MEXICAN MANUFACTURING SECTOR

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

When NAFTA implementation began nine years ago, it created the world's largest free trade area, which now links 406 million people producing more than US$11 trillion worth of goods and services. The dismantling of trade barriers and the opening of markets has led to economic growth and rising prosperity in all three countries.

These effects should be greatest in Mexico, the least developed of the three.

This report reflects a perspective of NAFTA, the recent developments in the Mexican manufacturing sector, and analysis of the business situation in Mexico pre and post NAFTA in the manufacturing sector.

CHAPTER

NAFTA

NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement is a trilateral trade agreement between Canada, the USA and Mexico allowing the free flow of products and services between countries. Mexico became a signatory to the agreement in 14.

According to Article 10 of the NAFTA, the objectives of this Agreement, as elaborated more specifically through its principles and rules, including national treatment, most-favored-nation treatment and transparency, are to

• Eliminate barriers to trade in, and facilitate the cross-border movement of, goods and services between the territories of the Parties;

• Promote conditions of fair competition in the free trade area;

• Increase substantially investment opportunities in the territories of the Parties;

• Provide adequate and effective protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in each Partys territory;

• Create effective procedures for the implementation and application of this Agreement, for its joint administration and for the resolution of disputes;

• Establish a framework for further trilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation to expand and enhance the benefits of this Agreement.

The proposed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) aims at reducing and ultimately eliminating most of the remaining barriers to trade and investment among Canada, Mexico, and the United States. While it can be interpreted as a continuation of a prior trend toward increased economic integration between the three countries, NAFTA symbolizes a much larger change in economic relations, particularly between Mexico and United States.

If NAFTA works as its supporters posited, it should have a positive effect on income and employment in each of the three member countries. These effects should be greatest in Mexico, the least developed of the three. If there are no mutual benefits, then the agreement is unlikely to endure. The gains, however, depend on adding content to the framework provided by the agreement. This deepening must necessarily involve, among other things, more efficient customs procedures, understanding on common or compatible standards for industrial goods, working out sanitary requirements for food and pharmaceuticals products, enhanced environmental protection, and consistent standards for trucks that in due course will have the right to carry freight anywhere in North America.

The motivation of Mexico for initiating the negotiation of the NAFTA was principally of an economic nature. The Mexican government under the leadership of President Salinas was in the process of restructuring the Mexican economy to reduce its centrally planned character. It was gradually disavowing Mexico's long-standing policies of import substitution and antipathy toward investment by foreigners. Mexico had begun to see an acceleration of inward capital investment. Nevertheless, the government recognized that if the transition to an open market economy was to succeed without causing the kind of political upheaval which frequently characterizes economic reform programs, it would have to do everything reasonably within its power to accelerate and aid that transition. By negotiating the NAFTA the government of Mexico would offer an incentive to U.S. enterprises to move more quickly into the newly opened market by providing both a form of investment guarantee and by offering a level of preferential treatment both with respect to imports and investment.

CHAPTER

MANUFACTURING IN MEXICO

Overview

Mexico is considered a semi-industrialized country. Manufacturing accounts for 0% of the GDP and contributes % to the Mexican employment rate. It also accounts for 85% of all Mexican exports.

There are two distinct sub-sectors in manufacturing first is the light (maquiladora) manufacturing sector and the second is the capital-intensive manufacturing such as steel making and automotive manufacturing.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been a driving force behind the manufacturing sector's exponential growth over the past 7 years.

Many foreign companies are taking advantage of the Maquiladora program, where manufacturers pay little or no duty on raw material and capital equipment entering Mexico. The duty accrues only on value added material.

There are 4000 Maquiladora plants employing 1.6 million people in Mexico.

Three common business structures for manufacturing in Mexico are Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Shelter Programs and Contract Manufacturing.

In a wholly owned subsidiary, a foreign company owns 100% of the Mexican corporation. Sheltering programs involve partnering with a Mexican company that already has the infrastructure and expertise to quickly set up and run the business. Contract manufacturing is when a foreign firm enters into a legal agreement with a Mexican manufacturer to produce goods to defined specification and quantity.

Manufacturers in Mexico are able to produce cost competitive goods as a result of Mexico's labour force being much less expensive then the U.S. and Canada and other developed countries. The labour force is attractive as direct labour is readily available, easily trained and 50% of the population is under the age of .

Maquiladoras

One of the major differences between Canada and Mexico is the Maquiladora Industry. The word Maquiladora originates from colonial Mexico when Maquila was a fee charged by millers for processing farmer's grain. The industry is governed by the "Decree for Development and Operation of the Maquiladoras Industry" published in 18. This industry allows for the duty free importation of machinery and equipment for the assembly of semi-manufactured products and can have 100% non-Mexican ownership.

The advantages are obvious; the use of very competitively priced labour and a low fixed cost structure and the finished products can be exported back to the country of origin, to a third country or sold locally. Until recently only a percentage of manufactured goods produced by the Maquiladoras industry could be sold locally. In 000 it was 85% and today there are no limitations to sell to the Mexican local market.

Originally the Maquiladoras were only located along the Northern border, close to the intended market of the United States. Now 67% of the assembly line industry is located on the border the other % is in other regions. There are about 4000 maquiladora plants, which employ approximately 1.6 million people in Mexico. They include such industries as apparel, automotive equipment, electrical equipment, furniture and other consumers' goods.

Some companies of note include General Electric, Hallmark, and Ford. Exceptions to products allowed under Mexican law include petroleum, petrochemicals, other chemicals, arms, and items that contain radioactive elements. Maquiladora exports represent almost 50% of all Mexican exports, worth an estimated $6.5 billion as of 001 and 0% of all goods exported to the US.

07 new maquila plants opened in 001 in a variety of industrial sectors (see Figure 1), from automotive to consumer electronics.

Figure 1

Most direct foreign investment into Mexico continues to be maquila-related. Figure shows country of origin for the 07 new maquiladoras opened in 001.

Figure

Each Mexican city where maquiladoras are located vary in the type of product that is produced which results in a wide range of maquila production.

Figure shows Mexican Maquiladora Activity as of December 000 based on employment by sector

Figure

Foreign Ownership/Investment Opportunity

Foreign investment plays a key role in Mexico. In fact only the US and China receives more direct foreign investment than Mexico. It is stated by LATGO USA that one out of every four jobs in Mexico was created by foreign investment between 14 and 000. Of the foreign investment made in Mexico, 6% of it was in manufacturing.

The "Foreign Investment Law of Mexico" governs how foreigners can do business in Mexico. This breaks the economy down into classified and unclassified activities. Unclassified activities (about 67% of the Mexican economy) are the sectors of the economy where there is no limit to foreign ownership. Classified activities require approval for ownership and limit the amount of foreign ownership. There are geographic areas where foreign ownership of land is prohibited, 100 kilometers along the border, and 50 kilometers along the coast.

In general foreign investment has been and continues to be liberalized with negotiations underway for independent producers to generate and sell power. Mining companies must be 51% Mexican owned and financial services are highly regulated but investments in other industries up to US$00 million can be made with approval, which is generally automatic unless rejected within 0 days.

Labour Laws and Trade Unions

Labour is highly regulated in Mexico by the Mexican Federal Labour Law (FLL). Minimum wages are usually on a daily rate basis and vary from region to region. The workweek is 48 hours (6 days; 8 hours per day) maximum with appropriate overtime payment thereafter. There are mandatory employee benefits

• Profit sharing

• Year end bonus

• Nine vacation days

• Vacation day premiums

• Training and maternity leave

• Retirement savings system

• Federal Workers Housing Fund (INFONAVIT) contributions

There appears to be many challenges with labour in Mexico and a long awaited labour reform bill has yet to be passed. Unions have been corrupt in the past but times are changing. Many foreign organizations find it much better to work with their labour unions to deal with issues that are not covered by the current labour laws for the benefit of both parties.

Some large multinational manufacturers report their workforce to be skilled and highly motivated because of the long-term opportunities they offer both within and outside of Mexico. NAFTA has had another positive impact on the workers in Mexico as export-oriented manufacturing jobs pay 40% more than the remainder of the manufacturing sector in Mexico.

Mexican Manufacturing Areas of Concern

The following are the areas of concern for Mexico manufacturing

• Uncertainty concerning the fiscal regime.

• Recent over-valuation of the Peso, which has driven up wages and salaries.

• The lack of adequate education, health and other social security services.

• Inefficiencies in urban service infrastructure in the cities (water and sanitation).

• Bureaucratic red tape. For example government officials admit that it takes on average 10 days to set up a new business in Mexico. (Compared to one day in Canada).

• Personal security.

During a recent survey of executives from the manufacturing industry the following were issues raised

• Cost reduction was the overall strategy.

• Production was the most challenging operational issue.

• Preventive maintenance is the most widely adopted manufacturing practice in all plants.

• Primary cost reduction initiative has been improving process efficiency.

CHAPTER 4

PRE VERSUS POST NAFTA

The North American Free Trade Agreement was signed between Canada, U.S., and Mexico in 14, thus creating the word's largest free trade zone, comprising of 406 million consumers.

The impact of NAFTA was tremendous to Mexico. Total trade between Mexico and U.S./Canada tripled from $1B USD in 1 to $8B USD in 000. Further, employment in Mexico grew by 8% with the creation of NAFTA.

In particular, NAFTA boosted Mexico's export business. During the same nine-year period, Mexico's average exports increased by 1% per year, while the rest of the world grew by only 10%. NAFTA has spurred significant change within the make-up of the Mexican exports. For example, in the 180's, 80% of Mexican exports were oil. Today manufactured products make up 85% of Mexican exports.

Although the benefits of NAFTA are clear, there are some concerns. First, while the manufacturing sector has grown significantly, almost all of this growth has been in the maquiladora sector. These are foreign owned companies that are using Mexico as a low-cost provider of assembly services. Within these companies, there is very little research and development being done. Subsequently, very few new or complete manufacturing solutions are offered. Further more, approximately 0% of Mexico's exports are to the U.S. This has created an extreme dependency on the U.S. economy. For example, the economic slowdown that the U.S. experienced in 001/0 was nearly identically mirrored in Mexico.

While these concerns must be managed, it is undeniable that NAFTA has been the driving force behind the Mexican manufacturing sector's exponential growth.

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

Manufacturing Benefits

Companies considering locations for manufacturing are attracted to Mexico over other countries for the following reasons

Labour advantages

• Labour force is much less expensive than in the U.S and Canada

• Labour is readily available and easily trained

• Employees have good work habits and work 48 hours per week

• Productivity averages 10% higher than in parent's other international subsidiaries.

Proximity to the United States market

• Materials and finished goods have shorter transit times and suppliers are closer and more responsive. Communication issues are less complicated.

• Border crossing is quick.

• Shipping is cheaper, plus materials can be shipped overland

Preferential US/Mexican customs programs

• Under Mexico's maquiladora program, manufacturers pay little or no duty on raw material and capital equipment entering Mexico.

• Manufacturers gain access to the 100 million Mexican consumer market; 100% of the maquiladora product can now be sold in Mexico.

Competitive advantage in the North American market

• Reduced costs NAFTA gives duty preferences to companies who manufacture in North America.

• Open market sell products in Mexico; sell components or finished products to other maquiladoras

The major advantages to manufacturing in Mexico are the relatively low cost for labour and the relatively low value of the peso. Under these conditions, labour and materials are paid for in pesos and the finished goods are paid for in dollars. This is a great combination for increased profits and return on investment.

In summary, the advantages listed above highlight a compelling business environment for investment in manufacturing in Mexico. In spite of the political uncertainty and the immaturity of good fiscal management we believe that Mexico is an ideal location in which to manufacture.

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Fighting a Two-Front War

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The United Food and Commercial Workers union has been fighting a war on Wal-Mart's expansion efforts from the time of Wal-Mart's conception in Bentonville, AR. The reason being that according to The San Diego Union-Tribune, "Wal-Mart typically pays many its new employees less than $10 an hour, and doesn't immediately offer health benefits to new workers. That compares with wages of up to $5 an hour and a wide range of health and pension programs guaranteed to employees under the current labor contract between the United Food and Commercial Workers union and major supermarket chains such as Albertson's, Ralphs, Vons and several smaller companies."

This poses a problem to not only the 11,000 unionized grocery workers in San Diego, but to the rest of the unionized workers across the country. "With revenues of $18 billion in 001, Wal-Mart is the country's biggest company and largest retailer." And since Wal-Mart is the largest retailer in the US, its "newest growth vehicle" , the Neighborhood Market, threatens to drive down sales in the major supermarkets already operating in the US.

The Neighborhood Market is Wal-Mart's version of a free-standing [sic], full-service supermarket. These stores range in size from 40,000 to 55,000 square feet and have all the specialty departments that regular supermarkets have plus a drive-through pharmacy. As of mid-year 00, Wal-Mart only operated 4 and just a few in Safeway's geographies. Current projections however estimate that by year-end 008, over 1500 Neighborhood Markets will be in operation.

According to retail analysts, "these powerful stores [are expected] to achieve dominant market positions wherever they operate. Experts say that, in order to remain competitive, conventional food and drug retailers like Safeway and Vons may be pressured to reduce employee wages and benefits to the lower prevailing levels established by Wal-Mart."

How does this affect the unionized workers? Well in November of 00, the UFCW local 106 based in Camarillo, CA voted to increase member's dues to help fight Wal-Mart in order to show the owners of Safeway, Kroger, and Albertson's that their employees are taking action to help stop Wal-Mart. Because come this October of 00, the union contract with Safeway expires and both organizations go to the negotiating table. Steve Burd, CEO of Safeway has been quoted as calling the practices of Wal-Mart "the new standards for the industry." And has made it clear that he believes Safeway needs to

ɨ freeze wages or offer lump sum payments;

ɨ establish a market-based rate for new-hires;

ɨ offer voluntary buyouts to senior employees;

ɨ reduce health care benefits;

ɨ limit pension increases;

ɨ And demand work rules that give managers authority to exercise their powers arbitrarily.

This is the second front of the war that the UFCW is preparing to fight. What it does in October when negotiating this new contract will be seen by the owners and CEOs of Kroger (Ralphs) and Albertson's and will set the precedent for new contracts in the future.

If Safeway gets what they want, Vons checkout clerks like Kristy Mundt who has worked for the company for 0 years worry about their careers. Kristy has a condominium in El Cajon for which she puts / of her monthly pay towards the mortgage. If her wages were suddenly dropped from $17.50 to $10 an hour, her annual pay would decrease from about $6,000 to $0,000. "I'd be right on the edge," she said. "I wouldn't even be able to go to a movie anymore." Karen Stratton, a -year veteran grocery clerk at Vons, has been quoted as saying, "We could lose our homes, our cars, and everything else we've worked so hard for" in response Wal-Mart's announcement of plans to move into the grocery business in her area of San Diego County.

Most disheartening of all though, is the affect all of this will have on customers. While prices may be lowered by retail supermarkets to compete with Wal-Mart, how will the quality of food and standards of work fare? Are we as consumers still able to trust our produce clerks to supply us with the freshest fruits and vegetables when their wages have been lowered so drastically if indeed, Safeway gets what they want at the bargaining table?

"For the last year and a half, the United States has been engaged in a war on terror that clearly is still in its early stages. At the same time, preparations have been going on for months for an all-out war against Iraq. Success tends to favor the prepared in any war, be it armies or labor unions."

As the UFCW local 106 prepares to mount its largest campaign in the local's history, we can only sit back and wait until the dust settles to see who is the victor.

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Lady Macbeth

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Lady Macbeth is the penultimate person in the play, especially at the beginning, next to Macbeth himself. And though she does not survive to the end, her influence on Macbeth lasts throughout.

She is most influential person in Macbeths downfall, next to the witches. However, her relationship with him goes far deeper then that of the witches. It is my belief that the witches act only as a trigger to start the events in the play, and that Lady Macbeth herself was the driving force behind Macbeths actions. It is she who he contacts when he meets the witches, and immediately trusts her with the prophecy he is given.

The relationship between Macbeth and his wife is paramount to the understanding of a major theme of this play. At first it would appear to be an equal partnership. However, I believe Lady Macbeth was the dominant of the two character; she could have persuaded Macbeth to do anything if she so wished. And though she does not openly exercise her power over him in public, in private she often uses humiliation and emotional bribery to manipulate Macbeth to execute her will.

The first scene in which we see Lady Macbeth is Act 1 Scene 5, in the first half of which she is reading the letter sent by Macbeth about his meeting with the witches, and about half way through Macbeth, himself enters, having caught up with the messenger who delivered the letter. Immediately we see the nature of her relationship with Macbeth, and have a strong sense of her character. The first thing that you notice of course, is that Lady Macbeth is reading a letter that must have been written mere hours after the events contained happened. It is a letter from Macbeth, containing potentially treasonous information about his meeting with the witches, now, the actual meeting itself could not be considered treason, because that could not be helped, but for Macbeth to even hope for the witches prophecy to become truth would have been very dangerous ground. This is very important; it shows that Macbeth trusts his wife with everything. Another indication of their relationship in the phrase "my dearest partner in greatness". This suggests that Macbeth loves his wife dearly, but not only that, but considers her his equal. At the time this play was based, or even written, women were very much considered inferior. She also perhaps, reveals, a weaker side to her personality when she prays to the dark powers to fill her heart with cruelty, and rid her of feminine kindness. If she were truly evil, then she would not need this extra infusion of darkness. This is an interesting point because it reveals a whole new side to her, which while it isnt a good side; it is a more human side. It proves that she is not a witch, perhaps, as some people think.

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When Macbeth enters, they greet each other warmly, and Lady Macbeth reveals her intentions to murder King Duncan, and persuades Macbeth to go along with the idea, and warns him to greet the King warmly and not give any indication of their plans. It is important how Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth, she uses veiled talk, and double meanings to attempt to sweeten the idea, she never mentions the word murder, rather, and just notes that Duncan will not see the sun rise tomorrow. It is a form of seduction almost, she hides the foul ideas behind pretty words, making it seem as if it is all right. When Macbeth tries to interject, she simply speaks over him, soothing his now troubled mind with a promise that she will handle everything else, as long as he keeps an innocent face.

The next scene is Lady Macbeth welcoming Duncan and the others into her and Macbeths castle, and true to her own advice, she is warm hearted and kind. All the while knowing that she intends to kill him. She is the perfect hostess, and makes several remarks on how much she thanks Duncan for rewarding her house with his presence. This is extremely two-faced of her; she greets him with smiles, while practically holding a dagger. Neither of these scenes give many positive points for Lady Macbeths character, it does indeed seem that she is just incredibly evil.

The banquet scene also reveals a few astonishing facets about her, as well as reinforcing her apparent cruelty and ambition. The first part of scene 7 shows a lengthy monologue of Macbeth weighing up the pros and cons of carrying out his wifes wishes to kill the King. Although Macbeth wants to be King, he is unsure of himself, and it is obvious that he is cracking under the pressure already. Lady Macbeth however, when she sees him in such a state, immediately tries to rectify his weakness, using his pride to blackmail him to her will. It is impressive how she can bend him to her will so easily, to whatever she wished. She again uses veiled words to dupe him, stating that the crown is the "ornament of life" and it would be cowardly not to seek it. While Macbeth is in such an insecure frame of mind, these words infuse him with passion, while he lacks surety; his wife fuels him with pride in his cause. She makes it seem to him that murder is a small price for something so valuable as the crown. Although Macbeth said that he didnt want to kill the King, I believe he was just trying to goad his wife into changing his mind, knowing that she would make everything seem all right, he does not reveal all his doubts to her, just enough to make sure she argues with him. During this she makes several references to masculinity and femininity, retorting that Macbeths cowardice is unmanly, and she herself would kill her own child rather then back down. This is a very powerful image, and further increases her mask of cold ambition, also suggesting more links in Lady Macbeths mind between femininity and kindness, which she seems to think is the truth.

Her manipulation is again, effective. She fills him with pride, and using that, suggests a seemingly easy way of dispatching the King in his sleep, and blaming the murder on the guards. Macbeth applauds her, and quickly psyches himself towards the task, steeling himself to put on a false face for the banquet.

Act begins with Lady Macbeth waiting for Macbeth in the Courtyard of their Castle, after he has killed the King. (It is an interesting point to note, that the audience never actually see the King murdered, just the aftermath of it. This was perhaps to prevent the story being too linear). Lady Macbeth has drugged the guards and has drunk herself, and notes its exhilarating affect. Again, this is a sign of weakness on Lady Macbeths part. She also starts at an owls shriek. However, this behaviour is perfectly understandable, since the position they are in, is one of great peril. They have, of course, just murdered a King, which is punishable by death. So being nervous is natural. There are also other hints indicating their heightened paranoia, but again, Lady Macbeth is always quick to sooth her husbands tattered nerves, no matter what state her own are in. This is peculiar, she seems to gain strength from her husbands weakness, when she sees one as mighty as Macbeth (who is a war hero after all) show fear; she gains the ability to look after him; perhaps a motherly instinct? A famous example of her comforting Macbeth is the line "A little water clears us of this deed". Unfortunately, Macbeth is not so easily soothed this time, he is deeply distraught by what he has done, and though he does not for one second blame his wife, he is now very unsure of himself.

The next day, obviously the other houseguests learn of the murder, and Macbeth and Lady Macbeth perform an amazing drama to dupe them, and prove their innocence. Macbeth kills the guards who they planted the evidence on. Thus, removing any ability for them to defend themselves. Now, this does temporarily shift suspicion towards Macbeth, but he gives such an intricate and heartfelt speech, that combined with Lady Macbeth swooning and starting to faint, it is enough to convince the others of their innocence at least for the moment. The murder also frightens Duncans sons; they fear that they might be next; this is probably true, since in order for Macbeth to have a good chance to become King, both of them must be killed. So they flee, and this puts them under suspicion. It could be reasoned that they might have killed their father in order to quicken their ascension to the throne. Again, all of which are complete lies. Such harmonious cooperation when under pressure shows that Lady and Lord Macbeth do indeed work well together, and have an excellent relationship.

Between Act and , Macbeth is crowned King, and one of the first things Macbeth does, is have Banqou assassinated. It is important to note that he does this independently of his wife; his coronation seems to have given him new courage. Lady Macbeth herself however, is doubtful in her new found power; she is troubled by their present state. But, she does tell Macbeth this, who is already worried, almost to the point of suicide by his speech. Instead she comforts him again, advising him not to brood on the past. But he is still deeply concerned. He tells his wife of his plan to kill Banquo, and for a change she asks him what to do. He tells to do as she has told him; to put on a false face, and pretend nothing has happened. Macbeth does however, suggest his discontent about his deceitfulness, but recognises its necessity. This switching of roles due to Macbeths increased confidence and Lady Macbeths lack of is perhaps quite important. It shows that their relationship is changing.

At the banquet, Macbeth talks with one of the murderers, and listens to his report on how successful the assassination was. Throughout their conversation, Macbeth; does not mention the word murder; perhaps a sign that his mind is already denying the existence of his guilt. However, after this conversation, the most obvious example of his state of mind occurs. This is of course the ghost of Banquo. This scene is the last scene in which we see Lord and Lady (now of course King and Queen) Macbeth together, it is the last scene in which Lady Macbeth takes charge of Macbeth, she pleads that the Kings apparent madness is just a disease, and asks the gathered Lords to leave quickly when the madness does not seem to abate. This is extremely quick witted and strong willed of her, she has been thrown into the situation where her life is in peril, and she must make up an excuse for her husbands unexpected lunacy on the spot, before the other guests gain an inkling of the true reason behind Macbeth projected guilt. After this scene it is unclear as to what Lady Macbeth is going through, but Macbeth himself slowly deteriorates into paranoia. Lady Macbeth herself I assume, was developing doubts and was unable to help Macbeth as well as tend to her own guilt. So both members of the partnership slowly sink beneath their own discontent.

The next and last scene in which Lady Macbeth features is the scene that seals the fate of the Macbeths. She is deluded and walking in her sleep, and one of her servants and a doctor are talking about the Queens fading mental condition. She is acting out her own guilt, writing letters of confession, muttering and trying to clean the imagined blood off her hands. She is asleep while doing all is, so it is her sub- conscious alone that is acting. We do not know how she acted while awake, but I suspect that she was practically no different from her normal self. I believe their inabilities to express their guilt to anyone was one of the prime reasons why both of the Macbeths went the way they did. Lady Macbeth is a very strong willed and powerful person, but I suspect inside she was as frail as the rest of us.

Obviously, past this point Lady Macbeth cannot be held responsible for Macbeths actions, because she has no say in them anymore. He locks himself away from the world; too paranoid even to trust his wife, who he has trusted with everything up to then.

Lady Macbeth is an interesting character, the impression she initially gives is that of an evil cold-hearted monster, the prophecy in Macbeths letter only reinforces her own opinion that she and her husband should be the ruling monarchs in Scotland, and I suspect that even without the prophecy she would have pursued her ambition.

She is depicted overall as a thoroughly manipulative and scheming female, who will give anything to fulfil her ambition. Although it can be said that through out the play he exhibits masculine tendencies, I think, this behaviour is more of a reaction to the masculine world in which she was born, with a female body. She feels that in order to fulfil her potential she must rid herself of all that makes her female, which in her eyes, means kindness, love, and guilt. And take on masculine properties like power, and ambition. She is trapped by her own gender and greed. She was of the nobility, which is run entirely by men, women taking on an inferior role within the patriarchal society. Lady Macbeth however, is not willing to conform to this ideal, unless it is for her personal or emotional gain. And since she is unable to take power herself, she uses her husband as a vehicle for her ambitions. I do not think she finds the actual power itself that attractive, as Macbeth does, but feels it her goal to make sure she is more powerful then anyone else, she does not want to submit in a kind feminine way to anothers dominance. So, to fulfil this need she does everything she can, to fill her own picture of how she is meant to be within herself. She is, after all, a very human character; she shows weakness on at least three occasions, the third one being very important, because she goes insane. This is very obvious indication of her insecurity, and it is an interesting point to debate, that perhaps she was mentally ill throughout the play. Medical science does not recognise the existence of good or evil, and from a medical point of view, Lady Macbeth was simply a sick person, who, because of her mental condition, was bent on ambition. The play does not show what emotions she was going through, as it does with Macbeth, perhaps because she did not show them, and only experienced the hallucinations just before her death, as her conscience caught up with her, and she succumbed to her guilt, went insane, and killed herself.

The scene in which she dies has little importance to the subsequent ones; Shakespeare perhaps only inserted it to tie up loose ends within the plot. It does however, add resolve to Macbeth to accept his fate, and he gives a very touching speech on the futility of life. I think that at that point, he realises what he has done, and though he is too stubborn to admit the wrong he has done, he is resigned to the consequences. And though Macbeth does not mourn her death a great deal, he was under attack at the time, and since Macbeths coronation, it does seem that Lady Macbeth is fazed out of the play, perhaps an indication that they were growing apart, into their own separate, paranoid worlds, filled with remorse and cloaked daggers. It is a shame, because Macbeths reclusion from her may have contributed to her madness. I believe that she was not able to cope on her own, and needed to support Macbeth to prevent herself from working out her own guilt. They both depended on each other, when Lady Macbeth died Macbeth immediately resigned himself to his fate, and Lady Macbeth died because she had lost mental contact with the outside world. It is true that Lady Macbeth was probably the reason why Macbeths great flaw, his ambition, became his downfall. But she had a mental illness, and she was an ambitious woman trapped in a patriarchal society, so I do not believe she was evil.

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Dutch interiors

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At the end of the Late Renaissance, a new style of art was beginning to emerge. The detail and attention that had previously been placed on complex composition and contorted, elongated, and muscular figures was becoming tiresome and pretentious. This Mannerist style was beginning to transform into a more subtle explanation of space, movement, and immediacy now known as Baroque art. This new style also began to focus on thought, the thought process, and the inner workings of the mind. It strove to illustrate the psyche and bring forward a sense of emotional depth. The subject of light and cast shadow also became an important issue during this time. It is a large step towards modern art, because there is less focus on craft and precision (although these elements are certainly not disregarded), and more concentration placed on the psychological factors in the art.

In the Seventeenth Century, during the period of Baroque art, a European country began to thrive economically, socially, and academically. This country was known as the Netherlands. The Dutch people were the "most urbanized in Europe and the country had the highest literacy rate."(1) These elements all played an essential

role in creating an unusually high development of art during the seventeenth century. "Every year, 70,000 pictures were painted"(1) and this inevitably lead to "an unusually large number of people owning works of art."(1)

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People in the Netherlands began to paint scenes of everyday life, like shopkeepers, farmers, bakers, or barkeeps, known as "genre paintings". There were different levels of genre paintings. A high genre painting was of a historical event, whether it was factional or fictional, recorded in history books or mythological ones. A low genre painting was a painting about the everyday or peasant life.

Also, some artists painted only landscapes and seascapes, just depicting a peaceful scene or attempting to show the divine spirit in nature. And other artists began to paint only the architecture and housing of the Netherlands. During the Seventeenth Century, it was very hard for an artist to make a living solely on his or her artwork. They had to produce about five paintings every week in order to keep up economically, and sometimes even that was not enough. So, some artists were forced to move into other areas of employment, while still producing their artwork.

Even though most of this art may have been created in order to make a living or survive, most artists still produced emotion, intent, and purpose in their work.

An important scene that began to appear in much of the Dutch artwork of the Seventeenth Century was the interior painting. Many different artists, like Johannes Vermeer, Emanuel Witte, Nicolaes Maes, and Pieter de Hooch, used this type of painting in a wide variety of ways, both low and high genres. While others painters, like Caravaggio or Judith Leyster, would avoid the background space all together, whether the scene was placed indoors or outside. This is not to suggest that denying the background space is wrong, just to define it as a new and different way of handling a paintings atmosphere.

For example, Caravaggio, also a Baroque Dutch artist, used a technique called tenebrism in his paintings, which created the illusion of an atmospheric haze or darkness in the background and lighting, and engulfs his figures in shadow. So, the interior space, nor the exterior space, is rendered at all, except for as it was depicted in the tenebrism. And in his later work, Rembrandt began to use this method of shadowing in his paintings. But, Rembrandt still usually provided the suggestion of an interior space.

This allowed Rembrandt the opportunity to access the inner drama and theatrical lighting of his paintings, and the ability to compose his work with cast light and shadows.

On the other hand, there were many other artists that chose to utilize the interior space for their own artwork. Probably the most famous painter of Dutch interior spaces is Johannes Vermeer. He was born around 16 in Delft, and became famous for his artwork during his lifetime. His work's style and composition became very evident and characteristic. It is not known who taught Vermeer the art of painting, but certainly influences from past art can been seen in his work. Most of his interior paintings include one to three figures, a window on the left wall of the room (this may be because his studio was set up as such), and light coming in through the window, creating form and shadow in the composition. It is said that his subject, is light itself. He constantly plays with light and the manner in which it fall upon an object.

Vermeer was not only a painter of interior spaces with light and shadow. He included meaning and purpose, and there were lessons to be learned in his artwork. The Dutch sought to teach a person, while they entertained them.

Good morals were a very high priority in the Netherlands in the Seventeenth Century. The Dutch even had games where one could read an entertaining story and then they would have to reflect back, and find the moral of the story. It was very common for a Dutch artist to include messages of proper ethics and principles into his or her artwork.

Vermeer is also thought to have used camera obscura, which is a darkened enclosure with a lens, through which light from external objects enters to form an image of the objects on the opposite surface. This is apparent in some of his paintings, because there are areas where circles of confusion can be seen. These circles of confusion are areas that were out of focus on camera and were transferred into the painting. So we know that not all of Vermeers paintings were painted from real life.Bottom of Form 0

In Vermeer's, "The Geographer," he includes a single man centered in the room, gazing out of the window on the left. He holds a graphing instrument in his right hand, and his left hand is placed on a book. Centered above and behind him is a globe and down on the wall, to the right, is a hand drawn map. Now, this is probably part of a stimulated interest in geography, cartography, and the world as they knew it, which was created by Galileo's

investigation of the planets. He had discovered that the earth is not the center of the universe, and this had startled everyone; including the people's own religions. So, I think Vermeer's, "The Geographer," is a response to the mapping of the world. The geographer keeps his hand on the book while he stares out, through the window. This may be interpreted as staying grounded with knowledge while contemplating about the unknown or the uncharted. He leans forward into the light, as if being blessed by the divine light, or perhaps being hit with an idea. He sees the light and he sees the answer.

Another painting of Vermeer's that holds an underlying ethical idea is his "Woman Holding a Balance." This painting includes the window at the left of the room with a female figure on the right. She gazes down at her scales with affection. She is weighing pearls or gold (it is not known which) and counting how much she has. But, behind her is the painting of the "Last Judgment," where Saint Michael weighs his scales, which hold the souls of people, and is the deciding factor of whether they go to heaven or hell. Now, it is pretty obvious as to what the moral is here she loves her gold and pearls, but does that make her a good or bad person. How will she be judged?

It was not uncommon to include a painting within a painting. It was a useful tool for learning and teaching morals, history, and religion. It also acted as a reference to further a point, or to contradict one.

Another Dutch artist who is known for his interior paintings and genre scenes, and who, in fact, resembles Vermeer, is Pieter de Hooch. He was born in Rotterdam in 16, and "was probably the pupil of Nicolaes Berchem, a landscape painter."() In his paintings, he uses "linear perspective and the contrasts of light and shadow to suggest three-dimensional space and forms. Hints of de Hoochs association with Vermeer are found in his study of light"() and cast shadow.

In de Hooch's, "A Mother and Child with It's Head in Her Lap," the floor tiles create a strong perspective and the atmosphere is deepened by the use of windows and doorways. This technique is called "the doorkijkje," which means looking from one room to the next. This painting depicts the scene of a mother checking her child's head for lice (which was a common task in the Seventeenth Century). This subject "was popular with artists because combing and cleaning ones hair was associated with physical and spiritual cleanliness.

Because this is was one of his later interior paintings, the scene is filled with more light and the shadows are not as dark as his earlier paintings. Although his interior scenes are important to the Dutch Baroque era, he is more recognized for his courtyard and town scenes. Even though these are not indoor scenes, a feeling of enclosure still prevails. The walls, ground, doorways, and figures all create a strong perspective space, and one gets the feeling they are inside these Dutch courtyards as the wall raps around you.

Another artist who was interested in "the doorkijkje" is Emanuel de Witte. He was born in about 1617 and never stayed with one genre of painting. Later in his life, he mostly painted so he could have room and board for free. In de Witte's, "Interior with a Woman Playing the Clavecin to a Man in Bed," "the doorkijkje" is used beautifully. In the center of the canvas is a doorway, which leads into another doorway, which leads into a window full of green trees and daylight. In each room is a window (which cannot be seen) that lets in light that is cast onto the floor, creating contrasting shadows and lights. As the woman plays the clavecin, you can almost feel the music being made, as your eye is dances from light to shadow to light

into the next room. This scene may also be seen as "a

message of the healing power of music."(4) The man, whose clothes and hat are thrown on the chair in the foreground, is forced to lye in bed in the middle of the day. The woman plays a song from the clavecin to him, in hopes that it will revive him.

Unlike de Witte, Pieter Saenredam devoted the majority of his art to one theme, the interiors of churches. His father was an engraver and from this, he also learned by making engravings. This played an important role in Saenredam's art by making his paintings very linear. He would make drawings of the interiors of churches and using them later for making paintings. Saenredam was well known for his rendering of cast light on architecture and whitewashed walls.

"He only made one trip to Utrecht, but used the drawings he made there for the rest of his life."(5) In his painting, "The Interior of the Buurkerk, Utrecht," he composes the painting from a grounded point of view. Sometimes he would elongate the perspective "in order to increase the sense of height."(5) The small figures placed in the foreground and mid-ground also help in increasing the height of the architecture. Light shines through the

stained glass windows illuminating the interior of the

church. This suggests the presence of God and his divine light, assisted by the awesome structure, architecture, and columns in the House of God.

While Saenredam painted the churches in order to show the power of God and the place to worship, Adriaen Bouwer painted scenes of vulgar behavior showing us what not to do. He is most famous for his portrayal of Dutch bar scenes full of sin. He also worked with depicting the Five Senses. This was used to create an interaction between the viewers and create a "doorway" into the painting. "Bouwer was a very skilled painter and used a mostly dark palette creating dark shadows and subtle highlights."(6) His, "The Smoker," portrays peasants in a tavern indulging in beer and tobacco. The dirty figure in the foreground looks out at the viewer as he lights his pipe. A man beside him slouches back in his chair and exhales smoke as he stares at the ceiling. An old woman in the back holds a cup of beer up as she turns to shat with another woman through the window. This is another painting showing us the Dutch Morales, and telling the viewer about sin. The window and a faint wall in the background define the interior. Because of his use of dark shadows, a

precise location, here, is indefinable.

Jan Steen is also known for his portrayals of the "low genre" peasant life and sin. He was born in Leyden, around 165 and was one of the first Baroque artists. His, "The Dissolute Household," shows a room full of chaos. A woman is passed out with her head on the table as a child reaches into her pocket, watching her face, hoping she will not catch him stealing from her. Beside her a man drunkenly looks down at the floor, where playing cards, clothing, and food are scattered about. A prostitute next to him gladly passes him a glass of wine as his leg is thrown on top of hers. Behind them a drunken man plays the violin for a woman as she reaches for another drink from a cabinet. A monkey stands on top of the bed and reaches to pull the clock string. This is not a celebration of joy and playfulness, but an example of what happens "when things go terribly wrong."(7)

Another prime example of a Steen's painting is the "Village School." The composition is thrown about with children all over the room. Some are sleeping, some are playing, some are fighting, and one child is dancing on top of a table yelling and singing. There are to adults in the room, but they are not paying any attention to what the

children are doing around them. In the right corner, a

child reaches up to hand an owl a pair of spectacles. Because owls were thought to symbolize stupidity or drunkenness in the Netherlands (not wisdom), this shows us that the owl fits right into this scene. This is another example of the Dutch Moral beliefs and what not to do.

Adrian van Ostade is another Dutch painter who made paintings depicting comical and grotesque interior scenes of peasant life. He was born in Haarlem in about 1610, and may have been a pupil of Frans Hals, a well known Dutch portrait artist. Ostade's, "The Golden Wedding," depicts a drunken, fowl wedding inside a Dutch home. Everyone is slouching from their drunkenness and dancing carelessly. Even children are present in this house of drunken sin. His palette is like most of the Dutch work from this period and his use of dark shadows in the background bring our eye forward and around the crowd of people.

Many different artists used the scene of an interior to portray their view of civilization in the Seventeenth Century Netherlands. Some used it as a setting for a philosophical notion. Others used the interior to paint teachings of ethics and morals. Some artists chose to render churches showing the presence of a divine spirit,

while others painted their interiors in bars full of sin.

And other artists chose to show material objects in shops and town houses. For the majority of Dutch artists in the Seventeenth Century, morals and lessons could be discovered in almost any situation. And even though these painters of low genre are sometimes known as the Dutch little masters,(as compared to Rembrandt and Vermeer) their talent is still very evident and should not be overlooked.

In any light, one must remember that these paintings were crafted in a time and place much different from ours. And also, we should not forget to analyze these works accordingly. It was the Golden Age of Dutch Painting and is now fully of history, even though some of this history may never be shown to us.

Please note that this sample paper on dutch interiors is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on dutch interiors, we are here to assist you. Your essay on dutch interiors will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

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Nationalism and the State

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To what extent does nationalism help or hinder in integrating a state?

I. INTRODUCTION

Nationalism has often been synonymous in influencing methods of governance. However, the interpretation of nationalism has brought about unexpected consequences. Nationalism has seen a war that witnessed massive destruction to the world in the mid twentieth century, all due to the nationalist ambitions of Germany's Adolf Hitler. Likewise, Italian leader Benito Mussolini harboured similar aspirations only to suffer the same fate as Germany. Conversely, nationalism also gave birth to the most populous nation in the world, China. The teachings of Mao Tse Tung, beginning in the nineteen fifties up to seventies has shaped China's economic and cultural landscape fifty years later. But not all leaders have been as successful as Chairman Mao. Robert Mugabe's leadership has been less impressive in Zimbabwe, with Zimbabwe's economic policies being rather myopic for its people (BBC, 00). Nationalism has also fuelled a man to change the course of history for his people. The civil war in the Balkans saw Yugoslavia disappear from the map of Europe. It then disintegrated to six smaller nations due to irreconcilable differences in race and religion. Nationalism has achieved significant desired results. The social unity displayed by the Japanese, for instance, ensured their meteoric rise from the brink of disaster to one of the world's economic superpowers. However, differing takes on nationalism by two leaders has brought about the division of Korea.

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This paper shall discuss the vagaries of nationalism and how experiences in world history have shown to either mould or divide a state as a result of various ideologies adopted by the respective leaders of states.

II. THEORIES OF NATIONALISM

A. Liberal Nationalism

According to Heywood (00), nationalism suffers from "the political equivalent of multi-personality syndrome" (p. 111). He views nationalism to fall under different categories of interpretation. Jean Jacques Rousseau, believed to be the chief instigator of the French Revolution (Kohn, 165, p. ), stressed that national unity can be achieved through democratic rule where equality amongst its citizens is the predominant belief of the state. The active participation of the citizens in deciding political leadership of the state is translated as "a feeling of brotherhood and mutual devotion" (Kohn, p. 1-). This idea of "national self-determination" is termed as liberal nationalism.

B. Expansionist Nationalism

However, Rousseau's interpretation is not universal. National unity can actually be achieved through unerring obedience and allegiance to a single authority (Heywood, p. 116). The leaders would glorify the past achievements of the state (Heywood, p. 117). This is known as expansionist nationalism.

C. Conservative Nationalism

Heywood also mentioned that nationalism is often an agent for social cohesion and order, where emphasis is based on "the sentiment of national patriotism" (p. 114). This view of nationalism is known as conservative nationalism.

D. Anti-colonial Nationalism

Independence movements, often epitomized by the African countries, are features of another form of nationalism. Anti-colonialism acted as a "summons to the people" which brought about political consciousness (Guibernau & Hutchinson, 001, p. 167). This has helped to bring people of different races and ethnicity together under the common aim to get rid of colonial masters. This form of commonality is known as anti-colonial nationalism.

III. NATIONALISM IN HOMOGENEOUS STATES

A. Mao's China

Nationalism has shown to be successful in integrating homogeneous states. As stated by Heywood, states with "ethnic or cultural homogeneity" are often successful in making use of conservative or expansionist nationalism to bring about integration (p. 11). Chairman Mao, utilised socialist ideas and the personality cult he erected as a result, to promote nationalism (Kohn, p. 181). Mao created a common enemy, the bourgeoisie, for his people and widely propagated that the state was under siege from them. He also emphasised on the distinct characteristic of the "Chinese Marxist culture", which is how "it can never unite with the imperialist nature of other nations, because it is a revolutionary, national culture" (Mao, 141, p. 181). This served to integrate China and gave it a strong national identity which it is proud of. The shared values and a common past which formed the basis of the state, is a prime example of conservative nationalism.

B. Germany and Hitler

Hitler widely propagated the humiliation suffered by Germany as a result of World War One and this, combined with adverse economic conditions, made the Germans more determined to rebuild itself (Guibernau & Hutchinson, p. 58). In retrospect, this "extreme type of nationalism fascism" has perverted the state and led to its devastation, which it took years to recover from (Guibernau & Hutchinson, p. 4). However, it is undeniable that Hitler's form of expansionist nationalism has integrated the state. Wimmer (00) mentioned that the "republican dimension of German nationalism" had managed to bring about the "assimilation and incorporation of large groups of ethnic others, among them immigrant workers of Polish origin" (p. 56).

C. North, South Divided -- Korea

Korea served to personify Heywood's view that nationalism suffers from "the political equivalent of multi-personality syndrome" in a tragic way (p. 111). Despite being a homogeneous or "macro-ethnic" state, the opposing ideologies within resulted in its division. (Guibernau & Hutchinson, p. 00). North Korea, under the leadership of its "Eternal president" -- Kim Il Sung, followed his "personal philosophy of Juche, or self reliance" (BBC). The citizens' devotion to Kim is a distinctive feature of expansionist nationalism. South Korea, on the other hand, followed conservative nationalism. Its long history and suffering under foreign powers served as reminders to them of their solidarity.

D. Japan and its revival

Yoshino commented about Japan's use of nationalism to rebuild itself after its defeat in 145 (Guibernau & Hutchinson, p. 148). Educational policies reflected the "removal of Occupation-imposed elements … and a return to traditional values and morals." This, combined with caution against "wartime ultra-nationalism" served to re-educate the Japanese, therefore propelling their economy to the second largest in the world during the eighties and early nineties. However, this re-education of the state does have its consequences. Mahbubani (18) remarked that Japan is "ethnocentric and exclusive", with low tolerance towards foreigners (p. 108). This is often a result of conservative nationalism in homogeneous states, as there is wide emphasis on the distinct cultural identity of the people.

E. Advantage of homogeneous states

One advantage that homogeneous states have over heterogeneous states is its uniformity. In contrast, heterogeneous states often have to deal with racial or ethnic conflicts. Hence, it can be seen that heterogeneity and multiculturalism is oftentimes "incompatible with conservative and expansionist nationalism" (Heywood, p. 11).

IV. HETEROGENEOUS SOCIETIES

A. Mugabe's Zimbabwe

In heterogeneous states, where there is multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism, nationalism, if ill-managed, will bring about tragic consequences. Young (Guibernau & Hutchinson) acknowledged that "widespread politicization of ethnic categories" in Africa upon its independence was an attempt to highlight the "potential significance of ethnic consciousness as a vote bank" (p. 174). Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe since 180, is such example. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) commented on its website that he manipulated nationalism to empower himself, as his "economic policies are widely seen as being geared to short term political expediency and the maintenance of power for himself". While Mugabe may have helped Zimbabwe achieve its independence, but overtime he also brought about its economic decline. The biasness of his economic policies, imposed "with the stated aim of benefiting black farmers", has torn the state apart thereby worsening the racial ties between the blacks and the whites.

B. Former Yugoslavia and Slobodan Miloševiæ

Ethnic cleansing is a consequence of extreme nationalism, as witnessed in the former Yugoslavia. Armstrong (Guibernau & Hutchinson) suggested that "remote fears of Turkish return appear to have been manipulated by President Slobodan Miloševiæ and the army (JNA) to maintain power beyond the narrow scope of Serbia" (p. 00). Miloševiæ's use of nationalism to preserve power is parallel to Mugabe. The idea of an external threat ultimately resulted in the Serb ethnic cleansing of Bosnians. This has shown how a political leader has made use of a common history shared by the state to propagate nationalism and empower himself.

V. SUCCESSES IN HETEROGENEOUS SOCIETIES

A. Switzerland

As much as homogeneous societies show more success, there are still some success stories in heterogeneous societies, like in Singapore and Switzerland. Wimmer considers Switzerland to be the former Yugoslavia's "equal in every way in linguistic and cultural diversity" (p. 86). Switzerland is also deemed by Wimmer to be a model of "a fully nationalised modern state built on an ethnically heterogeneous basis" (p. ). This hereby lays the difference between it and other heterogeneous states, which tend to focus on the superiority of a single race or ethnic group in the promotion of nationalism. Switzerland does not place emphasis on specific minority communities, in fact, all ethnic groups are considered to be equal. This form of liberal nationalism has hence prevented it from experiencing a "pervasive politicisation of ethnicity" (p. 86).

B. Singapore

Similarly, Singapore is not a homogeneous society. Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's Senior Minister, made acute observations of the "cultural ethos at work" before making governmental policies. (Han et al, 18, p. 175) Singapore places emphasis on the "values of hard work and thrift, and the virtues of increasing worker productivity" (Mahbubani, p. 184). These shared values of the state, a form of conservative nationalism, are of paramount importance to its citizens. Hence, the racial diversity within it is put aside for the interests of the state.

VI. THE FLEETING NATURE OF INTEGRATION

While cohesion of the state can be achieved by means of nationalism, history has shown that this unity can be momentary. Political leaders or parties who use nationalism for their own aims, for instance economic gains or the maintenance of power, are one such threat. In such cases, the interests of the state and its welfare are neglected. Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's Senior Minister commented in an interview with CNN (Dec, 18) that "No society is static." This insinuates that societal values, which are the basis of conservative nationalism, are ever changing. This can be substantiated by Lee's emphasis on the importance of "Asian core values" and the threats the Western media poses to it, as seen here

"… Singaporeans, subject to a barrage of Western values, through the media and travel, could lose the cultural traits that had underpinned the country's success." (Han et al, 18. p. 187)

Hence, the erosion of nationalistic ideas which the state was based on would threaten the continuation of integration of the state brought about by nationalism originally.

A. Nationalism Any Universal Model?

Despite the success stories of nationalism, there is no 'utopia' for states to follow. Is nationalism best served under the practice of democracy? Or is nationalism a by-product of socialism? The schizophrenic nature of nationalism has created much difficulty in the analysis of whether it has brought about more dissension than assimilation of the state. As much as nationalism is idealistic, human nature is not. Political leaders have constantly amended the constitution to consolidate their position in power, as seen Mugabe's exploitation of Zimbabwe's economy. Racial lines are vulnerable and susceptible to the greed of the insidious. In heterogeneous states particularly, racial alliances are vulnerable and can be easily exploited. Wimmer stated that "notions of political legitimacy" as purported by political leaders, were often "fused with the idea of national solidarity" (p. 01). This therefore brought about ethnocentrism and racism.

Leaders who have achieved good level of success by using nationalism to mould the state are also afraid that it can go wrong at any one time. Lee Kuan Yew has sued a Workers' Party candidate, Tang Liang Hong, on the basis of "Chinese chauvinis(m)" . Tang tried to promote an increase in Chinese lessons in the curriculum in a bid to strengthen the Chinese cultural identity. The People's Action Party accused him of trying to topple racial balance, which could pose as a threat to the welfare of the state.

VI. CONCLUSION

This paper has discussed the vagaries of nationalism and how experiences in world history have shown to either mould or divide a state as a result of various ideologies adopted by the respective leaders of states.

Throughout the course of history, nationalism has been served as a political tool by leaders of the state to circumvent the electorate mindset. This has pervaded into much of the state's social, economic and political fabric. As much as nationalism has brought about the assimilation of the state, it has more often than not brought about the disintegration of the state. Stability brought about by nationalism is often fragile and transitory. All it takes is one person upon his appointment in charge to circumvent, monopolise and manipulate the system according to his needs, as seen in the cases of Mussolini, Mugabe and Hitler. The greed of one man or one political party can often jeopardise the welfare of the entire state.

Bibliography

BBC, (00). Country profiles Germany. Retrieved October 15, 00, from the BBC Web site http//news.bbc.co.uk//hi/europe/country_profiles/1047864.stm

Country profiles Japan. Retrieved October 15, 00, from the BBC Web site http//news.bbc.co.uk//hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/158586.stm

Country profiles North Korea. Retrieved October 15, 00, from the BBC Web site http//news.bbc.co.uk//hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/11141.stm

Country profiles South Korea. Retrieved October 15, 00, from the BBC Web site http//news.bbc.co.uk//hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/11668.stm

Country profiles South Africa. Retrieved October 15, 00, from the BBC Web site http//news.bbc.co.uk//hi/africa/country_profiles/1071886.stm

Country profiles Serbia & Montenegro. Retrieved October 15, 00, from the BBC Web site http//news.bbc.co.uk//hi/europe/country_profiles/106.stm

Country profiles Zimbabwe. Retrieved October 15, 00, from the BBC Web site http//news.bbc.co.uk//hi/africa/country_profiles/106458.stm

BBC News, History files, Yugoslavia and the Balkans, 100-18. Retrieved October 18, 00, from the BBC Web site http//news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/map/yugoslavia/

Guibernau, M., & Hutchinson, J. (Eds.). (001). Understanding nationalism. United States of America Polity Press.

Han, F. K., Fernandez, W., & Tan, S. (18). Lee Kuan Yew The man and his ideas. Singapore The Straits Times Press.

Heywood, A. (00). Politics (nd ed.). Great Britain Palgrave.

Kohn, H. (165). Nationalism Its meaning and history (nd ed.). United States of America D. Van Nostrand Company, INC.

Mahbubani, K. (18). Can Asians Think? Singapore Times Edition Private Limited.

Singapore Worker's Party (001). 11 to 001, 17 General Election, Legal Action Tang Liang Hong. Retrieved October 1, 00, from the Singapore Worker's Party Web site http//www.wp.org.sg/beta/party/history/1_001.htm

Wimmer, A. (00). Nationalist exclusion and ethnic conflict Shadows of modernity. United Kingdom Cambridge University Press.

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Women In St.Luke's Gospel

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In the New Testament Times Women didn't have many rights, and were obligated to stay home, feed, and cook the family. It wasn't common for women in New Testament Times to have the privilege of education (not necessarily a school), there weren't schools as such for girls. A young women's education was in responsibility of her mother. The mother would teach in the home and was learning domestic skills for example sewing, cooking and taking care of the younger children and babies.

In contrast a young Jewish boy would receive education in a school connected to a synagogue, which was usually given at the age of six. They were taught Jewish scriptures, history, geography, literature (Jewish) and particularly the Jewish religious law contained in the Torah (five first books of the Bible).

This shows the difference in social standing between women and men in New Testament Times. Jewish girls were not allowed to be taught the torah. As one Rabai said.

"May the words of the torah be burned, they should not be handed over to a woman."

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Women in New Testament Times had to be well behaving red in society and in public. It was considered un-proper for a woman to be alone with a man, or even allowed to greet a man in public. Women's rights would be compared to a child, were not allowed to give testimony in court. It was important for a woman to dress and act modest in society, it was considered disgraceful for women to be associated with another man other than her family or husband, even if she was not married. Jewish women weren't even treated equally in the synagogue in New Testament Times. In a synagogue there had to be a minimum of ten men this was called a minjaw. Women were not counted for in this. They were kept separate from the area of the men. In King Herod's time, women were not allowed to go beyond the court of the Gentiles and women. If any women were menstruating, she would not be allowed to even enter the synagogue as it was considered that women were unclean during this period. Similarly if a woman had just given birth, she could not enter the Temple for forty days after childbirth.

In New Testament Times, Jewish women had no rights or status of their own. A women's place was defined first in relation to her father, then to her husband. When in marriage a young woman was considered more or less as an object rather than an individual with their own rights. Usually the father would arrange his daughter's hand in marriage to the husband of his choice. Men only were only entitled to divorce their wife however women couldn't divorce their husbands. Only if a woman's husband refused sexual intercourse, restricted her movements unbearably or if he was impotent, even so the divorce was the husband's act. It was not common but a woman could only divorce on the grounds of adultery. But many disagreed about the grounds of divorce between them. To evaluate everything women in all were not treated equally in New Testament Times, and Luke's Gospel presented and showed this, that a woman's opinion or word in both religion and society was not counted for then for example at the Resurrection the women who witnessed were not believed, their word was counted for.

a) (ii) At the time when Jesus lived society had a generally negative attitude towards women. Both Jews and Greeks believed women should be limited to the domestic roles of wife and mother and also believed that they were responsible for most sin, especially sexual temptation as The Old Testament attributes sin to the temptation of Eve. Jewish men thanked God they were not born a woman! However, despite the cultural limitations imposed onto women a quick glance through Luke's gospel will reveal that Jesus had a very positive attitude towards them. He accepted and affirmed women who were neglected by society and declared them people of value. Jesus healed women who were considered ritually unclean and forgave women guilty of sexual sin, when other then would disaprove. But Jesus did not see it was this way. In Luke 7 It tells the story of a sinful woman (prostitute) who showed love for Jesus by washing his feet and using expensive ointment. Jesus showed no embarrassment by this physical contact with such a woman. He said that her loving actions showed she was forgiven. This went against all traditions and customs in New Testament Times, many would oppose. One of the Pharisees Invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus joined him at a meal, a woman who had led a sinful life knew Jesus was attending the Pharisee for dinner she brought a jar of perfume. She then began to weep at his feet, wetting his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. The Pharisee saw this in disapproval as many would in New Testament Times, to forgive someone who had sinned.

Luke 7 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is- that she is a sinner"

Jesus replied to the Pharisee " I have something to tell you"

Jesus told Simon (Pharisee) a story comparing the situation to make him understand. Simon replied with an answer to the story with the question Jesus had asked. "You have judged correctly", Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with tears and wiped them with her hair.

You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Then Jesus said to her, "your sins are forgiven"

The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Luke's gospel favoured the parables of women and Jesus encounters with women because Jesus saw them equal in his eyes. Those women then, were worth consideration. It was people in New Testament Times like this Pharisee who opposed him and didn't understand and criticised Jesus for forgiving a woman of sin.

Jesus both taught women and included them amongst his followers/disciples. In the Parable of Sower it said of the women who travelled with Jesus.

"After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the good kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susana; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own mean."

Jesus really did relate to women, he didn't just choose men to travel with him. To some in New Testament Times they would disapprove, as they believed a woman's role was in the household, like religious leader's or officials even generally the majority of men then, even women would be made to believe their work was in the kitchen as such or in the house. Such travelling groups did not normally include women in New Testament Times and this story shows that Jesus did not discriminate between the sexes. These women were grateful to Jesus because he had healed them. In his teaching they are often used as examples of people living a life of faith. Although women were not generally educated at the time of Jesus he allowed them to sit at his feet, and taught them. We should also note that it was women (including a reformed prostitute Mary Magdalene), who first witnessed and told the twelve male disciples about the resurrection of Jesus.

In Luke's Gospel especially, and other Gospels, Jesus communicated with all different types of people from prostitutes to housewives and fisherman, Pharisees, tax collectors, widows, and rebels. So you can see Jesus communicated with all the people and showed no discrimination that separated people. Whether it's race, poverty, politics or sex especially, giving message of liberty to everyone, men and women alike.

Jesus was open and related comfortably with women, when in New Testament Times people would not approve. He would hold private conversations with women, taking an interest to what they said, going against New Testament Time traditions and beliefs, as Jesus enjoyed the company of women. He even raised the status of women for example; Jesus told Mary the sister of Lazarus had been doing well by choosing to listen to Jesus' teachings rather than doing her daily household chores. Men usually by culture would seriously listen to a teacher, as it was felt that wise words were wasted on women. Women were never taken serious in New Testament Times, even when they give evidence of witness to an event, it will not be believed until proven. As the same situation with the Resurrection, the Disciples even then after all of Jesus' teachings they did not value a woman's word then. When Jesus had even before the crucified said that he would be resurrected.

On the first day of the week a few women were sent to attend to Jesus' body and the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled back from the tomb, they could not find Jesus' body inside. While wondering two men appeared gleaming with light stood beside them. The women were scared and frightened and bowed down to the ground. They said to them, "why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again." Then they remembered his words.

When the women returned from the tomb along with their experience and encounter they shared it with the Eleven and to all the others. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other with them who told the apostles. No one believed them until they would have evidence and proof. "But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them nonsense."

In a society where women were not formally educated and not taken seriously, no one would have been convinced by women witnesses of anything that needed to be proved. Even if all four Gospels state women witnessed the Resurrection before the disciples or any other men.

Jesus' friendship with women is especially noted by Luke. It is what makes Luke's Gospel so unique. Luke uses every opportunity to show Jesus' concern for women, and his Gospel mentions

Anna the prophetess, Simon's mother-in-law, the Widow at Nain, a woman at a Pharisee's house, women amongst Jesus' followers, a woman with haemorrhage, Mary and Martha, a crippled women, women on the Crucifixion route, women at the tomb. The Annunciation is told from Mary's point of view.

b) In Christianity women have often been denied the more prominent spiritual roles in the Church (E.g. Vicar, Priest, Bishop, Pope etc.), and have been largely assigned jobs which are often perceived to be an extension of their home-life (E.g. Putting out flowers, cleaning, teaching children in Sunday School). Critics of this scheme of things claim the Church is patriarchal (serves male needs only), and as such needs to revise its structures. Others claim that the Church should not allow women and society to have more rights, and needs to remain firm to the clear teaching of Scriptures, which according to them, denies women equality with men in these matters. They would say that although the Bible acknowledges a woman has spiritual equality with men, they are in fact assigned different roles in the Christian community. A third group would claim that although the Bible looks like it denies women equality in Church matters, when certain key texts are understood in their social and cultural contexts, it can be said that in the Church both men and women are equal in all matters before God. This will depend on what part of the Christian religion you are talking about. Most religious groups would see men and women as equal before God (Genesis) as we are all equal before God. Many Christian denominations allow women to take a full and active part in all activities including leading the worship and being a minister. Some other groups (Orthodox, Roman Catholic and some Evangelical) say that while men and women are equal they have defined roles and that women cannot be ministers/priests of the church. Dame Cicely Saunders stated the first hospice movement, she was the founder of the idea of not being able to cure but to live the life expectancy as much as possible. Dame Cicely Saunders is a great example of a Christian woman's role. That women were valuable as Christian leaders or believers. Mother Teresa lived her life dedicated as a Christian patriot to the poor, outcast and the unfortunate. Surely this proves women can obtain positions in the church today even as leader in every Christian denomination.

Some Christian groups would expect women to do as their husband or fathers tell them, they should be subservient to their father/husband but this is not so common today. You might also like to consider how issues like abortion and contraception affect the roles and status of women in the Christian church. Like all institutions that are dominated by men, the church has been guilty of sexism. Women have had little to do with the power in the church, even though they have traditionally made up the majority of the members. God is assumed to be a man and still in most churches women cannot rise to the highest positions.

The social and cultural objections are to do with how women are seen in society or in their cultural background. The place of women in society has changed a hundred years ago it would have been impossible for a woman to be a teacher or dentist. Although there have been many big changes and women now have many more opportunities and greater status, there are still attitudes which are less progressive.

c) At the time when Jesus lived society had a generally negative attitude towards women. Both Jews and Greeks believed women should be limited to the domestic roles of wife and mother and also believed that they were responsible for most sin. Jewish men thanked God they were not born a woman! However, a quick glance through Luke's gospels will understand that Jesus had a very positive attitude towards them and saw no objection to them following and taking on board his teachings, even those who had committed the worst sin considered then in New Testament times.

One of the most important disputes in the church today is about the role of women in the church i.e. the ordination of women as ministers and priests for example. The Roman Catholic Church rejects the ordination of women entirely. The Church of England however in some parts of the Anglican Church have women priests, but if a woman wants to be ordained they have to travel abroad to be trained for ministry, only practising where it is allowed. Some free Churches, Methodist and Baptists, ordain women. The Orthodox Church does not as yet see the issue as an important one.

But if Jesus appointed women followers why not ordain women some would argue. As Jesus is the Son of God, God chooses the priest hood. There are many objections to the ordainment of women in the church today. God is always referred to as Father, which would lead you to think he is male. Jesus might of chosen female followers, but Jesus the Son of God was male and chose only male disciples. The Bible mentions and teaches that women should submit to their husbands and be silent in churches. As women bare children, looking after their children would take up valuable time, time they should be spending on church duties. Women are considered more emotional than men and this might lead arguments to how they will cope with the job. But there are many female doctors and they handle this job ordinarily. Some might feel women would not have the same respect they would get if they were a man, a men advising women is easier than vice versa. As should women be in charge of men. But isn't there no difference in god's eye between men and women. The Bible recognises only two kinds of priesthood, the priesthood of Jesus and the priesthood of all believers. Women today can do jobs, which were thought impossible in the past, women are now leaders in a way never before.

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Mythology Paper that Compares Heros with Comic book Heros

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Many hundreds of years from now our great comic hero's stories will be told to a new generation of humans, it will then be called a myth. That is exactly what our modern day myths, they are comics. When you look at our modern day comic book hero's you don't view them as a myth. "Myth as viewed by many modern intellect is primitive; trying to explain world of nature, production of poetical fancy…mythology is all these" (Campbell 8). As Superman is to our generation of mythology as is Herakles to the ancient Greeks of mythology. Both share very similar traits and qualities that a typical hero myth. As do most of the hero's in our myths, and not just noticed in our Greek hero myth's but also in Norwegian, Romanian, and Native American mythology. Most hero myth's share the same common motifs. However in this paper I am only going to concentrate on two of the most popular hero's. One being the incredible Herakles and the other being modern day hero Superman. When I am done with this paper you will see how the idea and the symbol of a hero have not changed over the centuries.

With so many cultures there is no one way to categorize all the worlds' myths into one category. Joseph Campbell, the foremost expert in hero mythology had been known for not concentrating on the differences of a hero but rather the seeks to show that most hero myth's have to same development and therefore must share a common value. (Segal 6) Similarities that exist from one cultures hero to another are; most all hero myths have the hero being a male and in the case of Campbell's myth's all of the hero's he studied were male (Segal 4), you will always have the good vs. the bad and the hero will always be the good, a hero will have an unusual birth, the hero will have strength that a mortal man will not be able to obtain, there is always a quest that a hero must act upon, the hero will have to overcome temptation, hero's have this need to perform good, and finally most all our hero's will have a tragic death. Most hero's will through out there life go through what is called the Separation-Transformation-Return (STR) model of mythology. (Campbell 0) It is a model showing that a hero must be isolated from his, I refer to the hero has in the male form because most classic hero's are male, community. He must leave his home to change into the hero; this will lead him on to his quest. That is your Separation. Where the hero truly becomes a hero is when he is challenged. This is the evil that he must over come to transform into the new being. Once he has over come his evil he is then considered a hero. The Transformation stage has just occurred. Finally, the hero must return to the community, when he does he is no longer the same person that he was when he originally left. With this is change he is able to bring a new view to the world thus changing the community as well. The Return is the final piece of that puzzle in the STR model of mythology. (Caprio interview) The same is with Herakles and Superman; they too will follow the same common traits and STR model. Most important feature is not the traits that are exhibited by the hero, but why is the hero exhibiting these traits. What is the significance behind the motif? When those question is answered you are then able to determine the meaning behind the myth, and that is all mighty goal of understanding mythology.

Before I can begin to analyze Superman and Herakles you must have some back ground of who are Superman and Herakles. The very first part of the hero is the hero's birth. Superman was born on the planet Krypton. Superman's father, Jor-El had explained all the attributes that his young son, Kal-El would have over the humans because the humans were inferior to them. He will be able to fly due to the atmosphere composition, he will be stronger than any human because of his denser molecular structure, he will be practically indestructible, and be faster than being. As young child Superman reaches the planet earth you get your first taste of his strength when he lifts up the car to help out his uncle change the tire. (Superman the movie)

When Herakles was born he was born of the great god Zeus. Zeus incase many of you are not aware of your Greek mythology is the king of all the gods after he was able to defeat his father Cronus in the epic battle for supreme ruler of the Universe. (Morford 50) Because Hera was the queen of the gods she was not pleased that Zeus had slept with a mortal woman. To get even with Zeus, Hera had sent two serpents to kill Herakles. To Hera's disappointment Herakles was able to choke the life from the serpents, one in each hand. (Morford 41)

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As you can see both Superman and Herakles have very unusual births. Now how many babies have you been be able to pick up a car? Or how many people have you seen choke a serpent to death, but Herakles did this as a child and one in each hand! That is amazing accomplishment for any mortal human. This is a common motif of enhanced strength and usual birth is seen through out all of out ancient hero myths. I believe that the hero must have a usual birth and childhood so that he is able to set himself apart from the rest of the world. Hero is able to do what no mortal human is able to accomplish, and if he is able to do the impossible, then he must be different, therefore the hero must have a usual birth. This is the set up for the hero leaving for his quest; every hero must have a quest. This leads to the first stages of the STR model, the Separation. The hero must leave his home to go on his quest.

The first action sets Superman on his quest, to create the first part of his myth, is when his earth father dies. He makes the comment, "With all those powers I couldn't save him." (Superman the movie) This has a major effect on Superman, here the hero must make a choice he can either use his powers for the easy road, "evil" or he can take the long road, "good". This is what sets our hero apart from the villain. Of course our hero's could take the simple road and decide that it is not worth all the effort to try and save everyone with their abilities that they have been blessed with. All heroes will take the more difficult road because in most mythology the difficult road is the righteous path. And the hero will always do what is moral. The hero also chooses the challenging path because a typical mortal being is not capable of doing what a hero can. The hero is able to overcome obstacles that sets apart mortal from a hero. (Caprio interview)

In Herakles choice between the "difficult road" and the "easy road", Herakles was not able to choose his ways. He was more or less forced to be a hero. As the myth goes Herakles was driven mad my Hera, the queen of the gods, causing Herakles to go on a mad rampage killing his wife and children. (Morford 41) In Greek times it was an unforgivable sin to kill your own family for any reason. Because of this sin Herakles was forced to be purified by performing what is called in "The Twelve Labors" of Herakles. Herakles could have easy left Greece and disappeared from the known existence. He was not forced by the gods to perform these tasks. He was only told that to be purified from his sins he must perform these labors. He knew in his soul that he must do these labors, because it was wrong of him to kill and must be justified so that he can have peace in his life. (Caprio interview)

Herakles first labor was to kill the mighty lion of Nemean; to do this it would require the use of a club. For arrows were no use against this magnificent beast. After getting close enough tackle the lion he was forced to strangle the lion with his bare hands to finally kill the lion. (Herakles Online Page) To kill a lion takes an unbelievable amount of courage, but to kill a lion with your bare arms and strangle him is beyond what a mortal man could do. This just shows the strength of Herakles and being able to kill a lion with his bare hands. He also kill this lion to save the city of Nemea from the terror of lion, thus exhibiting the trait that Herakles has the inherent ability to know that is morally right. This also brings me to the trait that all our heroes will face is the epic battles of "good" vs. "evil". When Herakles being the hero is good and the lion is the evil that opposes him.

Just as Herakles has his evils so does Superman. Superman stands for all that is good, "For liberty and Justice for all". However with every hero they must be an evil. Lex Luthor is Superman's evil, Lex is greedy, power hungry, craving attention, and cruel. Just as good is opposite of evil, Superman is the opposite of everything that Luthor stands for. Superman will stand up for the right, help those in needs, and put his own life at risk for those who need help. In the Superman movie he does not discriminate on who to help, first you see Superman help a little girl get a cat out of a tree and later in the movie Superman will help rid the world of nuclear bombs. (Superman the movie) If a hero is able to help the common man, and even the youngest of little girls, and help the world that has to say something about his character.

In all mythical battles the hero will prevail, because good always over comes evil. I believe that good always overcomes evil is instilled in us from ever since history was told. When we pass on a story it is told from our view point. We tell the story as it was told to us but we also want to add our slight bias opinion to that story. When the story comes from a bias point of view, you will not make yourself look as the evil. Evil then has been given the view as being opposite of good, and what ever you tell as being good obviously the opposite is evil.

Aristotle had saw there are five types of hero's in mythology. The first one being a hero who is all divine, you would call this your god such as Zeus taking control over the universe from the titans. Second being a semi-divine human usually immortal but must go thought the actions of a hero to reach this immortality, where one of their parents are divine, this is the case with Herakles of his father being Zeus and his mother being a mortal being. Superman would also fit into the second category; his parents are given abilities that a classical divine mythical god would possess. The third of our hero's are born of mortals but the gods had blessed, they are able to achieve abilities that mortal humans are not able to reach however they are able to die like any mortal, it maybe because of assistance from the gods but for what ever the reason they are superior to normal human, Greek hero Theseus. The fourth is our typical mortal human being, this is like you and me, but they are able to be put in the position to perform the actions of a hero, an example of this hero is Odysseus. The final of these heroes's are the moron who saves the day, he is at the right place at the right time, modern example of this hero is old cartoon character Inspector Gadget. (Caprio interview)

To fit into the category that Herakles and Superman you must be able to go where no human has ever been able to go. Both are able to do what most are not able to achieve. Superman is able to travel into space with out the use of oxygen pack to breath. He also is able to with stand bullets and hold up trains on his back. When he had to disarm the nuclear bombs he was forced to be apart of the steel in a railroad track to save humans from falling to there death, right after that he took all the nuclear bombs to outer space and throw them into the sun where they would be destroyed. (Superman the movie) For him being able to do so much with his abilities he is far superior to any mortal being thus giving him the status of semi-divine.

Herakles is not able to fly high in the fly or even able to with stand bullets. However, back in times of ancient Greece little was known beyond the Peloponnesian lands, so it would be extraordinary to go beyond these boundaries. Herakles had to perform the last six of his twelve labors in the non-Peloponnesian lands. One of the most famous labors was the retrieval of the Apples of the Hesperidies; the Hesperidies were the tree daughters of the night. They stood guard of the tree from which the apples grew. This tree was originally given to Zeus and Hera as a wedding gift from the mother earth. No one was sure where the location of these apples were, so assist him he had to search long and wide around the globe, to the Greeks this would be a universal search. After while he ran into a fellow named Atlas, he knew where the tree was and offered to help Herakles if someone could hold up the Heavens. Atlas returned with the apples and took them back to Eurystheus. (Morford 44) This symbol of the myth shows the over coming of death. The apples represent the meaning of immortality and the tree is a kind of tree of life. The journey that Herakles must make to the west is the overcoming the realm of Death. However because he is not totally divine he must need assistance from Atlas. All of these labors and feats that both of our heroes must perform are the Transition stage of the STR model. All during his quest he grows and learns more about not only his world but learns more about himself. The hero symbolically discovers his own true nature, "What makes the man, the man". Our heroes will encounter his true identity and his sole purpose in life. You will notice that the main difference between our ancient heroes and our modern heroes is that modern heroes will go on a quest of self discovery, an inward glance, while the ancient hero will take an outer journey, how strong is our hero. (Segal 4-5) What seems to be the final part in the hero's journey is his Return back to society. Once he returns back to society he is able to change the society just a bit.

The final part in our heroes' journey is his tragic death. All great mythical heroes' have a death. That is what separates them from a hero and a god. For a god is an immortal and will live forever. A hero is a mortal who has been given a purpose to do the bidding of a god. No different are out heroes, Herakles and Superman. Superman was killed by the great villain Doomsday, the both of the two battled fist to fist and both are killed at the end of the comic. (Supermanthemovie.com) Herakles is no different however after his death he was made immortal by the gods for his triumph over the twelve labors. His death was not of a glorious one, his wife, Deianira, was very cautious that Herakles had fallen in love with another woman so to try and win back his love she as sent him a beautiful robe. Dipped in the robe was the blood of Nessus, the centaur, it was told that his blood was a love potion. Once Herakles had put on his robe his skin had started to burn, the agony that Herakles had felt was unbearable and he could not with stand it. Shortly he had died and was taken up to the heavens with the other gods to live forever. (Morford 4)

I believe that heroes must die so that they are able to show that no one is total god. No one that is born on the earth is a god. That is what I feel myth of a hero is trying to say. Those heroes are our fantasies; they are what everyone wishes they are able to do. Have you never dreamt to be able to fly, or be strong as a hundred mortal men? Or if you have not wanted these gifts then maybe you wanted to just raise a family and be a good parent someday. That is a very reasonable goal, we as a society do not know how to achieve that goal that mission to be the perfect being. That is why we tell these myths of great hero's, they are what every single person strides to be, to be that perfect being that everyone could look up to. Some people all us hero's stories as a way to discover themselves. Whatever the reason for a hero myth, the point is that hero's have been around forever and will continue to be told because no one is able achieve all their aspirations in life. Maybe that is the meaning to life, to try to be all you can be. Or maybe the meaning of life is to try the best you can with what you are given. That is what our heroes have done. They did the best they could with what god had blessed them with.

Bibliography

Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton, New Jersey Princeton University Press, 14.

Caprio, Professor Jim . Personal Interview. November 1, 00.

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