related levels in human development and advancement in capability, that is, the two murals can be viewed as the developmental advancement at the university of Oregon since its inception as well as the entire human race as a creative and communicative of being (Teague, 2006). As has been mentioned earlier in this paper, art works are sources of information that portray the message they bear in a very secretive and hidden manner that only those who makes them understand better. One cannot be able to understand wha t information art works always communicate to the other people unless a second thought is given to these with regard to the interpretation capability of the persons involved. The interpretations of the kind of information passed around by these two murals can be differently interpreted in different ways other than the two levels mentioned above depending the persons doing the interpretation as well as the perspectives taken by the interpreter (RiverFront Research Park, 2006). Apart from the two murals being designs that meant for increasing the aesthetic values of the university library, they also communicate with various people who visit the university library at different levels. The murals fitted in the knight library have been very instrumental in
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
High Rise at Malaya. Courtyard and Daylighting Thesis
High Rise at Malaya. Courtyard and Daylighting - Thesis Example The by-product effects of courtyard designs produce the feeling of serenity, calmness and composure upon the surrounding structural forms. Also, significant day lighting is one of the advantages of having courtyard designs in particular structures. The dispersion of natural light from a specific angle from the sun creates the naturalistic feel that is expected from courtyard designs. However in the era of the Modernism Movement in architecture, a new kind of design is inevitably incorporated amongst recent structures. As what the precepts of the movement dictates, modern architects push their designs to the limits while going back to the appearance of the basics ââ¬â simple but elegant. Courtyard designs are incorporated in such structures as well. In this context, the effectiveness of the courtyard may vary from low rise to high rise structures. The amount of natural light and the feel of serenity can vary in the mentioned cases. Yet, modern architects had already answered this problem through the composition of materials that they had used in their modern structural designs. Hence, the issue of ecological living is a primary concern in modern courtyard designs. As compared to traditional courtyards, surrounding low rise structures provide the aura of naturalism which greatly contributes to the ecological aspect of the entire architectural design. In addition, the idea of replicated ecological feel is an issue attached to modern courtyard designs. The essence of naturalism is reproduced through the advancements of modern architecture. 1.2 Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to show that modern courtyard designs and the surrounding structures accompanying the open space do not fully incorporate the concept of ecological living within the whole structural design. This study aims to present a comparative approach between the modern and traditional courtyards. The advantages and the reliability of traditional courtyards will also be explained in this study. 1.3 Expected Outcomes of the Study A significant outcome that this study wishes to arrive at is the comparative conclusion between the advantages of traditional and modern courtyard designs in terms of ecological living. It is expected that a thorough explanation of terms be achieved. Historicizing the important concepts of traditional and modern courtyards is expected from the review of related literature. Architectural theories which accompany the traditional and modern courtyard designs are expected to be well explained. Through the comparison of designs and the effects of such in the naturalistic feel of respective courtyards, it must be clear that at the end of this study, traditional courtyard design best upholds the notion of ecological living. CHAPTER II: RELATED LITERATURE 2.1 Traditional Chinese Courtyard Spatial Value: the Siheyuan One of the most harmonious examples of courtyard structures and design can be seen in the traditional Chinese courtyards or the Si heyuan. The concept of comfort and leisure are fused into the simple and Oriental layout of these courtyards evidenced through the architectural design of the mentioned. The Siheyuan are usually enclosed within four walls. The sizes vary from the minute to the largest layout in any given space. These structures are usually encircled by north and south main rooms and the accompanying wing rooms on respective sides which contain function areas such as the kitchen, the servantsââ¬â¢ quarters, personal libraries and others.1 Even up to the present era, the Siheyuan still retain its traditional look in architectural design. This serves both the purposes of cultural and ecological aspects. In terms of culture, the traditional C
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Explore the presentation of revenge in Hamlet Essay Example for Free
Explore the presentation of revenge in Hamlet Essay Revenge is a key theme in Hamlet. It is not only essential to understanding Hamlets character, it forms the structure for the whole play, supporting and overlapping other important themes that arise. Though it is Hamlets revenge that forms the basis for the story, tied into this is the vengeance of Laertes and Fortinbras, whose situations in many ways mirror Hamlets own. By juxtaposing these avengers, Shakespeare draws attention to their different approaches to the problem of revenge and how they resolve these. see more:theme of revenge in hamlet The idea of revenge is first introduced by the appearance of the ghost in act 1 Scene 5, and linked to this is the theme of hell and the afterlife. At the end of this scene, Hamlet is irreversibly bound to revenge for the duration of the play, speak, I am bound to hear So art thou to revenge. The ghost appears with the sole aim of using his son to obtain revenge on his brother, and so every word he speaks is designed to enrage Hamlet and stir in him a desire for vengeance. He uses very emotive language to exaggerate the enormity of the crime, and he concentrates Hamlets attention on the treachery of Claudius. His description of the murder itself demonises Claudius and contains many references to original sin, the serpent that did sting thy fathers life now wears his crown. Hamlet, who has been brought up with absolute notions of good and evil, is susceptible to these religious references, o all you host of heaven! O earth! And shall I couple hell? It is ironic that the ghost refers to his own torment, trapped in purgatory, in order to demonstrate to Hamlet the injustice of the situation, yet this serves only to warn Hamlet of the possible consequences of revenge. Instead of enraging him, Hamlet is now wary of acting rashly or without proof as it could place him in a similar situation to his father. The other revengers in the play do not have this wariness, they act immediately without considering the spiritual consequences and it is unclear whether Hamlet would have had a similar attitude had he not been inadvertently alerted to this danger by old Hamlets ghost. Though Hamlets immediate reaction to news of his fathers murder is one of anger and a desire for action, by the end of the scene his desire for revenge is already blunted, for a number of reasons. Unlike Laertes and Fortinbras, Hamlet receives the information of his fathers murder from a secret and unreliable source, which means that not only is he unsure of the truth, he is forced to act out his revenge in secret. Throughout the play, Hamlet frustrates the audience with his lack of action, especially as all around him his contemporaries are visibly taking their own revenge. Fortinbras is in a similar situation to Hamlet, as his father had been murdered by old Hamlet and his land taken. The land itself is worthless and Fortinbras stands to lose more than he can gain; yet like Hamlet it is a matter of honour. Both are exacting revenge for something that nobody else cares for or remembers; a dead king for whom nobody grieves and a patch of worthless land. Part of Hamlets dilemma is the moral question of whether his desire for revenge is worth disrupting and endangering the lives of all those around him, whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them However, unlike Hamlet Fortinbras does not pause to contemplate the idea of revenge; he acts on it, sharked up a list of lawless resolutes and marched on Denmark. The difference in their characters is obvious; Fortinbras character matches his name, strong in arm. He is a man of action, not of words, he has a strong presence and a commanding attitude which demands obedience, Go captain, from me greet the Danish king I will dot my lord. Fortinbras situation is infinitely less complex than Hamlets own; the boundaries between good and evil, personal and public, right and wrong, are for him, clearly defined. He is able to act openly, uninfluenced by friends and family. Hamlet on the other hand is surrounded by people who have obligations to both himself and the king, and is therefore unsure of whom to trust. Hamlets dilemma is founded on this; that any action he takes carries with it risks and possible consequences which could destroy the foundation of his very existence, so he hesitates and does nothing, all the while hating himself for his inaction, makes us rather bear those ills we have than fly to others that we know not of. The problem for Hamlet is that the murder is too close to home, so he is unable to define the boundaries between personal and public. He cannot publicly confront Claudius without proof because he risks losing his claim to the thrown, alienating his friends and family and being exiled from Denmark, as it would be seen as an attempt by the prince to regain the throne, rather than a son avenging his fathers murder. On top of this Hamlet hopes to avoid jeopardising his relationship with his mother, but at the same time he wants revenge on her for her betrayal. In order to fully understand Hamlets psyche and therefore the reasoning behind his actions, it is important to understand how religion affected all aspects of life in Elizabethan times. It was believed that a person who was able to confess his sins before death would be absolved and therefore go to heaven, but if a person were unable to do this their soul would be condemned to purgatory until they were able to confess and repent. Old Hamlets soul is in purgatory and Hamlet wants Claudius to suffer the same fate, a villain kills my father and for that, I his sole son do this same villain send to heaven. Why, this is hire and salary not revenge. For this reason Hamlet has to wait for the opportune moment to kill Claudius, when he is drunk asleep, or in his rage, at game, a-swearing or about some act that has no relish of salvation in it. However, the other problem which religion creates is that of Hamlets own afterlife. If murder for revenge is wrong then by killing Claudius, Hamlet condemns his own soul along with that of Claudius. On the other hand, Hamlet is honour bound to exact revenge for his fathers murder, and the consequences of not doing so could be even more drastic. Even suicide offers no solution, as the dread of something after death, the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns, puzzles the will, and makes us rather bear those ills we have than fly to others we know not of. Hamlets indecisiveness is not just a result of his uncertainty about the consequences his actions will have. He is in emotional turmoil at this point in the play, and is feeling betrayed and rejected by those whom he had relied on so far in his life. His anger and frustration at his mothers behaviour is amplified by her lack of grief, and his desire for revenge at the start of the play is mainly fuelled by his own grief and a sense of injustice. His anger towards Claudius diminishes, as he is distracted form revenge by more immediate concerns, such as his relationships with Ophelia and with his mother. Part of Hamlets feelings of isolation stem from what he sees as betrayal by his friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and his lover Ophelia. Hamlets critical relationship with Claudius forces all three to take sides, and decide to whom they owe the strongest allegiance. Ophelias father Polonious, Claudius right hand man, instructs her to shun Hamlet and, as his dependant she is forced to obey him. Women were viewed as property during Shakespearian times, and without a male protector her future prospects were slim. Also, the emphasis placed on family duty and loyalty was far greater, so to disobey her father would be tantamount to treason. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were given a direct order from their king, so to disobey would actually have been treason. Added to this was their ignorance of Hamlets situation due to both Hamlet and Claudius deceit, which meant that they were unsympathetic with Hamlets mental instability and obsession with old Hamlets death. Hamlet refuses to recognise the impossible situation his friends were placed in, and resents them for abandoning him when he needs them most, even though it is his feud with Claudius that has forced them to into it. Feeling betrayed, he has no compunctions in using them to further his own gains. All three are, ultimately, fatalities of Hamlets vendetta against Claudius, as Hamlet brings about the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and drives Ophelia to madness and suicide. Ophelia especially is very much a victim, as in obeying her father she loses Hamlet, and when Hamlet kills Polonious she loses him as well. With Laertes away, she has no-one left to protect her and is very much alone. In many ways, Hamlet himself is a victim of revenge, as he used as a tool by his father, to instigate revenge against old Hamlets killer. By placing this obligation on Hamlet, on top of all his emotional instability, Old Hamlet effectively pushes his son over the edge and renders him incapable of decisiveness. It is unsurprising that Hamlet is unable to take revenge or in fact make any significant decisions, as he is under considerable emotional and mental strain. Laertes is in a similar situation, as Hamlet his friend has murdered his father and driven his sister to madness. His vulnerable state of mind makes it easy for Claudius to use him as a tool against Hamlet, so the two friends become instruments in the power struggle between the two brothers, a struggle which crosses the divide between life and death. Laertes situation resembles Hamlet in other ways. They are joined by their love for Ophelia, Hamlet as a lover and Laertes as a brother. When Laertes returns to find his father murdered, he faces the same dilemma that Hamlet originally had in that, as far as he knew, the king of Denmark had murdered his father. Unlike Hamlet who promptly chose to employ deceit in order to combat Claudiuss deceit, when Laertes discovers this he immediately confronts Claudius. By doing this he achieves his revenge far sooner than Hamlet, but consequently becomes a tool for Claudius against Hamlet. These two revengers differ in their approach to revenge, but ultimately they come to the same end. They both fall victim to the corruption that surrounds the court of Denmark, with Claudius at the centre. Claudius use of deceit throughout the play hides the truth under a veil of dishonesty. Claudius uses other people as tools to achieve his aims, so if they fail he escapes the brunt. He uses Polonious, he uses the king of Norway against Fortinbras, and finally he uses Laertes against Hamlet himself. His corrupting influence means that nobody in Denmarck knows the truth, and Hamlets only attempt to break this veil of deceit causes the death of Polonious instead of Claudius. In act 3 scene 3, Shakespeare uses the curtain concealing Polonious as a metaphor for the corruption surrounding Denmark, making it impossible for Hamlet to take revenge as he is unaware of the truth. Though Hamlet tries to cut through the curtain, he fails and ends up killing the wrong man. This shows him that it is no good trying to confront the problem, he must remove the cloak of deceit and reveal Claudius for what he truly is before he can take his revenge. Though Hamlet tries to get around this problem by being deceitful himself, and Laertes tries to confront the problem face on, both end up being used as weapons in a fight that kills them both. The ending of the play is very satisfying despite, or perhaps because of, the deaths of nearly all the characters. For a neat ending, it was necessary that all the characters achieve their revenge, and as there were so many intertwining strands of revenge, it was inevitable that a large proportion of characters would be killed. The play ends with a new beginning, as the corruption at the heart of Denmark dies with Claudius and Hamlet. Hamlet succeeded in taking revenge on Claudius and revealing the truth about his character, and Laertes succeeded in killing Hamlet but died in the process. All this clears the way for Fortinbras, who we see is far more suited to leadership than the indecisive Hamlet. Fortinbras was more successful in his revenge than Hamlet and Laertes for a number of reasons. He is not held back by the dilemma that freezes Hamlet; of having to choose between betraying his fathers trust or losing the throne and alienating everyone he loves. Hamlet is held back by his proximity to Claudius and the situation, whereas Fortinbras is free to act uninfluenced by the people around him. Another factor in Fortinbras favour is that, unlike both Hamlet and Laertes, Fortinbras made the decision to take revenge alone, so it was entirely his responsibility. Revenge has to be nurtured in Hamlet and Laertes, and both are used as tools in the ongoing feud between the two brothers. Fortinbras is a man of action, and doesnt waste time pondering the philosophy behind the revenge mentality, as Hamlet does. And unlike Laertes, he plans and organises his revenge, he doesnt rush straight into confrontation unprepared. In fact, he represents the best qualities of both of them, so it is fitting that it is he who emerges with not only his life, but the throne of Denmark to go with it.
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