Roman Emperor Septimius Severus

Roman Emperor Septimius Severus Severus came to power by disposing of rivals with a better claim to power than his own. His immediate predecessor was Didius Julianus. Septimius Severus died peacefully, leaving, as joint successors, his sons Caracalla and  Geta. Dates April 11, A.D. 145-February 4, 211 Reign 193-211 Places of Birth and Death Leptis Magna; Eboracum Name Lucius Septimius Severus Augustus (Severus) Occupation Ruler (Roman Emperor Septimius Severus was born in Africa, at the Phoenician city of Leptis Magna (in Libya), to a presumed equestrian (wealthy) family with consuls in it, on April 11, 145, and died in Britain, on February 4, 211, after reigning for 18 years as Emperor of Rome. Family Parents:  P. Septimius Geta, (equestrian) and Fulvia Pia Wife:  Julia Domna Sons:  Bassianus (Caracalla) (b. 188); Geta (b. 189) Following the murder of Pertinax, Rome supported Didius Julianus as emperor, but as Severus entered Rome having been declared emperor by his troops in Pannonia on April 9, 193 [DIR], the supporters of Julianus defected, he was executed, and soon the soldiers in Italy and the senators supported Severus, instead; meanwhile, troops in the East proclaimed Syrias governor, Pescennius Niger, emperor, and the British legions, their governor, Clodius Albinus. Severus had to deal with his rival claimants. He defeated Pescennius Niger at the A.D. 194 Battle of Issus not to be confused with the battle in 333 B.C., in which Alexander the Great defeated the Persian Great King Darius. Severus then marched into Mesopotamia, where he set up a new legion and declared war on Roman emperor Clodius Albinus. Even with the legions of Britain, Gaul, Germany, and Spain, behind him, Albinus still lost to Severus in 197 near Lyon [see Lyon Museum], and committed suicide. The reputation of Septimius Severus changes with the times. Some consider him responsible for the Fall of Rome. According to [virtual-pc.com/orontes/severi/MoranSev193.html, 6/29/99] Jonathan C. Moran, Gibbon blamed Severus for the changes that led to turmoil and ultimate decay in Rome. The De Imperatoribus Romanis entry on Severus explains the charge: by giving greater pay and benefits to soldiers and annexing the troublesome lands of northern Mesopotamia into the Roman empire, Septimius Severus brought increasing financial and military burdens to Romes government. His reign was also considered bloody and according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, he may have been involved in the murder of his predecessor, Pertinax. The Catholic Encyclopedia also says he persecuted the Christians and forbade conversion to Judaism and to Christianity. On the other side, Septimius Severus restored stability to the Roman Empire. He improved performance and increased morale by making (expensive) changes in the military and praetorian guard. He restored Hadrians Wall and was involved in other construction projects. He also played the part of the traditional emperor: He reformed the grain supply for the city of Rome.... He put on games... for the people to keep them diverted and on his side. He freed his friends from debt and gave donatives to the soldiers and people. He also heard lawsuits.... Severus also began appointing his own men to the senate, one the emperors traditional prerogatives.- [www.virtual-pc.com/orontes/severi/MoranSev193.html#1, 6/29/99] Severus and Traditional Auctoritas Print SourceSeptimius Severus: The African Emperor, by Anthony Richard Birley Also, see Historia Augusta - The Life of Septimius Severus Septimius Severus and the Severan Emperors Septimius Severus and his successors were known as Severan Emperors Septimius SeverusCaracallaGetaEmperors Pertinax and Didius JulianusRoman Emperors Timeline 2nd CenturyRoman Emperors Timeline 3rd Century Ancient Sources on Septimius Severus HerodianHistoria AugustaDio Cassius

Whether vs. If

Whether vs. If Whether vs. If Whether vs. If By Maeve Maddox A reader writes: A colleague at work says the following sentence is incorrect: â€Å"Promotion depends on if the employee maintains a good attendance record.† I don’t see anything wrong with it. Is she just being disagreeable? I can’t say whether the colleague is being disagreeable or not, but I can say why she objects to the sentence. The conjunctions if and whether are often used interchangeably. Sometimes such usage can pass, but sometimes whether is the only choice. One rule often cited is that if does not follow a preposition. Corrected, the sentence is â€Å"Promotion depends on whether the employee maintains a good attendance record.† Seeking to avoid confusion, Sir Ernest Gowers added this entry to the 1963 edition of Fowler’s Modern English Usage: To avoid possible ambiguity it may be prudent to confine if to its proper duty of introducing the protasis of a conditional sentence, and not to use it as a substitute for though or whether or (with not) to introduce a possible alternative. Note: In the context of grammar, protasis is â€Å"the first or introductory clause in a sentence, especially the clause which expresses the condition in a conditional sentence.† The Chicago Manual of Style spells out two instances in which if should not be used in lieu of whether: 1. to introduce a noun clause in an indirect question the answer to which is either yes or no. INCORRECT: He asked if his tie was straight. CORRECT: He asked whether his tie was straight. The only possible answer is yes or no. 2. to avoid ambiguity. INCORRECT: Call me to let me know if you can come. CORRECT: Call me to let me know whether you can come. With if, two interpretations are possible: 1. Call regardless of your answer. 2. Call only if you will be coming. By using whether, the speaker makes it clear that a call is desired, regardless of whether the person is coming or not. Chicago includes three other notes on the if/whether dichotomy in the â€Å"Good usage versus common usage† section: determine whether; determine if. The first phrasing is irreproachable style; the second is acceptable as a colloquialism. The same is true of decide whether versus decide if. doubt that; doubt whether; doubt if. Doubt that conveys a negative sense of skepticism or questioning: â€Å"I doubt that you’ll ever get your money back.† Doubt whether also conveys a sense of skepticism â€Å"The official says that he doubts whether the company could survive.† Doubt if is a casual phrasing for doubt that. question whether; question of whether; question as to whether. The first phrasing is the best, the second is next best, and the third is to be avoided. Paul Brians (Common Errors in English Usage) acknowledges that if â€Å"can’t really be called an error,† but adds, â€Å"when you are discussing two alternative possibilities, whether sounds more polished.† A note by David Foster Wallace in the Oxford American Writer’s Thesaurus offers â€Å"a simple test†: If you can coherently insert an â€Å"or not† after either the conjunction or the clause it introduces, you need whether. He gives these examples: He didn’t know whether [or not] it would rain. YES She asked me straight out whether I was a fetishist [or not]. YES We told him to call if [or not] he needed a ride. NO If is used to express a conditional. Whether is used to introduce alternative possibilities. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:30 Synonyms for â€Å"Meeting†Rules for Capitalization in Titles30 Words Invented by Shakespeare

Designing Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Designing Learning - Essay Example Dimensions of competency: It is important to be able to measure the dimension of competency. This serves as delimitation for the training course and ensures that training is delivered within certain boundary and that learner d not receive what may not be necessary for his preferred field. Format and structure of accredited courses: A knowledge about the format and structure of accredited courses ensures that the trainer masters the course content and show good command and mastery on it when delivering it. Format and structure of competency standards: Knowledge about the competency standards also ensures that the course is delivered within a range needed by the learner and that training does not fall outside the scope of learning. Functions of training package: It is important to know what the function of each training package entails so as to specify what to look out for in each package. Without knowledge on the function of a particular training package, the learner may not have any benefit from the package because he would have not basis for undertaking the training. Methodology relating to analysing and using competency standards for a range of applications and purposes: Knowledge on the methodology to use in delivering training package is very important. This is because the success of the whole program depends on how the instructor goes about his training program. A poor or unsuitable methodology would result in a situation where the learner will find it very difficult to grasp concepts being taught. Language and terminologies: Appropriate use of language and terminologies is very important. The instructor must use language and terminologies that are at the level of the learner to facilitate comprehension. Different delivery modes and methods: Once the instructor has different modes and methods of delivery, it is easier to change from one methodology to another if it is detected that one method

Societies Degrees of Mental Wellness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Societies Degrees of Mental Wellness - Essay Example Here, one can start considering the multitudes of psychological testing they endured before expiration. Then, familiar pop-culture icons are useful in bringing reality to the subject of insanity which, he says, has inoculated all of society. So, those interested in the extremes of horror for their personal entertainment become news headline. Those indulging in such primal insanity bring personal fears up front, close and personal because they were never caught. He also reinforces those warnings the parents and caregivers pass onto their children, as they venture out into a world where everyone is dealing with issues of psychological wellness to some degree, leaving individuals ill-equipped to identify people like those who got away with it. Upon the review of his literary and cinematic stories, it gives one pause when trying to pin point him on his own mental illness scale. Therefore, horror entertainment fanatics are targeted by Stephen King, as he introduces them to what he calls a totally mentally ill society. He shows how all the forms of horror entertainment allow followers to savor their individual mental illness without repercussions, because they are authorized by pop-culture idols and logically ingested by his use of deep-seated analogies, which leave the audience with a humorous look at our society as being made up of a population of the mentally ill. When the analysis turns the reader to seek out and determine the normal, conservative reactionaries, King directs them to pop-culture icons. First, by showing in the horror film junkie what real ugliness is; then, he shows the beauty that a lot of people aspire to and, in turn, lets them know that no one could never be truly ugly†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Freda Jackson as the horrible melting woman in Die, Monster, Die! confirms for us that no matter how far we may be removed from the beauty of a Robert Redford or a Diana Ross, we are still light-years from true ugliness.†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (King, line 8). To explain this , Freda Jackson is perceived as a melting woman in Die Monster, Die! substantiates that no matter how far we may be away from the beauties of Diana Ross or Robert Redford, we are not even close to being ugly. This also results into feeling re-establishment of ordinarily; the horror film is essentially traditional and reactionary. This leaves those who watch such films to sit back and simply get entertained and have fun, only that this type of fun is unique in its coming from seeing other menaced and even occasionally killed. This has led to some critics suggesting that horror film has been turned into public form of execution. As King complements readers on their behavior, people are only there to enjoy each other and to clarify one's reality of normalcy. He says, â€Å"I think that we’re all mentally ill; those of us outside the asylums only hide it a little better – and maybe not all that much better, after all.†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (King, line 1). Something worth noting i s that everybody is insane; what brings the difference amongst them is the degree of sanity. It is at this point that the severely insane part of society is acknowledgeable by those who have not expired at their hands, or otherwise. For instance, there are those capable of carving women, like in the case of Jack, â€Å"were the likes of Jack the Ripper, the Cleveland Torso Murderer, we clap you away in the funny farm (but

To live outside Essay Example for Free

To live outside Essay As I stand still in the traffic filled New York City Street attempting to crawl as if I were a turtle trying to cross the road, I begin to contemplate the true beauty of living in the city. It is now the month where everything should be glooming, pleasing, and living, however it is not. In the Waste Land by Thomas Sterns Eliot, he states, April is the cruellest month. This is a metaphor which in my situation reflects the truth. There are many reasons as to why people prefer to live outside of the city but work in the heart of it. I look forward and try to imagine what T.S. Eliot would think if he saw these city streets. In his book, the Waste Land, it is forced into our imagination that the world is dead; the earth is a waste land. He calls the city an Unreal City, making the reader think of the city that is referred to as a place worse than any nightmares can ever imagine. When imagining a city that I do not want to live in, first thing that comes to mind is a city thats always dirty and cold. If one was to analyze New York City, it can easily be found that most of the time it is cold; cold enough to need someone there with you if you do not have a home. Just as in the book you would read in the first story that you can only be kept warm in the winter with someone next to you. It is written, Winter kept us warm. It is also dirty to the extent that the street cleaning trucks that are made to clean the streets cannot handle the amount of filth the ground holds. The Waste Land takes on the degraded mess that Eliot considered modern culture to constitute, particularly after the First World War had ravaged Europe. April is the month that everything should be regenerating. Regeneration, though, is painful, for it brings back reminders of a more fertile and happier past. In the modern world, winter, the time of forgetfulness and numbness, is indeed preferable. Maries childhood recollections are also painful: the simple world of cousins, sledding, and coffee in the park has been replaced by a complex set of emotional and political consequences resulting from the war. The topic of memory, particularly when it involves remembering the dead, is of critical importance in The Waste Land. Memory creates a confrontation of the past with the present, a combination that points out just how badly things have  decayed. The final episode of the Waste Land allows Eliot to finally establish the true wasteland of the poem, the modern city. Eliots London references Baudelaires Paris (Unreal City), Dickenss London (the brown fog of a winter dawn) and Dantes hell (the flowing crowd of the dead). The city is desolate and depopulated, inhabited only by ghosts from the past. Stetson, the spirit of the speaker recognizes, is a fallen war comrade. The speaker pesters him with a series of ghoulish questions about a corpse buried in his garden: again, with the garden, we return to the theme of regeneration and fertility. This encounter can be read as a quest for a meaning behind the tremendous slaughter of the First World War; however, it can also be read as an exercise in ultimate futility: as we see in Stetsons failure to respond to the speakers inquiries, the dead offer few answers. The great respective weights of history, tradition, and the poets dead predecessors combine to create an oppressive burden. In conclusion, there are many reasons as to why people prefer to live outside of the city, yet work in the center of it. In the first episode of the Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, the city that is described is one that is regenerating because as it is beaten into your mind, the city is dead. Eliot speaks about the land and how dust filled it is and how nothing is alive. He then explains that everything is reviving, but that means that at the current time, after the First World War, everything is dead and life totally different then it was earlier. Even though he talks about the city and how unreal it is, he explains that Marie has recollections of sledding and family life. Usually family life and things like sledding are pastimes in a more countryside based area. Therefore, it is as if he is saying that city life is no longer good, while Marie remembers the good times she had sledding in the countryside. In the last episode, we, the readers, can see even more about how Eliot perceives the city. He refers to other stories to explain this city. He uses Dantes Hell as well as Dickenss London to explain the dead streets and the ghost roaming them. He uses a fallen soldier as the main character and shows  that the streets are full of ghost and no one living. If you would look at the city in the modern times, you can imagine people having nothing on their mind but work. They wander the city streets going nowhere but to their place of work, being worried of getting fired and not being human to the extent that they are forced to do something. It is if they are roaming the streets just like the ghosts, however, these people dont think that they are dead. Just like the saying goes, I come alive on the weekends. Then you can imagine that the soldiers that did return breathing would want to live in a place where it is peaceful and quiet. The countryside is where they would most likely find this. Therefore, it can be seen that the ghost or the workers work in the city, while the living stay home in the countryside.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Essay -- Poet Persuasive Argumentative Poet

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow A Fellow’s Long Worth How does one describe a poet when he has already described himself with his own words? Although Henry Wadsworth Longfellow isn’t popular, he is such a poet. As described by Arnold Bennett, Longfellow is "the chief minor poet of the English language." Among a harsh lineup of critics, however, they claimed he fell short of literary. This is quite the contrary. Longfellow attended Bowdoin college, near Portland, Maine where he was born and raised. The college offered him the newly formed position as chair of modern languages. "Two things are striking about this event: the informality of the academic approach to language studies and the obvious natural gift that Longfellow possessed" (Fuller 3). Traveling throughout Europe before settling into his new job (as well as during numerous trips after), Longfellow practically learned the languages by osmosis. He could speak splendid amounts of French, Spanish, Italian, German and some Scandinavian. After leaving Bowdoin, he later taught at Harvard University. At this time, his pen began to constantly scratch prose and poetry. After almost twenty years as a professor, Longfellow retired and devoted himself to his craft of poetry. After tasting random stanzas and meters of Longfellow’s work, it is easy to identify his tone: uplifting, positive and somewhat glowing. Along with his shorter pieces that evoke positive feelings, Longfellow also tells stories with his longer poetry. He used lyrical verses to describe, weave and introduce new characters or feelings. From the poem "The Skeleton in Armor" to "Paul Revere’s Ride," Longfellow opened up worlds with his words, whether as real as the Revolutionary War, or as mystic as Nordic my... ...t, overall, passion was underneath his skin. As he wrote in "Michael Angelo: A Fragment," "The fever to accomplish some great work that will not let us sleep. I must go on until I die." It is unfair that Longfellow isn’t praised more as an American poet, especially with a backpack heavy with accomplishments. His hike through the literary world was rugged, but his perseverance left readers with kind, unassuming meter and lyric. Works Cited Fuller, Edmund. Introduction. Poems of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1967. 1-13. Untermeyer, Louis. Introduction. The American Poets: Longfellow. By Henry Wadwsworth Longfellow. New York: The Heritage Press, 1943. ix-xv. Wagenknecht, Edward. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: His Poetry and Prose. New York: The Ungar Publishing Company, 1986.

Monogamy Versus Polygamy and Other Forms of Marriage

â€Å"I believe in monogamy if that is what a couple decides upon together, but it all depends on the personal history and culture of the two involved. † -K. D. Lang. The traditional family system–a lifelong alliance of a man and a woman–has in the past served as an institution for mobilizing the economic, moral, and emotional resources needed to raise children, (Bergmann, 1996). In many cases, marital satisfaction is influenced by the husband’s supportiveness, maternal employment and the age of the husband. However, â€Å"a 50 percent divorce rate in the USA makes a mockery of the beautiful brides’ pictures that appear in newspapers across this nation. It suggests that America's belief in a lifetime monogamous marriage has degenerated into the mere acceptance of serial matrimony† (Miller, 1989). Roget’s Thesaurus defines monogamy as â€Å"a kind of marriage. † In other words, there are other kinds, and perhaps one of these might suit us a little better (Preston, 2011). Monogamy is the only form a legal marriage in Western society. Monogamy can mean marriage to only one person for a lifetime or, as is more common today, marriage to one person at a time, aka â€Å"serial monogamy. † Monogamy is usually between opposite sex couples, though same-sex monogamy is becoming legal in some states and countries, (Libertine, 2008). â€Å"Society expects marriages to be both, but studies that have shown that ten percent of babies are fathered by men other than their legal fathers indicate that the two don’t always go hand in hand; that while social monogamy might be ubiquitous, biological monogamy is not†, (Libertine, 2008). Monogamy can mean marriage to only one person for a lifetime or, as is more common today, marriage to one person at a time, aka â€Å"serial monogamy,† (Libertine, 2008). Monogamy is usually between opposite sex couples, though same-sex monogamy is becoming legal in some states and countries (Libertine, 2008). Monogamous marriage defined as sexually exclusive, though we must distinguish between social monogamy and biological monogamy. The assumption is that this has been the one â€Å"right† way to be married since ancient times, until threatened by the sexual revolution starting in the 1960s. According to a report released by the Census Bureau in October 2006, legally married heterosexual monogamous marriages are no longer the majority of American households, though various forms of marriage-clone relationships continue to flourish. Many other more popular types of marriages do exist. Polygamy, also known, as polygyny is either man or a woman can have more than one spouse. Polyandry, although much less common this is when one woman has several husbands. It has occurred in Tibet, Mongolia, the Canadian Arctic, South America, Nepal, Bhutan, among other places. Polyandry is especially suited to populations that have more males than females, which is perhaps why it is less common than polygyny, because females outnumber males in most societies. In all marriages, there are obligations and duties that the couples agree upon once entering into marriage. Pinning down the No. 1 duty of a spouse can be a tough call, but there is evidence that honest communication is the most important role a married person can play (Herrington). A 2005 study examined the relationships among communication, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction, demonstrated that communication and sexual satisfaction independently predict marital satisfaction, (Litzinger & Gordon, 2005). However, the findings go on to say, â€Å"if couples have difficulty communicating but are sexually satisfied, they will experience greater marital satisfaction than if they have a less satisfying sexual relationship. † Thus, sexual satisfaction may partially compensate for the negative effects of poor communication on marital satisfaction (Litzinger & Gordon, 2005). Herring also pointed out in her article the ever so important sharing of responsibilities. Studies revealed that when one partner feels family duties are shared equally, he is more likely to consider the marriage a happy one. This can prevent one spouse from feeling that he shoulders all of the burdens of life, which often leads to marital strife. Helping to absorb the stress of daily life helps couples feel their relationship is fair, and is an important obligation for married people (Herrington). Sharing responsibility is often connected to the sharing of financial responsibility. The role of economic forces in the development and operation of families, he suggests reasons why the development of nontraditional, non-nuclear families is congruent with economic laws, and why their development is to be expected, today and even predicted in the future (Westley, 1998). Well-known economist Gary Becker asserts â€Å"the primary motivating factor in human action is self-interest, an indisputable basis from which to begin†. Although most economists agree with this concept of human behavior as it relates to economics, Becker also understands how this same concept applies to marriages. People will marry when they think that they can achieve a greater degree of utility in that state than when single, and they divorce when they feel that they can achieve a greater degree of utility in that state than when married (Westley, 1998). The traditional family system has its advantages and disadvantages however, â€Å"whatever the character of society or state, polity or economy, religion or culture, parents cannot escape responsibility for the quality of their children as citizens† (Halsey, 1997).

Relativism in ethics poses serious problems for Christians Essay

With reference to other aspects of human experience, comment on the claim that relativism in ethics poses serious problems for Christians. Justify your answer. [15] Ethical relativism is the theory that states morality is relative to culture and circumstance, meaning the same action may be morally right in one society but be morally wrong in another. For example, most societies believe the act of sacrificing either people or animals is wrong, but there are tribal cultures that perceive it as part of normal life. If one takes this approach there are no such things as moral absolutes, and this can pose problems for Christians. For most Christians ethics are dependent on rules recorded in the Bible. Paul instructs, â€Å"Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.† In the Old Testament especially there are many empathic statements such as, â€Å"Do not kill,† which do not leave much room for ethical relativism. They reject the idea that the ends could justify the means, because sin is sin no matter what the intentions behind it were. Slick wrote on this topic, â€Å"I consider moral absolutes to be real because they come from God and not because they are determined by the whims of mankind.† One of the main criticisms of ethical relativism from within Christian circles is how it leads to a subjective view on morality. If there are no fixed moral truths then that leaves the individual as the supreme moral agent. Under this theory it could be argued the Holocaust was moral – after all, it was the view of that culture that Jews should be exterminated. Anti-Semitism was a societal norm. Groothuis put forward this view: â€Å"Surely any morally sane person must ethically condemn Nazi atrocities as evil †¦ but relativism cannot permit such judgments. The morality of everything is relative — even genocide.† Humans are tainted by sin and therefore are predisposed to make poor choices. On the other hand, relativism does not necessarily mean that anything is acceptable. This is too simplistic a way of looking at it. For example, Peter Singer would describe himself as a believer in ethical relativity, but he wrote, â€Å"what has to be shown to put practical ethics on a sound basis is that ethical reasoning is possible.† He rejected the idea of moral absolutes but also rejected the idea that you could not criticise the choices of others. He stated that human reason is a major factor when it comes to decision making, and that it is not simply a case of choosing what pleases you most. Many Christians have no problem reconciling the Bible with a relativistic approach to ethics. After all, even the Bible contains things that modern day believers do not adhere to such as slavery. When the Bible addresses a topic it should not be compared against the sensibilities of the modern world, but rather against the culture of the ones to whom the Bible was addressed. The Bible was written a long time ago by fallible humans and Christian denominations such as the United Methodist Church in the USA hold a position of ethical relativism. This has led them to performing same-sex weddings and other things that set them apart from their conservative counterparts. They see relativism not as a problem for Christians, but something that can free them from legalism and allow them to be more loving. Strict adherence to Sola Scriptura when it comes to ethics can reject the believer’s own conscience and work of the Holy Spirit, which are also a necessary part of moral decisions. This is similar to those that espouse Christian utilitarianism and believe that God wants them to be happy, even if it requires breaking Biblical law. In the words of Zack Hunt, â€Å"Don’t let dogma and doctrine get in the way of practicing Love, who is God.†

Best Crucible Act 4 Summary

Best Crucible Act 4 Summary SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Act 4 gives us the exciting conclusion to this saga of madness. How are the citizens of Salem and their governing officials dealing with the fallout from the trials?Will the "witches" falsely confess to avoid execution? Does John Proctor still, like, totally hate himself? Read on to find out all this and more, including key quotes and a thematic analysis for the final act of The Crucible. Want to get better grades and test scores? We can help. PrepScholar Tutors is the world's best tutoring service. We combine world-class expert tutors with our proprietary teaching techniques. Our students have gotten A's on thousands of classes, perfect 5's on AP tests, and ludicrously high SAT Subject Test scores. Whether you need help with science, math, English, social science, or more, we've got you covered. Get better grades today with PrepScholar Tutors. The Crucible Act 4 Summary - Short Version Act 4 opens with Herrick removing Tituba and Sarah Good from a jail cell so the court officials can hold a meeting there.Reverend Hale and Reverend Parris are off praying with the other condemned prisoners, which is unsettling to Danforth and Hathorne. When Parris arrives at the meeting, he explains that Hale is trying to get the prisoners to confess to their crimes rather than lose their lives needlessly. He also reveals that Abigail and Mercy Lewis have run away, and they stole his life’s savings. The authorities then discuss the state of social unrest that has emerged in Salem after the jailing of so many citizens. Hathorne denies that there is any possibility of rebellion ("Why at every execution I have seen naught but high satisfaction in the town" (pg. 7)), but Parris is very concerned about what will happen if they hang people who are well-respected. Parris has already received a death threat in the form of a dagger wedged in his doorway. He advises that they postpone the hangings and continue pushing for confessions, but Danforth refuses because it would make him look bad. Hale arrives and says that he hasn’t extracted any confessions yet. The one prisoner who he hasn’t talked to is John Proctor. The officials decide that they will bring in Elizabeth Proctor to speak with him and convince him to confess. Elizabeth and John are left alone, and Elizabeth informs John of Giles Corey’s death. Giles was pressed to death with heavy stones since he refused to plead guilty or innocent to the charges of witchcraft. John begs her to tell him whether or not he should confess. He’s leaning towards confessing because he doesn’t think very much of himself and feels his soul is already beyond redemption. He asks for Elizabeth’s forgiveness, but she says her forgiveness doesn’t mean anything if he won’t forgive himself. She also places some blame on herself for the way things went down with Abigail. She tells him that only he can decide whether or not to confess. John tentatively agrees to confess, but he refuses to name any names and then is reluctant to sign the confession. He decides he can’t go through the rest of his life after signing his name into disgrace in this permanent way. He snatches the signed paper away at the last minute and rips it to shreds, thus sealing his fate. Rebecca Nurse and John are then led off to the gallows by Marshal Herrick. The others beg Elizabeth to convince him to reconsider, but she refuses to deprive him of this choice when it’s clearly the only way he can break free from his self-hatred. "Ain't nobody dope as me I'm dressed so fresh so clean" -John Proctor at the end of The Crucible The Crucible Act 4 Summary - "Oops, I Didn't Read It" Version This act takes place in a jail cell in Salem.Marshal Herrick wakes up the occupants, Sarah Good and Tituba, to move them to a different cell.The two women speak of their plans to fly away to Barbados after the Devil comes for them and transforms them into bluebirds.They mistake the bellowing of a cow for the arrival of Satan to carry them away (could've happened to anyone).Herrick ushers them out of the cell as Tituba calls to the Devil to take her home. Once they leave, Danforth, Hathorne, and Cheever enter the cell, and Herrick returns to join their meeting. Danforth is disturbed to learn from Herrick that Reverend Hale has been praying with the prisoners. Reverend Parris is also supposed to meet with Danforth and Hathorne, so Herrick goes to get him.Apparently, Parris is praying with Reverend Hale and Rebecca Nurse.It turns out that Parris told Herrick to allow Hale to see the prisoners. Danforth is concerned that Parris is acting weird.Hathorne mentions Parris has had looked a little crazed lately and thinks it might not be wise to allow him amongst the prisoners.He said good morning to Parris a few days earlier, but Parris just started crying and walked away.Hathorne is worried about Parris appearing this unstable since he’s supposed to be the town’s spiritual leader.Cheever says he thinks Parris’ distress is a product of the ongoing property disputes in town.Abandoned cows are wandering all over the place because their owners are in jail.Parris has been arguing with farmers about who gets to claim these cows for days, and he doesn’t handle conflict well, so it makes him upset.Parris finally enters the cell, looking haggard.Danforth and Hathorne immediately criticize him for letting Hale speak with the prisoners.Parris says Hale is trying to persuade the prisoners to return to God and save their lives by confessing.Danforth is surprised, but he welcomes this news. Parris then reveals why he called this meeting with the court officials.Abigail and Mercy Lewis disappeared a few days before.Parris says he thinks they’ve boarded a ship, and they stole his entire life’s savings to pay for passage.He’s been upset lately because he’s completely broke.Danforth is exasperated and calls Parris a fool.Parris says that the next town over, Andover, rejected the witch trial trend and threw out the court, whichhas sparked the beginnings of a rebellion in Salem.Abigail most likely left for fear that people in Salem might turn against her. Hathorne doesn’t buy into the idea that a rebellion is fomenting in Salem because the town has been supportive of the executions so far.Parris points out that this is because all of the people who have been executed up until now had bad reputations for other reasons (Bridget Bishop lived with a man before marrying him, Isaac Ward's alcoholism left his family in poverty).Now they’re about to hang Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor, people who are still well-liked and respected in the community.That’s not going to sit well with many of the townspeople.Parris advises Danforth to postpone the hangings so he and Hale can continue to push for confessions and avoid social unrest.Danforth is adamant that everything will proceed as planned.Parris reveals that he has received a death threat and fears for his life if they don't postpone the executions. Hale enters the cell, saddened and exhausted, and says he hasn’t been able to get anyone to confess.He begs Danforth to pardon the prisoners or at least give him more time to bring them around.Danforth insists he can’t pardon anyone or postpone the hangings. Twelve people have already been hung for the same crime. Pardon or postponementwould be unfair and, what’s worse, it would make him look weak. John Proctor is the only prisoner Hale hasn’t spoken to yet.The officials decide to summon Elizabeth Proctor to see if she will speak to her husband and persuade him to confess.Hale keeps pushing Danforth to postpone the executions, arguing that it would show that he is merciful rather than weak, but Danforth won’t change his mind.Hale points out that society in Salem is on the verge of collapsing because of the upheaval caused by the trials.Danforth asks Halewhy he has even bothered to return to Salem, and Hale says it’s because he can’t live with the part he played in condemning innocent people to death.There will be less blood on his hands if he can get them to confess. Elizabeth Proctor is led into the cell. Hale begs her to convince her husband to confess.He says it’s better to tell a white lie than to sacrifice a life for pride, but Elizabeth is not convinced("I think that be the Devil's argument." (pg. 122)).She agrees to speak with her husband, but she doesn’t promise to persuade him to confess. A raggedJohn Proctor is escorted in by Marshal Herrick, and he and Elizabeth are left alone.Elizabeth reveals to John that many people have confessed to witchcraft, but Giles Corey refused to plead one way or the other on the charges leveled against him.He was pressed to death by his interrogators, but his sons will inherit his farm (his property would have been publicly auctioned off if he officially died a criminal). Proctor has been contemplating making a confession, and he asks Elizabeth what she thinks he should do.He feels he has already committed so many sins that it’s stupid for him to bother holding up his integrity on this one point.John says he has only refrained from confessing out of spite, not nobility.He asks for Elizabeth’s forgiveness.She says he needs to forgive himself first, and her forgiveness doesn’t mean much if he still feels he’s a bad person. She blames herself for pushing him into Abigail’s arms and says he shouldn’t take responsibility for her issues as well. Hathorne returns to the jail cell.Elizabeth tells John that he has to make his own choice on whether or not to confess.John says he chooses to have his life, and Hathorne assumes this means he will confess.John asks Elizabeth what she would do, but his question ends up being rhetorical. He knows she would never give into the pressure and lie.However, he still hates himself and thinks he’s not good enough to die a martyr. Danforth, Parris, Cheever, and Hale return and start questioning Proctor so they can write down his confession.John begins to confess, but he falters when Rebecca Nurse is led into the cell and expresses her disappointment.John refuses to name any names of other people he’s seen with the Devil, and Danforth becomes frustrated.Hale manages to persuade Danforth to accept this and allow John to sign the confession as-is.John balks at actually signing his name to the confession.He finally does so, but then he snatches the signed paper away.He doesn’t want to be held up by the court as an example to other prisoners. John says he can’t bring himself to bind his name to such a shameful lie.Danforth is incensed and insists that the document must be an honest confession, or Proctor will hang.Proctor tears up his confession.He finally decides he does have some decency within him, and it will be manifested in this final sacrifice.Danforth orders the hangings to commence.Parris and Hale beg Elizabeth to convince John to reconsider as John and Rebecca are led off to the gallows.Elizabeth refuses; she realizes that this is what John needs to do.He’d rather die with dignity than live in shame, and she respects his choice. Yeah do whatever you want John. Honestly, I don't know why you didn't just tell them you're pregnant too - these guys will believe anything. The Crucible Act 4Quotes In this section, I'll list a few of the most important quotes in Act 4 and explain why they matter. â€Å"Oh, it be no Hell in Barbados. Devil, him be pleasure-man in Barbados, him be singin’ and dancin’ in Barbados. It’s you folks - you riles him up ‘round here; it be too cold ‘round here for that Old Boy.†Tituba, pg. 3 This is probably the most substantive line spoken by Tituba in the play.She recognizes the culture in Salem as overly repressive and conceives of â€Å"the Devil† in a different light.The Devil is not an evil presence; he represents freedom from the bonds of a society that forces people to deny their humanity constantly.Tituba feels that the Devil is provoked into mischief by the hypocrisy of the citizens of Salem. â€Å"Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now. While I speak God’s law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering. If retaliation is your fear, know this - I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes.† Danforth, pg. 9-120 This quote provides deeper insight into Danforth’s character and state of mind.He feels that he can’t postpone the hangings now because he may be seen as weak and indecisive.He definitely can’t pardon the prisoners because people might suspect mistakes were also made in past convictions.Every person brought in by the trials and convicted must receive an equally harsh punishment, or Danforth’s reputation will be decimated.He is so authoritarian that he would hang ten thousand people who objected to a law without stopping to consider whether this big of an uprising could indicate major flaws in the law itself. Danforth is dependent on this concept of the infallibility of the law because it allows him to maintain control. â€Å"I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion; the very crowns of holy law I brought, and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died; and where I turned the eye of my great faith, blood flowed up. Beware, Goody Proctor - cleave to no faith where faith brings blood. It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. Life, woman, life is God’s most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it. I beg you, woman, prevail upon your husband to confess. Let him give his lie. Quail not before God’s judgement in this, for it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride.† Reverend Hale, 122 Hale is a disillusioned shell of the man he was at the beginning of the play.He initially felt that he was bringing enlightenment to Salem, but he inadvertently brought destruction instead.His good intentions rooted in a strong faith led to the loss of innocent lives.Hale argues that throwing away one’s life, even if it’s done in adherence to God’s commandments, leaves a darker moral stain on the world than giving a false confession.This advice is largely an effort to assuage his guilt about the situation. He won’t be able to live with himself if all these people die because of his mistakes. â€Å"Let them that never lied die now to keep their souls. It is pretense for me, a vanity that will not blind God nor keep my children out of the wind.† John Proctor, 126 John is convinced that he is not worthy of dying as a martyr because he has already lied and committed immoral acts in his life.He feels his soul beyond saving, so he should stop acting all virtuous and just confess.There is no point in remaining honest if he is already going to Hell with or without this false confession. At least if he lives, he can continue to provide for his kids and postpone an unpleasant afterlife. â€Å"Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feel of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!† John Proctor, pg. 133 Proctor has this outburst after he snatches his signed confession away from Danforth.He can’t bring himself to permanently sacrifice his reputation by signing the confession. He feels his self-loathing and inevitable suffering in the afterlife is punishment enough (â€Å"I have given you my soul†). He can’t stomach the idea of also being defined by his confession in the eyes of society and history.He knows his name will forever be associated with cowardice and a lack of integrity. â€Å"He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!† Elizabeth Proctor, pg. 134 Elizabeth refuses to dissuade John from revoking his confession.She can see that he has achieved freedom from his own self-loathing through this final truthful act.If she persuades him to return and confess, she might as well not save his life at all because he will feel so utterly worthless after throwing away this last bit of integrity. John's destruction of his confession is similar to ripping up a check and throwing it in someone's face when they offer to pay off your debts just to show that their power over you. In both cases, for better or for worse, pride wins out over self-preservation. Want to get better grades and test scores? We can help. PrepScholar Tutors is the world's best tutoring service. We combine world-class expert tutors with our proprietary teaching techniques. Our students have gotten A's on thousands of classes, perfect 5's on AP tests, and ludicrously high SAT Subject Test scores. Whether you need help with science, math, English, social science, or more, we've got you covered. Get better grades today with PrepScholar Tutors. Act 4 Thematic Analysis Here's a list of the major themes that are expressed in Act 4 along with some short explanations and analyses. Irony Danforth makes a few ironic statements in Act 4 as he interrogates Elizabeth and John.In observing Elizabeth’s lack of emotion when he asks her to help them convince John to confess, he says â€Å"A very ape would weep at such calamity! Have the Devil dried up any tear of pity in you?† (pg. 123)He is shocked that she isn't acting more upset even though he has shown no remorse for condemning people to death throughout the play. In fact, he expressed his viewpoint that "I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes" (pg. 120).He can't understand why Elizabeth doesn't fall apart and beg her husband to confess because he doesn't grasp the idea that an action can be legally prudent but morally distasteful. Later in Act 4, Danforth becomes angry at the implication that John’s confession may not be the truth.He says â€Å"I am not empowered to trade your life for a lie† (Danforth pg. 130). This is an example of tragic irony because Danforthhas been trading people’s lives for lies this whole time. He has sentenced numerous people to death based on lies about their dealings in black magic, and he has accepted the false confessions of those who would rather lie than be executed. Hysteria Though there is less evidence of hysteria in this act, Danforth, for one, is still very much caught up in the â€Å"WWIIIIIITTTTCHHHH† mindset.As John gives his confession, Danforth says to Rebecca Nurse â€Å"Now, woman, you surely see it profit nothin’ to keep this conspiracy any further. Will you confess yourself with him?† (pg. 129).He remains convinced that everyone is guilty. Danforth also becomes frustrated with Proctor when he won’t name names in his confession: â€Å"Mr. Proctor, a score of people have already testified they saw [Rebecca Nurse] with the Devil† (pg. 130). Danforth is convinced that John knows more about the Devil's dealings than he has revealed. Though Rebecca Nurse's involvement has already been corroborated by other confessors, Danforth demands to hear it from John. This testimony will confirm that John is fully committed to renouncing his supposed ties to Satan. Reputation As the hysteria over the witch trials dies down, it becomes apparent that the reputations of the accused continue to influence how they are treated as prisoners.Parris begs Danforth to postpone the executions of John and Rebecca because they’re so well-respected that he’s received death threats for going along with their hangings.He says, â€Å"I would to God it were not so, Excellency, but these people have great weight yet in the town† (pg. 8). However, Danforth’s own reputation as a strong judge hangs in the balance, and he dares not damage it by getting all wishy-washy. â€Å"Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now. While I speak God’s law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering† (pg. 9). John Proctor’s concern for his reputation also plays a role in the events of Act 4. He goes to the gallows instead of providing a false confession because he realizes his life won't be worth living if he publicly disgraces himself in this way:â€Å"How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!† (pg. 133). Power and Authority In Act 4, many of the power structures that were in place earlier in the play have broken down or become meaningless.Though the judges and reverends technically still hold official positions of authority, Reverend Parris has been subjected to death threats, and Salem as a whole seems to be in complete disarray.The judges now have little respect for Parris ("Mr. Parris, you are a brainless man!" pg. 7), who has become weak and vulnerable following the loss of his life's savings. The prisoners have lost what little faith they had in the earthly authority figures who have failed them, and they look towards the judgment of God.John ultimately realizes the only power he has left is in refusing to confess and preserving his integrity.As Elizabeth says to him, â€Å"There be no higher judge under Heaven than Proctor is!† (pg. 127). In steadfastly refusing to confess,Rebecca Nurse ends up holding onto a significant amount of power. The judges cannot force her to commit herself to a lie, and her sacrifice will deal a serious blow to their legitimacy. Guilt Several characters are still dealing with intense guilt at the end of The Crucible.After quitting the court in Act 3, Hale did some self-reflection and decided to return to Salem to advise the accused witches to confess.His rationalization is that encouraging people to lie to save their lives is a forgivable sin, but being responsible for the deaths of innocentsis not.He’s wracked with guilt over the part he played in kicking off the witchcraft hysteria (â€Å"There is blood on my head!† pg. 121). However, because Hale is so tormented, he’s only able to consider his personal feelings about the situation. The false confessions might absolve him of his guilt, but the confessors would be forced to live the rest of their lives in shame. This might seem strange to us today (obviously you should just lie to avoid being executed!), but we have to consider the pervasiveness of religion in Puritan society. This is not just a matter of upholding one's good name in society - it's a matter of the state of one's soul. To the most devout people (like Rebecca Nurse)in such a highly religious culture, lying about involvement with the Devil might be considered worse than death. If a person dies without sin, she will go to Heaven, but if she corroborates the lie perpetuated by the courts, her soul will carry a permanent stain and could spend eternity in Purgatory or Hell. Hale's argument is less than convincing to people who have spent their whole lives in service to God and don't intend to compromise such an excellent record. Meanwhile, John Proctor continues to feel guilty for his affair and the role it has played in putting both he and his wife in mortal peril.A deep fear of hypocrisy almost persuades Proctor to confess because he would feel guilty martyring himself next to other people like Rebecca Nurse who are genuinely without sin. He says,â€Å"My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man† (pg. 126).However, he ultimately doesn’t allow his guilt to define him and refuses to give up the remainder of his integrity. Elizabeth also displays some guilt in Act 4 when she partially blames herself for pushing John into Abigail's arms("I have sins of my own to count. It takes a cold wife to prompt lechery" pg. 126). The sexism of the play shows through in Elizabeth's guilt. She has been conditioned to believe that it's her job to prevent her husband from straying by being a happy homemaker. If we weren't entirely sure that this play was written in the 1950s before, it's pretty clear now. She was bedridden, but that's no excuse for not attending to John's every need. What was she expecting? That he WOULDN'T sleep with a teenager? The CrucibleAct 4 Review Let's do a quick recap of the events of Act 4, the frustrating conclusion of The Crucible: Danforth and Hawthorne meet in a jail cell and discuss their concerns with Parris' erratic behavior and Hale's return to Salem. Parris joins them and reveals that Hale is advising the prisoners to confess. Parris also reveals that Abigail ran away with his life's savings, most likely because of the rising societal discontent withthe court's activities. Both Parris and Hale beg Danforth to either pardon the prisoners or postpone the hangings until confessions are obtained because Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor still have such good reputations, and their executions could cause an uprising. Danforth refuses because he's already executed other prisoners accused of the same crimes, and he doesn't want to look weak. They decide to bring in Elizabeth Proctor so she can talk to John and hopefully convince him to confess before he is sent to the gallows. John and Elizabeth discuss this decision, and John is leaning towards confessing because he doesn't feel he's worthy of martyrdom. Elizabeth tells him he has to make his own choice. John begins to confess, but he falters when he is ordered to sign his name to the confession and learns that itwill be displayed publicly. He tears up the confession and decides he will go to his death rather than permanently ruin his reputation and sacrifice the only integrity he has left. The officials try to convince Elizabeth to stop him, but she refuses because she recognizes this is the only way John can end his feelings of self-hatred. John and Rebecca Nurse are led to the gallows to be executed. In Miller's short afterward, entitled "Echoes Down the Corridor,"he statesthat Parris was soon voted out of office, and the families of the victims of the witch trials were later provided with compensation by the government. He claims that in the aftermath of the trials, "the power of theocracy in Massachusetts was broken." However, the events of The Crucible provide an all too clear allegory for many modern-day tragedies borne of prejudice, fear, and ignorance. What's Next? Now that you've read summaries for each act of The Crucible,check out our complete thematic analysis of the play so you can kick butt on all your English quizzes and essays. Need some quotes to flesh out your essay? Read this list of the most important quotes in The Crucible, catalogedby theme. You should also take a look at this article to see detailed analysisof the most important characters in The Crucible. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

The Function and Cell Types of Epithelial Tissue

The Function and Cell Types of Epithelial Tissue The word tissue is derived from a Latin word meaning to weave.  Cells that make up tissues are sometimes woven together with extracellular fibers. Likewise, a tissue can sometimes be held together by a sticky substance that coats its cells. There are four main categories of tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous. Lets take a look at epithelial tissue. Epithelial Tissue Function Epithelial tissue covers the outside of the body and lines organs, vessels (blood and lymph), and cavities. Epithelial cells form the thin layer of cells known as the endothelium, which is contiguous with the inner tissue lining of organs such as the brain, lungs, skin, and heart. The free surface of epithelial tissue is usually exposed to fluid or the air, while the bottom surface is attached to a basement membrane.The cells in epithelial tissue are very closely packed together and joined with little space between them. With its tightly packed structure, we would expect epithelial tissue to serve some type of barrier and protective function and that is certainly the case. For example, the skin is composed of a layer of epithelial tissue (epidermis) that is supported by a layer of connective tissue. It protects the internal structures of the body from damage and dehydration.Epithelial tissue also helps to protect against microorganisms. The skin is the bodys first line of defense aga inst bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. Epithelial tissue functions to absorb, secrete, and excrete substances. In the intestines, this tissue absorbs nutrients during digestion. Epithelial tissue in glands secrete hormones, enzymes, and other substances. Epithelial tissue in the kidneys excrete wastes, and in the sweat glands excrete perspiration.Epithelial tissue also has a sensory function as it contains sensory nerves in areas such as the skin, tongue, nose, and ears.Ciliated epithelial tissue can be found in areas such as the female reproductive tract and the respiratory tract. Cilia are hair-like protrusions that help propel substances, such as dust particles or female gametes, in the proper direction. Classifying Epithelial Tissue Epithelia are commonly classified based on the shape of the cells on the free surface, as well as the number of cell layers. Sample types include: Simple Epithelium: Simple epithelium contains a single layer of cells.Stratified Epithelium: Stratified epithelium contains multiple layers of cells.Pseudostratified Epithelium: Pseudostratified epithelium appears to be stratified, but is not. The single layer of cells in this type of tissue contain nuclei that are arranged at different levels, making it appear to be stratified. Likewise, the shape of the cells on the free surface can be: Cuboidal - Analogous to the shape of dice.Columnar - Analogous to the shape of bricks on an end.Squamous - Analogous to the shape of flat tiles on a floor. By combining the terms for shape and layers, we can derive epithelial types such as pseudostratified columnar epithelium, simple cuboidal epithelium, or stratified squamous epithelium. Simple Epithelium Simple epithelium consists of a single layer of epithelial cells. The free surface of epithelial tissue is usually exposed to fluid or the air, while the bottom surface is attached to a basement membrane. Simple epithelial tissue lines body cavities and tracts. Simple epithelial cells compose linings in  blood vessels,  kidneys,  skin, and the  lungs. Simple epithelium aids in  diffusion  and  osmosis  processes in the body. Stratified Epithelium Stratified epithelium consists of epithelial cells stacked in multiple layers. These cells typically cover exterior surfaces of the body, such as the  skin. They are also found interiorly in portions of the  digestive tract  and  reproductive tract. Stratified epithelium serves a protective role by helping to prevent water loss and damage by chemicals or friction. This tissue is constantly renewed as  dividing cells  on the bottom layer move toward the surface to replace older  cells. Pseudostratified Epithelium Pseudostratified epithelium appears to be stratified but is not. The single layer of cells in this type of tissue contain  nuclei  that are arranged at different levels, making it appear to be stratified. All cells are in contact with the basement membrane. Pseudostratified epithelium is found in the respiratory tract and the  male reproductive system. Pseudostratified epithelium in the respiratory tract is  ciliated  and contain finger-like projections that help to remove unwanted particles from the  lungs. Endothelium Endothelial cells form the inner lining of the  cardiovascular system  and  lymphatic system  structures. Endothelial cells are epithelial cells that form a thin layer of simple squamous epithelium known as  the endothelium. Endothelium makes up the inner layer of vessels such as  arteries,  veins, and  lymphatic vessels. In the smallest blood vessels,  capillaries  and sinusoids, endothelium comprises the majority of the vessel.​ Blood vessel  endothelium  is contiguous with the inner tissue lining of organs such as the  brain,  lungs,  skin, and  heart. Endothelial cells are derived from endothelial  stem cells  located in  bone marrow. Endothelial Cell Structure Endothelial cells are thin, flat cells that are  packed closely together to form a single layer of endothelium. The bottom surface of endothelium is attached to a basement membrane, while the free surface is usually exposed to fluid. Endothelium can be continuous, fenestrated (porous), or discontinuous. With continuous endothelium,  tight junctions  are formed when the  cell membranes  of cells in close contact with one another join together to form a barrier that prevents the passage of fluid between the  cells. Tight junctions may contain numerous transport vesicles to allow the passage of certain molecules and ions. This can be observed in the endothelium of  muscles  and  gonads. Conversely, tight junctions in areas such as the  central nervous system  (CNS) have very few transport vesicles. As such, the passage of substances in the CNS is very restrictive. In  fenestrated endothelium, the endothelium contains pores to allow small molecules and  proteins  to pass. This type of endothelium is found in  organs  and glands of the  endocrine system, in the intestines, and in the  kidneys.   Discontinuous endothelium  contains large pores in its endothelium and is attached to an incomplete basement membrane. Discontinuous endothelium allows  blood cells  and larger proteins to pass through the vessels. This type of endothelium is present in the  sinusoids  of the liver,  spleen, and  bone marrow. Endothelium Functions Endothelial cells perform a variety of essential functions in the body. One of the primary functions of endothelium is to act as a semi-permeable barrier between body fluids (blood  and lymph) and the  organs  and tissues of the body. In blood vessels, endothelium helps blood to flow properly by producing molecules that prevent blood from clotting and  platelets  from clumping together. When there is a break in a blood vessel, endothelium secretes substances that cause blood vessels to constrict, platelets to adhere to injured endothelium to form a plug, and blood to coagulate. This helps to prevent bleeding in damaged vessels and tissues. Other functions of endothelial cells include: Macromolecule Transport RegulationEndothelium regulates the movement of macromolecules, gases, and fluid between the blood and surrounding tissues. The movement of certain molecules across the endothelium is either restricted or allowed based on the type of endothelium (continuous, fenestrated, or discontinuous) and physiological conditions. The endothelial cells in the brain that form the blood-brain barrier, for instance, are highly selective and allow only certain substances to move across the endothelium. The  nephrons  in the kidneys, however, contain fenestrated endothelium to enable the filtration of blood and the formation of urine.Immune ResponseBlood vessel endothelium helps cells of the  immune system  exit blood vessels to reach tissues that are under attack from foreign substances such as  bacteria  and  viruses. This process is selective in that  white blood cells  and not  red blood cells  are allowed to pass through the endothelium in this manner .Angiogenesis and LymphangiogenesisThe endothelium is responsible for angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels) and lymphangiogenesis (new lymphatic vessel formation). These processes are necessary for the repair of damaged tissue and tissue growth. Blood Pressure RegulationEndothelial cells release molecules that help to constrict or dilate blood vessels when needed. Vasoconstriction increases blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels and restricting blood flow. Vasodilation widens vessel passages and lowers blood pressure. Endothelium and Cancer Endothelial cells play a critical role in the growth, development, and spread of some  cancer cells. Cancer cells require a good supply of oxygen and nutrients to grow. Tumor cells send signaling molecules to nearby normal cells to activate certain  genes  in the normal cells to produce certain  proteins. These proteins initiate new blood vessel growth to tumor cells, a process called tumor angiogenesis. These growing tumors metastasize, or spread, by entering blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. They are carried to another area of the body via the  circulatory system  or the  lymphatic system. The tumor cells then exit through the vessel walls and invade surrounding tissue. Sources: Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2002. Blood Vessels and Endothelial Cells. Available from: (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26848/)Understanding Cancer Series. Angiogenesis. National Cancer Institute. Accessed 08/24/2014

Film And Ideology In Blue Velvet By David Lynch Essay

Film And Ideology In Blue Velvet By David Lynch - Essay Example On the other hand, a meticulous observation of the scenes that includes even the minutest details in the movie would aid in identifying the different philosophies that the movie wants to present to its viewers. The characters had at the same time played their parts well such that they were able to deliver the roles they play at par. The actors represented different characters that reveal the deepest secrets in a small suburban town in America. These secrets that were revealed by the film illustrate the fact that even in small towns that look peaceful and serene; a nightmare could lie beneath its surface. Unlike any other movies in the 80s, David Lynch has been successful in creating various symbolisms in the movie "Blue Velvet." From a town that is overwhelmed with bright white fences, blood red fire trucks running along the streets, as well as the pruned roses in the gardens of every household, Lynch was able to transcend meaning through these objects that can be observed during the entire length of the movie. Even the first scenes of the movie where the lead character, Jeffrey Beaumont, had found a severed, ant-infested human ear near a glassy trail had its own significant symbolism in the story. (http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/film_ review.aspID=56, para 1) Lynch's mise en scene clearly describes the reality and streams of the subconscious throughout the film in this psychosexual drama in 1980. "The many rooms of Blue Velvet are fascinatingly representative of internal moods: the white walls of the virginal Sandy's home; the garish blues and vaginal pinks of Dorothy's kitschy modern apartment; and the cluttered, homely look of the Beaumont home. Jeffrey innocently woes Sandy with an okey-dokey "chicken walk" before the officer's daughter speaks of a dream where darkness fell upon the face of the earth because there were no robins." (http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/film_review.aspID=56, para 1) The illustrations above are just examples of the various symbolisms Lynch used to create an association of the philosophies of human characters and attitudes with the scenes in the movie. Ideologies in "Blue Velvet" The complications of life are brought about by one's own acts, chosen freely according to his choice. From the moment Jeffrey Beaumont found the severed ear along a grassy field in his hometown, he had allowed the overwhelming situation after the incident affects his life. He could have decided not to submit himself into the situation but Jeffrey chooses to take part in the investigation. This eventually had led him to a more complicated situation that almost cost him his life. Every action has its own consequence that should be faced with enough strength and knowledge, as well as the wisdom that would lead to the preferred outcome of the involved. Jeffrey's character, who is at that time in his tender college years, is faced with overwhelming circumstances that showed him the reality of a life that is filled with responsibilities and mystery enveloping one's personality. How he'd respond to them relies in himself alone. The events in the movie had emphasized Jeffrey's innocent transformation from a young adult into a man who had explored the mysteries that

INDIVIDUAL STRESS AUDIT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

INDIVIDUAL STRESS AUDIT - Essay Example has been compiled, those which I feel are potentially stressful in my life at present. I have also described the situation, which I actually currently experience as stressful. I have also described the stressful situation, which I handle well and which is not stressful any more now. I have also described the signs and symptoms of the stress I personally experience currently and the ways in which I presently attempt to manage my stress and the successful situations.   Accroding to LeFevre, Matheny and Kolt (2003), adverse situations or adverse influences make people respond differently and the response of the people can be described as a set of psychological and physical behaviour, which is called â€Å"stress†. They further added that the adverse situation or the adverse influence is an external force is called ‘stressor’ which acts on a person. De Charms (1968) defined stress as the psychological and physical changes in an individual due to external forces. Lis t of My Stressful Situations I wonder if there is any person who does not have any stressful situation in his/ her life. ... The selection committee of my university didn’t select me for the football team this year for my poor performance in the selection match 3. My father divorced my mother for another woman 4. My sister is dating with a boy whom I hate the most Situations 1. My roommate is a careless and fussy boy and he always keeps the room dirty and untidy 2. My friends and my girlfriend are angry with me as I am not able to give them adequate time since I am terribly occupied with my studies 3. My mother is broken after my father left and she is all alone at home. I need to meet her but I don’t have time Responsibilities 1. I have to score good grades in my finals so that I get a good job at the soonest 2. I have to earn my for myself and my mother and sister as there is no earning member in my family after my father 3. I have to buy a gift for my girlfriend as her birthday is close Pressures 1. I have the dual responsibility of scoring good grades and earning for my studies and liveli hood 2. I have to finish the project within two days which I have not started yet and I have a scarcity of time. 3. I need a good job as soon as possible but I need to pursue some professional courses for which I neither have time nor money Others 1. I am a very average looking person with a lean physique and with no charms in my personality and I hardly influence others 2. I am very shy and introvert Signs and Symptoms of Stress Above mentioned events, situations, responsibilities, pressures, etc. are quite stressful for me and they have affected me tremendously and I noticed many physical and psychological signs and symptoms when I am under stress. Most of the time I suffer from headaches and constipation and my mouth dries when I think about my stresses.