Monsanto paper critical analysis Essay Example for Free

Monsanto paper critical analysis Essay aTitle: A review of core issues relating to the global adoption of genetically modified foods. As we are confronted by more and more information, it is of great importance that as global citizens we endeavour to form our own conclusions by thoroughly analysing factual data. Often information we are presented with can carry a vast undertone of additional, and usually bias information, which conveyed through language, body language, and even in extreme, but uncommon instances, subliminal messaging. Professionals in environmental management must be able to efficiently draw unbiased conclusions by filtering large quantities of information and communicate their findings effectively. In environmental management, global issues typically generate the most controversy. Currently, a global movement to abolish genetically modified foods, is raging. As scientific evidence that challenges the safety of GMO’s mounts, global protests and national governments are rejecting genetically modified foods, in particular the notorious company Monsanto. This assignment is aimed at evaluating key literature relating to the safety of GMO’s using the correct models developed in critical analysis for environmental management in hope that informative and unbiased conclusions can be drawn. Table1: The Purpose of this table is to briefly summarise five sources of literature using methods gained in the course to aid in the development of a draft plan for assignment two. Reference/Source Publication Type Brief Synopsis Application of Course Concepts Comments relevant to planning the draft review Gilles-Eric Sà ©ralini, Emilie Clair, Robin Mesnage, Steeve Gress, Nicolas Defarge, Manuela Malatesta, Didier Hennequin, Joà «l Spiroux de Vendà ´mois (2012) Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize. Food and Chemical Toxicology 50. Pg4221-4231 Peer Reviewed Journal This paper discusses the health effects of roundup tolerant genetically modified maize cultivated with roundup weedkiller on rats over two years. The lead author on this paper is well known for his stance against genetically modified organisms and has published many papers in the past relating to the same topic. The paper is well referenced but sources many of the lead author’s previous papers, which gives the impression of being prejudiced. It stands alone today as the longest toxicity study of GM NK603 maize and the commercial herbicide it was designed to grow with. The nature of this article is intended to target an audience of professionals and members of the industry alike. However, due to its controversial conclusions, it has attracted far more attention through the media. The paper claims to have evidence demonstrating that rats fed genetically modified maize cultivated with roundup were twice as more likely to suffer a premature death and 70% more likely in females over a two year period. Since its release many have claimed it to be solid evidence of the negative effects of ingesting GMO’s, but it has come under equal fire from Monsanto and other scientific academies. They have claimed that flaws exist in the design of the experiment, its statistical analysis, and use of a rat species prone to tumour formation (MacKenzie 2012). However the same species of rat was used in the Monsanto paper, which Seralini was challenging (Hammond et.al 2004). As the paper had attracted much attention, and there had been no protocols in place for studies of its kind, the European Food Safety Authority released its guidelines which generally validated the paper in question (EFSA 2013). According to the results, the common time frame of 90 days is an insufficient time frame to thoroughly analyse the toxicity of GM foods as the first signs of tumours occurred between four to seven months into the study. A startling result shown in figure1 shows an increase in mortality rates in males per the concentration of roundup. However not much attention is drawn to this. Confronting photos of these rats clearly in significant pain with tumours equating to 25% of their body mass are then illustrated provoking an emotional response in the reader. Too few rats were also used in the control groups with only 10 of each sex. This paper will be useful in demonstrating the extent of obvious bias seen across much of the research about GM foods. It was also purposely designed to mimic the methods used in Monsanto’s paper (Hammond et.al 2004). It claims to provide strong contradictory views that can be used in setting the context of the debate. The flaws present in experimentation and obvious intention of generating publicity can be elaborated in assessing key elements of the controversy. B. Hammond, R. Dudek, J. Lemen, M. Nemeth. (2004) Results of a 13 week safety assurance study with rats fed grain from glyphosate tolerant corn. Food and Chemical Toxicology 42. Pg 1003-1014 Peer Reviewed Journal All three authors of this paper are associated with Monsanto, who also provided the funding for the paper, making the paper extremely bias and leaving no room for alternate interpretations of findings. As the strain of maize had not been adopted worldwide it can be assumed that the authors were motivated publish data confirming the safety of the product. It thoroughly documents the study’s methodology and references a wide range of literature. A large number of test subjects were used in each group. Rigorous results are shown and are clear and easy to interpret. The paper claims to have found minimal changes in body weight, haematology and urine chemistry, and therefore deem these results to be insignificant as they fall within an average of  ±2 standard deviations of the population of reference controls. A paper co-authored by Searlini analysed data of the paper in question, noticing a significant increase in effects with relation to the dosage of GM feed specifically the group fed a 33% concentration of NK603 Maize. Stating that the differences are of greater concern than suggested by Hammond (Spiroux et.al 2009). Even though these differences are acknowledged in the papers discussion, thorough interpretation of their possible impacts over an extended period of time are not discussed. As the paper reflects the current standard of evidence used for the approval of GMOs, it can be used to demonstrate the many gaps in knowledge. This will help to reveal how despite having inconclusive results, it is still deemed to be thorough enough to approve GM foods for widespread consumption. This speaks to broader issues regarding insufficient regulatory systems. It will also be used to specifically compare the findings of Seralini’s paper (Seralini et.al 2005). Judy A. Carman1, Howard R. Vlieger, Larry J. Ver Steeg, Verlyn E.Sneller, Garth W. Robinson, Catherine A. Clinch-Jones, Julie I. Haynes, John W. Edwards. A long-term toxicology study on pigs fed a combined genetically modified (GM) soy and GM maize diet. Journal of organic systems. Pg38-55 Peer Reviewed Journal A long-term toxicology study of 168 pigs carried out over 22.7 weeks (being the normal life span of a commercial pig from weaning to slaughter) in order to compare the effects of diets including mixed GM corn and soy and the commercial non-GM counterpart. The lead author has long been associated with anti GMO research and is the director for the Health and Environmental Research institute. The paper was published in the Journal of Organic Systems, a journal funded by the Organic Federation of Australia. The paper itself was partly funded by the Government of Western Australia, who currently favours GM crops. The second co-author Howard Vlieger is a farmer that promotes organic food production and also provided funding towards the paper. The paper claims to have successfully created a real world experiment by using product acquired from commercial farmers in accordance with the USA piggery practice. It is clearly specified how the feed was prepared and administered but does not specify the exact conditions in which it was grown. The results of their study are shown to indicate that there was no significant changes in total body weight and death rates were similar with 13% and 14% for the non-GM fed and GM fed groups respectively. But that significant changes in stomach inflammation and uterine weights were apparent and attributed to the difference in diet as other variables were controlled for. However, the study in question has its own shortcomings, and does include significant additional variables that damage the reputation of the paper. For example, the control group’s food source was contaminated with a median of 0.4% GM products in Maize and 1.6% in soy, a problematic technicality in a paper trying to prove negative effects in GM. It is stated however that similar amounts of GM contamination occurs in non-GM material in the United States but does not reference this claim. Finally the GM feed contained four different varieties of feed increasing the variables and making it impossible to pin point an individual feed as causing harm. The author is clearly trying to change the current dogma surrounding GMO’s by referring to multiple short term toxicity studies, criticising the test subject species, the way in which feed was administered, variables used to come to their conclusions and time-frame in which the studies were carried out. It is suggested that as the study utilised pigs instead of birds or  fish that the data gained is more relevant to human consumption. The lead author’s strong connection to the Seralini research team and fundamental flaws in experimentation can be emphasised in the context of the debate. Furthermore, as the paper has taken a different approach to setting up parameters, this can easily related to the commercial industry. It can then be concluded that the paper has particular agendas as the general public is a target audience is targeting the public audience and preaching to convert. Aysun KÄ ±lÄ ±c, Turan Akay. (2007) A three generation study with genetically modified Bt corn in rats: Biochemical and histopathological investigation. Food and Chemical Toxicology 46. Pg1164-1170 Peer Reviewed Journal The study was carried out across three generations of female Wistar Albino rats divided into three groups, with the third being fed a diet of BT transgenic corn. The lead author of this paper is an independent researcher from the university of Hacettepe in Turkey. She has published many papers on the subject of toxicity with relation to food additives and GMO’s. The nature of the paper is intended for an academic audience. The authors recognize the controversial nature surrounding the issue. Their results are approached in an entirely unbiased nature by stating they feel a substantiated answer to the safety of GM foods cannot be derived from the available literature. The paper is thoroughly referenced with a wide range of sources but makes no obvious mention to the source of funding. The paper came to the conclusion that no significant changes in body and organ weights were found, but minimal histopathological differences were noticed in the liver and kidneys as well as creatine, protein and globulin changes in a biochemical analysis. Test subjects were already 11 weeks old before GM feed was administered interfering with results. The concentration of GM feed was 20% which is shown to have less of a measurable affect as suggested in Seralinis review paper (Spiroux et.al 2009). The paper notes the strain of GM maize used but provides little information for the GM free variety. Instead of utilising their available resources to test multiple variables the study uses two control groups and only one GM fed group. This paper  will provide a contrast to the other 3 papers sited as it holds no bias. Even though it has no pre-determined opinions, it still fails to provide definitive results, and the study itself has various shortcomings. This can again be used to show how a general lack of quality scientific research is a key factor in driving the ongoing debate regarding the safety of GM foods. Public Attitudes towards biotechnology in Australia. Australian Government, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Public survey Results of an Australian survey of public attitudes from 2009-2010 with relation to the biotechnology industry. The paper thoroughly discusses the Australian public’s opinions regarding GMOs, also detailing its various other applications in the biotechnology industry. It concludes that 67% were accepting of GMOs as they realised its potential benefits. However it does show that support of GMOs has in fact decreased slightly since 2007, but that half of those opposed would change their position if long term evidence suggested GM food was safe. A further 45% of the opposed public would reconsider if detailed labelling explained what had been modified and why. Yet despite the surveys thoroughness in many areas, there are still issues. The survey presents its findings in a way that suggests it is representative of opinions of the whole of Australia, but only 1,086 people were surveyed. There is also very little explanation of the methodologies used to attain the results, nor are any of the exact questions given to the participants provided. As such, there is potential bias as questions can be designed to give a particular response. Furthermore, it is unclear as to what information about GMOs was provided to the participants, which could influence their opinions. This source will be used to summarise the effect the debate is having on the Australian public. The survey demonstrates that the controversy exists within both the scientific community and the public domain. It also helps to reveal the lack of clear information available for GMOs and how this affects consumers. This will help to confirm how divided opinions are in both the scientific and public arenas. Literature Review draft outline Upon researching the topic it became quickly apparent that even though GM technology is well established being utilised in countries over the globe, there is still vast amounts of doubt over its safety and economic value. Long term toxicity papers were the focus of the draft plan as they were the source for the majority of controversy. After inspecting the papers I noticed opinionated research and data analysis as well as a lack of experimental explanation and sly tactics. Section heading (approx. word length) Brief outline of content Introduction (300) The introduction will discuss the debate that is currently being waged about the safety of genetically modified crops. This is an issue that has divided scientists and consumers alike; on one hand many advocate for its safety and extensive benefits, while others are troubled by the lack of information regarding its long term health effects. I will analyse several key studies which have all played a significant role in this debate and have endeavoured to provide studies that both support and refute the safety of GMOs. I will also outline other topics surrounding the controversy, such as the need for government authorities to more closely regulate GMOs, specifically the privatised biotechnology companies who are largely responsible for their production. From here I will discuss the role Monsanto, an American biotech company, has played in the controversy, including information about Monsanto’s history, and their involvement in research and distribution of GM crops. An integral part of the analysis and discussion will focus on the current lack of reliable scientific data as nearly all research carried out about GMOs is plagued with inaccuracies and conflicts of interest. From a close analysis of all of these sources, it will ultimately be clear how the controversy is being largely fuelled by the lack of reliable scientific data. History of Monsanto (300) This will elaborate on statements made in the introduction, and continues to assess the history and development of the issue. It will be necessary to discuss Monsanto’s belief that to account for the world’s growing  population, new biotechnologies need to be developed. However, the trustworthiness of the company should be called into question given its extensive history that involves the development of such detrimental products as Agent Orange. Furthermore, there are many instances where previous Monsanto employees have later been employed at various government agencies, such as the FDA, suggesting a possible conflict of interest. It will also be relevant to discuss the range of crops that are being modified, and their prevalence across the world today. What is driving the controversy (500) This section will form arguments questioning ideas and methodology from the literature that have shaped the issue to date, such as: Conflicting results: Sà ©ralini’s paper shows an increase in mortality rates per roundup concentration, while Hammond’s paper disregards these findings as they fall within an average of  ±2 standard deviations of the population reference controls. Increased variables due to poor experimentation: Kilic’s paper used 11 week old rats which had been consuming an unspecified feed before the experiment commenced. Carmen’s paper showed that trace amounts of GM feed had contaminated control groups. Overall this shows how a lack of consensus about studies findings, and problematic data continues to fuel the controversy. This is where I will site the survey conducted by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Implications of the controversy (500) The ongoing debate surrounding the safety of GM crops has many varied and significant implications, particularly for consumers. Given the quagmire of conflicting evidence, it becomes extremely difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they buy. It is also necessary to discuss how inaccessible much of the available data is for the general public as vast majority of studies released are targeted to other scientists. These studies consist of extensive graphs and complex tables that are nearly impossible for the everyday person to decipher. This then leads to the public having to upon others to interpret the research, which can be informed by personal bias, creating misinformation and further confusion about the topic. Broad interpretation of the issue/consider other factors. (500) In this section I will broaden the scope and refer to other aspects of the GMO debate. It is important to discuss the widespread environmental effects herbicides used on GMO crops have, especially on bee populations. As an integral part of our ecosystem, a significant decline in bee populations can have disastrous effects across the globe. There have also been various instances where GM crops have been unintentionally cross-contaminated with non GM crops. This gives rise to a myriad of issues from lawsuits between Monsanto and farmers, and for organic farmers such contamination can mean they are discredited, and many other issues besides. There are also other problems regarding Monsanto’s reluctance to release its scientific data for independent researchers to interpret. Conclusion (250 to 300 words) From an analysis inclusive of all significant aspects of the GMO debate, it will be clear that it is the lack of sufficient data and consensus about potential health effects that continue to fuel the controversy. Because there have been no rigorous long term studies conducted about health effects GM foods may have, it is impossible to definitively say one way or the other whether they are safe for us to eat, or not. This creates a situation where bias and conflict of interest is rife as each side of the debate has the opportunity to continue to argue for their respective beliefs. In a broader social context, this creates much confusion as the everyday consumer has no reliable information to make decisions by, and is thus susceptible to misinformation. Given the prevalence of GM foods and that we consume them over the course of a lifetime, consumers concerns are wholly justified, and until conclusive and unbiased data is released, the debate will continue. Key Word Search/Database MonsantoGeoBase GlyphosateCAB Abstracts GMO Roundup References: 1. Debora MacKenzie. (2012). Study linking GM crops and cancer questioned. Available: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22287-study-linking-gm-crops-and-cancer-questioned.html?full=true#.UhQOP94_7IU. Last accessed 25th aug 2012. 2. Aysun KÄ ±lÄ ±c, Turan Akay. (2007) A three generation study with genetically modified Bt corn in rats: Biochemical and histopathological investigation. Food and Chemical Toxicology 46. Pg1164-1170 3. B Hammond, R Dudekb, J Lemena, M Nemetha. (2004). Results of a 13 week safety assurance study with rats fed grain from glyphosate tolerant corn. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 45 (1), 1003-1014 4. European Food Safety Authority. (2013). Considerations on the applicability of OECD TG 453 to whole food/feed testing. EFSA Journal. 11 (7), 33-47. 5. Flachowsky G, Chesson A, Aulrich K. (2005). Animal nutrition with feeds from genetically modified plants. Arch Anim\Nutr 59:1 – 40. 6. Joà «l Spiroux de Vendà ´mois, Franà §ois Roullier, Dominique Cellier,Gilles-Eric Sà ©ralini. (2009). A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health . International Journal of Environmental Sciences. 5 (7), 706-726. 7. Gilles-Eric Sà ©ralini, Emilie Clair, Robin Mesnage, Steeve Gress, Nicolas Defarge, Manuela Malatesta, Didier Hennequin, Joà «l Spiroux de Vendà ´mois (2012) Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize. Food and Chemical Toxicology 50. Pg4221-4231 8. Judy A. Carman1, Howard R. Vlieger, Larry J. Ver Steeg, Verlyn E.Sneller, Garth W. Robinson, Catherine A. Clinch-Jones, Julie I. Haynes, John W. Edwards. A long-term toxicology study on pigs fed a combined genetically modified (GM) soy and GM maize diet. Journal of organic systems. Pg38-55 9. IPSOS-Eureka Social Research Institute (2010) Public Attitudes towards Biotechnology Australia, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

Matrimony and Recompense in Measure for Measure :: Shakespeare Measure Essays

Matrimony and Recompense in Measure for Measure (A version of this essay appeared in Shakespeare Quarterly 46 (Winter, 1995), 454-464.) Since 1970, when the Isabella of John Barton's RSC production of Measure for Measure first shocked audiences by silently refusing to acquiesce to the Duke's offer of marriage at the end of the play, Isabella's response (or lack thereof) to the Duke's proposal has become one of the most prevalent subjects for Shakespearean performance criticism.See, for example, Jane Williamson, "The Duke and Isabella on the Modern Stage," The Triple Bond: Plays, Mainly Shakespearean, in Performance, ed. Joseph G. Price (University Park: Penn State UP, 1975), pp. 149-69; Ralph Berry, "Measure for Measure on the Contemporary Stage," Humanities Association Review 28 (1977), 241-47; Philip C. McGuire, Speechless Dialect: Shakespeare's Open Silences (Berkeley: U of California P, 1985); and Graham Nicholls, Measure for Measure: Text and Performance (London: Macmillan Education, 1986). However, attention to this issue has tended to overshadow another ambiguous aspect of the same stage sequence: the question of why the Duke asks Isabella to marry him in the first place. It is generally agreed that the text provides no evidence to suggest a romantic attachment to Isabella on the Duke's part until the moment of his proposal, but the play's stage history reveals a pattern of attempts to supply what the text lacks, either through stage business or interpolated declarations of love. Hal Gelb notes, "Critics and directors have so keenly felt a sense of the marriage as a tacked-on after-thought that they have sought ways to prepare it earlier in the play" ("Duke Vincentio and the Illusion of Comedy or All's Not Well that Ends Well," SQ, 22 [1971], 31). These attempts, based on a culturally specific conception of matrimony as prompted by erotic desire, disregard other textually prominent motivations for marriage grounded in Renaissance moral, social, and financial concerns. Ann Jennalie Cook, comparing contemporary notions of marriage to those of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, writes , "Despite the romantic ideas expressed in plays and poetry, most marriages were contracted on the basis of interest rather than affect. Society demanded a legitimate male heir to preserve the family name and properties. Moreover, the financial arrangements of a marriage settlement were essential to insure that both parties could live securely until death. Marriage was also viewed as the safest outlet for the healthful discharge of sexual appetites.

Martin Guerre

The book â€Å"Martin Guerre† written by Natalie Zemon Davis' is about a French peasant of the 16th century, who was at the core of an eminent case of masquerade.   Natalie Zemon Davis is a historian and an American feminist of early contemporary France. Her major interests are in cultural and social history particularly of those formerly disregarded by the historians. In her book she discusses about the peasant life because according to her the most striking think about peasant life in sixteenth century, France was that marriage was primarily an economic and business relationship. It seemed to be used simply to unite familial lands and provide continuity in the family. Even though most, if not the entire, would presume the lives of peasants are unimportant in the superior system of things, the admired tale of Martin Guerre gives details of workers or peasants creating important, life-altering verdicts founded on egotism. The individual existance of the peasants does make a distinction. The author Natalie Zemon Davis narrates the story of peasants take care of themselves and seldom do they permit others to get in the way with their own aims, ambitions and objectives. She tries to fill in the fissure of the narrative with her personal view and opinion; even though, her judgment at times opposes the contemporaries of the tale. Numerous sources utilized by Natalie Davis are reasonably sound; but, several other sources elevate queries of their own genuineness and deep feeling. The novelist also takes a cavernous look into the lives of the peasants to investigate what coerces them and what so fervently fuels their idiosyncratic desires. The book details the life of the peasants in not only one specific place, but also details the customs of numerous places such as Hendaye, Artigat, and the court at Rieux in a contrast/compare style. It builds a world of stairs where those on the lowest rung are always looking somewhere higher up, yet they are always able to keep a taut rein on their lives. The characters of this tale are brought to a startling realism and gives details of every possible thought and action that could have led them down the path that they chose, and even speculates on alternatives to the choice they made. The author shows the life of the real Martin Guerre as full of regret and disgust at things gone wrong. His wife, Bertrande de Rols, is expressed as a manipulator that is always weighing her options and scheming to rise ahead. Subsequently, there is Arnaud du Tilh; without his appearance, no story would have likely taken place because it took a man of his shrewdness and his love of vice to create such a fantastical plot. Despite the fact that Arnaud was â€Å"the man for whom [Bertrande] felt†¦a great and joyous passion† (Davis 1983), she couldn't stay contentedly with him. She was a very strong catholic who could not accept â€Å"the shadow of sin and danger which accompanied [Arnaud]†(Davis 1983), even though he made her happier than Martin ever could or would have. In an era where women were indeed oppressed in a male-dominated society, it is understandable that a woman like Bertrande would have feelings of anger towards her oppressors. It is certain that she feels anger and a kind of hatred towards Arnaud, saying that â€Å"[she] has not demanded his death, but now [she] must demand it† (Davis 1983). It is possible that Arnaud is ‘copping the brunt' of all of her hardships that came about after Martin left her. A person might think that Bertrand’s triumph would at last bestow her liberty and trustworthiness. On the contrary, she is given the opposed â€Å"harsh, solitary justice†. No one in actual fact cares that she was true, and no one tries to stop her at the time she goes away. If ethical impartiality had been attained, she (Bertrande) would not have been in the place where she ended up. Frances and Joseph Geis elucidate comprehensively the traditions of family and matrimony during the 16th century. In the middle Ages, the majority of the peasants did not have proper matrimonial vows performed in church. As an alternative, they promise (or vow) to each other to reside as ordinary and bylaw wife and husband. Ceremony was not compulsory because peasants did not possess land; they worked on the property of the aristocracy as occupant cultivators or farmers. Matrimonial customs transformed in the 16th   century due to the peasant's capability to possess property, due to which parents persevered on having further control over their progeny’s matrimonial options. â€Å"Love may do much, but money more.† This was a popular proverb among peasants in 16th century France. This quote characterizes peasant life in all aspects and the same has been described in the book. Though the world offered much to its citizens, the peasants always wanted more; they wanted more money, which would in turn, provide more power. Whatever is beneficial to them, they seek without regards as to the effects it would have on others. In this age of France, trade between villages and towns was bountiful. This emphasis put on business reveals the peasant motto â€Å"but money more†; many believed trading would bring them, greater riches and opportunity. Marriage was a major vessel used by peasants, by which they sought out power and wealth. One such example is the marriage of Bertrande de Rols and Martin Guerre. The Guerre's attempted to use their son, Martin, to make connections with a significant, prominent family in the society of Artigat. They hoped that this new bonding would help them make vital connections to a higher class of peasant. Although it was shunned by most in the Catholic Church and by attorneys consensual marriage was legal and only required the bride and groom to agree on it. It was usually eschewed because it did not give the families any voice in the matter. However, most marriages were arranged by the parents. The main purpose of the marriage was to produce children; love was not a factor. The more children (especially males) a family has, the greater fortune it will likely bring to the family. A childless marriage was grounds for a divorce at this time; without children, a marriage, in essence, has no purpose. Many people simply did not find that their present situation was going well. Many departed themselves from reality by joining the army (this was common due to the current war between France and Spain). Others did not take such a drastic step; they simply picked up everything they owned and moved to a new village to start a new life in hopes of better fortune. Around this time, as ideas moved about rather swiftly due to peasant migration, Protestantism arose to challenge the authority of Catholicism. Peasants broke into church buildings and smashed images of the saints and other artwork. Protestantism found its fuel in its central doctrines: such as scripture being open to individual interpretation. Peasants saw these doctrines as loopholes and alternatives to the harsh, Catholic teachings. The courts, at this time, were attempting to instill the public with more conservative decisions that would favor marriage to divorce and put an emphasis on the familial unit, especially the children; this they did in hopes of ending decisions based solely on self-interest. There are scenarios where execution is used as a form of punishment for adultery. Davis accentuates the generalities of medieval life in France and also provides particularities, such as the property of Pansette staying within his family instead of going to the king, as was the custom. A desire to attain one's own interests so eagerly is proven repeatedly by Davis as though she is obviously attempting to lead us in that direction by her outlook on this part of the past. BIBLIOGRAPHY Davis, Natalie, The Return of Martin Guerre, Harvard University Press, 1983, ISBN, 0 14 00,7593 3 Original Literary Source Lewis, Janet. Retour de Martin Guerre, Le      

The Crucible-Compare and Contrast Essay - 744 Words

The Crucible Essay In 1952 a play was written by Arthur Miller, about events that happened in Salem in 1692. The play was about affairs, accusations, and innocent people being accused of witches. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Abigail and Mary Warren are introduced as two separate people. Although people might see Abigail and Mary Warren as two separate people and nothing alike, they are more alike than meets the eye. Abigail and Mary Warren have three things in common; they are both are deceitful, they both dishonest, and they are both apprehensive. Accusation played a major part in this story for Abigail and Mary Warren. When, Reverend Paris finds Abigail, Mary Warren, and others dancing in the woods he doesn’t know what to do,†¦show more content†¦When Mary Warren is in court she also tries to blame someone. On page 195 Mary Warren says to John Proctor â€Å"Mr. Proctor, in open court she near to choked us all to death.† Even though Mary Warren knows this is a lie, she says it so she doesn’t get blamed anymore. But this isn’t the end of the girl’s similarities. Abigail and Mary Warren have one final similarity; they both are apprehensive. While in court when about to be convicted, both girls blamed someone else for being witches and said they saw them with the devil. Then they would say explain that they have found God again so they are off the hook. When all this shenanigans first started, Abigail shouted â€Å"I saw Goody Hawkins with the Devil. I saw Goody Booth with the Devil!† By saying those names she was taken off the hook, and Goody Hawkins and Goody Booth were now being accused of witchery. This shows that Abigail is apprehensive because, she was scared of what would happen so by blaming it on someone else she didn’t have to worry about what would happen to her. Mary Warren also did the same terrible thing. Right before Mary Warren was to be called a witch by the court she said â€Å"You’re the Devil’s Man!† to John Proctor. That made the court decide to convict Proctor instead of her because she cried that she had found God. It made Mary not have to be fearful for her own life anymore. In conclusion Abigail and Mary Warren have similar traits for twoShow MoreRelatedThe Crucible Compare And Contrast Essay1137 Words   |  5 PagesThe Crucible is play by Arthur Miller, made in 1953 and it is about a fictional story of The Salem witch trials that occurred in the late 1600’s. The film, The Crucible, was made in 1996, directed by Nicholas Hytner, and was made to show Millers work on the big screen so it could appeal to the new generation. The film and the text, The Crucible, have numerous similarities, yet in addition the movie will give you a better understanding of Arthur Millers work. Characterization in the play and inRead MoreCompare And Contrast Tituba In The Crucible887 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"He say Mr. Parris’ must be kill! Mr. Parris no goodly man, Mr. Parris mean man and no gentle man, and he bid me, rise out of my bed and cut your throat!† This quote was said by Tituba in The Crucible after being accused of bewitching the girls. Tituba was a slave from Barbados and was taken to Salem after being bought by Reverend Parris. She was mistreated by Mr.Parris and was constantly whipped and beat. After confessing to witchcraft, Tituba goes crazy in jail and starts saying she and Sarah GoodRead MoreCompare And Contrast Elizabeth Proctor In The Crucible741 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"Whatever you do, it is a good man who does it.† This quote was said by Elizabeth Proctor, a character in The Crucible. Here Elizabeth is saying that her husband is a good man which shows that she has finally forgiven him for the affair he had earlier in the pl ay. Elizabeth Proctor is a good Christian woman who is very honest. She is married to John Proctor but keeps a cold house ever since John had the affair with Abigail Williams. Elizabeth is accused of witchcraft when Abigail is stabbed in theRead MoreCompare And Contrast John Proctor In The Crucible1504 Words   |  7 PagesIn The Crucible the characters all show different kind of growth throughout the story. The story is based of a town called Salem and when the Devil hit Salem all the people started to turn on each other. What started of as a little joke between girls turned into a whole game for them to play. The girls accused anyone they saw or anyone that did them wrong and each and every time those same people were hanged. Although, this play is mostly about the witchcraft the people also changed as time wentRead MoreCompare And Contrast Reverend Hale In The Crucible1639 Words   |  7 PagesCharacters such as Macbeth or Professor Moriarty, while typically portrayed as †Å"evil,† are morally complex characters that view themselves as protagonists, similar to Reverend Hale. In Arthur Miller’s seminal recreation of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, The Crucible, a group of Puritan farmers, landowners, and priests collide in a tale of desperate fear and hysteria. Reverend Hale, a minister with what appears limitless knowledge of the supernatural, is thrust into an event that his expertise could never prepareRead MoreCompare And Contrast John Proctor In The Crucible709 Words   |  3 Pagesthere are several different kinds of heroes represented in The Crucible. In Arthur Millers novel, the Crucible, the story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 during the Salem witch trials. During this time, several people, men and women alike, are falsely accused of being witches. John Proctor and his wife Elizabeth are both falsely accused of being witches, so both husband and wife need to fight for their lives. In the Crucible, John Proctor goes to great lengths to not only try to save ElizabethsRead MoreCompare And Contrast Reverend Hale And The Crucible774 Words   |  4 PagesA Tragic Hero This short essay will delve into character analysis of two characters from The Crucible by Arthur Miller. I will be discussing a few qualities of Reverend Hale and John Proctor, and also arguing why I believe that John Proctor is the tragic hero of the story. Reverend Hale is a man who comes to Salem with a mission. He had recently discovered witchcraft in his own town where he was the minister, and now his services were being requested elsewhere (Miller, 9). His talents were becomingRead MoreCompare And Contrast John Proctor In The Crucible773 Words   |  4 Pages The Crucible by Arthur Miller, is a play written to mirror the anti-communist hysteria and how Joseph McCarthy went on â€Å"witch hunts†, which was basically finding an innocent person who was accused of being a witch and punishing them. Throughout The Crucible you will see very similar actions that mirror the McCarthy era; like how Abigail gets mad John Proctor does not want to be with her and spreads a rumor that his wife is a witch. â€Å"A tragic hero is the main character in a tragedy,† directly describesRead MoreCompare And Contrast Abigail And John Proctor In The Crucible1049 Words   |  5 Pagesof terrible trials occurred, These trials consisted of accusations of witchcraft. Today, these trials are known as the Salem Witch Trials. As a result of these trials, 19 citizens, 14 women, 5 men, and even one dog were put to death. The play, The Crucible, was written by Arthur Miller in 1952. In this play the characters have so many different characteristics from each other. Abigail is seen as a bad person while John Proctor is seen as the good and honest character; even though he made some bad decisionsRead MoreCompare and Contrast of Parris and Hale in The Crucible Essay869 Words   |  4 PagesSamuel Parris and John Hale are the two ministers in The Crucible and were initially alike in their attitudes towards witchcraft. However, their personalities show some striking dissimilarities. Unlike Hale, Reverend Parris is characterized by extreme paranoia and egotism. He is very static- his traits and motives remain consistent from the beginning to the end of the play. Although a religious man and believer in witchcraft like Parris, Hal e values human life and is motivated by personal beliefs