From the Top at Carnegie Hall Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

From the Top at Carnegie Hall - Term Paper Example â€Å"We learn that no matter how far from home we are, we always have a home in the things we love†. These are the lines that struck me in the episode; Music is where the heart is. The three young musicians who have their own stories of ups and downs led them where they are right now. In the case of Ronald Joseph for instance, his terrible experience from Hurricane Katrina did not stop him from pursuing his delight. Like what his teacher said, â€Å"You owe it to Katrina†. Oftentimes, the bad things in life are the process of something good that is about to come. For the second part of the episode, 17-year old violist Allyson Tomsky had a different means of showing her enthusiasm. Her love for both music and for her hometown greatly contributed in becoming who she really is. Playing in the streets of New York as one of her practices is indeed a unique way of showing and sharing the talent that she has. Lastly is 14-year old Jazz singer, Nikki Yanofsky who at a very you ng age possessed a very powerful voice and a great confidence toward the thing that she loved. This episode portrayed only but one thing, that as long as we love what we do, we are happy and we’ll always be contented. There will always be the sense of fulfillment no matter what the odds are. Another episode, Family Ties revealed the role of family in shaping and building the vision of our youth.

Why Do Many People Choose to Illegally Download Music Essay Example for Free

Why Do Many People Choose to Illegally Download Music Essay Maybe it is all to do with the possibility at each one of us has purchased and album or a c.d. in the past with high expectations of it being all great, only to be completely let down and left un-impressed with your latest  £15 Investment which you and i both believe that is worth much less . Maybe then â€Å"steeling† that artists next album by downloading it for free from many different sources scattered across the internet is your way of letting them know of your frustration. If you dont like it , you have no loss i guess ! Should we be paying for music, still? The more I think about it, the more I question it all. But there is one thing I don’t question, as it is fact: when I get music and don’t pay for it, nobody but myself benefits. I am the only one coming out ahead. Ive paid nothing for what i have got. I’ve acquired something for nothing. Did I just steal? Is it stealing if I can justify to myself that it isn’t? Is stealing even wrong anymore? In this moderen day and age looking through the iPods of others i am fully aware that i am definatly not the only one that is not paying for the music that i have on my computer, does this mean that we are all criminals? But first, I’ll explain to you that I didn’t always purchase music. I’m sure you all remember The Pirate Bay. There were many other bit torrent sites avaiable at the time , however this is the one that has been brought to the publics attention over the past few years due to its founders being sent to court and charged millions in costs and left them facing a jail sentence. This site, as you all know, allowed people to download music for free. Well, as a teenager with little spare cash to actually buy albums, I just went ahead and downloaded and basically â€Å"stole† hundreds of songs for free. Aside from the personal benefits of purchasing music, I do it to support the artists that make it for me to enjoy. I’d like to think that if I poured my heart and soul into something, they’d return the favor by spending some money on it. It’s a sign of respect and gratitude. If I enjoy an artist’s music, why wouldn’t I purchase an album to support them so they can continue to make more music? Having said all this, I mentioned that I still download free music on occasion, and this is not something I’m ashamed of. The offering of â€Å"free music downloads† is a relatively new marketing technique first popularly attempted by Radio-head back in 2007 when they self-released their album In Rainbows online for a â€Å"pay what you want† price. Since then,  many musicians have adopted this marketing technique under the premise that if you allow people to pay a price of their choosing—even if it is zero dollars—more people will pay something for your album than if you have a higher, set price. There are many other examples and variations of this â€Å"free music† regime, including iTunes’ free Single of the Week, along with Starbucks offering a free iTunes download each week, as well. Several online artist friendly sites such as amazon.com have emerged, giving artists control over how much they wish to charge their listeners for their music, or if they want to charge them anything at all. This is all well and good, but it still begs the question of why we should pay for music, especially since some artists are willing to literally give it away? I read recently stated that musicians should no longer feel entitled to be compensated for their music. The argument to support this claim explained that nowadays, one can simply record a whole album on one’s computer avoiding the high costs of producers, recording studios, and mixing and mastering engineers. I think my point is clear: if we don’t invest in the arts by way of purchasing music, we will eventually extinguish the option of even listening to it. There’s only so long that musicians will be able to make quality music for the masses without being compensated or receiving funding for it. Thanks to the Apple’s revolutionary iTunes store, as well as sites like Amazon.com, this is no longer valid. All these sites allow you to purchase an artist’s single for between  £0.89  £1.00 per song. You no longer need to pay for a whole album to get those one, two, three songs you want and the ones that you like. This new format of purchasing music has also inspired bands to write and record better albums, as they can no longer rely on one radio single to sell their whole album when people can sample the thing on the internet and realize the rest of it isn’t any good. It’s a win for the artists and maybe even more-so for the fans. With all of the options these days for sampling and purchasing music that are both artist- and listener-friendly, it still surprises me how many people still aren’t willing to pay for music. I know that we all struggle with finances as students, and can understand that money is in short supply for many of us, so paying for something you can get for free doesn’t make a ton of sense; I just hope that if you are saving your money right now by not  paying for music, you’ll remember this and not hesitate to throw a abit of money in the way of the artist that have spent their own time, money and energy creating music for all of us to enjoy.

Formation of an Alkene by Alcohol Dehydration Essay Example for Free

Formation of an Alkene by Alcohol Dehydration Essay Beer’s Law is an empirical relationship that relates the absorption of light to the properties of the material through which the light is travelling. In turn, absorbance is proportional to concentration and the higher the concentration, the higher the absorbance. This experiment incorporated Beer’s Law and is focused on determining the stress that various alcohols have on biological membranes. Using five solutions of differing alcohol concentration for each of the three alcohols; methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol and a small slice of beet, the stirred solution was placed into a plastic cuvette and then into a spectrophotometer and the absorbance of alcohol solutions were determined in order to conclude which alcohol and concentration of alcohol had the greatest effect on biological membranes. The results showed that the most non-polar of the alcohols being tested, 1-proponal, caused the greatest damage to the biological membrane, the beet cell’s vacuole. INTRODUCTION The boundary between any cell and its environment is the plasma membrane, composed of a matrix of phospholipids molecules with many different kinds of proteins. Membranes have different properties and a variety of functions, in large part determined by the specific proteins within the membrane. The purpose of this experiment is to observe the effects of various alcohols on biological membranes, to determine the stress that various alcohols have on biological membranes and to conclude which concentration of alcohol has the greatest effect on biological membranes. The central plant vacuole of plant cells contains water and solutes, including water-soluble pigments. Its membrane, the tonoplast, is normally poorly permeable to water. The central plant vacuole of the root cells of beet contains a water-soluble red pigment, betacyanin, which gives the beet its characteristic color. Since the pigment is water-soluble and not lipid soluble, it remains in the vacuole when cells are healthy. If the tonoplast and the plasma membrane are damaged, the vacuole’s contents will leak out into the surrounding environment. Membrane disruption generally occurs when the cell is dead. Methanol, ethanol and 1-propanol are very similar alcohols, differing only in the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms within the molecule. One possible reason why these alcohols are so toxic to living organisms is that they might damage membranes. The polarity of methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol comes from the OH group where the electrons are affected. The longer the R group the less the attraction. If 1-propanol is the most non-polar alcohol of the alcohols being tested, then 1-proponol will cause the greatest damage to the biological membrane, the beet cell’s vacuole. The effect of three different alcohols, methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol, were tested on the beet vacuole membranes in this experiment. A measure of absorbance was collected using a conductivity probe. If a beet cell’s vacuole membrane (the tonoplast) was damaged, the red pigment, betacyanin, leaked out of the cell. The more red pigment that leaked out into the surrounding environment and the more intense the pigment, the greater the absorbance and the amount of cellular damage sustained by the beet. RESULTS The absorbance of methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol were collected after the alcohol solutions of differing concentrations were placed in the plastic cuvette and then into the spectrophotometer. The absorbance of methanol, ethanol, and 1-proponal followed a general trend; the absorbance of the alcohol increased in relation to the rise in concentration of each alcohol solution. Figure 1. The graph depicts five solution of differing alcohol concentrations for each of the three alcohols; methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol. The alcohol with the highest measurement of absorbance was the non-polar 1-proponal. (Figure 1) DISCUSSION The results (Figure 1), in general, support the original hypothesis that if 1-propanol is the most non-polar alcohol of the alcohols being tested, then 1-proponol will cause the greatest damage to the biological membrane, the beet cell’s vacuole. Hence, 1-proponal had the highest absorbance. The polarity of methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol comes from the OH group, where the electrons are effected. The longer the R group the less the attraction between the molecules. In turn, methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol are arranged from most polar to non-polar. At concentrations of 20% methanol, 10% and 20% ethanol, and 20% 1-propanol, the absorbance did not follow the general trend of data. This is due to sources of error in this experiment. There proved to have many sources of error in this experiment given the data gathered in this study and the evidence to this point. Sources of error include the size and surface area of the beat, cross contamination, and puncturing the beet during the stirring of solution. If the size and surface area of the beet slices were not uniform, bigger slices of beets had the potential to secrete a larger quantity of red pigment and a greater intensity in color in turn, increasing the absorbance. If the alcohol solutions were not stirred in order from lowest concentration to highest concentration, cross contamination would have occurred. If lower concentrations of alcohol are diluted with higher concentrations of alcohol, the absorbance of the lower concentration of alcohol will increase. If the beet was punctured during the stirring process, a greater amount of red pigment leaked out into the surrounding environment and in turn, the absorbance is increased. Beer’s Law is an empirical relationship that relates the absorption of light to the properties of the material through which the light is travelling. Beer’s Law is represented as A = ? bc (1) Where A is equal to the absorbance, ? is equal to the molar absorbtivity, b is equal to path length, and c is equal to concentration. In turn, absorbance is proportional to concentration and the higher the concentration of the red pigment that leaks out into the surrounding environment, the higher the absorbance of the alcohol.

Improving ADLs for Brain Function and Helping Psychosis

Improving ADLs for Brain Function and Helping Psychosis Psychosis is defined as an impairment of brain function which is caused by chemical disruptions due to biological, environmental and sociological factors (Morrison-Valfre, 2005, p.324). The Department of Health (2010) highlighted that patients with psychosis may experience disconnectedness to the world which may affect the life of individuals in performing the activities of daily living (ADL) and their families. It is essential to understand the impact of psychosis on the individuals and in the society as whole (Department of Health, 2010, p.2-3). The understanding may help to explain psychosis associated issues by helping to diminishing the rates of depression and suicide among the individuals, thus reducing the impact of mortality and morbidity and associated economic cost (Department of Health, 2010, p.4-5). This essay will analyse the deficit in ADL that may occur in a client experiencing psychosis as a part of schizophrenia (Twamley, Doshi, Nayak, Palmer, Golshan, Heaton, Patter son Jeste, 2002, p.2013; Semkovska, Bà ©dard, Godbout, Limoge Stip, 2004, p.289). This will be done by focussing on the development of psychotic symptoms by analysing positive and negative symptoms of psychosis, the deficits in ADL and the effect on the patients followed by discussing appropriate nursing interventions for both the individual and their family. Psychosis is considered to be a mental state that may have a negative impact of the interpretation of reality by the affected individual by altering their process of thinking, their behaviour pattern and their state of emotion and beliefs (Hicks, 2005, p.268-269; Morrison-Valfre, 2005, p.325). The studies highlight that psychosis related symptoms may be identified as a single event which may last from one to six months in a persons’ life (Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria [MIFV], 2011; Hicks, 2005, p.272). However, if the symptoms relapse this may lead to continuity of psychosis in the long term which may result in disease such as schizophrenia (MIFV, 2011; Elder et al., 2013, p.270; Young, 2014, p.20; Hicks, 2005, p.271). The course of psychotic symptoms is highly likely to be triggered in vulnerable people due to their susceptibility to stress as a consequence of which may lead to the development of schizophrenia (Neuchterlein, Dawson, Ventura, Gitlin, Subotnik, Snyder, Min tz Bartzokis, 1994, p.58; Hicks, 2005, p.270, 272). Studies mention that there may be both negative and positive symptoms experienced by patients with psychosis (Fortinash Holoday-Worret, 2004, p.457; MIFV, 2011; Young, 2014, p.20). MIFV (2011) reported that the positive psychotic symptoms are regarded as abnormal excessive functions of individual’s everyday life. A number of these symptoms explain an individual’s frightening experience that may be misinterpreted by the surrounding people (Hicks, 2005, p.268-270; MIFV, 2011; Fortinash Holoday-Worret, 2004, p.457). Firstly, hallucinations that is associated with dysfunction of those parts of the brain that are responsible for the five senses, namely hearing, vision, taste, smell and touch which may impact on the individual’s perceptions (Elder et al., 2013, p.195; Hicks, 2005, p.268-269). These feelings are viewed as false perceptions owing to the fact that the patients with psychosis are capable of experiencing and acknowledging them as real ones (MIFV, 2011; Elder et al., 2013, p.195) Secondly, delusions that are regarded as â€Å"firmly fixed false beliefs† which means that the patients with psychosis may hold beliefs in relation t o being observed and therefore may behave suspiciously towards the others (Hicks, 2005, p.268-269, Elder et al., 2013, p.195). In this case it becomes impossible to persuade them to adopt opposing viewpoint by providing logical explanation with regards to their beliefs (Hicks, 2005, p.269, 275; Elder et al., 2013, p.195). Thirdly, confused processes of thinking that may result in the disruption and disorganisation of â€Å"form of thoughts† and its content (Hicks, 2005, p.269, 272; Elder et al., 2013, p.194; MIFV, 2011). Examples of this may include the increased or decreased speed of the person’s speech, an interruption in the continuity of thoughts and repetition and inadequate production of the thoughts all of which result in difficulty with understanding the person (Elder et al., 2013, p.194; MIFV, 2011; Hicks, 2005, p.269). Moreover, the patient with psychosis may experience issues with regards to diminishing concentration, memorising things and therefore being un able to lead the conversation (Elder et al., 2013, p.194-195; Hicks, 2005, p.275; Hultsjà ¶, Berterà ¶, Arvidsson Hielm, 2011, p.174). Furthermore, the patient with psychosis may not understand their own symptoms due to inadequate awareness of themselves (Hicks, 2005, p.276; MIFV, 2011).However, negative symptoms related to psychosis are mostly associated with a reduced function of the patient (MIFV, 2011). These reduced functions may have been caused by positive symptoms that may affect their performance of ADL’s (MIFV, 2011; Codbout, Limoges, Allard, Braun Stip, 2007, p.294). There have been a number of studies which discuss ADLs from a viewpoint of understanding and evaluating psychosis related issues (Codbout et al., 2007, p.294; Semkovska et al., 2004, p.289, 297; Twamley et al., 2002, p.2013). Those issues were mainly focused on analysing the impact of psychosis symptoms on the individuals’ memory function and thinking processes, together with evaluating concentration on tasks while performing ADLs (Semkovska et al., 2004, p.289; Twamley et al., 2002, p.2019; Codbout et al., 2007, p.293, 295). The studies demonstrated that the patients with psychosis experienced difficulty when performing their everyday tasks such as selecting a menu, purchasing the menu ingredients and preparing the meal (Semkovska et al., 2004, p.292). It was observed that frequently errors were made where a logical sequence of tasks was required (Semkovska et al., 2004, p.293, 295; Morrison-Valfre, 2005, p.325). For instance, this can be seen where patients list ingredients in the shopping list without considering the menu beforehand, or when shopping for menu ingredients do not realise that there were some products missing from the shopping list (Semkovska et al., 2004, p.293-293). In addition, the studies highlighted that there were omissions made during the menu selection which may demonstrate inadequate use of selective strategies and problem solving skills along with poor attention while performing tasks (Semkovska et al., 2004, p.290, 295-296). Moreover, it was observed that there was a challenge for patients with psychosis during meal preparation time in which they were unable to prioritise the steps of cooking and were repetitive in their actions and therefore could not manage to complete their task on time (Semkovska et al., 2004, p.293, 298). This may have occurred due to their incapability to process the information because their thoughts were being disorganised and the patients themselves could be readily distracted (Morrison-Valfre, 2005, p.325). It is also observed that the patents with psychosis may have experienced concentration related problems that prevented the completion other tasks (Semkovska et al., 2004, p.298). Furthermore, there were other activities for the patients to perform such as communication via telephone, organising outings and use of transportation and dealing with finances all of which revealed that there were issues associated with the ability to concentrate (Twamley et al., 2002, p.2015, 2018-2019). They also demonstrated verbal communication issues and reduced ability to pay attention (Morrison-Valfre, 2005, p.325; Twamley et al., 2002, p.2015). It is worthy noticing that patients with positive related symptoms were less troubled with dealing with ADLs than those with negative related symptoms patient (Codbout et al., 2007, p.294). Nevertheless, it is highlighted that if cognitive deficits and associated symptoms were reduced then the deficits of ADLs may by improved (Twamley et al., 2002, p .2019). A number of interventions have been mentioned for the purpose of minimising risk of the relapse of psychosis related symptoms (Elder et al., 2013, p.273). In MIFV (2011) strategies of interventions are discussed which show the importance of rapport establishing with the patient experiencing psychosis. It is also crucial to ensure the safety of the person by assessing a patient’s thoughts on the subject of self-harm and whether they plan suicide and in this case implement a risk assessment (MIFV, 2011; Elder et al., 2013, p.203-204). While applying therapeutic communication skills the nurse must be aware of self-behaviour by being calm and use language that may assist in reducing the patients’ level of anxiety (Elder et al., 2013, p.189, 454; MIFV, 2011). When the patient’s thoughts are confused the nurse should be patient by speaking slow and clearly to the patents (MIFV, 2011). By providing interventions with relation to ADLs the assessment of the patient is req uired prior to their task performance (Elder et al., 2013, p.273). Where the patient has a fear of being poisoned, the patient may be permitted to cook for themselves with the assistance in following the instructions (Elder et al., 2013, p.273). Cognitive behavioural therapy is highly effective when provided it to the patient as it assists their understanding about current events by emphasising their strengths (Elder et al., 2013, p.272). Some distraction techniques may be used such as walking particularly when the patient has distortion of thoughts (Elder et al., 2013, p.273; MIFV, 2011). Listening to music, as well as meditation, is considered to be effective due to reduction of psychosis associated symptoms (Silverman, 2003, p.37-38; Shonin, Gordon Griffiths, 2014, p.124). The patient is required to use the antipsychotic medication (Elder et al., 2013, p.272). The intervention for the family includes providing support service, counselling and providing stress copying programs (M IFV, 2011). In conclusion, it has been highlighted that the psychosis related symptoms have an influence on the life of both patient and family. Whilst there is a challenge for the patients in performing their ADLs due to impairment of brain function, there are some strategies in improving their ADLs. Moreover, the interventions that are provided for the patients and their family may assist in copying with the psychosis.

Inca Empire Essay -- essays research papers fc

We know from history many various civilizations. Civilizations like Sumerian (4000 BC), Egyptian (3000 BC), Minoan (2000 BC), and Babylonian (1700 BC). Later, the Greek civilization, throughout the Macedonian empire, ranged as far east as northern India and as far south and west as Egypt. Then Romans were the rulers of the whole area from Constantinopole, to Palestine and North Africa to Britain. After centuries, the Vikings, people from what is now Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, established colonies in northern France, Sicily, England, and Ireland. During the 13th century AD, Mongols created a vast empire in Central Asia and the Mongol Empire controlled the expanse of territory from the Ural mountains in Russia to the Pacific Ocean. The same period of time another great civilization, called Ottoman Turks, was taking over most of North Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkan Peninsula. In America, Incas were the rulers of the largest native empire. Near the end of the 14th century the Inca empire began to expand from its initial base in the Cuzco region of the southern Andes, mountains of South America. Incas’ expansion ended with the Spanish invasion led by Francisco Pizarro in 1532. The Incas were the greatest indigenous civilization of the Americas. Within 100 years they had build a powerful empire, stretching the entire length of the Andeas, at a distance of more than 5,500 km. It was probably the greatest empire of its time life anywhere in the world, if we imagine that they had built a road system that extended some 30,000 to 40,000 km, unrivaled until the invention of the automobile, they possessed great skills in medicine, and they had a fully controlled social, political, and economical organization, although they lacked basic concepts such as the written language, the wheel, the steel, and the horse. In common with other Andean cultures, the Incas left no written records. Their history and their culture are known chiefly from the oral traditions preserved through the generations by official â€Å"memmorizers† and from the written records composed from them after the Spanish conquest (Inca 375). The official language of the Inca Empire was the Quechua language. Eventhough the Spanish destroyed most Quechua cities and religious centers when they conquered the Inca Empire, many aspects of their way of life survive. There are about 10 million people in Per... ...of the Andes, and many thousands of tourists every year go there to see the impressive stone architecture the Incas erected among spectacular scenery. Because of records made by early Spanish and native chroniclers, we also know more about the Incas than about any earlier culture of the Andes. And, fortunately, through documentary research and archaeology, we continue to learn even more about the Incas and their achievements, such as their great road system, impressive architecture, elaborate ceremonies, and more. BIBLIOGRAPHY: â€Å"Inca Empire†. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia, 1999, ed. Pages: 1-12. â€Å"Quechua†. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia, 1999, ed. Pages: 1-3. â€Å"Inca†. Encyclopedia Britannica, 1984, Greek, ed. Pages: 375-380. Rosso, Francesco. â€Å"Inca Empire†. Histrory. Papyrus Press ed. Athens: Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corporation. (1969): 119-133. Lost Civilizations. Incas: Lords of Gold and Glory. New Jersey: Time Life Books, 1992. â€Å"The Incas: A Pictorial Tribute To the Art & Culture of The Incas" - by a native of Ecuador. http://www.colourprep.com/jorge/incas/incas.htm. â€Å"Inca†. Broadcast November 24, 1997, 7:00-9:00 PM. Http://www.historychannel.com

Tradegy in Greek Literature :: essays research papers

Tragedy in Greek Literature   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When one hears the word tragedy, they might think of someone dying in a car wreck, being killed in a plane crash, or even a massive tsunami that wipes out nations. This type of tragedy is the most common, but when referring to Greek literature, a tragedy is an outstanding piece of drama originating in Ancient Greece. Greek tragedy originated in honor of the god of wine, Dionysus, the patron god of tragedy. The performance took place in an open-air theater. The work tragedy is derived from the word â€Å"tragedia† or â€Å"goat song.† Aristotle said, â€Å"Tragedy is largely based on life’s pity and splendor (Lucas).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Greek tragedy would not be complete with out a tragic hero. Sophocles, the great writer of tragedy, wrote of noble and courageous heroes with specific â€Å"tragic flaws† that lead the hero to his downfall. In Aristotle’s analysis of Greek tragedy he states, â€Å"Greek tragedy has an effect on the audience called â€Å"catharsis,† or purging of the emotions (Mcavoy).† The two specific emotions that Sophocles provokes are pity and fear. Sophocles wrote Antigone with a specific character in mind for this noble hero. Creon fits the image of the hero with the â€Å"tragic flaw.† Creon is significant because he is the king. The hard decisions that Creon is faced with, is what makes him fit Aristotle’s image of a tragic hero. Creon faced decisions that lead to a no-win situation. He believes that Polyneices should not be buried because he was a traitor to his family. This decision affected Antigone greatly, and Creon knew that the decision would be hard on some people. Family and burials are very important in society, and Creon is asking Antigone to not consider them, to only consider that Polyneices was a traitor to his home city. Creon is then faced with the knowledge that Antigone went against his will and law, and buried her brother. Again, Creon is faced with a hard decision. He must choose to kill his own family member and uphold the law, or punish her less severely and show that he is not serious about death as a punishment to his law. Creon doesn’t want to show weakness, even for family, but he doesn’t want to kill Antigone, who is not only his niece and sister, but engaged to his son. The final decision that Creon must make is whether or not to revoke his death sentence on Antigone.

Hamlet Essay -- essays research papers

Is Hamlet Mad? "I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw" (II.ii.369-370). This is a classic example of the "wild and whirling words" (I.v.134) with which Hamlet hopes will persuade people to believe that he is mad. These words, however, prove that beneath his "antic disposition," (I.V.172). Hamlet is sane. Under his strange choice of imagery involving points of the compass, the weather, and hunting birds, he is announcing that he is calculatedly choosing the times when to appear mad. Hamlet is saying that he knows a hunting hawk from a hunted "handsaw" or heron, in other words, that, very far form being mad, he is perfectly capable of recognizing his enemies. Hamlet's madness was faked for a purpose. He warned his friends he intended to fake madness, but Gertrude as well as Claudius saw through it, and even the slightly dull-witted Polonius was suspicious. His public face is one of insanity but, in his private moments of soliloquy, through his confidences to Horatio, and in his careful plans of action, we see that his madness is assumed. After the Ghost's first appearance to Hamlet, Hamlet decides that when he finds it suitable or to his advantage, he will put on a mask of madness so to speak. He confides to Horatio that when he finds the occasion appropriate, he will "put an antic disposition on" (I.v.172). This strategy gives Hamlet a chance to find proof of Claudius's guilt and to contemplate his revenge tactic. Although he has sworn to avenge his father's murder, he is not sure of the Ghost's origins: "The spirit that I have seen / May be the devil" (II.ii.584-585). He uses his apparent madness as a delaying tactic to buy time in which to discover whether the Ghost's tale of murder is true and to decide how to handle the situation. At the same time, he wants to appear unthreatening and harmless so that people will divulge information to him, much in the same way that an adult will talk about an important secret in the presence of a young child. To convince everyone of his madness, Hamlet spends many hours walking back and forth alone in the lobby, speaking those "wild and whirling words" (I.V. 134) which make little sense on the surface but in fact carry a meaningful subtext. &... ...n addition, the letter Horatio from him through the ambassador bound for England is clear and precise and shows no signs of a confused mind. Finally, I am convinced of Hamlet's sanity by his very normal reactions to the people around him. He is perfectly sane, friendly and courteous with the players, giving them good acting tips which they appreciate and respect. When Polonius and Claudius test the theory of rejected love by "loosing" Ophelia to him, Hamlet acts completely rationally. He greets Ophelia sweetly, gets a little cold when he remembers that he has not seen her "for this many a day," is very hurt when she returns his remembrances, and becomes completely furious, insulting womankind in general, when she lies to him about her father's whereabouts and he realizes he is being spied on. He reacts the way any hurt young rejected lover would. In the end, it is surprising that he is able to keep up the charade of faking madness for so long, and part of his tragedy is that it doesn't help him anyway; in the end, he avenges his father by killing Claudius not through an act of madness, but as a result of Claudius's own treachery.