Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Research Paper Essay Example

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Research Paper Essay Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg. His full name given during the baptism was Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart and he often called himself Wolfgang Amade Mozart. During his lifetime Mozart created more than 600 musical works, which have been widely popular during the last several centuries. Given the artist’s short lifespan the amount of work he created is especially stunning. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been and remains one of the most famous classical composers of all times and it seems that every musician after Mozart owes something to him. Mozart was born in Salzburg after his parents, Leopold and Anna Maria Pertl Mozart, moved there from Augsburg. His parents were musicians and already at the age of four little Wolfgang received his first music lesson. According to some sources, Mozart wrote his first piece of music at the age of eight, while other historians suggest that the future world-famous composer started writing music when he was five. At the age of six, Mozart was already performing for the first time, accompanied by his sister. Parents noticed early talent of little Wolfgang and his sister Nannerl and in 1763 took them on a three-and-a-half year tourney all over Germany and Western Europe. Children played in courts and public academies in order to entertain nobility. During this trip, Mozart wrote his first sonatas for piano and violin, which became his first published works, and the first symphony Es-Dur. During the trip, little Wolfgang became familiar with the Italian operas and symphonies. Probably even more important and influential was the meeting with Johann Christian Bach, who became Mozart’s hero and role model. We will write a custom essay sample on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Research Paper specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Research Paper specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Research Paper specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer After the long trip, the family came back to Salzburg. Die Schuldigkeit des ersten Gebots (The Obligation of the First and Foremost Commandment) was composed by Mozart in 1767 together with two other older friends. During the smallpox epidemic the family decided to find refuge in Brunn und Olmutz, nonetheless, the sickness reached both Wolfgang and his sister even there. In the very beginning of the 1768, the family returned to Vienna, where the twelve-year-old composer finished Bastien and Bastienne, Waisenhausmesse and La finta semplice (The Pretended Simpleton). In 1769 Mozart’s father took him on the first out of three trips to Italy, which altogether with small interruptions lasted almost three and a half years. In 1770 in Rome the Pope Clemens XIV made young Mozart a knight of the Golden Spur Order, however, Mozart, unlike Christoph Willibald Gluck did not refer to himself as a knight. In Rome once or twice Mozart heard Miserere by Gregorio Allegri, which was kept in secret in the Vatican, and managed to write it down from memory almost without any mistakes. Padre Giovanni Battista Martini in Bologna taught Mozart counterpoint – correlation among several voices independent in contour and rhythm but harmonically interdependent; used in classical music, especially in Renaissance and in Baroque music. After an exam, he was accepted in the Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna. There he met many famous musicians like Giovanni Battista Sammartini, Niccolo Piccinni, Pietro Nardini and Giovanni Paisiello. In December 1770 Mozart’s opera seria Mitridate, re di Ponto was performed in Milano and was very successful. As a result, Mozart got two other assignments and composed Serenata teatrale Ascanio in Alba and Dramma per musica Lucio Silla. Both musical works were performed in Milano in the following two years. However, Mozart did not receive desired employment in Italy and in 1771father and son were forced to return to Salzburg. Mozart became a court musician in Salzburg. In 1773 Mozart wrote his first piano concert. His Dramma per musica Il re pastore was performed in Salzburg in 1775, however, was not very successful. Despite his employment in Salzburg, Mozart continued to travel with his father and in 1777 had to quit his job, which did not allow him to travel freely. Mozart wrote ballet music Ballettmusik Les petits riens, which was performed in Paris in 1778, but once again it did not bring further employment opportunities to the composer. Wolfgang returned to Salzburg, where he composed the Kronungsmesse (Coronation Mass) in 1779. In 1781 Mozart left Salzburg and moved to Vienna, where he worked as an independent composer and music teacher. After that year Mozart visited Salzburg only a few times. In 1786 opera buffa Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro, or The Day of Madness) was performed and the following year drama giocoso Don Giovanni was performed in Prague. In 1790 in Vienna the public heard opera buffa Cosi fan tutte (Thus Do They All, or The School For Lovers) for the first time. In 1791 premiered both opera seria La clemenza di Tito (The Clemency of Titus) and die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute). Die Zauberflote was accompanied by text in German. During this time Mozart also wrote six string quartet devoted to Joseph Haydn, Linz Symphony (symphony No. 36 in C major), Prague Symphony (Symphony No. 38 in D major), Eine kleine Nachtmusik (in English: a little night music, Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major) as well as three last symphonies in Es-Dur, g-Moll, in C-Dur. In 1782 Mozart married Constanze Weber, who she met three years earlier in Mannheim. She gave birth to six children, of whom only two, Karl Thomas and Franz Xaver Wolfgang survived childhood. We do not know how Mozart suffered the death of his children, but it is possible to hear Mozart’s pain and sadness in Symphony no. 40 in G Minor, written when his little daughter Theresia died. Only several months after the premier of the Zauberflote Mozart died after spending weeks in bed. Now there are many speculations about what might have caused Mozart’s death. The composer himself was convinced that he had been poisoned. According to one of the well-known legends, Antonio Salieri poisoned the great composer, however, this legend has been largely discredited by modern scholars. Joseph Haydn had very high opinion of Mozart and considered him one of the greatest composers. Mozart himself wrote once: â€Å"As you know, I can more or less adopt or imitate any kind and style of composition.† It is one of the Mozart’s peculiarities throughout his life, he absorbed and incorporated music in various styles. His style was significantly influenced by south German and Italian music of the second part of the eighteenth century. Of course, the earliest influences can be traced back to his father and local composers in Salzburg. The connection between the father and the son was so big, that for a long time it was unclear which of the two composed â€Å"lambacher† symphonies and it is still debated how much influence and input Leopold Mozart had into his son’s early musical works. It is possible to suggest that father Mozart helped his son with the early symphonies. During the trips to Italy, Mozart became familiar with the local operas, which influenced his music later. Also counterpoint, that he learned from Padre Giovanni Battista Martini in Bologna, had great influence on the composer and his works. Mozart integrated his works counterpoint techniques and blended classic homophonic and baroque polyphonic styles. Mozart was an incredibly multifaceted composer. He is probably the only or at least one of the very few composers who created music in all genres of his time. He himself was very proud of that. In his collection were music for violin, flute, clarinet, horn, piano, chamber music, dance music, serenades, songs, canons, and masses. Mozart brought piano concerts closer to symphonies. Mozart himself played piano and violin. He wrote five concertos for violin, a clarinet concerto, four concertos for horn, two for flute, and both an oboe concerto and a bassoon concerto. The composer increased length and extent of individual works, which can be especially clearly seen in his symphonies. Mozart was very demanding, definitely more than his contemporaries when it came to the orchestra placement. He demanded a special unusual place for wind instruments. Especially in his later operas, Mozart was able to create compelling psychological and dramatic characters. He managed to connect the seemingly simple music with the complicated and demanding. It is stunning that Mozart was able to leave after his short life such amazing amount of work. His biographers claim, that he did not make rough drafts and always wrote a whole piece. â€Å"†¦ all witnesses of Mozart at work agree,† wrote Alfred Einstein, one of the Mozart scholars, „that he put a composition down on paper as one writes a letter, without allowing any disturbance or interruption to annoy him — the writing down, the fixing, was nothing more than that — the fixing of the completed work a mechanical act.† No doubt Mozart had talent and skills to compose music very quickly. Linz Symphony, for example, was written in only four days and the last movement of the famous Jupiter Symphony was written in a few days. Works Cited: Vigeland, Carl. The Mostly Mozart Guide to Mozart. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley, 2009.

Pesticides And Their Harmful Affects Essays - Biocides, Free Essays

Pesticides And Their Harmful Affects Essays - Biocides, Free Essays Pesticides And Their Harmful Affects There are many important issues in the world regarding the environment and it's affects on the average person. Though, the one that hits closest to home, worldwide, is the trust that individuals have in the food that they consume. Yet pesticides are still found daily in foods all around the world. Pesticides are toxins that are used by produce growers universally to control pests that can destroy crops. These toxins are being ingested by humans in the forms of fruits and vegetables that have remaining toxins on them. How safe are these toxins to humans and what is being done to safeguard the environment as well as the health of individuals? Does the average person consume harmful amounts of poison at every meal? If the levels are unsafe, why is this problem continuing to get a blind eye from the people who are supposed to protect society? These questions when asked only lead to more questions. Until things are done to change the systems of pesticide usage universally, society can nev er be sure as to the long term effects on our environment and what they are eating or giving to the future of our world, the children. In some foreign countries pesticides are used more frequently with legislative control than in the United States. In Mexico and South America, for example, many of the pesticides that the United States and Europe have banned, wind up being used on a majority of their produce crops. The largest problem with this is that Europe and the United States import from South America for produce all of the time. What good does it do to ban harmful agricultural chemicals to be used on domestically grown crops if crops in other countries are grown with these same harmful chemicals, and are then allowed to be imported? Mexico and South America are the leading suppliers of produce for the earth's population because their climate is very conducive to year around crops. Unfortunately those countries are also known for their large amount of insects of all varieties. These insects are steadily becoming more and more immune to toxins that are sprayed on crops. More than five hundred insects, one hundred and fifty plant diseases and two hundred and seventy weeds are now resistant to pesticides. Results are that U.S. growers as well, are steadily forced to apply more and stronger toxins. As the amount and the strength of the toxin increases, the immunity of the targeted insects to these toxins also increases. Total U.S. crop losses from insect damage has nearly doubled since 1945. Insecticide use during this same time has increased tenfold. This war will go on being waged until the game plan is changed. The produce export trade in some cities and countries constitutes the majority of their economy and they will protect the resulting income at all costs. These places have very little legislation to control chemical usage, and follow up on almost none of i ts effects. Officials do not care how it affects consumers, being adults or children. Even their own agricultural worker's health is of no concern. These officials only care about producing crops and exporting them with as little overhead as possible. The bottom line is, always has been, and always will be money. In Villa Juarez, Mexico, many children who work in the produce fields are coming down with mysterious illnesses and some people in this region put the blame directly on those children's contact with the chemical acephate and other pesticides that are used in that area. The use of acephate is illegal in the United States, but is perfectly legal in Mexico. Doctors in Juarez are treating unusually high amounts of cancer and also fifty to eighty cases of chemical poisoning per week in their agricultural workers. This continues to happen because the government and the growers do not take these illnesses seriously; the workers are expendable. Growers in Culcan Valley, Mexico use chemicals to increase production of produce sold in the U.S. every winter. Unfortunately, studies that were preformed by the Government Accounting office in Mexico showed that at least six pesticides that are illegal in the U.S. were still on the produce when it was

Historic site in the New York City Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Historic site in the New York City - Essay Example His ability to make meticulous plans, even in the face of unexpected obstacles, has also helped him gain victory. Ulysses S Grant remerged when he volunteered his services for the Civil War that broke out in 1861. One of Grant’s major achievements was gaining control of the Union. He also won some major victories along the Mississippi river. This prevented trade along the Mississippi which was part of anaconda plan. He appeared as one of the greatest leaders of American History during the Civil War. Grant was considered as a very compassionate and peaceful man who believed that political equality should be given to former slaves, when he became President of the United States. He also wanted the Indians to be treated with respect and dignity. Grant wanted justice and equality for African Americans under the law which allowed Hiram Revel of Mississippi to become the first black to be elected to the US Senate. Grant also chose Ely Parker as Commissioner of Indian Affairs. One of the most important policies during his presidency was a treaty signed in 1971, which is known as the Treaty of Washington. This policy had helped resolve several disputes among Unites States, Great Britain and Canada. He wanted this treaty to show its value in resolving problems without engaging in war but through negotiation. As Americans, we should honor Ulysses S Grant, a Civil War general, who saved the nation from dissolution. He also deserves to be respected as a president who worked to bring peace and order to not only the country but also the world at

Understanding the International Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Understanding the International Economy - Essay Example The essay "Understanding the International Economy" represents an overview of the book â€Å"Globalization in Question† by Pole Hirst in the context of the international economy. It was brought forth in the book that it is an often-used word, globalization, used in social science to explain, describe and refer to a broad range of international, business, management and other disciplines. At the heart of their argument is the recent spread of interlinked economic ties between countries as heightened by a loosening of border restrictions as well as the Internet that has brought accessibility in terms of product availability and knowledge to consumers that did not exist in the early 1990s for the public at large. The increased sales and offering of services across national boundaries has intensified activity in the banking arena in terms of business to business transactions brought forth by the flow of funds in importation, export, direct sales and other exchanges that have called for increased banking interaction to finance these types of activities. As a result of heightened banking activities and risk the increased financial flows between countries from all quarters has seen the International Bank for Settlements out of Geneva, Switzerland make adaptations to the Basel Accords via Basel II that has set forth new capital adequacy standards for European as well as large banks in the United States and Asia. The implications of the foregoing are found in the central word of the subject of this study ‘economics’.

Museum Visit Art Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Museum Visit Art Study - Essay Example His last beneficiary (his daughter) died in 1926 at the age of 42 prompting formation of trust for the purchase of art. By the side about the same time a different benefactor, Mary Atkins McAfee left her vast estate to the city to erect a building to be used and maintained as a fine arts museum. Trustees, three presidents of state university from Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri were initially in charge. It's particularly noted for Asian art, counting Ming dynasty furniture and Tang dynasty bowls; a 22-acre outdoor statuette garden with the leading United States collection of Henry Moore bronzes; the biggest public collection of Missouri native Thomas Benton Hart works; and one of the nation’s largest collections of America photography (Poore, 2010). It also has paintings of European origin, from baroque and Romanesque to Impressionist, together with more modern works from pop to expressionism art. The museum includes also works by Caravaggio (his St. John the Baptist at the Wild erness is a treasure in the museum), Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir, Andy Warhol Monet, van Gogh, Willem de Kooning, Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, and Picasso. The Rozelle Court Restaurant, put in the 15th-century courtyard style, has comprehensive dinner hours on Friday (Poore, 2010). This museum accommodates art treasures from all periods of time and art styles. At the outset, it was decided that few limits, quality excluded, would not bound the extent of the museum.   Their much familiar and popular art includes Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Olive Orchard’ which seemed to me very much interesting. Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Olive Orchard’ During the latest six 1889 months, Vincent Van Gogh did a minimum of fifteen olive trees paintings, a subject he saw both compelling and demanding. He wrote a letter to Theo, his brother, saying that he was besieged to the olive trees painting. In the letter he claimed that they were â€Å"old silver, occasionally with a more blue, sometimes bronzed, greenish, a fading white above the soil which is pink, yellow, violet tinted orange†¦.very complicated†, (Sparknotes, 2013) in his attempt to present form, in the painting van Gogh knew that color and unity in his work had intrinsic expressive powers besides its descriptive use. In one of the Olive Orchard oil painting reproduction, â€Å"Olive Trees with a Yellow Sky and Sun†, I discovered that the crunch of the olive grove had somewhat very furtive in it, and incalculably old. It is too beautiful for to be talented to imagine it or us to dare paint it. In the ‘olive orchard’, in the animated power of their gnarled and ancient forms, Van Gogh found a portrayal of the devout force he believed exist in all nature, bring about symbolism in his work (Leahy, 2013). His brushstrokes made the soil and the sky seem lively with the same rustling activity as the leaves, enthused to a shimmer of the Mediterranean wind. The use of opposin g, and diversifying elements add interest and variety in the painting. These sturdy individual dashes do not appear painted as much as drawn on the canvas with a deeply loaded brush. The

Concepts in solution focused brief therapy

Concepts in solution focused brief therapy SFBT, believe that solutions ensue when there is a change in negative interactive patterns and behaviour and as such, giving new meaning to clients problems and tools necessary to solve their them (Stalker et al., 1999). SFBT does not pathologize but rather focuses on clients strengths (Gehart and Tuttle, 2003). It orients clients to a solution talk rather than problem talk. The SF, therapist therefore works with the clients to find solutions as they occur. This pragmatic approach to therapy utilizes concepts that enabled clients to find solutions (Cunanan, McCollum, 2006). This modality strongly supports the view that there are solutions to almost every problem and that everyone has the capability to solve their own problems. The SF, therapist believes that people are dynamic and not static and that change is constantly occurring. The SF, therapist explores with the clients problem areas that they want to change in their lives while encouraging the continuance of areas that are currently working for them. The therapists and clients then co- construct concrete goals of a preferred future and subsequently create a change within themselves (Lewis and Osborn, 2004). There are many concepts which play a vital role in this modality, these include: re-session change (Lawson, 1994; Lethem 2006, 2002), moving from a problem saturated talk to solution-focused talk (Langdridge, 2006; Lethem 2002; Talyor, 2005), looking at the exception to the problem (Ruddick, 2008), viewing change as a constant, recognizing that language has meaning and experiencing hope (Gehart and Tuttle, 2003). Pre-session change The pre-session change is the concept that assesses to see if there have been any changes for the client prior to beginning their initial session (Weiner-Davis, 1987 as cited in Lawson, 1994). This pre-session change is an integral part of therapy as it helps the therapist to begin a dialogue in focusing on the solution and helps the client to see the possibility of change (Lethem, 2002). Problem saturated talk to solution talk According to Taylor (2005), moving from the problem-saturated story to a solution talk is one of the main goals of therapy. The problem-saturated story usually occurs during the initial stage of therapy. The therapist will take a non-judgmental stance to the client story while formulating the problem that the client is sharing, while gently helping the client to shift focus and explore possible solutions. The therapist also helps in directing the clients to make goals that they would like to accomplish during and after the course of therapy (Jordan, Quinn, 1994). During this process the therapist takes a curious/neutral stance in understanding the client and their presenting issue. While the therapist focuses on the here and now of the problem and how its currently affecting the client, they help to re-focus the client in the direction towards the future (Adam et.al., 1991 as cited in Jordan Quinn, 1994). The SFBT therapist re-directs clients from a problem saturated story to a state of solution oriented story. This shift allows the therapist to begin the process of building upon the clients strength in order to help them to identify solutions to their problem (OHanlon and Wiener-Davis, 1989 as cited in Reiter, 2007). Looking at the exceptions to the problems Eliciting feedback from the client about the differences when the problem did not occur, or occurred with less severity, helps the therapist identify strengths, embedded in exceptions that the client can utilize in the future, (De Jong Berg, 2002). The use of expectancy, derived from the work of Milton Erickson, was utilized by de Shazer utilized to help clients capitalize on the resource they possess within themselves to solve their problem. The art of solution focused therapy involves not only bringing awareness to the exceptions of problems but rather the solutions that lies in their repertories. According to O Hanlon, (1999) there should be positive expectancy talk. Change is constantly happening and hope This therapy assumes that nothing is always the same, it is the belief that change is occurring all the time and small change is generative, as one small changes leads to larger changes. Additionally, this assumption also means that problems are only as big as ones definition to them. Our definition defines both the experience and size of the problem. Change occurs when clients can look at the exceptions to their problems and make that shift from the problem-saturated story to solution-focused talk (Simon, Joel K. Nelson, Thorana S. 2007). Change can be measured with scaling questions, so as to get an overview of where the client is at and if any small changes have occurred (B.OConnell, 1998). According to Miller, Duncan and Hubble (1996, p 218), hope is the exercising of ones belief that something positive will happen in each session. This takes a team approach, both therapist and client work together actively to get an outcome which finds solutions to the clients problem. Assumptions of Solution Focused Brief Therapy This theory utilizes 12 assumptions, John Walter Jane Peller (1992) from their text Becoming Solution-Focused in Brief Therapy (pp 10-34) described the following assumptions: 1. Focusing on the positive: 2. Having clients identify the exceptions to the problem. 3. Change is occurring all the time. 4. Small change generative, small changing leads to larger changing. 5. Clients are always cooperating. 6. People have the natural resource within themselves to solve their problems. 7. Meaning and experience are interactionally constructed 8. Actions and descriptions are circular. 9. The response you received is the meaning of the message. 10. The client is the expert 11. Change is constantly occurring. 12. A treatment group comprises of members who share stated goals and have desires to accomplish these goals. Nature of Reality in Solution Focused Brief Therapy Reality is the construction of ones language and as such, problems are maintained when ones construction disregard their natural capability and resources. Steve de Shazer, 1991 stated that clients and their belief system constructs reality; reality is therefore invented rather than constructed. In the event that the reality that the client is living in at present is not working for them, then the therapist can gently invite the client to enter into a momentary hypothetical. This allows the client to enter into a reality where anything is virtually possible. This gives the client the opportunity to dream as to what they would be doing in the event that this miracle was to occur. Miller, (1996) stated that therapists can use the intervention of the miracle question to enter into this reality. The use of the miracle question allows the therapist not only to join with the client but to also enter the world of the client. This intervention allows for the client to imagine a better future reality in which they want to create the future (De Shazer, 1991). According to Nelson and Thomas (2007), reality is based on how the client chooses to live their life and their perception of what life is about. Each individual owns the architecture of their reality, and they choose how to shape their world. A therapist can however identify with the reality of their clients through the use of language. According to Harland as cited in de Shazer (1991), language constitutes the human world and the human world constitutes the whole world. In order to understand the clients language, the therapist has to enter into the world of the client and understand what is happening for the client at that moment. This allows the therapist to get a clearer understanding of the clients viewpoint and what motivates them to think as they do (Odell, Butler and Dielma, 2005). In SFBT, therapists respect the clients for who they are and the reality in which they live. The therapist takes a non-judgmental stance and doesnt make comparison with the clients past issues, but rather focuses on the here and now present of the client. Miller posits that therapists respect their clients point of view by understanding the language in which they speak. Language is the clients thoughts that help to shape and express who they are. The therapist and the client enter into a therapeutic relationship through the client language as the main vehicle to their perception of reality. Understanding the clients reality is a process. Initially, the therapist is unable to be a part of the clients reality because they are on the outside; however, as the sessions progress, the therapist becomes more familiar and better able to comprehend the clients language, and subsequently becomes a part of the clients reality (Miller, (1997b) De Shazer et al., argues that people use language to shape their reality and to assist in establishing the meaning of situations, relationships, others and self. They further note that the meanings people assign to a situation may limit the range of solutions to a problem, which is of particular interest to solution-focused therapy. They explained that every individual constructs his or her meaning based on previous experiences, beliefs, family of origin or societal view (De Shazer et al. 1988). Furthermore, they posit that clients stories are usually more problem-saturated than goal-oriented. Hence, it is easier for clients to focus on their problems than the solution. As such, when the therapist and client interact, there is a `co-creation of realties; therefore, differences in perspectives and meanings should be defined Bobele et.al, states expertise lies in the manner in which the conversation is conducted, not in the ability to convey a venerated body of information (Bobele, Gardner, Biever, 1995, p. 16). Philosophy proposes that reality exist objectively in the world irrespective of ones subjectivity, language or thoughts. I believe that a persons perception is his or her reality, and so what I believe becomes my reality; subsequently, what I believe in does not necessarily hold true for someone else. For example, I believe in a supreme being and that is a part of my reality; however, that might not be the reality for another person who sees himself as a God. A persons reality is shaped by his or her beliefs and value-systems, or anything that seems real to him or her whether its conceptualized by the mind or an extension of self or environment. Reality does exist for me, but there are several forms of reality. What I can see and touch and what I believe exists not in a physical state but by fai th. I define truth as being an accurate account of reality -a claim that has been proven factual. However, I would suggest that there might be several versions of truth. Truth can be based on my perception of what is true. But this may not necessarily be factual. For example, others may not share my belief that chocolate tea is pleasant to the taste; hence, truth can also be relative. Furthermore, if everyone were behaving in a certain way and someone came along behaving in the opposite manner, and then the perception would be that something is wrong with him or her, a plausible conception of insanity. If relatively, speaking nothing is innate to a newborn baby if the mind is a blank slate, then everything we know is learned from some source. If your only source told you, the moon was a space ship in the sky, then that would be your truth. After dissecting all these terms, I believe that objective and subjective truths co-exist in my reality. I know that certain things are just facts, yet at the same time I am aware that some things that were previously taught me as truths are not based on factual grounds. For example, my value system is not based on facts, but rather on my beliefs, my truths and my reality. It defines who I am as a person. Having the knowledge that my reality may differ from my clients reality, it is imperative that I am aware of my own bias and not project my reality unto my client, as this would be counterproductive, as the client would be seeing through the lens of my reality and not theirs. It is vital for clients to know what is real for them and how it affects their lives. However, through the therapeutic relationship, my reality may be shared not imposed or forced upon clients when I integrate therapeutic interventions and feedback to clients. SFBT has reinforced for me that language helps to shape ones reality and is a driving force in how we construct or de-construct our reality. Human Nature in Solution Focused Brief Therapy SFBT has a positive approach to therapy and toward clients in general. SFBT views clients as natural problem-solvers who have only lost sight of their ability to solve problems. Another common believe is people are not the problem but the problem is the problem. Furthermore, it utilizes and enhances the clients capability. Every person has the natural resource needed to cope even before the use of interventions. Hence the therapy process should constitute of promoting and finding the solutions that naturally lies within the clients (Peller, J.L., Walker J., 1992a). This theory also reinforced the concept that the client is the expert, and the solutions lie within them. In SFBT, the client is the expert, and the facilitator takes the position of not knowing and of leading from one step behind through solution-focused questioning and responding. SFBT is focused on finding solutions not problems and therefore does not look at a person in the sense of being maladjusted. It is the behaviour that causes maladjustment and not the innate qualities of the person. The clients narrative determines much about the repeated patterns of dysfunctional behavior (Peller, J.L., Walker J., 1992b). In SFBT therapy, the client knows the solution, and the role of the therapist is help clients to identify these solutions while maintaining a respectful and supportive role and not to be confrontational but, only make suggestions are necessary alternatives (De Jong Berg, 1998, p. 21). In SFBT, the therapist is seen as a collaborator and consultant, there to help clients achieve their goals. With SFBT, clients do most of the talking, and what they talk about is considered the cornerstone of the resolution of their complaints. Usually, SFBT therapists will use more indirect methods such as the use of extensive questioning about previous solutions and exceptions (De Jong Berg, 1998, p. 21). Self is the consciousness of ones own identity; it is what defines me as an individual. It is the component that makes up my personality. Self is who I am as an individual, which comprises my strengths, limitations, dreams, fears, likes and dislikes. My sense of self follows a consistent pattern personality and behavior does not change, and is made up of past, present experiences, values and cultural background. In contrast to this, the essential self is more of the ideal self; it is the self I hope to be, the self I desire to accomplish. Murray Bowen speaks about the solid self, which is highly differentiated free of emotional process. However, for me, the solid self is like my essential self where I am more highly differentiated, less reactive, and accepting of my faults. It is a wiser me, a mature, less indecisive me, an empowered me. The main difference between the two selves is one, the self is who I am in reality and the essential self is who I hope and want to be. I believe what makes individuals different is their individuals background and cultural/family values. Furthermore, ones environment and genetics both influence what makes each of us who we are. What makes me who I am today are my culture and family values, the environment that I grew up in, the parenting style that I experienced and my experiences. This academic programmed has greatly influence my way of thinking, and has forced me to do a lot of introspection, which has been an avenue that Ive used to better understand myself. One major thing that my life experiences have taught me is that the difficulties I have encountered in my life can be likened to my life test. I feel at times Ive been given the same exam over with a few changes in the questions and by now I have to come to know the end results. As this process unfolds I have become less anxious as I believe the end result will be successful and if not its ok as I can rest assured that this test will come again. I have always been given the opportunity to take my life test over and with each success; I have become stronger and empowered. With each failure Ive also experience growth as I make adjustments so as to do better. I believe that in order for an individual to experience a fulfilling life, they should live with (1) with no regrets and know that what they do is done to the fullest. (2) Accept the things they cannot change and (3) learn from their mistakes, which will by extension make them stronger. Nature of change in Solution Focused Brief Therapy In the solution-focused approach, change is viewed as a process that is inevitable and constant (de Shazer, 1985), clients situations may often fluctuate and often the small changes may seemingly go. Therefore, it is imperative for therapist to help clients to identify when these changes occur and attempt to identify circumstances and behaviors that encourage the desired change (de Shazer, 1985b). In assessing the problem, the therapist looks for past, present or even future exceptions, in addition to identifying clients strengths, this may enable them to reach some solutions. Solution-focused brief therapy focuses exclusively or predominantly on two things (1) helping clients to achieve their desired outcome through the setting of personal goals and (2) looking at the exceptions to the problems through the implementation of previous solutions. (de Shazer, 1985c). Change is in my viewpoint a permanent modification of behavior. While change is dynamic there is some amount of finality to it, something that is adjusted can be re-adjusted, but true change has a degree of permanence. Change removes us from our comfort zone. Change has a ripping effect on those who wont let go. Change happens for me when I confront and accept that I need a behavioral modification. Acceptance for me is the turning point for change. Change begins in my heart having that desire to want better; it might be awkward and uncomfortable at first, but then it becomes more accepting and more understanding. What I have gathered from doing this research and attending classes is that therapy as a process aids understanding and recovery from psychological difficulties. Therapy deals with underlying issues spanning across inter/intrapersonal conflicts, for example depression and marital conflict. Therapy provides an avenue to express ones feelings, understand patterns of thinking, gain perspective or knowledge surrounding past events and to obtain guidance to the right path. I believe therapy happens when one consciously seeks help for change; when there is a willingness to work on ones self, therapy ensues. Therapy happens when change occurs. For me, this program has been one big therapy session and my change has occurred in small increments, based on my willingness to visualize the change in my mind and take the steps necessary to execute that change. That change for me is feeling exposed, honest with myself but freshly aware of who I am as an individual. The relationship between client and therapist is integral, as it determines whether that client leaves the therapy room being a more mentally healthy person or worse off than when they first entered. According to Carl Rogers, the therapeutic relationship forms the foundation for treatment. If a helping relationship is not the number one priority in the treatment process, then clinicians are doing a great disservice to their clients as well as to the field of therapy as a whole. I strongly believe that for me to have a successful outcome in therapy, I must first join with my client, showing a genuineness to help, validate and empathize, give positive regard and help set goals with my client. Most of what I have learnt from my professors, advisor, supervisor, classmates, research and life experiences has formed the building blocks of my therapeutic stance. It is my hope that with this foundation, I will be an effective therapist, one that will join with clients in terms of where they are at and help them work through their problems. Furthermore, openness to change and a willingness to adjust so that I can better meet the need of my clients for both therapy and personal growth is intrinsic.

Symbols and Symbolism in Keseys One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest :: One Flew Over Cuckoos Nest

Symbolism in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Ken Kesey presents his masterpiece, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, with popular culture symbolism of the 1960s. This strategy helps paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Music and cartoons of the times are often referred to in the novel. These help to exaggerate the characters and the state of the mental institution. Popular culture supplies the music which is used as a recurring theme in the novel. McMurphy dislikes the tape playing in the day room because it represents how the ward is run routinely and without change. McMurphy also uses music to obtain good relations with the patients. On his first morning in the hospital, McMurphy is heard singing several verses of "The Wagoner's Lad": "Hard livin's my pleasure, my money's my o-o-own, an' them that don't like me, they can leave me alone" (Kesey 93 ). In this scene, he sings to express his good spirits (Twayne). Later, in the hall, as one of the aides goes to talk to the angry Big Nurse, McMurphy whistles, with an illusion to the Globetrotters, "Sweet Georgia Brown" as " an amusing accompaniment to the aide's evasive shuffle" (Sherwood 399). After shocking Nurse Ratched with his whale shorts, he accompanies her retreat to the Nurses' Station with the song "The Roving Gambler" to establish his style, define his character, and show his indifferen ce to policy: "She took me to her parlor, and coooo-ooled me with her fan'- I can hear the whack as he slaps his bare belly - whispered low in her mamma's ear, I lu-uhvve that gamblin' man" (Kesey 97). The cartoon symbolism demonstrated in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest helps create dynamic features and traits in each character. Bromden indicates early that the ward is "Like a cartoon world, where the figures are flat and outlined in black, jerking through some kind of goofy story that might be real funny if it weren't for the cartoon figures being real guys..."( 31). Technicians in the hospital speak with voices that "are forced and too quick on the comeback to be real talk - more like cartoon comedy speech" (33). Kesey chooses to describe some of his characters as symbolic caricatures, and others as stock figures who outgrow their black outlines (Twayne). The Big Nurse remains a cartoon villain, funny in her excessive frustration and hateful in her manipulations towards the patients.