Understanding dramatic tragedy Essay Example For Students

Understanding dramatic tragedy Essay It is his vision of the world that is flawed, his aristocratic idealism. Shakespeare, in Hamlet, shows he has sympathy for this vision. It is flawed but, like the tragic hero, that doesnt mean it was without its worth. Tragic flaw and tragic error are central to the process of self-definition that often takes place in dramatic tragedy. We usually see the protagonist forced to undertake a journey through disaster to reach a status of greater moral completeness. Without the tragic flaw, he would not make the tragic error and the process of catharsis would not be able to take place. We will write a custom essay on Understanding dramatic tragedy specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now For Hamlet, to commit revenge is an act of self-definition. He does not know what he will become. Claudius as a Machiavel is governed by his own desire but that in itself is unstable. Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be. (Ophelia. IV. v. 43-44). Tragedy, using the tragic error as its agent, shows its characters what they would not have otherwise seen. This is ironic and particularly poignant in the cases of such characters as Oedipus and Gloucester in Lear. Their actual sight has deceived them and their flaw is purged when they are deprived of it. Oedipus fits Aristotles description of a tragic hero better than Hamlet or any of Shakespeares characters for obvious reasons and this is where the notion of hamartia becomes most useful: it specific to the writings of Sophocles and his contemporaries. It is useful to think of Oedipus in Aristotles terms; he is both flawed and careless despite possessing many fine qualities. The audience can share the anagnorisis experienced by Oedipus and his mistakes and hubristic character traits are clearly visible: Oedipus: I have not though it fit to rely on my messengers, But am here to learn for myself I, Oedipus, Whose name is known afar. Throughout the play, Oedipus makes excessive use of the word I and shows a lack of patience with those who deserve more respect: Theiresias for example. He should not have killed a stranger after receiving such a prophecy from the Oracle this also demonstrates his characteristic recklessness and he should not have married somebody old enough to be his mother. However, the preordained quality of Oedipuss life calls in to question the relevance of the tragic flaw. His fate was prophesied before his birth, therefore, how could his life have ended up otherwise? There is no point in asking the question what if Oedipus had acted differently? because he could not have acted in any other way. His judgement, like his miserable end, is preordained. The wretched existence of Oedipus emphasises the hopelessness of the tragic hero. We have to come to terms with the fact that they are doomed from the beginning and they are doomed because they are flawed. Tragedy, as Aristotle put it, is a representation of a serious act. The notion of flaw helps us to understand that it is a representation. Tragic heroes from birth, wherein they are not guilty, until they die or suffer a fall, which is inevitable, exist purely in a demonstrative capacity. They symbolise their flaws rather than live as we do. This is why tragedy happens to somebody of great importance, they are detached from our reality. Although Aristotles definitions have had the greatest influence on tragic drama and most tragic plays abide by most of his rules, it is important to remember that there were other accounts. It would be foolish for us to leave a definition such as this to one man, although this is largely what happened in the beginning and Aristotles words were self-fulfilling prophesies on account of his influence. For example, Diomedes remarks that tragedy is a narrative about the fortunes of a heroic or semi-divine character (4th c. AD). Philip Sydney says that it stirs the affects of admiration and commiseration, teacheth the uncertainty of this world, and upon how weak foundations gilden roofs are builded (Cuddon, p. 927). .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf , .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf .postImageUrl , .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf , .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf:hover , .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf:visited , .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf:active { border:0!important; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf:active , .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u74ef9f3c32621748c532b1a212cbb5cf:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The play is called Othello and it is a tragedy EssayAs Aristotles notions refer specifically to the earliest form of tragic drama, it is more difficult to apply them to the type of tragic play that developed during the middle ages and on into the renaissance. Although Oresteia by Aeschylus is largely considered to be the earliest example of revenge tragedy, it came long before the traditions of the genre had been established. The revenge tragedy very much reflected pre-Renaissance society. Considering the threat of revenge was a means of keeping social balance and did not then involve the moral complications encountered in Hamlet, the focus does not fall so heavily on the tragic flaw. Revenge belonged to the church and to the monarchy. It was both sacred and foul a proposed method of killing Brachiano in The White Devil was to poison his prayer book. Even Hamlet gives us a taste though Shakespeares judgement on it is unequivocal of the energies and pleasure of blasphemy (IV. vii. 123-126): Claudius: What would you undertake To show yourself in deed your fathers son More than in words? Laertes: To cut his throat ithchurch! Laertess passion here almost seems to validate the foulness of his intentions. By way of contrast, Hamlet is famously unable to kill Claudius while he is praying. Possibly, Aristotles ideas need to be discarded when looking at some aspects of revenge tragedy as they are all about righting the wrongs of others. In Kyds The Spanish Tragedy for example, Hieronomo is avenging his murdered son. The death of his son did not come about as a result of any of his shortcomings though he is certainly not flawless. Hamlets passion is evoked when he finds out his father was murdered by his hated uncle who has married his mother scarcely more than a month afterwards. In contrast, Lears decision to ban Cordelia was unquestionably foolish and led to his downfall. Oedipus has committed his tragic errors before the action of Oedipus Rex begins. Revenge tragedy, in its increasing decadence, focused on the theatricality of tragic drama and epitomises the transgressive nature of bourgeois theatre. The tragic hero was often a villain devoid of any redeeming qualities and the act of revenge was glorified; the very antithesis of Hamlets revenge. There is no tragic endeavour and in these plays tragic drama somewhat loses its moral centre. Where is Aristotle now? His notion is of little help when studying characters such as Flamineo or Vittoria in The White Devil. Webster communicates a peculiar and original sense of tragedy. He presents us with connoisseurs of the aesthetics of revenge killing. Twas quaintly done (II. ii. 37. ), says Brachiano of Camillos murder. He has really savoured the show. Witty murders are presented as a kind of art form and this shelters the characters from morality. The play degrades murder and refines it into a question of taste. It is almost as if the audience is implicated by Websters style. With the ambivalence he has created between style and morality, we are taking away a very different message from this play and we learn a different aspect of human nature. Tragedy, it seems, acquired multiple purposes subsequent to Aristotles day despite his emphasis on unity. The spring is wound up tight. It will uncoil of itself. That is what is so convenient in tragedy. The least little turn of the wrist will do the job. Anything will set it going. (Anouihl, p. 34) It is the notion of tragic flaw or tragic error that makes tragedy convenient. Maybe it is better not to ask why Hamlet had to suffer but to analyse how he suffered. Oedipus was in a way set up by the gods to perform his tragic error and demonstrate for the audience. Aristotles concepts are helpful in unmasking tragedy and understanding its nature as far as we can. From studying Aristotles observations on tragedy and looking at tragic drama as a whole, it is also possible to see how much it has grown as a genre and as a category. Though there will always be vestiges of what Aristotle described in dramatic tragedy, his rules have been bent and manipulated throughout the centuries as the world has changed and playwrights have redesigned the art form. .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c , .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c .postImageUrl , .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c , .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c:hover , .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c:visited , .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c:active { border:0!important; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c:active , .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u57f5a362ed38cd416ae2d5d26627d59c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Analysis Of The Raven EssayDespite this fact, critics will always use Aristotles notion of tragic error or tragic flaw as a starting point when attempting to understand a piece of tragic drama because it provides them with the questions they need to ask in order to identify its purpose. Works Cited Anouihl, Jean. Antigone. Trans. L. Galantiere. 1944. Cuddon, J. A. The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory: Fourth Edition. Rev. C. E. Preston. London: Blackwell Publishers Ltd, 1998.

John Calhoun essays

John Calhoun essays John Caldwell Calhoun was born in 1782 in South Carolina. Calhoun was born near Abbeville District, South Carolina, and was an honors graduate at Yale College in 1804. He practiced law in Abbeville District until his election to the South Carolina legislature in 1808. He was a major American political figure before the Civil War. Calhoun played an important part in national affairs for 40 years. He was Vice President of the United States from 1825 to 1832, and he ran for President several times but never won. He also served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and of the Senate, and as secretary of war and secretary of state. Calhoun is best known for his doctrine of states' rights, in which he claimed that each U.S. state had a right to reject national laws. He wanted to use the doctrine to protect slavery and other Southern interests without requiring the Southern States to withdraw from the Union. Later, however, the doctrine helped bring on the Civil War 1861-1865. Calhoun entered national politics as a member of the House of Representatives from 1811 to 1817. He was a fiery nationalist, and together with other young congressmen he was called a War Hawk for advocating the War of 1812. He actively supported the government's postwar program, which included a protective tariff, a national bank, and an enlarged army and navy. He improved the army's organization while secretary of war from 1817 to 1825. Calhoun was the vice presidential running mate of both Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams in 1824. He won by a landslide, but the vote for President was uncertain. The House of Representatives picked Adams. In 1828, Jackson again opposed Adams for President, and Calhoun served as Jackson's vice presidential running mate. Jackson and Calhoun won the election. But after Jackson became President, the two men quarreled, especially over Calhoun's support of nullification. Calhoun felt th ...

Life in ancient rome Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Life in ancient rome - Research Paper Example Rome was categorized into two sections the free people and the other one was the slaves ("Life in Ancient Rome"). Latin was the language of the ancient Romans. The clothing of the poor used to be from coarse dark types while the clothing of the rich used to be from white wool or linen. Ancient Romans had a simple intake of food such as nuts, salads, breads and other such types. The roman literature had been greatly influenced from the Greeks. The literary works of ancient Roman mainly consist of history of Rome (Adkins and Adkins, 374). Dome of Florence (Source: http://www.italian-renaissance-art.com/image-files/brunelleschi-dome-florence.jpg) Filippo Brunelleschi was one of the young architects of Ancient Rome. Brunelleschi was highly interested in the ruins of ancient Rome. He planned to visit Rome with his friend and study the architecture of Rome. During the visit many measurements were taken by Brunelleschi and also some drawings were made by him too. Brunelleschi was inspired b y the buildings of Rome and this was useful for grooming his artistic abilities. He had studied the architecture of the Pantheon dome and this helped him in constructing the Dome of Florence. There are about 4 million bricks used for the construction of the dome. The design of the dome is in an octagonal herringbone pattern and has been constructed from materials of various types. Where there is a minimum level of curve, stones have been used in those areas as resistance would be greater this way ("Filippo Brunelleschi Italian Renaissance architect"). The dome structure is developed on a drum rather than the roof. This engineering allowed the structure to be built without scaffolding on the ground. There are shells used at the sides of the dome. These shells have the support of ribs . These ribbed reinforcements are combined with each other in a horizontal structure as well as a vertical structure and attached with this is a staircase that can be seen till the top. The dome was a sy mbol of importance for the city of Florence. It is one of the strong symbols of Renaissance as it is a main building of architecture and skilful engineering in Florence ("Brunelleschi's Dome "). It was one of the largest dome's constructed in that era. A neo gothic style has been used for the construction of the dome. Brunelleschi is buried under Florence Cathedral and many architects still come over from other places to follow his design and architectural techniques. Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti (Source: http://arthistory.about.com/od/special_exhibitions/l/bl_ghiberti_high_prev.htm) A public competition had taken place by a merchant of Florence for making a pair of doors. These doors had to be placed in the Florence Baptistery. Competitors of Ghiberti were Jacobo della Quercia and Brunelleschi. The theme of the competition was the Sacrifice of Abraham. Ghiberti won the competition as his work consisted of a smooth model and the surface of the work was superior to that of B runelleschi. The gates of paradise are considered as one of the masterpiece renaissance work of Lorenzo Ghiberti. The commencement of this masterpiece work had taken place in the year 1403 and it was completed by the year 1424. His work reflects upon the charm and grace of architectural work. The doors are made up of bronze and consist of 28 panels that are quarterfolded. Reflections of the Old Testament has been carved on the

Judeo - Christian Bible and the Islamic Qu'ran Essay

Judeo - Christian Bible and the Islamic Qu'ran - Essay Example It is evident that the omnipotence and the omnipresence of the one God led to the basics of Islam. The single divinity acceptance unified all things, and this led to harmony throughout the universe in the due to the impact of Islam and Christianity (Silberstein, 159). Another similarity that Judeo-Christian bible and the Islamic Qur’an have is traced in the heritage to the Biblical patriarch, Abraham. In the context, Abraham is referred to as the father of nations in Genesis 12 and to Christians it means that they are descendants of Abraham. The bible also creates the awareness that we are the inheritance of God’s promises to Abraham. Islams believe that Islamic religion came from Ishmael the son of Abraham and the maidservant Hagar (Silberstein, 158). The differences between the Bible and the Quran have is back dated to the Deity of Jesus. Qur’an shows Jesus as a prophet just like Noah, Moses and Abraham. Islam’s compare him with Prophet Mohammad, who was a descendant of Ishmael. This is apparent in Koran 4:171 that say, â€Å"Jesus, who was the son of Mary, and was not more than Allah’s apostle (Bogle,4-5). Conversely, Christians view Jesus as greater than a prophet. The Bible depicts him as the son of God. The statement is evident in John 4:26 where Jesus claimed to be God’s son. 1st Timothy 3:16 states that Jesus was used by God to manifest his flesh (Burgos, 76). Another difference is on the internal judgment. The Qur’an explains that those who murder or are killed by unbelievers will go back to the garden of paradise a place of many lustful pleasures (Koran 9:111). As for the Bible it outlines that those who believe in Jesus Christ and have let him lead their life will enjoy eternity in heaven (Burgos, 80). The other view of internal judgment the Qur’an teaches that those who worship any other god other than Allah will have a great punishment as they will go to hell,

Explain the four sociological perspectives Functionalist, Conflict Essay

Explain the four sociological perspectives Functionalist, Conflict theory, interactionism and feminism. In addition briefly report how each of these theories wo - Essay Example Functionalism also asserts that functional requirements have to be met in society for its existence. This means that functions such as reproduction have to exist for the society to survive. Problems that randomly occur in life perform a function in this perspective. Like when death occurs, world population decreases. . The Conflict Theory holds the belief societies, groups and individuals function to benefit themselves or their groups. There are four basic beliefs for this theory; competition, structural inequality, revoloution and war. Competition is the basic function for all social activity, such as monetary, love, power and even leisure activities. All societies have structural inequality from the US income classes to Communist countries that have political classes. Competition and structural inequality lead to revoloution and war. Revoloution unites people behind a common cause, then war unifys the both winners and losers into a new society. History is an example of this theory from Nazi Germany to English colonies to Iraq today. This perspective represents the vicious cycle that has existed since the beginning of society. Interactionism is basically the perspective that people react toward things based on the meaning that the thing has for them. These meanings are influenced by social interaction, then changed by the person’s interpretation. For example, a child reacts to a loving mother positively, but interprets the mother’s actions uniquely. Feminism as a sociological perspective is focused on how male dominance has shape the world socially. All societies have the problem of how male dominance has affected it. One example is Saudi Arabia. Male dominance shapes every social aspect of a Saudi’s life, from politics to marriage. Even in America, male superiority can be found, like in sports. Wrestling is a male sport, even though some

Urban Design for Community Development | Case Study

Urban Design for Community Development | Case Study Introduction Urban design is considered the practice of influencing and managing the urban environment. Its role and potential for creating better places in areas with community issues shall be discussed with reference to Hulme, an area one mile south of Manchester city centre. During the late 80s Hulme fell into a state of inner city decay, it became a marginal area notorious for crime, social deprivation and poor housing. However, during the early 90s an ambitious urban regeneration plan covering an area of 240 acres was created, the programme was entitled The Hulme City Challenge Initiative. This was managed by a joint venture company, Hulme Regeneration Limited consisting of Manchester City Council and AMEC Plc; over the years a host of other public, private and community interests have been involved. Hulme is an extreme case of an area with community issues some of which remain unresolved. However, more than 12 years since the programmes launch and with over  £250 million invested into numerous regeneration projects it provides a wealth of information for making clear points throughout the essay. Hulmes new qualities and past deficiencies will enable genuine connections to be made with urban design theories while highlighting possible measures one could consider when addressing areas with community issues. How do community issues arise? When addressing community issues one of the first roles is to understand how the existing problems have arisen. A rigorous transparent analysis should be conducted so that previous errors are not repeated because areas swept away in wholesale redevelopment are often the very areas which today are failing and undergoing significant change (CABE 2005, p.12). This occurred to Hulme during the 60s,. When different social and ethnic underprivileged groups live together in marginal areas like Hulme they all generally have limited access to resources and rights while various communal tensions can arise from sparse public spaces. These limited public spaces experience pressures from various patterns of use; from people living in flats without gardens, to those who spend a long time outdoors, like the homeless, drug addicts, loitering teenagers with nothing to do and migrants with nowhere to socialise. This causes friction and competition between these groups who in turn intimidate others who want pass through or use these areas. Those intimidated usually withdraw themselves from these group dominated spaces; they tend to be the elderly, disabled and young children. Incidentally, the 1960s Hulme design discouraged permeability through the public realm; it lacked diversity of space and available institutions, which created defensible areas and isolation. These past issues imply Hulme suffered from placelessness (Jacobs Appleyard 1987), whereby people withdraw from community involvement to enjoy their own private and limited worlds (Jacobs Appleyard 1987, p.115). Neglect and decline of space is common in marginal areas, but why is it we find litter ridden streets, vandalised outdoor furniture, tip heaps in parks, empty business units, areas of poor maintenance, and so forth. Some blame can be directed towards the local authorities for the latter; however in this case one will address neglect shown from local residents. When residents allow their environment to fall into a state of decline it highlights their lack of attachment to place. Alternatively, the concerned minority believe any attempts to maintain the area will only be in vain. The lack of attachment with place can result from transient inhabitants who feel no responsibility in looking after or respecting short-term, low-quality accommodation and surrounding public spaces. As an area declines over time so does the quality of life, it portrays a sense of abandonment within the community. For Hulme it became stigmatised with a negative perceptual image presented through dilapidated bui ldings and its depressing environment. This can have a knock on effect by deterring local businesses who fear no returns on their investment and are sceptic about security. This not only degrades public areas through reduced street activity and social integration but it reduces self-policing, increases unemployment levels which fuels localised crime from the resulting low levels of social organisation (Wilson, 1997 p.21). Hulme managed to force those with any aspirations out of its area through defining itself as an estate via its rigid zoning of activities and housing tenure. Its unstable and declining local population not only weakened community bonds but assisted the process of residualisation in Hulme and hence crime figures rose. Working with and resolving community issues Having scratched beyond the surface of some common community issues, one will discuss potential methods of approach suggested by urban design theorists. These will be cross referenced with several socially healing developments in Hulme. Selected Preservation Firstly one should strive to understand the collective social meanings and values communities place on their existing physical environment via extensive consultation with residents. This allows one to distinguish the character and uniqueness a specific place presents; this may be through specific buildings, public spaces or landmarks. Calthorpe and Fulton state that conservation and restoration are practical undertakings that can besocially enriching (Calthorpe Fulton 2001, p.48). Therefore the urban designer should seek to maintain these focal points weaving them into future development, thus strengthening the communities urban identity. Through preserving some familiar settings it provides a psychological comfort for long term residents; specifically the elderly. One of the main and incidentally oldest buildings conserved during Hulmes regeneration was the congregational Church for Zion Institute, built in 1911. This iconic building was maintained and converted in 1997 into a mult i-arts facility for young people; its success has helped provide creative opportunities for youngsters as well as delivering socially enriching communal events. It is these constant events and public performances that have reinforced and created group connections within Hulme. This hub for young people has tempted idol children off the street and assisted with the reduction in juvenile crime. Connecting People to Places At a macro scale communities suffering from a sense of entrapment and abandonment can be helped through increased permeability and connections to the city. One of the first major actions in Hulme was the re-instatement of Stratford Road which provided a vital link to Manchester city centre; this allowed the communities to feel integrated with the wider context and thus reduced their restriction to resources. Additionally, the completion of the landmark Mancunian Way Footbridge in 2002 symbolically linked Hulme Park with Knott Mill and the City Centre. It was significantly designed for pedestrians and cyclists to be able to cross the busy Mancunian Way, but how can designers encourage pedestrian and cyclist movement in an unsafe environment? Incidentally, various design measures can be employed to increase public realm safety while collectively reducing the impact of the car; incidentally the car dominated Hulmes 60s design, ideally the most important public places must be for pedestrians, for no public life can take place between people in automobiles (Jacobs Appleyard 1987, p.119). Public and private space should be clearly defined (Jacobs 1961). A variety of well-lit routes that pedestrians or cyclists can choose should any problems arise. Routes should not be isolated; they should be self-policed with sufficient eyes on the street through shops and housing which increase a sense of safety (Jacobs 1961). Street layout should be clear to minimise the distance from A to B. The grain of the street should become thin around nodes of activity to influence permeability of the space. At a localised scale increasing social integration amongst a diverse community is difficult. Designing physical space has its limitations when trying to inform where and what types of social interaction will occur. What can be provided to communities are areas that encourage chance encounters which in turn may create group formations. There are generally two types of group formations, formal and communal. From an urban design perspective the former group type can be encouraged more because they have a prescribed purpose with defined patterns. It is the communal groups which have to evolve themselves, however design can allow social patterns to be easily recognised via unrestricted access to activities within public spaces. It is through repeated activities such as markets that friendships can be made over time between existing and new residents. Furthermore, areas designated for specific activities, for instance sports can support group relations. Observing other people and their act ivities, like watching a local football match, can make others, such as new residents feel a temporal sense of belonging without actually participating in the activity themselves (Carr et al. 1992). This reinforces the argument that public spaces must be accessible to all groups to enable observation as well as verbal interaction. Hulme Park is a prime example of how a public space can have a positive impact on a community. It not only brings people together but improves their quality of life and projects a confident image of the area. The respective brief was to deliver a safe and appealing park to attract a variety of groups. Psychological barriers rather than physical installations were employed to create a public but secure park. Firstly its width never exceeds 70 metres, this allows users to recognise one another and subconsciously not feel anonymous within the space. Secondly the new surrounding houses provide natural surveillance, also an existing road and perimeter parking increase nearby activity which creates a sense of security. Community Engagement Identity When a neighbourhood neglects their own environment it is important as a designer to try and restore a sense of pride and public ownership of the suffering area through community engagement. Building a rapport with residents from the offset can be advantageous during the development process and local input can positively influence design decisions. User participation in the design process and management of space provides communities with a feeling of control over their own neighbourhood (Carr et al. 1992); this can increase their attachment to place resulting in a revived interest in their surrounding environment. Providing opportunities for personalisation of space can also reinforce this goal. The development of Hulme Park involved a series of meetings with residents from the area so its design could appeal to its potential users. Due to diverse requests from a range of age-groups, the designers, Landscape Projects went with a popular theme which arose during the consultation proce ss; swimming and surfing. The design theme reflected the communities interest and stamped their identity and involvement on the project. This generated a high level of respect for the space and has resulted in minimal vandalism of the park. Additionally, accurate decisions can be made by working with the community when determining suitable functions for a space. It is the function or activity within a space that can become meaningful to individuals, groups and communities. One can create meaningful space based upon understanding the residents lives and patterns of use (Carr et al. 1992). Public space incorporating various functions can be designed by categorising site characteristics and linking them to desired activity settings suggested by the community. The facilities within Hulme Park were strategically located in order to gain maximum social integration. For instance, the sports area was specifically located next to the existing Proctors Youth Centre so coaches could train and observe the whole team. Local requests for a skate park were integrated into the design too, thus increasing its diversity and user appeal. New developments always ignite some form of opposition, usually from long-term residents as the thought of change unsettles them. Generally they are in search of assurance that their community and the environment in which they live have a future and most importantly that they are part of that future. Territoriality can be a sensitive issue when community groups develop strong feelings about their rights to have a space developed; this can create tension between the designer and can instigate neighbourhood disputes as a result of a groups claim over a space. From an urban design perspective indistinct boundaries are the typical cause of such disputes, therefore delineating spaces that are collectively owned can minimise conflict while strengthening a sense of public ownership. Physical installations can help unify communities and reinstate a sense of identity; public art can portray shared social values of a neighbourhood while iconic landmarks can make a positive statement of change, which helps revitalise an area through nullifying previous stigmatisations. This has been achieved in Hulme with Wilkinson Eyres striking Arch Bridge, its key location (a major route from the City Centre to the main motorway network) helps highlight and reinforce the positive transformations occurring within Hulme. It is one of many new landmarks which have attracted more people and businesses to the area, thus building a stronger community which contributes to more eyes on the street and increased local employment results in lower crime levels. Diversity Flexibility According to Calthorpe and Fulton (2001), diversity is one of their fundamental elements for improving communities. Providing a range of local activities within close proximity enables community identity resulting in a strengthened urban quality. New diverse buildings should be visually interesting if people are to enjoy experiencing their environment, if a citys streets look interesting, the city looks interesting. (Jacobs 1961, p.27). Fig 2 displays how Hulme has become a more attractive place to live with its dramatic diversification of housing stock and its replacement of the notorious Hulme Crescent with modern housing. Additionally, Carr et al. (1992) state how nature not only adds diversity to an area but develops bonds between people and places. The best public spaces are the most flexible ones (Madanipour 2004, p.285), hence why spaces deliberately left undefined in Hulme allowed new uses to evolve over time. Through not overdesigning a place it enables users to adapt space to their needs. Incidentally, the Hulme horticultural society was officially revived through local adaptable space; it also reinforces the fact that nature can bring disparate individuals and groups with various interests together. Conclusion To summarise, the Hulme case study has demonstrated how quality urban design has the potential to resolve community issues and make a place better. Despite some remaining troubles in Hulme one was keen to focus upon the positive urban design elements which healed many of its community problems. The social benefits realised in the development and revival of Hulme is summarised under the following key urban design elements: Preservation; maintaining key buildings like the Zion Art Centre have sustained the historic identity of Hulme which comforts long-term residents, while those regenerated have created nodes of social integration. Permeability Accessibility; connectivity with the wider environment of Manchester has removed the sense of entrapment and abandonment within Hulme. Communal institutions Public Space; the revival of Stratford Road as a shopping destination and the success of Hulme park are examples of how Hulmes urban environment has been activated, with increased social activity and group formations. Safety on the streets; through logical street design, increased facilities and communal opportunities the greater number of eyes on the street have made the area safer. Neighbourhood involvement; through community consultation during developments, residents now feel a sense of ownership, well-being and respect for their environment this has helped reduce vandalism in the area. Landmarks; Hulme Arch bridge has helped promote Hulme in a positive light which has resulted in an increase in residents and local businesses; resulting in its stronger community spirit and reduced crime rates due to local employment opportunities. Diversity Flexibility; the diversity of housing and public space has made the area a more attractive place to live thus increasing the communities quality of life. Flexible space has provided the opportunity for further positive developments when community interests and desires change. What is apparent is that all the above are interwoven and affect one another in some way therefore they must be purposefully combined to support one another. It is also obvious that environmental and economic factors have an underlying effect on the success of such design elements. However, one should strive for a complementary economic, environmental and social strategy to maximise community benefits. Bibliography Carr, S. et al., 1992. Public Space. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Calthorpe, P. Fulton, W., 2001. The Regional City Planning for the end of sprawl. London: Island Press. Jacobs, J., 1961. The Death and Life of Great American Cities The Failure of Town Planning. New York: Vintage Books. Wilson, W.J., 1997. When Work Disappears The World of the New Urban Poor. New York: Vintage Books. Jacobs, A. Appleyard, D., 1987. Toward an Urban Design manifesto. Journal of the American Planning Association, 53, pp.112-120. Madanipour, A., 2004. Marginal Public Spaces in European Cities. Journal of Urban Design, 9 (3), pp.267-286. CABE, 2005. Creating Successful Neighbourhoods Lessons and Actions for Housing Market Renewal. London: CABE.

The Downside of Social Media and Technology Essay -- social issues, c

As children of the 90’s, and previously, we spent childhood days outside discovering things in the woods and exploring everything we could. With minds full of ideas and with our imaginations running wild, we were engineers of possibilities. Days were passed playing make-believe and running amuck with friends. Time passed slowly and enjoyment came from the friends we shared our imaginings with. This pure creation has taken a nose dive over the past generations. Imagination is slowly being snuffed out by technology. With the advancements in modern technology, such as social media, people have become more self-absorbed and the pace of life has increased. Not only does this technology spike affect the adult and teen world, but it can cause huge problems in the development of children. The digital world is one of creation and ingenuity; however, this is only partially true because it is actually an escape from reality. With technology, kids no longer have to come up wit h ideas all on their own. Why should they spend their energy being creative when they can find an idea online in about two minutes? Social media is a growing fad in the world. Teenagers are constantly checking for status updates and are posting new things online. Instead of actually enjoying moments with each other our generation has become obsessed with documenting. Pictures and statuses are posted immediately after something occurs. Picture this†¦ A basketball game is tied up at the last minute. One team has the ball and they work their way down the court. The player takes a shot, but misses! There’s only five seconds left and the other team catches the rebound, passes it up the court to a teammate who makes a half court shot just as the buzzer sounds. T... ...olving, it is being over used and is slowly taking control of our lives. Technology may seem to be all glitter and gold, but watch out for the malevolent addiction of it that can pull you in. All good things come in moderation. Return to the days before technology’s domain and go explore and imagine. Escape the digital box. Go dance in the rain, listen to live music, find shapes in the clouds, and don’t forget to enjoy life’s littlest wonders. Works Cited Allday, E. (2013). Technology, a fundamental change in child development. SFGate. Retrieved December 17, 2013, from http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Technology-a-fundamental-change-in-child- 4958199.php Statistic Gate. ( June 8, 2013). Mobile device / cell phone statistics. Statistic Gate. Retrieved December 17, 2013, from http://www.statisticbrain.com/mobile-device-cell-phone-statistics/