At the end of the trial scene, Shylock has been ordered by the court and and the bond which he swore to abide to without shedding a drop of Antonio's blood. This is realistically totally impossible. However, this is indeed justified. Going according to law and order and the statements of the mutual-consented bond is true justice. Shylock forfeiting the bond and receiving his punishment is true justice!
On the other hand, there is no true mercy. Forcing a Jew to convert into Christianity may seem a lenient punishment than forsaking all his estate, however, this is indeed a big blow to Shylock. Portia has begged him to show mercy at first towards Antonio but he rejected, arguing on what compulsion must he do that. Now, he begs for mercy and is content to take 3times of the debt which Bassanio offered. Portia rejected him bluntly, stating that he must follow the law and bond, not shedding a drop of blood which would result in a greater offense. Portia is exhibiting true justice but not true mercy
Justice can be manipulated by people in power. There is a saying in China that, Power is greater than the law, people can often find their way out even on serious crimes with bribes as long as they pay, which means they can be manipulated by the government. Power is greater than the law, money is greater than the law and connections are greater than the law. If the criminals can offer the government or the court some benefits, they may get away scot-free. At this point of time, after receiving those benefits, the people in power can bend the rules and let those criminals off.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Blog prompt 3 - how has war evolved from the past to the present?
I think the main difference of war I the past and the war in the present is due to the twin engines that are driving the world today. Youth and Technology. There will be indeed difference in terms of ammunition like there where not much nuclear power or missles in the past compared to that of today. However I think we should focus on the underlying reason for the evolution.
The reason why people are going to war in the past and in the present is different. The young generations and the old generations have different issues that make them angry and have different intention and perspective on war. I also think the problem is that the generations in the past and the generations in the present, with the aid of technology, the young people have no fear to express their discontent and thus results in many heated arguments.
For technology, the use of social media is rising. People can get their information in seconds by the click of their mouse. People behind the computer, like youths, have no fear to say what they want or please without considering other consequences. With this, people can get really offended and when their problems are not solved, they may resort to drastic measures to convey their message.
The youths are the leader of tomorrow and technology is advancing by the second. With both aspects, it is more than enough to change the world.
The reason why people are going to war in the past and in the present is different. The young generations and the old generations have different issues that make them angry and have different intention and perspective on war. I also think the problem is that the generations in the past and the generations in the present, with the aid of technology, the young people have no fear to express their discontent and thus results in many heated arguments.
For technology, the use of social media is rising. People can get their information in seconds by the click of their mouse. People behind the computer, like youths, have no fear to say what they want or please without considering other consequences. With this, people can get really offended and when their problems are not solved, they may resort to drastic measures to convey their message.
The youths are the leader of tomorrow and technology is advancing by the second. With both aspects, it is more than enough to change the world.
Blog prompt 4 - Response to open letter to education Minister
You probably have already heard that a Secondary Four student recently wrote a to letter the Education Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat, which generated much heated debate again about Singapore's much-discussed education system.
The main issue the student wants to bring out is that the education system in Singapore is all about memorizing facts, examination, memorizing more facts and having bigger and more examinations. She does not feel that this education method does not cultivate students to apply to their everyday life. Take the subject CME as an example. It teaches civic moral education and student may get A1s for it by just memorizing it. However, does the students actually apply it? the example she used is that, take an old lady crossing the road, everyone knows that we have to help her, however, does anyone actually do it in real life, students who get A1 for CME may not even consider to help.
She also points out a point that whenever we ask questions to teachers, they reply telling us, do not ask why, just treat it that way. She then quoted Albert Einstein's "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." This tone tells us she does not like the education system we have.
If I have to write this letter, I would raise the issue to the minister requesting him to change the education system in the way that the education system satisfy both ways, allowing the student to get good grades and at the same time, maintain an inquisitive mind.
The main issue the student wants to bring out is that the education system in Singapore is all about memorizing facts, examination, memorizing more facts and having bigger and more examinations. She does not feel that this education method does not cultivate students to apply to their everyday life. Take the subject CME as an example. It teaches civic moral education and student may get A1s for it by just memorizing it. However, does the students actually apply it? the example she used is that, take an old lady crossing the road, everyone knows that we have to help her, however, does anyone actually do it in real life, students who get A1 for CME may not even consider to help.
She also points out a point that whenever we ask questions to teachers, they reply telling us, do not ask why, just treat it that way. She then quoted Albert Einstein's "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." This tone tells us she does not like the education system we have.
If I have to write this letter, I would raise the issue to the minister requesting him to change the education system in the way that the education system satisfy both ways, allowing the student to get good grades and at the same time, maintain an inquisitive mind.
Blog prompt 2 - Is money important in relationship?
I have 2 points of views actually as i think money is important in a relationship but is not everything in a relationship.
Money is important as the society now is very realistic, going out with a rich man would without doubt grant you a life of luxury. Going out on dates and marriages, all need money and without it, the relationship would naturally tear apart and there might often be arguments relating money and it could be a main factor of which couples form together.
However, money may not be everything in most cases of relationships. couples may form as of other factors like personality, attitude and appearance etc.... Money may be just a factor whereby they feel is not in the way of their relationship and they can solve it without any problem. This can be derived by the fact, 'true love conquers all
Money is important as the society now is very realistic, going out with a rich man would without doubt grant you a life of luxury. Going out on dates and marriages, all need money and without it, the relationship would naturally tear apart and there might often be arguments relating money and it could be a main factor of which couples form together.
However, money may not be everything in most cases of relationships. couples may form as of other factors like personality, attitude and appearance etc.... Money may be just a factor whereby they feel is not in the way of their relationship and they can solve it without any problem. This can be derived by the fact, 'true love conquers all
Blog prompt 1 - soldier
Singapore, just a mere dot on the world map, had been through ups and downs. WW2 had really shaken Singapore like an earthquake, rendering Singapore in tatters. Through the harsh reality, we have learnt to rely on no one but ourselves. Singapore as small as we are, is limited of both hinterland and manpower, causing the series of troubles we face in the early years. In such cases, we need to rely on our young men to protect and defend our country. This is essential to be self-reliant as it is the first step to be independent.
I am can that I am patriotic and proud of my country. However, I am not sure whether I would be to the extent of dying for my country and I cannot be sure whether I can sacrifice as much as what the soldiers are doing for England. But what I can be sure of is that I am grateful and very thankful to Singapore
I am can that I am patriotic and proud of my country. However, I am not sure whether I would be to the extent of dying for my country and I cannot be sure whether I can sacrifice as much as what the soldiers are doing for England. But what I can be sure of is that I am grateful and very thankful to Singapore
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Online lesson - poem
Online lesson - poem
Task 1
Hubert Wilson is a Vietnam War veteran who served in the USAF security service. With a dozen school graduates, they prepped for about 14 months at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas.
This poem speaks of a modern day ingredient of warfare that has caused appalling death and suffering. Agent Orange is contaminated with TCDD, which is very dangerous. During the war, about 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in 400,000 deaths and disabilities, with 500,000 children born with birth defects.
From 1962 to 1971, Agent Orange was the most widely used in the herbicidal warfare program. During the production, dioxins were produced as contaminant, which caused numerous health problems to millions of people exposed to it.
This poem is to emphasize on the point that wars aren't over when the wars are over. Although this sentence may seem contradictory, but it basically means that even though wars have ended, but the effects of the war still remains, which shows the danger of modern warfare. It will not only affect the generation at that time, but also affects the younger generation like the newborn babies who are either dead or born with defects. This also shows the danger of starting a war and wants people to think twice before starting a war.
task 2
Steps in Analysis
Point Evidence Elaboration
1. Point of View Generations untold WILL pay Feels that war alone has its side effects and although it is over, the mental and physical scars will forever stay.
2. Situation and Setting Nefariously America led astray
Execrable effects of agent orange spray caused numerous health problems to millions of people exposed to it
3 Language/ Diction Expecting others to pay a high price
Toll on the innocent and unborn
All the deceit continues to spread A angry and a warning tone that all generations will pay the ultimate price although they themselves are innocent
4 Personal Response .Now thinking twice? Wants everyone to think twice about going to war
Task 1
Hubert Wilson is a Vietnam War veteran who served in the USAF security service. With a dozen school graduates, they prepped for about 14 months at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas.
This poem speaks of a modern day ingredient of warfare that has caused appalling death and suffering. Agent Orange is contaminated with TCDD, which is very dangerous. During the war, about 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in 400,000 deaths and disabilities, with 500,000 children born with birth defects.
From 1962 to 1971, Agent Orange was the most widely used in the herbicidal warfare program. During the production, dioxins were produced as contaminant, which caused numerous health problems to millions of people exposed to it.
This poem is to emphasize on the point that wars aren't over when the wars are over. Although this sentence may seem contradictory, but it basically means that even though wars have ended, but the effects of the war still remains, which shows the danger of modern warfare. It will not only affect the generation at that time, but also affects the younger generation like the newborn babies who are either dead or born with defects. This also shows the danger of starting a war and wants people to think twice before starting a war.
task 2
Steps in Analysis
Point Evidence Elaboration
1. Point of View Generations untold WILL pay Feels that war alone has its side effects and although it is over, the mental and physical scars will forever stay.
2. Situation and Setting Nefariously America led astray
Execrable effects of agent orange spray caused numerous health problems to millions of people exposed to it
3 Language/ Diction Expecting others to pay a high price
Toll on the innocent and unborn
All the deceit continues to spread A angry and a warning tone that all generations will pay the ultimate price although they themselves are innocent
4 Personal Response .Now thinking twice? Wants everyone to think twice about going to war
Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter is an 1850 romantic work of fiction, in a historical setting, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is considered to be his best literary work. This story talks about a woman called Hester Pryne who arrives from England, seeking independence. While waiting for her husband. While walking in the house near a forest, she met a man called Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale Passion, a young pastor, where both of them fell in love with each other. . The two soon find themselves attracted to each other and secretly begin an affair. Upon learning that her husband has probably died at the hands of Indians, they consummate their love As the result of this Hester becomes pregnant and when the government finds out, she is showed up in public and has to wear a scarlet "A" as "adultery" on her chest. A child is born. After the government learnt about it, Hester is publicly humiliated and made to wear a scarlet letter, as her punishment of committing adultery. As Hester Pryne refuses to tell the name of her child's father, she goes into jail where she gives birth to her daughter, Pearl. Her husband, Roger Prynne appears after a year with Indians, calling himself Chillingworth, wanting to seek revenge, searching out Hester's lover and stirring fears of witchcraft, life now driven by the idea to find out who was Hester's lover and destroy his life, as well as the life of Hester.
This book scarlet letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne revolves around a woman who struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. Throughout the book, Hawthorne emphasizes themes of legalism, sin, and guilt. Whereby one must be responsible for his or her own actions and sins and owning up to ones mistakes. We must also never fail to be repentant and also willing to fulfil the punishment for one’s mistake.
This book scarlet letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne revolves around a woman who struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. Throughout the book, Hawthorne emphasizes themes of legalism, sin, and guilt. Whereby one must be responsible for his or her own actions and sins and owning up to ones mistakes. We must also never fail to be repentant and also willing to fulfil the punishment for one’s mistake.
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