Scarlet Letter Essays (751 words) - Film, English-language Films

Scarlet Letter The human mind is a powerful force and often works in unexplainable and mysterious ways. In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne shows this through the lives and actions of Hester Prynne, Roger Chillingworth and Arthur Dimmesdale; three characters in a Puritan society who are affected by the sin of adultery. Each character gives a perspective of how the beliefs of the human mind control ones body and quality of life. Hester is the woman found guilty of committing adultery, and as punishment, is forced to wear a scarlet letter A on her chest. Hester believes that she has sinned, and thinks that she can redeem herself by doing good in the Puritan community. She is constantly reminded of her sin by her daughter, Pearl, who asks endless questions about the scarlet letter, yet Hester remains a strong role model to her. With Hesters positive attitude and by living her life the ways she is, many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. They said it meant Able,; so strong was Hester Prynne (page 148). Hester is Able because she is a single mother raising a daughter, is skillful ay sewing, and also is considerate by giving money to the poor even though she does not have much herself. At one point during a brief period of happiness in the woods, Hester tears off the scarlet letter from her bosom, and removes her hair cap. Suddenly, her mind is free of the burdens she has end ured, and she is physically beautiful again. In this short time, where she is happy and her mind is set free, her body also changes and the beauty she once had reappears. Roger Chillingworth was once a kind-hearted man, and is also Hesters husband, although no one else is aware of this. When he discovers that the father of Hesters child is Dimmesdale, he slowly changes from a good, trustworthy man to an evil parasite possessed with revenge. His overwhelming jealously causes Chillingworth a lot of distress, and as he mentally becomes vengeful, his physical deformity worsens, and he also appears to be more evil and sinful. Much like a leech he used to hurt Dimmesdale, Chillingworth attaches himself to Dimmesdales soul, and is consumed with punishing, torturing, and sucking all the life out of him, like a leech does to its host. Chillingworth is so attached that once Dimmesdale dies, he himself dies within a year, as if he now has nothing to live for. Perhaps the greatest example of mind over body is the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. Feeling guilty about the sin he committed, Dimmesdale repeatedly tortures himself both physically and mentally. Dimmesdale believes that torturing himself in the privacy of his home will make up for a public confession. He thinks that because of the sin he committed, and himself being a Puritan minister, he does not deserve anything but pain. The Puritan age is a time when people in society are expected to be literally perfect and free from sin, but under all the strict rules and regulations, one will eventually break down from all the stress and pressure. This is what happens to Dimmesdale. His mind is filled with chaos, as he sincerely wants to confess, but is unable to do so. As time goes by, Dimmesdale becomes more ill and weak. Finally, Dimmesdale confesses moments before he dies, and when he does, a scarlet letter A is seen on Dimmesdales chest. Although it is not certain how this mark appeared or how long it has been there, a possible explanation might be that through all the self-inflicted punishment, self-torture and guilt, Dimmesdales mind and conscience afflicted a scarlet A on his chest. In varying ways, these three characters of Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter are forced to deal with the sin of adultery. Their actions are dramatically based on what their minds believe. Hester has the most strength; she is able to move on, live a life of integrity, and become accepted by society. Chillingworth is so consumed with revenge that eventually it consumes his life, and Dimmesdale is so caught up on how he should be punished that he too, is consumed. Hawthorne shows that the perceptions of

A Look At The Critical Understanding Of Law Social Work Essay Essays

A Look At The Critical Understanding Of Law Social Work Essay Essays A Look At The Critical Understanding Of Law Social Work Essay Essay A Look At The Critical Understanding Of Law Social Work Essay Essay There are legion Acts of the Apostless and counsel that need to be considered which make this a complicated exercising. The first is the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970 s1 which requires local governments to be cognizant of the figure of handicapped people in their boundary in order to program and develop proviso of services. Furthermore, under s46 of the National Health Service and Community Care Act, 1990 they have a duty to print a program of community attention services provided. As Mr B is the carer, the Carers ( Equal Opportunities ) Act, 2004 requires Countyshire to inform him of his entitlement to a Carer s appraisal ( Wilson et al, 2008 ) . Whilst Mr A lived with his brother, Countyshire would hold a statutory responsibility under the NHSCCA ( 1990 ) and the Carers ( Recognition and Services ) Act, 1995 to measure Mr B s demands as chief carer for his brother as Mr B is ordinary occupant at that place. The Carers and Disabled Children Act ( 2000 ) gives Mr B the right to bespeak an appraisal even if Mr A is non involved with attention services. Local Authority Circular ( 2004 ) 24 s2 lineations good pattern for Mr B s engagement in his brother s assessment procedure. For Mr A, under s47 of the NHSCCA ( 1990 ) , Countyshire would hold a statutory responsibility to measure his demands while he was populating with his brother and a farther responsibility under the policy counsel, Fair Access to Care Services 2002, issued under s7 ( 1 ) of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, to make up ones mind within a sensible clip, what community attention services should be provided to run into his demands ( DOH, 2010 ) . The statute law is complex for supplying services, including adjustment, for Mr A. There are overlapping and conflicting duties and a elaborate history for Mr A is missing. This highlights the demand for a thorough appraisal by a Social Worker and the appropriate sharing of information between the local governments concerned. Because support attention is expensive governments may conceal behind the complexness of the jurisprudence to hedge their duty. As Mr A was detained under s37 of the Mental Health Act, 1983 ( as amended by Mental Health Act, 2007 ) he would, upon go forthing infirmary under s117 MHA ( 1983 ) , receive free after-care services for his mental wellness for every bit long as is required. As Mr A was detained in Ashire, that Local Authority, Local Health Board and Primary Care Trust are responsible for financing any after-care services ( DOH, 2008 and Barber et Al, 2009 ) . After-care services under s117 of MHA ( 1989 ) would non be withdrawn from Mr A if he declined them, or Ashire discharged him from attention. Even if Mr A was good settled in the community, he may go on to necessitate after-care services in instance of backsliding or mental wellness impairment. They would merely be withdrawn if Ashire local authorization, Mr A and the PCT agreed that he no longer needed them ( DOH, 2008 ) . If such an understanding was made by Ashire so Mr A would be unable to acquire after-care free under s117 of MHA ( 1989 ) but would necessitate to be assessed under s47 of the NHSCCA ( 1990 ) for Countyshire to supply attention under the National Assistance Act ( 1948 ) . The MHA ( 1983 ) does non specify what aftercare is, nevertheless it is accompanied by a Code of Practice, 2008, which, although non statutory is regarded as counsel, as confirmed in the instance of R ( Munjaz ) V Mersey Care NHS Trust ( 2005 ) ( Brammer, 2010 and Barber et Al, 2009 ) . The Code of Practice under 27.13 provides a list of countries to be considered in an appraisal which the Social Worker, with Mr A, should include in the written after attention program ( DOH, 2008 ) . There have been legion differences between local governments over the definition of ordinary occupant, within s24 of the NAA ( 1948 ) , and occupant in s117 ( 3 ) of the MHA ( 1993 ) , and, hence, which authorization is responsible for funding a individual s residential attention. The recent publication Ordinary Residence by the Department of Health and the instance of R ( on the application of M ) v. London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and Another ; R ( on the application of Hertfordshire County Council ) v. London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham ( 2010 ) have provided lucidity and counsel for pattern confirming that for the intents of s117 MHA ( 1983 ) afterAÂ ­care, s24 ( 5 ) of the NAA ( 1948 ) does non use ( RadclifeLeBrasseur, 2010 ) . In the instance of Mr A, if he is still under s117 MHA ( 1989 ) the responsibility to supply after-care services, including adjustment, would stay with Ashire as the local authorization where he was detained even though he is populating i n Countyshire ( DOH, 2010 ) . Countyshire, under s24 ( 3 ) of the NAA ( 1948 ) , ab initio placed Mr A in the residential place to supply reprieve for his brother. The place is registered for occupants with dementedness and physical disablements. Upon the determination to remain at that place for good, Countyshire would hold a common responsibility to re-assess Mr A to guarantee the place is appropriate for his demands. If it is non portion of Mr A s attention program to supply appropriate adjustment for his mental wellness so Countyshire would necessitate to fund his adjustment, under s21 of the NAA ( 1948 ) . Mr A would besides run into the standards under the NAA ( 1948 ) s29 ( 1 ) for his domiciliary attention services to be provided by the local authorization. NAA ( 1948 ) s29 ( 4 ) with LAC ( 93 ) 10 besides outlines what attention services should be considered and s2 of the CSDPA ( 1970 ) gives the local authorization the power and responsibility to supply such services. If the adjustment is provided for M r A s wellness demands, the NHS are responsible as the local authorization is non able to supply wellness services as defined in s21 ( 8 ) NAA ( 1948 ) . If Mr A funded his ain adjustment he would be classed as a self-funder and require an ordinary abode with Countyshire, in line with the settled intent trial in Shah v London Borough of Barnet ( 1983 ) . NAA ( 1948 ) s22 ( 2 ) allows Countyshire to bear down Mr A for the adjustment. When transporting out the fiscal appraisal they must utilize the National Assistance ( Assessment of Resources ) Regulations ( 1992 ) in concurrence with Charging For Residential Accommodation Guide, which is updated yearly ( DOH, 2010 ) . At present there is no specific statute law in England for vulnerable grownup protection. The jurisprudence modulating the safeguarding of vulnerable grownups is taken from a figure of comparatively recent policies, counsel and instance jurisprudence ( Clements and Thompson, 2007 ) . Safeguarding has merely late become recognised as an country of work in its ain right. It is an progressively of import portion of a Social Worker s duties, as policy and counsel has given societal service governments the lead function in covering with safeguarding issues ( Mandelstam, 2008 ) . The local authorization as a public organic structure, under the Human Rights Act 1998 s6, has a responsibility of attention towards its citizens, to protect them from injury and continue their human rights ( Braye, 2010 ) . In Z and others v UK ( 2001 ) the European Court of Human Rights found the local authorization to be in misdemeanor of s6 ( 3 ) HRA ( 1998 ) , holding failed to take sensible stairss to forestall serious ill-treatment when they were cognizant of maltreatment ( Clements and Thompson, 2007 ) . Safeguarding Adults processs should be put in topographic point, in line with HRA ( 1998 ) , to back up a individual to populate a life that is free from maltreatment and disregard ( ADASS, 2005 ) . As the local authorization has been made cognizant of Mr A s recent behavior towards the other occupants it is of import that they appoint an Investigating Officer and take sensible stairss to forestall any maltreatment. The Care Standards Act, 2000 criterion 18, stipulates that local governments and attention places must hold a written safeguarding policy which would use to Ashire, Countyshire and the private attention place. Besides in 2000, the Department of Health published the No Secrets policy papers, which provides counsel to local governments on how to protect vulnerable grownups and implement policies to protect them. The policy requires local governments to hold written multi bureau safeguarding processs and policies ( Brammer, 2010 ) . No Secrets is regarded as statutory counsel because the LASSA ( 1970 ) , s7 requires a local authorization to move under such counsel. The instance of R v Islington LBC, ex p Rixon ( 1996 ) , demonstrated that an authorization is moving unlawfully if they deviate from the counsel ( Mandelstram, 2008 ) . The Association of Directors of Social Services in 2004, published the Protocol For Inter-Authority Investigation Of Vulnerable Adult Abuse. This protocol with mention to s3.8 of No Secrets ( 2000 ) and National Assistance Act 1948 LAC ( 93 ) 7, clarified the duty and actions of the host and puting local governments with respects to safeguarding. In the instance of Mr A, although the residential place contacted Ashire, it would be the duty of Countyshire, as the host local authorization, to take the lead in safeguarding processs. However, a nexus individual from Ashire would be invited to go to any grownup protection scheme meeting, if it is the local authorization funding his adjustment, as it would still be expected to hold a responsibility of go oning attention for Mr A ( 2004: 1-2 ) . In 2005, ADASS published Safeguarding Adults, supplying a national model for good pattern in grownup protection work, including giving clear clip frames, multi bureau working and inside informations of duties ( Clements and Thompson, 2007 ; Brammer, 2010 ) . Whilst following safeguarding processs it is of import for the local authorization to maintain to the Data Protection Act, 1998. However, No Secrets states, It is inappropriate for bureaus to give confidences of absolute confidentiality in instances where there are concerns about maltreatment, peculiarly in those state of affairss when other vulnerable people may be at hazard ( 2000: 24 ) . A unfavorable judgment of the No Secrets policy is that vulnerable grownups are defined as people in demand of community attention services who are unable to protect themselves from abuse so it does non take into consideration people who do non necessitate community attention services ( Clements and Thompson, 2007 ) . Safeguarding Adults model introduced the term safeguarding and moved off from the description of protection and vulnerable ( Brayne and Carr, 2010 ) . ADASS defined Safeguarding Adults as, This phrase means all work which enables an grownup who is or may be eligible for community attention services to retain independency, wellbeing and pick and to entree their human right to populate a life that is free from maltreatment and disregard ( 2005: 5 ) . Using the ADASS definition, the vulnerable grownups in this instance, would be Mr A, and all the other occupants in the residential place, given his current and old behavior. As Mr A is shacking at a private residential attention place, the place, along with the local authorization, will be regulated by The CSA, 2000, supported by National Minimum Standards. Standard 18 of the NMS provinces that the registered individual at the attention place demands to guarantee that service users are safeguarded from maltreatment ( Clements and Thompson, 2007 ; Brammer, 2010 ) . The registered individual and perchance other attention staff from the place would, hence, be invited to the safeguarding scheme meeting. Under the Care Homes Regulations 2001, it is the duty of the attention place registered individual to inform the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) of any suspected maltreatment ( Brammer, 2010 ) . Hampshire County Council Safeguarding Policy states that although the CQC should be informed and invited to a safeguarding scheme meeting, it is non routinely necessary for them to go to ( 2010: 52 ) . However, following the CQC Safeguarding Protocol Procedures they should supply any relevant information for the meeting ( 2010: 11 ) . Safeguarding Adults model provide counsel on constabulary engagement ; if a offense is alleged to hold taken topographic point so they should be involved every bit shortly as possible and make up ones mind whether they will be taking action ( 2005: 34 ) . However, as Mr A has committed no offense, the constabulary may non necessitate to be invited to a scheme meeting. The care-co-ordinator, head-shrinker and GP for Mr A would be invited to go to a scheme meeting ( Dorset For You, 2007 ) . If a safeguarding appraisal scheme is decided at the scheme meeting, Mr A, as he is deemed to hold mental capacity, could besides be involved with the appraisal procedure and his positions taken into history. However, Countyshire must move to continue the human rights of all citizens and as other occupants potentially are at hazard, this responsibility will take precedency ( ADASS, 2005 ) . The instance of Mr A has shown that although local authorization societal services have a legal responsibility and duty to supply, fund and safeguard the most suited attention, this is a complex undertaking affecting an apprehension of overlapping and conflicting duties, from a broad scope of primary statute law, secondary statute law, waies, counsel and instance Torahs ( Wilson et al, 2008 ) . The instance of Mr A supports the Law Commission s current work to make, under one act, a consistent legal model for the proviso of grownup societal attention similar to the Children Act, 1989 ( Law Commission, 2010 ) . Word Count: 2196

Compare and Contrast National Athletic Association (NCAA) Coursework

Compare and Contrast National Athletic Association (NCAA) - Coursework Example The common situation among college participants is that they do not have the right to profit from their own aptitudes despite the NCAA doing so. Media and game giant, Electronic Art pays NCAA to use its bowl games and team names in videogames like NCAA Basketball as well as NCAA Football. This college version does not include players’ names; hence they do not share the splits with the NCAA for the governing body contends student-athletes receive enough benefits worth their caliber. These benefits comprise free college education to the athletes through sponsorships, which mainly is in terms of waiving tuition. Mainly, revenues emanate from broadcast agreements, tickets besides other sources like subsidies among the division I institutions (Burnsed, 2014). Regardless of all these funds, athletics associated costs rise at a fast rate such that expenses surpass the obtained revenue in all except 20 institutions in division I-A, for instance, the annual median proceeds from 2012 to 2013 augmented by 3.2% but their expenses managed to top by 10.6% (Burnsed, 2014). These institutions outside the 20 could not make profits therefore since expenses were more than their revenue forcing them to subsidies. Institutions like University of Michigan alongside other others with major athletics programs make profits, hence no need for subsidies for the sports fetch them quite a sum of profits. For instance, when The University of Michigan won the national championship in 1997, managed to realize proceeds of approximately 14 million dollars from the football program yet at that time many other institutions complained of poverty when advised to expand their financial aids (Rosner & Shropshire, 2011). The profit making institutions from athletics have managed to take their sports to another level by compensation of celebrity coaches,

Live-Action American Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Live-Action American Film - Essay Example Thereafter when the posse moves out of the train, the director transitions the angle of the camera to ensure that it is level with the Posse however that the camera has been positioned behind them which mean that the audience only sees their backs (Dirks 1). Hill subsequently changes to the use of a telephoto lens to show that the posse is far creating a scenario where they do not tire of the chase thereby creating an image that is familiar. The telephoto lens ensures that the identity of the posse is not revealed to the audience and ensures that the audience can only relate to Butch and Kid. This is because the director has created a sense of the unknown and makes the audience want to know more about the posse (Dirks 1). The use of a zoom feature is used to ensure that the audience feels that they are a part of the fast chase. In one of the chase scenes, the camera zooms in on the posse then slowly zooms out to the location where Butch and Kid who are climbing up a mountainside not too far from the posse and therefore the audience can see how fast the posse is gaining on them(Dirks 1). Another example of the manner in which Hill makes inventive use of storytelling is in his use of music in the film. The music was limited to four sequences; in the first, Butch Cassidy (takes Etta who is Sundance’s girl out for a morning ride on the bicycle. The music that is used is â€Å"Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head† that was written by Burt Bacharach (Dirks 1). The second sequence uses an orchestra theme that is used to set out a montage of photographs of Butch, Etta and Sundance as they travel to New York City. The third use of music is seen when it is used to show the robbing adventures of Butch, Etta and Kid in Bolivia and here a pop them is performed by both a chorus and an orchestra. Music is also used briefly as an underscore in a later scene

Screening of Sugar Cane Alley and Eve's Bayou Essay

Screening of Sugar Cane Alley and Eve's Bayou - Essay Example It is one of the French films, which were directed by Palcy Euzhan in 1989. It has its setting in Martinique during the 1930s. The film revolves around the story of the mistreatment by the whites as they worked as slaves during the 1930s. The film is mainly based on the semi-autobiographical novel that was compiled by Zobel Joseph (Rue). The cinematography that has been used in the movie consists of tilt-shift photography. The cinematographer applied medium sized lenses to ensure the control of the plane of focus orientation making certain parts of the image appear sharp. This is the reason for the different shapes and lightings of the image in the film. Part of the film also reveals the traditional cinematography with dull brown outlooks. The music in the movie is has slow rhythm and low tone that allows for the clear narration of the movie hence facilitating the comprehension of the viewers. The teacher, Mr. Rock has the most influence on Jose. His influence is academic and racial related (Rue). He accuses him falsely because of plagiarism when he writes an essay explaining the suffering of the slaves in the sugar cane plantations. I identify myself with Jose. He is focused and is forgiving. He actually marches my traits. Formal education is portrayed in the film through the school learning system. Scholarships are other examples or elements found in the formal education. The movie also shows that formal education does not allow for copying of other people’s ideas (plagiarism), therefore, it stresses on creativity and absolute originality. Joe runs away from school after being accused of plagiarism. Informal education is shown on the movie through the teachings of Joe by his grandmother. This form of education does not require class work or education.... Joe runs away from school after being accused of plagiarism. Informal education is shown on the movie through the teachings of Joe by his grandmother. This form of education does not require class work or education. It is not also expensive like formal one hence no scholarships for it. Contrast, in the film, is portrayed through the depiction of class difference in the film. Joe’s grandmother, Tine is one of the extreme poor individuals in this society. There are extremely rich people in the same society, for instance, Leopold’s parents who are landowners. The filmmaker has employed his tactics and experience in ensuring that the entire film is not about the sentiments of Jose’s education, through the inclusion of his grandmother. The way Tine is treated is meant to inform the viewers on the core theme of the film, which is racism, and class disparities during the 1930s American societies. Leopold and his parents have been portrayed as opportunistic individuals. They offer Jose food in return for his labor service in their farm making him miss classes. This, in turn, is a portrayal that the society consists of class disparities and unfairness reins the entire society. The scene with Jose and Medouze is an educative one whereby Jose learns of the past and the experience undergone by his grandparents and ancestors (Rue). Despite being the fact that the movie is based on the novel, there is a distinct between the novel and the movie. The difference is on the settings of the two. The settings are on two different places and time. The movie was produced in the 1960s whereas the book was published earlier than that. Gender issues have been revealed in the movie as one of

A Dialogue Paper on Human Cloning :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

A Dialogue Paper on Human Cloning This dialogue is between two students at the university. Steve is a little uncomfortable about cloning, while Sally presents many valid arguments in favor of it. Steve presents many moral questions that Sally answers. Steve: Hi, Sally. Are you aware that the Scottish embryologist, Ian Wilmut, cloned a sheep from adult cells, and now, there are many moral, economic, and political questions that must be answered. Sally: Interestingly enough, I was just reading about this topic in a magazine. I was amazed at the simplicity of the cloning process used by Dr. Wilmut and his colleagues. The process of cloning a sheep begins by taking the cells from the udder of an adult sheep, and placing them in a culture with few nutrients. The purpose of this is to starve the cells so that they stop dividing. This switches off the active genes. While they starve these cells, they take an unfertilized egg from a different ewe, and remove the nucleus from this unfertilized egg. Then, they place the unfertilized egg cell next to one of the original starved cells Steve: How do the two cells come together? Does it happen spontaneously? Sally: No, it does not happen spontaneously. An electric pulse fuses the two cells together. A second electric pulse makes the cell divide. After six days, Dr. Wilmut placed this embryo into a different ewe, and after a normal gestation period, the new baby sheep named Dolly was born. She was named after Dolly Parton. Steve: But cloning is not new. In 1952, researchers in Pennsylvania cloned a live frog. What makes Dr. Wilmut's achievement so special? Sally: Yes, it is true that a frog was cloned in 1952, but those scientists used an embryonic cell. Dr. Wilmut used an adult cell. Steve: What is the difference between using an embryonic cell and an adult cell? Sally: Embryonic cells are "undifferentiated." Undifferentiated cells have not gone through changes that make some cells into skin cells or muscle cells or brain cells, for example. Undifferentiated cells can become any cell in the body because it can activate any gene on any chromosome, but as cells develop, the DNA of certain cells fold in particular ways making large portions of the DNA inaccessible. This makes sure that the wrong genes do not get turned on at the wrong time or in the wrong place.

Definitions of Justice in the Melian Dialogue

Amidst an interlude in the fierce struggle for power between the two dominant Greek poleis, Athens and Sparta, the Peloponnesian war, there was unrest. Despite the Peace of Nicias, belligerence between the two states did not cease, but rather took on a new face. While careful to remain within the parameters set several years before in the peace treaty, Athens moved cautiously, but aggressively in establishing alliances, albeit coerced, and strengthening its empire. It was at this juncture that it made its move toward securing the small, weak island-state of Melos, which in its neutral independence suggested danger to the Athenian empire.In a move not of fairness, but of survival, Athens offered the Melians an ultimatum: to be subjugated under Athenian rule as a colony, or be utterly destroyed. It is the Melian dialogue which follows and presents the presumed diplomatic debate between the two nations; the Melian people’s argument for their own neutrality, and the Athenian peopl e’s attempt to persuade them to submit. The issue which arises in light of the events at Melos remains to be whether it is the people of Melos’ views of justice which is correct, or if it is Athens’ definition which is truer.By examining each city-state’s contributions to the Melian dialogue, each respective interpretation becomes clear, enabling further judgement on the event’s outcome. The Athenians offer the Melians a choice in their own fate, both of which result in Athens’ domination; essentially, this boils down to the Athenian’s definition of justice lying in expediency for those in power. Not a question of fairness, for them, justice lies in survival, and that which results in the most certain preservation of both the subduer and the subdued is just, â€Å"†¦ t would involve your submitting before suffering the worst possible fate, and we would profit from not destroying you,† (Thuc, V, 91). For the Athenians, thei r own pursuit of power, and that which enables its acquisition, is paramount to survival, and as heirs to this mentality, they believe it only natural and therefore not reprehensible, â€Å"divinity†¦ and mankind†¦ are under an innate compulsion to rule wherever empowered. Without being either the ones who made this law or the first to apply it after it was laid down, we applied it as one in existence†¦ and one that will endure for all time,† (Thuc. V, 105). The Athenians see no injustice in doing simply as their nature impels them to do. In fact, the Athenians see their offer of subjugation to the Melian people as more than reasonable, â€Å"What we will demonstrate is that we are here to help our empire and that there is salvation for your city in what we are now about to say, since we hope to rule over you without trouble and let both parties benefit as you are saved,† (Thuc. , V, 91). Following their belief in doing what is necessary to strengthen th emselves, even at the expense of others, is what brings Athens to Melos.The Melians, contrarilly, see justice as grounded in fairness. They contend that action based in reason is the true definition of justice. â€Å"There is every advantage in your not destroying a universal benefit, but that at all times there be fairness and justice for those in danger,† (Thuc. ,V, 90). This belief in abstinence from aggression without cause is what defines the fundamental differences in the Athenian’s and the Melian’s philosophies. As a neutral state, Melos remained impartial up until it was confronted by Athens, and it is this confrontation which violates the Melian definition of justice.Having not been harmed by the Melians, nor threatened, they had no right, in the Melian’s eyes, to act toward them with hostility. Desiring only to be left alone, the Melians wanted Athens to accept their neutrality and depart, â€Å"You would not tolerate our staying neutral, frien ds not enemies, but allies of neither side? † (Thuc. , V, 94). According to the Melian definition of justice, Athens has no reason or right to inflict any harm upon them, nor to coerce them into the loss of their independence.Having had no desire to take part in the war between Athens and Sparta, Melos’ conception of justice was disregarded as Athens imposed their own definition of justice upon the island-state, at which point, Melos was forced to fight. The results of Athenian’s view on justice are exemplified its being an empire state holding power over many and acting with aggression when the opportunity for greatness is before it. Holding justice to be that which benefits the strong, the building of an empire serves to allow the mother nation-state to collect monetary benefits and resources from those states which it dominates.This collection enables the powerful polis to become more so and then further its sphere of influence. Additionally, this definition o f justice permits an ambitious city-state to spread, conquering not only the states which stand in direct opposition, but also any that could serve as a barrier to reaching absolute greatness. The Melian’s definition of greatness, likewise, serves to explain its position as an isolationism island city-state. In order to act justly, in accordance with Melian belief, a nation-state must act with aggression only in instances where it is necessary for the safety and welfare of its citizens and only as defensive.Justice would require the respect of a peaceable state’s existence, and the humane treatment of all wartime participants. A just state could not openly provoke another state without cause, nor upset its independence. Ultimately, it was not only a question of justice which lead to the genocide at Melos, but also one of power. It was the Athenian’s drive for power, especially control over others, which lead to its provocation of the Melians, and in fact, their definition of justice nearly demanded it.Under the belief in that which served its own benefit as justice, Athens was spurred toward the indispensable pursuit of power, specifically power over the Melians. The Melian philosophy of neutrality and fairness is in direct opposition to this bellicose ideology. At its heart, the fundamentals of Melian justice conflict with the pursuit of power, i. e. , dominance over others and therefore with Athens, resulting in an insurmountable discrepancy over which their negotiations are futile to transcend.Though the Melian dialogue is a primarily fictional account of a conversation written by a former Athenian, it is clear that the definition of justice that is favored in Thucydides’ account is that of the Melians. Logical and noble, it is the Melian’s defenses of their own interests that wins out as the stronger, while leaving the Athenians’ assertions of justice sounding brutish, pessimistic, and altogether contrary to modern conceptions of justice. It is the Melian’s definition which wins out as truly virtuous and altruistic, exactly what justice should be.