The Ancient City :: essays research papers

The Ancient City Pompeii 'How democratic was Pompeian politics?'; In order to answer the above question, it is first necessary to consider the exact meaning of the term 'democracy';. Whilst it is difficult to give an exact definition of the word, it is certainly possible to create a list of the implications of democratic government for a society and its citizens. Perhaps the most obvious of these implications, certainly when considered from a modern standpoint, would be that every full member of a society would be considered as being equal, and thus would have an equal say in the running and appointing of a government. Secondly, truly democratic government would also imply that every member of society would have an equal opportunity to be elected to a governmental position. Such an opportunity should at least, in theory anyway, not be reliant on social class or position, nor financial support. Finally, the existence of a truly democratic system of government would also imply that governments be periodically elected, and during any given term of gov ernment, politicians would be fully employed by the state in the running of the country. Given such implications of democracy, Pompeian politics would appear at first appraisal to hardly be democratic at all. Certainly, it can be said that the politics of Pompeii in particular and by extension the politics of Roman society as a whole do not meet the modern, Western ideas of a relatively liberal, democratic society. However, such a modern, Western idea of democracy was one that was entirely alien to the citizens of Pompeii and to the citizens of many ancient civilizations. Therefore, the nature of Pompeian politics must be considered not only from a modern political standpoint, but also from a standpoint more relative to the political ideals of Pompeian society and the Roman Empire, where a very different form of democracy was in existence. Whilst such a form of democracy is very different to that of today, it is certainly accurate to say that there was at least some element of democracy in Pompeian politics. Without such an

Images and Imagery in Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- GCSE English Lite

Imagery in Macbeth     Ã‚     In Shakespeare's tragic play, Macbeth, the use of imagery is connected with character development as well as theme throughout the play.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From the beginning of the play the image of darkness is introduced.   Darkness was called upon by Banquo, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.   Banquo, in his aside to Macbeth says,    But tis strange and oftentimes, to win us to our harm, /the instruments of darkness tell us truths, /win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence (I.ii.131-135).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Banquo shows he is immediately aware that the witches are associated with darkness. He chooses not to act on the witches' prophecies, but to be wary and reluctant.   He is not ready to involve himself with the witches, since he sees them as a dark force.   However, Macbeth is on opportunist and the image of darkness reveals his deepest, darkest desires.   This is shown in Macbeth's aside,    The Prince of Cumberland!   that is a step/ On which I must fall down or else o'ver-leap, / For in my way it lies.   Stars, hide your fires;/ Let not light see my black and deep desires" (I.iv.55-58).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It becomes apparent that it bothered Macbeth a great deal to hear that Malcolm was named successor to King Duncan.   In response, Macbeth calls on darkness to hide his evil thoughts.   Lady Macbeth also conjures up the forces of darkness to ensure the heavens don't see her having these thoughts,    Come, thick night, /And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, /That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, / N'or heaven peep through the blanket of the dark, /To cry, "Hold, hold" (I.v.53-57!      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   By the end of Act I, we can see that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have... ...er fit in and was never comfortable with a role he obtained by evil means.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Shakespeare's images are not only connected to his characters and theme but also are woven into a moral message.   Shakespeare is warning his audience to refrain from getting caught up in the pool of blood and darkness. One will never be satisfied with his achievements if he obtains them by unholy means.   Self-gratification comes from the honest pursuit of worthwhile goals.      Works Cited Shakespeare, William, Macbeth, Toronto: Harcourt Brace and Company, Inc, 1988. Webster, Noah, New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language, New York: Rockville House Publishers, Inc, 1965. "Shakespeare's Use of Imagery." 1997: 1-4. Prestige Web. Internet. 10 Dec. 2001. "Symbolism in Macbeth." 1996: 1-3. Stanford Online Archives. Internet. 10 Dec. 2001.