School Violence Essay example - 2322 Words

School Violence In the past several years, there have been many instances of violent acts (including murder) occurring throughout the United States. Littleton, Colorado; Springfield, Oregon; Edinboro, Pennsylvania; and West Paducah, Kentucky are just a few of the small towns that have been hit by such a tragic event. Due to the fact that all of these are small towns, students, parents, and communities alike are realizing that no town is really safe . . . an outbreak of school violence can happen anywhere. Were any of these children showing any warning signs? Are there any factors that parents and teachers could consider when dealing with a problem child? What measures should communities take in†¦show more content†¦When interviewed after the violence occurred, many of these shootists admit that they dont know what drove them to do it. In cases, like several others, the kids try to say that they were insane at the time. Still, by the way the trend is going, it seems that the children that are doing these terrible things are the ones who arent very popular and who are made fun of. It is also safe to say that the murders just want to get rid of the kids that made fun of them. It is important to realize that there are other children who simply dont know how to channel their anger in a positive way. We, as a society, tell adults that they should channel anger into productive sources such as by exercise, or by doing housework. In children, they arent capable of knowing how to channel their anger. In an article by Barbara Kantrowicz, she gives advice on how to talk to different age groups about dangers, attitudes, and violence. Young children need to be reassured. They dont realize that death is permanent, and therefore cant differentiate between real and fake violence. Elementary school children need to have the dangers of weapons explained to them. In this age, it is important to encourage them to talk about worries that they may have, and also to limit their exposure to media violence. Early adolescents are beginning to become more independent, and it isShow MoreRelatedSchool Violence And Schools Violence2781 Words   |  12 PagesSchool violence has become a topic that many people are engaged in a debate about. It is difficult to make a definitive definition of school violence, because there are so very many components to it. For one thing, we can be sure that school violence and bullying is something that only takes place amongst peers; this type of violence typically does not involve adults, and happens as a result of interactions from school or within the peer group. This part of the definition seems obvious. However,Read MoreSchool Violence2444 Words   |  10 PagesSchool Violence Victoria Griffin Fayetteville State University The Importance to Be Aware Of School Violence in Education Today By Victoria Griffin December 1, 2014 Abstract: The importance of knowing about school violence, the cause of school violence, forms of school violence and they ways teacher can prevent school violence was observed. A recent act of school violence is announced and the content of why it is important for teachers to be aware of school violence. School violenceRead MorePrevention of School Violence717 Words   |  3 Pages Violence is a major issue in educational institutes. Over the years, school violence has continued to increase at an alarming rate. â€Å"Every year, 3 million young people in the United States fall victim to crimes at school. Almost 2 million of these incidents involve violence† (â€Å"The Challenge of School Violence†). Violence in schools must be prevented. Teachers and parents play a significant role in a student’s life, and they need to take a full on approach on having a healthy relationship with eachRead MoreThe Problem Of School Violence886 Words   |  4 Pages The somewhat recent event of Sandy Hook has been a major focus of debate among any serious discussion about school violence in America. Yet, just since Columbine, there has been over 100 school shootings, not including stabbing, rape, or even fist fights (in which there was serious injury or death). Despite this unprecedented level of aggression among our nation’s youth, the nation, in its entirety, has not dedicated an appropriate amount of time and energy to coming up with a solution. The bulkRead MoreSchool Violence Essay1154 Words   |  5 PagesPreventing school violence has been an issue in our society for so long it has almost become commonplace. According to an article on www.infoplease.com, since the year 2000, there have been a recorded 64 shooting related incidents that involved publicly occupied areas. That is an occurrence of almost five per year. Of those 64, 94% of these incidents were school related shootings. The violence goes from elementary schools all the way up to college universities. The statistics are not pretty by anyRead MoreSchool Violence1125 Words   |  5 PagesFinding a Solution to School Violence Anita Lopez Kaplan University CM-220 School is a place where children should go to learn, educate themselves, make lifelong friends and most importantly they should feel safe. The violence in schools has increased over the years and many schools aren’t sure how to handle this growing problem in an appropriate manner. School violence may come in various forms and some of the most common forms of school violence include physical abuses, bullying, brawlRead MoreSchool Violence2187 Words   |  9 PagesSchool Violence Violence in schools has spread widely throughout the nation. School violence is a big problem we are facing now. This has caused many problems among students, families’ faculty of schools and residents of the community. School violence includes gang activity, locker thefts, bullying and intimidation, gun use, assault, and drugs. In my paper I will discuss the reasons why violence in schools exists, describeRead MoreThe Violence Of Public Schools871 Words   |  4 PagesIn recent times, several mass shootings have occurred in several places. Sadly, public schools in America have been venues for these mass shootings. How do we reduce these shootings? How do we ensure that the lives of our kids are safe? These are the questions parents all over America are asking. A lot of suggestions have been made to the government concerning the issue of mass shootings. Some say government have to ban the purchase of guns, others say there should be background checks, while othersRead M oreEssay on School Violence837 Words   |  4 Pagesclassmates and one teacher. School violence changes our youths morals. From bullying to peer pressure, youth are exposed to school violence everyday. What is school violence? School violence varies from accounts of â€Å"death, homicide, suicide, weapon related violence, in the US.† (c1) School violence can occur to and from school, while attending a school sponsored event, on a bus, or at an activity. Violence in school goes back to the 1800s’. The first publicly funded schools for delinquents was builtRead More Essay on Gender and School Violence1060 Words   |  5 Pagesmost recent acts of violence by children have prompted us as a nation to look at the causes and possible solutions to this crisis in our schools. In fact, according to Public Agenda, a national organization that conducts public opinion research on educational issues, school safety was identified as the most important issue affecting schools by those surveyed (Johnson Immerwahr, 1994/1995). Yet school violence does not exist in a vacuum. It is directly related to the violence in our society. And

The World Of World History - 1284 Words

Simone Kessler Sept. 2, 2016 Mr. AB Summer Work Preface: I. World history explores human pasts worldwide to help us understand the world around us. To help us understand that the world needs to continue to develop or we will fall behind. This text talks about how human migration and trade amongst other things has gotten us to where we are today. A.Generalization of World history B.Periodization C.Key events D.Conclusion II. The world history explores the past so humans around the world can understand the terrene around us easier. A.Learning the history of the world helps to develop skills that are effective in a global society. 1.Comparing different societies. 2.Identifying big changes and developments in the human experience. B. Students become active and engaged learners through analysis and interpretation. 1.Rather than serving as passive for torrents of historical facts and events. 2. Underpinning interpretation and the issues of time, place, and topic. III. This textbook pays a lot of attention to periodization. Some complexities rise above the six-stage world history periodization. A.Each period determined by three base criteria 1.A geographical rebalancing among major civilization areas. 2.An increase in the intensity and extent of contact among civilizations. 3.The emergence of new and roughly parallel developments. B. SocietiesShow MoreRelatedThe World Of World History1422 Words   |  6 Pages Glimpse of world history features a span of perspective of the world as it develops throughout time to where it was presently at. Nehru while in prison tried to find a bound with his daughter. In order to connect to the outside world and be close with his daughter he decided to share his vast knowledge of the world through letters with his daughter. Nehru explores how time chases, how civilizations grew and prosper, how different leaders shape the world in negative and positive view points andRead MoreThe World Of World History1417 Words   |  6 Pages Glimpse of World History, features a span of perspective of the world as it develops throughout time to where it was presented. Nehru, while in prison, tried to find a bond with his daughter. In order to connect to the outside world and be close with his daughter, he decided to share his vast knowledge of the world through letters with his daughter. Nehru explores how time chases, how civilizations grow and prosper, and how different leaders shape the world in negative and positive view pointsRead MoreA History Of The World1149 Words   |  5 PagesIn Tom Standage’s novel, â€Å"A History of the World in 6 Glasses†, he discusses the growth of the world through the discovery and creation of some of the most popular beverages in their places of origin. He discusses each beverage where it was created, and how it affected the country socially, religiously, and politically. He starts off in at the beginning of time in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Standage discusses one of the first world-known beverages; beer. He begins talking about the collection of cerealRead MoreA History Of The World871 Words   |  4 PagesA History of the World in 6 Glasses: Josiah Hill Movement: People did a lot of movement throughout the start of the human race. But focusing on people 50,000 years ago, they only had one thing primarily to drink. That substance was water. Those who started to live in cities and small towns started to discover new drinks to satisfy themselves. Beer was a remarkable discovery that was founded around 3400 BCE, which is the only time it was dated in documents. Beer was acknowledged from moisteningRead MoreA History Of The World1200 Words   |  5 Pages In A History of the World in Six Glasses, Standage discusses how beer and wine are made in terms of the ingredients and how each beverage is related to each social class. The ingredients are what differentiate one beverage from another beverage. An Ingredient is the main component that makes the beverage unique and gives it an identity. An ingredient is what makes people to choose a beverage from wide range of options. An ingredient gives the color, the texture and the taste to a bever ageRead MoreA History Of The World1811 Words   |  8 PagesJonathan Lund Mr. O’Donnell Period 3 16 December 2014 A History of the World in Six Glasses BEER 1. The discovery of beer is linked to the first civilizations because it led to the domestication of cereal grains, the development of farming, early migrations, and the development of river valley societies in Egypt and Mesopotamia. 2. The history of beer in the ancient world tells us that the early civilizations used beer from when they were born to when they died. Beer used to be a currency and aRead MoreA History Of The World1811 Words   |  8 PagesJonathan Lund Mr. O’Donnell Period 3 15 December 2014 A History of the World in Six Glasses BEER 1. The discovery of beer is linked to the first civilizations because it led to the domestication of cereal grains, the development of farming, early migrations, and the development of river valley societies in Egypt and Mesopotamia. 2. The history of beer in the ancient world tells us that the early civilizations used beer from when they were born to when they died. Beer used to be a currency and aRead MoreWorld History : World War I1315 Words   |  6 PagesMuctaru Bah Professor Ann Reilly World History II World War I Essay At the turn of the 20th century, the nations of Europe had been largely at peace with one another for nearly 30 years due to efforts being made to ban war and achieve a permanent peace since the 19th century. Though Europeans believed that this progress would make war a thing of the past, rising tensions would cause a massive war that engulf Europe and spread across the globe. The boiling point ended up being Austria-Hungary’s declarationRead MoreSlavery, a World History1095 Words   |  4 Pageswhich people are treated as property to be bought, sold and are forced to work. It is also known that slavery was established in the history and economy of most countries. Even though it prospered during some periods and abstained in others, human bondage for profit has unfortunately, never been completely removed. Author Milton Meltzer, in his book â€Å"Slavery, A World History† follows this practice from prehistoric hunting societies; through the development of slave trading in the United States prior toRead MoreHistory : The Ancient World1121 Words   |  5 PagesKiela DeVlaeminck Jason Schlude History 130: The Ancient World 7 October 2014 Great Empires What makes an empire â€Å"great†? Is an empire great because it encompasses a lot of land and people or is an empire great ultimately because of the legacy it leaves behind after the yearsAn Empire can be defined as, â€Å"A group of nations or peoples ruled over by an emperor, empress, or other powerful sovereign or government: usually a territory of greater extent than a kingdom, as the former British Empire,

Do you like chocolate Free Essays

â€Å"Do you like chocolate? † If asked, most people would smile and say, â€Å"of course I do. † But if that same person asked if you thought chocolate was a good for your health, even beneficial, you’d probably have some doubts. For those doubters: Think again. We will write a custom essay sample on Do you like chocolate? or any similar topic only for you Order Now Evidence has lead scientists and health-specialists around the world to agree that chocolate can be beneficial to your health. Dark chocolate has gotten a bad rap, almost since the late 1800’s when a man named Hershey began an empire lacking the true essence of chocolate. Today, when people consider cardiovascular strength and fitness, chocolate is probably one of the last things they’d add to a health-conscious diet regimen. Then, if we pair dark chocolate consumption with empowering the heart, people would be waiting for the punch line. Dark chocolate and a good healthy heart can, in fact, be allies. But there are some rules and guidelines that must be followed. Christopher Columbus, during his ship-going years, made a stop off the Honduras coast and discovered that natives had a strange almond-like nut. It was a cacao bean, the heart of what chocolate is. Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, has received kudos from scientific research. Researchers correlate dark chocolate to a component of a healthy diet. When we enter the dessert and snack world of chocolate, there is potential for danger, even harm. The mass-production of Hershey’s and other chocolate companies have belittled the essence of pure chocolate of Belgium. Many people are more likely to agree with the old adage that says, â€Å"Beware, chocolate is not good for you. Thus, there is some truth to this statement. Archeologists say that Olmecs, which is now Mexico, were a people who drank chocolate a thousand years before Christ. The Mayans, a very cultured race, were the first to create a sacred drink of cacao. The Mayans roasted and powdered the beans. They mixed it with chiles, herbs, and wild honey to produce a special beverage. The cacao drink was regarded as one of the most special drinks of the Mayan race, being saved for times of tribute. With all this historical strength behind cacao and chocolate, we can see that there is power in chocolate. Today, there are many types of chocolate, so the benefits depend almost entirely on what kind of chocolate that you choose to eat. Dark-chocolate-research has found evidence that it can help in building in a better heart and strengthening the cardiovascular system. Dr. Joseph Mercola, author of Total Health Program, was very skeptical when he first began to look at chocolate as a healthy snack. This skepticism might be most people’s initial reaction because it’s been ingrained into our minds from a very young age that although chocolate tastes great it’s not good for you. To further Dr. Mercola’s skepticism, he found out that the basis of his secondary research came from a chocolate company. Dr. Mercola was concerned that this chocolate company was biased and merely attempting to reach consumers with a marketing technique to increase sales. The conflict of interest was too obvious. But his skepticism was soon diminished when he looked at some astounding scientific proof. In just the past seven years, there have been more and more independent confirmations that dark chocolate truly has health benefits. These confirmations, according to Dr. Mercola, appeared to establish a framework for strengthening the fact that there indeed are health rewards from eating small amounts of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate. Careful reflection and study of the birth of chocolate helps to clear the picture a bit further. Chocolate, as I mentioned, stems from the cacao bean. Trying to ingest pure cacao lead you spit it out due to its bitterness. The cacao, however, is a key ingredient surrounding dark chocolate’s health benefits. The missing ingredient of course is sugar. Sugar needs to be filtered in before chocolate can be regarded as such a luxury dessert that it’s matured into for society. There are hidden drawbacks to chocolate that must be remembered. For one, when shopping for dark chocolate keep in mind that many of the popular, processed brands readily available in markets and grocery stores are often contaminated with large amounts of lead. You must be wary of those Hershey’s bars. Just as in most undertakings in life, moderation is the key. Dark chocolate consumption, when ingested in small amounts can actually be very good for you. Dr. Mercola wrote, â€Å"It is important to keep in mind, however, that you can derive a majority of the benefits chocolate provides (via flavonols) by consuming fruits like blueberries, apples and grapes, and most all vegetables, including broccoli, greens and onions. This is obviously a method Dr. Mercola would prefer most people utilize instead of chocolate. It’s been ingrained in our heads since infancy to â€Å"eat your vegetables. † It’s easy to see why Mercola counters his discussion regarding chocolate-health by promoting—as an aside—that you eat your vegetables, too. This is a wise promotion—especially for a doctor wanting to maintain his reputation for the mass public and his patients. However, a bowl of broccoli doesn’t have the same rewards as a little dark-chocolate-sugar-boost every once in a while, particularly when you realize it is good for your heart. As I mentioned, when we consider dark chocolate as a moderating alternative, vegetables are boring—at least to the chocolate lover. Just remember, too much chocolate tips the scales toward disaster. So, if chocolate is something that makes you salivate then remember to follow some of these common sense rules: 1. Eat only dark chocolate—or organic, if you want to really streamline the healthy components of chocolate consumption. 2. Organic chocolate carries specific antioxidants that can shield the body from oxidative stress. 3. Do not eat chocolate if you are battling serious disease or ailments. According to scientific data, the Kuna Indians of Panama eat three to four cups of flavanol-rich cocoa daily. The main ingredient, epicatechin, is responsible for offering vascular health benefits to the Kuna Indians. When they drank certain cocoa—another favored past-time of civilized nations around the world—they received higher levels of nitric oxide, where the flavanol was absorbed into the bloodstream. Lead contamination can be found in processed chocolate—sometimes extremely high quantities of lead. The concern of lead contaminants in chocolate is not new. There was great concern, in the past, over processed cocoa plants being contaminated by leaded gasoline. The source of additional contamination is unknown. It might have come during the shipping process or somewhere along the manufacturing lines in chocolate plants. As scary as it sounds, there is some evidence that points out that high blood-lead levels in children can result in learning disabilities, damage to a child’s brain processing, and loss of some memory skills. To counter this grave concern, further chocolate studies performed in two reputable scientific journals say dark chocolate is good for you, NOT white or milk or processed chocolate. Along with flavanol, there is evidence of other benefits. For one, flavonoids can raise levels of HDL cholesterol. This is beneficial cholesterol. It also acts as an antioxidant which protects human cells from free-radicals. It’s these very radicals that can lead to aging, heart disease, and certain cancers. Plant phenol is another substance that can help individuals out by lowering blood pressure. The location of where chocolate is made is another important consideration. Chocolates that are made in Europe tend to be richer in cocoa phenols in comparison with cocoa in the United States. The United States, unfortunately, since the early 1900’s chose to focus on mass production and not on getting the most of this luxurious cacao bean. Now that you’ve got a glimpse of the health benefits of dark chocolate, it’s important to remember this: Nothing is simple about good chocolate and you won’t find it in most drug stores. In fact, if you ask some chocolate connoisseurs about it, they’ll tell you that the term good chocolate was derived from palet or, which, when translated means â€Å"pillow of gold. † David Lebovitz, a pastry chef and chocolate connoisseur, is another fierce advocate for the fancy final product of unprocessed dark chocolate. He has developed some recipes such as an easy-to-prepare Red-Wine and Apple Tart? David offers over 100 recipes to tantalize the taste buds while keeping health at the forefront front of your dietary plans. In closing, it’s important to remember that good dark chocolate is available all over the world. Many European pastry chefs claim it is their art—and there is a lot of presence in Europe—but there isn’t a code set to be cracked by the nationalities of Europe. It is a world-wide consumable. You just have to do a little research to find the true chocolate where you live. Also remember that the benefits of chocolate come from using common sense and following these simple guidelines: 1. Eat only dark chocolate; 2. Eat chocolate in moderation; 3 do not eat processed chocolate. Share this information with friends and loved ones as you add this delectable sweet to your health-conscious diet. How to cite Do you like chocolate?, Papers

Psychoanalysis Of Hamlet Essay Example For Students

Psychoanalysis Of Hamlet Essay Hamlet has been praised and revered for centuries as one of William Shakespeares best known and most popular tragedies. Based on its popularity, critics alike have taken various viewpoints and theories in order to explain Hamlets actions throughout the play. The psychoanalytic point of view is one of the most famous positions taken on Hamlet. Psychoanalytic criticism is a type of literary criticism that analyzes and classifies many of the forms of psychoanalysis in the interpretation of literature. As the Concise Oxford Dictionary defines psychoanalysis, as a form of therapy that is concluced by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind (Barry 96). One of the most popularized psychoanalysts of all time was Sigmund Freud. His theories on repression most directly parallel to Hamlets actions in the play. This theory states that much of what lies in the unconscious mind has been put there by consciousness, which acts as a censor, driving underground unconscious or conscious thoughts or instincts that it deems unacceptable. Censored materials often involve infantile sexual desires (Murfin). These unconscious desires are seen in dreams, in language, in creative activity, and in neurotic behavior (Murfin). This theory of repression also is directly correlated to Freuds Oedipus complex. The Oedipus complex deals with Infantile sexuality as well, by explaining that sexuality starts at infancy with the relationship of the infant with the mother, not at puberty. The Oedipus complex assesses that the infant has the desire to discard the father and become the sexual companion of the mother (Barry 97). In analyzing Hamlet, the Oedipus Complex is clearly apparent to the reader. As a child, Hamlet always expressed the warmest fondness and affection for his mother. This adoration contained elements of disguised erotic quality, especially seen in the bed chamber scene with his mother. The Queens sensual nature and her passionate fondness of her son are two traits that show her relationship with Hamlet goes beyond the normal mother-sun relationship. Nonetheless though, Hamlet finds a love interest in Ophelia. His feelings for Ophelia are never discussed fully in the play, but it is evident to the reader that at one time he loved her because of the hurt he feels when she lies to him.At this part in the play, Hamlet insults Ophelia by telling her, Or if/ thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool, for wise men know/ well enough what monsters you make o f them. To a /nunnry, go, and quickly too (3.1.136-139). At this part in the play, it is extremely difficult for Hamlet to differentiate between his mother and Ophelia. Therefore, making his true feelings for his mother become more obscure. When Hamlets father dies and his mother re-marries, the independency of the idea of sexuality with his mother, concealed since infancy, can no longer be hid from his consciousness. Emotions which were favorable and pleasing at infancy are now emotions of abhorrence and disgust because of his repressions (Jones). In the beginning of the play he becomes extremely derisive and contemptuous to his mother. Seems, madam? Nay, it is, I know not seems. (1.2.76). When Hamlet says this, he is mocking his mothers question about why he is still mourning his fathers death. Ironically, out of the love he still has for his mother, he yields her request to remain at the court. The long repressed need to take his fathers place, by gaining his mothers devotion is first stimulated to unconscious activity by the marriage of his mother to Claudius. Claudius has usurped the position of husband to Gertrude, a position that Hamlet had once longed for. The fact that Claudius was not only the victor o fhis mothers affections, but also his uncle, aggravated the situation. Their incestuous marriage thus resembles Hamlets imaginary idea of having a sexual relationship with his mother. These unconscious desires are struggling to find conscious expression, without Hamlet being the least aware of them (Jones). As the play goes on, Hamlet encounters his fathers ghost. Upon discovering that his fathers death wasnt natural, he says with much feeling that Haste me to knowt, that I with wings as swift/ As meditation, or the thoughts of love,/ May sweep to my revenge (1.5.29-31). The ghost tells him that he was murdered by Claudius.His motives were his love for Gertrude, withou t her knowledge or consent. Hamlet is furious and seething with rage with the news of his fathers murder. Knowing the truth makes Hamlets subconscious realize that killing Claudius would be similar to killing himself. This is so because Hamlet recognizes that Claudius actions of murdering his brother and marrying Hamlets mother, mimicked Hamlets inner unconscious desires. Hamlets unconscious fantasies have always been closely related to Claudius conduct. All of Hamlets once hidden feelings seem to surface in spite of all of the repressing forces, when he cries out, Oh my prophetic soul!/ My uncle! (1.5.40-41). From here, Hamlets consciousness must deal with the frightful truth (Jones). Therefore, when dealing with Claudius, Hamlets attitude is extremely complex and intricate. The concepts of death and sexuality are interchangeable in this play (Adelman 271). To the reader, it is evident that Hamlet hates his uncle, but his despise of Claudius comes more from his jealousy than from anything else. The more Hamlet criticizes Claudius, the more his unconscious feelings start to unravel. Hence, Hamlet is faced with a dilemma by acknowledging the same feelings his uncle has towards his mother, even though he detests Claudius, and yet on the other hand, he feels the need to avenge his fathers death (Jones). It takes Hamlet a month to decide to finally take action against Claudius. Hamlet tells Horatio that Come, some music! Come, the recorders!/ For if the King like not the comedy,/ Why then belike he likes it not, perdy (3.2.276-279). After this scene in the play, Hamlet is convinced of Claudius guilt, but his own guilt prevents him from completely eliminating his uncle. Hamlet is still trying to repress his own sexual desires. It could be construed that Claudius manifests all of Hamlets passions and emotions. If Claudius is killed, then Hamlet must also be killed(Jones). The course of action that Hamlet pursues can only lead to his ruin. In the end of the play, Hamlet is finally willing to make the ultimate sacrifice: to avenge his fathers death and to kill his uncle, as well as part of himself. Hamlet will live on forever in the literary world. It has become extremely popular and famous because the reader can analyze the play from a diverse and countless number of ways. Psychoanalytic criticism is one of many ways of looking at Hamlets actions. Freud and other theorists were able to take the play and analyze it scene by scene, giving a more in-depth meaning to the actions of the characters. In a sense, Shakespeare wrote two plays in one; one play dealing with a tragedy, leaving the stage with many corpses; the other standing the test of time, in a captivating exploration into an unconscious world of the unknown. Works CitedAdelman, Janet. Man and Wife is One Flesh: Hamlet and the Confrontation with the Maternal Body. Hamlet. Ed. Susanne L. Wofford. Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martins Press, 1994. Barry, Peter. Beginning Theory. New York: Manchester University Press. 1995. Jones, Ernest. Ernest Jones: Hamlet and Oedipus. N. pag. Online. Worldwide web. 21 May 2000. Available at: http://click.go2net.com/adpopup?site=hmshape=noshapeborder=1area=DIR.EDU.HIGHERsizerepopup=1hname=UNKNOWNMurfin, Ross C. Psychoanalytic Criticism in Hamlet. Hamlet. Ed. Susanne L. Wofford. Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martins Press, 1994. Shakespear, William. Hamlet. Ed. Susanne L. Wofford. Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martins Press, 1994. "Bringing the Dolls" and "Old Crystals" Analysis EssayHamlet has been praised and revered for centuries as one of William Shakespeares best known and most popular tragedies. Based on its popularity, critics alike have taken various viewpoints and theories in order to explain Hamlets actions throughout the play. The psychoanalytic point of view is one of the most famous positions taken on Hamlet. Psychoanalytic criticism is a type of literary criticism that analyzes and classifies many of the forms of psychoanalysis in the interpretation of literature. As the Concise Oxford Dictionary defines psychoanalysis, as a form of therapy that is concluced by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind (Barry 96). One of the most popularized psychoanalysts of all time was Sigmund Freud. His theories on repression most directly parallel to Hamlets actions in the play. This theory states that much of what lies in the unconscious mind has been put there by con sciousness, which acts as a censor, driving underground unconscious or conscious thoughts or instincts that it deems unacceptable. Censored materials often involve infantile sexual desires (Murfin). These unconscious desires are seen in dreams, in language, in creative activity, and in neurotic behavior (Murfin). This theory of repression also is directly correlated to Freuds Oedipus complex. The Oedipus complex deals with Infantile sexuality as well, by explaining that sexuality starts at infancy with the relationship of the infant with the mother, not at puberty. The Oedipus complex assesses that the infant has the desire to discard the father and become the sexual companion of the mother (Barry 97). In analyzing Hamlet, the Oedipus Complex is clearly apparent to the reader. As a child, Hamlet always expressed the warmest fondness and affection for his mother. This adoration contained elements of disguised erotic quality, especially seen in the bed chamber scene with his mother. The Queens sensual nature and her passionate fondness of her son are two traits that show her relationship with Hamlet goes beyond the normal mother-sun relationship. Nonetheless though, Hamlet finds a love interest in Ophelia. His feelings for Ophelia are never discussed fully in the play, but it is evident to the reader that at one time he loved her because of the hurt he feels when she lies to him.At this part in the play, Hamlet insults Ophelia by telling her, Or if/ thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool, for wise men know/ well enough what monsters you make o f them. To a /nunnry, go, and quickly too (3.1.136-139). At this part in the play, it is extremely difficult for Hamlet to differentiate between his mother and Ophelia. Therefore, making his true feelings for his mother become more obscure. When Hamlets father dies and his mother re-marries, the independency of the idea of sexuality with his mother, concealed since infancy, can no longer be hid from his consciousness. Emotions which were favorable and pleasing at infancy are now emotions of abhorrence and disgust because of his repressions (Jones). In the beginning of the play he becomes extremely derisive and contemptuous to his mother. Seems, madam? Nay, it is, I know not seems. (1.2.76). When Hamlet says this, he is mocking his mothers question about why he is still mourning his fathers death. Ironically, out of the love he still has for his mother, he yields her request to remain at the court. The long repressed need to take his fathers place, by gaining his mothers devotion is first stimulated to unconscious activity by the marriage of his mother to Claudius. Claudius has usurped the position of husband to Gertrude, a position that Hamlet had once longed for. The fact that Claudius was not only the victor o fhis mothers affections, but also his uncle, aggravated the situation. Their incestuous marriage thus resembles Hamlets imaginary idea of having a sexual relationship with his mother. These unconscious desires are struggling to find conscious expression, without Hamlet being the least aware of them (Jones). As the play goes on, Hamlet encounters his fathers ghost. Upon discovering that his fathers death wasnt natural, he says with much feeling that Haste me to knowt, that I with wings as swift/ As meditation, or the thoughts of love,/ May sweep to my revenge (1.5.29-31). The ghost tells him that he was murdered by Claudius.His motives were his love for Gertrude, withou t her knowledge or consent. Hamlet is furious and seething with rage with the news of his fathers murder. Knowing the truth makes Hamlets subconscious realize that killing Claudius would be similar to killing himself. This is so because Hamlet recognizes that Claudius actions of murdering his brother and marrying Hamlets mother, mimicked Hamlets inner unconscious desires. Hamlets unconscious fantasies have always been closely related to Claudius conduct. All of Hamlets once hidden feelings seem to surface in spite of all of the repressing forces, when he cries out, Oh my prophetic soul!/ My uncle! (1.5.40-41). From here, Hamlets consciousness must deal with the frightful truth (Jones). Therefore, when dealing with Claudius, Hamlets attitude is extremely complex and intricate. The concepts of death and sexuality are interchangeable in this play (Adelman 271). To the reader, it is evident that Hamlet hates his uncle, but his despise of Claudius comes more from his jealousy than from anything else. The more Hamlet criticizes Claudius, the more his unconscious feelings start to unravel. Hence, Hamlet is faced with a dilemma by acknowledging the same feelings his uncle has towards his mother, even though he detests Claudius, and yet on the other hand, he feels the need to avenge his fathers death (Jones). It takes Hamlet a month to decide to finally take action against Claudius. Hamlet tells Horatio that Come, some music! Come, the recorders!/ For if the King like not the comedy,/ Why then belike he likes it not, perdy (3.2.276-279). After this scene in the play, Hamlet is convinced of Claudius guilt, but his own guilt prevents him from completely eliminating his uncle. Hamlet is still trying to repress his own sexual desires. It could be construed that Claudius manifests all of Hamlets passions and emotions. If Claudius is killed, then Hamlet must also be killed(Jones). The course of action that Hamlet pursues can only lead to his ruin. In the end of the play, Hamlet is finally willing to make the ultimate sacrifice: to avenge his fathers death and to kill his uncle, as well as part of himself. Hamlet will live on forever in the literary world. It has become extremely popular and famous because the reader can analyze the play from a diverse and countless number of ways. Psychoanalytic criticism is one of many ways of looking at Hamlets actions. Freud and other theorists were able to take the play and analyze it scene by scene, giving a more in-depth meaning to the actions of the characters. In a sense, Shakespeare wrote two plays in one; one play dealing with a tragedy, leaving the stage with many corpses; the other standing the test of time, in a captivating exploration into an unconscious world of the unknown. Works CitedAdelman, Janet. Man and Wife is One Flesh: Hamlet and the Confrontation with the Maternal Body. Hamlet. Ed. Susanne L. Wofford. Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martins Press, 1994. Barry, Peter. Beginning Theory. New York: Manchester University Press. 1995. Jones, Ernest. Ernest Jones: Hamlet and Oedipus. N. pag. Online. Worldwide web. 21 May 2000. Available at: http://click.go2net.com/adpopup?site=hmshape=noshapeborder=1area=DIR.EDU.HIGHERsizerepopup=1hname=UNKNOWNMurfin, Ross C. Psychoanalytic Criticism in Hamlet. Hamlet. Ed. Susanne L. Wofford. Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martins Press, 1994. Shakespear, William. Hamlet. Ed. Susanne L. Wofford. Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martins Press, 1994. Words/ Pages : 4,006 / 24