Sex’ vs ‘Sexuality

Assembling an Understanding of ‘Sex’ Verses ‘Sexuality’ â€Å"Biologists and psychologists who have accepted the doctrine that the only natural function of sex is reproduction have simply ignored the existence of sexual activity which is not reproductive† Alfred Kinsey (The Invention of Sexuality 40) The terms ‘sex’ and ‘sexuality’ have not always had a clear differentiation, but as the study of sexuality (sexology) has continued and become more commonly studied and recognized, these terms have adapted their own definitions.However, each does not have a perfect definition, because people will have their own opinions regarding the terms. The above quote by a historian of sex was interesting to me because it brings up the aspect of biology within the understanding of the terms ‘sex’ and ‘sexuality’. My personal idea, or understanding, is that ‘sex’ constitutes the more biological side†” ones physical features, gender, reproduction (‘sex’ is also the abbreviation for sexual intercourse); and the term ‘sexuality’ makes up everything else that surrounds an individual’s definition of their sexual identity, orientation, and feelings.When reading articles online, I came across this quote: â€Å"sexuality is about who or what you are attracted to, not where you put your dick† (bitheway), which I found to be a very blunt but interesting way to think about what constitutes ‘sexuality’. â€Å"Where you put your †¦Ã¢â‚¬  is your personal preference, but that preference is a compilation of the aspects of one’s personal world and how they have come to define and understand their individual inclination. All of the parts that are compiled in order to form ones individual definition are aspects of ‘sexuality’ within our culture.Another page online gives definitions for ‘sex’ and Ã¢â‚¬Ë œsexuality’ that I have found to be the most clear and complete: Sex refers to whether or not a person is male or female, whether a person has a penis or vagina. Sexuality refers to the total expression of who you are as a human being, your femaleness or your maleness†¦ Your sexuality is an interplay between body image, gender identity, gender role, sexual orientation, eroticism, genitals, intimacy, relationships, and love and affection†¦ includes his or her attitudes, values, knowledge and behaviors.How people express their sexuality is influenced by their families, culture, society, faith and beliefs. (Sex and Sexuality: Understanding the Differences) The influence from all aspects of our lives that guide us to define our sexuality is a major component in sexology. The italicized words in the definition above are some I think are very significant in understanding what constitutes ‘sexuality’.Since the study of sex started to dramatically change, there has been more understanding within so many topics of sexuality, such as gender (roles and variance), marriage and the family, homosexuality, heterosexuality, bisexuality, intersex, trans-gender/sex/vestite, evolution of sexual identities, legal and medical regulation, religious roles/codes, phallocentricism, women’s bodies and health, illegitimacy, â€Å"and the importance of social networks and oppositional sexualities† (The Invention of Sexuality 39).This is only the first week that I have studied sexuality and culture in an educational environment, and after enjoying many sources of new material I have begun to compile my own understanding of ‘sex’ and ‘sexuality’, which is just the beginning of my learning on the subject. One of the most important aspects to take away from these introductory lessons is how grand of a role society and culture have on sexuality.It is so important to be aware of and take into account culture’s influen ce on sexuality now and within the history of sex. In our US society (and this is a generalization) some vital influences are class, race/ethnicity, gender, age, family history and how one was raised, physical ability, religion and region. Now that I have collected a better understanding of ‘sex’ and ‘sexuality’ as educational terms, I can further my knowledge of everything that makes up sexuality within cultures around the world.Bitheway. Sex Verses Sexuality. Bi The Way: An exploration of Male Bisexuality. 6 May 2008. http://www. bitheway. co. uk/2008/05/06/sex-versus-sexuality/. Sex and Sexuality: Understanding the Differences (Learning Activity). RECAPP 2007-2009. http://www. etr. org/recapp/index. cfm? fuseaction=pages. LearningActivitiesDeta il&PageID=167 The Invention of Sexuality. Sexual Lives: A Reader on the Theories and Realities of Human Sexualities. McGraw-Hill, 2003.

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buy custom Impacts of Computers essay We owe everything that we have today to technology. Technology has greatly impacted our lives. However, computer technology has completely outdone all the other forms of technologies. Computers have made the impossible possible, things that could not easily be achieved are now possible due to them. The history of computers goes back a long way. The first electronic computers were people. This is because the machines developed did things that were initially carried out by people. Originally, the term computer was a title assigned to human beings whose role was to carry out repetitive computation of calculations (Cnaan and Parsole, 2009). The abacus was invented to aid mans memory while carrying out calculations. In 1942, John Eckert, John Maunchly and their associates built the first electronic computer. It is undeniable that computers have made such a big impact in our lives and the society as a whole. It is no longer possible to find a place where computers are not involved in carrying out one or more activities. Whichever direction you turn into, there is always the need of a computer. Currently almost all business entities need computers and their respective technologies to carry out their activities. The past few years have seen this field of technology advance rapidly and due to this it has been transformed as the core tool in business today (Cnaan nd Parsole, 2009). Computer technology has seen unimaginable advancements prompting every organization to use it. Investors consider computers inexpensive assets that are a must have due to their conveniences in creating opportunities for investment. It is through computers that we are able to search for jobs online, learn a vast range of things, carry out research and buy stock. It is true to assert that computers have transformed the world a lot (Rosenberg, 2004). It is through the computer that man has been assisted to step forward and face the future. We owe a lot to computers. Thorough computers, space exploration is possible, new vehicle designs have been developed, entertainment is more interesting and science and medicine has been able to manufacture better and improved medicines to cure diseases. Though to some it may be difficult to notice how computers have impacted our lives, it is due to computers that life has become much easier and enjoyable. As stated by Rosenberg (2004), computers play a very vital and positive role in the education sector. Students are able to work on their assignments through internet research. Learners can also type their reports on the word processing program. This is a program thatt makes it possible for learners to type their work or assignments. Business entities and computers are inseparable. The entities use computers to keep track of their stocks, money, accounts and all things that are crucial for the running of the business. Computers have various programs which are important in presentation of information and ideas to people. The computer is not only essential for its word processing program but the device can carry a huge sum of data and information. Thinking that our past generation was able to live without computers is unbelievable. The uses of computers range from one thing to millions of activities. Commerce is unheard of and impossible without computers (Rosenberg, 2004). Computers regulate commercial activities and communicate to millions of people across all over the world in a matter of seconds concurrently. Computers have helped the world a lot and thus preparing for the future more comfortably. Entertainment and businesses entities use computers to make profits, education institutions use computers to assist learners to learn better. Similarly, the medical department cannot look down upon the importance of computers. Without the assistance of computers, many things that are possible today would not have been possible. The world would have been a primitive and dull place to live in without this important device. Buy custom Impacts of Computers essay

Mans Fate Book Report essays

Man's Fate Book Report essays Andr Malraux was a French writer, explorer and statesman, who was born in Paris on 3 November 1901. He was self-taught through his love of books and paintings and his early acquaintance with avant-garde poets and artist. (Winegarten 268) He learned Oriental languages that came in handy during his time in Asia. Where he became extremely critical of the French colonial authorities in Indochina, helping to organize the Young Annam League and founded the newspaper Indochina in Chains. On his return to France he published his first novel, The Temptation of the West (1926). This was trailed by The Conquerors (1928), The Royal Way (1930) and Mans Fate (French: La Condition Humaine) (1934), an influential novel about the overcome of a collective government in Shangai and the options the losers have to face. He used his experiences in Asia as background for his first novels, counting Mans Fate (1933), which won the Prix Goncourt [of literature]. (Bertram 53) Malrauxs career begins in mystery with the expedition to Indochina, the obscure affair of the missing statues, a short term of imprisonment, and a plunge into Eastern politics. The details of these matters are still unknown to us, but it is their resonance that counts. With all their shadow and uncertainty they nevertheless suggest a purity of adventure. Malraux entered the European consciousness not as a writer but as an event, as a symbolic figure somehow combining the magical qualities of youth and heroism with a sense of unlimited promise. (William Righter in The Rhetorical Hero, 1964) kirjasto.sci.fi/malraux.htm Mans Fate was first published in the year 1933, as a fictional story of the early days of the Chinese Revolution. This novel remains an n influential term of psychological insight into the strength of political revolution. From the opening scene, in which Chinese terrorist Chen Ta...

SWOT Analysis for McDonalds Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

SWOT Analysis for McDonalds - Essay Example The role of SWOT analysis is to take the information from the environmental analysis and separate it into internal issues (strengths and weaknesses) and external issues (opportunities and threats).† The purpose of this paper is to perform a SWOT analysis on McDonald’s. In the process of this analysis, the objectives it pursues; the methods by which it has grown in size and the reasons the company might have had for choosing those methods; and the political, economic, socio-cultural, and technological (PEST) factors which are shaping the external environment in which the company is operating will be thoroughly examined. McDonald’s names their vision statement as, â€Å"We envision a supply system that profitably yields high-quality, safe food products without supply interruption while creating a net benefit for employees, their communities, biodiversity, and the environment† (McDonald’s, 2008, pg. 1). The company holds a number of principles as well, claiming, â€Å"Our work toward a socially responsible supply system is motivated by our commitment to our customers, leadership on sustainability issues, and our desire to ‘do the right thing’† (McDonald’s, 2008, pg. 1). First of all, they pledge to find solutions to how their supply chain is affected by both the natural and social worlds through the utilization of a systems-based approach. Second, when they plan their objectives, they set their sights on long-term goals. Third, from a globally operational standpoint, they pledge to focus on the local needs of the area in which a particular restaurant or chain of restaurants is operating. Fourth, they strive to use the best science possible upon which to base their strategies. Fifth, they work to continuously improve through building positive relationships with their suppliers.  

The European Sovereign Debt Crisis Research Paper - 1

The European Sovereign Debt Crisis - Research Paper Example After a while, the deficit rate became enormous, thus leading to the rise of the sovereign debt crisis in the year 2009. Therefore, it is arguable to state that is the starting point of the European debt crisis. This paper will attempt to look at the causes and effects of the European debt crisis. How Greece became the origin and what other countries were affected by the situation. Finally, the current state of Europe after the debt crisis shall be analyzed. Greece had one of the fast growing economies and as a result had a massive deficit. As the global financial crisis came to pass, Greece was greatly affected. This was evident especially on the country’s largest industries (tourism and shipping industry). This led to lump sum spending to keep the economy going, but instead the sovereign debt increased with each passing day. With increased borrowing from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union, the Greek government was problem bound. Greece registered a debt of five hundred and forty billion dollars (Stein, 1). This is one hundred and twenty five percent of its Gross Domestic Product. Despite Greece making one or two mistakes, there were other factors that led to the crisis in Greece. External debts of Europeans states are at the center of the recent crises. In general, the debt crisis is associated with the budget deficits being in excess of the values provided by the Maastricht Treaty, and the Stability and Gro wth Pact (Ludwig Von Mises Institute, 1). These groups only focused on debt and deficit ratio ignoring external debts. Consequently, the laws governing the European Central Bank do not allow single investors and creditors to borrow government bonds in case of a crisis. Eventually, the debt crisis became alarming as the country decreased public benefits (Greece froze civil service salaries and in turn raised taxes and retirement

Secondary Research Assignment Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Secondary Assignment - Research Paper Example Secondary Research Assignment Change is inevitable for growth and development of an organization. This article outlines the aspects of change, the logistics of initiating and implementing the change. Lines (2004) outlines the benefits that accrue to people when they take part in a number of activities pertaining to change in organizational operations. These benefits include the enhancement in decision making with regard to the change variables. It also highlights timely responses required when change takes effect. In addition, the article highlights the effect of change processes in aspects of life like social environment. The claims of Lines in this article have been supported by renowned scholars; hence, they are reliable in practical application. Critical Evaluation The article failed to exhaust all variables of the change process. For instance, communication factor was not discussed, yet it is a critical variable in order for communication to take effect. The strategies of managing change were not highlighted ; hence, the article did not give full information concerning aspect of change. The reason for choosing the three articles is because they contain information on the influence of participation on strategic management. The authors have written their ideas in a logical manner that makes a reader able to comprehend the concept easily. The reason for starting with article â€Å"Strategic change: The effects of founding and history† is because it analyzes the concept of participation on strategic management than the others article. ... â€Å"Public participation in corporate planning—strategic management in a Kibitzer's world† comes last because the author has failed to elaborate the major concepts necessary for a reader to understand the concept. Boeker, W. - Strategic change: The effects of founding and history Thesis: Analyze the initiation and implementation of strategic change within an organization. Hypothesis: Change is inevitable within an organization; hence, participation of all stakeholders in its implementation is crucial. How the hypothesis was tested: Testing theories were used to affirm the hypothesis. Summary: The participation of all stakeholders in initiation of change is relevant in the modern change scenario. This gives the readers appropriate information regarding importance of change, the effects and shortcomings of change. For instance, managers from different organizations were included; hence, the management got insight into many management issues concerning change. The partic ipation in change processes is related to the organizational development and overall organizational goal achievements (Boeker, 2009). On the other hand, the participation in change is not related to the lack of co-operation from subjects of change. Positive effects of change occur as a result of the synchronization of planned change and the culture of the organization. Moreover, the personal goals of the people affected by change determine the success of any change initiative. The article also highlights that the incorporation of members of an organization in the general change processes leads to the achievement of the organizational objectives. This is because the effects of change are understood; hence, organizational change is supported by the very people whom

Discuss Stevensons portrayal of the nature of good and evil and the dual nature of mans personality Essay Example for Free

Discuss Stevensons portrayal of the nature of good and evil and the dual nature of mans personality Essay Question- Discuss Stevensons portrayal of the nature of good and evil and the dual nature of mans personality. What does this show us about Stevensons view of Victorian Britain? Born into the middle-class, prosperous district of new Edinburgh in Scotland, 1850, the young Robert Louis Stevensons life was a existence of opposites and contradictions. Just a few miles from his homeland lay the slums of old Edinburgh- a destitute sprawl of old urban living, disease and vice widespread and all to common. The young Master Stevenson was forbidden from this area, instead confined to his bedroom with his fanatic religious nanny- largely in part to his poor health and fragile immune system. His nanny, Alison Cunningham, was a devout Calvinist, a religion with a mixture of both Christian and Folk religion ideals. Calvinism teaches that every human being is born into sin, and thus must take it upon themselves to seek God, going against their natural inclination. This rule, entitled Total Depravity, was taught to the young Stevenson by his nanny, therefore leading the young seven year old to question his every step, paving the way for horrific nightmares of Hell and the fury of the Devil. As Stevenson grew up he found himself swept up in the cultural revolution that was Bohemianism. A now teenage Stevenson found himself attending raucous parties and living a second hand existence in near poverty, as what was expected from any bohemian person. He also found himself increasingly attached to the bottle and, on more then one occasion, visited prostitutes- an act that was seen as greatly immoral in the Victorian era and an action that would certainly have shocked his nanny. This deliberate act of rebellion shocked his parents and they temporarily disowned him and, although, Stevenson kept his attitudes and dislike of religion, the fall-out with his parents made him question the gulf in lifestyle that he and his parents had and the arguments also led him to question just what was right, and what was evil. Whilst travelling Stevenson met a certain Fanny Osborne, a women both older then him and already married. They had a short lived affair before Osborne absconded, leaving her husband for the young Stevenson and the couple soon wed. Second marriages were considered a taboo topic in the Victorian era, and Stevenson once again found himself branded as evil and ignorant, further stimulating Stevensons mind on right and wrong. Stevensons first wrote The strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in 1885 and the book was released a year later. Rumour has it that Stevenson wrote the book whilst heavily drugged; the author had a considerable liking of Cocaine, a mind-altering drug. The drug would have momentarily changed his perceptions and view on the world, and this is perhaps reflected in the book, further strengthening the divide that was beginning to shape his book. The book was fairly popular yet drew heavy criticism from some scholars who read the book as an allegory of inappropriate sexual desires. At the time Stevenson re-buffed the ideas, through fear of the popularity of his book diminishing, but he later admitted that the book could be read as an allegory of the troubles of Victorian society. There are many themes that run deep through Stevensons novella, all centred around the line that divides good and evil. This topic of morality particularly fascinated the Victorian audience, largely thanks to the strength of the British Empire. The common Londoners heard tales of strange, far-away lands and peculiar, ritual-abiding tribes man and started to question their own rituals and actions. Stevensons book tapped into this market, asking whether what was considered good and evil was good and evil everywhere, or whether different people had different opinions on the difficult and dividing topic. Stevensons story begins with The story of the door, an opening chapter which tells the friendship of Mr Utterson and Mr Enfield, two respectable men who refuse to indulge in the spread of gossip. However they eventually begin to discuss the indecent trampling of a small girl, committed by a mysterious, twisted man, later named as Hyde. The fact that Hyde is introduced before Jekyll keeps the character of Mr Hyde fresh in the mind, and the irregular pattern (time-frame) of the book leads to the resulting conclusion being even more startling, especially for the Victorian audience who wouldnt have expected anything similar to the actual ending. The chapter is also rich in subtle foreshadowing of opposition and restraint. He was austere with himself; drank gin when he was alone, to mortify a taste for vintages;, is a perfect example of Stevensons subtle touch. The fact that Utterson drank Gin when alone, a drink regarded at the time as a poor-mans drink, a drink that was crude and often associated with criminals and vice, to quench his thirst, nay, desire for rich wine represents Jekylls attitude towards Hyde: Jekyll deliberately starves himself of the drug he slowly becomes addicted to, the drug that turns himself into Hyde despite despising Hyde with every bone in his body. Yet Jekyll still feels a craving for the drug and has to substitute himself with other activitys, despite his attempts at distraction resulting in vain. The setting and atmosphere of Enfields recollection of the night when he first met Hyde also reflects the duality of man, a crucial aspect in Stevensons book. A black winter morningthere was literally nothing but lamps being a prime example of this. This abnormal lighting situation would produce shadows- the shadows representing the underclass of London society, the people that would hug street walls late at night, trying desperately not to be seen as they went about their shady business. The natural image of the black winter morning also juxtaposes the artificial light of the lamps, depicting the fact that, in the Victorian era, the citizens were always trying to triumph over nature, attempting to create social standards that even Mother Nature abided to. The stark contrast between dark and light is almost ignored in this quote, as the blackness of the night and the brightness of the lamps merge seamlessly into one another, thus representing Enfields confusion. This confusion is epitomised by the quote: I got into the state of mind when a man listens and listens and belongs to long for the sight of a policeman,. Enfield states his nervousness and longing for a policeman, a rather unusual trait as the Metropolitan Police Force was still in its infancy and battling many an unfavourable opinion. Also the character was earlier described as a rather dull man, the man about town, an experienced figure who had seen just about every city occurrence. Yet here Stevenson describes him as worried and nervous, determined to find a member of the establishment that was so untrusted around town. As well as this Stevenson implies that he character can sense something is wrong; he has potentially sourced the overbearing threat of Mr Hyde. This demonstrates the main antagonists intimidating nature before we are even introduced to him. This fear of the unknown could be related to Stevensons upbringing, surrounded by religion and threat of the Devil. In Christianity, and Calvinism, the Devil is both feared and yet paradoxically respected. His fundamentalist Nanny would have taught him of the threat of the Devil and also of the reason why the Devil was cast into Heaven (most prominently for failing to understand that he was created by God (that he had a dual nature)). This links in with Hydes nature and internal struggle- he can never fully become Jekyll because he was created BY Jekyll. The quote: like a forest in a fire is a good example of Stevensons views on current society and the changing world that was revolving around him. The simile is used to emphasise the differences between the old, poor row of houses and the new, upper class street- no doubt a product of the industrial revolution that was currently sweeping the country. Forests contain nothing but wood, and the single most dangerous thing one could encounter in a forest is fire, where the spitting flames spread from tree to tree. The simile could be linked to the Victorian industrial revolution: Stevenson views it as a hungry flame, sweeping away all of natures beauty and all of what the world used to comprise of, for now metal and steel is starting to replace the natural woods used to build shelter, and trees were being cut down to feed machines, which spat out new inventions and ideas. The quote has a negative edge relating to the industrial revolution, which fits in with Stevensons lifestyle and ethics. For he was a romanticist, a bohemian- interested in the preservation of nature, which they believed directly fed and influenced literature, poetry and art. The quote symbolises the divide that the industrial revolution was creating, and also questions whether the industrial revolution is good or bad, similarly to how the main theme of the book questions whether humans truly are good or evil. The second chapter, entitled The Search for Mr. Hyde continues with some important quotations regarding the duality of man, It was his custom of a Sunday, when this meal was over, to sit close by the fire, a volume of some dry divinity, being one of these. The dry divinity means a religious book or text, and the reading of these kinds of texts was considered a honourable and dutiful act in the Victorian era. However Utterson describes the text as dry- he finds it boring, dull. Thus the quote informs us that Utterson sticks to conventional Victorian traditionalism, yet aches with boredom in doing so. He yearns to be doing something else, somewhere else but feels compelled to follow his upstanding Sunday custom. This is typical of Victorian society and a crucial element of understanding the duality of man. For the Victorians tried to quench mans natural instinct and mould him into a figure they determined respectable. Yet in pushing, in repressing people so far man rebelled, and began to question the life he lived under, leading to all of the Victorian vices, sex, alcohol and homosexuality becoming acceptable. Indeed, if it wasnt for the Victorians oppression of the minority and the poor we probably wouldnt be living in such a free society. The usage of pathetic fallacy is a common and important tool in Stevensons novella. The fog increases in depth and prominence whenever Hyde is near , and the fog clears towards the end of the story when the mystery is close to being unravelled. the first fog of the season, a great chocolate coloured pall lowered over the heavens is a quote from the chapter: The Carew Murder Case and the use of pathetic fallacy has connotations of impending danger as well as connotations of the industrial revolution. The chocolate coloured essence of the fog has implications of the industrial revolution poisoning the fog, changing its colour and also the times when the fog appears. The fog is stated as being the first of the season, yet the timeline would mean the fog was unnaturally early, implying the industrial revolution is harming and manipulating Mother Nature. The fog could be interpreted as nothing more then smog, a poisonous relation of the cleaner and more natural fog. The relationship between the unnatural smog, produced by the industrial revolution and the natural fog could also be linked to the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde; Hyde is a less natural side effect of Jekylls curiosity, Hyde is the poisonous, dangerous aspect of Jekyll. Jekyll could be interpreted as the influence of nature on Victorian society, an old-fashioned traditionalist being poisoned by new ideas and new beliefs. The murder of Sir Danvers Carew is an important part of the book, and Stevensons description adds to the sense of confusion and fear that is created. We are fed the murder from the viewpoint of a maid who was romantically given just before the crime was committed. he was trampling his victim under footunder which the bones were audibly shattered and the body jumped upon the roadway is an extract from the murder description. The description is vivid, Stevenson notes how the maid heard the bones shatter, surely an awful, sickening sound. The murder is incredibly violent, representing Hydes anger boiling to the surface- alas; the exact reason for the murder is never truly revealed, leading us to think that Hyde needs violence to satisfy himself when he is allowed to roam free. The phrase the body jumped upon the roadway is also an interesting use of language, possibly representing the violence of the act; the body has been hit and abused so hard it is physically moving away from Hyde, his blows have pushed it away. The phrase adds to the sense of strength Hyde possesses, making him an even more formidable character. with indescribable amazement read the name of Gabriel John Utterson We first learn the full name of Utterson in The Last Night, after Jekyll puts his name on his will. His name could be interpreted as some as incredibly significant to the story. There are many religious connotations in Stevensons novella, and Uttersons first name could be another of these connotations. In the religion of Christianity, Gabriel is the arch-angel of God, and Gods chief messenger. He passes on messages from God to various biblical figures, giving him the title of Gods medium. His role in Christianity is similar to Gabriel John Uttersons in the Strange Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde, he retells messages between Lanyon and Jekyll, and also uncovers the truth by reading messages intended as replies to another. Uttersons first name also reveal his good side- he is a constant friend to Dr. Jekyll throughout the novella. Nearly every member of the reading Victorian audience would be familiar with the arch-angel Gabriel, and many readers would have made the link between the two messengers. Stevenson could also of used Uttersons name as a way of stating that not everyone caught up in evil, is evil. Utterson is confronted with pure, undiluted evil a number of times in the story but he never once loses his sense of moral decency or moral fibre. The final chapter in Stevenson story contains the most information regarding the duality of man. The final chapter is in chronological order- right from Jekylls childhood to his death. The chapter also informs us of how Jekyll grew up harbouring an evil side. Hence it came about that I concealed my pleasures being an example of his youthful, dual personality. A youthful Jekyll realises that, once one enters manhood and the adult world one must learn to conceal any hope or joyfulness for fear of be let down by society or taken advantage of. So we learn that, even from childhood, Jekyll is living a lie and hiding his split personality from the world. I was in no sense a hypocrite; both sides of me were in dead earnest is an example of a slightly older Jekylls newly stifled personality. He has forced down his natural, animal-like instincts and replaced them with an acceptable, Victorian type attitude. He has learnt to ignore his impulse and instead confer to Victorian era conformity. He has become emotionally repressed and, whilst he is coping at the minute there will always be a threat of his emotions bubbling over in a Jack the Ripper type emergence. My Devil had been long caged, it came out roaringInstantly the spirit of Hell awoke in me and raged is an example of such an outburst. We know from the story that a drug causes Jekylls evil side to emerge but the warning Stevenson writes of is that anybody can be unleashed, any human has the potential to be a crazed mass-murderer, or an evil psychopath if pushed (or oppressed) hard enough. This would of hit a chord with the reading audience who were still recovering from the Jack the Ripper attacks, which left many Londoners wondering just what kind of person could commit such crimes. The answer? Anybody- for the Victorian style of living had the potential to depress, oppress and ultimately, end lives Overall, I believe Stevenson wrote The Strange Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde as a warning to the Victorian reader. He wanted the audience to realise that everyone, regardless of social stature, finance or credibility, had the potential to be evil. Yet, in his novella, Stevenson almost determines that there is no real definition of good and evil. The human body is a complex machine and, like a snowflake, the human body changes with each individual. Humans realise and readily accept that every human has different fingerprints yet seems to find it harder to link this fact with the human brain. For ultimately, every single human is different thus the guidelines of good and evil change with every single person. And, ultimately, who are we to question who is good and who is evil? There are thousands of different religions, what if they are all wrong and the one, true religion (if there is one) actually determines evil as good, and good as evil. We are just mere mortals, and the human brain is the most complex thing on the planet. Before we even begin to scrape the surface of this complex machine, we must first begin to understand the secrets of the universe, and life. Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. So said Albert Einstein, one of the greatest thinkers of the twentieth century. I believe that this quote sums up Stevensons approach to the dividing line between good and evil. For where other people of the age, fresh from the horrors of the Ripper murders, strived to find a logical answer to the line between good and evil, Stevenson instead moved in the opposite direction. Rather then attempt to answer the question, he questioned the question, asking whether there was an answer to a question that people were still questioning. After all, how can one answer a question that is not even based on fact, or truth, but instead on prediction? Stevensons opinion on religion is prevalent throughout the story. The story has a number of biblical links, no doubt harking back to the days he spent locked in his room with Alison Cunningham, whilst being fed awful stories of Hell and the Devil. There are a number of religious links, one of these being: This inexplicable incident, this reversal of my previous experience, seemed, like the Babylonian finger on the wall, to be spelling out the letters of my judgment. This quote mirrors the experience of Prince Belshazzar, a Babylonian prince featured in the book of Daniel. The prince, whilst dining one night, sees a mysterious, disembodied hand floating behind him. As he turned to face it, the hand begun writing in a mysterious code, on the wall. A translator later interpreted the coded writing as: Thou art weighed In the balance and art found wanting. Later that night Belshazzar is murdered in peculiar circumstances, hence the popular saying; the writing on the wall. Jekyll can see his impending doom, due to his evil exploits as Hyde but his good side is still portrayed by Stevenson, the use of religion is used for this. In the book, I believe Stevenson uses religion as a writing technique; when Stevenson wants to signify the emotive nature of people , he uses religious links and connotations. Hyde is forever associated with Hell and the Devil, whilst Jekyll and Utterson is associated with Gabriel, and the light side of religion. Religion is used to measure and signify, to compare and contrast. Religion also represents a divide in beliefs and personality. The end of the Victorian era was the first time, since the beginning of Christianity, that people were beginning to question and doubt religion. Jekyll and Hyde was penned during this time and concerns itself with the duality of man. Stevenson simply used the biggest cultural divide of the day: religion, and weaved it into his book, making the theme of duality more relevant to the reading Victorian audience. Overall, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde questions and challenges what would have been conventional beliefs in the Victorian era. It makes the reader question his own sense of right and wrong, and challenges religion and science- the two cultures that were so opposed to each other in the Victorian ere. It incorporates the depression that surrounded the Victorian dynasty, the industrial revolution, the Jack the Ripper murders and the strict conformity of living the Victorians imposed. But it also includes the first green shoots of hope that began to surface around the late 1800s- Charles Darwins The Theory of Evolution is integrated through Jekylls science and the fact that Jekyll, despite through the persona of Hyde, engaged in activities such as sex and alcoholism sent the message that man can experiment, as long as it didnt threaten or harm anyone else. The book was aware of the duality and diversity of its audience and revelled in this. Stevensons book was a revolution in itself. For it changed the conventional type of living and made people question the rules they lived under. And any book that can influence people on this scale is a rare, and beautiful, thing. The mark of a good action is that it appears inevitable in retrospect.