Week 2 discussion 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Week 2 discussion 1 - Assignment Example Fixed incomes are also invested in the forms of bonds, where investors are paid a set rate of interest on their principal over a given period of time (Farris, Neil, Phillip and Reibstein, 2010). Depending on the period of investment, fixed income has been used for both short term and long term investment and also as important methodologies for maintaining portfolio risks (Kane and Marcus, 2011). Once this is done, the major concentration of investors is on currency shocks, when bond investments are made in foreign currency. Given how diverse the business environment that exists in Kuwait is, diversification is something that is very possible for investors. This is because there are as many investment avenues as possible that investors who prefer diversification may look into. In all cases, there are two major options. The first is for those who want to undertake cross-sectional diversification, where they engage in investments in two different asset areas (Khan, 2013). There also exists longitudinal diversification, where investors may choose different forms of investments in the same asset area. In comparing the use of equity to fixed income, it would be noted that those engaged in equity have more opportunity to longitudinal diversification as compared to those engaged in the use of fixed income. This is because with those engaged in equity, there continues to be impressive performances of companies on the stock exchange that command investor confidence and making diversification strategies optionall y abundant. Money market may not be considered as totally missing in Kuwait but its popularity is very minimal, less preferred and relatively unpopular. This is not because the money market does not have the needed potential to guarantee return on investment, as money market is noted to be one of the safest liquid investments (Kotler, 2006). Money market is rather not popular in the country because of its short term nature. In the country, most investors have been

The Positive Impact Of Tourism In Dubai Tourism Essay

The Positive Impact Of Tourism In Dubai Tourism Essay There are more than 200 national economies involved in the competition of destination market and as of 2006 worlds governments have exceeded its expenditures US$1,480 billion to make their states as destination brand (Balakrishnan, 2008). This literature review aims to identify and examine the positive impact of the tourism in Dubai with especial perspective of hospitality industry. Historically Dubai is significant tourism destinations for world class comfort to tourists (Steiner, 2010) and tourism in Dubai has further impacted the hospitality industry in Dubai. It is reported that tourism is an integral part for economic growth of Dubai (Lee Jain, 2009) as this industry accounts for 1.2 per cent of total GDP and the combined impact is expected to total 11.6 per cent in 2005 (Ryan Stewart, 2009) and the development made in Dubai is helping the government to attract more tourist to travel to Dubai (Henderson, 2006). This study has aim to identify tourism as growing industry in Duba i while also discussing the increasing importance of the sector and its positive impact on the hospitality industry caused by increasing promotion of tourism. The Importance of Growing Tourism Industry in Dubai Tourism as an Industry Tourism is comprised of individuals activities to travel and stay outside their usual permanent places for one consecutives year (Steiner, 2010). In the broader term the industry of tourism means all socio-economic activities that are directly or indirectly involves the provision of services to tourists (Henderson, 2006). According to the World Tourism Organizations Standard Classification of Tourism Activities, different other sectors are also associated with the development of tourism industry including lodges, transportation means, food and beverage, culture and entertainment and finance (Ryan Stewart, 2009). Tourism Industry in Dubai The latest report of World Travel and Tourism Council has highlighted Dubai as the most world-class destination for tourism and also reveals that the industry of tourism in Dubai has grown to 14 per cent annually (Stephenson Knight, 2010). Over 100 tourism and leisure projects are underway and now the tourism sector accounts for almost a quarter of the Emirates annual GDP. To examine this figure there is need to evaluate the tourism industry in Dubai. Dubai is the capital city of the UAE and one of the fastest developing cities (Walker, 2009). With number of remarkable and outstanding tourists spots, Dubai has been the most popular destination for tourists. In addition, Dubai is also considered as hub of all tourism activities in Gulf while economy of Dubai majorly depends on tourism (Henderson, 2006). Since large number of tourists and travelers from different part of the world through Dubai for leisure purposes, this tendency of tourists has naturally led to increase the demand fo r the services of hospitality industry and providing different job opportunities in Dubai (Richard, 2008). However, the industry of tourism and hospitality is already well developed as a result of large number of travelers visiting the city the government is strategizing to more develop these industries (OConnor, 2010). Moreover, the strategic implementation made by the government for the development of tourism has remarkably impacted the hospitality industry and this impact has been observed as positive (Weiermair Mathies, 2004). Development in the Tourism Industry in Dubai The industry of tourism is an important part of Dubais economic growth as result of increase flow of foreign cash into the country (Boniface Cooper, 2009). Dubai possesses a significant position in the world tourism and to maintain this position the government of Dubai has strategized to more develop and boost other agencies and industries related to tourism such as hospitality, banking and finance system and transportation (Marcus, 2010). The government realized that in order to reshape the industry the government has to signify the wholesome approach for development of Dubai (Henderson, 2006). To Walker (2009), the development of Dubai as tourist destination and business center has attracted the hospitality operators. Moreover, Dubai also allures the tourists for its shopping malls, architectural buildings and Islamic architecture, the government also focuses on the above sectors of the city so that it could maintain the sustainable interest and attention of the tourists for trave lling. In the development of hospitality industry the hotels and resorts are developed as major part that helps to promote the tourism in Dubai (Eisen, 2008). The plan of Burj Dubai in Dubai has globalized its hospitality services by expanding its lodging brand globally to key destinations in the Middle East (Dunbar, 2009). Impacts of Tourism in Hospitability Sector of Dubai Social and Cultural impacts It may be possible that tourism influences the social and cultural aspects of life in specific area depending on the strengths of cultural and religion. The relationship between the hospitality sector and the tourists can be considered as the main factor affecting a community as tourists may not be sensitive to domestic customers, traditions and standards. The positive impacts on the area include the benefits which include: Domestic community can mingle with individuals from the different backgrounds with distinct lifestyles which might lead through the demonstration effect towards the development of enhanced lifestyles and implementations. Wide range of cultural and social events available for domestic people which include exhibitions, entertainment etc. Enhanced facilities for sports and leisure developed for the tourists which might be in use by domestic people Encouraging the youth exchange programs, voluntary work overseas, etc. Under the light of above key points, it can be said that Dubai is one of the best tourist destination (Stephenson, 2010) where the establishment of tourism has positive effects on social and cultural life of the region (Balakrishnan, 2008). Economic Impacts The main source to the success of Dubai is the ability and prediction of good opportunities, along with the avoided saturation of tourism industry by creating more beaches, tourist activities etc. The tourism in hospitality sector within Dubai is increasing at a faster pace without showing any sign of decline. The hospitality industry is helping in satisfying the demand of tourism in order to compete across the world effectively. The bulk of tourists are accounted for approximately twenty percent of hotel guests and during 2007, hospitality industry of Dubai received 92,328 tourists from China which was approximately a thirty five percent increase per year. The economic effect on the hospitality sector in tourism of Dubai includes the increased employment level (Sharpley, 2008) with the increasing development of hotels, increased revenue in terms of tourists arrivals in Dubai. Environmental Impact In most general terms, the environment has the significant and prominent effect on the tourism in hospitality industry within Dubai. There have been major hotel developments in Dubai which widely include the Palm, Dubai Tower, Burj al Arab hotel etc. Moreover, Dubai has evolved into the major shopping destination along with the Arab traditional culture which is intended to be expanded (Sharpley, 2008). The tourism within hospitality sector means to provide a comforting and soothing environment to the tourists while staying in hotels of Dubai. The planning structure of Dubai has been working on this perspective and brought various improvements in hospitality industry which attracts tourists on wide scale every year (Lee Jain, 2009). The positive impacts on environment in Dubai within hospitality industry may include increased income for preservation of various facilities, encouraging the conservation of features etc. Moreover Dubai land is considered to be the largest theme park acro ss the globe which is twice the size of Disney land existed in Florida. Conclusion This literature review examined the tourism industry in Dubai and found that with increasing rate of tourists the government of Dubai has taken initiations to more develop the sectors and industry associated with the tourism industry (OConnor, 2010). Moreover, in the review it is found that hospitality industry is the most impacted sector and this impact has been observed as positive. Dubai offers tourists a fascinating adventure along with five-star leisure facilities, attractive beaches, Arabian hospitality and cultural blend of old and new cultures (Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 2005). However, there are other sectors that provide growth to tourism but hospitality has become backbone of the tourism as mostly tourists are attracted traveling to Dubai due to its well developed and appealing hospitality. It is found that tourism has greatly affected social, cultural, economic and environment aspects of hospitality. However, the changes caused by constant development in the tourism has given new opportunity to different fields of life, development of hotels, shopping malls and others have expanded the Arab traditional culture. As a result of such development social and cultural life of Dubai is also impacted and due to increasing tourism domestic community gets an opportunity to mingle with people from different backgrounds. Since wide range of cultural and social events is arranged in Dubai it leaves a positive impact on the local people of Dubai. Moreover, increasing growth of tourism has also impacted the enhanced facilities for sports and leisure spots developed fo r tourists.

I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made :: Biology Essays Research Papers

"I am fearfully and wonderfully made" "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well"(Psalm 139:14). From what I've been learning about the brain, that is, what we understand and the whole lot that is yet to be understood about its intricate networks, I can marvel along with the psalmist, David. Indeed, we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and our brain is a great testimony of that fact. What would the psalmist have written if he was alive today, to know what we now know and understand? To think of what we've come to understand about ourselves, especially about our brains. How would the psalmist respond? Well, let's take a look at the brain. From being in class, my awareness about what I'm doing, what I'm seeing, what I'm hearing, what I'm thinking has come to reflect upon not just what, but how is it all being done by my brain. This morning I woke up, my eyes opened, I looked out my window, I saw the sun rising, it was this beautifully deep yellow/orange color. I thought, "How beautiful" and I smiled with a sense and feeling of wonderment. It could be said that I experienced nothing out of the ordinary this morning. Yet, if I could narrate these few activities in terms of the networking of neurons resulting in my eyes opening, my sight of the sun, my ability to perceive its color, my inner acknowledgment of its beauty and the emotions that sight evoked in me, you would be reading for a very long time and what I did this morning would indeed present itself in quite an extraordinary light. It is in recognition of this, with respect to the brain's aptitudes, that Howard Hughes in his p aper, "Seeing, Hearing and Smelling the World" quoted May Pines in expressing, "We can recognize a friend instantly-full face, in profile, or even by the back of his head. We can distinguish hundreds of colors and possibly as many as 10,000 smells. We can feel a feather as it brushes our skin, hear the faint rustle of a leaf. It all seems so effortless: we open our eyes or ears and let the world stream in. Yet anything we see, hear, feel, smell, or taste requires billions of nerve cells to flash urgent messages along linked pathways and feedback loops in our brains, performing intricate calculations that scientists have only begun to decipher"(1). I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made :: Biology Essays Research Papers "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well"(Psalm 139:14). From what I've been learning about the brain, that is, what we understand and the whole lot that is yet to be understood about its intricate networks, I can marvel along with the psalmist, David. Indeed, we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and our brain is a great testimony of that fact. What would the psalmist have written if he was alive today, to know what we now know and understand? To think of what we've come to understand about ourselves, especially about our brains. How would the psalmist respond? Well, let's take a look at the brain. From being in class, my awareness about what I'm doing, what I'm seeing, what I'm hearing, what I'm thinking has come to reflect upon not just what, but how is it all being done by my brain. This morning I woke up, my eyes opened, I looked out my window, I saw the sun rising, it was this beautifully deep yellow/orange color. I thought, "How beautiful" and I smiled with a sense and feeling of wonderment. It could be said that I experienced nothing out of the ordinary this morning. Yet, if I could narrate these few activities in terms of the networking of neurons resulting in my eyes opening, my sight of the sun, my ability to perceive its color, my inner acknowledgment of its beauty and the emotions that sight evoked in me, you would be reading for a very long time and what I did this morning would indeed present itself in quite an extraordinary light. It is in recognition of this, with respect to the brain's aptitudes, that Howard Hughes in his p aper, "Seeing, Hearing and Smelling the World" quoted May Pines in expressing, "We can recognize a friend instantly-full face, in profile, or even by the back of his head. We can distinguish hundreds of colors and possibly as many as 10,000 smells. We can feel a feather as it brushes our skin, hear the faint rustle of a leaf. It all seems so effortless: we open our eyes or ears and let the world stream in. Yet anything we see, hear, feel, smell, or taste requires billions of nerve cells to flash urgent messages along linked pathways and feedback loops in our brains, performing intricate calculations that scientists have only begun to decipher"(1).

Buddhism in the Himalayas

Organized religions have become a part of one’s historical and cultural background. The need for political leaders and gurus to gather the people into one unit, for the maintenance of stability, has paved the way for the pursuit of knowledge; leading to the development of numerous philosophical undertakings and spiritual enlightenment. The proliferation of religious missionaries to the designated countries of contact have created and divided communities; cultivating a new set of belief systems and codes to abide by.At the onset of the spread of major religions like Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism, spiritual fermentation took place as socio-political activities merged with the religious practices of the various cultures present in a community. Throughout history, these major religions will struggle to outlive each other as they compete to gain a stronghold of followers for the preservation of their cultural beliefs. For this reason, many minority groups in a community are most likely to have been isolated or persecuted by the ruling culture.This was the case with Christianity under the Roman Empire, which accounted for the martyrdom of thousands of Christians who fought for their faith (Tignor et al. , 2008). However, during the rule of Constantine in 312 CE, the tables were turned and Christianity was now the flagship of the new Rome. This pivotal event is the key to the expansion of religions to far-reaching territories, as it conveys universal codes that pertain to the human condition.It is in this sense that the quest for religious ties was crucial to the progress of a community since morality played a big part in the formation of the people’s morale. Religion is said to be the cement that binds people together in any adversity and it is through this viewpoint that cultures grew and developed, as citizens become more aware of their place in the society. The grounds to which religion has shaped a community can be observed in a number of perspectives, particularly in the way artworks are made in a particular area (Tignor et al. , 2008).Wherever Buddhism spread, it seemed to rely on a necessary set of ingredients that encouraged it to prosper. The Silk Road was said to have advanced the spread of Buddhism in Tibet as the reach of most Indian missionaries in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas have contributed greatly to the foundation of Buddhism as one of the major religions in the world. It became a vehicle for Tibet to engage in trade with other neighboring countries like Nepal, China, Kashmir, Mongolia and Bhutan. Trade did not only consist of goods, but also of people, knowledge and religion.As a result, Buddhism was integrated into the livelihood of the Himalayan regions (Kapstein, 2000). The Role of Local Kings in Promoting Buddhism The success of the acculturation of Buddhism in Tibet would not be possible without the welcoming arms of most of the rulers in Tibet, starting with Princess Wench eng and Princess Jincheng. Then King Songsten Gampo established cordial relations with China and Nepal by marrying the Princesses of each country, securing the maintenance of harmony with these neighboring states.Both Princesses introduced the precepts of Buddhism to the King and its followers, which initially helped the expansion of Buddhism in the local communities. It was only under the reign of King Trhi Songdetsen that officially gave the go signal for Buddhism to take root in Tibet as it was legitimized it as the major practicing faith (Kapstein, 2000). The Padhmasambava statue found in the RMA represented the figure that further brought Buddhism to the Himalayas.Padhmasambava was said to be a guru who was summoned by King Detsan to Tibet in order to broaden the reach of Buddhism in the local communities. During this time, the ministers who adhered to the Bon religious sect disliked the direction in which Buddhism was heading for so the King administered the help of Padhmasanb ava to deter the growing power of the ministers. Wherever Buddhist missionaries went, chaos was sure to follow. As a result, civil war broke out between the two religious sects and the spread of Buddhism came to a stand still after the assassination of King Detsan.Under the guidance of the ministers, Lang Dharma took over and a long line of hostilities occurred across the land as persecution of the Buddhist monks and nunneries were carried out, bringing destruction to the initial monasteries built for worship (HAR 65422). Monastaries were a vital component of the Buddhism faith as it not only serves as a refuge for those who practice the faith or are oppressed, it is also the place where important books and records about Buddhism are stored. Destroying such an establishment would disrupt the solemnity of the faith.This is the reason why so many Indian and Chinese missionaries were needed in Tibet as rebuilding the monasteries was necessary for preservation of Buddhism. Under the rei gn of Je Tsongkhapa, the Ganden Monastery was erected amidst the chaos that enveloped the warring local communities. The monastery housed many monks and nuns who had been driven away by the enemies of the Buddhist religion and was described to be one of the grandest monasteries ever built. It also contained an extensive collection of Buddhist teachings and philosophies from famous gurus and translators who have kept the recorded teachings of Buddha (Kapstein, 2000).As years past, Tibetan and translators and pilgrims decide to take a journey to India, China and Nepal in search for gurus and more teachings that they could bring back to their homeland. This has led to the visitations of different Buddhist missionaries in Tibet; most notable are Atisa, the Indian scholar and the great translators Rinchen Zangpo and Milarepa. The presence of these three missionaries supported the rebirth of Buddhism in the local communities, after its devastated state during the reign of Lang Dharma.This was said to be the beginning of the evolvement of the Buddhist tradition (Kapstein, 2000). Emergence of a New Buddhist Tradition The Avalokiteshvara Statue and Painting seen in the RMA depicts the evolution of the images that constitute the image of Buddha to the local communities (HAR 65451 & HAR 40). Both of the artworks show the different adaptations made of the image of Buddha to fit the culture of a particular area. For instance, in China, Avalokiteshavara is referred to as Quan Yin while in Tibet he is known as Chenrayzeg.When Buddhism started its roots in India, it was known as Teravada Buddhism but by the time it has reached East Asia, it had become Mahayana Buddhism which consisted of slightly different set of beliefs yet still rooted in the Indian precept. When this spread into the Himalayas, it became known as Vadrayana Buddhism. From this context, one can see that while the teachings and stories about the Buddha are the same in many different regions, it often takes on the aspects of the local culture (Snelling, 1999).In reference to the Buddha Shakyamuni painting found in the RMA, one can denote that the painting illustrated different sights that foretold stories of Buddha Shakyamuni’s life. A part of the painting features people conversing with each other, while the Buddha is seen with a halo-like appearance as he gives lessons to a group of people (HAR 955). Himalayan art often depicts religious stories of tradition by incorporating Chinese and Western styles. Although the painting was done in Tibet, the stories included in the painting originated from India as that is the main setting of Buddha’s representation in the stories.The solemn presence of nature in the painting such as the mountains, trees, clouds and the wide landscapes demonstrates how Buddhism has interlocked with different cultural systems (Kapstein, 2000). Due to the blending of the Chinese, Indian and Tibetan systems, the results produced three subcategories of Bu ddhism in Tibet which were the Kadampa, Sakyapa and Kagyupa. All three only differed from the school of origin that they belonged to but they collectively teach the same principles that the great Buddha had taught (Snelling, 1999).Based on the research given about the historical context of Himalayan art and its special relation to Buddhism, it can be denoted that the artworks emphasize the importance of spiritual life in the Tibetan community. Most artworks depict a sense of other worldliness as it attempts to illustrate the merging of the earthly realms and the divine. Representations of important figures that facilitated the spread of Buddhism are seen as supernatural, with the appendage of several arms and a crown of miniature skulls over their heads, having serene stature that signifies respect.Most often, the artworks illustrate a unisex type of portrayal with a god-like stance, trampling over evil forces. The same can be said about the representations of Buddha, although eleme nts of earth-bound activities suggests that artists attempt to make Buddha seem more approachable to the people. The integration of Buddhism in Tibet’s culture has greatly influenced the way they view the world around them, and this in turn provides an outlook into the rooted spirituality that are present in the Himalayan regions. References: Avalokiteshvara statue & painting. HAR 65451 & HAR 40. In The Rubin Museum of Art.Buddha Shkayamuni – Life Story. HAR 955. In The Rubin Museum of Art. Kapstein, M. T. (2000). The Tibetan Assimilation of Buddhism: Conversion, Contestation, and Memory. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 57-58. Padmasambhava. HAR 65422. In The Rubin Museum of Art. Tignor, R. , Adelman, J. , Brown, P. , Elman, B. , Pittmann, H. , & Shaw, B. (2008). Worlds Together Worlds Apart: History of the World. (2nd ed. ). NewYork: W. W. Norton & Company. Snelling, J. (1999). The Buddhist Handbook: A Complete Guide to Buddhist Schools, Teaching, Practice, and History. Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions.

Oedipal Complex Essay

The essential component to any tragedy, Greek or Shakespearean, is a protagonist with a fatal flaw. In Greek tragedy this is called hamartia. This Latin term translates directly into the word â€Å"flaw† but is usually used to describe an excess of a personality trait – virtue or vice (Cave 68). The protagonist’s fatal flaw pushes the the plot and action of the tragedy forward. It is this tragic flaw, which leads to the eventual downfall of the character, his circumstances, and the denouement of the drama. In examining the bulk of the literature’s protagonists, no other character embodies the essential role of the flawed protagonist like Hamlet. Without the flaw there would be no drama, and no irony and â€Å"would have ended dismally with a sense of utter frustration and inadequacy† (Wilson 236). Many critics believe that Hamlet’s fatal flaw is his Oedipal Complex. Sigmund Freud and The Oedipal Complex The Oedipal Complex was first developed by Sigmund Freud. The theory revolves around the concept that individuals have a hidden desire for sexual interaction with a parent of the opposite sex. At the same time the child feels a rivalry with the parent of the same sex. It may be that Freud named the oedipal complex after the infamous king of Thebes not because Oedipus’s childhood experience mirrored the developmental phase he described but simply because Oedipus was readily recognizable as a man who killed his father and had sex with his mother. (Sugiyama 121). Freud intensely studied Hamlet, and wanted to be known as the man who diagnosed Hamlet’s mental disorder. He writes, in The Interpretation of Dreams, the play is seems to be about Hamlet seeking revenge for his father’s murder, but Shakespeare, within the text of the play, does not show a reason for why Hamlet waits so long to kill Claudius. Freud states â€Å"According to the view which was originated by Goethe and is still the prevailing one today, Hamlet represents the type of man whose power of direct action is paralyzed by and excessive development of his intellect. † (98). Ernest Jones Interpretation of Hamlet Dr. Ernest Jones offered one of the first indepth presentations of the theory that Hamlet suffered from the Oedipal Complex. He asserted, in Hamlet and Oedipus, â€Å"The story thus interpreted would run somewhat as follows: As a child Hamlet had experienced the warmest affection for his mother, and this, as is always the case, had contained elements of a more or less dimly defined erotic quality† (98). There are two qualities which the Queen has which supports this reasoning. Shakespeare clearly shows her sensual nature. He also explains that she has a great deal of intense love for her son. Jones believes â€Å"The former is indicated in too many places in the play to need specific reference, and is generally recognised† (98). Hamlet is a study of â€Å"the powerful influence of infantile sexuality on the patterns of unconscious thinking in the lives of adults. † (MacCary 114). Hamlet’s fatal flaw is his Oedipal complex which leads to indecision. The rising action, falling action, and resolution, in Hamlet, can be attributed to the theme of indecision. Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, is a bright young man with many talents. He is an academic, a witty orator, and a flawless actor. Certainly, he has the potential to do anything he wants which may have included, in the future, being the King of Denmark. His aptitude for all things calls into question why there is a great delay between Hamlet’s decision to avenge his father’s murder and the actual revenge. Hamlet laments over his indecision: O that this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew! Or that the Everlasting had not fixed His canon ‘gainst self-slaughter! O God! O God! How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable Seem to me all the uses of this world! (Act I, sc ii) He continues, condemning his mother for leaving his father and more importantly choosing Claudius over him: Within a month, Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears Had left the flushing in her galled eyes, She married. O, most wicked speed, to post With such dexterity to incestuous sheets! It is not, nor it cannot come to good. But break my heart, for I must hold my tongue! (Act I, sc ii) Knowles, in his article â€Å"Hamlet and Counter-Humanism,† states â€Å"Hamlet’s father’s death, his mother’s concupiscence and hasty marriage to her husband’s murderer, produce a grief and loathing of such a profound degree that a sense of being created by emotion estranges him from the previous identity of a princely role† (1046). This grief is compounded by Hamlet’s repressed romantic love for his mother. The Problem Revealed : Hamlet Identifies with Claudius It is Hamlet’s Oedipal Complex which leads to indecision and the reevaluation of his choice to kill Claudius. Claudius was able to kill Hamlet’s father and sleep with Hamlet’s mother. He was able to do what Hamlet could not. Hamlet is living out his Oedipal fantasies through Claudius (Joseph 26). Killing him would end Hamlet’s fantasies. Hamlet is disgusted by his mother marrying his uncle. In Conscience of a King, Bertram Joseph (28) believes that Hamlet â€Å"showed all the signs of a noble and well-balanced sanguine temperament. † Joseph assumes that Hamlet is not experiencing insanity and he is in perfect mental health – the embodiment of everything a good Elizabethan should be. Incest was not acceptable in Elizabethan times. When reflecting on the thought of his father and mother sleeping together, Hamlet states† Must I remember? Why, she would hang on him, as if increase of appetite had grown. † He wishes he does not remember how his mother hung onto his father. His uncle and mother married at a â€Å"most wicked speed† and now sleep in â€Å"incestuous sheets†. The literal interpretation may be that his belief system is causing his anger. However, Hamlet goes on to say â€Å"It is not nor it cannot come to good; But break, my hear, for I must hold my tongue. † Hamlet is not upset over his father’s death but is jealous because his mother choose Claudius (her brother in law) instead of Hamlet (her son) to marry. Hamlet’s Idealism Defined Hamlet actions should not attributed to mental illness but a repressed desire for his mother. Thomas MacCary asserts, in Hamlet: A Guide to the Play, â€Å"Shakespeare’s Hamlet, has its roots in the same soil as Oedipus Rex†¦. the secular advance of repression in the emotional life of mankind† (104). He continues thats â€Å"In Hamlet it remains repressed; and — just as in the case of a neurosis — we only learn of its existence from its inhibiting consequences. . . . Hamlet is able to do anything — except take vengeance on the man who did away with his father and took his father’s place with his mother, the man who shows him the repressed wishes of his own childhood realized (MacCary 105). Hamlet believes fully that men were born good and were meant to do good things. His strong belief system contrasts strikingly with the reality and corruption of the world when he returns home and his own fantasies. He comments on the state of Denmark and more specifically his father’s house, â€Å"‘Tis an unweeded garden that grows to seed; Things rank and gross in nature possess it merely† (Act I, sc ii). He is disgusted not just by his home community but the evil which existed in his family. Upon the realization that the world was cruel, and that he will never actually be with his mother, he describes life as a â€Å"prison† (Act II sc ii). He finds it difficult to resolve his illusions of what he feels and what he should feel. It is his Oedipal Complex and the living out of his fantasies through Claudius which allows him to conceal his bitterness while his internal moral will pressures him to avenge his father’s death. Hamlet attempts to use logic, a typical idealist characteristic, to determine what course of action he must take (Gresset and Samway 7). Shakespeare uses Hamlet to â€Å"provide new and revealing insights into the evolving Renaissance codes of honor, for Shakespeare creates characters in Hamlet that represent various stages in the evolution of a changing honor system. (Terry 1070). Hamlet struggles with idea that he may be a coward for his inaction and a sinner for his cardinal thoughts. Despite his nightly supernatural chat with the ghost of his murdered father, he is still unsure if justice should be done by his own hand. Fendt comments, in Is Hamlet a Religious Drama? An Essay on a Question in Kierkegaard, that â€Å"The plot shows Hamlet to be a first class detective — he uncovers a criminal who has committed a perfect crime, and only in his more scholarly moments of soliloquy has he time to consider despising himself† (60). Fendt makes a good point in that Hamlet has to figure out for his own peace of mind what truly happened to his father. He understands that if Claudius did kill his father he must kill Claudius. He understands that in a world of lies it was hard to tell truth from fiction, and a sinner from a saint. Hamlet states, â€Å"the native hue of resolution is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought†(Act III sc i), and concludes that the death of Claudius must be based on justice not emotional revenge. Therefore, Hamlet must have independent proof that his uncle murdered his father. â€Å"Other Shakespearean plays exploit the device of the play-within-a-play as a form of recognition ‘token’,† (234) comments Cave in Recognitions: A Study in Poetics. Cave is correct, play with in plays is a common tool used by Shakespeare. It is also the only way Hamlet, besides direct conformation, is going to be able to tell if Claudius is guilty. In addition Hamlet is able to prolong his Oedipal fantasies. It is for this reason that Hamlet invites players in to perform a â€Å"murderous† play to ferret out the truth from his mother and new father. Symptoms of Oedipal Complex within Hamlet Shakespeare slowly reveals Hamlet’s complex through a series of subtle yet functional hints. Claudius comments on the relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude â€Å"The queen his mother lives almost by his looks† (Act IV, sc vii). implying an unnaturally close interaction between the two of them. This shows that Hamlet must have a place within his mother’s life. His deep desire for his mother attributes to his inability to love Ophelia. Hamlet is drawn to Ophelia because she, in some ways, resembles his mother. It is for this same reasons that Hamlet takes out anger for his mother on Ophelia. This accounts for Hamlet’s mistreatment of Ophelia throughout the play. Polonius believes that Hamlet’s is love sick over Ophelia and that is why he is going mad. Alexander Welsh, in Hamlet in His Modern Guises, believes that Polonuis â€Å"diagnosis of Hamlet’s madness as being due to unrequited love for Ophelia was not so far from the mark, and he certainly recognized that his distressful condition was of sexual origin. Thus Polonius had the right idea though the wrong woman† (Welsh 138). Even the ghost urges Hamlet to â€Å"Let thy soul contrive against they mother† (Act I, sc v) and give up his desires for her, so that Hamlet can avenge his father’s murder. In it within Act III, that Hamlet’s Oedipal complex is directly seen. John Mills, in Hamlet on Stage: The Great Tradition, states â€Å"†He was openly abusive to Ophelia and Gertrude in the play scene, delivering the sexual innuendos loudly enough for the whole court to hear†(Mills 236). In this scene Hamlet is hiding in her closet, watching her carefully. He confronts his mouhter about the murder of his father and speaks explicitly about her sexuality. He screams: This was your husband. Look you now, what follows: Here is your husband; like a mildew’d ear, Blasting his wholesome brother. Have you eyes? And batten on this moor? Ha! have you eyes? You cannot call it love; for at your age The hey-day in the blood is tame, it’s humble, (Act III, sc iv) He explains that she could not love Claudius and that his father would not approve of her choice. He continues on, with the play’s most explosive dialog: Nay, but to live In the rank sweat of an enseamed bed, Stew’d in corruption, honeying and making love Over the nasty sty,– (Act III, sc iv) It is important to note that this scene takes place in the Queen’s bedroom. The conversation symbolized Hamlet and Gertrude essentially â€Å"in bed† together and hints to a sexual relationship. Hamlet confronts his mother with his sword drawn which Freud considered a phallic symbol (Maccary 114). The conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude, is not a son talking to his mother. Hamlet speaks like a jealous lover chastising his girlfriend for sleeping with a different man and making their bed â€Å"enseamed†. The Queen is extremely upset and actually asks Hamlet to help her figure out what to do. At this point when Hamlet should have told her to confess, he urges her to stop her relationship with Claudius, â€Å"Not this, by no means, that I bid you do: Let the bloat king tempt you again to bed† (Act III, sc iv). Hamlet’s jealous orders restrictive his mother from being sexual with his â€Å"father,† making all Queen’s attention to be given to Hamlet. Fantasy Becomes Reality Hamlet’s inability to understand the motives of evil in actions and thought can also be attributed to his sole idealistic viewpoint. He does not understand why anyone would commit murder and therefore he is uncertain that he had ability to violently kill a man. Murderous revenge represents everything that Hamlet is not. Hamlet’s rational intellect allowed him the clarity of mind to understand both the good and bad in the act of the revenge and perhaps what his true motives for waiting are. The mental degradation of Hamlet, is believed to be insanity by the other characters but it was clear to the audience that he is merely coming to terms with what he believes to be right. Hamlet is a religious man and murder was a sin. Hamlet is a man of classical philosophy and revenge is not rational. In â€Å"The Mind of Man in Hamlet†, Levy writes â€Å"In Hamlet, man is still the rational animal, but a revolution in understanding the operation of thought occurs†. Hamlet is a man of classical philosophy and revenge is not rational (Levy). Choosing to appear mentally impair is good strategy because if the characters believe he is unwell, he will not be able to figure out the true. Hamlet’s true character remains unblemished. Hamlet is a man who believes in chivalry, and slaughter is not gentle. Hamlet is trying â€Å"to be worthy of the times in which he lives is not so far in essence from the protagonists of Greek drama. His fear of the risk of damnation is not something that can be called a moral flaw ; yet it acts like one, paralysing his will, making him behave like a coward† (Joseph 129). It is those idealistic qualities which causes the postponement of Claudius’ death. It is in the moment that Hamlet allows his emotion to dominate over his intellect that Claudius was killed. He is consumed by the thoughts of his father’s demise and is haunted by the knowledge that his father’s soul will not be able to rest until his death is avenged. Hamlet willfully concludes, â€Å"My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth† (Act IV sc iv). It is then that Hamlet finally had the ability to suppress his idealistic nature, and do what is right. The murder is not a well planned scheme and occurs in the heat of the moment. Hamlet, after the murder of Claudius never once wavers in his decision. He has done what is right and believes that â€Å"There is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow† (Act V sc ii). Oddly enough fatalism is part of idealistic theory and therefore Hamlet always remains true to himself and his idealism. This also further supports that the Oedipal Complex can be applied to Hamlet, because he succeeds in killing â€Å"his father† (Claudius). Jones comments â€Å"And we have assumed as well that the final murder of Claudius also represents, in its actual psychological significance, the murder of the mother’s husband, made possible by the theme of vengeance for the father. This is the basis of the drama† (124). The act of killing his mother, even directly, could symbolize the act sex. Therefore, Hamlet has finally succeeding in attaining his subconscious need to have a sexual relationship with his mother. Conclusion Hamlet’s indecision caused his desire for his mother makes him the perfect tragic protagonist and leads to theme of indecision. Reta Terry, in her journal article â€Å"Vows to the Blackest Devil†: Hamlet and the Evolving Code of Honor in Early Modern Englandâ€Å", believes â€Å"Hamlet’s tragedy is, in part, that he is forced to attempt to balance these â€Å"rival ethical legacies† as he struggles to remain honorable† (Terry 1). Without his intense regard for the ideals of truth, justice, goodness and beauty being in conflict with his most basic physical desires there would be no play. His fatal flaw of indecision and his desire to sleep with his mother create a moral dilemma which the characters, and plot revolves. Even Hamlet, the academic, comments on the presence of hamartia in human nature. He states: oft it chances in particular men That for some vicious mole of nature in them, As in their birth, wherein they are not guilty, By the o’ergrowth of some complexion, Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason, Their virtues else, be they as pure as grace, Shall in the general censure take corruption (Act 1, sc 4). Hamlet continues late in the resolution of the play, â€Å"though I am not spleenative and rash Yet have I in me something dangerous† (Act V. sc i.) Critics believe while Hamlet is â€Å"Normally not rash at all, he is capable of extreme rashness when provoked extremely. The â€Å"something dangerous† is the proud impatience that there is in his otherwise noble sense of public mission. â€Å"(Elliott 25). Freud states â€Å"Hamlet is able to do anything but take vengeance upon the man who did away with his father and has taken his father’s place with his mother – the man who showed him in realization the repressed desires of his own childhood† (101). The pain which should have caused him to take immediate revenge was replaced by pity for himself. Freud continues â€Å"by conscientious scruples, which tell him that he himself is no better than the murderer whom he is required to punish† (102). It is Hamlet’s idealistic nature mismatched with his pragmatic circumstances of his Oedipal Complex, that creates the ultimate theme and driving force behind all the rising action, falling action, and resolution of this tragedy. Works Cited Cave, Terence. Recognitions: A Study in Poetics. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1988. Croxford, Leslie. â€Å"The Uses of Interpretation in Hamlet. † Alif: Journal of Comparative Poetics (2004): 93+. Elliott, G. R. Scourge and Minister: A Study of Hamlet: A Tragedy of Revengefulness and Justice. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1951. Fendt, Gene. Is Hamlet a Religious Drama? An Essay on a Question in Kierkegaard. Milwaukee: Marquette University Press, 1998. Gresset, Michel, and Patrick S. J. Samway, eds. Faulkner and Idealism: Perspectives from Paris. Jackson, MS: University Press of Mississippi, 1983. Jones, Ernest. Hamlet and Oedipus . New York: Norton, 1949. Joseph, Bertram. Conscience and the King: A Study of Hamlet. London: Chatto and Windus, 1953. Knowles, Ronald. â€Å"Hamlet and Counter-Humanism. † Renaissance Quarterly 52. 4 (1999): 1046. Levy, Eric P. â€Å"The Mind of Man in Hamlet. † Renascence: Essays on Values in Literature 54. 4 (2002): 219+. MacCary, W. Thomas. Hamlet A Guide to the Play. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1998. Mills, John A. Hamlet on Stage: The Great Tradition. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1985. Shakespeare, William. â€Å"The Tragedy Hamlet. † THE NORTON INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE. Ed. Alison Booth, J. Paul Hunter, Kelly J. Mays, and . New York: Norton, 2000. Sugiyama, Michelle Scalise. â€Å"New Science, Old Myth: An Evolutionary Critique of the Oedipal Paradigm. † Mosaic (Winnipeg) 34. 1 (2001): 121 Sigmund Freud, The Interpretation of Dreams, tr. James Strachey, Avon, N. Y. 1965. Terry, Reta A. â€Å"†Vows to the Blackest Devil†: Hamlet and the Evolving Code of Honor in Early Modern England. † Renaissance Quarterly 52. 4 (1999): 1070. Walker, Roy. The Time Is out of Joint: A Study of Hamlet. London: Andrew Dakers, 1948. Welsh, Alexander. Hamlet in His Modern Guises. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2001. Wilson, J. Dover. What Happens in Hamlet. New York: Macmillan, 1935.