Abstract This paper analyzes the development of Lawrence Wentworth throughout Charles Williams' novel "Descent into Hell". The paper gives a brief insight into the novel and focus's on Lawrence's relationship to suicide.
Abstract This paper examines descent theory and alliance theory and some of the ethnographies associated with them in an attempt to discover why these formulations are not considered satisfactory analytical tools today. It then turns to modern developments in kinship to try to analyse the common points of failure for both theories. It takes the view that the two theories in question were very much a product of an attempt to reproduce a conception of existing in the world that is the product of a European elite.
From the Paper "Descent theory became popular in the 50?s, and was used as an analytic tool to explain everything from divorce rates to witchcraft accusations. In this application to everything, the first cracks in theory began to emerge. In Papua New Guinea, where descent theory seemed to be an almost perfect fit, John Barnes notes that it did not explain why the foundations of community organisation included a large number of non-agnates who were powerful figures in the community. Behaviour is descent theory, as evidenced by these examples, is simply not realistic. Social systems allow room for manoeuvre and manipulation."
Abstract This paper uses the Wesleyan Quadrilateral of Experience, Tradition, Scripture, and Reason to outline the various interpretations and understandings concerning Christ's descent into hell. The paper uses a series of interviews with some of the America's top religion/philosophy instructors, as well as randomized viewpoints.
From the Paper "In general three main arguments have been established: first, that Christ did not descend at all; second that he did descend to the underworld (ei"& ta katacqovnta katelqovta), that is, the place of the dead; and third that he descended into hell (descendit ad inferna) and battled with Lucifer and/or Hades in an effort to rescue those who came before Christ."
Abstract Charles Darwin, a British naturalist and known for his previous work "The Origin of Species", published his second large work on evolutionary theory, "The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex" in 1871. This paper examines how, originating as notes scribbled down with no intent to publish, Darwin took known facts from his contemporaries of the day and attempted elucidate human evolution within the confines of the framework of selection. It looks at how the book touches on several issues pertaining to the evolution of man, including social interactions with females from males and why certain tribes flourished while others died off. It also discusses his unique look on races, a more definitive view on sexual selection, differences between men and women and the relevance of evolutionary theory in society.
From the Paper "Chapter Five, On the Development of the Intellectual and Moral Faculties during Primeval and Civilized Times, is the most stimulating chapter that can also be found later in Jared Diamonds works Collapse (2005) and Guns, Germs, and Steel (2005). Darwin shows that those who were best in trappings and weaponry would rear the greatest number of offspring (133), which the tribes larger than others would result in greater chances of birth (134). The tribes with courage, sympathy, fidelity, and a social quality inherited would spread and be more victorious over other tribes (135), and if one aided then the other would reciprocate, incorporating encouragement, praise, and blame (135)."
A exploration of the theory of mate relationships through the review of the book "The Mate Relationship: Cross-Cultural Applications of a Rules Theory" by Anne Maydan Nicotera.
Abstract This paper examines the above book which presents research applications of a rules theory of mate relationships of several American cultures and two non-American cultures. It shows how this theory can be summarized into seven basic propositions, which have previously been tested and supported. It discusses how the research in the book expands the original and traditional findings of these applications and goes into more depth by working with the different attributes and levels of mateship in five of America's co-cultures, white Americans of European descent, African Americans, Deaf Americans of White European Descent, Jamaicans and the Japanese.
From the Paper "Through the study of White Americans of European Descent the seven qualities mentioned by at least thirty percent of the sample included trust, friendship, love, honesty, communication, caring, and loyalty. Eighty-six attributes were mentioned, and forty one of those attributes were only listed once and were not included in the table referring to the different attributes and their ranking. By analyzing the data, it showed that there were three necessary stages: occasional date, exclusive date, and marriage. These findings are very similar in comparison to the past research conducted."
Abstract The author of the paper discusses the tribal living patterns and social organization in small tribal communities based on two geographically separated populations. The writer contends that this behavior of groups at times is similar while others are dissimilar whether they are nearby groups or in faraway lands. With this in mind, the author of the paper examines two groups: the Tiv of Africa and the Yanomamo of Brazil. The writer contends that there are certain kinship patterns that favor the segmentary lineage society while the cultures also may support the segmentary opposition. The writer continues and states that descent structures in these two groups are very much dependent on the social structure and the patrilineal descent construct. These are discussed in the paper by comparing the two groups. The paper is accompanied by two charts.
Outline:
Introduction
Discussion
Tiv social organization
Yanomamo
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "This is the Tiv's patrilineage. It is the Tiv's way to define the father's path and to follow it. A man can have five patrilineage that including: (1) his mother's ityo, whom he calls his igba, or rarely igba ngo; (2) his father's mother's ityo, his igba ter; (3) his father's father's mother's ityo, his igba ter u tamen; (4) his mother's mother's ityo, his igba ngo u tamen, and the ityo of his mother's secondary marriage guardian, his igba tien." (Bohannan et al 1958) In this context the man may have fixed ityo with varying igba. But it is the duty of the igba to protect him from agnates injustice and be the intermediary. This social construct is particularly important in large tribes or when it expands beyond the territories of Tivland."
Abstract The paper shows that, although the term "Buffalo Soldier" is often proudly used in reference to any man of African American descent in the United States military, it originally denoted those who served in the cavalry and infantry, fighting in the Indian Wars. Over 180,000 Buffalo Soldier (mostly on the Unionist side) fought during the American Civil War and over 33,000 died. This paper shows the difficulties such as racism and hostilities faced by these Buffalo Soldiers. It describes the conditions under which these special units fought and their role in the peace-keeping attempts between the whites and the Native Americans.
From the Paper "As hostilities increased between the white settlers and the Indians, the Buffalo Soldiers became the force responsible for ensuring that peace was kept. As the hostile Indians were forced onto reservations which failed to support them, they resorted to war against not only the white settlers but also the Indian tribes who had allied themselves with the whites. The Buffalo Soldiers fought against them with great courage and, considering their equipment and experience, with considerable success. To their credit, they did not once participate in either massacres or atrocities. They fought, at one time or another, the Kickapoos, Lipans, Comanches, Utes, Kiowas, Apaches, Shoshones, Cheyennes, Bannocks, Sioux and Blackfeet, as well as Mexicans and Chiricahua renegades. Although many of them had no previous fighting experience, they prevailed against such great leaders as Chatto, Geronimo, Cochise, Juh, Satanta, Victorio, Nachez, Loco, Benito, Mangus and Nana."
Tags: George, Washington, War, of, IndependenceCathay, Williams, Henry, Plummer
Abstract This paper will do a book review on" Death in Slow Motion: My Mother's Descent into Alzheimer's" by Eleanor Clooney. By analyzing how Clooney took care of her mother, who had the disease, we can assert a rehabilitative analysis on how this book progresses within a biographical context.
Covers issues concerning people of multiracial descent in the U.S. and the findings of the latest U.S. census as it relates to multiracial individuals.
Abstract The history and current demographics of the latest U.S. census are analyzed in order to demonstrate the changing face of America. Factors influencing this change go as far back as the birth of this country. Issues such as the creation and existence of the "one-drop rule" are questioned along with identity development concerns of multiracial individuals.
From the Paper "In 1967, in the Loving v. Virginia case, the anti- miscegenation laws were struck down and whites were then allowed to freely marry whomever they chose. (Wright, 1994) Since that time, a dramatic increase in interracial marriages has been seen between whites and other races. Due to the increasing number of interracial marriage and the obvious population growth of children who identify with more than one race, the U.S. Census Bureau made several changes to the race category. For the first time, this allowed people of multiracial decent to properly and accurately acknowledge their existence. Two percent of the U.S. population classified themselves as belonging to more than one race (6.8 million). White and "other" were the most common combinations (32%) with White and American Indian/Alaska Native at 16%, White and Asian at 13% and White and Black at 13%. Of the 63 possible combinations of racial categories, the four listed above make up 72% of persons of all multiracial persons. (AmeriStat, June 2001)"
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes three works of art: Peter Paul Rubens's "Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus" from 1618; Rembrandt Van Rijn's "The Descent from the Cross" from 1634; and Caravaggio's "The Death of the Virgin" from 1605/6. Specifically, the paper contains an opinion and assessment of each of the works.
From the Paper ""Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus" is an oil on canvas painting, measuring about 88 x 82 7/8 inches, and the original resides in the Pinakothek Museum in Munich, Germany. This painting portrays the abduction of two nude women by two large and powerful men, with their stallion rearing in the background, and a cherub hovering near the edge of the painting. The colors are rich and vibrant, from the natural skin tones of the women, to the tanned and burly beards of the men. Action and upheaval are at the center of this work ? it is clear the women are desperately fighting the men, and it is clear the men are more powerful than the women, and will carry them off to their fate. Paradoxically, the scenery in the background of the painting portrays a pastoral and peaceful scene of a landscape at sunset, in direct contrast with the activity and violence at the center of the painting. Rubens uses light and shadow to illuminate the action, while downplaying the scenic background, and the effect of the painting is emotional and disturbing. The overall quality of the work is soft and "painterly," which creates a sensual overtone."
Abstract The paper attempts an explanation of hell, according to Dante's epic poem "The Divine Comedy." The paper discusses the second part of the poem, The Inferno. The paper describes Dante's journey as his descent into hell. Finally, the paper compares him to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
From the Paper "The Descent into Hell: The second part of Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy" that which is known as the Inferno acts as a prime example of a pre-modern version of hell. In this hell are sinners of all kinds from all the centuries. The hell that Dante creates is not the same as the one we imagine today though Dante's vision has certainly shaped the one of the present. As the character Dante descends into hell he is witness to the afterlives of different kinds of sinners."
Abstract The paper outlines the experiences of many Muslim and Middle Eastern women post 9/11. The paper also examines what these women have done to protect themselves from attacks. The last several pages show the lives of Middle Eastern women in America as being occasionally fraught with worry and uncertainty as America comes to terms with its own feelings about 9/11 and as the country works to differentiate ordinary Muslims from Islamo-fascist extremists.
From the Paper "The events of September 11, 2001 have lodged deep in the viscera of most - if not all - Americans. In the aftermath of this gruesome tragedy, many Americans understandably evinced a deep antipathy towards Middle Eastern (specifically Muslim) women residing in the world's wealthiest and still most powerful nation. With the aforementioned in mind, the following paper will review what life has been like for Muslim women over the past four years by revealing some of the hardships they have faced in post-9/11 America. Proceeding onward, the paper will also look at what these women have done to protect themselves and, in a related vein, what their future in the United States portends. As will soon become apparent, the terrorist attacks in New York and in Washington brought to an end one era in American history and ushered in a new one."
Abstract This paper explain that the question of when, or even whether, Jesus knew that he was God has been debated by theologians since Christ's crucifixion. The author reviews the questions surrounding this issue by reflecting upon the distinction between the ascent and descent theological approaches to the nature of Jesus. The paper concludes that, while it is clear that Jesus had some perceptions concerning his special relationship with God, there is very little in the New Testament that indicates any full awareness of his role and purpose in life before his baptism; however, during his public ministry, Jesus demonstrated a clear understanding of who he was. The paper contains many quotations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Descending and Ascending Logos
Conclusion
From the Paper "Although humankind has always believed infancy and early childhood to be uniquely significant, it was not until the early half of the twentieth century that consistent research was conducted into the way in which children emotionally develop. Freud (1949), who was the foremost major theorist to highlight the importance of infancy and young childhood, strongly believed that "the ways babies are treated establish lifelong orientations and personality traits", while other behaviorists, including the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, explored children's cognitive growth."
From the Paper "Islamic Women
Introduction
Although the media seems to associate Islam solely with Arab people, Islam has spread throughout much of the world, with sizable communities in many countries, including India. The intent in this paper is to briefly compare Indian Islamic women with Arabic Islamic women.
The Influence of Culture
One of the striking things about the major world religions is how they are modified in expression by the culture in which they are embodied. Culture influences expression, particularly in the area of tradition.
Islam reached India through conquest, as it did for many.."
Abstract This essay examines the use of imagery in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story 'The Yellow Wallpaper' as it mirrors the protagonists final descent into insanity. The author describes the use of grotesque in this American gothic-style short story revealing the use of symbolism in the tale. The themes in the story are also analyzed.
From the Paper "Throughout Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story, "The Yellow Wallpaper" there is imagery describing the grotesque. The narrator's descriptions of the wallpaper's florid decorations grow and develop as her mind slowly deteriorates. As the protagonist's insanity begins to set in, the wallpaper seems to develop along with her. The worse she gets, the more she perceives within the design. The wallpaper almost seems to mirror her mood, as it twirls and plunges unceasingly like her racing and confused mind. The element of the grotesque is very important in this American gothic-style tale, as it helps to show, or possibly causes, the mental anguish of the narrator."
