The 2 Main Forms of Energy

The 2 Main Forms of Energy Although there are several types of energy, scientists can group them into two main categories: kinetic energy and potential energy. Here is a look at the forms of energy, with examples of each type. Kinetic Energy Kinetic energy is energy of motion. Atoms and their components are in motion, so all matter possesses kinetic energy. On a larger scale, any object in motion has kinetic energy. A common formula for kinetic energy is for a moving mass: KE 1/2 mv2 KE is kinetic energy, m is mass, and v is velocity. A typical unit for kinetic energy is the joule. Potential Energy Potential energy is energy that matter gains from its arrangement or position. The object has the potential to do work. Examples of potential energy include a sled at the top of a hill or a pendulum at the top of its swing. One of the most common equations for potential energy can be used to determine the energy of an object with respect to its height above a base: E mgh PE is potential energy, m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height. A common unit of potential energy is the joule (J). Because potential energy reflects the position of an object, it can have a negative sign. Whether it is positive or negative depends on whether work is done by the system or on the system. Other Types of Energy While classical mechanics classifies all energy as either kinetic or potential, there are other forms of energy. Other forms of energy include: gravitational energy - the energy resulting from the attraction of two masses to each other.electric energy - energy from a static or moving electrical charge.magnetic energy - energy from the attraction of opposite magnetic fields, repulsion of like fields, or from an associated electric field.nuclear energy - energy from the strong force that bonds protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus.thermal energy - also called heat, this is energy that can be measured as temperature. It reflects the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules.chemical energy - energy contained in chemical bonds between atoms and molecule.mechanical energy - the sum of the kinetic and potential energy.radiant energy - energy from electromagnetic radiation, including visible light and x-rays (for example). Â  An object may possess both kinetic and potential energy. For example, a car driving down a mountain has kinetic energy from its movement and potential energy from its position relative to sea level. Energy can change from one form into others. For example, a lightning strike can convert electrical energy into light energy, thermal energy, and sound energy. Conservation of Energy While energy can change forms, it is conserved. In other words, the total energy of a system is a constant value. This is often written in terms of kinetic (KE) and potential energy (PE): KE PE Constant A swinging pendulum is an excellent example. As a pendulum swings, it has maximum potential energy at the top of the arc, yet zero kinetic energy. At the bottom of the arc, it has no potential energy, yet maximum kinetic energy.

Admiral Edward Vernon of the Royal Navy

Admiral Edward Vernon of the Royal Navy A distinguished officer in the Royal Navy, Admiral Edward Vernons career commenced in 1700 and spanned a period of 46 years. This saw him learn his trade under Admiral Cloudesley Shovell before establishing himself as a rising star in the ranks. Vernon saw active service in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) and later in the War of Jenkins Ear and the War of the Austrian Succession. Though he won a triumph at Porto Bello in 1739, he is best remembered for his invention of grog, a rum and water mixture, that was provided to the sailors in his fleets. Grog would go on to become a staple of Royal Navy life until 1970. Early Life Career Born November 12, 1684 in London, Edward Vernon was the son of James Vernon, secretary of state to King William III. Raised in the city, he received some education at the Westminster School before entering the Royal Navy on May 10, 1700. A popular school for the sons of well-placed Britons, Westminster later produced both Thomas Gage and John Burgoyne who would play key roles in the American Revolution. Assigned to HMS Shrewsbury (80 guns), Vernon possessed more education than most his peers. Remaining aboard for less than a year, he shifted to HMS Ipswich (70) in March 1701 before joining HMS Mary (60) that summer. War of the Spanish Succession With the War of the Spanish Succession raging, Vernon received a promotion to lieutenant on September 16, 1702 and was transferred to HMS Lennox (80). After service with the Channel Squadron, Lennox sailed for the Mediterranean where it remained until 1704. When the ship was paid off, Vernon moved to Admiral Cloudesley Shovells flagship, HMS Barfleur (90). Serving in the Mediterranean, he experienced combat during the capture of Gibraltar and Battle of Malaga. Becoming a favorite of Shovell, Vernon followed the admiral to HMS Britannia (100) in 1705 and aided in the capture of Barcelona. Rapidly rising through the ranks, Vernon was elevated to captain on January 22, 1706 at the age of twenty-one. First assigned to HMS Dolphin (20), he shifted to HMS Rye (32) a few days later. After taking part in the failed 1707 campaign against Toulon, Vernon sailed with Shovells squadron for Britain. Nearing the British Isles, several of Shovells ships were lost in the Scilly Naval Disaster which saw four ships sunk and 1,400-2,000 men killed, including Shovell, due to a navigational error. Saved from the rocks, Vernon arrived home and received command of HMS Jersey (50) with orders to oversee the West Indies station. Member of Parliament Arriving in the Caribbean, Vernon campaigned against the Spanish and broke up an enemy naval force near Cartagena in 1710. He returned home at the wars end in 1712. Between 1715 and 1720, Vernon commanded various vessels in home waters and in the Baltic before serving as commodore at Jamaica for a year. Coming ashore in 1721, Vernon was elected to Parliament from Penryn a year later. A staunch advocate for the navy, he was vocal in debates regarding military matters. As tensions with Spain increased, Vernon returned to the fleet in 1726 and took command of HMS Grafton (70). After cruising to the Baltic, Vernon joined the fleet at Gibraltar in 1727 after Spain declared war. He remained there until fighting ended a year later. Returning to Parliament, Vernon continued to champion maritime matters and argued against continued Spanish interference with British shipping. As relations between the two countries worsened, Vernon advocated for Captain Robert Jenkins who had his ear cut off by the Spanish Coast Guard in 1731. Though wishing to avoid war, First Minister Robert Walpole ordered additional troops to be sent to Gibraltar and ordered a fleet to sail for the Caribbean. War of Jenkins War Promoted to vice admiral on July 9, 1739, Vernon was given six ships of the line and ordered to attack Spanish commerce and settlements in the Caribbean. As his fleet sailed west, Britain and Spain severed relations and the War of Jenkins Ear began. Descending on the poorly defended Spanish town of Porto Bello, Panama, he quickly captured it on November 21 and remained there for three weeks. The victory led to the naming of Portobello Road in London and public debut of the song Rule, Britannia!. For his achievement, Vernon was hailed as a hero and was granted Freedom of the City of London. Old Grog The following year saw Vernon order that the daily rum ration provided to the sailors be watered down to three parts water and one part rum in an effort to reduce drunkenness. As Vernon was known as Old Grog for his habit of wearing grogham coats, the new drink became known as grog. Some have argued that Vernon dictated the addition of citrus juice to the mixture which would led to much-reduced rates of scurvy and other diseases in his fleet as it would have added a daily dose of Vitamin C. This appears to be a misreading of his original orders and was not part of the original recipe. Failure at Cartagena In an effort to follow up Vernons success at Porto Bello, in 1741 he was given a large fleet of 186 ships and 12,000 soldiers led by Major General Thomas Wentworth. Moving against Cartagena, Colombia, British forces were hampered by frequent disagreements between the two commanders and delays ensued. Due to the prevalence of disease in the region, Vernon was skeptical of the operations success. Arriving in early March 1741, British efforts to take the city were plagued by a lack of supplies and rampaging disease. Endeavoring to defeat the Spanish, Vernon was forced to withdraw after sixty-seven days which saw around a third of his force lost to enemy fire and disease. Among those to take part in the campaign was George Washingtons brother, Lawrence, who named his plantation Mount Vernon in the admirals honor. Sailing north, Vernon captured Guantnamo Bay, Cuba and desired to move against Santiago de Cuba. This effort failed due to heavy Spanish resistance and Wentworths incompetence. With the failure of British operations in the region, both Vernon and Wentworth were recalled in 1742. A Return to Parliament Returning to Parliament, now representing Ipswich, Vernon continued to battle on behalf of the Royal Navy. Critical of the Admiralty, he may have authored several anonymous pamphlets which attacked its leadership. Despite his actions, he was promoted to admiral 1745, and took command of the North Sea Fleet in an effort to prevent French aid from reaching Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) and the Jacobite Rebellion in Scotland. Having been refused in his request to be named Commander-in-Chief he elected to step down on December 1. The following year, with the pamphlets circulating, he was removed from the Royal Navys list of flag officers. An avid reformer, Vernon remained in Parliament and worked to improve the Royal Navys operations, protocols, and fighting instructions. Many of the changes he worked for aided in the Royal Navys dominance in the Seven Years War. Vernon continued to serve in Parliament until his death at his estate in Nacton, Suffolk on October 30, 1757. Buried at Nacton, Vernons nephew had a monument erected to his memory at Westminster Abbey.

History Of Black Tea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

History Of Black Tea - Essay Example As compared to the other oxidized teas, black tea is much stronger and contains more caffeine. There are two varieties of species, which are used in the black tea. One is the small-leaved Chinese variety plant, which is also used for the green and white plants. The other variety is the large-leaved Assamese plant. This type was only used traditionally for the Black Tea. Black tea is known as ‘Crimson Tea’, in Chinese and other languages influenced by Chinese. The name itself suggests a more accurate color of the liquid. In the ‘West’ when we talk about black tea, it mostly refers to tea without milk or cream, similar to the coffee that is served without milk. In ‘Chinese’, however black tea is regarded as Pu-erh, which is a common classification of post-fermented teas. Black tea retains its flavor for several years, unlike the green tea which loses it in a years’ time. Due to its retention of flavor, black tea has remained an article of trade. Moreover, black tea which is compressed into brick form is used as a form of de-facto currency in Mongolia, Tibet, and Siberia around the 19th century. Initially, when the tea was imported to Europe, it was either green or semi-oxidized. It was in the 19th century that black tea gained popularity, and people started preferring it over green tea. Despite the fact that green tea has its own health benefits, over 90 percent of the population in the west consume black tea (Tea Scapes n.p). Black tea is famously known as Red Tea in China.

Information System (IT) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Information System (IT) - Essay Example It serves computer industries dealing with hardware, software and consumer electronics worldwide. Michael Porters value chain framework helps to analyze activities through which creates value and gains competitive advantage. In this case, Delta Airlines applies different secondary and primary activities in realizing its value chain. For instance, the company uses technology (secondary activity) through its company website to enhance flight scheduling for its clients. Another secondary activity used by the company is the procurement of resources such as acquisition of aircraft and their parts. Primary activities of Delta Airlines include marketing of its services to their target audience through different marketing channels such as Internet marketing. Another primary activity is great customer service that is realized through a good company motivational plans. Organizational designs make sure that the rights to make decisions are properly allocated. In hierarchical, a manager is the mediator and oversees information collection from those answerable to him and reports as in is the case in several companies around the globe. Flat structures support information flow all through the firm like in the case of matrix which involves small groups that are interconnected. Some of the technologies that support this organizational structures and designs is the Intranet. Intranet functions just like the Internet, but it’s not available to the out Internet community as it’s solely for a given

Re-establishment of Native Plants by Seed Germination

Re-establishment of Native Plants by Seed Germination Re-establishment of Native Plants by Seed Germination  in the State of Kuwait 1.1 Desertification Desertification and land degradation has become a matter of increasing importance both locally and globally. Due to heat fluctuations produced by climate change, arid and semi-arid areas are becoming easily susceptible and prone to desertification (Kassas, 1995). Conservation of natural desert habitats should be a priority for environmental agencies and governments especially in arid regions of the world (Stringer, 2008). Water scarcity is one of the factors provoking an increase of vegetation in arid climates, which can lead to land degradation and desertification (Dhief et al., 2009). The term desertification is used in diverse ways in the literature (Stringer, 2008). For this paper, it refers to land degradation in relation to loss of plant species diversity as well as loss of soil resources (Brown, 2003). The primary factor in the degradation of deserts is low rainfall, not to mention the huge impact on the deserts biodiversity from human activities such as camping, car racing or rallying (Brown et al., 2001), and unsupervised grazing by sheep and camels as well as the rapid increase of human population (Whitford, 2006). 1.2 Climate change and plant restoration Climate change is a global issue which is still rising and damaging our environment. Global warming is mainly caused and exacerbated by human influences and activities. Plant restoration is one way to reduce the effect of climate change (Dosery et al., 2012). Arid regions of the world are being effected by climate change the most. The issue of desertification primarily affects areas with less vegetation similar to those in desert areas (Hanafi et al., 2008) Restoration of plants to their natural habitats in arid climates with pressures from grazing and overpopulation is challenging. One way to vegetate these areas is germinating seeds of native species in lab condition to be transplanted in the desert. Plant restoration is a slow process, especially in ecosystems with unfavorable environmental conditions such as low rainfall, high evaporation rates and poor soil composition, precisely the conditions which are found in desert ecosystems (Bolling et al., 2000). Because seedbanks of desert plants can lie dormant for long periods of time, and can later germinate under favorable conditions (Brown et al., 2003) which can be replicated in lab facilities. 1.3 Seed germination and plant growth Seed germination is a process in which the seed emerges from dormancy and grows into a new plant. This occurs when environmental conditions are favourable including temperature, soil composition and water, (Derbel et al., 2007). This process is used to promote and establish plant seedlings for various desert species, which can contribute to increasing plant population for instance in arid and semi-arid climates. According to research on desert plants, temperature is one of the most important factors promoting seed germination, also it plays a big role in plant growth. Indeed, the optimal temperature for seed to germinate is usually close to the average temperature in the species natural habitat (Derbel et al., 2010). Knowledge of the life history, ecology and natural habitat of native species is important for a successful plant reestablishments. The most important part of the plant cycle is seed germination (Derbel et al.,2007). Scarification is a botanical term which refers to the process by which the coat of the seeds is opened, and it can be undertaken mechanically or chemically. Seed germination depends primarily on the level of moisture in the environment and temperature (El-Keblawy, Abdelfattah Khedr, 2015). This paper will examine seed germination treatment in the context of three different factors. The first is temperature: if the temperature is too high then the seed which has been planted for germination will die (Gorai, Laajili, Santiago Neffati, 2015). Low temperatures can also impact seed germination. The second factor which impacts seed germination is scarification of the seeds. The third factor relating to the pre-treatment of seeds for germination is soaking in water. It is important to soak the seeds in water prior to planting to give them the best chance of germinating (Gorai, Laajili, Santiago Neffati, 2015). 1.4 Use of peat moss for plant production Using peat moss to promote seed germination implies the use of stratification, which is a moist, cold treatment: this does not apply to desert plants, since they are mostly promoted by temperature and scarification[ES1]. It is reported that peat moss has growth-promoting substances, including antibiotics and oestrogens (Cox Westing, 2013). 1.5 Study area (add refrences) Kuwait is a small country located in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula, with a total area of 17,820 km2 and a human population of 4.3 million. Kuwait borders Iraq (north) and Saudi Arabia (west and south), while the east of the country lies at the tip of the Persian Gulf, reaching its highest elevation above sea level at 280 m (Brown Al-Mazrooei, 2003).   The climate of Kuwait is considered an arid climate, with summer temperatures ranging from 35-50 ° C. Summer lasts from May to September, with the hottest temperatures occurring from June to August. Winters are dry and cool with mean temperatures ranging from 6-20 ° C. Rainfall varies from year to year, with an average documented rainfall of 120mm (Halwagy et al., 1982). On average, evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation on a yearly basis (Halwagy Halwagy, 1974a). 1.6 The vegetation and soils of Kuwait The vegetation cover of Kuwait is less than 10 % (Brown, 2001). The dominant plant of Kuwait isRhanterium epapposum. There has been no documentation of native trees found in the deserts of Kuwait, while only one tree (6al7a) has been recorded as a native tree and protected in nature reserves (Brown Al-Mazrooei, 2003). Soil texture and composition is an important factor for plant regeneration in desert climates. The primary soil characteristics to be considered in seed germination are soil texture, depth, permeability, penetrability and fertility (Batanouny, 1990). Sandy alkaline soils are dominant in the deserts of Kuwait, and these have low water retention, which is a disadvantage for seed germination (Johns et al., 1984). However, rainfall on sandy soils can be more effective for seed germination than on clay soils (Carbon, 1975). 1.7 Native plants Calligonum comosum Calligonum is a genus of perennial shrubs from the Polygonaceae family. One of the striking features of the species is that it is covered with numerous bristled fruits, which are easily carried by the wind, thus avoiding burial in the sand. The Latin genus name comes from the Greek words callus (beautiful) and gonos (knee), and reflects the original shape of the twigs as they link to one another (Gouja, Garnatje, Hidalgo, Neffati, Raies Garcia, 2015). Calligonum comosum is a native plant to the state of Kuwait. It is a perennial shrub which grows up to 2m tall with a crown ranging from 1-2.5m. Its leaves are simple and green. The   flowering season runs from March to April, with the red flowers attracting birds. The most widespread use of this plant is to stabilise sand dunes and wind breaks, but it also fixes soil to provide protein for livestock, provides wood for fuel and burns without smoke. It is one of the most common plants used to fight desertification and is usually employed along with other native plants for rehabilitation purposes. The most critical stage for this plant is seed germination and seedling stabilisation (Qu et al., 2008). It is prone to heavy grazing since it is a major source of food for camels, as well as goats and sheep (fact sheet). The active ingredients include tannins contained within the green branches of Calligonum. The fruits are edible, and taste similar to an apple. The economic significa nce of these shrubs is very high. Their young branches and fruits, with a pleasantly sour taste, are readily eaten by sheep and camels. In winter, the sheep eat fallen twigs and fruit from the ground. The nutritional value of these products is rather high in conventional feed units. The timber produced by this tree is dense and heavy (it sinks in water), and the pink kernel is a good building material in the desert environment. The wood is also used as fuel for various crafts. Finally, Calligonum is excellent fixative of sand and is used for reclamation in areas of mobile sand. The plant can form new side (adventitious) roots at the base of the stalks after backfilling them with sand (El-Keblawy, Abdelfattah Khedr, 2015). Farsetia Aegyptia This is a perennial shrub that grows in coarse sandy soil, reaching a height of up to 60 cm. Its leaves are succulent and linear, its blooming season is from March to June, and it has greenish-brown flowers. The fruit has a winged seed. This plant has no documented or official publications (Farsetia aegyptia Overview Encyclopedia of Life, 2017). Rhanterium epapposum This is the national plant of Kuwait, and the most dominant plant found in the countrys deserts. This bush grows up to 1m tall, has small narrow leaves which fall in late spring, and becomes dormant during the summer season. Its flowering season is from March to May, with small yellow flowers. For this plant to germinate, the capitulum must be facing upwards, with the achene still attached to the capitulum. Seeds can be viable for more than 4 years (Ahmed, Al-Dousari and Al-Dousari, 2016), and the plant is mainly used for skin infections and for fuel in remote areas. Calligonum comosum, which does not require a lot of water to grow and tends to grow in areas with low rainfall (Gouja, Garnatje, Hidalgo, Neffati, Raies Garcia, 2015); Rhanterium epapposum, which is bushy and is produced naturally as well as with the help of vegetation[ES2]; and Farsetia aegyptia which is also used to combat desertification with the assistance of seed germination. The main objective of this study is to determine why seed germination is important and under what conditions it can take place. The study will discuss how seed germination occurs under different conditions and the factors which affect it. Three desert plants will be used in the   seed germination experiment The aim of this study is to induce seed germination using chemical treatments such as gibberellic acid in two different concentrations (ppm) and physical scarification treatment with two different intensity levels. The second part of the study will investigate four different ratios of peat moss to sand to measure plant growth of seedlings of three desert species in Kuwait. This study will contribute to increasing vegetation in arid and semi-arid areas such as Kuwait, and explore the conditions in which seed germination can take place, including environmental conditions and appropriate temperature (Gouja, Garnatje, Hidalgo, Neffati, Raies Garcia, 2015). As we know, the more plants are grown, the more we can protect our environment. Seed germination is one process for producing plants by artificial methods, which would participate in desert revegetation by transplanting native species back in their natural habitat. Seed germination experiment Three plants will be investigated in this study: Calligonum comosum, Rhanterium epapposum and Farsetia aegyptia. Ten seeds from each species will undergo two seed germination treatments, each with two different intensities. First is a physical treatment in the form of scarification using sand paper, with two different intensities of scarification. Second is a chemical treatment using two different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3). All treatments will be undertaken in the same environment and temperature conditions. The experiment will be replicated three times. Figure 1 Plant growth with peat moss For this experiment, seedlings from three species will be tested in five soil mixtures with different sand to peat moss ratios. A block of 15 seedlings, each with a different soil mixture (5 soil mixtures for each species) will be replicated 5 times (Figure 2).   Environmental factors such as temperature, soil moisture and pH will be measured for analysis. [ES3]Figure 2 A large data set will be collected over a period of 4-6 weeks, and daily logs will be completed for the final data analysis. Statistical data analysis using ANOVA will be applied to both experiments to compare the percentage of growth in different soil mixtures. As well as comparing seed germination percentages for four different treatments, ArcGIS software will be used to provide maps for this study if necessary. Petri dishes, paper filters and labels Sand paper Gibberellic acid (GA3). Native plant seeds (available at PAAFR*) Native plant seedlings (available at PAAFR*) 10cm plastic planting pots (75) (available at PAAFR*) Soil (peat moss and sand) (available at PAAFR*) Access to seed lab facility either at PAAFR* or KISR* (access fees may be applicabl For this study, safety precautions will be taken mostly when using seed lab facilities. Access lab safety check list Lab coat Long trousers Closed toe shoes Safety glasses Use of gloves Since this study will be done off campus, some expenses may apply, this is just a provisional budget plan Plane tickets (round trip from Aberdeen to Kuwait) (300  £) All materials mentioned previously might be available for use with no charge Onetime payment for seed lab access of 50  £ Petrol fees maybe applicable once experiment location is determined around 100  £ if the experiment is done over a period of six weeks. References Bolling, J. and Walker, L. (2000). Plant and soil recovery along a series of abandoned desert roads. Journal of Arid Environments, 46(1), pp.1-24. Brown, G. (2003) Factors maintaining plant diversity in degraded areas of northern Kuwait, Journal of Arid Environments, 54(1), pp. 183-194. Brown, G. and Al-Mazrooei, S. (2003). Rapid vegetation regeneration in a seriously degraded Rhanterium epapposum community in northern Kuwait after 4 years of protection. Journal of Environmental Management, 68(4), pp.387-395. Brown, G. and Schoknecht, N. (2001) Off-road vehicles and vegetation patterning in a degraded desert ecosystem in Kuwait, Journal of Arid Environments, 49(2), pp. 413-427. Derbel, S. and Chaieb, M. (2007). Germination behaviour and seedling establishment of two desert shrubs,Calligonum polygonoides(Polygonaceae) andSpartidium saharae(Fabaceae), under experimental conditions. Acta Botanica Gallica, 154(4), pp.533-544. Derbel, S., Touzard, B., Triki, M. and Chaieb, M. (2010). Seed germination responses of the Saharan plant species Ephedra alata ssp. alenda to fungicide seed treatments in the laboratory and the field. Flora Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, 205(7), pp.471-474. Dhief, A., Gorai, M., Aschi-Smiti, S. and Neffati, M. (2009) Comparative phenological and water potential patterns of three Calligonum species in the eastern great Erg of Tunisia, Flora Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, 204(8), pp. 581-592. doi: 10.1016/j.flora.2008.07.007. Dosery, N.A., Mathew, M., Suresh, N. and Al-Menaie, H.S. (2012) Kuwaits agricultural efforts to mitigate climate change, Energy Procedia, 18, pp. 1441-1445 Hanafi, A. and Jauffret, S. (2008). Are long-term vegetation dynamics useful in monitoring and assessing desertification processes in the arid steppe, southern Tunisia. Journal of Arid Environments, 72(4), pp.557-572. Kassas, M. (1995). Desertification: a general review. Journal of Arid Environments, 30(2), pp.115-128. Stringer, L. (2008). Reviewing the International Year of Deserts and Desertification 2006: What contribution towards combating global desertification and implementing the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification? Journal of Arid Environments, [online] 72(11), pp.2065-2074. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140196308001742 [Accessed 19 Feb. 2017]. Whitford, W. (2006). Ecology of desert systems. 1st ed. San Diego: Academic Press, pp.275-304. [ES1]This sentence wasnt very clear please read and check it and let me know if you think Ive accidentally changed the meaning! [ES2]Not quite sure what you mean by with the help of vegetation? [ES3]I would change the title of the Figure to: Illustration showing different ratios of sand to peat for three different species

Catharsis in As You Like It Essay

Literature is meant to teach. Its purpose is to shed light upon the soul and offer up the best and worst of humanity. All the stories we read, all the characters we relate to and begin to understand, they all have a tale to tell and a lesson to be learned. This is precisely what makes literature so vital to the human spirit. It is here that we enter the world of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It , a story set in a fantastical forest. As we follow the true love of Orlando and Rosalind and the brotherly betrayal by Oliver and Duke Frederick, readers begin to have a spiritual renewal, a cleansing of their spirit, while observing the conflicts that take place. As You Like It is a play where characters seek out truth and simplicity in the Forest of Arden, a mystical place that offers a chance for time to stop and the mind to mend. We come to believe, through the text, that there is an element of evil, but that it only exists in the court and society outside the forest. William Shakespeare involves â€Å"his characters in issues and events which force decisions literally touching the emotional strings of tragedy† (Champion 447) but without the death, destruction, and despair typical of that genre. The characters are safe to experience a new type of living while in the confines and safety of the wood and hopefully restore a balance they all so dearly strive for. The concept of catharsis was first discussed by Aristotle in his treatise Poetics , which was primarily a work on the aesthetics of poetry. He believed that â€Å"the poet’s aim is to produce pleasure in the spectator by eliciting from the representation the emotions of pity (for others) and fear (for oneself)† (â€Å"oetics†). He was in firm disagreement with his teacher Plato on the validity of catharsis, believing that the purging of emotions is beneficial. Although most readers associate catharsis with tragedy, especially works like Macbeth and King Lear , it is easily found in Shakespeare’s comedies. William Thompson, in his essay â€Å"Freedom and Comedy†, explains the differences between these two genres: â€Å"Comedy offers a way out, a rebirth; tragedy also offers a way out, but it is a way through evil, through death. Comedy avoids evil; tragedy confronts it† (216). Tragedy is a necessary element in a comedy; without out it there would be no conflict, thus no harmonious resolution for the end of the play. The moral lessons are not always as clear in As You Like It , as compared with the tragedies, but the same cathartic process takes place nevertheless. It is precisely through the mishaps and misfortunes of comedic characters, and the optimistic end they all experience, that gives the reader a â€Å"purification of †¦ emotions by vicarious experience† (â€Å"Catharsis†). The themes and actions of As You Like It reinforce, in a cathartic process, that evil, hate, and wrong-doing can be overcome with love, simplicity, and the generous nature of the human spirit. HBO’s As You Like It A fine example of the night and day relationship between brothers, and the spiritual renewal with both character and audience, is exemplified with the Dukes. At the beginning of the play the reader is informed that Duke Senior, the rightful ruler, has been usurped by his brother, Duke Frederick, and banished to the woods. Charles, a wrestler within the court, says that Duke Senior has â€Å"many young men flock to him every day and / fleet the time carelessly, as they did in the golden / world† (13; I. i. 116-118). We are given a comparison between the evils represented within the new court and the timelessness of the Forest. Duke Frederick, the usurper, continues his path of paranoia and wickedness when accusing his niece, Rosalind, of being her father’s spy. He commands: â€Å"Mistress, dispatch you with your safest haste, / and get you from our court† (37; I. iii. 40-41). Frederick not only wants his wronged niece out of court for fear of spying, but also because Rosalind is pitied by the people, and is a constant reminder of Frederick’s actions against his beloved brother. He rightfully wants to lead without his â€Å"good† brother overshadowing him in his subject’s eyes. All of the action up to this point is showing conflict and tragedy to the audience in preparation for the happy resolution of these events, giving a realistic depth to the problems faced, and allowing the audience to relate on a personal level. On the other hand, in the forest, Duke Senior is happy and content. He opens Act Two with a rousing speech championing simplicity and joy: Now, my co-mates and brothers in exile, Hath not old custom made this life for sweet Than that of painted pomp? Are not these woods More free from peril than the envious court? Here we feel not the penalty of Adam, (49; II. i. 1-5) How striking it is that after being overthrown and having his life shattered, Duke Senior finds joy, happiness, and freedom within the Forest of Arden – that the â€Å"penalty of Adam† does not touch him there. It gives hope to the readers – which changes in circumstances, that evil done by intimates, can still transform into something more valuable. To be cliche, yet appropriate, as one door closes, another opens. William Thompson theorizes that â€Å"comedy is a play about freedom, a play in which evil is mastered† (218). Here is the first instance of comedic catharsis, of evil being faced head on and destroyed – it is the spiritual renewal of Duke Senior’s soul after seemingly tragic events that would and does break other men. Another instance of the cathartic elements between brotherly conflicts occurs with Oliver and Orlando. The play opens with Orlando bemoaning his current affairs to his faithful family servant – â€Å"He [Oliver] keeps me rustically at home †¦ for call you / that keeping for a gentlemen of my birth that / differs not from the stalling of an ox† (7;I. i. 6-9). He is angered by the Elizabethan tradition that gives the eldest son the whole inheritance, and offers nothing to the siblings. While speaking with Oliver, during a physical altercation, Orlando accuses: My father charged you in his will to give me good education. You have trained me like a peasant, obscuring and hiding from me all gentlemanlike qualities (11; I. i. 65-69) Orlando simply wants to feel worthy of others, to have the confidence and ability of interacting at the upper echelons of society, something that a great majority of reader’s relate to. Themes of insecurity echo throughout the character arc of Orlando. Larry Champion explains that â€Å"the comic experience is frequently one of self revelation† (429) which can not occur until the brothers find themselves in the safety of the Forest. Oliver is commanded to enter the forest and find his brother, one who he tried to kill and admittedly one who he has â€Å"never loved my brother in my life† (91; III. 1. 13-14). With both brothers in the forest the concept of healing enters the audience’s mind, who understands that all will have to be well in the end, for this is still a comedy in nature. Oliver, while sleeping in the woods, is threatened by a snake and lioness. Orlando comes upon the scene and â€Å"twice did he turn his back and purposed so, / but kindness, nobler ever than revenge / †¦ made him give battle to the lioness† (165; IV. iii. 134-137). Oliver continues the tale saying that â€Å"When from the first to last betwixt us two / Tears our recountments hand most kindly bathed† (165; IV. iii. 148-149). The brothers have reconciled in the face of danger, their angers forced upon the beast within the magical forest. The healing in the play must cure the brothers de Boys for this comedy to make sense. If it did not, then Orlando and Oliver would simply be shallow impersonations of Edmund and Edgar from King Lear , offering little hope, little renewal to the audience, who would no doubt see pieces of themselves and their kin in Orlando and Oliver. It is the revelation of how the conflicts resolve themselves that offer up the cathartic healing. Perhaps the most optimistic cathartic elements of As You Like It occur during Orlando’s quest for â€Å"worthiness† of Rosalind. There first meeting offers hope against the backdrop of a courtly wrestling match. Orlando is fighting to save his honor and win from his brother the right to be educated as a gentleman, for he is very aware of his status. After winning the match Rosalind gives Orlando a token of her love, â€Å"Wear this for me – one out of suits with fortune, / That could give more but that her hand lacks / means† (32; I. ii. 244-245) for which Orlando is unable to respond. He is not, in his own mind, educated and worthy of her. This predicament will cause distress and drive the comedy in the following scenes, for â€Å"the comic hero recognizes a restraint upon his freedom, but he is no reforming philosopher †¦ and the closest evil †¦ is his own impotent and limited body† (Thompson 219). The reader is now set upon a course where the progress and growth of Orlando, as a worthy man, will meet head on with his true love in Rosalind. Deeper into the play we find Orlando caring for his elderly manservant Adam. They are fleeing the wrath of Oliver, in an unknown forest, hungry and tired. Orlando comes upon Duke Senior, and his men, brandishing a sword, commanding â€Å"Forbear, and eat no more† (79; II. vii. 92). Adam is dying of hunger and Orlando is desperate, he explains that â€Å"The thorny point / Of bare distress hath ta’en from me the show / Of smooth civility† (79; II. vii. 99-101). Orlando can not contemplate a world where this show of force would be inappropriate – he is in survival mode, having released his primal nature in the woods. Duke Senior, being entirely at ease in the magical forest, speaks lainly: â€Å"Your gentleness shall force / More that your force move us to gentleness† (79; II. vii. 107-108) and asks Orlando to â€Å"sit down and feed, and welcome to our table† (79; II. vii. 110). His lack of worldly knowledge coupled with the devastating effect of betrayal from his kin, leads Orlando to a world that he believes is savage, dark, and treacherous. What we all hope for is the shedding of his guard an d the reconciliation with Rosalind in true love giving the audience and reader a strong sense of faith. His acceptance of Duke Senior’s kindness is a first step to renewing a new faith in man. It is through the next three acts that the reader will watch the growth of Orlando. From his interactions with Jaques, to the practice wooing of â€Å"Ganymede†, Orlando gains the confidence needed to properly wed Rosalind. The audience finds this story of true love inspiring, proving that gentleness and persistence will be rewarded. By the end of Act Five all conflict has been resolved. The Dukes are reconciled, with Frederick entering the wood to find a religious monk. Oliver is married to Cecilia, being a changed man, and the better for it. The two young lovers Phebe and Silvious are forever wed, although immature in love. And of course Orlando, through his trials and tribulations, becomes worthy of Rosalind’s hand. Although we know that comedies end with happiness and we expect no sharp plot deviations, it is within the journey a character takes, and the manner in which adversity is handled, that a catharsis takes place. We are left with lessons learned, stored in the collective memory bank of experience what may ensue when you take, or don’t take, action. Put simply, catharsis is the emotional understanding of what may transpire at any given moment. Through the vicarious experience with a character, the shared feeling of their passion and pain, we are given the opportunity for growth without any of the real world consequences that may follow – this is the benefit, genius, and grace of a cathartic moment with literature.

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