Capital Punishment Should be Abolished - 883 Words

Capital punishment is the punishment of death for a crime given by the state. It is used for a variety of crimes such as murder, drug trafficking and treason. Many countries also have the death penalty for sexual crimes such as rape, incest and adultery. The lethal injection, the electric chair, hanging and stoning are all methods of execution used throughout the world. Capital punishment has been around since ancient times; it was used in ancient Rome, and one of the most famous people to be crucified was Jesus Christ. Capital punishment is now illegal in many countries, like the United Kingdom, France and Germany, but it is also legal in many other countries such as China and the USA. There is a large debate on whether or not capital†¦show more content†¦Joanna Yeates was an architect who was only 25 years old when she was murdered. Her murderer, Vincent Tabak, was described by Yeates’ family as not showing any remorse for his actions, and her family released a sta tement that said â€Å"For us, it is with regret that capital punishment is not a possible option for his sentence.† They wanted justice to be served for Joanna, and believed this would only be possible if her murderer received the death penalty. However, because it is illegal in the UK, Tabak received a punishment of being jailed for life for at least 20 years. Thirdly, capital punishment is believed to be morally right as there is no risk of a prisoner escaping if they are sentenced to death. When dangerous prisoners escape, the lives of nearby citizens are put in danger; this wouldn’t be the case if the prisoner received the death penalty. On 17 September 2012, 131 inmates escaped from a Mexican prison. Many of these inmates were highly dangerous, and the lives of nearby people were put in danger. If capital punishment were legal in Mexico, some of these inmates may have received the death penalty, not escaped and therefore not put anyone in danger. On the other h and, many believe the death penalty should remain illegal in Britain and be made illegal all over the world because there is no proof to support the theory that it acts as a deterrent. The murder rate in death penalty states in the USA is higher than theShow MoreRelatedCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished965 Words   |  4 PagesHaesemeyer Advanced Studies English 9 7 April 2017 Capital Punishment Over the centuries, capital punishment has fallen in and out of public support. In several countries, the practice has been overruled by law. In others, it is simply not exercised. More than half of U.S. states still practice capital punishment for capital crimes. Often, innocent people are sentenced to death because of circumstantial evidence. Capital punishment should be abolished in all fifty U.S. states because of the severalRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Not Be Abolished1541 Words   |  7 Pagestime, if a person committed a severe crime, like murder or rape, they were executed to maintain peace in the community and to bring comfort to those who knew the victim. Capital punishment has been used in almost every part of the world, but in the last few decades many countries have abolished it. The issue of capital punishment has been a sensitive topic for nations attempting a careful balancing act between prisoner’s rights and legal defense teams and society’s la ws on cases of extreme gravityRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Not Be Abolished901 Words   |  4 Pagesgovernment (â€Å"Capital Punishment in the United States†). Capital punishment is being debated all over the world whether it is murder or justice for the crime they have committed. Statistics show that murderers often kill again after releasement from prison. The Bureau of Justice gives relevant statistics pertaining to murderers who were released from prison: in 1994 40.7% of murderers were arrested for a new crime within three years of release (United States Department of Justice). Capital punishment shouldRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished1115 Words   |  5 Pagesjail time, house arrest, and/or having to pay fines. Crimes that are severe can lead to greater punishment, like spending life in prison. The most severe crimes can lead one to an equally severe punishment known as capital punishment. Capital punishment is the authorization to kill someone fo r the crime he or she has committed. Capital punishment, commonly referred to as the death penalty, should be abolished in all states because it can put innocent lives at risk, it costs millions of dollars each yearRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Not Be Abolished750 Words   |  3 PagesCapital Punishment Should Not be Abolished There are many reasons why the United States of America keeps capital punishment. These reasons include the deterrence theory, the idea of retribution, cost of prisons, and general safety of the public. First of all, I’m sure that you have heard of the deterrence theory. Deterrence is basically the fear of punishment; and even though it doesn’t prevent all crimes, the results are still undeniable. The deterrence theory is when criminals thinkRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished1137 Words   |  5 PagesThe case for capital punishment Topic: why capital punishment should continue General purpose: To argue Specific purpose: my main aim is to convince the audience that capital punishment should be upheld. In other, the advantages of capital punishment outweigh its disadvantages. Introduction Capital punishment is also known as death penalty and it has been in existence since time immemorial. Throughout history, the death penalty has been used to punish a number of crimes that include murderRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished1955 Words   |  8 Pagesit has become apparent that capital punishment should be abolished worldwide. Around the world, various countries continue to practice this brash, inhumane punishment. The legal system is intended to regulate citizen’s behaviour which aims to provide a smooth functioning society. When someone is sentenced to death, the legal system loses the â€Å"fair† aspect of the proceedings, as under no circumstances is the death penalty â€Å"fair†. Capital punishment should be abolished because it violates Section 12Read MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished1135 Words   |  5 Pagesname -unknown. Nobody should ever have to hear these words. Especially coming from their own state the one that is supposed to protect their rights no matter what. Capital punishment should be abolished from the United States. The number one goal of the constitution is to protect the life of an individual and the death penalty passes by this. The death penalty is an easy way out of the crime, it is expensive, philosophers and even psychologists disagree with capital punishment and most important itRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished Essay1293 Words   |  6 PagesApproaching the topic of capital punishment is difficult when looking at society as a whole. In the opinion stated by my class group, capital punishment should be entirely abolished due to the possibility of mistakes while sentencing. This idea relies on the basis that capital punishment has absolutely no purpose or benefit. Members of my group mistakenly used a utilitarianist point of view to argue their case, even though this view can be stretched to fit almost any argument. This paper will exploreRead MoreCapital Punish ment Should Be Abolished1439 Words   |  6 Pagesto outlaw capital punishment in America completely. We are meant to be better and bigger than this then why do w still have this barbaric law in practice it is inhumane, morally wrong and expensive. In my paper I will try to cover the taboo topic of capital punishment and why it should be abolished because if we as a society want to grow and advance in a sophisticated society we must abolish the death penalty all across the land. To begin with I must explain what capital punishment really is and

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as Evil Murderers in William...

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as Evil Murderers in William Shakespeares Play At the start of this play Macbeth is mentioned by witches which doesn’t give him credibility with the audience, whilst soon after Macbeth is seen as a brave, loyal and trustworthy servant of his king, Duncan. Almost as soon as the play starts, you hear of Macbeth’s bravery; â€Å"Brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name†¦Like Valour’s minion.† But soon after he has his meeting with the witches he is already scheming; â€Å"This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill.† One of the central points of this play is the question of whether or not Macbeth would have become so evil if he had not met the witches. In my opinion Macbeth would have†¦show more content†¦Macbeth even has his best friend murdered, but, uncharacteristically baulks at doing the deed himself and hires others to complete his dirty work for him, which also involves murdering a 10-year-old boy, Banquo’s son. However, the news of the escape of Fleance shakes Macbeth to the core. Later on in the play, Macbeth has Macduff’s entire family murdered out of spite for Macduff, which seems very brutal even by Macbeth’s impressive standards. One thing I did notice to be consistent throughout the play was the deterioration of both Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s mental condition. This all starts about the time of the murder of Duncan, when Macbeth sees a mysterious dagger leading him towards Duncan’s chamber, and becomes even more apparent after the murder of Banquo, when Macbeth sees an apparition of Banquo, covered in blood. This could be his conscience. Lady Macbeth also begins to hallucinate and picture her hands covered in blood whilst she still sleeps. There is a lot of such bloody and violent imagery throughout the play. She eventually dies, although Shakespeare omits to mention how, and we are left to speculate. Macbeth becomes increasingly wild and unpredictable and by the end of the play all but the most faithful to his cause, those too stupid to see its doom, and those too afraid to turn traitor against it have abandoned Macbeth inShow MoreRelatedA Comparison of Shakespeares Macbeth and Ru pert Goolds Film Adaptation 954 Words   |  4 PagesWilliam Shakespeare’s masterpiece, Macbeth, is a tragedy brilliantly brought to the 21st Century by Rupert Goold. Although Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a play set in 16th Century Scotland, Rupert Goold modernizes the play by changing the setting to a Soviet-styled country and implementing modern elements into the characters and theme. Although Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Rupert Goold’s film adaptation share many ideologies and a general storyline, a difference exists in the setting, the characters, andRead MoreLady Macbeth Ambition Essay1029 Words   |  5 PagesLady Macbeths own abition is the real driving force behind Macbeths actions Discuss In play Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare’s most dominant and frightening female characters, known for her ambitious nature. As Macbeth’s wife, her role is significant in his rise and fall from royalty. During Shakespearean times, women were regarded as weak insignificant beings that were there to give birth and look beautiful. They were not thought to be as intelligent or equal to men. ThoughRead MoreBlood Imagery in Macbeth Essay1451 Words   |  6 PagesMacbeth is the ultimate story of a fight between the forces of good and evil. It tells the tale of a tragic hero whose quest for power leads to his ultimate downfall. Macbeth starts out as an honorable warrior but changes when his ambition becomes uncontrollable. As he becomes increasingly paranoid, Macbeth uses violent means to eliminate threats to his Scottish throne. As the play progresses, blood continuously plays a part in the events as the murders become more frequent. William ShakespeareR ead MoreThe Start of Evil: Lady Macbeth by William Shakespeare1009 Words   |  5 PagesThe Start of Evil Macbeth is a play written by William Shakespeare in the 1600 century. It is one of Shakespeare’s most well known tragedies, and continues to be studied to this day. It is a dark and gloomy play, as the main character, Macbeth, gets a taste for evil and kills the king of Scotland, King Duncan, in order to become king himself. After this moment there is a rapid increase of evil in him, as he starts to kill more and more people who upset him or are a threat to the throne. One ofRead MoreThe Butcher and His Fiend Like Queen in William Shakespeares Macbeth765 Words   |  4 PagesThe Butcher and his Fiend like Queen in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth Introduction At the end of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Malcolm refers to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as: This dead like butcher and his fiend like queen, when he was crowned as new king of Scotland. In Malcolm’s eyes, the Macbeths are just that, cruel murderers who stole away the throne from him and his father. A butcher can be described as someone who kills, or have people killed unnecessarily or brutally. A fiend canRead MoreMacbeth, By William Shakespeare1243 Words   |  5 PagesIn William Shakespeare’s â€Å"Macbeth†, the author portrays the main character Macbeth as a very tortured and flawed individual whose actions only serve to further unravel him. He is conflicted and power hungry, which drives him to perform evil murders and become a ruthless person. Macbeth’s moral compass is not resilient enough to withstand his wife’s manipulations and he is provoked to act on his malicious thoughts of murder. The author explores the terrible effects that a mbition and guilt can haveRead MoreWilliam Shakespeares Macbeth Essay examples1588 Words   |  7 PagesWilliam Shakespeares Macbeth The story of Macbeth on a purely literary level could be appreciated as a fantastically dark story teeming with evil and uncertainty and the blind ambition of a blood thirsty warrior. However one would have to merely scratch the surface to discover that it is bursting with periodical references to political and social foundations of Shakespears and James I era. Shakespeares blend of the subliminal political and social references complimentRead More The Dramatic Significance of Act 3 Scene 4 of The Banquet Scene of William Shakespeares Macbeth1669 Words   |  7 PagesBanquet Scene of William Shakespeares Macbeth Throughout this scene we can see that both versions have been created to show the best interpretation of the play Macbeth. Polanskis version is more realistic but I feel that it does not show the play in the way in which Shakespeare had intended as this version was created by a film producer who had added extra scenes and changed lines for some of the characters. He also used special effects which made the play more of a viewingRead MoreOlivia Murillo. Mr. Ortiz . English 12. February 27, 2017.1124 Words   |  5 Pages12 February 27, 2017 Comparison of Macbeth and Throne of Blood Shakespeare’s play, â€Å"The Tragedy of Macbeth† and the 1957 movie Throne of Blood are similar in the way the power struggles first commence. As the old saying goes, â€Å"behind every great man, there is an even greater woman.† When a man has potential it is usually his partner that is right there beside him, pushing him towards greatness. That is where Asaji and Lady Macbeth’s character comes into the play and movie. Both female characters areRead MoreEssay on Images and Imagery in Macbeth939 Words   |  4 PagesImagery in Macbeth      Ã‚  Ã‚   Darkness, disorder, mayhem, fear, guilt, and hypocrisy are all important themes carried throughout William Shakespeares Macbeth by the effective use of imagery in reference to ill-fitting clothing, blood, and light verses dark. Imagery in this play tiptoes its way though every scene to create a malevolent atmosphere of shame and false pretenses.    The contrast between light and dark during Macbeth clearly relates to the conflict between good and

Thorn Queen Chapter Twenty-One Free Essays

I woke up the next morning, lying on top of my covers, with sunlight streaming in through the eastern windows. It was barely sunrise, but already the air was warming up. It was, as the saying went, going to be a hot one. We will write a custom essay sample on Thorn Queen Chapter Twenty-One or any similar topic only for you Order Now If I truly was connected with the land, I wondered what a heat wave said about my mood. Was it indicative of my preparedness for battle? I squinted up at the play of sunlight on the stone ceiling, unsure of that question, just like so many lately. With a sigh, knowing I needed to get up, I rolled over and came face-to-face with Kiyo. I yelped in surprise. His dark chocolate eyes were open, wide awake. I think he’d been watching me while I slept. He smiled that sexy, smoky smile of his, eyes crinkling slightly. He was bare-chested, clad only in navy blue boxers. â€Å"When did you get here?† I asked. â€Å"I didn’t notice a thing.† â€Å"I know,† he said. â€Å"You were sleeping pretty heavy. Didn’t even budge when I slid into bed.† He rested a hand on my hip and slid it along my bare leg. I’d fallen asleep in a T-shirt. Seeing his eyes and feeling his hand on my skin warmed something in me. Surely all would be right in the world-worlds, even-so long as I had Kiyo. There was just something so overwhelmingly strong and secure about him, a steadiness in the midst of that dangerous sex appeal. I reached out and touched the side of his face, a bit surprised at just how happy I was to have him here with me. â€Å"I didn’t know for sure that you’d come,† I admitted. â€Å"Eugenie, how can you think that?† He continued stroking my leg, but his other arm pulled me close. â€Å"I said I would. I won’t let you go into danger alone.† â€Å"I know you don’t approve of some of the things I do. Roland doesn’t. We had a huge fight.† Kiyo kissed my forehead, then my nose, and then my lips. â€Å"He’s worried about you. I am too. But I understand what you have to do here and why you want to help these people.† I looked at him and felt something lighten up within me, some lonely and aching part that so desperately needed someone to get me. Before, I’d felt like Dorian could. I prayed Kiyo was able to as well. â€Å"You do?† â€Å"Yes.† He kissed me again, his mouth warm and searching. The hand that had been on my leg moved up to my breast. â€Å"I know what it’s like to live in two worlds. You’re brave and do what you think is right, and I’m not going to let anything happen to you,† he breathed in my ear. â€Å"Neither are any of the people gathered downstairs.† He moved his mouth back to mine, but I wiggled out. â€Å"Wai-what? Who’s gathered?† He gave a half shrug, hands still roving over my body. â€Å"Everyone. Rurik’s got the guards there. Jasmine’s up and cuffed. Even Dorian’s here.† I sat up. â€Å"Kiyo! We have to get downstairs then. We can’t-ah.† He’d moved one hand up my inner thigh-up, up, and up. â€Å"We’ve got time.† â€Å"No†¦we†¦don’t,† I managed as his fingers moved in and out of me. For a moment, I thought of how Dorian had done almost exactly the same thing, but then I shoved the memory away. â€Å"They’re waiting†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Five minutes, Eugenie,† Kiyo murmured. His other hand shoved up my shirt, and he leaned down to kiss one of my breasts, slowly moving on to suck the nipple, harder and harder. I flinched slightly at the feel of his teeth, and he lifted his face up. â€Å"I’ve missed you, Eugenie, no matter what else you think. I’ve missed you and I love you.† He slid his fingers out of me, and I whimpered at their loss. He smiled. â€Å"And I think†¦I think maybe you missed me too†¦Ã¢â‚¬  And with no other preamble, he rolled me over to my knees and moved up behind me. I don’t know when his boxers came off, but suddenly, he was in me, hard and swollen and grunting with each thrust. I gripped the sheets with my fists, keeping my body arched for him so that he could take me even deeper. His hands clutched my hips, letting him bury himself as far as he could go. I moaned and tipped my head back, my body wanting to take more and more of him into me. Leaning his body over mine, he reached forward and managed to cup my breasts without breaking his rhythm. His fingers caressed them, thumbs rubbing against the erect nipples. The sensations in my body were dizzying, every piece of me feeling like it was on fire. At last he shifted back to his kneeling position and returned his hands to my hips, giving him the best position to fully take me. His strokes grew even harder and faster, shoving himself into me with such force that I could hear our bodies hitting each other. With a great groan, his nails dug into my hips and his whole body jerked as he came. Hands still tight on my hips, he held himself there for several moments, taking his full release. Finally, he pulled away and collapsed onto the bed. Flipping over, I sprawled beside him. â€Å"Okay,† I gasped. â€Å"Now I think I’m ready to fight some demons.† I don’t think anyone really noticed that Kiyo and I had just had sex when we came downstairs. Mercifully, it didn’t even rain. If anyone suspected anything, it was Dorian, with that uncanny way he had of reading people. The guards were drawn up in formation outside, but Dorian was in the parlor sipping tea with Shaya while Ysabel all but sprawled on his lap. Girard was there as well, testing the weight of Dorian’s old sword while Dorian himself studied the drawing of the new sword. â€Å"Eugenie,† said Dorian, arching an eyebrow. â€Å"Don’t you look radiant this morning. Why, you’re positively glowing.† Ysabel scowled at his praise. â€Å"It’s the leather,† I said, tugging self-consciously at my shirt. I’d argued against needing armor, but Shaya had nonetheless obtained a sleeveless top for me made of lightweight leather, good for deflecting blades. It wasn’t porn-star leather or anything, but it wasn’t something I was used to. â€Å"And this,† Dorian continued, pointing to the drawing, â€Å"is exquisite. Thank you.† â€Å"What is it?† asked Kiyo. â€Å"A sword from legends. One to slay evildoers everywhere. Eugenie’s having it made for me.† Kiyo gave me a wordless look that was nonetheless full of questions. â€Å"It’s a thank-you gift. Dorian’s done me a lot of favors lately,† I explained. â€Å"I assure you,† said Dorian straight-faced. â€Å"I take as much joy in the giving as you do in the receiving.† â€Å"Okay,† I said hastily. â€Å"Are we good to go? I saw the guards out there. I’d like this done sooner rather than later.† The biggest impediment turned out to be Ysabel, who threw her arms around Dorian and begged him to be careful. He patted her hastily on the shoulder, assuring her he’d be fine. His eyes were impatient, though, and he didn’t look back when he strode out with the rest of us. Poor Ysabel. I was almost starting to feel bad for her, despite her hopes that I wouldn’t come back. She really was nothing more than a bed warmer to Dorian, and while most of his women knew that, she just couldn’t accept it. Jasmine was ready as well, still bound and looking angry. Volusian was with us, and he had standing orders to subdue her if she tried anything-which I felt pretty sure she would. Unfortunately, I also needed Volusian to fight demons, which meant he couldn’t watch her all the time. None of us could, and I was going to have to do some tricky maneuvering to keep the gun on her while still attempting banishing. Kiyo frowned disapprovingly when he saw her, more so when she had to be helped on to her horse. â€Å"This is wrong, Eugenie,† he said softly, once we were all riding. He was going in human form today. â€Å"Which part? Bringing her or keeping her prisoner?† â€Å"I don’t like any of it.† â€Å"What happened to you saying you understood the choices I have to make?† I hissed. â€Å"Was that just to score sex?† Dorian had ridden up on my other side. I had no doubt he’d heard the sex comment, but he didn’t acknowledge it. â€Å"How would you suggest she handle it then? Let the girl go?† â€Å"No,† Kiyo said, giving Dorian a dark glance. â€Å"But there are more humane ways of dealing with her.† â€Å"I gave Jasmine her own room and got her better cuffs! What else can I do?† I asked. â€Å"I don’t know,† admitted Kiyo. â€Å"Then don’t criticize if you can’t offer a solution,† said Dorian. â€Å"It’s easy to want peace and love in hypothetical situations-then reality sets in, and sometimes we have to do what’s ugly.† â€Å"I don’t recall asking for your input here,† snapped Kiyo. â€Å"As it is, Eugenie, you’ve got a hard choice ahead.† Dorian was speaking like Kiyo wasn’t even there. â€Å"What are you going to do when you’ve finally taken care of this rabble? What will you do with the prisoners?† I shrugged. â€Å"Send them off to work details.† â€Å"Even their leader, Cowan? The one who summons these demons? Surely you don’t want him out and about, even if it is digging ditches.† â€Å"Don’t listen to him,† said Kiyo. â€Å"He’s baiting you. There are prisons, even in the Otherworld. You can send him there if he survives.† â€Å"A charming act of mercy, no doubt,† mused Dorian. â€Å"One that will terrify future enemies.† â€Å"I’m not going to kill everyone who gets in my way,† I exclaimed. â€Å"I’m not my father, no matter how much you want me to be.† â€Å"I wouldn’t quite say that’s what I want,† chuckled Dorian. â€Å"But as a leader, you need to make examples sometimes.† â€Å"Mercy’s not a horrible thing,† I argued. â€Å"Storm King never showed any,† said Kiyo. â€Å"Indeed,† agreed Dorian. â€Å"And I just want to make sure his daughter doesn’t show too much. You aren’t the only one who protects her, master kitsune. We all just do it in different ways.† â€Å"Enough,† I ordered. Rurik was drawing the group to a halt up front, meaning it was time to go on foot. I was grateful, seeing as I was getting sick of listening to Kiyo and Dorian’s pissing contest. Just like before, we went on foot, the whole experience giving me a strange sense of deja vu, even though the bandits had changed location. I also had odd recollections of the time I’d defeated Aeson. Dorian and Kiyo had been with me then, about as thrilled to be with each other as they were now. Shaya had been there too, but Rurik had nearly had a fit when she offered today, and I couldn’t help but recall Girard’s words. I certainly hadn’t had an army at my back when we’d gone after Aeson. Rurik sent men with a knack for moving stealthily to scope out the camp and dispatch any enemy scouts. The waiting made me restless, and a tense silence settled over everyone. I glanced at Jasmine, still bound. I wouldn’t uncuff her until the last possible moment and still didn’t trust her. â€Å"You know what you have to do?† I asked her. She’d been staring off thoughtfully at the guards ahead, taking in the sloped land and scattered pines. Probably planning her escape, I thought ruefully. Like before, these brigands had chosen the best cover they could find in this barren land. She turned to me, immediately putting on her standard scowl. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"And you know what’ll happen if you try anything?† â€Å"Yes.† Pure malice looked at me from her eyes. â€Å"Good,† I said, shifting my hold on the gun. Her eyes flicked briefly to it, and if it scared her, she made a good show of still looking defiant. â€Å"I hope you hold true to your word,† murmured Dorian, walking up to me. â€Å"Stop poisoning her,† growled Kiyo. â€Å"And both of you let me make my own decisions,† I said. The scouts returned shortly thereafter, giving us the all-clear. We headed toward the encampment, circling it and descending in full force. Thankfully, no one announced our presence, and we had a brief element of surprise before the bandits mobilized. I unfastened Jasmine’s cuffs, hoping I wasn’t making a mistake. My right hand firmly held the gun against her back-holding it to her head had seemed a little too cruel-while the left held my wand poised and ready. Kiyo and the other fighters were going in for the hand-to-hand combat while the other magic users and I stayed back and waited-not that I intended to use magic today. I was strictly in shamanic banishing mode. And there they were. A deep swell of magic permeated the air, and fiery forms materialized on the far side of the camp. I saw Rurik’s gaze travel to the spot they’d come from, his attention not on the demons but on what was potentially the demons’ summoner. Circling around, he headed toward that area. The demons were my job. I nudged Jasmine with the gun. â€Å"Do your thing. Volusian-attack.† I held my breath, wondering what Jasmine would do. A moment later, I felt magic well up in her, a magic similar to my own but with a slightly different feel. Some part of my brain tried to grasp it, hoping I could learn it for later. The rest of me watched as there was a ripple in the air-an opening to the Underworld. Two forms stepped out from the slash in our world. Much like the water elemental from the other night, these two demons were composed of water, sloshing with each step yet maintaining a solid form. They were bigger than the elemental, though, adorned with horns and glowing yellow eyes. â€Å"Only two?† I exclaimed. â€Å"There are five of the others!† Jasmine didn’t respond but held up her hand like a conductor drawing a powerful note from her musicians. For a heartbeat, I wondered if the water demons would come charging toward us. They didn’t. Their attention turned to the fire demons, their ancient enemy from the Underworld. Nearby, Dorian was wielding magic of his own, ripping up the earth from underneath the fire demons so that they stumbled and sank into great holes, making them easy prey. â€Å"Demons aren’t that easy to summon,† he said in her defense, eyes on his handiwork. â€Å"In fact, this will be it for the fire demons. There’s no way that man can summon any more. I’d be surprised if he’s still conscious.† Well, that was something. Jasmine’s servants had two of the fire demons in a deadlock, which meant none of them were going after my people. Volusian was making good work on one of the demons as well, though the other two were rampaging forward. It was time for me to step up. I drew up the human power I’d used my entire life, the power that was based on will and not emotion like gentry magic. My wand focused it, and I sent it out toward one of the loose fire demons, encircling him and summoning up the strength of Persephone to open up a way to the Underworld and suck him back. He sensed the banishment happening, and I felt his power surge as he tried to fight it. I steeled up my own strength, and what seemed like a land mine suddenly went off near him, showering him in dirt and rock as he stumbled. Thank you, Dorian. The Underworld opened up, and the demon dissolved back to his domain, unable to fight my strength. And like the last time I’d fought these guys, the power required for that banishing took a lot out of me. Surveying the rest of the battle, I saw with pleasant surprise that one of Jasmine’s water demons had defeated a fire demon. That water demon had then joined his partner, and it appeared as though they would make quick work of their target. Kiyo and the other soldiers were doing a good job of killing or subduing the rest of the bandits. I turned back to the fire demons, assessing my next strategy. One was unengaged and starting to move toward my soldiers. This banishment was going to be harsh. I drew up all my strength and repeated the process, calling out to Persephone and reciting the words to send the demon back to the Underworld. It distracted him from my soldiers, and he started lumbering toward me. Fuck. â€Å"He. Is. Coming,† said Jasmine stiffly. I couldn’t see her face with my gun to her back but got the impression she was as strained as I was. â€Å"Yeah, I kind of noticed.† He was pushing back at me with his own strength of will. I clenched my teeth. No, no. I am stronger. I am Storm King’s daughter. I needed another distraction to slip him up, but everyone else was busy. Dorian’s attention was on the demon that Volusian battled. That demon was moderately stronger than my minion, but seeing that Volusian couldn’t really die†¦well, it made it hard to destroy him. So, neither was gaining ground until Dorian used some of his magic to attack the demon with a nearby chunk of rock, letting Volusian move in for the kill. My demon was still approaching, and I needed a distraction of my own. Iron didn’t dampen my powers anywhere near as much as it did Jasmine’s, but it could sometimes affect me a little. I could still work my gentry powers while in contact with it, but it was easier without. In an act I was certain I’d regret, I dropped the gun and immediately called upon my storm magic. I would have given anything to blast this demon with lightning, but that was still beyond my control. Instead, I reached up toward the sky, calling on water and air. To my astonishment, I was able to bind them together. Thick, leaden clouds formed, whirling into a weak funnel cloud that descended on the demon. It was the most powerful force of weather I’d ever-consciously-summoned, and it knocked the demon over. I couldn’t maintain my hold on it, and the ministorm dissipated instantly. It was enough, though, and I sent out the banishing before he could respond. It felt like my insides were being ripped out, but I managed it, kicking him out of this world. Gasping and woozy, I looked around, realizing there were no more demons left-well, no fire demons at least. The water demons, victorious, were still there-and they were charging toward us. Shit. I realized then what I’d potentially unleashed. I cuffed Jasmine on the shoulder, nearly knocking her over, and reached for my gun. â€Å"I warned you not to try anything,† I cried, pointing the gun at her. â€Å"Send them away!† â€Å"It’s not me,† she exclaimed back. â€Å"I can’t control them!† Stepping forward, I got a good look at her face. She was covered in sweat, skin pale. Dorian had said demon summoning was hard, and the full weight of what I’d done hit me. She’d summoned them but no longer had the power to control them. I had no more strength left for banishing, but I could feel Jasmine still trying to work her magic, weak as it now was. It was impossible to sense every part of what someone else was doing with their magic, but I got a strong feel for hers. These creatures were bound to water. They were part of my domain. Doing my best to mimic her, I joined my strength to hers, sending commands through my magic, willing them to leave this world. They were nearly on us, and I almost laughed at the irony as my own death approached. Then, suddenly, I felt my magic sync up perfectly with Jasmine’s. Control of the demons slipped into place, and they froze. Together, she and I ordered them back, and there was a tear in the fabric of space, an opening to the Underworld. It was almost like a banishing, but not quite. The demons were willingly-well, with our urging-returning, and our magic helped them with the passage. A moment later, they dissolved from our world. After that, I felt like I’d run a marathon. Every part of me ached and was wearied. Yet, as bad as I was, Jasmine was worse. â€Å"I guess blood really is thicker than water,† she whispered in a very bad attempt at a joke. She swayed on her feet, eyes rolling back in her head, and then she collapsed. I barely managed to catch her in my own weakened state, but then stronger arms took hold. Kiyo. He barely had a scratch, and relief poured through me. â€Å"Thanks.† He lifted her easily into his arms. â€Å"Are you okay?† â€Å"Fine,† I said, looking down at my sister-who hadn’t betrayed me after all. â€Å"She’s bad, though. Get her to a healer.† Kiyo hesitated, not wanting to leave me. Then, he gave a quick nod and loped off in that way that was half-human and half-wild animal. Looking around, I saw that the others were rounding up the remaining rabble. My losses looked light. Rurik was leading a man who seemed to be in the same shape as Jasmine. The demon summoner. Dorian was with Rurik and gave me a quick glance. I knew what was in the look. Kill the summoner or not? I gave a sharp shake of my head. Dorian grimaced and then turned back to help Rurik with his prisoner. No one seemed to notice or need me, and I sank gratefully to the ground, waiting for my strength to return. I wondered if I’d be able to call up the magic again that I had used with Jasmine. Trying to piece it together seemed like too much work now, and I contented myself with watching my people work. Then, out of my peripheral vision, I saw movement. I stood up and looked far to my side, toward a stony bluff covered in cacti. A face peered out at me and then ducked back. I knew the face. It was the scarred gentry who’d come to my house the other night. With no further thought, I started to hurry after him. Then, to my astonishment, I paused and did what Rurik would have wanted. A couple of my soldiers were lingering nearby. â€Å"Hey, come here,† I called, gesturing. They immediately followed as I set off at a brisk pace, moving as fast as I could to reach the bluff. When I turned around the side of it, I saw no sign of the gentry warrior I sought. The ground rose sharply here, beginning to turn into foothills reminiscent of the ones near my house in Tucson. The vegetation was thicker, though still a far cry from a true forest. It was mostly cacti, shrubs, and scraggly trees. Going up the small hill was a narrow path, and on impulse, I headed up it in search of my prey. The footsteps of my soldiers sounded behind me, their boots crunching in the gravel. Who was that guy? And why was he here now? Was he one of the bandits? I hadn’t seen him in the fight. Was he some sort of spy, perhaps, which was why he’d come to my house and- Snick. Snick. Two arrows came out of nowhere as we reached the crest of a hill. Each one hit one of my soldiers in the chest, dropping them to the ground. I came to a screeching halt, waiting for my arrow, peering around the trees for the mystery gentry to reveal himself. But he didn’t. Art did. He smiled, stepping forward. â€Å"Eugenie, nice to see you again. You’ve been very busy around here, I hear.† He waved vaguely toward where I’d come from, though my people were nowhere in sight. Eugenie, I thought, you are a fucking moron. Beyond Art, I saw the gentry I’d chased emerge from the cover, along with two others-all wearing leather armor like Jasmine had described. They carried bows and wore red shirts under the armor. â€Å"Roland called me last night and nearly bit my head off about getting you involved in gentry politics.† Art shook his head, amused. â€Å"I wonder what he’d say if he only knew just how involved you were-your majesty.† I was exhausted as hell and devoid of magic. But-I was still human and not without human implements. The gun was still in my hand, and I jerked it up toward him. I needed to distract him until some of my own people came. Fuck. I shouldn’t have come rushing up this hill, even if I had had the sense to bring some backup. The question now was, would the rest of my people notice I was gone? Usually, I could hardly step outside the castle’s door without a dozen people in tow. Art tsked me. â€Å"Would you really do it? Would you really kill one of your own kind? Or are we even your own kind?† Magic suddenly filled the air-familiar magic. Shamanic magic. It encircled me like fog, thick and heavy. Forgetting Art, I turned abruptly around, toward the sound of words being chanted-words I knew by heart. Abigail was standing there, wand in hand. And so help me, she was banishing me. I felt her will shove up against mine, just as I’d grappled with the demons. The world around me began to tear open as a vortex started to pull my essence apart. I fought it, fought it with every ounce of strength I had-but there was just none left to give. When it came to traveling the worlds, crossroads and gateways were the way to go. They made for a smooth transition. Or, one could travel like I often did, journeying to some item imbued with your essence, an item that couldn’t help but draw your soul to it. And rarely, if you had the strength, you could tear open a gateway by force and shove your way into another world. That wasn’t recommended. It hurt like hell. And essentially, that’s what a banishing was-only it wasn’t your choice. It was someone ripping you out of the world and shoving you into another. I felt the fabric of this world open up, felt the unstoppable pull of another. I couldn’t fight it. I tried. I kicked, I screamed, but I was too weak. I felt like I was shattering into a million pieces, sucked into a whirlwind and then, I was gone. How to cite Thorn Queen Chapter Twenty-One, Essay examples

World Cultures free essay sample

Question 4 0 out of 2 points Why did the Baroque artists place elements on a diagonal, not the Renaissance frontal and parallel planes? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: To evoke a sense of depth To produce a sense of action Question 5 2 out of 2 points Why did the orphanage directors hope audiences would be dazzled by the orphans musical performances? Answer Selected Answer: They would donate money to the orphanages Correct Answer: They would donate money to the orphanages Question 6 0 out of 2 points What did Louis XIVs rejection of Berninis plan mark in European culture? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: The end of classically-inspired designs The end of Italian art and architectures dominance Question 7 0 out of 2 points Why was the division between the Council of Trent-rejected secular music and religious compositions less pronounced in Venice? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 8 0 out of 2 points It had a large Protestant population It traditionally had ignored papal authority What Greek myth inspired Monteverdis first opera? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Zeus and Leda Orpheus and Eurydice Question 9 0 out of 2 points How did Fra Andrea Pozzo create the highly dramatic space in Triumph of Saint Ignatius of Loyola? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Foreshortenin g Tenebrism Question 10 2 out of 2 points Why did Bernini decorate the baldachinos grooved columns with bronze vines? Answer Selected Answer: To symbolize the union of the Old and New Testaments Correct Answer: To symbolize the union of the Old and New Testaments Question 11 2 out of 2 points Why can Bachs fugues be viewed as sublime examples of Cartesian rationalism? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Their mathematical clarity Their mathematical clarity Question 12 2 out of 2 points What requirement did the Dutch state place on people in public service? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Be a member of the Dutch Reformed Church Be a member of the Dutch Reformed Church Question 13 2 out of 2 points From where did Europe receive the first load of tulip bulbs? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Turke y Turke y Question 14 0 out of 2 points Of what does a vanitas painting remind the viewer? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 15 0 out of 2 points To enjoy the pleasures of everyday life To focus on the spiritual, not the material Why was Rembrandt so interested in self-portraiture? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: He aimed to document the changes age brought His own face provided the ideal practice subject Question 16 0 out of 2 points What is the meaning of the Dutch word landschap, from which landscape derives? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Geograph y Land form Question 17 0 out of 2 points Why did the Dutch rebel against the Spanish in 1567? Answer Selected Answer: The Spanish opened the dikes, flooding the Dutch farmland Correct Answer: Philip II reorganized their churches under Catholic hierarchy Question 18 2 out of 2 points What might the pearls In Vermeers Woman with a Pearl Necklace represent? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Purit y Purit y Question 19 2 out of 2 points In The Little Street why does Vermeer include a half-whitewashed wall and a mortarfilled cracked faade? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: To show the tensions of domestic life To show the tensions of domestic life Question 20 0 out of 2 points According to Francis Bacon, what were the greatest obstacles to human understanding? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Lack of education and superstition Superstition and religion Question 21 2 out of 2 points Why is Velzquezs Las Meninas (The Maids of considered Honor) such a complex painting? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 22 0 out of 2 points Its competing focal points Its competing focal points What distinction does Anne Bradstreets The Tenth Muse hold? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: The first published book written by a woman The first book of poetry written by a colonist Question 23 2 out of 2 points How was Louis able to maintain such a well-disciplined, loyal army? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: The army was well-supplied and regularly paid The army was well-supplied and regularly paid Question 24 0 out of 2 points Why did the Spanish program to convert the Pueblo to Christianity fail in 1680? Answer Selected Answer: Facing financial crisis, Spain recalled the missionaries Correct Answer: The Pueblo revolted and killed many of the Spanish Question 25 2 out of 2 points On whose work did Nicholas Poussin model his classical approach to painting? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Rapha el Rapha el Question 26 2 out of 2 points Why has the era of Louis XIVs reign come to be known as the Age of Absolutism? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Louis was a strong monarch who exerted power based on divine right Louis was a strong monarch who exerted power based on divine right Question 27 2 out of 2 points What is meant by a Rubenesque figure? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Fleshy and voluptuous Fleshy and voluptuous Question 28 0 out of 2 points Why does Louis XIV wear red high-heeled shoes in Hyacinthe Rigauds portrait? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 29 2 out of 2 points To highlight his royal status To elevate his 54 height Why were the New Spain retablos (altarpiece ensembles) designed to be so extravagant? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: To impress the indigenous people into converting to Christianity To impress the indigenous people into converting to Christianity Question 30 0 out of 2 points Why did Spain enter a period of decline after the death of Philip II? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Philip IV bankrupted the court with his art purchases Severe inflation and a loss of tax revenue bankrupted the court Question 31 2 out of 2 points Why did Hobbes believe that most people willingly accepted a social contract? Answer Selected Answer: To control their instincts and to achieve peace Correct Answer: To control their instincts and to achieve peace Question 32 0 out of 2 points According to Isaac Newton, why does the universe function harmoniously and orderly? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Objects in motion stay that way unless acted upon The sun and planets exert gravitational pulls Question 33 2 out of 2 points Why primarily did James Cook set sail for Tahiti in 1768? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 34 To chart the transit of Venus To chart the transit of Venus 0 out of 2 points Why did John Milton write Paradise Lost? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: To explain why people sin To justify the ways of God to men Question 35 2 out of 2 points To what mythical creature did poet John Dryden equate London in Annus Mirabilis? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Phoeni x Phoeni x Question 36 2 out of 2 points Why did the Lunar Society meet monthly on the night of a full moon? Answer Selected Answer: So they would have light to travel home by Correct Answer: So they would have light to travel home by Question 37 2 out of 2 points Why was Arkwrights waterwheel able to increase textile output? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Looms could operate at much higher speeds Looms could operate at much higher speeds Question 38 2 out of 2 points What commission did Christopher Wren receive during the rebuilding of London? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Fifty-two churches Fifty-two churches Question 39 0 out of 2 points Why did Alexander Pope use heroic couplets for his discourse on ethics, An Essay on Man? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: To conform to the practice of the time To reflect classical balance and harmony Question 40 2 out of 2 points Why was the Great Fire advantageous to London? Answer Selected Answer: Correct Answer: It allowed the citys center to be modernized It allowed the citys center to be modernized Find millions of documents on Course Hero Study Guides, Lecture Notes, Reference Materials, Practice Exams and more. Course Hero has millions of course specific materials providing students with the best way to expand their education.