Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Response Scenario Paper on the Spillage of N,N-dimethylaniline Essay
Response Scenario Paper on the Spillage of N,N-dimethylaniline - Essay Example The principles of the Incident Command System [ICS] provides an organized approach in handling and controlling different types of incidences in which lives and property may be at risk (â€Å"ICS Features and Principles†, 2007). This paper presents a response scenario on the chemical spillage of N,N-dimethylaniline in a manufacturing company using the principles involved in an Incident Command System. Keywords: Incident Command System, N,N-dimethylaniline, Response Scenario Hazardous Material: N,N-dimethylaniline N,N-dimethylaniline is known to be toxic to humans because it affects the organs like kidney and liver. Exposure to this chemical either through ingestion, skin contact or inhalation may lead to acute or chronic effects, depending on the degree of exposure. Although there are no available data whether N,N-dimethylaniline is a carcinogen or a mutagen, it is still best to have as minimal exposure to the chemical as possible (â€Å"N,N-dimethylaniline MSDS†, 2005). N,N-dimethylaniline is a combustible material. There are no data available on possible explosion risks due to static discharge or mechanical impact, or incompatibility with the presence of other chemicals (â€Å"N,N-dimethylaniline MSDS†, 2005), but this does not mean zero chances of the risk of an explosion or fire. Incident Command System The Incident Command System [ICS] follows an organized management principle where there is a hierarchy of the different individuals responsible for the control and handling of emergencies or incidences (FEMA, n.d.). An ICS is headed by the Incident Commander [IC], who has typically three members under the command staff, namely: the Information Officer, Liaison Officer and the Safety Officer. The General Staff which encompasses the Operations, Planning, Logistics and, Finance and Administration, together with the command staff create the over-all management system that comprises the ICS (NRT, 2000). Applicable to both government and privat e sectors, the ICS is an effective yet flexible approach to any incident because it allows the coordination and integration of the different functionalities within an organization (FEMA, n.d.). The scenario of an N,N-dimethylaniline spillage in a manufacturing company requires the immediate response action of the components of the ICS to ensure the safety of the responders, employees, and the people immediately surrounding the area where the incident took place. On-set of the Spillage. The manufacturing plant is categorized as a fixed closed facility in which hazardous materials can be accidentally released in very large quantities because of the presence of large containers in the area. This implies the importance of labeling of these containers for proper identification, especially when an incident like a chemical spill occurs. Aside from labeling, the Materials Safety Data Sheet [MSDS] for the chemicals, in this case, N,N-dimethylaniline must be on-hand to be able to obtain infor mation on the hazardous nature of the material (USFA, 1998). First Responders. More often than not, the first person, also known as the first responder, who recognizes the spill must immediately inform the supervisor of the occurrence of the incident. Regardless of the department or section that they belong to, the first responder must be aware of the type of hazardous material that spilled, immediately wear the necessary personal protective equipment [PPE] and prevent other personnel from
Monday, October 28, 2019
Geotechnical Engineering And Physical Properties Engineering Essay
Geotechnical Engineering And Physical Properties Engineering Essay Burj Al Arab is the worlds tallest iconic and most luxurious hotel. This building has received numerous recognitions around the world, and is mainly known by its design which resembles the shape of a sail boats mast. This 321 meter high building was built on a man-made island only 280 meters from the coast, giving all visitors a 360o view of the bay. Construction began in 1993. Engineers created a surface with a layer of rocks, which is circled with a honey-comb pattern which protects the surface and foundation from erosion. The building contains more than 70Â 000 m2 of concrete and 9Â 000 tons of steel. It took only two years to construct the building and three years to construct the foundation on beach sand, making this a geotechnical wonder.8 Introduction Geotechnical Engineering entails to obtain information of the physical properties of the soil and rock on a proposed site known as site exploration. This information combined with the mechanics of soil can assess the risks presented by the site conditions that must be concluded in the design process of foundations, earthworks and retaining walls. Burj Al Arab has one of the rarest and most interesting foundations, earthworks and retaining wall phenomenas. This include building an island 280 meter off coast as a foundation for this 321 meter high sea shore wonder.1 Throughout this report we will look at which soils are found in Dubai, as well as the properties thereof including the construction of this hotel foundation. Constructing the Burj Al Arab hotel The design of the Burj Al Arab has been constructed with a specific geometry which supports the sail boat like design by protecting the building from changing wind loads. The outermost wall of the building has been constructed by the use of PTFE coated fibreglass which contains air gaps at regular intervals. This double curve membrane design is able to withstand wind pressures easily.3 Additional cables have been provided onto the structure to prevent any deflection in materials. On the full height of the building expansion joints were provided on the right side of the building to ensure the building can withstand the wind load pressures as well as the horizontal stresses that may occur during construction and operation. The material that was used for this sail boat like structure is not only robust but it also protects the buildings interior from the sun by using light defusion.3 After seventy thousand cubic meters of concrete and ninety thousand tons of steel, this great engineering wonder is noted as the heart of Dubai. This spectacular feature of the Burj Al Arabhotel, with its two hundred and two rooms, is located 280 meter off shore from the coast of Dubai and recognised as the best in the world. 2 Concept Architect: Tom Willis-WrightimagesCAHJ41BO.jpg Construction Engineer: WS Atkins and Partners Overseas Multidisciplinary Consultancy. Interior designers: Khuan Chew, Design Principal of KCA International (London). Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Date: 1994-1999 Style: Postmodern Type/Structure: Luxury 7 stars*Â rating hotel/resort Size: 321m x 280m (1,053 ft) Medium: steel, glass, cement, steel cables, piles From: Antonino Terranova. The Great Skyscrapers of the World. Special gatefold edition, page 269-279. Figure 1: Burj Al Arab hotel Dubais Soil Profile The topography of Dubai (which lies within the Arabian Desert) is different from the southern portion of the UAE. Its landscape consists of sandy desert patterns consisting mostly out of crushed shell and coral and is clean and white, whereas gravel dominates in the southern regions of the country. 2 When looking at the soil properties of Dubai, its weak and will most probably move outwards in the case of any construction on it. See figure 1 Dubai soil map. 3 Studies also show that Dubais possibility of a tsunami is minimal, due to the Persian Gulf water that is not deep enough to trigger a tsunami. Thus Dubai is classified as a stable zone, whereas the nearest seismic fault line is 120 km from the UAE, making it unlikely for Dubai to be hit by a seismic impact.2 http://www.gisdevelopment.net/proceedings/mapmiddleeast/2006/natural%20resource%20management/images/mme06138_3.jpg Figure 2: Dubai soil map. Foundation Problems The moment when Dubai laid focus on the development of this world wonder, they knew it would be an engineering challenge. Many elements must be taken in consideration in geotechnical engineering to build the worlds 15th tallest building on seabed, where its properties are known as a collapsible soil due to a lack of silt and clay. The collapse phenomenon can be defined as a soil which can withstand somewhat large stresses, with little settlement at low in situ moisture content which will show signs of a decrease in volume and associated settlement with no increase of load if the moisture content rises. Therefore the change in volume goes hand in hand with the change in the soil structure. It is thus evident that a number of conditions need to be met before collapsing begins: 6 The soil must have a collapsible fabric in its structure. This is where the specified soil has a high void ratio and yet has relatively high shear strength at low moisture content due to a coating (Colloidal) around each grain. Partial saturation is essential. This is where collapse settlement will not occur in soils which are located under the water table. Increase of moisture content. This could be seen as the cause for the collapse to take place. With the increase of moisture the colloidal coating loses its strength and thus forces the grains to a denser state with reduction in void ratio. Subjected to an imposed load greater than their overburden pressure before collapse can take place. This is only applied to certain collapsible soils. The typical problem associated with a collapsible soil to a building is that although it is dependent on the increase of the moisture content, collapse can take place years after construction has taken place. 6 Large magnitude settlements can occur beneath lightly loaded structures as well as collapse settlement is regularly localised due to defects in foundation, drainpipe leakage and where ponding occur during rainfall. The engineering properties which most affect the cost of a construction are strengthening compressibility. Both can be enhanced by reducing the voids in the soil. Water must be displaced from the saturated soils in order to reduce the void volume. This can take months if the permeability of the type of soil present is low. The following engineering solutions to the mitigation of the collapse problem are listed below: 6 Avoidance by stopping the triggering mechanism (increase in moisture). This can be made possible by ensuring that water does not penetrate the collapsing soil horizons. Design for collapse. This could be possible in certain scenarios to design a structure which could withstand the predicted collapse settlement. Chemical stabilisation. This is to make use of a stabilising agent which could reduce the settlement. Piled or pier foundation. This is used only when the soil comes from a transported origin which means that the bedrock is covered with a shallow layer, making it possible to rather build on piers or piles. Removal and compaction. This could be done by removing the collapsible soil to a certain depth and replace it through compacting the removed soil in layers. In situ densification by surface rolling. Surface rolling can be done by making use of an impact or vibrating roller for compaction. Soil Properties Beach sand is one of many soils that have a collapsible grain structure, where its surface contains large quantities of calcium carbonate which in more defined terms are remains of microscopic plants and animals that thrive on nutrients in the water surface, where it ultimately settles to the floor. The strength and the behaviour of this soil are thus dependent on the calcareous particles which it contains. These grain particles is well rounded due to it being rotated and shaped by the waves and is poorly graded (i.e. having a narrow particle distribution). This contributes to the high void ratio, meaning that the soil is very loose and can be seen as not a good bonding material. 6 Table 1: Transported soil and possible engineering problem. Soil Type Transported Soil Type Agency of transportation Source Problem to anticipate Beach Sand Littoral deposit Waves Mixed Collapsible grain structure Tests to be performed on beach sand A large amount of data can be generated from soil, but it can all be wasted if the most important step of sampling is not carried out properly. Thus, in order for an analysis to be of significance to a proposed project, it should represent the bulk material of the site. Additionally, soil samples must be taken in abundance and at random, to ensure that the overall characteristics of the soil are effectively represented. See table 2 for properties beach sand. The following tests were used in classifying beach sand (collapsing soil structure):3 Particle size distribution. This test is performed to measure the particle size distribution of the soil sample by passing it through a set of sieves. This is in order to produce a grading curve for the soil, which is used to find out its classification. The solid particles in a soil can have different shapes and sizes, and these characteristics thus have a significant effect on its engineering behavior. By making use of this test one can clearly note whether the soil is well or poorly graded. As for beach sand it is known to be a collapsible soil due to it having a poorly graded grain structure and affected by an increase in moisture. Atterburg limits. This test makes use of three separate tests namely Liquid limit test, Plastic limit test and Shrinkage limit test. This test is used to determine a relationship between the soils consistency and its moisture content. If the soil has low moisture content, it would aim to break before deformation takes place, whereas if the moisture content is too high, the soil will deform more easily. This test is of great importance due to it having an impact on settlement underneath a proposed structure. The test can be used to distinguish between the presence of silts and clays. This is important as silt has much less cohesion than clay. Dry density. This can easily be determined in a laboratory by measuring its physical dimensions and by weighing them. The dry density of a collapsible soil lies between 900-1600 kg/m3. Oedometer test. When a structure is build on a soil it produces settlement due to compression within the soil profile, which depends on the soils properties such as self-weight and also the type of load the soil is experiencing. This test makes use of a series of loads in order to measure the corresponding settlement of the soil. By knowing the soils stress and strain properties will allow the prediction in settlement and swelling of the soil. Collapse Potential test. This test is used to determine the collapse parameters in order to design accordingly. The CP (Collapse Parameters) is given in percentage, to determine the level of severity. Triaxial test. This test is similar to the unconfined compression test, except that the sample is surrounded by a waterproof membrane and installed in a pressure chamber (cell). This test is thus performed to estimate the stress and strain parameters of the specific soil. Permeability. This test is used to determine the ease of which water can flow through a soil profile, which is important for geotechnical engineers in projects. Table 2: Soil properties of silt sand.9 Soil Properties Beach Sand Specific Gravity 2.64-2.66 Bulk Density (Mg/ M3) 1.82-2.15 Dry Density (Mg/ m3) 1.45-1.95 Void ratio 0.35-0.85 Liquid limit (%) 24-35 Plastic limit (%) 14-25 Effective cohesion (kPa) 75 Angle of friction (deg) 32-36 Construction of Burj Al Arab Foundation Constructing a building on sea, an artificial island is needed to design and build the foundations. As many elements need to be taken into account to build an off shore structure, it is therefore important to ensure the protection of the foundation. This can only be done by evaluating all apposed loads to a structure. Seafloor stability regards to the bearing capacity and the sliding resistance thereof must be evaluated for static and combined static, operational and environmental (Like horizontal, vertical loading and overturning moments of the environment which have a return period of up to 15 seconds) loads. Structures with more or less a 150 meter depth could experience horizontal loads of 15-35% of the vertical loading, whereas the overturning moment can be ranging from 100 to 500 million kN/m.8 The change in vertical load during a storm can range from 10 40 % of the static vertical load. This means that the foundation needs to be strong to be able to obtain these loadings. Luc kily these loadings were much less when Burj Al Arab was constructed, due to it only being 7 meters in depth.8IslandConstruction1.jpg Figure 3: Piling of the Burj Al Arab hotel The first step in constructing the island was to place 230 concrete piles (see Figure 3), each one 40 meter in length, which was drilled into the sea bed. The foundation is therefore held in place by the friction of the sand and silts along the length of the piles, rather than the conventional bedrock. The surface was then made by using large rocks that were put together in a specific concrete pattern (honey-comb pattern) which serves as a shield to minimise erosion to the foundation. Making the platform on which the building would be constructed, tube files and sheet files were drilled deep into the sea to support various boundary rocks. Once this was completed the sea water was displaced to fill the inside with concrete slabs as seen on table 3. IslandConstruction2.jpg The structure was then surrounded with a temporary concrete structure to protect the island and the base of the structure, which was filled with a concrete plug slab. Lastly the concrete walls was made where the main basement floor of the building was build (See Figure 4).3 Figure 4: Burj Al Arab Excavated Basement Table 3: Foundation of the Burj Al Arab Conclusion The Burj Al Arab being a geotechnical wonder is due to its size as well as its ability to withstand the environment and the impacts thereof. This building is only carried by a sandy soil which contains broken shells. Its ability under shear strength and pressure is very low, especially since it is located 280 meters of shore. Thus the building stands only on piles which are held into place by just the friction between the soil and the piles, making this project one of the most remarkable foundation types in history. The design of this foundation on this type of soil is breaking barriers in the building industry, making Dubai a leading country in development. Due to South Africa not being a first world country it is impossible for us to be compared to a city which encourages ultimate engineering in structural, hydraulic and geotechnical engineering. Therefore we cannot compare the infrastructures of their country with ours. South Africa could always strive to be a first world country by focusing on infrastructure as well as the inequality of societies. This would encourage tourism and affect the economy positively.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Personal Diet and Weight Loss Management Analysis Essays -- losing wei
Personal Diet and Weight Loss Management Analysis      Each morning I get on the scales and hope that I can celebrate losing a pound or two. The numbers I see on the scale represent a gauge that keeps me moving forward in a weight loss program. When I look at the numbers on the scale I realize I am making progress in losing weight, however, am I putting my body at more risk just by limiting certain foods? Comparing and contrasting my typical diet to the amounts of daily nutrients recommended in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid has proven that I am not a healthy eater. I may have to make some dramatic changes or face significant health issues in the future. After reviewing several plans, I have chosen the South Beach Diet to follow to take advantage of the healthy benefits of following a low-carbohydrate diet.      The analysis of my dietary intake for two days is demonstrated on the chart below with the USDA guidelines for my age, gender and lifestyle group, a sedentary female over 50, as a comparison to the food groups and nutrients consumed (Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005):      Figure 1: Personal Diet as compared to Recommended Nutrition Intake      Nutrient     Recommended     Day 1     Day 2     Findings Energy Intake     1600 calories     1770     1541     Need to stabilize Grain Group     6 servings     5     3     Need to stabilize Vegetable Group     3 servings     3     1     Need to stabilize Fruit Group     2     1.5     1     Need to increase Meat Group (ounces)     5     2     1.25     Need to increase Protein Grams     72.8     90     58     Need to stabilize Fat Grams     53     93     62     Need to reduce Carb Grams     217     232     180     Need to stabilize Fiber Grams     20-50     15     14     Need to increase Water (ounces)     64     48     32     Need to increase Sodium mg     1423     1820     940     Need to stabilize Iron as % of RDA     14     2     6     Need to increase      Nutrient     Recommended     Day 1     Day 2     Findings Cholesterol mgs     184     331     75     Need to stabilize Calcium as % of RDA     1000-2000mg = 100%     28%     25%     Need to increase      The comparison of my two-day nutrition intake to recommendations demonstrates that I do not consistently consume a healthy diet. I do not follow the recommendations in the Food ... ...                       Turkey Roll up (2 slices Turkey breast in Lettuce leaves)     54     10     2     1     0     604     17     1 Cilantro Mayonaise (1tbsp)     36     0     3     3     1     104     4     0 Water                                        Lunch                                        Crab Cobb Salad     267     27     12     13     4     1012     95     4 Water                                        Mid Afternoon Snack                                        Celery stuffed with one wedge Laughing Cow Light Cheese     47.2     2.85     2.6     2.5     1     296     0     0 Water                                        Dinner                                        Chicken en Papillote     144     27     4     2     0     86     65     1 Roasted Eggplant and Peppers     193     2     16     14     2     5     0     5 Lemon Zest Ricotta Cream     178     14     7     10     6     155     38     0 Red Wine (3.5 oz)     75     0     3     0     0     0     0     0 Water                                        Daily Totals     1280     105.4     64.1     61     20     2965     659     14
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Macbeth: Reasons For The Development Of Insanity Essay
Insanity, as defined as an inability to act rationally, develops most commonly in individuals as a response to conditions with which the mind is unable to cope. Prolonged or intense, sudden psychological trauma always results in denial or repression in some form or another, both of which cause the individual to gradually lose their grip on reality. In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, as the chaos and guilt caused by their immoral actions increases, the prevalent characters deteriorate into insanity. Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Macduff slip into delusion and desperate acts as an outlet for their growing disgust with both themselves and the consequences of their actions. The play opens with a description of gruesome war, in the thick of which is Macbeth, alluding to the dangerous internal conflict going on within him- he is at once consumed by ambition, yet completely lacking in the self-confidence to support it. Macbeth†‘†s weak character, marked by his inability to make decisions that are not black and white in nature and his susceptibility to persuasion, is clearly displayed in his constant need for reassurance from outside influences and his expression of desire that his actions could have no consequence, ‘†‘If it were done when â€Å"‘†tis done, then â€Å"‘†twere well twere done quickly. If th†‘†assassination Could trammel up the consequence and catch With his surcease, success, that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all – here.'†‘ (I.vii.1-5) Since this is obviously impossible, he attempts to break the murder of Duncan down into the most basic and acceptable cause and effect- his ambition. If there are no tangible affirmations for the immoral actions that Macbeth†‘†s ambition prompts he invents them, such as the bloody dagger he imagines leads him to kill Duncan. In any case, Macbeth attempts to evade the consequences of his morally ambiguous decisions by shifting their perceivable source to either his wife or the supernatural world, in his mind effectually making him only a pawn to the whims of fate. As Macbeth contemplates Duncan†‘†s virtues and other compelling moral reasons for aborting the crime, ‘†‘His virtues will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued against the deep damnation of his taking-off,'†‘ (I.vii.18-20) morality seems to be the most complicating factor in the decision to commit murder and thus, is also the biggest obstacle to his ambition. So, to simplify things, Macbeth allows his moral arguments to be rejected. However, once he sets his morals aside, he cannot regain them, ‘†‘I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o†‘†er. Strange things I have in head that will to hand, which must be acted ere they may be scanned.'†‘ (III.iv.136-140) At this point Macbeth admits that his actions are too horrific to ever be forgiven, therefore the only avenue of action left to him that he perceives is to continue along the path he is already following. He can no longer tolerate being a walking contradiction; feeling immense guilt for the murders he commits, but all the time plotting more to salve his paranoia of being found out. To remedy this, Macbeth resolves to suppress his conscience completely, turning him irrevocably evil from this point on, possibly with the aid of a hard whack to his forehead1. Macbeth†‘†s abrupt turn of mood, from paranoid depression to manic delusion, is directly related to the prophecies of the weà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rd sisters that give him the false confidence he needs for affirmation of his actions and therefore solidifies his denial. Previously, as Macbeth begins to doubt that hiring murders to kill Banquo and Fleance will absolve him of the guilt, he subconsciously vents his horror at his action through the hallucination of Banquo†‘†s ghost, while at the same time trying desperately to convince himself otherwise, ‘†‘Thou canst not say I did it; never shake thy gory locks at me!'†‘ (III.iv.50-51) These fits of paranoia are products of Macbeth†‘†s feelings of guilt that only compound as Macbeth tries to suppress them, surfacing in hallucinations that threaten to expose him and a violent defence mechanism of murdering anyone that could be perceived as a threat. Macbeth seems to sense that it is only a matter of time before lying himself into an illusion of security fails. As everyone, including his wife, continually abandons him, Macbeth sinks into a mood of nihilism that follows his psychological pattern of denial and justification by allowing him to claim that if life is ultimately without consequence then his crimes are also meaningless, ‘†‘Life†‘†s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.'†‘ (IV.v.23-27) Against all rational logic, Macbeth concludes that he is innocent of any permanently damning acts, but also that life holds no further purpose for him. Like her husband, Lady Macbeth learns that there is such a thing as guilt by association. She is plagued by the knowledge that she herself did not kill Duncan, but is directly responsible for his death. Before the murder of Duncan, she has a misguided impression of aggression and violence as inherent male traits, and draws the conclusion that anyone truly masculine should be able to commit murder without repercussions on their conscience. Her compulsive need to wash herself clean of imaginary blood indicates that, unlike her husband who can respond to the nagging of his conscience by pushing it away completely, she cannot forgive herself, nor force herself to forget her culpability. Also, unlike Macbeth who nullifies his guilt, she magnifies her own to the point where it consumes her. Perhaps Lady Macbeth can sense the irony of her inability to cleanse herself of Duncan†‘†s imaginary, yet permanently staining blood, ‘†‘Yet who would have thought the old man to have so much blood on him?'†‘ (V.i.33-34) when earlier she scolds Macbeth for making the same claim, ‘†‘A little water clears us of this deed. How easy is it then!'†‘ (II.ii.70-71) Indeed, Lady Macbeth†‘†s decline into insanity is marked most sharply by her contrast to both her earlier character and the character now being taken up by her husband, suggesting that if she listens to the his reservations, she can avoid the mental turmoil that she experiences later. However, Lady Macbeth expects that the amount of urging Macbeth requires to kill the first time is indicative of an inability to plot further murders. Instead she is constantly reminded of the atrocity she instigated by Macbeth†‘†s insistence to raise the body count as high as possible. Disillusionment more than anything else is what pushes her over the brink of insanity and into an agony of anxiety and despair; gaining the throne does not bring her happiness, nor does it justify Duncan†‘†s death. Accompanied only by Lady Macbeth, Macduff is the only other character that admits responsibility for their actions. Macduff†‘†s sanity is severely shaken by the sudden shock of learning that his entire family has been cruelly murdered at Macbeth†‘†s orders. He responds with passionate grief and regret for leaving them at Macbeth†‘†s mercy, while he himself flees beyond Macbeth†‘†s reach. When compared with the reactions of Ross and Malcolm, Macduff seems almost hysterical, but justifiably so. It is Ross and Malcolm that seem to have disproportionate emotion. Malcolm†‘†s claims that Macduff should avenge the murder of his family by challenging Macbeth are fraught with hypocrisy, since Malcolm himself flees when his own father is murdered instead of taking his own advice. His urgings to Macduff seem to come from selfish means, (he needs an army with which to defeat Macbeth) instead of any real concern for the grief that Macduff is feeling. Macduff expresses his exasperation at Malcolm†‘†s disregard and his feelings of culpability for provoking the tyrannical Macbeth†‘†s wraith, ‘†‘But I must also feel it as a man; I cannot but remember such things were That were most precious to me. Did heaven look on, And would not take their part? Sinful Macduff, They were all struck for thee.'†‘ (IV.iii.224-228) Eventually Macduff does agree to Malcolm†‘†s requests as it becomes increasingly apparent that he will not receive the sympathy he seeks from anyone. Indeed Macduff throws himself into the aim with obsessive vigour, having nothing left to live for. Macduff†‘†s frantic charge to meet in a fight to the death with his nemesis seems to mirror his Macbeth†‘†s own nihilistic mood- however, Macduff†‘†s willingness to die originates from despair rather than apathy. In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the main characters stew in guilt upon realization of the aftermath of their actions, driving them to insanity. In that neither Macbeth, nor Lady Macbeth, nor Macduff can escape the mental anguish as consequence of their actions, Shakespeare effectively hits home the idea that one should thoroughly check their conscience before they act.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Definition of a Short Story Essay
A short story is a â€Å"short piece of fiction aiming at unity of characterization, theme and effect. 2nd definition: The authors of the modern English short story â€Å"no longer attempt to make daily life more entertaining by inventing exotic plots. Instead, modern short story writers have tended to base their narratives on their own experience; here the focus is much more on the less spectacular aspects of life, on the significance underlying what is apparently trivial. The result of such perceptive writing is perfection of form, harmony of theme and structure, and precision of style to reveal the subtleties of the human mind and of human behaviour. 3rd definition: Many attempts have been made to define the short story. But on a few points at least, the opinion of most critics is unanimous. This does not imply that the literary form of the American short story can be set up in a rigid way. It has undergone and will probably still undergo many changes as the literary taste and demands of the reading public also change in the course of time with new outlooks on life. What are some of the elements that make up a good story? a) A short story is a piece of prose fiction which can be read at a single sitting. b) It ought to combine matter-of-fact description with poetic atmosphere. c) It ought to present a unified impression of temper, tone, colour, and effect. d) It mostly shows a decisive moment of life (which can entail a fatal blow). e) There is often little action, hardly any character development, but we get a snapshot of life. f) Its plot is not very complex (in contrast to the novel), but it creates a unified impression and leaves us with a vivid sensation rather than a number of remembered facts. g) There is a close connection between the short story and the poem as there is both a unique union of idea and structure. The short story is a piece of art that tries to give us a specified impression of the world we live in. It aims to produce a single narrative effect with the greatest economy of means and utmost emphasis.
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