How does Zeffirelli portray the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia Essay Example

How does Zeffirelli portray the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia? Paper Franco Zeffirellis 1990 production of Hamlet has Glenn Close and Helena Bonham Carter cast as Queen Gertrude and Ophelia respectively. He has the luxury over a stage production of being able to add scenery, mood and vibrant close up of character to his film. These added advantages allow us to examine the players in a closer, more intimate way and so we can look at the figures of Queen Gertrude and Ophelia with different perspective. Right from the start the audience most definitely depicts Gertrude as the queen and the primary female of the cast, however there is no malice or grim intention portrayed. We open the film feeling sorry for her at her husbands funeral yet the speed of her re-marriage makes us question her morality and quality. The audience is made to question her character by her physical nature both with Claudius and Hamlet, particularly with Hamlet. Their relationship is portrayed as intensely Freudian, from the very beginning with Gertrude constantly touching Hamlet. Zeffirelli dresses Gertrude in a gown with a simple pale design yet trimmed with gold and subtle jewellery and her hair is worn like a regal crown, always perfect and obviously made by attendants. Herein we see her position but unlike other plays her queenly status is not overbearing. Zeffirelli quite obviously dressing Gertrude in red, a colour of passion; giving further indication of her warm, sexual and vibrant nature as well as an insight into her mentality. Gertrude is almost a victim of her own appetite and she is not very logical and this is strongly portrayed throughout the film. This is particularly prominent when Gertrude agrees to using Ophelia as bate to steak out Hamlet and tolerates Ophelia being humiliated; one could argue this is Gertrudes fatal flaw, her passivity. We will write a custom essay sample on How does Zeffirelli portray the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia? specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on How does Zeffirelli portray the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on How does Zeffirelli portray the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Both her passivity and her innocence are illustrated when the players perform Claudiuss poisoning of Hamlet senior and Gertrude does not see the parallel between the play and her own situation. This is once again reinforced in the closet scene, bloody deed? Almost as bad, good mother, as kill a king and marry with his brother, this signals not only her own innocence of the deed but indicates her feeble and defenceless character to the audience. We see Gertrudes true vulnerability and openness when Hamlet kills Polonius and confesses all to the Queen, in reference to Claudiuss treachery. Her face is open and shocked and her look is of complete surprise telling us of her innocence in the Kings death. Also, in this scene we see her true love for her son. Zeffirelli has chosen to portray this scene between Hamlet and Gertrude as passionate and intimate, giving the scene Freudian overtones. Zeffirelli readily embraces the Freudian concept of the Oedipus complex. When Hamlet confronts Gertrude, a passionate kiss is followed by what appears to be simulated sex, Zeffirelli portraying Gertrude as intensely sexual and once again a victim of her own appetite. By the end of the scene, a new intimacy is established between Gertrude and Hamlet, which carries them into the final stages of the tragedy. From here on, Gertrude dresses and behaves more like a nun throughout the film and is very obedient to Hamlet; establishing a new dimension to her relationship with Hamlet. She is more nervous and considerably less sexual and looks almost mad and at times unhinged. Once again we are compelled to feel remorse for her as she says goodbye to Hamlet as he departs for England. Glenn Close, like Helena Bonham-Carter, has been very well cast in her role. Zeffirelli has her hold Queen Gertrude with regality throughout; this is highlighted when she hears of Ophelias death and the look of an almost motherly loss at Ophelias graveside. Her entrance at the duel is most regal, trumpets play and her ladies in waiting carry a long train. Her look is of pure love and hope for her son Hamlet. However, seated on her throne in colours of grey and pale blue she almost seems like a statue against the grey stone backdrop. The duelling scene is not meant to be rich and colourful yet cast in shades of dowdiness. However, Hamlets jesting brings laughter to the Queens face yet it is in this moment when Gertrude is at her happiest that tragedy is close on hand. Zeffirellis use of close up on Gertrudes distress as the King looks knowingly on is terrible. A mistake of drinking the poison is not lost on Gertrude and we are given the look that says she realises what has happened and in that instant she realises all that Hamlet has said about Claudius is true. Gertrude has been psychologically and morally poisoned as well as physically poisoned. Zeffirelli highlights the hopelessness of this moment more by allowing the duel to continue and so Hamlets loss gathers pace while he knows nothing of it. Ophelia on the other hand, is passive almost to the point of non-existence as an independent consciousness and is to some extent, amore extreme version of Gertrude. The only time she speaks to the King and Queen is when she is mad. This makes it very difficult for Zeffrelli to inject any suggestion of irony or defiance into the few words Ophelia exchanges with her Laertes, Polonius or Hamlet. However, Helena Bonham-Carter exploits this passivity to provoke responses from other characters and the audience. Ophelias beauty is portrayed with no frills or fancy accoutrements. She is dressed very plainly in a simple virginal white pinafore. Her lack of jewellery and ornate trappings show a truth and honesty. She appears a helpless, almost childlike, pawn for her forceful father; she is the victim of her foolish father. She is seen as a possession by her father, I have a daughter- have while she is mine- who in her duty and obedience, Zeffrelli mark and is treated as simply that. She is pushed and pulled about by Polonius and Laertes, it is her obedience to the men in her life that is her fatal flaw. Ophelia is used as bate by Gertrude, Claudius and most importantly her father. She is used to trap Hamlet and in return is mocked and forced to pretend she has no voice. Zeffrellis primary intention for Ophelia is to suffer and die. The scene as the play within the plays beginning highlights the physical differences between Ophelia and Gertrude. The green is lavishly decorated whilst Ophelia, with Hamlets head in her lap, looks as plain, yet retains her simple beauty. Zeffrelli has chosen well in casting Helena Bonham Carter as Ophelia as her large brown eyes tell more then she says. After the Kings play when Hamlet wishes her to a nunnery, Get thee to a nunnery, her nervous eyes tell of her shock and confusion. Ophelia is trying to make sense of it all, but finds it very difficult because Hamlet is acting towards his mother as well; Ophelia cannot keep up with all the changes. Ophelia is used again; she is taunted and mocked as happened so often. Zeffrelli portrays her as on the edge, conventional womanhood. After her fathers death, Ophelia seems to descend into madness. Her dress and appearance are dishevelled and unkempt yet tragically she is still beautiful. We feel sorry for Ophelia and her loneliness, divided from herself and her fair judgement. Ophelias grief is infectious and with Zeffrellis use of dour music her mood is shared by us the viewer. Her loss of sanity makes her seem like a helpless child and we fear her impending suicide before we know of it. During the time before her death Ophelia reveals thought, which would have been most definitely introspective, if she were not going mad. Once she is mad she becomes free and reveals what she really thinks and feels. She behaves in an intensely sexual way towards the sentry reveals thought and feelings that would have be suppressed by her father and brother. Ophelia achieves ultimate passivity and paradoxically a new kind of power, first in her distraction, then in the brook and finally in her coffin. Her incapacity which has been a theme modulates into madness presented as plaintive songs and pretty nonsense. This, together with Gertrudes stylised presentation of her death, offers decoration in place of any attempt at psychological elaboration. Her madness is less real than Hamlets confused states of mind because it is so tidy, unproblematic and unthreatening. Zeffrelli does well not to dwell on the act of her suicide as a film production might but leaves the sad tragedy of it to our imagination, which only heightens our sense of loss for Ophelia. Ophelia is presented by Zeffrelli as someone with no point of view I do not know my lord what I should think, there is not even a gesture of struggle. Zeffrelli chooses not to develop her character to any great extent and allows the audience to develop their own understanding. To conclude, our final image of both women is when they are lying dead. We are made to feel great sorrow and pity for them both. Zeffirelli has Ophelia laying with dignity at her graveside in white linen and flowers on an overcast, breezy day whilst Gertrude is left prone and splayed on the cold concrete steps within the castle. His portrayal of both characters leaves us feeling great sadness for them in equal measure whilst never once feeling any malice towards them.

Battle of Marathon in the Persian Wars

Battle of Marathon in the Persian Wars The Battle of Marathon was fought during the Persian Wars (498 BC–448 BC) between Greece and the Persian Empire. Date Using a proleptic Julian calendar, it is believed that the Battle of Marathon was fought on either August or September 12, 490 BC. Armies Commanders Greeks MilitiadesCallimachusArimnestusapprox. 8,000-10,000 men Persians DatisArtaphernes20,000-60,000 men Background In the wake of the Ionian Revolt (499 BC-494 BC), the emperor of the Persian Empire, Darius I, dispatched an army to Greece to punish those city-states that had aided the rebels. Led by Mardonius, this force succeeded in subjugating Thrace and Macedonia in 492 BC. Moving south towards Greece, Mardonius fleet was wrecked off Cape Athos during a massive storm. Losing 300 ships and 20,000 men in the disaster, Mardonius elected to withdraw back towards Asia. Displeased with Mardonius failure, Darius began planning a second expedition for 490 BC after learning of political instability in Athens. Conceived as a purely maritime enterprise, Darius assigned command of the expedition to the Median admiral Datis and the son of the satrap of Sardis, Artaphernes. Sailing with orders to attack Eretria and Athens, the fleet succeeded in sacking and burning their first objective. Moving south, the Persians landed near Marathon, approximately 25 miles north of Athens. Responding to the impending crisis, Athens raised around 9,000 hoplites and dispatched them to Marathon where they blocked the exits from the nearby plain and prevented the enemy from moving inland. They were joined by 1,000 Plataeans and assistance was requested from Sparta. Encamping on the edge of the Plain of Marathon, the Greeks faced a Persian force numbering between 20-60,000. Enveloping the Enemy For five days the armies squared off with little movement. For the Greeks, this inactivity was largely due to a fear of being attacked by the Persian cavalry as they crossed the plain. Finally, the Greek commander, Miltiades, elected to attack after receiving favorable omens. Some sources also indicate that Militiades had learned from Persian deserters that the cavalry was away from the field. Forming his men, Militiades reinforced his wings by weakening his center. This saw the center reduced to ranks four deep while the wings featured men eight deep. This may have been due to the Persians tendency to place inferior troops on their flanks. Moving a brisk pace, possibly a run, the Greeks advanced across the plain towards the Persian camp. Surprised by the Greeks audacity, the Persians rushed to form their lines and inflict damage on the enemy with their archers and slingers. As the armies clashed, the thinner Greek center was quickly pushed back. The historian Herodotus reports that their retreat was disciplined and organized. Pursuing the Greek center, the Persians quickly found themselves flanked on both sides by Militiades strengthened wings which had routed their opposite numbers. Having caught the enemy in a double envelopment, the Greeks began to inflict heavy casualties on the lightly armored Persians. As panic spread in the Persian ranks, their lines began to break and they fled back to their ships. Pursuing the enemy, the Greeks were slowed by their heavy armor, but still managed to capture seven Persian ships. Aftermath Casualties for the Battle of Marathon are generally listed as 203 Greek dead and 6,400 for the Persians. As with most battles from this period, these numbers are suspect. Defeated, the Persians departed from the area and sailed south to attack Athens directly.   Anticipating this, Militiades quickly returned the bulk of the army to the city. Seeing that the opportunity to strike the previously lightly-defended city had passed, the Persians withdrew back to Asia. The Battle of Marathon was the first major victory for the Greeks over the Persians and gave them confidence that they could be defeated. Ten years later the Persians returned and won a victory at Thermopylae before being defeated by the Greeks at Salamis. The Battle of Marathon also gave rise to the legend that the Athenian herald Pheidippides ran from the battlefield to Athens to announce the Greek victory before dropping dead. This legendary run is the basis for the modern track and field event. Herodotus contradicts this legend and states that Pheidippides ran from Athens to Sparta to seek aid before the battle. Selected Sources Battle of MarathonPersian Wars: Battle of Marathon

Strategies and International Business in IKEA Comapany Essay

Strategies and International Business in IKEA Comapany - Essay Example To begin with, the company lowered the prices of its goods and services in the home country and in the global market (Coe, 2009). This factor made it attract more customers from the competitors. Consumers are sensitive to prices and any slight difference would make them shift and enjoy the relatively lower prices. Because of the higher priced competitors’ products, IKEA managed to record increase in their customer base. Secondly, IKEA engaged in continuous designing of their products to improve their quality and preference. They also engaged in continuous introduction of new innovative products. Moreover, the company used the trademark to protect its goods from being counterfeited by the competitors. Trademark would also make IKEA products be distinct from those of the competitor's top help avoid confusion and to help in developing a brand (IKEA, 2010). In addition, IKEA opened their retail stores in the countries in which it operated to increase the availability of its products and to ensure customers get the direct attention from their agents (IKEA, n.d.). The opening of stores abroad would also ensure that the different customers’ demands are integrated into the production of the company’s goods. IKEA strength is gained from the variety of products it offers and the low prices it offers for their products. Through this, it reduced the costs through lowering storage space and reduced labor cost. The opening of the retails in Germany, Switzerland and US further made IKEA enjoy the wide market coverage and smooth its sales in case the product performance is not good in some of the geographical coverage. However, IKEA suffers from the problem of controlling quality in the global market without hiking the prices of their products (Coe, 2009). To sell their products at low prices mean that IKEA has to sacrifice the profit margin. The environmental regulation further poses a threat to the company since the materials used in manufacturing their furniture requires destruction of trees hence a potential threat. Several reasons prompted IKEA chose Switzerland as the first country to internationalize.  

It has been said that modern developments such as ABC are sometimes Essay - 1

It has been said that modern developments such as ABC are sometimes implemented because they are fashionable and not because they provide extra information to management. (Discuss the above statement) - Essay Example Job costing is another modern development, where the management gets information concerning the costs for each job order, their specifications and scope. Contract costing is yet another development that provides the management with information concerning heavy expenditure which takes a long period of time (Brimson, J. A. 1991). Historically, most of the companies placed their focus on the creation of value rather than investing in assets and organization. The dramatic development of companies led to the realization of the need to have practical accounting systems. The development of the ABC system has led to a positive change in productivity by espousing the identification of inefficient products, the allocation of more profits on resources, and cost reduction (Gosselin, M. 2005). However, most firms are experiencing problems ascribed to the implementation of ABC and in extreme cases; the implementation of the system fails to work out. For instance, in highly developed countries, some of the companies fail to grow and became stagnant owing to the use of ABC. Most companies that carry out a cost-benefit analysis on the use of ABC discontinue the implementation of the system since it is costly. The management should get constant updates on a company’s cost performance (Grieco, P. L., & Pilachowski, M. 1995). In using ABC system, some of the overhead costs are difficult to separate and the allocation of the cost on a product unit poses difficulties. An example of such an overhead cost is the Chief Executive Officer’s salary; this does not provide the management with appropriate reports on costs (Hansen, D. R., & Mowen, M. M. 2000). The ABC method allocates business costs to its products on a proportionate basis or based on assumptions. This translates into the generation of inaccurate reports on costs by the management. Affording the management accurate information

Effects of Hypnosis on Pain Reduction

Effects of Hypnosis on Pain Reduction Psychology is defined â€Å"as the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes† (Coon Mitterer, 2012, p.14). One of the widely circulated common sense beliefs is that hypnosis is a technique that is useful in reducing a person’s perception of pain. Hypnosis is â€Å"an altered state of consciousness characterized by narrowed attention and increased suggestibility† (Coon Mitterer, 2012, p. 221). The history of hypnosis originated from the 1700s when an Austrian doctor Franz Mesmer tried to use magnets to cure illnesses and this technique is called animal magnetism (Oon, 2008). Animal magnetism is similar to hypnosis as both depend on providing suggestions (Waterfield, 2002). It was then by English surgeon James Braid which the term hypnosis comes to light where he associated hypnosis with sleep (Coon Mitterer, 2012). Nevertheless, in today’s context, people do know that hypnosis is not about sleeping. One of the important aspects of hypnosis is ba sic suggestion effect (Coon Mitterer, 2012). Basic suggestion effect happens when one do things out of others’ suggestions rather than its own will (Coon Mitterer, 2012). Hypnosis uses basic suggestion effect to assuage the pain experienced by one. As such, it is indubitable that hypnosis can be used as an effective mean to relieve pain. Hypnosis can be a mean to relieve the pain experienced during medical procedure. A research study shows that hypnosis can effectively assuage the pain one has to go through during medical treatment. Butler, L.D., Symons, B. K., Henderson, S. L., Shortliffe, L. D., and Spiegel, D. (2005) carried out an experiment with children that have to undergo voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). This experiment consisted of two groups, the control group of 23 children and the experimental group of 21 children (Butler et al., 2005). The former being children that had undergone routine care which were the outline and the demonstration of the entire process and the latter being children that undergone hypnosis in which they would have to practice hypnotising themselves numerous times a day before the next VCUG session (Butler et al., 2005). Children in the experimental group were also told to imagine themselves in their preferred places which were then associated with the VCUG treatment (Butler et al., 2005). Children from both groups must have attended at least one VCUG session before (Butler et al., 2005). The results obtained were from the level of pain felt by the children during the process, parents’ evaluation of their child’s degree of fearfulness as compared to the previous session, the research assistant’s (RA) interpretation of the children’s level of distress during the procedure and the smoothness and time taken for the procedure assessed by the radiologist and radiology technician (Butler et al., 2005). The results of the experiment showed that the pain experienced by both groups of children was similar (Butler et al., 2005). However, parents from the experiment group generally find the procedure less daunting for their child after the hypnotism session as compared to the control group (Butler et al., 2005). Similarly, the RA and the medical staffs conceded that the children in the experimental group experienced less pain and the procedure was smoother than those from the control group respectively (Butler et al., 2005). The time taken for the children in the experimental group to complete the procedure was also about 14 minutes shorter than the children in the control group (Butler et al., 2005). This experiment goes to show that hypnosis can be an effective mean to relieve the pain one perceive during medical treatment. Pain can be alleviated by hypnosis (Keefe, Abernethy, Campbell, 2005). Experiment has shown that hypnosis is effectual in relieving the pain experienced by one during post-care treatment. In one experiment, hypnosis was used to find out if pain suffered during burn wound treatment can be assuaged (Askay, Patterson, Jensen, Sharar, 2007). This experiment consisted of the control group and experimental group (Askay et al., 2007). The experimental group consisted of 27 patients and underwent hypnosis by a trained psychologist whereas the control group consisted of 19 patients but did not receive hypnosis and were only briefed on the procedure (Askay et al., 2007). The control group were also given a recording to listen to aid them in the wound changing process (Askay et al., 2007). The results were obtained from questionnaire done after the treatment (Askay et al., 2007). The results from the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) showed that the patients from the experimental group exper ienced lesser pain from previous treatment than those of the control group (Askay et al., 2007). However, other evaluations did not show a significant differences in the results (Askay et al., 2007). Askay et al. (2007) concluded that SF-MPQ focused on several elements of pain rather than only on one (Askay et al., 2007). As a matter of fact, hypnosis can be a way to relieve pain. Pain experienced after surgery can also be alleviated by hypnosis. Research has shown that the pain experienced by one after surgery can be reduced by hypnosis. Oakley, D.A., Whitman, L.G., and Halligan, P.W. (2002) showed that hypnosis can relieve the pain experienced after amputation from the phantom limb. Phantom limb is the illusion of having intact limbs even after the amputation and some might even experience pain from the amputated limb and this pain perceived by one is known as Phantom limb pain, PLP (Ramachandran Hirstein, 1998). A 76 year old woman, Mrs D, had an amputation from the right leg to the knee but only felt the PLP after two years and has tried different means to lessen the pain thereafter but all to no avail (Oakley et al., 2002). After she undergone imaginative hypnotism, the pain at her ankle had entirely disappeared (Oakley et al., 2002). The hypnosis sessions she undergone related the pain to her imagination in which she saw a sculpture which was shaped by hitting with hammer (Oakley et al., 2002). She was then asked to relate the hammering to her own ankle and the pain had eventually evanished as she imagined sending the weary man away which was all along, hammering her ankle, causing all the pain (Oakley et al., 2002). Mrs D then experienced pain from her toes but this time round, hypnosis was not of a big help to relieve the pain felt at her toes (Oakley et al., 2002). Despite that, the pain that has subsided did not recurred even after three months (Oakley et al., 2002). In addition, Oakley et al. (2002) have also used the imaginary hypnotism approach on 5 other individuals and they were also reported to have felt significant decrease in the level of pain or even no pain experienced after hypnosis sessions (Oakley et al, 2002). Therefore, this experiment justify that hypnosis effectively reduces post-surgical pain. To conclude, hypnosis is capable of reducing the pain one experienced, regardless during or after surgery. As such, the field of hypnosis can be further explored to aid medical treatments to obtain surpassing medical results than before. Albeit hypnosis is proven to alleviate pain, psychology cannot be concluded as common sense as it requires to be supported by scientific research. References Askay, S. W., Patterson, D. R., Jensen, M. P., Sharar, S. R. (2007, August). A randomized  controlled trial of hypnosis for burn wound care. Rehabilitation Psychology, 52(3), 247-253. Butler, L.D., Symons, B. K., Henderson, S. L., Shortliffe, L. D., Spiegel, D. (2005, January).  Hypnosis reduces distress and duration of an invasive medical procedure for children. Pediatrics, 115(1), e77-e85. Retrieved May 31, 2014, from EBSCOHost. Coon, D. Mitterer, J. O. (2012). Introduction to Psychology: Active learning through modules  (12th ed.). China: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Coon, D. Mitterer, J. O. (2012). Introduction to Psychology: Active learning through modules  (12th ed.). China: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.   Coon, D. Mitterer, J. O. (2012). Introduction to Psychology: Active learning through modules  (12th ed.). China: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Keefe, F. J., Abernethy, A. P., Campbell, L. C. (2005). Psychological approaches tounderstanding and treating disease-related pain. Annual Review of Psychology, 56, 601-630. Oakley, D.A., Whitman, L.G., Halligan, P.W. (2002, June). Hypnotic imagery as a treatment  for phantom limb pain: two case reports and a review. Clinical Rehabilitation, 16, 368-377. Oon, Z. H. (2008). A critical presentation of the life and work of Franz Anton Mesmer MD and its  influence on the development of hypnosis. European Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 8(1), 32-40. Ramachandran, V. S., Hirstein, W. (1998). The perception of phantom limbs: The D. O. Hebb  lecture. Brain, 121, 1603-1630. Waterfield, R. (2002). Hidden depths: The story of hypnosis. London: Macmillan   Name: Lim Su WenClass: T04Student ID: S10156753

Evaluation of Social Identity Theory Essay

Social categorization is the filing of the certain type of people, which is usually expressed to individuals that are the similar to you as ‘us’ or to individuals who you see are different from what you think of yourself as ‘them’. When you observe at other people, you see the differences of how other people look and behave compared to how you usually behave and act during your daily life. Furthermore, you will categorize them as being ‘them’ as a word to describe either the significant or insignificant differences between people that are similar to you and people who are not similar to how you look or behave. For e.g. some people often think that they are ‘cool’ based on their own opinion, but when someone else is different they might be considered as being ‘uncool’. Social identity looks mainly at the individual characteristics that determine who you actually are. It is solely based on what you do that defines you socially or in public, which makes people believe that this is your identity. Social Identity is not personal identity as there is no correspondence. Personal identity basically looks at what you do personally compared to social identity, which is solely about the individual characteristics that you represent in the eye of the public. You can be socially identified to be e.g. ‘a nerd’, because of your individual characteristics that seem to define you in resemblance to a nerd, for example, being knowledgeable or smart in terms of IQ or the way you dress or look. Or that someone is gay or a lesbian, because they act unusually strange resembling of how the opposite gender usually acts. Additionally, the way they dress that is unusual in the public’s eye, so they will be easily identified as being gay or a lesbian, e.g. a man wearing tight-fit shorty shorts and long boots with a handbag or a woman with short hair  wearing a hoodie with baggie trousers and casual Nike shoes. Social comparison is the comparison between individuals due to the differences from the determination of the characteristics of one person. Our conscience is socially aware to help us be able to understand these differences so that we are able to distinguish people that are alike and people that are different. Furthermore, we tend to help people due to their individual characteristics that are similar to ours and instead we are hesitant or not willing to help someone else that are considered to be different from ‘us’. In Tajfel’s theory, it is an experiment conducted with students that are sorted into small groups. Each group produced an artwork and they were then told to rate the painting work of other groups, including their own. At the end result, one group that is pre-dominantly male-based has given their own artwork very high ratings, while the ratings of others were low. This shows the differences between self-admiration and egotistical thinking, as they are putting themselves in best priority. Positive Distinctiveness are †¦. That is recognized as being special and different to what is already common†¦

Evaluate the idea that class conflict is on the decline in contemporary France, paying particular attention to the strikes of winter 1995

Evaluate the idea that class conflict is on the decline in contemporary France, paying particular attention to the strikes of winter 1995. Abstract: Evaluate the idea that class conflict is on the decline in contemporary France, paying particular attention to the strikes of winter 1995. A critical evaluation into the decline of class conflict in contemporary France requires an in-depth analysis into the various political and economic subject areas which surround the issue of class struggle. The main objective of this paper is to discuss declination of class conflict in France and to discuss the significance of the 1995 winter strikes. A conclusion is to be reached after a thorough but concise assessment of this movement and its effects on French class struggles. In order to evaluate this issue there must be a thorough understanding of French political culture in the years post World War II, together with a comprehensive understanding of the specific events and movements that led to an alleged decline. The implication of European integration and French economy must also be understood, as well as the relation of this movement to the values of the left in France compared to that of the right. To initiate this evaluation, one of the factors that must be taken into consideration is France's volatile political culture. One could describe French culture as volatile, because of the numerous changes the French political system has undertaken over the last century. Some may suggest that they are still suffering from teething problems of a relatively new republic and the episodes of 1995 and the elections of 2002 still prove that the French are a nation who are susceptible to political issues they feel may blur their traditional way of living. One of the arguments brought forward is that the strikes of 1995 were ‘fundamentally sectional stemming from national fragmentation and French nationalism than any vision of a different future.'1. This is to be discussed in this paper, along with the factors of, economic change in France due to the conditions of the Maastricht treaty; trade unionism and socialism vs. liberalism in relation to the strikes. Firstly, when mentioned the consensual perception of class conflict tends to be based on the proletariat vs. the bourgeoisie. An old argument that has filtered through to contemporary politics via social and hierarchical structures that were originally discussed by Karl Marx. The question in hand asks one to look at a possible decline of class conflict in France. However some would argue that it still remains in France, just not as explicitly as before. Nonetheless the aim here is exploit literature and modern thought to suggest that it has. A classic definition of class conflict can be found in the ‘Communist manifesto' Freeman and slave, patrician and plebeian, lord and serf, guild-master and journeyman, in a word, oppressor and oppressed, stood in constant opposition to one another, carried on an uninterrupted, now hidden, now open fight, a fight that each time ended, either in a revolutionary reconstitution of society at large, or in the common ruin of the contending classes.2 For Marx and Engels, class conflict or class warfare as it is described by Marxists, surrounded the notion of two main classes. This can be seen in the fragment ‘oppressor and oppressed' and the coupling of the descriptive terms, the bourgeoisie were the ruling class and the proletariat were seen as the submissive class with little or no control over production. In the case of the France in 1995, these two classes can be identified as Jacques Chirac and his government taking on the role as the bourgeoisie and the numerous activist workers taking on the role as the proletariat. Here it can be discussed that the view of a socio-political imbalance between those with excessive wealth and those with little wealth is a common thought amongst Marxist's, but arguably a concept that is declining in contemporary French politics. However, looking back on French politics in the last 50 years, is there sufficient evidence to support this notion? The role of political culture is imperative in this discussion and often gives reason to the actions of the masses under a system of rule by the elites. The political culture of France has an almost unforgiving tradition of being conflictual alongside a highly activist nature, using previous strikes in 1935 and 1968 as examples. The division in political ideologies into the left and right, arguably goes back to the French Revolution and continues to remain an important characteristic in the contemporary arena. Consensus often has been reached by uniting behind a strong, charismatic leader, de Gaulle is the prime example here, only to be lost when the leader dies or goes into disfavour. Cycles of consensus followed by alienation seem to be typical of the French political culture.3 While there is admiration for the French nation, language and culture, there are also continuing disagreements caused by these traditions. Division over the meaning of these universal symbols leads to political, ideological and partisan fragmentation. The French seem to combine a distrust of politicians and the political system with a devotion to political s truggle.4 It becomes apparent that the issue of class struggle was once again thrown into the centre of the French political agenda, because of the essential ‘reform' that France needed in order to progress as an intergratable nation state, in relation to the EU. The ‘sà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½cu' otherwise known as the social security plan devised by then French Premier Alain Juppà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ , was received by the public sector workers, with resentment and anger, with the consensual feeling amongst academics and French citizens that EU criteria for satisfactory budget deficit, was the driving force behind the 1995 strikes. This plan coupled with the tradition and characteristics of French political culture have been blamed for the uprising of 1995 and the discontent of the French nationals that was witnessed all over the globe. However just how ‘essential' was this reform by freshly elected Premier Juppà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½? The proposed reforms, were all but too far for the French working class, from the proposals of an increase in work before pension entitlement to the taxation programs suggested, the French working class felt they were being victimised by a bourgeois government, echoing the previous period of revolt in 1968. By introducing such an austere program it put the new right wing government in a bad situation, which would ultimately, lead the way for devastating repercussions. Nonetheless, this set of measures was seen as crucial for reassuring the foreign exchange markets that France would be able to stick to the Maastricht timetable. However, these plans were obviously not essential enough for the 5 million citizens that protested against it. Of course, if an individual or a section of society feels that government plans are not in their best interests and will effectively jeopardise their current position, why shouldn't they protest? However it is this type of attitude that have led some to describe the French nationals as being sectionalist and backward looking. By using this sectionalist argument in favour of declination, Tony Adreani comments that we are witnessing the disappearance of major social conflicts, the decline of revolutionary ideologies, the replacement of class struggles with single issue and sectoral movements and a general pacification of society'6. However this comment was made two years before the 1995 uprising which in turn, proves Adreani theory as unfounded in this case. Expanding on this further, it could be suggested that France needed such harsh reform in order to move forward with European integration. The Juppà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ plan threatened to sacrifice short term discontent for long term prosperity, unfortunately using proposed tactics that were unfavourable to those from the lower classes. Thus, igniting the issues of class struggle once again. By introducing such a plan a perception was drawn that the elites are too far removed from the lives of the ordinary French citizen. At this point of the discussion it can be suggested that one may find difficulty in arguing that class decline is present, but class consciousness in fact, is increasing as France becomes more fragmented. On the other hand, it could be suggested that class decline was present because of the handling of the situation by the lower class. With one of the original definitions of the proletariat being unable to control the means of production and in order to survive they must sell their labour to capitalists. It becomes apparent from these strikes that the workers who protested, have realised their rights to be treated equally and their activism was a direct attack on the government and its ideals. Rather than the working class, settling for reform, they protested to protect their privileges. To strengthen this argument, the participation in each mobilisation and the support that it received from intellectuals increased the feeling of a unified state. These factors give foundation for the argument, in the sense that the lower classes would not let the ruling class exploit their powers over them anymore. Although the strike did not involve the private sector, there was enough disruption to immobilise the French economy and force the governments to negotiate with the workers, through the trade unions. Which leads to the next point of evaluation, the role of the trade unions. The unions play a role of incredible complexity in the movement of 1995. The values of the Left in France, embrace trade unionism and working classes and in a majority of democratic states, the role of mediator between governments and workers should theoretically provide a democratic and logical way of fusing the ideologies and interests between organised workers and the employing classes and attempt to blur the struggles between them. Trade unionism participation in France is a reflection of the political culture, volatile and susceptible to change. In fact coexistence of more than one union within the same occupation is a fundamental feature of French trade unionism. Which may explain the low level of trade union membership, due to the overwhelming amount of choice. However, although the Juppà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ plan involved the reorganisation of a large part of the public sector, the unions were not consulted. The undermining behaviour of Juppà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ towards the unions, only fuelled the tension between the governments and the unions, which proved to be a catalyst for the resurrection of class struggle. This move by Juppe, saw the unions questioning their role as partners to the government. The influences of the masses are epitomised by the 1995 French strikes. Illustrated by the way the government tried in vain to stop these strikes, the CGT and the FO would not back down until they were absolutely sure of withdrawal of the welfare reform plan. However, not all unions were united on the movement, as Chris Harman argues, ‘ union bureaucracies always try to end mass strike movements when they go beyond a certain point†¦ Political issues are raised and that requires the sort of political response that the trade union bureaucracy is incapable of making'7 From this, it can be argued that the barriers of political negotiation can be described as a restrictive mechanism for the working class against the elites. In direct relation to class, trade unions can be described as the basic organisation of the lower class which are â€Å"not only a natural, but also an essential phenomenon under capitalism and†¦ an extremely important means for organising the working class in its daily struggle against capital and for the abolition of wage-labour†. But once established, the trade unions cannot confine their sphere of activity to economic demands, but inevitably tend to move into the political plane8. This has been proved by the negotiations which took place after the government backed down. However the governments tend to have the upper hand when political negotiation is involved. Here, what is involved is not the occasional struggles of individual groups of workers against their employers, but the struggle of the proletariat as a whole against the bourgeoisie as a class, and its state. In conclusion, the winter strikes of 1995 had a profound effect on the consciousness of the working class in France. The social upheaval that lasted for five weeks involving hundreds of thousands of workers was undoubtedly the highest expression of the class struggle in France since the revolutionary crisis of 1968. The ruling class only narrowly avoided an extension of the strike to the private sector, in which case the movement could have rapidly assumed a pre-revolutionary character. Indeed, it was the growing threat of such a development, in spite of the treacherous role of the trade union leaders, which eventually forced the Juppà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ government into an embarrassing retreat.9 The radicalisation of the working class as a whole was an awakening of a formerly immobile section of society and the shift of middle class and rural opinion to the left all indicate that French society is hurtling towards a new confrontation between the classes. Which finally leads to a conclusive disagreement that class conflict is on the decline. The factors assessed above hold far too much substance to be dismissed and for all classes to come together as a united front. The elites and the working class, will remain apart until there is a common political and ideological consensus, amongst all parties involved.