Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre - A Romantic Ending In An...

Jane Eyre - A Romantic Ending In An Anti-Romantic Novel This paper discusses the ending of Jane Eyre, discussing whether it is a â€Å"good† ending. The paper draws on three criticisms of both the novel and Romantic literature in general to conclude that, yes, it is indeed a good ending because it both fits the prevailing realism of the main character’s worldview, and conforms to the predominant literary trends of the period. The climate in which Charlotte Bronte wrote her magnum opus was one that had almost fully recovered from the rationalist excesses of the Enlightenment. The existing climate had replaced ‘scientific’ realism with Romanticism of the Byronic sort, drawing on the ancient ideals of chivalry and the†¦show more content†¦This stoicism is also an indicator of control – as stoics are in complete control of their emotions, so too is Jane in complete control of her life at the end of the novel. The survival instincts of both Jane and Rochester serve mainly to provide a contrast to the bald melodrama that typifies their declarations of love to each other. Feminist criticism of Jane Eyre concentrates on this aspect of control and the shifting power dynamic between Jane and Rochester throughout the book. What starts out as a retelling of the Electra story ends as an assertion of feminist agency over the domestic fate of both Rochester and Jane. By acquiring an inheritance and overcoming her lowly past as a governess, Jane is able to get the upper hand in her relationship with Rochester, who is not only male, but landed nobility, and thus controls Jane’s health, happiness, and future to a great extent. By the end of the novel, emotion has made the two equals, and rather than Rochester taking Jane to the moon and feeding her manna, making her dependent on him for all her needs (Bronte, 1987:234). Jane states â€Å"Reader, I married him,† in an active declaration of possession out of character for any Romantic heroine (Bronte, 1987: 387). This is absolutely in tune with the rest of her character; Jane has an un-Roma ntic attachment to truth, and a Romantic loathing of hypocrisy that makes her as strong as any Byronic hero. Bronte’s recounting ofShow MoreRelatedJane Eyre : A True Love Story1875 Words   |  8 Pagesand Charlotte Bronte agitated their pieces of work during different times and come from two different backgrounds. Although these things set these two women apart, their use of symbolism can be closely compared to one another. Wide Sargasso Sea, the prelude to Jane Eyre, paints a picture of how accounts and understandings differ from each novel, creating a sense of characters pasts being unavoidable. The Wide Sargasso Sea is an imaginative and innovative rejoinder to Charlotte Bronte’s Jane EyreRead MoreJane Eyre s `` Bad Feminist? Essay1755 Words   |  8 PagesJane â€Å"Bad Feminist?† Eyre Often misconceived as group of females who hate men, spit on the stereotypical feminine archetype (wife, mother, etc.) and toss away social beauty norms (the color pink, dresses, hairless below the eyes), the term â€Å"feminist† seems to be a word that calls for a mouthful of soap. So is not the case for all or any, as the base of feminism is located in equality between sexes, not outer appearance or the way in which one carries him/her/their self. Yet, even in the feministRead MoreEssay on Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice1903 Words   |  8 PagesWuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice Wuthering Heights presents the theme of love within and outside of marriage. This book has a major female character whose marriage conflicts in some way with her ideal of love. Catherines first love is Heathcliff. She falls in love with him as both grow up together. Yet she finds a different kind of love with Edgar Linton. Catherine decides to marry Edgar, who can satisfy her civilized side. When Heathcliff returnsRead More Essay on Social Conventions in Jane Eyre and Hedda Gabler2188 Words   |  9 PagesSocial Conventions in Jane Eyre and Hedda Gabler   Ã‚  Ã‚   Charlotte Brontes novel Jane Eyre and Henrik Ibsens play Hedda Gabler were written within fifty years of each other in the late 1800s. Both Jane and Hedda exist within the same social contexts. They are women of the middle class in European cultures. The fact Jane is penniless through much of the novel does not exclude her from the middle class. Jane and Heddas experiences, education and values all belong to the middle class. Therefore

Military Endeavor in Bosnia free essay sample

Calls for comprehensive reforms were growing, especially from the constituent republics Slovenia and Croatia and the central government became incapable of acting. More and more power was given up to the constituent republics. At the beginning of 1990 the Yugoslavian unity party SKJ (Savez Komunista Jugoslavije) has fallen and majority party elections were established in Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Political Parties were established that functioned mainly in the interest of their ethnical background. Hence the rivalry between the parties for more power developed into an ethno-political rivalry. On June 25 in 1991 Croatia and Slovenia declared their independence. Directly after, armed conflicts started between groups which defended their territorial and the Yugoslav Peoples Army (JNA), the last institution of the SFR Yugoslavia. More and more constituent republics were involved and soon a war started that we will remember as the Yugoslav war that later reached Bosnia, where most of the fighting took place. It was a bloody civil war between neighbors in South Eastern Europe in the late 20 century that was ended too late. Many victims would be alive if the international audience would have been more concerned about its importance of involvement. The United States, as one of the countries, acted too late at the expense of human life. The Bosnian war was a failed humanitarian intervention of the UN, a weak NATO presence and a US policy that planned [†¦] to pursue a U. S. ommitment to Bosnia-Herzegovina that is short-sighted in vision and transparent in end state The ‘symbolic’ presence of the UNO and the early stage of the war In 1991 The United States just ended the Gulf War and hence the majority of the American population didn’t see the point in involving themselves into another war. It was an ongoing dispute of whose responsibility was to intervene in the Bosnian War. George Bush’s policy indicated to use diplomatic initiatives rather than the usage of A merican military force. After being involved in World War I and II the United States saw their mission in Europe completed. There was no more a Soviet threat and the European Community (EC) should be ready to deal with its problems by themselves which was also accomplished by the Maastricht treaty in 1992. The countries in the EC should be stable enough to ensure democracy and peace in Europe. However, the actions that have been initialized by the EC failed. The countries couldn’t find a consensus of working together and using a strategy that would end the war. The Yugoslavian conflict parties arranged, with the initiative of the EC, a plan on June 29th in 1991. The plan provided 3 points which was 1) ceasefire between Slovenia and Croatia and the withdrawal of their armies 2) Slovenia and Croatia should pause with their declaration of independence for 3 month 3) Serbia should give up his resistance towards the new elected Croatian President Mesic Beside the 3rd point all the other attempts to end this war failed. Another failure of the EC was to rush into recognizing Slovenia’s and Croatia’s independence. Bosnia was even rushed to motion its independence between the times of December 16th until December 23rd 1991. A week that was given to consider establishing a country which history is very diverse and complicated. In the late summer of 1991 the Moslem politician Izetbegovic asked the UNO to send observers and a peacekeeping force because he knew what a war would cause in Bosnia. The attempt failed due to the UN principles to intervene when all intern actions failed to prevent a civil war. After the war broke out the UN decided to send 100 and a few month later in June 1992 1. 000 peacekeepers to Bosnia. The modest aim was to ensure a complete defeat of the Moslem population with a minimum of UN forces. NATO In early May 1992 the UN sanctioned Yugoslavia or the parts that still remained Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and a few days later the UN Security Council placed an economic embargo on Yugoslavia. NATO warships were sent to the Adriatic Sea to enforce the internationally established embargo. In October 1992 the UN Security Council decided to forbid any military flights of the warring parties. However, there have been various violations against the flying ban. Therefore NATO decided to start their direct combat mission in the air in April 1994. It didn’t stop the Serbs to take UN peacekeepers and other observant as hostage. Thus the NATO’s first air attacks did not have a great effect for stopping the war. The establishment of ‘UN protected zones’ and the case of Srebrenica The UN protected zones were established mainly for the Muslim population that was surrounded by either Croatian or Serb territory. Building protected zones was another attempt to secure civilians even though they were fairly against the UN principles of impartiality and agreement of all warring parties. The history has shown us that the UN peacekeepers were tricked by the Serbs and the ‘protected zone’ was used to facilitate covert genocide that we know today by the name of The Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995. End of the war After violating the protected zones in Srebrenica and Zepa, NATO decided for massive air attacks on military and logistical targets of the Serbs. Until this moment there have been ten NATO air attacks during the war. It was obvious that this was not enough to end the war. Through another UN Resolution, that was formally not necessary, the UN and NATO decided to intensify their air attacks by almost 2000 attacks in a couple of days. The war ended but it was a very long way for the US to decide the various kinds of intervention. Opinions went from not getting involved at all because the EC should deal with it by themselves to deploying US troops, first for humanitarian or peacekeeping efforts then for United Nations (UN) or NATO military actions, including rescuing UN peacekeepers. According to several polls at the beginning of the war, the Americans would support any of the humanitarian interventions and multilateral agreements. ‘Bosnia reveals that the ‘‘post-Vietnam syndrome’’ was still apparent in the preference of most Americans to stay out of foreign entanglements since the Reagan-era involvements in Central America’. Nevertheless, most Americans were sure that Bosnia won’t be the next Vietnam. Polls also show that interventions should be used if there is a case of genocide. However, it was a long way for the US government to fulfill the peoples will. It was talked too much around and the media used terms such as ‘civil war’ or ‘ethnic war’ to undermine the need of stronger interventions at the beginning of the war. A Presidential term was coming up and the need of actions was put aside regardless of moral principles. In a democratic country that is based on a will of people with representatives elected by the people, a public opinion is a crucial right. If a poll shows that most of the Americans agree with military humanitarian intervention before 1995 why did a hegemonic power, as the US back then, didn’t interfere earlier with more pressure on the International community to act stronger and precisely. A diplomatic intervention in 1992 had a great impact on the course of the war until 1995. The United States has supported the UN resolution of preventing genocide, as it was before declared to be a crime under international law. Sadly neither Bush senior nor Clinton have made efforts to prevent genocide in Bosnia. Samantha Power wrote ‘it is in the realm of domestic politics that the battle to stop genocide is lost. American political leaders interpret society-wide silence as an indicator of public indifference. ’ Not until Srebrenica did the domestic and international politics pushed Clinton into action of interfering with massive military forces which at the end brought the war into an end. ‘Clinton rode into the White House rallying against Bush’s non-interventionist policy and favoring commitments to stop genocide. Facing a re-election year, a time when an administration’s promises are measured against their actual accomplishments, Clinton was particularly sensitive to challenges to his earlier pledges. Dole’s role augmented an explosion of a united media campaign, increasing international pressure for intervention, and the embarrassing fall of a U. S. -backed ‘safe zone,’ aggravating Clinton’s original commitments to put an end to the Bosnian genocide and made the political costs of non-intervention too high for the Clinton Administration to withstand. Because of this conglomeration of pressures, Clinton could follow his own moral convictions and stop the genocide. ’ In conclusion: The US intervention in Bosnia has three significant phases. The first phase included a diplomatic interference at the beginning of the war. It was an European problem. Thus Europeans should deal with it. The second phase was a very modest humanitarian-military intervention (UN and NATO) by the US, in an area where such ‘experiments’ are fatal in the course of the war. The UN ‘peacekeeping master plan’ failed completely for one good reason. No one can heal a huge wound with a simple band aid. After 3 years of a bloody fight and a never ending war what could the hegemonic power US do? Either withdraw its troops and run away and be an audience of a war that might have murdered a whole ethnic group or reinforce and fight. The third phase, which finally ended the war, it was crucial that the US as well as the EC, NATO and the UN realize the importance of a strong military interference which is based on a common consensus. The European Community failed completely to solve its Balkan problem due to self-interests, premature decisions and a lack of a consensus. However not being involved in the war, as some US elites suggested at the beginning of the war because it is an European issue, would have been against the principles of human rights and would have created a humanitarian disaster similar.

Quality and Environmental Management

Appropriate management systems ensure quality and safer structures. The purpose of this report is to evaluate Domhus UK Ltd, a manufacturer of high specification prefabricated houses, various aspects regarding its operations.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Quality and Environmental Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More By analysing various construction management books, journals, and websites, the report discusses the company’s significant environmental aspects, suitable objectives, targets and environmental management programmes, and the relevant auditing arrangements for the integrated management system. Company’s significant environmental aspects The fact that the company manufactures most of its components in a controlled environment reduces the waste of materials and lessens environmental impacts on land and the society. The company can integrate wastes into the construction process rat her than being lost on-site and discarded as landfill. The materials, which are mostly organic, have low embodies energy compared to the materials mined from the earth’s crust (Birkeland 2008, p.104). The reuse of components serves to keep the environment clean with the organic materials, which contain fewer petrochemicals, enhancing a healthier environment especially concerning air pollution (BragancÃŒ §a 2007, p.105). Since onsite construction is minimised, various forms of pollutants that might have been introduced into the environment are avoided. In this regard, health and safety are maintained while at the same time avoiding dirt, which could inconvenience local residents. Furthermore, these practices ensure the protection of the habitats, waterways, and other natural features (Howarth Watson 2009, p.35). The minimisation of the consumption of energy during the construction phase is also beneficial. Suitable environmental programmes The design process should involve a detailed assessment of the construction process to eliminate any problematic health and safety issues within the design (Lowton 1997, p.67). The organising and controlling of the work on site should ensure the observance of environmental safety.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More By observing site-specific retrofitting, prefabricated buildings can considerably contribute to reduced land coverage resource flaws (Schaur 2005, p. 78). Furthermore, constructing prefabricated structures in combination with greenhouse aspects of heating, cooling, and ventilation can be beneficial. High concentrations of the interior environment contaminants can be minimised. Adopting more sustainable principles in the materials and production systems will facilitate more environmentally friendly structures. The prefabricated houses can be designed to achieve high-energy efficiency and thus minimise the consumption of non-renewable resources and ensure appropriate management of the renewable and local resources (Mehta et al. 2008, p.32). Such include the minimisation of the extensive use of air-conditioning. The buildings should be energy efficient and utilise energy from renewable sources by specifying recycled materials (Hawkes Forster 2002, p. 197) Materials such as sandwich-structured composite are appropriate in thermal improvement, sound insulation, and air tightness. The company should avoid the use of prefabrication materials that might have adverse effects on the environment. Concerning the external suppliers, the company should undertake consultations in seeking their input for a safer environment and undertake process of identifying, assessing, and controlling the impacts of its activities (Fryer et al. 2004, p. 81). This relationship should deliver high quality products and services that are environmental friendly (Feld Carper 1997, p. 103). It is appropriate to a dopt a continuous improvement scheme that promotes health and safety and maintain an environmental management system that is relevant to environmental conservation (Chitkara, 1998, p. 93). The company should educate and train its staff in matters of environmental preservation. Moreover, the company should comply with all the relevant legislation and regulations that relate to environmental health and safety and any other industry codes of practice in this regard. This entails the improvement of all the aspects of design, manufacture, hire, installation, and service (Smith 1999, p.48). A regular review of the quality objectives and the management system through self-analysis, customer feedback, and third party verification is vital.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Quality and Environmental Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Auditing arrangements Prefabrication requires significantly diverse capital requ irements, logistic skills, and specialized labour. The capital costs include the costs of importing the prefabricated building segments or the costs of erecting an industrial plant to fabricate the building segments (Harris et al. 2006, p. 64). The logistics involve transporting large prefabricated building segments to the construction site. The logistics become more complex with disperse construction sites, considerably large building segments, and poor road networks and transport systems. With poor planning, the complexity involved in prefabricated construction may cause increased costs that exceed the savings expected from reduced time, labour, and materials (Goodchild 2008, p. 82). A company must cater for alternatives to address any disruptions in the supply of materials and fittings. It must also cater for unexpected problems during the construction process. Proper inspection measures will ensure that faults are avoided as the use of specialized components increases the mainte nance costs and delays any remedial work due to difficulties associated with sourcing. Financial allowance is essential for all residual risk items. The frequency of the auditing process should emphasise on the crucial sections of the company such as the production process (Hughes Ferrett, 2011). A well-structured auditing programme in this regard will give a clear picture of the effectiveness of the production process. Thus, the company can control the risks associated with defective products by making informed decisions. Regarding joint venture examinations, the auditing process should consider the unique issues regarding operation of the joint ventures. Each party should be viewed independently. A proper auditing process should facilitated value management so that the company meets the client business needs in matters concerning time, cost, quality and risk constrains. It should also ensure sustainable construction in terms of social, economic, and environmental aspects (Kay et al. 1989, p.53). Conclusion Appropriate management systems facilitate the realization of a company’s objectives. Both its onsite and offsite operations should address environmental preservation in terms of pollution and energy conservation.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More References Birkeland, J. (2008). Positive development: from vicious circles to virtuous cycles through built environment design. Earthscan: London. BragancÃŒ §a, L. (2007). Portugal SB07 sustainable construction, materials and practices : challenge of the industry for the new millenium. Delft University Press: Amsterdam, Netherlands. Chitkara, K. K. (1998). Construction project management: planning, scheduling and controlling.Tata McGraw-Hill Pub: New Delhi, India. Feld, J., Carper, K. L. (1997). Construction failure (2nd ed.). Wiley: New York. Fryer, B. G., Fryer, M., Egbu, C. O., Ellis, R., Gorse, C. A. (2004). The practice of construction management: people and business performance (4th ed.). Blackwell Pub: Oxford, U.K. Goodchild, B. (2008). Homes, cities and neighbourhoods: planning and the residential landscapes of modern Britain. Aldershot, England: Ashgate. Harris, F., McCaffer, R., Fotwe, F. (2006). Modern construction management (6th ed.). Blackwell: Oxford. Hawkes, D., Forster, W. (2002). Energy efficient buildings: architecture, engineering, and environment. W.W. Norton Co; New York. Howarth, T., Watson, P. (2009). Construction safety management. Wiley-Blackwell: Chichester, U.K. Hughes, P., Ferrett, E. (2011). Introduction to health and safety in construction: the handbook for the NEBOSH construction certificate (4th ed.). Routledge: London. Kay, R. S., Searfoss, D. G., Minter, F. C. (1989). Handbook of accounting and auditing (2nd ed.). Warren, Gorham Lamont: Boston. Lowton, R. M. (1997). Construction and the natural environment. Butterworth-Heinemann: Oxford. Mehta, M., Scarborough, W., Armpriest, D. (2008). Building construction: principles, materials, and systems. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Schaur, C. (2005). Improvement of Buildings’ Structural Quality by New Technologies: Outcome of the Cooperative Activities : Final Report, September 2004. A. A. Balkema: London. Smith, N. J. (1999). Managing risk in con struction projects. Blackwell Science: Oxford. This report on Quality and Environmental Management was written and submitted by user Emery Yang 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.

A Dolls House essays

A Doll's House essays Henrik Ibsens, A Doll House, is a realistic play written in the mindset of realism. Throughout the play, lines of mockery and emphasis are present, giving the audience the feeling of fakeness and showing them a particular depiction of women in the 19th century. It is apparent that Ibsen set out to give a specific character, Nora, a role to play as the stereotypical 19th century woman, continually showing her need for individuality and lack of dependency. This is the main theme in A Doll House. From the first lines of the show, it is clear how Ibsen wants the audience to portray the role of women and continues to use this theme throughout the remainder of the show. As the show progresses, we see a parallel progression in the character of Nora. She has been babied her entire life, not only by her father but now by her husband, Torvald, whom only treats her as a pet, not as a wife. Her main struggle through the play is to find her independency and freedom as an individual. This is difficult for her, however, for she has never had to strain to get anything. Shes always had things handed to her and has always lived an over-comfortable lifestyle. Even through her dialogue, its easy to sense that all of her happiness is fake because she feels like a trapped animal, just living life as its given to her, instead of her taking the initiative to do things for herself. As a result of this upbringing, Nora is materialistic and impulsive. Over the duration of the play, however, the development of Noras character shows the audience that her ways are only a cover for the emptiness she feels each day. In the play, we find out that she secretly negoti ates a loan with Nils Krogstad, in order to pay for a trip to Italy for her husbands illness and recovery. Everyone thinks that Noras father funded the trip, but the audience finds, to their surprise, that it was she who actually paid for it. This...

The Missionary Journeys of Paul the Apostle Term Paper

The Missionary Journeys of Paul the Apostle - Term Paper Example His conversion contributed considerably to the renaissance of Christ. Throughout his missionary journeys, he transformed religious beliefs and philosophy and founded churches all around the Mediterranean world. According to the Biblical background, it is viewed that there were three missionary journeys of Paul, approximately during 48-60 AD. Many Christian scholars believe that Paul walked on foot during his journeys through the city of Israel, Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Greece and Italy. Paul’s missionary journeys cover northwest and the west of Jerusalem and the Mediterranean world of the Roman Empire1. The discussion henceforth reflects the strategies and methods used by Paul in his missionary journeys. Therefore, the discussion focuses on Paul’s three missionary journeys. Furthermore, the discussion also intends to present a brief understanding of the historical, religious and social contexts of his three journeys. Paul’s Missionary Methods and Strategies Paul pr acticed various strategies to spread the Christian faith to places he visited during his missionary journeys. According to Langston, Paul implemented a plan to evangelize the Roman world of Mediterranean, confirming three most significant centers for Judaism as Palestine, Alexandria and Babylon2. Therefore, it can be observed that moving towards the western region, Paul the Apostle strategically evangelized the then less populated areas. Furthermore, for the effective completion of the establishment of early churches, Paul relied on a few number of devotees, on whom he could bestow his complete faith to accomplish the job of evangelism. This group of devotees involved Luke, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Titus and Silas3. Paul the Apostle further established churches under the supervision of ‘older and abler men’, who could conserve the spiritual belief in Christ along with expanding it. Paul’s primary objectives were to create ‘indigenous’ churches with com plete spiritual authority under his own ministry. Paul’s work always highlighted the spiritual bond of union in Jesus Christ. Being the ‘spiritual father’, Paul took the responsibility to supervise these churches, making periodic personal visits. The morality of Apostle Paul can be learnt from the various episodes of his missionary journeys. For instance, to accumulate the necessary finance required for his missionary journey, Paul employed himself during the day as a ‘tentmaker’, avoiding any assistance from his followers and devotees. In every city which Paul visited, he recognized a Jewish ‘synagogue’, which is the prayer house used for the Jews, to develop it as an early church. He also sought out particular Jews whom he identified as ‘God-fearing Gentiles’ who did not want to submit to the Jewish ritualistic requirements and bestowed on them the responsibility of following the rules of the church and spreading the teach ings of Christ which He preached during His ministry all around the region4. Paul’s Missionary Journeys First Journey (48-49 AD) From March of 48 AD to September of 49 AD, Paul initiated his journey along the route of Antioch in Pisidia, Paphos and Salamis in Cyprus, Antioch in Syria, Perga in Asia Minor, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and back to Lystra. His first missionary journey began in Antioch of Syria, where he had to spend a considerable time for the

Financial Management case study 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financial Management case study 1 - Essay Example The inflation component preserves the purchasing power of money (Ross, Westerfield, & Jaffe, 2005). Based on economic reports, a 2.5% inflation rate over the next 5 years would sufficiently account for inflation. The second component of the interest rate is the credit risk. The interest rate offered to customers with poor credit worthiness is higher to compensate for the higher risk of lending to them (Weston, Besley, & Brigham, 1996). Based on the credit rate range established by the credit department, the best customer would be assigned a 1% credit rate. The last component of the interest rate is the profit component. This component is the profit from financing activities of XYZ. Since Shanghai Winters is one of the best customers, this component is not applicable to it. Notice that this interest rate is higher than the 8.0% going rate on a $70,000 five-year note receivable. The higher rate is to compensate for the credit risk of extending credit to such a customer. Also built inside the 8.0% is the profit component, which has not been charged to the best customers.

Romeo and Juliet Essay Essay Example for Free

Romeo and Juliet Essay Essay Two ancient enemies now united through a sole cause   Foes for an age, maybe longer. Antediluvian hatred stemming from an unknown, long-forgotten beginning. All this envy, all this revulsion, building and boiling, amassing and gathering for a thousand eras ended in the setting of four suns.  So, are these not happy times in which we now reside? Are the peoples of fair Verona joyous and liberal under the united houses of Montague and Capulet? I say not. Instead of a peace filled with elation and euphoria, there is a darker, solemn peace which hangs over the city like a cloud of smoke, encapsulating every citizen, engulfing them with sorrow and mourning; for the dusty veils of the local tombs are freshly lifted, and inside lay the youthful bodies of five untimely slain teens.   But now as the people of Verona weep for their lost citizens, so do the Heavens, as if in mourning for those who have since left us. But falling upon the citys clay roofs are not just tears of sorrow, but tears of rejuvenation. Tears that are set to wash away the troubled times that have stained the air of the streets for generations too long, leaving the clean, freshness of a city being reborn under united powers. I, Friar Lawrence, was sworn into the Franciscan Order nearly a generation before that fateful day. On that day I pledged to aid and protect those who are haunted by the ghosts of their sins, and the phantoms of their indecisions. For many annums I have done that very things which I swore to, from the rising till the setting of Gods sun on every date, did I serve Him, and abet His loyal followers in any way I could.  So whatever did I do to anger Him? Why did He, on this day of any, choose to make my decisions so ill, and let me bring an end to the days of so many, who have had so few? Why did He, after all my fidelity and allegiance, not intervene, and stop Fate laying his demoralizing hand on the shoulders of my Romeo, his only love, and those so close to them both?  O Lord, please forgive my folly thoughts. Never for any moment of any eternity would I question your ways, perplexing as they may be. Maybe those chosen few were too good for this place, and as shall those star-crossed lovers be in the city centre of Fair Verona, sculpted in Gold, for all to witness and perceive, you too have immortalised them with you, their Heavenly Father. Even if that is not so, you, ruler of all the worlds, should not have to intercede with your creation of man every time he leaves his clumsy, feeble arms open to the embrace of Fate, and Death. It is for us, as people, to shelter ourselves against the chill of ill-being and the frosts of inanity. And it is my post, as priest, to spread this knowledge to the innocence and naivety of the Veronian people. So it is I who has failed. Failed myself, failed you, my Lord, and failed those who are now at your side. And for it I should pay. Never once would I complain if when I am to pass away, instead of allowing me to meet and ask forgiveness from fair Romeo explain my rash, careless, unplanned decisions, you damn me to the fiery, harsh unforgiving home of all that is corrupt, and make me confess my stupidities to Beelzebub himself.  I fear too early; for my mind misgives some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, shall bitterly begin his fearful date with nights revel and expire the term of despised life, closed in my breath. Those were the words Romeo told me he spoke. Outside the Capulets party I think he said. He told me he was suddenly overcome by anguish and sorrow, that he may be victim to the cruel, icy emptiness of an premature departure. I wonder if he realised how early it was to dawn? Poor Romeo trusted me and I betrayed him. When he was forsaken by his true love Rosaline, was it not me who he sought? And then when that frail juvenile adore was shattered by the newfound mature love for Juliet, once again did he seek me for help.  And yes, I did agree to join them in matrimony. Yes, I broke my oath, and destroyed everything the priesthood stands for by carrying out those nuptials, but was I really wrong? Is it really flawed to do what you can to help a young boy, so sick with love he cannot think clear over the thunder of his heart? Maybe I should have turned him away, told him to get a hold of himself. These violent delights have violent ends and in their triumph die, like fire and powder, which as they kiss, consume. Were the words I spoke, but should I have said them with more meaning? With more belief? After all, he had only just met this fair queen of whom he wished to marry. But his eyes told a different tale. In a single gaze I could see that young boys heart, and that young boys soul. This was not just another reckless engagement. He loved this lady more than the earth, and he would as long as the stars shone in the sky, and the rivers flowed in the valleys.  So maybe what I did wasnt advised by my Order and my Book, but it was advised by my heart. And all I ever hoped to attain was peace for the two houses For this alliance may so prove to turn your households rancor to pure love were the world I spoke to the houses; too long tormented by the rage they felt for one another to ever seek a rational concession. And now that is what I have. But they are not aligned behind the joyous, merriment of a wedlock, but the bleak emptiness of an early funeral.  And was that not the only fallacious choice I made during those last frightful days? I can now only wish. For not only did I bring those children their most happy hour, for I also gave them their most dreadful; their last.