Friday, May 12, 2017

English Lesson 150 Essay

"To what extent was I pulled into each movie as a participant rather than as an observer?"


In the Heat of the Night was by far much more engaging than To Kill a Mockingbird. It had an intense and fascinating appeal to it, with an intricate and complex storyline. One had the sense that they were an eye witness to the events taking place behind the screen. It was a controversial film, that dealt with social issues of racism and the Civil Rights Movement. The actors, Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger, each did a splendid and superb job of portraying their characters. The emotion and passion of their performances was undeniable. The movie weaves a fine web of a story, with diverse people and strange circumstances. It promoted the comradeship of the police badge between men, regardless of the color of their skin. Virgil Tibbs and Bill Gillespie disagreed on the methods for solving the murder of manufacturer, Phillip Colbert. Yet they were both determined to solve the mystery, and resolve the plot once and for all. Once they finally got over their initial pride, they were able to successfully decode the matter. Their joint efforts were used for good, in order to rid the town of lawlessness. Tibb's clever, able mind was keen on picking up details that police Chief Gillespie missed, in his carelessness. His strong,steady demeanor and reassuring presence were key 

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Lesson 150 Week 30 Review

1. Who was John Wycliffe?
John Wycliff had many titles: philosopher, theologian, Bible translator, reformer, and Oxford seminary professor. He challenged the established role of the church, by rejection of indulgences. (Indulgences were a way to lessen the intensity of punishment due for sins). He also was a believer in predestination. Basically,this is the theory that God has decided ahead of time whether one will go to heaven or hell. It's not something that we can control, by making good or bad decisions in life. Regardless of what choices we make, ultimately the power is in the creator's hands. Iconoclasm was another hypothesis concocted by John Wycliff, and closely followed by his supporters. At the core, it's the concept that spiritual icons should be destroyed. Portraits or physical depictions of holy forms were unlawful, and fallacious. This was completely contrary to the Catholic's long-held system, of reverence and worship for such monuments. The Virgin Mary, for instance, has traditionally been portrayed as a goddess, to be esteemed among the highest. Statues and artistic renderings of her are classics and central to the Catholic faith. John, however shunned this notion, and was disliked as a result. Wycliff had many strange beliefs, that caused the Catholic church to be apprehensive and wary of the English priest.He regarded the clergy as stuck-up and conceited, and the parish ceremonies as extravagant. He paid no attention to the high position they held, but detested their cocky attitude and air. It was only natural then that they were wary of him. His viewpoints ran contrary to ancient tradition, and created conflict between himself and the church.
3.What was the Great Western Schism? and how it was resolved?
The Great Western Schism was a split or divorce occurring within the papality. Pope Gregory had died in 1378, and a new pope had to be chosen.There was a Roman mob that insisted on only having an Italian or Roman pope. They were adamant about their desires, and were appalled at the thought of a French pope overseeing matters. For the past ten years, there had been a pattern of French popes. The people were tired of this, and banged on the doors with axes to get their way. The college of cardinals noted the commotion the people were making, with great distress. The cardinals at last relented to the pressure and elected Bartolomeo Pregnano. It was the very least they could manage, to satisfy the demands of the riot. Bartolomeo may not have been Roman, but as an Italian would have to suffice. He adopted the name of Urban VI, and was recognized for his calm mentality. Alas, he would soon change and be subject to brutal, unexpected mood swings.  Bartolomeo boycotted the church officials in his service, and even abused one by hitting him. The cardinals were curious and worried about what was taking place, behind closed doors. Once they discovered his incapabilities, they brought together a new conclave. They then elected a new pope, a Frenchmen dubbed Clement VIII. Urban only persisted in being a nuisance, when he wouldn't relinquish his hold. Clement had to dwell in Avignon as a make-shift home, while the situation was resolved. This turning point marked the start of the Great Western Schism. Soon countries in Europe began taking sides, some standing with Urban and others siding with Clement. The two popes tried to end the breach, by excommunicating each other. So great was the turmoil, that the bishops even added a new prayer to the mass. It asked that provision and grace be granted for "whoever was the pope"!

In 1409, the ecumenical council of Pisa was called. No conclusion was reached, because neither of the men would cede! The cardinals voted in yet a third pope, who Clement and Urban both reviled. The second council of Constance took place in 1414, when Pope Martin V was selected. At last, one of the popes left their position, while the other two ceased to appear.
The Great Western Schism highly impaired the integrity of the church, leaving it in shambles and disarray.

Monday, May 1, 2017

English, Week 145 Essay

"Compare and contrast the attitude of each movie regarding guns"

Shane portrays guns in a somewhat neutral light. The little boy, Joey finds them fascinating and is eager to master them. When a talented shooter begins work for his father, Joey is enthralled by him. His mother, Marian resents Shane's endeavors to teach the youngster his skills. She doesn't want her son to be influenced by what she considers evil. Joey's father, Jo Starrett, only uses his rifle for protection, if he absolutely has to. It's a matter of self-defense for him, not a necessity.Shane, however, always keeps his trusty pistol by his side. He understands Marian's concern, but also believes guns can be used for good. It depends on the character of the person using them.He demonstrates his talent by shooting a rock many feet away from him. The scene is a startling and mesmerizing part of the film, that sends chills up your spine. A combination of a deafening, ear-splitting sound, and the hazy smoke create a perfect effect. It ingrains a fear in viewers, reminding them how deadly and lethal guns are. They are certainly not a toy to be played with, or taken for granted by the inexperienced.Fatal injuries can occur if one isn't careful. Rikker, the notorious and hated cattle lord, Eventually Shane will protect Joey's father, by taking on Rikker himself. The threat to the settlers is ended, and they no longer have to worry about being driven from their land. Yet this couldn't have been accomplished without employing a gun. So, in this way, Shane uses his pistol not to harm, but to save lives.

High Noon shows a similar approach to the classic revolvers of the west. Marshall Will Kane's wife, Amy is strongly opposed to them. The energetic, promising couple has only just wed, and Will had sworn to quit the business. This is before an old criminal he'd convicted decided to return, and cause havoc.Amy is a committed Quaker and a peacemaker and believes killing isn't the answer to Will's problem. She is intent on convincing her husband guns aren't indispensable. She has witnessed first-hand the negative effects of guns, after  It baffles her that he would stay to defend the cowardly people of their town, when he could easily flee. Cooper considers it to be his duty, to stay and face his old foe Frank Miller. If he must confront him alone, he will not cower into the shadows with fear. He will employ his gun if necessary to end the ordeal once and for all. The bravery of Kane is admirable, since he is not afraid of dying in the attempt. Even at the risk of losing his wife, he still prevails in pursuing the villain. Eventually Amy regrets her decision, and returns to her courageous husband. She decides to let go of her convictions, and remain by her partner's side. Amy is even bold enough to rescue him, by shooting the felon in the back! Her arrival is right in the nick of time, because Will is nearly killed. This is an astounding end and completely unexpected. High Noon concludes with a positive note, concerning guns as moral weapons.