Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (AAADT) Essay Example For Students

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (AAADT) Essay During the time Alvin Ailey started the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (AAADT) (1958), he lived in a heavily racist America. Ailey grew up in Texas with his single mother. At this time (1930s) Texas and America as a whole were places where white was right   and segregation was at large. He moved from here at 12 to LA and then later New York at 18, where he began his Broadway career. Ailey had many influences within dance, such as influences from his training (Lester Horton, Martha Graham, Kathryn Dunham and Jack Cole); styles from each choreographer are shown within his work. In America in the 1950s, racism towards black/African American people had progressed for the better, however it was still evident in everyday life especially in the south. Some schools wouldnt permit black children to study alongside white children and was a contributing factor alongside Aileys own blood memories to start a dance company primarily for black people to celebrate them and their cultures. When the company first started in 1958, Alvin Ailey had specific requirements for whom to cast; athletically built, very talented but most importantly black dancers. Ailey wanted to represent black people in a positive way, raising awareness of their mistreatment and celebrating the faith of the church and God who carried them to become who they are today. Aileys first piece for AAADT was Blues Suite  , (March 30th 1958) which was about his Texan Roots. This was a very important piece as this was not only the first piece, therefore representing the company but also was showing the influences both choreographically and narrative from Aileys life. Moving onto the 1960s, this was a massive revolution for black African American people within American as Rob Kennedy stopped segregation on public transport, later followed by the civil movements involving Martin Luther King, the ever legendary I have a dream   speech. This revolution continued into the later years of the 60s as black people were allowed the chance to vote, interracial marriages were allowed, and fair housing/wages were given to black people. As America changed so did the AAADT. It had more white dancers or non-African American dancers within the company, representing the cultural diversity happening within the outside political world. Arguably the most famous work Alvin Ailey has created was made in 1960 Revelations . Similarly to Blues Suite  this piece was based on Aileys blood memories from Texas, such as his baptism, but also represented black people as a whole. It shows the progression from slavery to freedom and celebration through three sections; Pilgrim of Sorrow  , Take me to the water   and Move members move  . It was a very important statement piece as it fitted with the changes within racial equality that was happening at the time. Also in 1965 Judith Jamison joined AAADT, who would later be a very influential member of the company. The 1970s showed yet more progression for black people. The black is beautiful   movement happened; this was when black people taking a stand once and for all saying that black is right just as much as white  . Within the AAADT many works were created a few were; Cry  (1971). â€Å"A present to his mother for her birthday, it explored the strength and pain black women face. It also featured Judith Jamison as principle dancer and Memoria   (1979). â€Å"A dedicated celebration of his dear friend and colleague, Joyce Trisler life. It became more evident that Ailey was beginning to break away from the typical blood memory narrative and was making more abstract pieces. Also during the 70s Ailey founded the second company Ailey. Even though racism had progressed massively within the last 30 years, the 1980s still showed evidence of it, however not close to that in the past. More black people were shown on TV and FILM and some people argue that it is because of the contribution of the Ailey Company had to the arts. .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b , .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b .postImageUrl , .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b , .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b:hover , .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b:visited , .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b:active { border:0!important; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b { 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; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b:active , .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b .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; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u808f21fc1a5df4bf4b05469d6bb1858b:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Dance EssayWorks made by Ailey before his death in 1989 were For Bird With Love   (1984) â€Å" A tribute to the life of jazz musician Charlie Bird Parker and Witness   1986 a celebration of the strength, elegance and versatility of the Ailey woman. Also during the 80s Judith Jamison created Divining (1984) which was showed as an AAADT piece. After Alvin Aileys death in 1989, his muse Judith Jamison was appointed Artistic Director of AAADT. She took the company on a more abstract route, just as Ailey was doing towards the end of his career. She created works such as; Forgotten Time  (1989). A piece about 12 dancers on a journey through ancient rituals of love and tribal traditions. Hymn (1993). â€Å"A co-choreographed piece by herself, Renny Harn and Robert Battle. It was a mix of contemporary, ballet and street dance, bringing the AAADT into the 21st century as it is representing the dance trends of the time. Before Jamison came to AAADT she trained in Philadelphia in ballet, tap, modern, jazz and acrobatics. These styles can be seen within her work today, representing her inspirations. Due to the fact she also trained with Ailey from being a young adult she also has elements of his influences within her work also. Not only did Jamison study dance, but also acting and singing as she was on Broadway just like Ailey, this will justify the showmanship with her works, especially Love Stories . In the 1990s, and into the 2000s, the AAADT gained a lot of publicity from the social media and media, helping the company to be as successful as it is today. When Hymn   was being created (1993) the AAADT Company performed for Bill Clinton to a TV audience of 80,000,000! This gained a lot of attention towards the company, helping it secure its financial income. Something the company struggled with a little under Ailey made clear by having to buy cheap costumes and make them look extravagant themselves. Also in the same year, the company performed in central park in front of 30,000 people. In 2008, the company celebrated their 50th anniversary and two years later saw the company be handed over to Robert Battle. He was appointed artistic director, however Jamison kept her involvement in the company, just as she did as a young dancer and was the artistic director emerita, so she still had a say in the decisions. Overall, the company has progressed massively in terms of choreography due to the influences of different artistic directors and their training, but also racially. As racism became less common, the more celebrated and accepted black people became, making it easier for them to be treated as equals. The AAADT Company has shown this through dance and helped towards the positive attitudes we see within not just the arts but society and politics today.

Republic of Ireland market SWOT analysis for Barclaycard

Introduction The essay is in-depth examination of a strength, weaknesses, opportunity and threats of the republic of Ireland markets for Barclaycard. SWOT analysis has been thought of as a strategic planning mechanism that aims at evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that are involved in projects or business activities. Generally speaking the whole activity entails coming up with factors that are either internal or external which can either be favorable or unfavorable to attaining a given objective or business initiative.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Republic of Ireland market SWOT analysis for Barclaycard specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Barclaycard is a globally known organization that offers loan and credit card. It is owned but Barclays plc a United Kingdom company. It was the first card that came to limelight in England and was operational back in 1966. In UK alone the firm has 10.4 million customers as well as 10.8 million customers outside the U.K. (Barclays PLC., 2004) With its marketing strategy, the firms has in the recent past seen to have widen its international market, however entrance of new firm dealing with the same products and services have posed a threat to Barclaycard (Hill Westbrook, 1997). To address the uncertainty that may be associated with venturing into Ireland, the firm needs to analyze the market so that it can be in a position to maximize its capabilities by utilizing the opportunities and minimize threats identified. Strengths A strong economy of Ireland is a major strength the market has. With a stronger economy and higher rates of income, individuals do have a higher purchasing power. This will provide the firm with an opportunity to increase their sales volume. The low corporation tax which stands at 12.5% encourages economic growth thus Barclaycard as a foreign investment stands a chance of growing too. As suggested by O’H agan, 1995 Ireland has one of the stable political statuses since the end of conflicts in Northern Ireland. Such an environment is a boost to the firm’s quest to enter the market. It is no doubt that the there are evidences of high level of investments. The ability of the country to attract foreign direct investment will definitely propel the firm to greater height. It is worth noting that the market is made up of well educated workforces who are inexpensive and capable of speaking English. This will make the firm comfortably do business. The government is also less bureaucratic. Weaknesses The country has one of the worst infrastructural developments. This will hinder transportation as well as movement of goods and services. There is need for the state to improve internal transportation to facilitate movement of human, goods and services. The foreign direct investment policy that favor foreign firms to invest in the county will flood the market with firms that provide simila r services like those offered by Barclaycard watering down the market.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Hill Westbrook, 1997 the older population of Irish people are not adequately educated; having in mind that they are the ones having various investments and money they may not be in a position to embrace use o credit cards. Additionally, the country heavily depend on foreign firms which is very risky if there will be reduced international trade negatively affecting domestic industries. Similarly, the location of the country makes it to be in a remote region compared to other European population. This is a serious disadvantage to Barclaycard as it will have a limited market size or scale. There is a higher rate of inflation in Dublin area and this will make it expensive to do business. There is need to rebalance economic growth of this region. Opportunities The government has given room for her respective department to change laws that seem to hinder international trade, there are chances the firm can possibly merge and at the same time acquire other firms to produce a desired synergy that will rock the market (Barclays PLC. 2004). On the same note, there are a growing number of young individuals who are ‘techo-philic’ and will embrace the use of credit cards. Threats Economic crunch or crisis is one serious threat that faces entirely all business entities Barclaycard not being an exception. There are chances of the firm facing vey stiff competition from organizations that provide similar services to the public (O’Hagan, 1995). References Barclays PLC. 2004. Annual Report. Barclays PLC, London, The United Kingdom Hill, T. Westbrook, R., 1997. ‘SWOT analysis: It’s time for a product recall’, Long Range Planning, vol.30, no. 1, pp. 46–52. O’Hagan, W., 1995. The economy of Ireland: Policy and performance of small European countries. New York: St. Martin’s Press.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Republic of Ireland market SWOT analysis for Barclaycard specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay on Republic of Ireland market SWOT analysis for Barclaycard was written and submitted by user Kamari Webb to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Personal Happiness

Everyone's goal in life has and always will be the pursuit of personal happiness. In fact, the United States constitution guarantees its citizens this right. The downfall of this fact is that not every person achieves this goal. Through certain works of literature such as Ethan Frome, Madame Bovary, and The Bet, this idea will be shown. One great example of an individual searching for happiness in his life is in the story of Ethan Frome. Ethan is the type of person who needs companionship and direct love to be happy. Even though companionship makes him feel secure, in this partnership he desperately needs a strong base backed by interaction with the one he loves. At a young age Ethan found what he thought was a woman who would make him happy. Her name was Zeena and she was seemingly pleasant, but her desires would prove not to be satisfied in a life spent with Ethan. As years went by she lost interest in him and her attitude around him kept him from being happy. Ethan soon meets Mattie,a younger, more attractive woman than Zeena. He becomes attached to Mattie and gains deep feelings for her, but his conscience tells him leaving Zeena would be wrong. Due to his good morals and his unwillingness to abandon Zeena, he is trapped in an unhappy life that seems to keep cornering him. Some people pursue happiness in a temporary love that will eventually fade and leave the two involved miserable. Ethan looked for happiness in a relationship that was exciting for awhile, but had the tendencies of losing its flavor. In the story Madame Bovary, Emma and her husband, Charles, conflict in their marriage. Emma needed someone to keep her excited and to fit all her needs. Charles was to relaxed to endure all the exotic fantasies she wanted to experience in her life. Aside from Ethan, Emma did not practice morals and she did not... Free Essays on Personal Happiness Free Essays on Personal Happiness Everyone's goal in life has and always will be the pursuit of personal happiness. In fact, the United States constitution guarantees its citizens this right. The downfall of this fact is that not every person achieves this goal. Through certain works of literature such as Ethan Frome, Madame Bovary, and The Bet, this idea will be shown. One great example of an individual searching for happiness in his life is in the story of Ethan Frome. Ethan is the type of person who needs companionship and direct love to be happy. Even though companionship makes him feel secure, in this partnership he desperately needs a strong base backed by interaction with the one he loves. At a young age Ethan found what he thought was a woman who would make him happy. Her name was Zeena and she was seemingly pleasant, but her desires would prove not to be satisfied in a life spent with Ethan. As years went by she lost interest in him and her attitude around him kept him from being happy. Ethan soon meets Mattie,a younger, more attractive woman than Zeena. He becomes attached to Mattie and gains deep feelings for her, but his conscience tells him leaving Zeena would be wrong. Due to his good morals and his unwillingness to abandon Zeena, he is trapped in an unhappy life that seems to keep cornering him. Some people pursue happiness in a temporary love that will eventually fade and leave the two involved miserable. Ethan looked for happiness in a relationship that was exciting for awhile, but had the tendencies of losing its flavor. In the story Madame Bovary, Emma and her husband, Charles, conflict in their marriage. Emma needed someone to keep her excited and to fit all her needs. Charles was to relaxed to endure all the exotic fantasies she wanted to experience in her life. Aside from Ethan, Emma did not practice morals and she did not...

Racism in the Tortilla Curtain Essay Example

Racism in the Tortilla Curtain Essay Example Racism in the Tortilla Curtain Paper Racism in the Tortilla Curtain Paper Racism has always been a major issue in the United States, whether it is racism towards the homo sexual, Jewish, or the illegal immigrant racism will always be part of the United States. In the novel The Tortilla Curtain, by T. C Boyle he writes about a man named Delaney Mossabacher. Delaney is a self proclaimed liberal humanist. In the novel Boyle puts Delaney in many situations that make you question his liberal humanist views. While on his way to a recycling center his life is changed forever when he runs over a man named Candido Rincon. Delaney insists on giving him $20 instead of taking him to the hospital. This action makes you question whether he is truly a humanist. Delaney then realizes that Candido is an illegal immigrant living in Topanga creek where he often goes for hikes. When Delaney goes to get his car repaired at the dealership he tells the man he hit a dog instead of telling him he hit a person. This is where he begins to see Mexicans as not being human because they dont live like everyone else. The most controversial part of the novel is when Delaney is arguing with jack at the grocery store. His actions make you question everything he believes in. The final part of the story where everyone is looking at the fire you can clearly tell he has lost every ounce of liberal humanist and is now a full fledge racist. It is clear that the actions he takes in these situations clearly make him a very racist person not a liberal humanist like he claims to be. The first instance where Delaney begins transforming from a liberal humanist to a full fledge racist is at the recycling center. While at the recycling center Delaney begins to feel guilty about hitting Candido. He then realizes he is an illegal immigrant because he refused to get medical attention. He also notices that he is living down in Topanga creek because of the contents in the shopping cart he was pushing around. This makes Delaney angry because he feels that Candidio is polluting the environment by living down at the creek. Boyle writes Delaney felt his guilt turn to anger, to outrage (11). This is an important part of the story because this is when he first notices that illegal immigrants are living down in Topanga creek. He also begins to notice that Mexicans are everywhere, from the guys working on the landscape in Arroyo Blanco to the guys working at the recycling center. Delaney is angry because hitting Candido with his car is his first negative experience with Mexicans, and it plants a negative seed in Delaney mind. If Delaney wouldnt have hit Candido he would have never noticed all the Mexicans, but because he thinks that Candido ran into his car on purpose he begins to have racist feelings towards Mexicans. Delaney feels that Mexicans are suddenly out to ruin his life. It is obvious the main reason Delaney is outraged is not because he hit him or because his car is damaged, it is because he ruined his day. Delaney likes to live a very organized and routine driven life and by having this accident it has thrown off his daily routine and he resents Candido for doing that. The second instance where Delaney begins to transform into a racist is when he is at the car dealership getting his car repaired from the damage Candido caused. While at the dealership he begins to talk with Kenny Grissom the man who sold him the car. When Grissom asks him what he hit Delaney replies with a dog, I think it was (13). Although Delaney could have told him the truth that he accidently hit someone, he decides to lie and instead says he hit a dog. This is important because it shows how little Delaney cares about what he did. Although Delaney is a self proclaimed humanist he is contradicting himself by lying and saying he hit a dog. Furthermore Delaney saying he hit a dog is symbolic because it shows the racist feelings he has toward Candido. He feels that Candido is like a dog that relays on society to take care of him. This is when Delaneys true feelings towards Mexicans begin to show because he doesnt see them as regular people but as dogs ready to take advantage of people whenever they get an opportunity. Another clear instance of Delaney losing his liberal humanist views is in the middle of chapter seven part two. Delaney is arguing with Jack Jardine about the fence that is going to be put up around Arroyo Blanco. Jack is trying to convince Delaney that the wall is necessary but Delaney is adamantly against it. Delaney feels that it is wrong to put up the fence up just to keep illegal immigrants out. He says Immigrants are the lifeblood of this country were a nation of immigrants and neither of us would be standing here today if it wasnt (101). When they leave the store Delaney sees Candido being harassed by someone. His liberal humanist side feels he should help Candido but the racist part of him actually wishes harm on Candido. This is the most ironic part of the book because while they were in the store he was defending illegal immigrants. He felt like they have every right to be living in the United States. Once he is outside and actually has to deal with the issue by witnessing the events that took place he completely changes his view on Mexicans. This clearly shows that while he might consider himself a humanist he is actually is becoming more racist every time he has negative experience with Mexicans. He once again feels that Mexicans are just here to make peoples life miserable and to take advantage of them whenever they have a chance. This begins to make Delaney furious because he cant get seem to get away from Candido. He feels that Candido is a nuisance in his life and every time he has to deal with him bad things happen. One of the clearest examples that Delaney has completely lost his humanist views and is truly racist is toward the end of the novel when the people from Arroyo Blanco are evacuated due to the fire. While everyone is standing outside looking at the fire Delaney notices Jose and his friend walking up the road. Delaney immediately confronts Jose and blames him for setting the fire. Boyle writes that Delaney felt as much pure hatred as hed ever felt in his life (287). This is a clear act of racism because even though he had no clue who set the fire, he immediately blames Jose because he is Mexican. He sees him as a no good scum who has nothing better to do then to set fires and ruin peoples life. This incident is really the straw that broke the camels back for Delaney because all the previous incidents didnt really affect his personal life at home, but by Jose setting the fire he puts his family life in danger and Delaney feels pure hatred at him for doing that. He is outraged because he feels that Mexicans have no feelings and all they care about is themselves. This incident put Delaney in the us versus them racist mindset and he gets everyone to yell racist remarks at Jose. At this point Delaney really hates Mexicans because their actions put everything he owns in jeopardy. By the end of the novel Delaney is clearly transformed from a liberal humanist to a racist because of the situations he is faced with. Whether it be things he says, like saying he hit a dog instead of an actual persons. He also contradicted himself by defending illegal immigrants at the grocery store calling them the lifeblood of the country, then turning around and wishing harm on someone just because they are illegal immigrants. His actions also clearly depicted him as a racist by the despicable actions he took on Jose Navidad toward the end of the novel by blaming him for the fire without knowing who actually started it. It is apparent Boyle put him in these situations to make us question his liberal humanist view. Although Delaney is self proclaimed liberal humanist he like many other people was negatively affected by racism. If Delenay was truly the humanist he claimed to be he would not have had so much hate toward Candido, but when his family is affected by immigrants it forces him to have very negative feelings toward immigrants. So while Delaney would have liked to believe he was a liberal humanist, he like many other ethnic groups was adversely affected by racism.

Useing Pace University Strategic Plan (ON PACE WEB), Case Study

Useing Pace University Strategic Plan (ON PACE WEB), - Case Study Example The institution is divided into different colleges such as Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health Professions, Lubin School of Business, School of Law, School of Education and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems (About Pace University, 2014). Currently Pace University has significant resources to help individuals in achieving their dreams. The University operates with an overall idea of creating opportunities for its students. After World War II the administration particularly focused on introducing modern arts and science while strengthening the leadership, management, facilities and resources of the organization. This subsequently helped Pace in acquiring the status of one of the Largest Universities in the New York City (About Pace University, 2014). In next five to ten years the university is expected to increase its services in the field of skills development because entrepreneurship is gaining recognition all over the world and students are investing their energies in establishing their businesses. This is further supported by the advent of modern technology. Moreover, skills development has also become necessary for contemporary students on the basis of increased competition. Other than this the university needs t o enhance its facilities for meeting the requirements of ever increasing number of students. This can be done through developing more colleges while strengthening the overall infrastructure of the university. Pace University was established with a profound vision of educating students and preparing them to excel in wide range of professions (Vision and Mission, 2014). This is actually the vision of best universities in USA which make them stand apart from rest of the world. In broader perspective the organization’s mission is to provide graduate and undergraduate education to a large number of students while also offering

An Examination of the Wikipedia Site Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

An Examination of the Wikipedia Site - Essay Example This has been related to the concept that the quality of control of internet subjects has not been well regulated especially in terms of the origin of the material, its perspectives and even the selection of references. With the users quick to use the information online, they easily fall into the trap of acquiring wrong information on sites such as Wikipedia. From my assessment, Wikipedia has more weaknesses than strengths. One of the limitations is that the site does not have accurate information that the user may need. In many instances, the readers find a great percentage of the pages on the site requiring citation even from the reader themselves (Wikipedia 2015). This means that the author of the work simply collected information from different sources and combined them to get a complete text. In the course of my research in English, I am likely to find inaccurate information and even wrong information on different subjects using the site. I would not even be surprised to find gr ammatical and spelling errors on the site. The page may also embrace a short form of words such as â€Å"bt† to mean â€Å"but†. Other examples of spelling errors include â€Å"port† as opposed to â€Å"part† (Wikipedia 2015). Secondly, Wikipedia is a not a reliable source since it provides a chance for editing by any user (Wikipedia 2015). It is this point that the user may find a lot of misleading information on the subject in question especially with the differing views on different subjects. The quality of the content is, therefore, questionable; thus, not applicable for my research in English. This finding also explains that the claims posted are indeed questionable. As opposed to scholarly articles, Wikipedia contains shallow information that uses headings to lure the users into using their site and applying their findings. At times, the facts presented in the page may not be required, such as a  historical background to merely all topics, and the rest of the information is not provided (Wikipedia 2015).  

Captain Corellis Mandolin Essay Example for Free

Captain Corellis Mandolin Essay Carlo asserts War is a wonderful thing, in movies and in books. By close reference to the novel, explore how war shows people at their worst and their best. The novel Captain Corellis Mandolin, written by Louis De Bernieres in 1994, explores humanity; we sigh at their suffering as they are ripped apart and forever changed by war.1 The quotation in the title is spoken by Carlo quite early on in the novel, at the end of chapter 15, titled LOmosessuale (4). He is referring to the idea that war is repeatedly shown to be patriotic, heroic, and indeed wonderful especially in film and literature. However, from Carlos experiences in Albania, he knows the true reality of war, as he has seen and experienced the suffering. We can trace Carlos progression of thought through his personal chapters; all entitled LOmosessuale. He begins saying, How wonderful it was to be at this war(p.119) We hear him describe crossing the foreign border as exhilarating, and he and his comrades view themselves as the new legionaries of the new empire that would last ten thousand years.(p.119) This was his view at the very beginning of war, before he had really experienced any suffering. As he is yet to encounter any conflict, it is likely he has been influenced by the propaganda at the time, organised by the Italian leader, Mussolini. The next quotation is said slightly further on during Carlos experience, How wonderful it was to be at war, until the weather turned against us.(p.120) It is here that we begin to hear of some of the suffering that Carlo and his comrades had to endure, such as we were ten thousand men soaked to the bone(p.120). The real tragedy of war is death, and Carlo has had direct experience of this. He says, War is wonderful until someone is killed(p.122). This is when De Bernieres chooses to use graphic images to show the suffering that Carlo and his comrades endure. I realised that I was covered with gory scraps of human flesh that were freezing fast to my uniform(p.122). Finally, Carlo says the quotation in the title, War is a wonderful thing, in movies and in books on page 124. It is here that Carlo has realised the actuality of war, and can see that this idealised version is fictitious and can only be seen in movie and in books. War scorches a trail through all of their lives. What seems, at the beginning of the novel, like a game, a challenge to manhood, a matter of honour, an occasion for political satire, becomes an appalling reality.2 Carlo asserts that war is shown to be wonderful in movies and in books. However, De Bernieres does not follow this trend, and shows the war for what it is. De Bernieres characters starve and die slowly with their entrails hanging out; he depicts the horror that they have to endure to fight for their country, and the suffering that they are put through. In Albania, Carlo says It was as though a portion of my mind has disappeared, or as though my soul had diminished to a tiny point of grey light(p.138). De Bernieres also shows the gore and bloodshed caused by the war, when he describes the death of Francesco. In chapter 19, LOmosessuale (6), De Bernieres uses Carlos narrative to tell the reader the true details of Francescos death, and then the sanitised version for his mother. As well as this showing Carlos considerate nature, it also confirms that many people did view the war in a very different light from its reality, including Francescos mother. He died on a fine day, Signora, with the sun shining and the birds singing. (He died on a day when the snow was melting and when, beneath that carapace, there were emerging a thousand corpses, knapsacks, rusted riffles, water bottles, illegible unfinished letters drenched in blood) (p.148). Corelli wrote the novel, after falling in love with the Island of Cephallonia, and wanting to inform readers about what happened to this Island during World War II. For this reason, he has depicted a very real and veritable account of atrocities that occurred during the Second World War. Everyone is shot, without regard for rank or role, even the medics and the chaplains.3 However, in the film adaptation of Captain Corellis Mandolin, directed by John Madden, war is viewed in a very different light. De Bernieres has said of the film The problem is that film-makers take out all your good ideas and replace them with a load of stupid ones.4 The depiction of war in the film is very different and many scenes seem to have been watered down5, in order to appeal to far wider audience. The movie has been widely criticised, after changing the story line drastically from a tragic story of the destruction and consequences of war, to a love story between Corelli and Pelagia. Where de Bernià ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½res book makes it clear from the start that war is unforgivingly ugly, for a long time the films only hint of this is a glimpse of Mandrass battle-scarred feet.6 Although much of De Bernieres novel depicts the horror of war, some of the consequences of war are indeed wonderful. Corelli and Pelagia would have never found love without the intervention of war in their lives, and although ultimately war destroys their love, the moments spent together made the war endurable. The prefatory poem at the beginning on the novel shows Louis De Bernieres hinting, even before the novel has begun, that war will be an important theme throughout. The Soldier by Humbert Wolfe describes the waste of war, and the loss of lives and of youth. Links are evident between this poem and Captain Corellis mandolin as they both explore the way in which war has an effect on different people. The presence of war on the Island of Cephallonia has various effects on different characters and can expose peoples flaws and merits. An excellent example of this is the contrast shown between Mandras and Antonio Corelli. Corelli has been drawn into a war that he really has no heart for. You mean youre a soldier by mistake? (p. 206, Pelagia). He has no desires to be a soldier and his character is often seen as anti-military. When giving punishments he does not follow the rules that are expected of him, To everyones surprise the captain pointed his pistol straight into the face of one of the culprits(p.324). However, although he had no intention of doing so, Corelli proves to be an excellent comrade and shows morality throughout the war. This is my morality, I make myself imagine that it is personal(p.351). This is greatly contrasted with the character of Mandras. He has very high expectations about the life of a soldier and feels he has to prove himself to Pelagia and the rest of the Island. He resents those who know more than him, yet does not want to prove himself intellectually, as he believes no man is a man until he has been a soldier(p.80) Carlos assertion that war is wonderful in movies and in books reflects a idealised view of the war. However, Mandras believes that this view was the reality of war and he felt that becoming a soldier would make him more worthy as a man. Ill come back and everyone will say, Thats Mandras, who fought in the war. We owe everything to people like him. He is indoctrinated by what is expected of him, and is predicted to conform. However high Mandras expectations were, the war does not elevate him, it brings him down. During his experiences in war he saw others abuse their power, and now feels he has a right to do the same, The war de-humanises him, and instead of changing him for the better it changes him for the worse. The war in Cephallonia showed the best and the worst in people. In Antonio Corellis case it displays his merits as he has the opportunity to exercise his humanity in the treatment of others. From the beginning of the novel, Corelli is represented as a laid-back, light-hearted leader. Although he has a great talent as a leader, he is very modest and introduces Carlo as one of our heroes, He has a hundred medals for saving life and none for taking it(p.202). He proves himself as an excellent comrade and Captain by being faithful to his men until the very end. There is no honour in this war, but I have to be with my boys(p.392). His introduction of La Scala also shows good comradeship, as it is a humorous and practical solution to having to use communal toilets. This is also a crucial element of the novel, as before they go to join the shooting line up, they sing to maintain their composure. He also shows his forgiving nature when he chooses to forgive Gunter for what he has done. I forgive you. If I do not, who will?(p.397). He says of himself I am not a natural parasite(p.305) and this is seen clearly when he avoids any confrontation with Pelagia. He is uncomfortable about living with Pelagia and her father Tonight I shall sleep in the yard and tomorrow I shall request alternative accommodation(p.204). Corellis fondness for animals is De Bernieres way of showing positive traits in a character. The fact that Corelli is so attached to Psipsina shows that he is an admirable man and the reader feel connected to him. The captain had some engaging traits. He tied a cork to a piece of string, and sprinted about the house with Psipsina in hot pursuitand if the animal happened to be sitting on a piece of music, he would go away and fetch another sheet rather than disturb her(p.250) Corelli also shows fondness for children in his relationship with Lemoni. Although there is a language barrier, the two are able to communicate on a different level, and are able to enjoy each others company. The child was whooping and laughing, and it appeared that what was transpiring was a lesson in Italian. Bella fanciulla, the captain was saying. He was waiting for Lemoni to repeat it. Bla fanshla, she giggled. (p. 211) He also appears to have a very different attitude than other soldiers, when he arrives in Cephallonia with his mandolin strapped to his back, and not a gun, as you would expect from a soldier. The mandolin that was called Antonia because it was the other half of himself. This love for music is another engaging trait that the captain has, and is one of the reasons Pelagia falls in love with him. We also see this originality to his character when Gunter Weber, a german soldier, introduces himself. Weber says Heil Hitler, yet Corelli says Heil Puccini, showing he has a very different attitude to the war, and will not be led by anyone. This again shows his love for classical music, as Puccini was a great composer, whom Corelli was an admirer of. His relationship with Pelagia is clearly one of great love and admiration, however it also contains sexual desires, which are never consummated. Such slender fingers, such pink nails. He imagined them engaged upon amorous and nocturnal things, and realised that he was disturbing Psipsina.(p.259, Corelli) This shows ongoing respect for Pelagia and her father, and also shows Corellis caring and considerate temperament. In contrast to Corelli, the character Mandras is brutalised by war. He believes that war will change him for the better, yet it changes him for the worse. He becomes a victim of propaganda and a victim of his insecurities. Before he leaves for war he tells Pelagia Im a Greeknot a Fascist(p.214) War changes him for the worse as he is very easily led and allows others to influence him. This may have had a positive effect on Mandras if he had chosen Iannis to guide him, yet he chooses Hector, the leader of a branch of the ELAS. Joining this group causes him to abandon his personal values, and this is seen when he whips the old man. Mandras did not even notice that the man had stopped moving, had stopped screaming and whining(p.233). He manages to blank out the emotions that he should be feeling, and begins to enjoy the power he holds over this old man. If you didnt think about what it was, it sounded weirdly beautiful(p.234) After returning from the war, he becomes much more manipulative, especially towards Pelagia and Drosoula. Mandras had begun his exile into inaccessibility by dramatising the idea of death(p.180). Pelagia was convinced that he was doing it on purpose as an act of vengeance or punishment.(p.180). This shows a very cruel side to Mandras that we have never seen before, and it clearly takes the war to bring out this negative side of his character. He has clearly been indoctrinated by the propaganda of the war, and this is seen in chapter 63, when he recites communist slogans. The party is never wrong. Whoever is not with us is against us(p.447) He does not seem to be questioning what he has been told, he just repeats it. He has experienced others abusing their power during his time with the ELAS and now sees this as an approved way of behaving. De Bernià ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½res explores power and its abuse7 He insults and belittles Pelagia after he returns from fighting and tortures her further, even though he should see that she has suffered enough during the war. De Bernieres shows a side to Mandras that readers have never seen before. He represents him as evil and sadistic, and we see Mandras refer to Pelagia as a slut. His morals have disintegrated following his fighting with the ELAS, and feels that he can do whatever he wants. This is due to the fact that the ELAS would make up their own rules for their comrades to follow. The war de-humanises Mandras and he represents the damage that can be inflicted by extreme politics. In Mandras death, De Bernieres wants readers to feel pity for him, as it is clear the communist party has seriously indoctrinated him. He dies as a victim of the war, and a desire to prove himself worthy, and this also evokes compassion in the reader Carlo is a character in the novel who shows how war can bring out the best in people. He is a very honourable character, and has to live with the secret that he is homosexual. He puts aside his desire for Corelli in order to help the romance between Pelagia and Corelli develop. I have loved you with the same surprise and gratitude that I see in your own eyes when you are with Pelagia(p.384). He shows true bravery in front of the firing squad when stepping in front of Corelli to save his life. Antonio Corellihad found in front of him the titanic bulk of Carlo Guercio(p.399). De Bernieres uses Carlos narrative in the chapters entitled LOmosessuale, and this allows the readers to sympathise further with the silent suffering that Carlo has to endure during the war. His writings are eloquently written and his language is poetic and beautiful, showing the gentle side to his character. He died on a fine day, Signora, with the sun shining and the birds singing.(P.148, Carlo) Father Arsenios was saved by the war(p.292). De Bernieres absolves Arsenios after the war and liberates him from his former self. However, the characters perceive him as a mad man and cannot see that war has brought about his finest hour. He is referred to as the crazy priest yet he feels he is a saviour and it is probable that, had he lived, Arsenios might have become a saint(p.295). De Bernieres chooses to depict war in a graphic and realistic light in his novel, Captain Corellis Mandolin. Although in many films or books war is shown to be wonderful, this idealised version is proved wrong in De Bernieres novel, as he shows the suffering that the soldiers were forced to endure. He shows that the war has different effects on different people, and it can expose their faults or their merits. Mandras is forever changed by the war, as he returns indoctrinated by the communist party. His death proves that his natural environment is the sea, where he can be accepted and does not have to prove himself. In contrast Corellis merits are shown to be more prominent as the war develops, and also as his love for Pelagia develops. The reader is drawn to the character of Corelli, even though he is an occupying soldier, as he shows compassion, kindness and respect during his time in Cephallonia.