#Greek views about marriage to foreign women

[jeannereames]

Having read your recent response about an ethnic Greek marriage for Alexander, and how the Greeks perceived their identity, it left me wondering about this. Didn’t the Ptolemies in Egypt create a very distinct line between Greeks and Egyptians in their kingdom? In the sense that at least for government purposes, the Greeks, specifically, ruled?

What you said about not having a unified sense of Greek ethnicity is completely in tune with what I learned as well, but I can’t conciliate this with how the Ptolemies handled ethnicity since the very beginning, right after Alexander’s death (so the very period you answered about). I’m not gonna pretend I’m a specialist in Ptolemaic Egypt but I never read about a specific Egyptian Greek / Alexandria / Naukratis sense of separate identity for this time period, or even remnants of identities of mainland Greek polities, it’s always dealt as this sorta unified sense of “Greeks” versus Egyptians. Suggesting that this idea of greekness existed since Alexander’s day as well. I’m kinda troubled with that. Thanks so much for the attention!

Macedonian-Persian Marriages after Susa

So let me immediately say that I am not much of a Hellenistic historian. But I do teach a class that deals with race and ethnicity in antiquity, so I’d like to recommend my colleague Denise McCoskey’s Race: Antiquity and It’s Legacy. She has a fair bit in there on Ptolemaic Egypt, in fact, and among the things she points out is the problem with the evidence.

She includes not only literary evidence, but other textual evidence including things like tax records, epigraphy, and archaeological evidence…all of which muddy the waters. Outside of the Ptolemies themselves (and there’s some question about them, especially by the end), there was quite a lot of mixing between Greeks and Egyptians. These “mixed ethnicity” individuals might use a Greek name or an Egyptian name, depending on context, and they might hold relatively high office. So, we actually can’t assume someone is Greek due to use of a Greek name.

This was especially true in Alexandria, but other places in Egypt as well. And it contrasts with what’s being presented in at least some of the literature of the period.

What I love about archaeology and epigraphy is that both continually swoop in and mess up our literary textual history. LOL

I was just reading a really good chapter, “Alexander the Great and the Macedonian and Persian Elite: The Mass-marriages in Susa in Context,” by Krzysztof Nawotka for Legacy of the East and Legacy of Alexander (2023), ed. by Nawotka and Wojciechowska. He takes on the perception, oft repeated, that the Macedonians en masse rejected their Persian brides soon after Alexander’s death. For a long time, accepted perception was that the others divorced very quickly, except for Seleukos and his wife Apama (mother of Antiochus I). But we don’t actually have evidence for that, and a bit of evidence to the contrary.

It’s only Krateros who we know for sure divorced his wife in order to marry Phila (Antipatros’s daughter)…which was a political alliance, not necessarily Krateros’s rejection of a high princess of Achaemenid blood (e.g., Darius’s own niece). In fact, it seems that she agreed to the divorce, and may have come out of it better than poor Phila, who was stuck marrying that dweeb Demetrios Poliorketes. 😂 Amastris married the petty tyrant Dionysios of Herakleia, wound up fabulously wealthy, then later married Lysimachos, and had a city named after her. Next to Apama, Seleukos’s wife, she had one of the most distinguished political careers for the Persian elite women…married to three Macedonian/Greek men in succession. Similarly, it would seem that Eumenes stayed married to his wife Artonis, (despite assumption, there’s no record that he divorced her and remarried); she was given his remains after his death following the Battle of Gabiene. Also, with Peukestis’s role, there’s a VERY high likelihood that he, also, kept his wife.

We might speculate that Perdikkas and Ptolemy put aside their wives as both happily played political marriage games, but we’re not actually told as much—unlike with Krateros. I could see Kleopatra demanding that she be sole wife as part of her marriage proposal to Perdikkas. And quite possibly Antipatros demanded the same on behalf of Eurydike, as it seems Krateros divorced his wife in order to marry Phila. Yet Ptolemy certainly kept Laïs around, possibly as a wife. Then Berenike…so why not just keep on Artakama too? It might have been politically advantageous, at least early in his reign, when nobody knew precisely how things would fall out.

Yet the plain fact is…we just don’t know about c. 80+ of the 92 weddings held in Susa.

Anyway, I’ve been among those who assumed/argued the prior position myself—for widespread divorce. But Nowotka’s chapter made me stop and rethink. This presumption that the ancient Greeks were always of the attitude “We’re Greeks and you’re not…and we don’t want your women either, we want PURE Greek children” isn’t nearly as strong as we’ve assumed from literature. I’ve come around in the last 10 years to thinking the Greeks were less ethnocentric, at least at certain times in their history, than we’ve popularly thought. That’s not to say they didn’t care about ethnicity—they manifestly did—but it was only one of several factors.

What DOES seem to be true is that class mattered more. So elite Persian women married to elite Greek men served a purpose. But I do note that Alexander kept in Persia the native women who’d married Macedonian soldiers, and any children, when those men went back to Macedonia. Arrian says he did so for fear that they wouldn’t be welcome, whereas he would provide for them in Persia. (What became of them after his death is, alas, anybody’s guess. Maybe Seleukos continued with the precedent. I’m not sure that we know.)

But hopefully that adds a bit more context to how we look at those marriages. As noted, this is something about which my own opinion has been evolving.

[wishesofeternity]

... Ancient sources tell us nothing directly about the personality, character, world view or even the appearance of the daughter of Neoptolemus (Olympias) as her wedding entourage set off over the Pindus Mountains in the direction of her new kingdom. However, based on what is known about her life and background, we can speculate about her views and circumstance as she began her public career.

Though only in her mid- to late teens, this young woman had already experienced a great deal. While still a young child, she had seen her father lose sole control of his kingdom. A possibly tense period of uncertain duration followed in which he and his brother shared rule. Then her father Neoptolemus died, leaving his children in what may well have seemed the sinister guardianship of their uncle. Probably soon after that, her uncle married her sister. Shortly before Olympias’ betrothal, the Illyrians invaded her country. Frontinus (2.5.19) reports that Arybbas sent the non-combatants as refugees into Aetolia, while he and whatever army he could gather withdrew to the mountains in order to utilize guerrilla tactics against the much larger invading force. Presumably Olympias and her sister would have endured the danger of the invasion and the uncertainty of evacuation. More recently yet, Olympias had made the long journey to Samothrace. Even before her entry into Macedonia, Olympias had dealt with political intrigue, physical danger, and the loss of her most powerful protector, and had traveled to two different foreign territories. Her life began, much as it would end, in uncertainty and danger.

Despite her early entry into the world of power politics and violence, as my comparison and contrast of the two kingdoms should have implied, the society Olympias would encounter in Macedonia, though likely much less alien to her than that of Thebes or Athens, would have been different from her previous experience. Philip’s court was certainly richer and more cosmopolitan than that of Arybbas, or at least it became so soon after her arrival. Military activity and success mattered more in the Macedonian court. The climate and terrain around Pella and Aegae, the Macedonian capitals, was much milder than that of Olympias’ homeland. Philip had more power over the Macedonians than her uncle did over the Molossians. As we shall see, Philip already had several wives and children (and may have had concubines in residence, as well). Despite the fact that Olympias had grown up in a court that was itself not without intrigue, the level of complexity that she would encounter in the court of Philip would be far greater than that of Arybbas (although Olympias would surely have been warned to expect the presence of the other wives).

It is particularly difficult to assess Olympias’ probable attitude toward her coming marriage. Literature written by Greek women stresses the pain and loss of identity the break between the world (family and friends) of a young unmarried girl and a bride occasioned. Olympias’ distance from the land of her birth could have exacerbated this feeling. However, since her father was dead, her mother may have been, and we do not know how well she got on with her uncle and how comfortable she was at his court, we cannot tell whether she would have been glad to leave.

What we do know is that she brought her pride in her lineage with her. Hers was a more prestigious marriage than that of any previous Aeacid woman and, if her wedding were indeed held at a major Macedonian festival, her nuptials were more elaborate and public than those of previous Molossian royal women. Olympias’ Aeacid descent would continue to be a support and source of identity to herself and both her children.

In her subsequent career, Olympias consistently pursued her son’s and then her grandson’s political interests, tending to regard any check on their power, the prominence of any other figure, as a threat to them. Herself the product of a relatively weak monarchic system, she regularly attempted to create a situation which enabled both her male kin and herself to act more absolutely. This response was probably instinctive, certainly not at first a conscious plan or policy, though it would become one. Olympias was, like Philip, a person with a knack for seeing the possibilities for exploitation in a situation. Even early on in her Macedonian career, she demonstrated that. If Olympias the young girl was anything like Olympias the mature woman, then she would have been aware of many of the dangers and complications awaiting her, but she would not have been fearful and she would not have been timid.

- Elizabeth Carney, Olympias: Mother of Alexander the Great

[autumncrowcus]

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I can relate to the frustration of seeing misinformation spreading and deities reduced to simplified caricatures. But then again, there's also a risk in being so certain of our knowledge that we engage in the same reduction ourselves.

Take Aphrodite, for example. Yes, she's the goddess of sex/lust/beauty, but she absolutely is a war goddess as well, at least for some people. Here are some of Aphrodite's epithets listed on Theoi: Nikêphoros (Bringer of Victory), Areia (Of Ares, Warlike) and Hôplismenê (Armed). There were statues depicting her wearing armor and carrying weapons. And yet, if you read the Iliad, you'll find a scene that depicts her as laughably incompetent in battle. So what's going on here?

Here's a quote that helps explain:

What are the functions and implications of Aphrodite in cult when she is Οὐρανία [Ourania]? Her cult at Athens demonstrates that she is, like her forerunner, associated with procreation, specifically with having children. It emerges there that she is also a goddess to whom women make offerings before they get married...in Sparta the epithet Οὐρανία has a connection with Ishtar-Astarte: it is one of the few cults in Greece in which Aphrodite’s worship is linked with warfare.

[Breitenberger, Barbara (2007). Aphrodite and Eros: The Development of Greek Erotic Mythology.]

So we can see that separate cults had completely different views of the same goddess. There is and was plenty of diversity of thought in Hellenism.

As well as the differences between places, there are changes over time. Medea's a good example of this. As you mentioned, Medea commits horrific crimes and is still sympathetic--at least in Euripides. But other sources raise questions about whether she was actually guilty in the first place. A papyrus fragment was discovered that predates Euripides, talked about in the Wondrium documentary "Music of Ancient Greece." Here's the relevant quote:

Narrator: Here, Medea swears by the goddess Hecate, that she did not kill her children. To hide them from Jason, she placed them for safe keeping with a nurse.  Annie Belis: What does the Papyrus bring to mythology?…Well, it's quite simply revolutionary. It's the complete opposite of the mental image we still have today of infanticide par excellence, represented by Medea. Here, she's completely innocent. It's very audacious to propose an innocent Medea.

There's also her supposed crime of fratricide. In Apollonius of Rhodes's version of the Argonautica, Medea's brother is a warrior who's tricked by Medea and killed by Jason. She can't even bear to watch the deed as it's done. In later versions, Medea's brother is an infant who she cuts into pieces so her father's army has to slow down and collect the body parts. So this powerful woman, sorceress, and foreigner gradually becomes more evil over time, until she's (somewhat) redeemed by Euripides.

What's even more interesting is the difference of individuals. There's a post that was going around a while ago that showed depictions of Persephone's marriage to Hades in which she's sometimes happy and sometimes being dragged off. Part of the quote in that post says:

The most common pinax types are the 'divine' and 'imitation' scenes. In both cases, these range from unambiguous abductions where the maiden clearly struggles against her captor to images in which it appears the girl is complicit in her own kidnapping sometimes even taking charge of the chariot herself. The range can be accounted for because, as James Redfield points out, "no doubt some brides felt more abducted than others".” Mackin, Ellie. “Girls Playing Persephone (in Marriage and Death).” Mnemosyne 71, no. 2 (2018): 209–28

The image of Persephone and Hades allowed people feel, understand, and express their own life experiences. So, Hades is in fact a brooding knight in shining armor--to some people. And he's a heartless kidnapper to others.

All of these examples are different people interpreting myths and deities in ways that relate to their own lives. It's essentially the same thing that people are doing today. Again, I agree that misinformation is frustrating and there are people who can be thoughtless or careless in their interpretations, but ultimately there's plenty of room for different viewpoints. There's never going to be one correct way of interpreting complex figures and myths. There's no one way that you're supposed to interpret them.

Every day I see more and more pop myth takes that make me want to pull my eyelashes out. No, Ares was not a protector of women. No, Aphrodite was not a war goddess (and you know what, being the goddess of sex and lust and beaut is okay!). No, Hera is not an irredeemable villain. No, Zeus is not evil incarnate. No Achilles isn’t without fault or some ‘gay softboi’ icon (he’s literally presented in the Iliad as someone who is proud to a fault. You’re supposed to recognize that he’s selfish and arrogant). No, Demeter was not an overbearing mother nor was Hades some sort of misunderstood, brooding knight in shining armour. Medea is allowed to commit heinous crimes and still be a sympathetic character. Jason… deserves all the hate he gets, respectfully.

Off the top of my head, I think Helen is one of the few people who gets complex, interesting characterization in modern retellings and discourse, ironically enough. She’s allowed to be vain and aware of her own beauty while also often having a great deal of agency. At the same time, she is frequently depicted as both victim and as offender. She’s allowed to want to be in Troy, but also to miss her husband and daughter.

Some days I feel like I could write essays about pop mythology and the way people reduce mythological figures to one dimensional caricatures. And how these retellings are never as progressive as people think, fixing some issues but exacerbating others. I do think retellings end up being an excellent resource for identifying what social issues bother us and how we would like to address them.

For example, we see a lot of feminist retellings that want to show women as capable of the same things as men, and in so doing they reject or deride their own femininity. But a retelling that is ultimately saying that masculinity is more interesting or valuable than femininity isn’t a truly feminist retelling, but it does show us that our society struggles to find femininity compatible with strength or courage.

[nxmuzluv]

mexican empire — trivia

The empire (that is more formally known as the Second Mexican Empire) was started in 1864 by Emperor Armando, Jacqueline’s great-great-great-great grandfather. He was a lieutenant general within the Mexican army, and after he forced French forces out of Mexico and ordered their surrender, due to his wealth and influence (as he hailed from a Cuban-Mexican old money family), he declared himself emperor of Mexico due to his desire for the Mexican empire’s restoration.

During the reign of Jacqueline’s great-great grandfather—Emperor Gustavo Hernando—a socialist and wannabe dictator named Álvaro Angel Hernandez created an anti-monarchy “party” that wished to abolish the Mexican empire due to seeing the (then current) imperial family as corrupt. The party gained members, notoriety, and infamy throughout Mexico, and Álvaro had even gained some power over Mexico City and its neighboring territories. Álvaro seemingly went mad and randomly decided to storm the palace in an attempt to overthrow Emperor Gustavo. That attempt was unsuccessful, and Álvaro was tried with heavy treason and sentenced to death by hanging. His execution sparked the Guerra del Palacio (the War of the Palace), and the conflict lasted for three and a half years.

With the empire’s power, and with the help of Brazilian, Cuban, and later American troops, the Mexican empire defeated Álvaro’s party and prevented being replaced with an authoritarian, socialist regime. Since then, the War of the Palace has been the only civil war that the imperial family has had to face.

Mexico has one of the wealthiest imperial families in the world, having a net worth of $10.5 billion, and placing them at 5th on the list of wealthiest monarchs in the world. All of that money belongs to the emperor, and it stems from Mexico’s investments in the oil industry and agriculture, their various exports (such as beer, chocolate, chilis, and tomatoes), the support from the Mexican citizens, and from the emperor’s own investments into large scale banks around the world. The $10.5 billion will be split between the emperor’s immediate family (his daughters and his eldest daughter’s three children) upon his death.

Mexico became the first monarchy in the world to implement absolute primogeniture (meaning any child can assume the role of heir apparent to the throne regardless of their gender) in 1914. It was proposed by Emperor Gustavo after the birth of his three daughters after the birth of his eldest son. He was worried about the potential extinction of the dynasty if his son either died or was unable to marry or produce a male heir, and Gustavo’s own lack of another male heir only increased his worries. To ensure that the dynasty would live on, he proposed the idea of absolute primogeniture to the Mexican government.

His proposal was taken into question, as back then, women were seen as “unfit” monarchs and were seen as incapable of ruling a country. However, due to much pushing by the emperor over the course of eight months, by a vote of 71–63, absolute primogeniture was officially adopted in Mexico in regards to the empire’s line of succession. The empire received its first female heir apparent upon the birth of Crown Princess (now Empress) Victoria in 1967.

Since 1873, the empire of Mexico has also been known as the United Empire of Mexico (or the Imperio Unido de México) due to the numerous conquests ordered by Emperor Armando. Countries under the United Empire of Mexico include the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama. From 1891 to 1959 (68 years), Cuba was also a part of the United Empire, and monarchs and their consorts held the titles of Emperor and Empress of Cuba.

The Second Mexican empire started off with a rather large amount of wealth, as its founder, Lieutenant General Armando José Enrique Velasco, hailed from a Mexican-Cuban old money family that was worth $16.4 billion ($302.5 billion in today’s money) by Armando’s father’s death in 1867. Upon his father’s death, the money was split between Armando and his brother, with both of them receiving $8.2 billion ($151.2 billion in today’s money). That fortune has been slightly diminished and restored over the years.

The Second Mexican Empire is an absolute, hereditary, and self-proclaimed monarchy. It was originally a semi-constitutional monarchy during Emperor Alphons’ reign, and during Emperor Fernando’s reign, it became a complete constitutional monarchy. The empire only became an absolute monarchy after its restoration. It is a self-proclaimed monarchy due to Emperor Armando declaring himself the emperor of Mexico after defeating the French.

Emperor Alphons—Armando’s eldest son—had the shortest reign of any Mexican monarch ever, as he only reigned for 11 years. He was known to be somewhat sickly from birth, and his sickness worsened later in his life, resulting in his early-ish death. Alphons was also said to be attractive during his youth and was quite the notorious playboy before he met his wife and consort, Josefina Ivette Isabel Correia, Lady Salvaterra, to whom he was distantly related to.

In his youth, Emperor Gustavo had quite the large selection of noble and royal ladies to choose from for marriage (or rather, for his parents to choose from). From that selection, he had wed Princess Helena Dorothea Maria Anna of Greece and Denmark, Viscountess Württemberg, a member of the Greek royal family and of the German noble House of Württemberg. However, they’re relationship was rocky and they seemed more like acquaintances than husband and wife, and just a year later, Gustavo and Princess Helena divorced. However, their marriage did bring the Mexican, Greek, and Danish royal/imperial families closer together, and it solidified their relationship for the next four generations. Princess Helena was never given the title of empress. A few months later, Gustavo married Agustina Natalia Sophia, Baroness of San Luis de la Paz, and the daughter of the Duke of Guanajuato.

Emperor José Manuel established the most international connections for the Mexican empire, ranking just below his son, Fernando. His marriage to Yoo Hyeryun, a middle class Korean native, was one of them, as well as his ally-ship with India, his friendships with the British, Greek, and Spanish royal families, and his push for exports and the offering of support to foreign allies. José Manuel also has the second longest reign of any monarch in Mexico, placing behind his son.

Emperor Fernando became the first Korean-Mexican to ascend to the imperial throne after his father’s death in 1960. He also has the longest reign of any Mexican monarch, and will uphold that title until his daughter can manage to surpass him.

Empress Victoria became Mexico’s first female regent in all its 139-year history, which caused her to also have the most viewed coronation since her father’s in 1960, amassing a total of 81.5 million people in Mexico and 24 million people worldwide. Meaning, a total of 105.5 million people had watched Victoria’s coronation. She also became the second mixed Korean to ascend to the Mexican throne.

Empress Agustina was known for introducing a lot of foreign customs to Mexico during her husband’s reign. She was known for her love of travel and for her interest in other (specifically European) cultures. She introduced the Scottish Lomond waltz to the Mexican imperial court, and had also introduced the concept of debutante balls to the country, as she established Empress Agustina’s Debutante Ball (Baile de Debutante de la Emperatriz Agustina) after attending Queen Charlotte’s Ball in London.

Dowager Empress Consuelo Teresa (or Yoo Hyeryun) became the first Korean woman to assume the title of empress (consort) of Mexico upon her husband’s ascension to the throne in 1928. She achieved massive notoriety due to this (and also due to her beauty), and further established positive connections between Mexico and South Korea. She also became known as the first commoner to marry into the imperial family, and became the first commoner to assume the title of empress consort. She is also the longest living empress in the empire’s history, being 102 years old by the events of Trigger Happy Havoc.

There had actually been a empress regent of Mexico prior to Victoria, although she wasn’t officially counted as a reigning empress like Victoria. Her name was Princess Josefina Maria Lupita, and she was Emperor Alphons’ older sister, and Emperor Armando’s first born child. Due to Mexico’s male preference primogeniture at the time, Josefina was misplaced at heir to the throne once her brother was born. She didn’t see it as an issue until she was in her thirties. Just a few months after Alphons was crowned, Josefina secretly mobilized a part of Mexico’s military, and had ordered them to storm her brother’s apartments within Chapultepec Castle

A few dozen were injured during that attempt of a “coup,” and two had died due to their injuries. Alphons originally thought that the attack was ordered by anti-royalists, but he later found out that it was ordered by his own sister. He was quick to declare war on Josefina, who was forced to flee to Costa Rica with the remainder of her troops. The war—which was named the “War of the Chrysanthemum”—lasted for only seven months, before it eventually came to a stalemate due to the intervention of the siblings’ mother. Alphons wanted to keep Josefina in Costa Rica, but was advised not to. After the war, the siblings never even looked at each other again, and Josefina moved out of Chapultepec Castle and into a separate estate

During the war, Josefina had triumphed over her brother for a short period of time (about a month or two) and had become Empress Josefina, and was “ruling” from Costa Rica. However, as she had never had a formal coronation and as she had an incredibly short reign, historians do not count Josefina as a true sovereign, and the title of “first empress regent of Mexico” officially goes to Victoria. Technically, however, it goes to Josefina

Emperor José Manuel’s brother, José Ramón, Jacqueline’s great-great uncle, had married Princess Alexandra-Beatrice of Battenberg, the youngest daughter of Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine, and of Prince Louis of Battenberg. Alexandra-Beatrice—Jacqueline’s great-great aunt—was the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria, making the former queen of the United Kingdom Jacqueline’s great-great-great-great-great grandaunt.

Jacqueline’s great-aunt—Princess Valentina of Spain—is married to Prince Georgios of Greece and Denmark, Jacqueline’s uncle, and her title upon her marriage became Crown Princess Victoria of Greece and Spain. Crown Prince Georgios was formerly King George III of Greece, while Princess Valentina was Queen Valentina of Greece, the country’s first Spanish queen consort. However, Georgios only ruled for two years, and he abdicated the throne in favor of his younger brother, the now King Constantine II of Greece. Due to the marriage between Valentina and Georgios, however, that makes the Mexican imperial family relatives to the Greek royal family.

King Constantine II is Jacqueline’s great-uncle and his wife, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece and Denmark, is her great-aunt. Crown Prince Pavlos is Jacqueline’s second cousin, once removed/uncle, and his wife—Crown Princess Marie-Chantal—is her aunt. Pavlos and Marie-Chantal’s five children are all Jacqueline’s second cousins. Furthermore, that makes Crystal Bienvenu (Jacqueline’s classmate) and her siblings Jacqueline’s third cousins (and they had no idea that they were that closely related).

The Mexican imperial family is incredibly popular among its citizens, and is said to be well loved. They are known to be a very progressive, casual, down-to-earth, and friendly family to the Mexican public, royal watchers, and to foreigners. They are also known for their close relationship despite their large number of members.

Despite their close relationship now, the Mexican imperial family was known as very rigid, somewhat cold, and had a nearly distant family life up until Emperor Gustavo’s marriage to Baroness Agustina Natalia Sophia.

Although the empire was previously abolished in 2003, after society was restored following the events of The Tragedy, Mexico was significantly affected by the world’s societal collapse and by a devastating war between the country and Cuba caused by The Tragedy, and in an overwhelming 125–9 vote, the Mexican empire was restored, the imperial family was allowed back, and Emperor Fernando got his political power restored. However, six months later, he abdicated the throne in favor of his eldest daughter and Jacqueline’s mother, Victoria.

During the holiday season and before Christmas, the imperial family sends out cards with a portrait of the entire family—both the Mexican imperial family and the extended Bourbon-Perez/Spanish royal family—on the front. 1,000 cards are sent out to random households in Mexico and around the world every year, and all of them are personally signed by the emperor and empress. Only 50 cards are signed by other members of the family. This tradition started during the reign of Emperor Alphons in the late 1800s, and had increased in popularity during the reign of Emperor José Manuel.

Christmas portraits of the emperor’s immediate family and individual portraits of members of the imperial family are also released before Christmas, as well.

The children of the family also make Christmas cards, write messages in them, and sign them for the palace staff. The messages usually thank the staff for their hard work throughout the year. Jacqueline is known for tying each of her cards with gold, red, or green ribbons, and she’s known for gifting the staff with homemade cookies, as well.

There is a Christmas tree located in one of the imperial family’s winter residences, and before Christmas, the family makes decorations to hang from the tree, and they also hang home baked cookies—that are mainly baked by Jacqueline—from it, as well. Additionally, the oldest or youngest child gets to place the star/angel on top (it depends on the year).

On Christmas Eve, a formal dinner is held at the family’s winter residence and includes only the family members and their close guests (such as friends and government officials with close connections to the imperial family).

Also on Christmas Eve, the imperial family usually plays soccer/football on the grounds of their winter residence. This tradition was started by Emperor Gustavo in the early 1900s. Currently, Prince Alejandro and Empress Victoria have won the most games. The imperial family also plays Monopoly on Christmas Eve, which was started by Prince Alejandro.

Alejandro and Jacqueline also skate on the pond on the grounds of the family’s winter residence on Christmas Eve, which was turned into an ice skating rink at Emperor Daniel’s request when his children were young. Additionally, the imperial family also plays ice hockey. In regards to that, Jacqueline and her teams have won the most games.

The Mexican imperial family usually attends church service at the Catedral Metropolitana on a Sunday before Christmas. On Christmas Day, they attend church again, no matter what day it is, and that service is a much more public event due to it taking place on Christmas Day. During service, the emperor and empress’s Christmas speeches are broadcasted throughout the country, and tens of millions of Mexican citizens either watch or listen in. After service, the imperial family has a carriage procession through Mexico City, and that night, a final Christmas ball is held. Following the ball, the family usually watches Christmas movies at their winter residence, as well as a late night rerun of the emperor and empress’s Christmas broadcast.

Christmas is one of the imperial family’s favorite holidays, along with Independence Day, Day of the Dead, and Chuseok.

The imperial family combines a lot of Christmas traditions from different countries during the holiday season. Of course, there are mainly Mexican, Spanish, Korean, and British traditions, but there are also German and Scottish traditions mixed in, as well.

Mexico is known for sending numerous equestrians, sailors, surfers, soccer players, and runners to the Olympics, most of which have medaled. Members of the imperial family who have competed in the Olympics include: Emperor Alphons’ second son, who competed in equestrianism and won bronze, Emperor Gustavo’s youngest son, who competed in sailing and placed fourth, Empress Victoria, who competed in equestrianism and tennis and won silver and gold, Princess Luisa, Victoria’s younger sister, who competed in swimming and won gold, Prince Alejandro, Victoria’s eldest son, who competed at both the summer and winter Olympics and won gold in figure skating and gold in equestrianism, Princess Jacqueline, who competed in figure skating and won gold, as well, Princess Isabel, Victoria’s other younger sister, who competed in snowboarding and won bronze, and Princess Catalina Anita, who competed in gymnastics and track and won gold and bronze.

Like the United Kingdom, the Mexican empire has an established social season as well. It starts on February 1st with the state opening of Parliament, and it ends on December 9th with Empress Agustina’s Debutante Ball. In between, events like flower shows, opera performances, sports tournaments, society galas, a dog show, and an imperial derby are held. A five month break also occurs in between July and December. The social season was also introduced by Empress Agustina, but it didn’t become widespread until Emperor José Manuel’s reign.

Mexico is also known for its classic original operas, productions, and various opera singers. The annual opera performance at the Gran Teatro Nacional is one of the most anticipated events during the social season, and it is one of Dowager Empress Consuelo Teresa, Emperor Fernando, Empress Catalina-Beatriz, Empress Victoria, and Victoria’s children’s favorite event during the season.

Mexico also has quite the large amount of painters and photographers. Two of the most renowned painters and photographers are Lady Magdalena de la Cerda, a member of the aristocratic la Cerda family and a famous landscape, surrealist, and portrait artist, and Guillermo Hernandez-Mendez, a photographer famous for his landscape shots and creativity. Both of them work for the imperial family, and they usually create the family’s portraits.

Mexico is also known for its incredibly strong military. It’s head is, of course, the current monarch of the empire. Emperor José Manuel had extensive military knowledge and training, which he passed on to his sons, the future Emperor Fernando included. Fernando passed that military knowledge onto his eldest daughter and heir apparent, the future Empress Victoria, who further strengthened Mexico’s military just like her father and grandfather had done.

Dowager Empress Consuelo Teresa introduced the Korean holiday of Chuseok and the celebration of doljanchi to the imperial family upon her marriage to Emperor José Manuel. Since Emperor Fernando’s doljanchi in 1937, almost every member of the imperial family has also had one. Unlike other holidays, banquets are not held for Chuseok. Instead, smaller family dinners/potlucks are held in the family’s summer palaces, and they also get the chance to speak to their extended family in Korea.

The family’s main residence—Chapultepec Castle—is lit up with colored lights for various occasions. Some of those occasions include Independence Day, the birthdays of members of the imperial family, the births of members of the imperial family, and coronations. The lighting of Chapultepec Castle was introduced by Empress Catalina-Beatriz and started after the birth of Empress Victoria in 1967, and it has been done ever since.

Other traditions include the public lighting of the Christmas tree in front of Chapultepec Castle, and the ringing of the Catedral Metropolitana bells once an imperial baby has been born and during an imperial wedding.

The title of Prince/Princess of Tijuana is a title given to the heirs to the throne of Mexico. It was created in the early 1900s by Emperor Alphons as an 18th birthday gift for his eldest son, the future Emperor Gustavo. Since then, there have been five Princes of Tijuana and two Princesses of Tijuana. The title of Duke/Duchess of Bourbon-Perez is a title given to the current monarch and their spouse, and it was created by Dowager Empress Consuelo Teresa upon her eldest son’s ascension to the imperial throne. The title of Earl/Countess of Bourbon-Perez was created by Emperor Fernando upon his eldest daughter’s marriage in 1988.

Upon Victoria's ascension to the Mexican throne, Prince Alejandro—Jacqueline’s older brother—became the new crown prince of Mexico, and he also received the titles of Prince of Tijuana (a title given to the heirs to the imperial throne) and Earl of Bourbon-Perez. Jacqueline also moved up a spot in the line of succession, going from fourth to third.

Most of the members of the imperial family have married/have been engaged to people with noble/aristocratic titles. Only five members have not done so, with those being: Emperor José Manuel, who married Yoo Hyeryun, a Korean woman hailing from a middle class family, Crown Prince Alejandro, who got engaged to Vivienne Young, a woman hailing from an old moneyed Peranakan family, Princess Isabel, who married Stephanos Alexander Onasis, a Greek commoner, Prince Maximilliano, Emperor Fernando’s younger brother, who married Bianca Rosalia Rodriguez, a Cuban commoner, and Princess Alejandra of Spain, who married Hernando Enrique Torres, an Ecuadorian commoner hailing from a wealthy oil family.

The Mexican imperial family has a total of 19 residences. They have nine residences in Mexico, and 10 residences in other countries (such as Cuba, the United Kingdom, and Spain).

[whereflowersbloom]

Sealed Fate

The Western horizon was on fire: hot pink turned into mauve, wild orange into gold, the bright colours fading into paleness, then darkness. It was the day they whisper their vows before the gods, both Raven and Damian believed that love was not what stood at the foundation of their pledge, at least not the kind that fate had in store for them. No, that’s what they want to believe, what truly mattered most at this point was peace, peace through political marriage rather than an overwhelming affection. Peace. Damian, the youngest son of King Bruce and the noblest of all of Gotham’s princes, living or dead. As King Bruce was only left with Damian and Richard. Raven, a demigod, sired by Trigon the Terrible and mortal Arella.

The fragile truce between Gotham and Azarath balanced on the tip of a blade, depending on this union of convenience. Kon-El was wearing a scowl that would freeze unquenchable fire from the House of Hades. She could feel Trigon’s dark eyes burning into her face, the harsh, singeing heat of a desert behind it. She wanted to run, but she was also afraid of him giving chase. What was the point anyway. Before coming to Gotham, she knew how to fly, wings spread wide, flying away, her shoulders have borne heavy burdens, heavy burdens of solid stone. Oh she prayed to fly away from them, and roam the freedom of the sky, but her father had cut off both her wings and left her rooted to the ground. There would no longe mountain's peaks with the promise of wondrous views to keep. It all came to an end the day her father told she had been promised to Damian: Prince of Gotham, the great. Gotham the glorious. Gotham the magnificent. She should be honored, but her thoughts and feelings on the matter were inconsequential as the advice of a woman in wartime.

A week later she found herself at her wedding feast. Wearing a silver attire, a veil, a lilies and myrtle garland, and a golden headband. The Brothers and sisters her husband had in plenty, raised to be warriors they fought during war to lose their short lives. Helena and Timotheos had fallen. No body of Jason had been found after the last battle with Crete. She only met her husband her wedding day. He was reserved but polite and not overly perfumed, and when her eyes fell on him she thought of Narcissus. Narcissus, who had been unable to pull away from his own reflection in the pond, enchanted by his own beauty until death claimed him. Although the way her tutor had prattled on and on about Damian’s innumerable virtues, Raven had not expected him to be as radiant as a god. The sun-kissed skin stretched to wrap around muscles built from years of practicing complex military skills, broad shoulders and powerful arms, displaying strength and virility akin to a noble lion, movements of disconcerting grace for one so large. His facial features had a frank and honest quality to them, bright and deep-set eyes, as green as spring leaves with the touch of Persephone, a Greek nose, full lips. He was a God in beauty and stature. Reluctantly, tore her gaze from his beautiful face and focused on her new family. They have been so impeccably polite, specially Richard. ‘Welcome my good sister. We are all so blessed to have you.’ Blessed. Blessed child she had been called once long ago.

Do you feel blessed, my dear sister?” Richard asked, passing a golden wine cup into her hand. His wide smile meant no harm nor his words. As she grew up Raven was left to learn how to smile and laugh prettily at compliments that made her skin crawl, feign the innocence of any maiden her age.

Blinking several times, she looked back at him and smiled weakly. “Of course, brother.”

Richard was all dancing, light and lean seduction, dark myrrh hair and flushed red lips, rosy cheeks and aristocratic arched eyebrows, adorning himself in a blue and gold tunic. Her new brother appeared to be content to sit in the shadow of his younger brother and watch him gleam in all his glory. Cassandra did not speak with her, she was the only calm in the midst of a storm of abrupt adjustment. She tried to pay no heed to the murmurs of gossiping women at the feast, eyes green with envy as she had married the godlike prince. Foreign seductress. Demon spawn.

Bruce and Olivier discussed vehemently about warfare and politics with Kal-El and Kon-El. Diana and Artemis were carrying an excited conversation about traveling and Shiera’s recent journey in Egypt. She caught no sight of Trigon to her relief.

Trigon. Other gods might have roared their pleasure at the skills and intelligence of their offspring, praised their achievements for all to hear whilst filling themselves to the brim with nectar. Not Trigon, who wanted to sire no child but found himself infatuated with Arella, bedding her out of enjoyment.

If she were godly, truly a deity, in all of its ways with fantastical unlimited power, then one could not help but ask: Would Trigon praise her then? Did he not want her because she bled red as earthlings. As I’d guessing what she was thinking her husband finally spoke.

“For a deity to come down on solid ground isn’t seen many times. For her to wed a mortal willingly is even more ambiguous.” Damian exhaled softly, standing right next to her. His voice was so deep, so soothing and alluring as she had imagined.

“I am no deity. I am the undesired offspring of the god of death.” She said in a choked voice. Not sure if he was mocking the nature of her position. Green eyes alight with amusement.

“You are anything but undesired, wife.” Damian responded, voice low in his throat, and private; a voice she knew in her bones he meant only for her. His face reflected an earnest expression filled with so much pure-hearted sincerity that it stole Raven’s breath away

No man had ever spoken of passion or desire to Raven, and all that she knew of such words she had overheard her tutors speak, or learned from old songs; the glory of being called beautiful in tones, not of cool reason but burning emotion flooded her entirely. She was desired. Biting her lip, her face flushed, and shining starlight hair drooping over her face as if that would somehow hide how obviously close to tears she was.

Damian smiled serenely and Raven felt like he’d seen the sun. Resembling the sun and light, Apollo.

He had a gentleness to him that is completely foreign to her experience, not seen at first sight, discerning the heavy emotions in his eyes. Raven did not know before that it was possible for men to be gentle. One glance and she thought of him kissing her mouth, just as he thought of tasting her skin. Uncertainty lies in her desire for the reciprocal dedication to infallible ardour.

Air. Her lungs were in need of air.

~~~

She went to the garden of Thetis, to sit among the flowers and watch the moon-washed stars. The goddess of flowers must have visited bringing brightness and beauty wherever she stepped, as she appreciated a patch of narcissus, foxgloves, hyacinth, and delphinium displaying tightly clustered flowers upon tall stalks in varied blues and purples, in full bloom, surrounded by the thick chorus of crickets chirping all around. With all thoughts of threats and protecting her homeland, Raven found herself strangely empty. It wasn’t hollowness: it was the emptiness of shock, of disbelief and misunderstandings when everything you’d imagined was pulled out from underneath you and she was suddenly living in a reality where someone admired her? Yearn for her touch rather than fear her.

“Raven.” Kon-El sighed her name as he walked closer to her, fabric softly trailing on the grass and it made Raven tremble. His ocean eyes saddened, darkened, burning through her and reducing anything to ash, to nothingness. There were things that must be said but she couldn’t bring herself to apologize.

“When Morpheus came to me in my dreams. I did not dare look upon his godly figure. But I heard his voice like a thunder from grand Zeus. He promised your hand would be mine to hold.” The words had come bitter and aching with such profound loss that it made her throat tighten with his emotion.

“I have a husband now, Kon.” She mumbled quietly, using his infancy name, casting her gaze downwards. “They were nothing but hollow words, grains of sand carried upon the wind of Aeolus.” His disapproval at the mention of the word husband was obvious.

Attempting to reason with him to not make a claim of a right that was no longer his. She could sense his anger, regret, sorrow. Envy . Why do you look at me in such way? Why do you look at me as if you pity me? Why do you look at me with eyes filled with sorrow and hatred, all at once? Where did her sweet and naughty Kon go? She wished to voice those questions.

With clenched fists, he nodded. “It’s for the gods to decide as our fate lies in their hands.” Kon-El spoke solemnly with unshakable conviction. “You have a husband tonight, but take heed as The Fates could cut his thread of life coming morrow.” He bowed down and left without saying no more.

No. No. He would not dare. Notion spit forth from such a place of hate, fear and confusion like its like a venom small at first or great yet if allowed it to take over fully.

The night was calm, witness of the conversation between two old friends, the stifling hot of the day finally giving way to a coolness which smelled like an approaching storm. Yes, she could feel it, there was a storming coming with the unforgiving and celestial ire of Zeus.

~~~

The feast passed quickly, with laughter and high spirits carrying it along. However, Raven could never quite relax after hearing Kon-El’s threatening words. And there was the bedding ceremony to proceed, not in public. Thank to Merciful Elea.

Torchlight played on Raven’s face as she motioned with her hands like a sorceress, then the royal peplos she wore dropped off her like the skin off a snake and she emerged. Goddess Nyx in human form, her breasts round and ripe and firm, her belly flat and sculpted thighs, the tangle of dark hair between her legs an invitation and a challenge. She was bare before him. So very delicate, so vulnerable, so unlike anything he’d ever laid eyes upon. It intrigued him, that vulnerability, laid bare for him to see under the soft glow of the torches. The daughter of the God of death.

What a curious creature she was. Gifted with the beauty of Aphrodite, the mysterious eyes of Nyx, holding the stars of Orion in them. They had been in his mind on and off at the feast, wrapped up in the hazy, sweetly intoxicating lull of inebriation.

As he looked down then back up her body, to her timid eyes, no challenge in them, though her lips still twisted in a semblance of indecision. Doubt. It was obvious that while she was not truly frightened of him, nonetheless the shadow of doubt and tension was present. Damian swallowed hard. He had avoided looking at her more than necessary during the ceremony but he gave into temptation as Aphrodite whispered in his ear all the ways he could have her. He did not like Gods nor their offspring. The Gods enjoyed tricking mortals for their own merriment. But, she was his wife and there was no escaping now. He cursed quietly for his mortality.

Raven dug her pearly teeth into the fleshy hills of her bottom lip, reminding herself to stay in control, taking a deep breath, fists clenched at her side as she took a brave step forward. “My prince.”

“Damian.” He corrected immediately as he straightened up for a fraction of a second before he bent his head and allowed his lips to graze Raven’s ear. “My name is Damian.”

With uncommon courage, she reached for the clasp holding his jade tunic under his chin. The heavy cloth sighed down around their feet. With a delicate feather-like touch, Raven traced the longest scar on his bronze body that went from Damian’s left shoulder down to his right hip. His breath hitched at the sudden invasion, but relaxed into her touch, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment. No one had ever dare touch him intimately without his permission.

She could see hidden amongst the bright hues an emerald green clouding over with Damian’s lust. Their lips melded together as if they were made for each other and moved in sync as Damian threaded her fingers into Damian’s thick raven locks. Damian gently nipped her lower lip, and when she gasped heavily against his, he slid his tongue inside the warm cavern of her mouth to meet hers.

Her mind temporarily muddled with an electrical charge coursing through her veins making it hard for her to focus on any one part of her anatomy than her mouth against his. Everything tingles, starting at the back of her neck and rushing down, an uncomfortable yet exhilarating heat razing through her nerves only to whirlpool in her lower belly, churning, before continuing down all the way to her toes. He tasted like pure ambrosia.

As they continued kissing, his lips become eager, desperate, feverish. She’s never been kissed like this before. Kon-El had kissed her cheeks out of mischief a few times when they were children. Innocent love. Never with parted lips and tongue, with a hunger that would scare her had the same kind of hunger not driven her own greedy mouth to kiss and suck and nip. And yet she knew with the wisdom of Athena, that even if she’d kissed a hundred men a thousand times, nothing would ever compare to this.

Peppering her neck with kisses and listening to her gasp his name, he carried her slowly to the crimson bed where he laid her down. Dragging his teeth gently downwards, along the expanse of her sweet, alabaster skin. There all shyness was replaced with audacity and devotion. Not being able to resist the urge, he bit into her neck, at her pulse point where he could feel her unsteady heartbeat against his tongue as he laved at it.

Hands that were calloused and large and warm and so very gentle for a warrior, as they find their way roaming her natural curves. They skimmed over her thigh and hip, caress the soft skin of her waist, ghost over the swell of her breasts. His mouth, hot and wet, closed around her breast and sucks lightly, thus making her suck in a sharp breath. Expert tongue swelling around her pink nipple. What in the name of Hera he was doing to her? She wanted more. More. More.

Raven cannot utter a single word. Her mouth too dry, her mind too drunk on arousal, to form any coherent phrase. Calling his name between small whimpers showing her heightened ecstacy. This must be Elysium in all its glory. It was such a sweet torture.

Damian thought to himself she tasted like earth, starlight, like flowers blooming in the night. What was he thinking? She was his wife, no more. Daughter of his nemesis. His young heart hammering inside of his chest, the memory of his mother’s voice haunting him as she vanished with the wind.

Something flared in Damian then, flared up in his chest and his belly like a flaming arrow shot high to signal the start of a nighttime raid, and he seized her hips and pushed up inside her. Raven groaned softly in pain. Fear sent her stomach and chest quaking, her breaths coming short and fast, mind flooded with words of maidens about the pain of maidenhead being taken. At first, his strokes were slow, but his eyes do not look upon her face. The flower garland tumbled off her head and was crushed under their grappling bodies, the scent of a summer noon briefly filling the night.

She opened her legs wider and wrapped them around Damian following her instincts. Her velvet heat encased him, and he had to restrain himself from descending into madness at the pleasure. He felt like he was drowning in the Aliakmonas, the river swollen with melted snow. Raven’s round breasts goaded him, her hands caressed him tenderly, her ripeness clenched around him. As he started thrusting faster, harder, pumping in and out of her at an erratic pace. Damian drops his forehead to her shoulder, an animal like grunt in her ear, and she heard herself moan along with him. She even shifted her hips so that he hits her just right, his pubic bone rubbing against a sensitive spot his hand had touched.

He could tell she was close by the way her walls were fluttering around him, and he brought one of his hands down between them to rub circles onto her bundle of nerves. Damian also angled his hips enough to reach for the deep spot in the center of women that made them cry with satisfaction with each push.

Something inside her tightens, inside her belly where a babe will grow with the blessings of the gods, and then another wave of pleasure washed over her, pulling such a loud moan from her it should leave her ashamed, but she doesn’t care. Sweat beds clouding her vision, and the ragged breath of her husband hot against her moonlight skin, salty with sweat.

He reached climax and came harder than he had ever. His thrusts slowed, hips stilling as he emptied himself, thick, hot, white ropes of his seed filling her up to the hilt. Letting out a weary sigh he removed his body atop hers, carefully. It was done. Fulfilled his duty he told himself. A clear lie. Damian considered cupping her cheek and kissing her temple but he couldn’t do it. No. His features hardened as he turned away from her.

“I will show you respect as my wife. I will please you in all the ways a husband and lover can. But do not ask me to love you, for that is not an oath I can honor.” His voice came out hoarser and raspier than ever in the darkness, before rolling to the other of the bed preparing to fall in the arms of Morpheus.

There was an emptiness inside of her soul, her center she couldn’t describe. Waiting to be full again. Aching. Pulsing. Whirling.

“But I thought…” Raven began, a lump forming in her throat, not wanting to admit that she had hoped he could ever find love with her. Perhaps fondness. What about the gentleness he had shown her? The words died with the quietude of the royal chamber as if Harpocrates had made himself present.

Perhaps coming morrow with the grace of Apollo, he would bring Damian’s gentleness back to her. All she can do is hope and pray tonight. A lone tear slipped down her face as she closed her eyes.

Notes: Hello it’s me again with a new AU. Sorry not sorry. Had to get it out of my system 😂😂😂😂🙈🙈🙈🙈

Do not panic please. This is the first chapter and there will be Damirae fluff I promise. Happy Damirae moments and probably more smut than in other stories 👀👀

Hope you all enjoy. @ravenfan1242 @tweepunkgrl @chromium7sky @deepbreadlover @timid-soot-sprite @kallura-juniblade @shewhowillnotbenamed1 @andthendk @alerialblu

[202013428dci2021]

Review: Medea (1983), A Doll’s House (Garland 1973)

Image source: IMBd

Mark Cullingham’s 1983 TV movie Medea is based on Euripides’ treatment of the myth in his enduring, ancient Greek tragedy of the same name. An outsider and Barbarian, the sorceress Medea (Zoe Caldwell) calculates revenge when the King of Corinth gives his daughter's hand in marriage to Medea's husband Jason (Mitchell Ryan), also exiling her and her two children.

The visually minimalistic set is reminiscent of an ancient Greek amphitheatre. Several stone steps form a platform on the main stage. These steps lead to a grand, skene-like, double-door entrance. Similar steps are on both sides of the double doors like parodos and a seat-like stone central to Cullingham's stage that Cullingham’s characters stand on, sit on and at times, weep on. Time of day and a plein air is affected by ominous lighting changes. Although main characters would have performed from in front of the skene in Euripedes’ day, only Medea enters and leaves through it which I think is an effective choice visually. Whilst we watch the Nurse and chorus interact during the prologue, we cannot help but wonder what awaits behind the doors and when they will open. Caldwell’s eventual appearance through them as Medea, dressed in a distinct, dark purple dress with a scarlet throw, is hair-raising. From the skene, she coronates the set with an inescapable heaviness that grips you until the end. Imagination fills in the rest of the period setting without allows us to focus on Robinson Jeffer’s rich script. I think this production is better off without a full setting: the words are the action and the setting is moreso the rattled mind of Medea than Corinth.

Zoe Caldwell does not just play Medea but appears to become her mind, body and soul. Her face and voice are used to great effect, but what I will not forget is her gestural performance. It is brilliantly uncomfortable to watch her body and arms awkwardly contort with grief and her laboured breathing. The viewer perhaps feels as though they are witnessing  a private, domestic breakdown. Some viewers may not appreciate that the Athenian audience was xenaphobic and patriarchal and that in reality, a foreign woman exiled alone with two children was as good as a death sentence. “I am undone, I have resigned all joy in life, and I want to die,” (255) says Medea in the Kovacs translation. Even still, viewers will get a strong sense of the depth of her trauma just from her physical performance, which again, is not unlike the first Grecian actors who were required to perform very physically from behind masks to crowds of possibly 15, 000. Caldwell is very well supported in the rest of the cast, especially by Dame Judith Anderson’s Nurse who brings all the sensitivity of maturity and no doubt a strong sensibility from her own Tony award-winning portrayal of Medea in 1947.

With the same cast, this production of Medea ran successfully at New York’s Cort Theatre in 1982 with what appears to be very similar staging. However, Cullingham seizes the opportunity to elevate the viewing experience through delicate and well-considered camerawork. In ancient Greece, the chorus, made up of around twelve actors, would perform from a section of the amphitheater called the orchestra between the skene and the audience. Their parts were sung and very heavily choreographed. Stood between the main actors and the audience, they were able to interact with either. In this film, it is the camera that seems to dance, especially with the chorus of three, between the actors and stand in for the viewer. At times, we feel that we are standing with the chorus looking on in fear, apprehension, sympathy and horror. At other times, we are staring into Medea’s glistening eyes, reading her thoughts. Unlike theatre, it allows Cullingham to amplify one character’s point of view over another’s at any given time.

So, how does Euripides handle identity in his treatment of the myth of Medea? In episode one of the play, Medea delivers the famous speech to the chorus in her first, onstage acknowledgement of her circumstances (“I would rather stand three times with a shield in battle than give birth once”).Ironically, non-Athenians and women were not allowed in the audience of plays in Euripides’ day and only male actors could portray the characters, yet Euripides explores how relationships and status affect a collective perception of an individual’s identity, specifically of a foreign woman who has been abandoned. “I trust you that much the less than before,” says Creon to Medea in pronouncing her exile. When she was still within the security of her marriage to Jason, Medea was only just, if not, a lesser trusted member of the community, especially to the ruling patriarchy who have the power to affect her place there. Outside of her marriage to Jason, she has noone “to shelter [her] from this calamity” (255) and is regarded like a dangerous, undocumented person in the modern world.

Euripides also seems to make the point that the strengths a woman might hold are regarded as a liability even in vulnerability. It is arguable whether Medea would have committed the same crimes had she been treated with more compassion by Jason and Creon, but this is still clear: Creon says that “a clever woman who keeps her own counsel” is more dangerous than “a hot-tempered man” (320). While this very well may be true, the inequality is audible. Would Medea be treated with more compassion if she was not a sorceress? Creon is rewarding Jason with his daughter’s hand in marriage for the exploits that Medea was instrumental in and is exiled as a result. Euripides seems to be saying that either way, she cannot win.

Through Medea’s speech, Euripides also contemplates the collective identity of women in general and how it is molded by the powers that be. “And the outcome of our life's striving hangs on this, whether we take a bad or a good husband” (235). Although she is more than the average mortal, the powerful sorceress is able to identify completely with women by virtue of being a woman. In her explosive exposition of the position and prospects of a woman in a patriarchal society, Medea’s pinpointing of all the forces at work pulling and pushing against her cause the audience to ask, “then, what is a woman?” Therefore, the identity of women is presented as a question that is left unresolved even by the climactic end in which Medea is arguably vindicated.

What I find most striking about how identity is presented in this episode and throughout the whole play is that Medea presents herself. It is as though Euripides lets her speak for herself to define to us who and what she is even in her damaging circumstances, rather than defining who she is for us. Even the prologue in which the Nurse provides extensive background about the character of Medea serves as a sympathetic set up for our first introduction to the character. In this way, identity is presented as an aspect of the self that can only be fully presented by the self. And I think this is the great strength of the play.

This review was written with background reference to “The Sociology of Athenian Tragedy” by Edith Hall, “Ancient Greek Theatre” by Sarah Grocola and Playbill’s profile of Medea (1982).

[pastellarts]

The Sunday Song – September 9th, 2018

(Or a famous song from a famous feminist movie that is titled with my name)

Love that became a double-edged knife - Melina Mercouri (Αγάπη που 'γινες δίκοπο μαχαίρι – ΜελίναΜερκούρη) Music by Manos Hatzidakis Lyrics by Michael Cacoyannis

In 1955, Greek cinemas met ‘Stella’, a unique and original female protagonist of the same named film that was based on the myth of Carmen. Stella was created from Greek Cypriot director Michael Cacoyannis. Actress Melina Mercouri, who had a wild and intense stare, brought on film an unprecedented movie character.

Manos Hatzidakis wrote the score for the film and Mercouri herself sings the movie's trademark song "Love that became a double-edged knife" ("Αγάπη που 'γινες δίκοπο μαχαίρι") that has become an eternal success. Mercouri sings excellent and most famous female Greek singers include it in live recording or concerts.  

Love, turned into a double-edged knife, Long ago you were giving me nothing but joy but now you drown the joy in tears I don’t see a way out, I can't find a cure (bis)

Fires are blazing deep inside his eyes the stars turn dark when he looks at me turn off the lights turn off the moonlight once he takes me, so my pain cannot be seen

Hatzidakis has admitted that the music for "Love that became a double-edged knife" based on a melody by Vasilis Tsitsanis from the song “Trelos Tsigganos (Crazy Gypsy). However, that might even not be the case, since “Trelos Tsigganos” was written by Ioanna Georgakopoulou in 1947 and is included in an official record with her name.

Plot:

The story of a fiercely independent and uncompromising young woman. Stella, a rembetiko singer at Paradise nightclub, lives a guiltless, turbulent life. Her innate independence and assertive nature lead her to numerous passionate love affairs. While with Aleko, son of a wealthy family, she decides, as is her habit, to break up before the relationship wears off. Once she meets Miltos, a young football player, she seems to change. At first, she avoids his advances, but, later, gives in to him. However, she can only be with him on her own terms. No matter how much she loves him, she mostly values her freedom. Things turn complicated when she is called to choose. She repeatedly rejects Miltos marriage proposals. When Miltos finally forces her to accept the idea of marriage, Stella does not appear in church, despite Miltos repeatedly warning her that he will kill her if she doesn't marry him. Miltos kills her with a dagger at end of the film.

The film ends with an iconic scene where Miltos tragically kills Stella with a knife. The phrase ‘Stella leave I am holding a knife!’  has become a widely spoken phrase in Greece ever since, and, well, if your name is Stella, expect to listen to it countless times in your life (starts around 02.00).

The film sparked great controversy – many Greek critics and a big part of the audience rejected it, they were scandalized and suspicious of a woman who wanted to be independent and a free spirit and make her own life by her own rules. The movie was against patriarchy with a heroine that represents an alien female idol for the 1950s Greece and a timeless tragedy heroine. Most foreign press comments were very positive for the movie and the female liberation aspect emphasized in the film. Set 6 years after the end of the Greek Civil war (1945-1949), some were lukewarm about the rembetiko music as well, even people with progressive views.

Stella was originally intended to be a stage play with the title Stella with the Red Gloves, but it was never staged. It has been claimed that this story was the perfect vehicle for the thirty-five-year-old Mercouri's film debut. Indeed, it was the hit that Melina Mercouri needed. The film is now considered one of the greatest Greek films.

At the 1955 Cannes Film Festival, where the film was screened, Melina Mercouri met Jules Dassin, her future husband, mentor, and director. He helped her to secure major roles in such films as Topkapi, Never on Sunday, Phaedra, and 10:30 P.M. Summer, which were major international successes.

The film a Golden Globe for the Best Foreign Film (1956) and was nominated for the Palme d'Or in the Cannes Film Festival (1955) and for an Oscar for Best Costume Design.

63 years later, Melina’s Mercouri performance is 100% feminist: still relevant, to remind us of a woman that is free, untamed and proud, away from stereotypes and ‘mainstream’ female images. Stella never hesitated to express the wishes that represented the will of many women of that era – and sadly, they were never able to confess it.

Other notable performances of the song (of course female singers)

This one has a great bouzouki intro

[mbalenhles-blog]

SOFIA MBALENHLE KREUTZWALD, princess of estonia.

“ there are all these moments you think you won’t survive. and then you survive. ”

I. BASICS –––  

full name: sofia mbalenhle kreutzwald.

sofia: from the greek, Σοφια, means “wisdom”.

mbalenhle: from zulu, imbali, for “flower��, and hle, for “beautiful”.

date of birth: october 12th, 1814.

age: thirty-one.

city of birth: tallinn. she always loved her home, or perhaps it has always been thanks to her parents, who she loved and learned a lot from.

country of birth: estonia.

position: princess of estonia, duchess of glücksbierg (in denmark).

marital status: widow.

sexuality: demisexual.

gender identity: cisgender female.

religion: catholic. a believer, but rarely a praticant.

II. RELATIONSHIPS –––

number of siblings: five.

order of birth: first born, the oldest.

father: taveet kreutzwald, late king of estonia. relationship: her best friend — sofia isn’t afraid to admit that was her father to her. the man who had taught her so much and made her who she is, gave her glimpses of what was like to rule a kingdom even if he knew she wasn’t the one meant to take the crown. although the man would say he had no favorite child, anyone could see how he was closer to his two oldest: they were the ones to spend more time with him, watch him work and dare to make suggestions, help in his choices. he is, even in death, sofia’s safe haven.

mother: zola kreutzwald, late queen of estonia, former princess of swaziland. relationship: although closer to her father, she would never say she didn’t love or wasn’t fond of her mother — zola was just as inspiring as her husband for little sofia. she was the one who made her grow fond of reading and drawing, to have a brain of her own; she taught her how to be graceful and held her whenever she cried — especially in the day of her marriage and the last time she saw both her parents. she misses her dearly, and keeps a necklace that was owned by the woman with her at all times.

relationship with siblings: being the oldest has turned her into one of the most responsible ones among them. although with her head in the clouds and nose stuck in a book through most of her youth, she has shown to be one of the siblings that sees reality differently, with kind eyes and a good moral compass. the relationship to each sibling needs to be determined as applied.

former partner: gerhard thorn, duke of glücksbierg. marriage: april 1839 to december 1844. relationship: ( SEXUAL ABUSE TW! ) their marriage was a proposition that came from the duke himself in one of his trips to estonia — back then, the king had thought this would be a good idea, as if the story repeats itself: it was travelling that he met his wife, fallen for her beauty and intelligence, and he had thought this was gerhard’s case towards sofia. he was wrong. the duke was a narcissist, a careless man who barely cared for anything but benefiting himself — it is true he has “fallen” for the princess’ beauty, but she was far too smart for him, she wasn’t impressed by his looks or by him at all, different from the many women he had been with until then. she was a challenge, a prey that he would get and feel glad to have in his hands, wanting her or not — those harder to get were the best, after all. she has never complained ( much ) about the man to her father before the marriage, but he was no fool and had seem how scared and disgusted she looked after every meeting with the man — he had suggested to call it out, but at the age of twenty-five, she judged herself old. it was out of luck a man felt interested in her, even if it was only for her physical, in her opinion — she should continue with that, for the benefits of their own small kingdom. a child came out of their union, forceful, with marks that would take a while to fade from her golden skin — she thought it would be a challenge to love her son, that memories from the nights that haunted her mind would come across every time she looked at him: and it was, at first. for the first months, sofia wouldn’t want to see the baby and felt disgusted of herself, but it was in a moment she was alone with the baby and she saw her own curious eyes on him that she fell in love: hendrik, she had decided, would be the only thing that mattered to her. her marriage, unhappy and abusive, remained for the following years and some would be the times her husband would manage to get to her room and she would accept have him there, just for the sake of it — but he had his mistress, who were much better than her ( luckily ), and with the time he would grow tired of her company in bed, although never once letting go of the idea to expose her as his trophy wife. his death came suddenly, but with a lot of relief to sofia — more than she should’ve let it show, which brings questions to anyone who has known either her or gerhard, or both, doubts of his death, so sudden and not of plague, looking very much like an ordered murder.

children:

hendrik sipho thorn, born in february 15th, 1840 (six year old). his hair and big curious eyes give him away as sofia’s son — but he is far from looking like her, with his skin being lighter and some small features showing some of his father’s. hendrik is a smart danish boy — he has been learning more languages since he learned how to talk, always taught by his mother; he doesn’t have as much accent as she does when speaking other languages, being a fast learner, catching things just by hearing them. he’s agitated, always needing to be moving and going somewhere; and one of his passions seems to be animals, probably something that could be blamed on sofia and her choices of reading to him.

III. PHYSICAL –––

height: 162cm, 5ft 4in

weight: 54kg, 119lbs

eye color: brown.

hair color: brown.

natural hair texture: curly, thin.

body build: slim, slightly curvy.

prominent features: a mole next to her upper lip, on the right side; a scar on her left ankle ( thanks to childish plays and running around, tripping and twisting said ankle in a small rock ).

accent: she sounds most fluent in estonian and danish, being the languages she has practice more during her whole life, with the kind of alliances her father had. but in english and french, which are the languages she tries to keep up nowadays, she has an obvious accent, but still easy to understand. she is fond of learning languages, so her practice usually go until she doesn’t sound as much of a foreigner as she is.

speech: even insecure, sofia is one to speak with the most certain kind of tone, very rare to stutter, and usually sounding like someone who knows better. for some, she may sound as a mother or a scholar, which would be compliments to her. her vocabulary is quite extensive in any of the languages she speaks and that’s noticeable just by talking to her a few times.

general health: in good health and trying to keep herself this way, she has been rarely engaging in anything that might get her sick or hurt. she only puts herself on this sort of priority for worrying for her child — if she gets sick, chances of him getting too would be considerable.

IV. PERSONALITY –––

habits: tapping her fingers on any surface, being too observant, acting as a “mom friend”, chewing the inside of her cheek when nervous, rubbing her arm.

hobbies: reading, collecting books, drawing, learning, tasting different cuisines, taking walks in the garden, being alone, writing.

morning routine: she usually wakes up very early, able to see the first rays of sunshine to appear in the sky; most of the times, she likes to take her time waking up her son so they can have breakfast together. it isn’t unusual to see her walking around the gardens either, as she judges the morning sun to be the best and most enjoyable, along with its breeze.

nightly routine: to read and kiss her son goodnight is probably the only thing that happens every single night. sofia deals with the darkness of the night in different ways, most of them being by lighting a candle and reading a book on her own, or writing something — when she feels too lonely, she reads her father’s old letters and see old sketches in her journals. sometimes, she would dare to leave her quarters, take a walk to spare her thoughts and to go to the library, either to get other books or to watch the night sky through its windows ( a better view than the one she has from her own room ).

skills: drawing, she’s good at sketches, but is far too insecure about it to even show many people; is a fast learner, people don’t need to explain anything twice before she is already knowing how to do things.

V. SIGNATURES –––

theme song: “saturn”, sleeping at last.

strengths: intelligence, optimism, responsibility.

weaknesses: stubbornness, prejudice, impatience.

what would be in their trunk?: books, an old journal she likes to write or sketch sometimes, hendrik’s blanket, her father’s letters.

character’s inspirations: tessa gray ( the infernal devices, by cassandra clare ), belle ( beauty and the beast, the tale by madame de beaumont, and the animation movie, adapted by linda woolverton ).

[biomedgrid]

Biomed Grid | Ethical Dilemmas in Posthumous Assisted Reproduction

Introduction

The rapid development of biochemistry, genetics and biotechnology, not only the great technological advances but also the modern methods of the medical sciences on, address problems such as low fertility and infertility, disconnecting sexual intercourse from reproduction, thus, giving hope to thousands of people to have descendants, a possibility that nature deprived them of [1]. According to surveys, about 12,000 medically assisted reproduction efforts are performed in Greece and of which 40% are successful. Therefore, children are estimated at around 4,800. These figures justify the enormous effort of the legislator to delineate the operation of centers of medically assisted reproduction and secure this new form of family formation [2] . As methods of assisted reproduction or artificial insemination are defined all the possible ways of acquiring children with artificial medical methods, which have been discovered and those that will be discovered in the future [3] . According to Medical Science, those methods are [3] :

a) Artificial insemination: This is a special but simple procedure in which processed and prepared semen is placed in the woman’s womb.

b) In vitro fertilization (IVF): It is a process that involves the fertilization of the ovum in the laboratory, outside the woman’s body.

c) Micro fertility (ICSI): During this procedure, the doctor inserts a sperm into the ovum using a micro needle in the lab.

d) Surrogate motherhood: In this process a woman undertakes to become pregnant and carry the human embryo for a couple who cannot have children because the woman is not able to be pregnant.

e) Postmortem reproduction: This practice consists of preserving the gametes or embryos (after the IVF process) and the afterwards transferring them to the uterus after the donor’s death. For this reason, it is also called homologous posthumous artificial fertilization.

In vitro fertilization is again distinguished in [4] :

a) Artificial sperm fertilization by a donor.

b) Artificial insemination with a surrogate mother. This procedure is further distinguished in full and partial substitution. Simultaneously, Legal Science is based on the constitution rather than on medical methods. Therefore, it can be distinguished in [5] :

a) Authorized and unauthorized fertilization

b) In-life and posthumous fertilization

c) Fertilization of spouses and fertilization of an unmarried woman

d) Homologous and heterologous fertilization

However, methods of medically assisted reproduction raise both moral and legal issues, even though nowadays, a large proportion of the population owes its existence to some of them [4,6] . The purpose of this review is to highlight and delve into problems that arise and must be addressed in the case of posthumous artificial insemination. As far as the methodology is concerned, a literature review was carried out concerning topic-related articles and books of the last two decades via electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus with keywords: Ethical dilemmas, treatment, artificial fertilization and posthumous artificial fertilization.

Talking About the Posthumous Assisted Reproduction

Posthumous assisted reproduction, according to Greek legislators, is formed using cryopreserved germ material (semen or fertilized ovum) after the death of the husband or the women’s partner. This genetic material is then applied to both posthumous assisted reproduction and posthumous fertilization of the fertilized ovum to the woman’s body [7] . According to Law 3089/2002, posthumous assisted reproduction must be carried out three hundred days after the death of the husband-partner in order to establish a presumption of marriage origin and establish relationship [8] .

In accordance with Article 1457 of the Civil Code, posthumous assisted reproduction is permitted after the death of the husband or the woman’s permanent partner following a legal permit, only if the following conditions are cumulatively fulfilled:

a) The husband or the woman’s partner suffered from a condition associated with the potential risk of infertility or the risk of death b) The husband or the woman’s partner has consented to a notarial deed in posthumous assisted reproduction.

In other words, it is prerequisite that the spouse or partner have had specifically approved for posthumous insemination, in the form of a notarial deed. The law allows the deceased’s spouse or partner to decide within a period of six (6) months whether she is subjected to the proceedings, while the time limit is two years after the death of the wife’s husband or the woman’s partner. The reason for time limitation is related to the need to decide the issue of posthumous assisted reproduction in a short period of time so that the inheritance rights of the other relatives of the deceased or partner will not be long-lasting [9,10] . The institution of posthumous assisted reproduction, moreover, affects only couples, married or unmarried, and no single solitary women. The child to be born will be considered as a child born into a marriage while the husband’s - partner’s paternity who had consented to heterologous fertilization will not be affected [3] .

Against Posthumous assisted reproduction, it was strongly suggested that this is contrary to the child’s, to be born, interest, as it is planned to be born having already lost one parent and so, he will be deprived of the right to be raised by both parents. Mother’s “sympathetic intention” to keep the memory of her partner alive and the father’s desire to leave descendants after his death are not enough reasons so as the birth of a preplanned orphaned child to be morally justifiable [11] .

Special Cases of Posthumous Assisted Reproduction

There are some special cases of posthumous assisted reproduction such as the following [12] :

Posthumous artificial fertilization (posthumous insemination) without a court permit

This is the case where posthumous insemination had taken place without prior judicial authorization. Therefore, a court decision to establish paternity for the child is needed. At that point, the legislator makes his efforts to ensure the protection of the child’s interest and his inalienable right to inherit his deceased father, even if the law prerogative had not been respected. After all, every child regardless of his conception must inherit his father. Still, even if the posthumous fertilization is made after the end of the two-year period, the solution adopted serves again the child’s interests [13] .

Posthumous assisted reproduction using foreign genital material (heterologous)

Heterologous posthumous fertilization refers to the case where a woman uses foreign genital material after her husband’s death, aspiring to provide the child with the presumption of the husband’s paternity. Therefore, there is neither provision for the spouse’s consent to notarization for heterologous posthumous insemination, nor the possibility for the court to authorize such fertilization. Therefore, in the heterologous fertilization the child to be born will be a child born out of marriage and the spouse’s paternity, as non-existent, will not be even able to be proved in trial [14] . But there are also some legal scientists who believe heterologous posthumous assisted reproduction should be legitimate. According to them, the prevailing view that the law opposed to heterologous artificial posthumous fertilization does not find a safe basis on the letter of law. The right to posthumous artificial fertilization and therefore, since the law does not exclude it, heterologous artificial posthumous fertilization is enshrined in Article 5 § 1S. It is not admissible only when it conflicts with the rights of others or when it is based on morality [15] . Finally, there is also the intermediate view that no catholic attitude towards heterologous posthumous assisted reproduction is adopted. Thus, heterologous post-mortem fertilization is permitted, but heterologous posthumous assisted reproduction is prohibited in the strict sense of the term [14] .

Posthumous assisted reproduction and premature birth

According to Law 3089/2002, posthumous assisted reproduction should be carried out three hundred days after the death of the spouse in order to establish a presumption of marriage origin and to establish relationship. What happens, however, in the rare case that a child is born, despite posthumous fertilization, within three hundred days of the husband’s death? Undoubtedly, the protection of the child’s best interests outweighs the purpose of preserving the limits of lawfulness. Moreover, the scarcity of the above case minimizes the risk of the limits being exceeded. The spirit of the law, therefore, does not require the removal a favorable regulation of a premature born child for this. Let’s not forget that Law 3089/2002 has been characterized as “child-centered” by many individuals [16]

Posthumous implantation of a fertilized ovum

Posthumous implantation of a fertilized ovum collects higher levels of social consensus than posthumous fertilization. In this case, IVF semen fertilization had already taken place before the death of the husband. So, only after the husband’s death, implantation of the fertilized ovum into the womb of the woman occurs [17] . The most common example of posthumous implantation that concerns jurisprudence refers to the case where several ova have been fertilized or cryopreserved. The first implantation attempts fail, and in the meantime, the death of the husband happens. So, the woman asks the bank for fertilized ova to resume the process. The woman is at this stage closer to childbirth than in the case of posthumous fertilization. So, rejection in the given process seems harder [18] . All the above apply, according to Law 3089/2005, and, also in the case where there was not any marriage with the deceased’s permanent relation.

Posthumous assisted reproduction with proportional application of AK 1457 and A.K. 1458 for the deceased woman

Law 3089/2002 explicitly establishes the right to posthumous fertilization of a widow, but the Law does not regulate the corresponding right of posthumous assisted reproduction of the surviving husband and the risk of death of the wife/of a former spouse/partner. The law omitting that case is covered by the proportional application of AKs. 1457 and AK 1485. As it is reasonable in this case, the assistance of a pregnant woman (surrogate motherhood) will be needed [18,19] .

Ethical Problems Regarding Posthumous Artificial Fertilization

Posthumous assisted reproduction now appears as a given reality, which, as we have seen, has been legislated in our country, despite any objections - reservations (religious, philosophical, ethical, and metaphysical). There have been many objections to the permitted posthumous fertilization. The most important thing is that a child born with under the technique of posthumous assisted reproduction will not have a father. In this view, a child will be born “on demand”, orphaned by a father [20] . Nevertheless, this method affects the child’s interests, as it is claimed that the child will not be able to be raised by both parents. Posthumous assisted reproduction is certainly controversial because it is a marginal, if not an extreme case [21-26] . If the child’s basic rights (upbringing, living) cannot be guaranteed, it cannot be judged to be an advantageous solution for the child himself or his non-conception. Moreover, as it has already been mentioned, a possible ban would be fatal for the legal status of the illegitimate child born [21] .

Besides, it is preferable to be controllable posthumous assisted reproduction as regards its conditions and consequences, rather than equivalent doubts concerning the regulations and adverse consequences for the child [5] . The fundamental right under the umbrella of the law is the right to life. The right to death is not formed. Moreover, rights-holders can only be living people in accordance with the rule of Law. Therefore, we cannot refer either to the interest of the unborn child or to the interest of the deceased parent [8] . About the sperm donor, one of his fundamental rights is the right to determine the time and the mode of use of the semen. This right is an aspect of the right of the individual towards reproduction, but it is also of the most general right of the man to define himself as his personality. But is it morally, legally and socially acceptable that the donor can determine the posthumously use of his semen? [4] .

On the other hand, the birth of a child presupposes the free will and constant vigilance of both parents and not the arbitrary initiative of only one parent. Therefore, the wife ought not to treat the deceased husband’s genetic material as a “souvenir” [22] . Therefore, the consent of the person concerned should be given at the time of the artificial insemination as the data are volatile [27]. Furthermore, in the case where the interested individual wishes to withdraw his original decision, the right should be valid [23] . It is remarkable that there are cases in which the mother ignores her husband’s objection by a notarial deed in the process of posthumous artificial insemination, with a view to satisfying her personal needs [20] . In addition, there seems to be suspicion concerning the potential motives and the ultimate goals that the wife may have. Some writers emphasize the self-interest that characterizes the will of the wife to move on to this method, with a major incentive to inherit her husband’s/partner’s property. It is indeed very sad and morally unacceptable a child to be born for utilitarian reasons. In the case where the mother carries out a posthumous conception, her share of property as a beneficiary falls to ¼, but the remaining relatives are totally excluded from the heritage [21] .

It is also argued that posthumous fertilization is contrary to morality the Greek common beliefs which are surely influenced by Christian teaching. The Church considers that the child’s birth by a dead parent is contrary to nature and it is therefore considered abominable [8] . Therefore, according to the prevailing moral perception, the conception and birth of a child is only acceptable if it results from living persons. Otherwise, traditional family unity is abolished, and nature is at risk of being substituted by the achievements of modern technology [22] . People through the reproductive process create achievements of modern technology [22] . People create not only an extension of themselves but of humankind through the reproductive process. This is evident above all from the preservation of the family name, but also from the relationship between the desire for childbirth and the desire for a form of immortality. This promise of immortality is further exacerbated by religion, ensuring that parental genetic material is transferred to the next generation through reproduction [21] .

It should also be borne in mind that an orphaned child is born on account of the family planning of his parents. In this way, it is doubtful that a family can be preserved, with a father who will no longer exist [5] . Our social culture sets limits regarding good morals. The Greek Constitution explicitly defines the duties and obligations of both parents as well as their responsibility for the proper upbringing and education of their child. But these constitutionally defined rights of the child are violated in the case of posthumous artificial insemination [22] . The deceased husband cannot assume his role as a father, so the mother’s share is the sole responsibility. This forced non-commitment, due to the absence of the father, is predetermined and contravenes the constitutional rights of the child [28] . However, the Inheritance Law primarily ensures the protection of the family in the regulation of property issues and rights. But this does not mean that law should prevent the hypothetical expansion of the family in order to protect the existing family members’ expectations about property [8] . With the same reasoning, adoption should be banned if it is done by only one person, and, also every other institution; for example, fostering a child in the absence of the child’s biological parents. Apart from the existence of parents, it is equally important to ensure the child’s social and emotional development [7] .

Conclusion

As we can see, moral dilemmas about the conception and birth of a child over the years vary and newer issues are added [23] . In other words, modern societies are concerned not only with abortions, as in antiquity, but also with modern problems such as artificial fertilization and posthumous fertilization [24,25] . Let’s not forget that the protection of the child’s interest as an ideal outweighs the purpose of preserving the limits of the law’s permissible. This regulation of the legislator is based on both the foundation of paternity with the deceased and the safeguarding of the legal status of the child

This is in full harmony with the child-centered spirit of the law. It is therefore understood that regardless of the permissible method and the appropriate conditions, the child needs full legal protection from the law. The need for a single legal framework to be applied by all states is considered necessary while each state has so far adopted its own laws and rules to deal with issues arising from assisted reproduction. In any case, this legal framework should be enacted and implemented with a view to the child’s wellbeing who will come to the world through some of the assisted reproduction methods. Moreover, it is the establishment of a single legal framework which will determine the limits of the intervention of scientists to human nature and will enable them to refuse any act contrary to the specific legal framework.

Read More About this Article: https://biomedgrid.com/fulltext/volume5/ethical-dilemmas-in-posthumous-assisted-reproduction.000902.php

For more about: Journals on Biomedical Science :Biomed Grid | Current Issue

[ubpal]

Англи хэл дээр бичсэн эссэ

Англи хэл дээр бичсэн эссэ

Discuss whether the use of English in non-ENL countries can be seen as a neutral, a harmful or a beneficial activity.

English, which is often referred to as ‘the language of the planet’ is spoken by more than 750 million people worldwide. This global phenomenon, if not spoken by millions as a mother tongue is spoken by many as a second language or taught in educational institutions as a foreign language.

The diversity of its speakers has sparked considerable amount of interest, along with the types of English used in many countries. Alongside an immense number of speakers of a single language come the various types of speaker: those who’s English is a mother tongue, those of whom whose English is a second language, and those for whom it is a foreign language. This analysis attempts to establish whether the use of English in non – native speaking countries have adverse or positive effects.

Only a few centuries ago did English exist as a form of dialects spoken by the lower middle classes in the province of Britain. Dominated by the prestige languages of Latin and French, the language of the pre-English period (-c AD 450) was Celtic, a language spoken by those living in Britain and surrounding areas. When the Romans first invaded Britain, a number of Celtic – speaking peoples inhabited Britain, even though Latin was the official language of the province.

According to the source Women in Roman Britain, ‘By the end of the first century AD the increasingly cosmopolitan flavour of the urban population will have resulted in many languages being heard in Britain with the consequence that a knowledge of Latin would have been essential for efficient communication between people who could have originated as far afield as Scotland, Africa or Turkey’ (Allason-Jones, 1989, p174). Residents who would have migrated from such countries inevitably needed a mutual form of communication in order to keep activities such as trade going.

During the pre-English period, the vast number of occurring mixed and interracial marriages would have resulted in the inevitable introduction of foreign languages into Britain. This thus establishes Britain as a multilingual community, having contact with other parts of the world. Since Latin, a language which had been a lingua franca in Britain had by this time, been challenged by the increasing number of inhabitants speaking English, it had to leave in order to find a new position, since people were still using it but were also using Celtic.

At this time, Latin, which wasn’t an official language of Britain had now been established as a language of communication by those residing in England and those migrating to England, and was now seen as a useful source of promoting and providing the existence of beneficial activities such as administration and trade. The use of Latin had by then been the dominant language of government and administration. How the use of such a universal and phenomenal language such as English had been established can only be discovered if its origins are traced.

The earliest piece of writing in English is said to be a carving found in Norwich dating from AD 400. This runic script is said to resemble the Latin or Greek alphabet, and was used in various Germanic languages, bought to England by those residing in mainland Europe. *The influence of Latin on the English Language is very high, even though Latin is a somewhat ‘archaic’ language, only now taught in prestige schools such as Eton College.

1066 was a year of deterioration not just in terms of radical political changes but in major linguistics. Often viewed as ‘a milestone on the road to civilization’, it also played a major part in the development of Modern English. During this precarious time when the entire Normandy dynasty had been gained by the King of France, regular contacts with the French court bought with it colossal changes in the main method of communication.

This conflict ‘brought about a period of close contact and often bitter rivalry’ between the English and the French which in some respects has lasted into the present century. Ideas about ‘Englishness’ often reflect whatever is considered to be ‘not French’ (p121). The consequence of this invasion has caused the English Language to contain many derivations of French, referred to as the language of ‘honour’, ‘chivalry’ and ‘justice’. During the period of the French invasion many English residents knew very little, if not, any of the English language.

Other linguistic changes which inevitably rose as a result of the Norman Conquest concerned the language of Law. This would have been written in Britain’s prestigious language, Latin, which was at the time highly associated with the aristocracy. This resulted in English being a minority written language. Put in simpler terms, the Norman Conquest occurred at the detriment of the English Language used in Britain, which was almost reduced to a minor language or even a mere dialect spoken within England.

Other effects of the Norman Conquest on the English Language included the vocabulary. Many French words were adopted into the English Language which explains the vast majority French lexicon in the English vocabulary we are used to today. Baldwin, who in his speech thinly veils his distaste for the French language adopted into English quoted (that the) ‘salvation’ for Britain (and indeed for the whole world) lay not in French-derived polysyllables such as proletariat but in monosyllables such as ‘faith’. ‘Hope’ ‘love’ and ‘work’ (Crowley, 1989 p255).

Here, he not only (possibly subconsciously) describes English as being a somewhat simple and basic language, but he compares it to French, a language which exhibits power and prestige. In line with the effects of French lexicon within the English language, century’s later English provinces, namely Canada now have both English and French as an official language. The French language, in Quebec especially remains under threat, even though it is used to teach in schools its significance is deteriorating and the constant debate whether to use it in schools or whether English taught in schools can have detrimental effects; if students who are taught both languages becomes proficient in only one of the official languages, the quality of their written or spoken English or French is likely to decline.

In France however, since English has no official status, it is exempt from the pressures Canada faces to exert the significance of learning both languages in schools. As French is taught as a foreign language in England, English is likewise taught as a foreign language in French schools, in order that no-one lacks the knowledge of a language vital for international communication, and therefore increase the number of people proficient in either official language.

An example of the use of English in countries where English is not a native language being a beneficial, almost crucial activity lies within the necessities of air traffic control. Granted, there are many standard English’s, each one being exclusive to its respective country, however if one peculiar, even creolized version remains misunderstood in such a situation, the results could be dire. In such circumstances, even though the existence of many standardized English’s could create confusion, a vast knowledge of a universal Standard English is crucial.

The development of English pidgins and creoles in effect also gives way to confusion as it clouds out the need for a ‘politically correct’ language. The slave trade had an inevitably immense effect on the development of English, as it paved the way for the use of vernaculars such as Black English and black pidgins and creoles. These dialects, in effect are not understood by many and if such a language is seeped into schools it could become deeply ingrained within a students’ vocabulary, thus hindering a students’ ability to speak, and even understand politically correct English.

It is thus necessary to question the term ‘politically correct’ language? Double negatives to the native speaker of English, is seen almost as a taboo in English writing. Its use not only portrays the writer or speaker as uneducated, but the use of such insolent English by a native speaker would regard such a person as illiterate. Other definitions of political correctness refer to the use of non – sexist or racist language, language used in such a way which is not seen to favour a certain age group, class distinction or creed.

According to the English born sociolinguist Anthea Fraser Gupta, political correctness as exemplified by ‘the deliberate use of non-sexist language’ is quite unusual. In fact, it is so rare that I and other colleagues have had the experience of having our non – sexist original changed into a sexist printed version by editors.’ (Gupta, 1994, p2). For example, if an adult male calls another adult male ‘boy’ because he is in a position of authority, this could be seen as highly demeaning, as this perfectly reflects the days of the slave trade when taskmasters referred to their slaves as ‘boy’, alongside other demeaning terms such as ‘dog’ and ‘nigger’.

When I asked a university student if being called ‘boy’ by one who came from a country where such terms were unheard of, his reaction was one of dismay, not to mention being highly insulted. Such deviations from social norms could prove to cause conflict, as this type of English usage in countries such as Angola, France and similar non ENL lands may prove to be a difficulty.

In countries such as China where English has no official status, there has been an increased amount of interest in the English Language. ‘In 1959, everyone was carrying a book of the thoughts of Chairman Mao; today, everyone is carrying a book of ‘elementary English’ (p31) This unprecedented growth in the interest of the English language in a country titled the undisputed home of technology, science and rapid invention makes it a harmful activity in terms of linguistics but a beneficial one in terms of world trade, production and communication.

An influx Chinese people wanting to learn English poses the question: How good is the quality of English used in such non ENL countries? In the Chinese product catalogue IBI Household, the descriptions used to describe its respective goods in small captions are written in English which is considered to be very poor to ENL speakers; for example, a product called Space Creator, an organizer used to store household goods is said to be ”The plastic organizer will help you to storage wisely”, instead of ‘This plastic organizer will help you to store your items wisely; Another example being a Car Air Ozonizer which ‘Remove smoke, eliminate air particulate from this compact air ozonizer.

These items are described in a childlike manner, not to mention that they hardly make sense. As a result, if such habits become ingrained in an English learner’s vocabulary, they may become incomprehensible to someone whose first language is English but more importantly, it may become very difficult to root these habits out. This is thus an example of how the use of the English in non ENL countries can be seen as a harmful activity its only reason for its use is likely to be that of English is seen as fashionable.

Англи хэл дээр бичсэн эссэ

”Англи хэлний хэрэглээ төвийг сахисан, хор хөнөөлтэй эсвэл ашигтай үй�� ажиллагаа гэж үзэж болох эсэх талаар ярилц.”

Дэлхийн 750 сая гаруй хүн дэлхий дээрх хэлээр ярьдаг. Энэ дэлхийн үзэгдэл, Хэрэв сая сая эх хэл болгон ярьж чадахгүй бол олон хэл болгон олон, хоер дахь хэл болгон, гадаад хэл болгон боловсролын байгууллагад зааж байна. Түүний чанга яригч олон янз байдал нь олон улс оронд ашиглаж англи хэлний төрлийн хамт, ашиг сонирхлын ихээхэн хэмжээний гал нэмсэн байна. Нэг хэлний яригч нь асар их тооны хамт яригч төрөл бүрийн ирэх: Англи хэл юм байгаа хүмүүс эх хэл юм, тэдний англи хэл хоер дахь хэл юм, хэнд зориулж энэ нь гадаад хэл юм. Энэ шинжилгээ нь төрөлх хэлээр ярьдаг бус орнуудад Англи хэл ашиглах нь сөрөг, эсвэл эерэг нөлөө үзүүлж байгаа эсэхийг тогтоох оролдлого.

Зөвхөн хэдхэн зууны өмнө англи хэл Их Британи мужийн доод дунд ангийн хэлсэн ярианы хэлбэр гэж байдаг юм бэ. Латин ба франц хэлний нэр хүнд давамгайлсан хэл, англи хэлний өмнөх үеийн хэл (- МЭ 450) Селтик байсан юм, Их Британи болон Түүний эргэн тойронд амьдарч байгаа хүмүүс ярьдаг хэл. Ромчууд анх Британийг довтлоход хэд хэдэн Селтик хэлтэй ард түмэн Британийг оршин суудаг, хэдийгээр Латин Америкийн албан есны хэл байсан ч.

Ромын Их Британи дахь эмэгтэйчүүдийн эх сурвалж дагуу ‘Нэгдүгээр зууны эцэс гэхэд хот суурин газрын хүн амын улам сансрын нисгэгч амт олон хэл Латин мэдлэг Шотланд, Африк, Турк зэрэг алс хол талбайн гаралтай байж болох хүмүүсийн хооронд үр ашигтай харилцаа холбоо чухал байх болно гэсэн үр дагавар нь Их Британид сонсож байгаа олон хэл бий болно’ (Алласон-Жонс, 1989, т174). Ийм орноос шилжин ирэх болсон оршин суугчид худалдаа зэрэг үйл ажиллагааг хэвийн байлгахын тулд харилцааны хэлбэр зайлшгүй хэрэгтэй болсон юм.

Англи хэлний өмнөх үед хоорондоо болон хоорондын гэрлэлтээс үүссэн асар их тоо нь гадаад хэлийг Их Британид нэвтрүүлэх зайлшгүй шалтгаан болох байсан. Энэ нь дэлхийн бусад хэсэгт харилцаатай байх, олон хэлний бүлэг болгон Их Британи бий болгож байна. Латин оноос хойш, энэ үед Их Британид хэл франц байсан байсан, англи хэл ярианы оршин суугчдын тоо нэмэгдэж бэрхшээлтэй байна, Энэ нь шинэ байр суурийг олохын тулд үлдээх байсан, хүмүүс одоо ч гэсэн үүнийг ашиглаж байсан тул бас Селтик ашиглаж байна.

Энэ үед, Латин, Их Британийн албан есны хэл биш байсан нь одоо Англид амьдарч байгаа хүмүүс харилцааны хэл болгон байгуулж байсан, Одоо англи руу нүүж байгаа хүмүүс, харилцаа холбооны хэл гэж үзэж байсан, одоо захиргаа, худалдаа зэрэг ашигтай үйл ажиллагаа оршин тогтнох, дэмжих ашигтай эх үүсвэр гэж үзэж байна. Латин хэрэглэх явдал нь Засгийн газар, удирдлагын гол хэл нь байсан байна. Англи хэл зэрэг ийм универсал, ер бусын хэлийг хэрхэн ашиглах болон гарал үүсэл нь мөрдөн гаргаж буй тохиолдолд л олж болох вэ.

Англи хэл дээр бичих хамгийн эртний хэсэг МЭ-аас Норвегийн болзооны олсон сийлбэр байх естой гэж үздэг 400. Энэ урсгалтай скрипт нь Латин эсвэл Грек үсэгтэй адил төстэй болон эх газрын Европ дахь оршин сууж байгаа хүмүүс англи руу худалдан авсан янз бүрийн Герман хэл дээр хэрэглэгддэг байна. Латин хэл дээр Латин нөлөө маш өндөр байна, зарим талаараа археологийн хэл байдаг ч, Зөвхөн одоо Этоны коллеж зэрэг Престиж сургуульд заадаг.

1066 он нь эрс улс төрийн өөрчлөлт төдийгүй гол хэл шинжлэлийн үүднээс ч муудсан жил байлаа. Энэ нь бас орчин үеийн англи хэлний хөгжилд гол үүрэг гүйцэтгэсэн. Бүхэлд нь Норди улс гүрэн Францын хаан олж авсан байсан үед энэ нь хэцүү үед харилцаа холбооны гол арга нь энэ нь асар том өөрчлөлт нь худалдан авсан Францын шүүхэд тогтмол харилцах.

Энэ зөрчил нь’ ойр дотно харилцах хугацаа, зарим талаар одоогийн зуунд үргэлжилсэн байна англи, франц хоерын хооронд ихэвчлэн гашуун өрсөлдөгч тухай авчирсан. ‘Амин хувиа хичээх үзэл санаа’ гол төлөв ‘Франц биш гэж үздэг’ (х121) гэсэн санааг илэрхийлдэг. Энэхүү дайралтын үр дүнд Англи хэл нь Францаас олон салааллыг агуулж, “хүндэт”, “чин сэтгэлийн”, “шударга ес” гэдэг нэрээр нэрлэгдсэн. Францын цөмрөн орох үед олон Англи хэл оршин суугчид маш бага мэддэг байсан, хэрэв үгүй бол англи хэлний аль ч.

Гарцаагүй Норман булаан эзлэлтийн үр дүнд өссөн бусад хэл шинжлэлийн өөрчлөлт Хууль хэл дээр холбоотой. Энэ нь Их Британийн нэр хүндтэй хэл дээр бичигдсэн байх байсан, Латин, тэр үед маш их язгууртан холбоотой байсан. Энэ нь англи хэлний цөөнхийн бичгийн хэл байсан юм. Энгийн талаас нь тавих, Норман Булаан эзлэлт нь Англи хэл дээр хэрэглэгддэг англи хэлний хохирол учруулах нь гарсан, бараг л бага хэл дээр, эсвэл Английн хүрээнд хэлсэн нь ердөө л нэг аялга нь буурсан байна.

Шинэ мөр нь мөрийг төгсгөх үйлдэл юм. Олон Францын үг бид өнөөдөр ашиглаж байна англи хэлний толь асар их дийлэнх нь Францын лекц тайлбарласан Англи хэл дээр баталсан байна. Түүний цөөн үг хэлэх байсан Балдвин, Англи хэл рүү иш татсан Франц хэл нь Түүний гаднах ой гутлыг хэн бэ (тэр)’ аврал ‘Их Британид (мөн үнэхээр бүх дэлхийн төлөө) ийм пролетариуд гэх мэт Францын гаралтай полиграммельш нь биш, харин’итгэл’ гэж хэлсэн. ‘Хайр ‘болон’ ажил ‘гэж найдаж байна (Крэйли, 1989 он255).

Энд тэр зөвхөн (магадгүй ухамсаргүйгээр) англи хэлийг арай энгийн, үндсэн хэл гэж describesойлсон, Гэвч тэр үүнийг францаар харьцуулан, эрх мэдэл, нэр хүндийг харуулсан хэл. Англи хэл дээр франц хэлний нөлөө нийцэж байгаа, зууны Дараа Англи аймгийн, тухайлбал, Канад одоо албан есны хэл болгон англи, франц аль аль нь байна. Хэрэв Кюбек хэл сургуульд сурах нь ямар ч хэл сурах, Сурах бичгийн ажлууд муу, хортой нөлөө үзүүлж болох эсэх талаар байнга яриа өрнүүлдэг ч Хэл Сурах бичгийн болон ярианы англи хэлний өндөр чадвартай болох, англи хэлний аман болон ярианы чадвар нь буурах хандлагатай байгаа бол тус Кюбек хэл сурах нь гол аюул занал учруулж байна.

Гэсэн хэдий ч Франц хэл дээр, Англи хэл ямар ч албан есны статустай хойш, энэ нь сургууль, аль аль нь хэл сурах ач холбогдлыг үзүүлэх дарамт Канад тулгарч байна. Франц хэл Англи хэл дээр заадаг тул, англи мөн адил хэн ч олон улсын харилцааны амин чухал хэлний мэдлэг дутмаг тулд Францын сургуулийн гадаад хэл болгон зааж, улмаар албан есны хэл дээр туршлагатай хүмүүсийн тоог нэмэгдүүлэх.

Англи хэл нь ашигтай байх нь уугуул хэл биш юм улс оронд англи хэл ашиглах жишээ, бараг чухал үйл ажиллагаа нь агаарын тээврийн хөдөлгөөний хяналтын хэрэгцээ дотор байдаг. Олгов, олон стандарт англи хэлний байдаг, тус бүр нэг нь тухайн улс орны онцгой байх, Гэсэн хэдий ч нэг өвөрмөц бол, тэр ч байтугай цогц хувилбар нь ийм нөхцөл байдалд буруу ойлгосон хэвээр байна, үр дүн нь хүнд байж болох юм. Энэ тохиолдолд хэдийгээр олон стандарт хангасан Англи хэлний орон зай төөрөгдөл бий болгож чадсан ч нийтлэг стандарт англи хэлний өргөн мэдлэгтэй байх нь чухал.

Учир нь энэ нь улс төрийн хувьд зөв ‘хэл хэрэгцээ гарч үүлсийн адил англи хэл пиджин, голчлон үр нөлөө нь хөгжүүлэх нь будлиан арга замыг өгдөг. Боолын худалдааны байсан нь гарцаагүй, асар их нөлөө хөгжлийн англи, энэ нь хатуу хучилттай замыг ашиглах vernaculars зэрэг Хар англи хэл, хар pidgins болон creoles. Тухайлбал, нэмэх цэнэгтэй соронз руу чиглэж байхдаа соронзон хүүг хасах цэнэгтэй болгох естой бөгөөд хасах цэнэгтэй рүү чиглэж байхдаа нэмэх цэнэгтэй болгох гэх мэт.

Тэгвэл энэ нэр томьео нь ‘улс төрийн хувьд зөв’ хэл? Англи хэл дээр төрөлх хэлтэй хоер сөрөг, Англи бичгээр бараг л нэг хориотой гэж үзэж байна. Түүний хэрэглээ нь зөвхөн боловсролгүй зохиолч, чанга яригч дүрслэн харуулдаг, харин төрөлх хэл шигээ хүн үзэж болно Төрөлх хэл чанга яригч зэрэг англи хэлний ашиглах нь бичиг үсэг мэдэхгүй гэж. Улс төрийн үнэн зөв байдлын бусад тодорхойлолт нь тодорхой насны бүлэг, ангилал, итгэл үнэмшлийг олж харахгүй байгаа арга замаар Хэл яриа, биеэ үнэлэгч бус эсвэл арьс өнгөөр ялгаварлан гадуурхах хэл хэрэглэхийг хэлнэ.

Англи хэлний төрсөн социалист Англи хэлний яруу найруулагч Гуппа хэл дээр, үлгэр жишээ болгон улс төрийн зөв байдал ‘бэлгийн бус хэл санаатайгаар ашиглах’ маш ховор байдаг. Үнэндээ, энэ нь би болон бусад хамт олон редакторууд нь биеэ үнэлэгч бус анхны хувилбар болгон өөрчилсөн байх туршлагатай байгаа нь маш ховор байна. 1994, п2). Жишээ нь: хэрвээ насанд хүрсэн эрэгтэй өөр эрэгтэй хүүг ‘гэж дууддаг бол тэрээр эрх мэдэлтэй учраас үүнийг маш дорд үздэг, энэ нь боолчлолын өдрүүдийг боолууд буюу боолуудынх нь хүү’ гэж тодорхойлдог байсныг, мөн ‘нохой’ болон ‘Нигер’ гэх зэрэг бусад дорд үздэг нэр томьеонуудыг төгс харуулж байна.

Их сургуулийн нэг оюутан намайг ийм нэр томьео сонсоогүй улсаас ирсэн Хүү гэдэг үг үү гэж асуухад тэрээр иймэрхүү нэр томъеогүй хариу үйлдэл нь үл тоомсорлогдсон нэгэн байв. Нийгмийн хэм хэмжээ ийм хазайлт зөрчил үүсгэх нотолж болох юм, ийм Ангол зэрэг улс орнуудад Англи хэлний хэрэглээний Энэ төрлийн гэх мэт, франц болон ижил төстэй англи бус газар нь хэцүү байх нь баталж болох юм.

Англи хэлний ямар ч албан есны статустай Хятад зэрэг оронд, англи хэлний ашиг сонирхлын хэмжээ нэмэгдсэн байна. 1959 онд хүн бүр дарга Мао-ийн тухай ном явуулж байсан бол өнөөдөр хүн бүр урьд өмнө үзэгдээгүй технологи, шинжлэх ухаан, Түргэн шинэ бүтээл энэ нь уйтгалгүй гэр гэсэн улс дахь англи хэлний ашиг сонирхлын үүднээс уг урьд өмнө байгаагүй номыг ‘бага Англи хэл’ (п31) агуулсан Энэ урьд өмнө үзэгдээгүй өсөлт нь энэ номыг дэлхийн худалдаа, үйлдвэрлэл, харилцаа холбооны хувьд ашигтай үйл ажиллагаа болж хувирчээ.

Англи хэл сурах хүсэлдээ хүн амын шилжилт хөдөлгөөн Хятад хүмүүс асуулт болж байна: Ийм англи бус орнуудад ашигласан Англи хэлний чанар хэр сайн байна? Бнхау-ын бүтээгдэхүүний каталог IBI Өрх, тодорхойлолт ашиглаж тодорхойлох нь тухайн бараа жижиг гарчгийг байгаа нь англи хэл дээр бичигдсэн юм гэж үзэж маш муу ENL чанга яригч; жишээ нь, бүтээгдэхүүн гэж нэрлэдэг Зай Бүтээгч нь зохион байгуулагч ашиглаж дэлгүүр, гэр ахуйн бараа юм гэж хэлсэн “хуванцар зохион байгуулагч туслах болно хадгалах ухаалгаар”, харин үүний оронд ” Энэ хуванцар зохион байгуулагч туслах болно хадгалах нь таны эд зүйлсийг ухаалгаар; Өөр нэг жишээ нь утаа арилгах ‘нь машины агаарын бордоо байх, энэ компакт агаарын бортого нь агаарын тоосыг арилгах.

Эдгээр зүйлс нь балчирхан байдлаар тайлбарласан байгаа, тэд бараг утга учиртай гэдгийг энд дурьдах байх нь. Үүний үр дүнд, ийм зуршил нь англи хэл Суралцагч-ийн үгсийн амь бөх болох уу, Тэд англи хэл нь англи хэл ч хамгийн чухал нь хэн нэгэнд ойлгомжгүй болж болох юм, энэ нь эдгээр дадал зуршил нь үндэс нь маш хэцүү болж болох юм. Энэ нь англи хэлний англи хэлний ашиглах нь хор хөнөөлтэй үйл ажиллагаа нь Түүний ашиглах цорын ганц шалтгаан нь моод гэж үзэж болох юм хэрхэн жишээ юм.

from https://ulaanbaatarpal.com/surgaltiin-tuv/angli-khel/bichsen-esse/

[blamingslaveryon]

Slavery: Who is to Blame?

At a recent social event I got the opportunity to chat with a teenager who is taking a US history class. As an ancient historian whose research over the last ten years has mostly focused on slavery, I decided to ask her what she had learned about the topic. Knowing that little effort is made to fit it into the big picture, that is, into the global history of slavery, I shouldn’t have been too surprised to hear her say that the British were unfamiliar with slavery until the time of the American colonies (untrue), that slavery was invented in the 17th century (also untrue), and that there had never been slaves in North America (also untrue; I will get back to all of this later in my blog). I felt it was my duty to enlighten the girl, so I spent some time lecturing her before finally letting her go back to being a teenager and gluing her eyes and fingers to her smartphone. The very next day I got my hands on a high school textbook and read, among other things, that before the trans-Atlantic slave-trade began, Africans practiced slavery but it was a “mild” kind, that it was more like European feudalism, and that all slaves were treated like “family.” I was also able to confirm the source of most of the teenager’s misinformation. All this inspired me to write a blog on the history of the institution of slavery which, although no longer legal in most parts of the modern world, is still practiced. As always, it follows the law of supply and demand. And although exact statistics are hard to come by, estimates made by the Polaris Project indicate there may be 21 million enslaved persons world-wide. But those are just estimates. *************************** Slavery is at least 5,000 years old, or perhaps more than twice that old. According to some scholars, the origins of this institution can be traced back 12,000 years, to the time when (many) humans made the transition from nomadism to sedentism, in other words, when they no longer moved about nearly all the time, hunting and gathering, and settled down, usually to become farmers. That’s when accumulating goods on a larger scale became an option. And it was a small step from being the proud owner of a goat or two, a hut, and a spare pair of sandals, to owning other human beings. Other scholars, such as Gerda Lerner (The Creation of Patriarchy, 1986), tell us that, some 5,000 years ago, women became a sort of slave “prototypes.” It was around this time that many ancient societies created patriarchy, and women became commodities, exchanged or given in marriage to men from other tribes. It was also around this time that it became customary in wars to kill enemy males and enslave their women, that is, to turn them into property (they would include the women’s young children too). Eventually it dawned on those people that males could and should also be enslaved as a source of income and/or free labor. We don’t need to agree one hundred percent with either one of these views. But we have evidence of slavery going back thousands of years and being practiced all over the globe. In trying to organize my thoughts I ran into several difficulties. I could not write about “ancient slavery” and then about “modern slavery” (meaning roughly from the 15th century onward) because the institution has followed an unbroken line. “Ancient slavery” didn’t disappear, only to be replaced by “modern slavery” later on. Also, in an attempt at dealing with, and staying within, geographical regions, I realized that slaves were not always supplied locally. The slave trade network has always had numerous and far-reaching tentacles. But around the 3rd century BC, humans began to be enslaved, owned, and traded in previously unheard-of numbers. With that in mind, I will begin in the “Old World” with the long period that preceded the mid- to late-Roman Republic before writing about the 3rd century changes. Sumer’s Code of Ur-Nammu (22nd century BC) regulates various aspects of slavery. No written code appears out of nowhere and simply “invents” a practice. Rather, a practice (in this case, slavery) can be around for centuries and be regulated by unwritten customs before the need arises to carve them in stone. Exactly how far back it went in the region of Sumer is not clear. And we do not know what percentage of the population was made up of slaves. Babylonia’s Code of Hammurabi (18th century BC) also regulates slavery, as do texts from the nearby Hittites, but again we have no statistics. And the warlike Assyrians left behind reliefs showing them taking slaves, something they did in rather large numbers after their victories. In Ancient Egypt, during the Middle Kingdom (which started in the 21st century BC), Asian slaves were being imported, but slavery was hardly new among the Egyptians of that era. From the New Kingdom on (starting in the 16th century BC) it became widespread, until about 10% of the population consisted of slaves, many of them Africans coming from south of the Sahara through the kingdom of Nubia. And one must not forget the time when the Hebrews (Habiru) were enslaved in Egypt until their departure traditionally thought to have taken place in the 15th century BC. The Hebrews were not only the victims of enslavement at some point, but they also owned both Hebrew and foreign slaves. Some evidence for that is found in the book of Exodus. In the Hellenic world (which we incorrectly refer to as “Greece”) there are records of slavery among the Myceneans of the 12th century BC. And in the city-state of Athens of the 5th century BC, somewhere between 7 and 20% of the population was made up of slaves. Although many of them came from Thrace, Scythia, and Asia Minor, they may have simply been purchased there but had their origins farther away. Ancient African cultures south of the Sahara owned slaves, usually taken as prisoners in war. And while some were kept, others were sold elsewhere, for example, Egypt (see above). Starting in the 5th century BC the Greeks and later the Romans began taking slaves in North Africa. Farther to the east, in ancient China of the Qin and Han dynasties (starting in the 3rd century BC) some men were sentenced to become public slaves, after being castrated, and sometimes their families were also enslaved. In ancient Rome, the second king, Numa Pompilius (8th century BC), regulated what jobs should be performed by slaves. That was three centuries before the Laws of the Twelve Tables (5th century BC) provide us with written evidence about slavery. Although initially the numbers of slaves in Rome were small, they quickly increased with the wars of conquest, beginning in the 3rd century BC. Soon aristocrats were acquiring and using large numbers to work their land. By the 1st century BC, about 30% of the population was made up of slaves, and in the 1st century AD there were perhaps 10 million slaves empire-wide. Although for many reasons the percentages dropped over the next couple of hundred years, in the 5th century AD we still find individuals, such as a noblewoman named Melania, who owned more than 30,000 slaves. *************************** In the 5th century AD, even as the leftovers of the Western Roman Empire fragmented and turned into many Germanic kingdoms, slavery and the far-reaching slave trade continued throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa, and even expanded. New land routes were added to previous ones (like the old trans-Saharan route), and ships carried slaves across the Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Black Sea, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean, usually in both directions. In the 8th century AD the Vikings and the Arabs began playing an ever more active role, both in ownership and the trade, and later other Muslims would join them. Some cities and towns became famous for their slave markets: Zawila south of the Sahara in the 8th century, Dublin in the 9th century, Prague in the 10th century, Verdun in the 11th century, Novgorod in the 12th century, Venice and Genoa in the 12th through the 15th centuries, and Lagos in Portugal in the 15th century. It is probably hard for nearly every person living in the 21st century accurately to say: “I know who all my ancestors were” or “I’m Danish or Irish or Spanish or whatever.” Here are a few examples to illustrate that: English slaves went to Italy and Spain, Irish slaves to Iceland and the Islamic empire, African slaves to Arabia and India, Slavic slaves to Byzantium, Korean slaves to China, Chinese slaves to Portugal and India, Portuguese slaves to Muslim Spain, Franks, Anglo-Saxons, and Russians to markets all over Europe and the Near East to be resold elsewhere. (See Note 1 at the end of this blog.) **************************** So far I have focused on the “Old World,” but slavery also existed in the “New World.” Yet, the dynamics changed after Columbus’ voyages. The Maya peoples of Mesoamerica owned slaves, often those who had been captured in war, although we have no statistics about percentages of the entire population. The same can be said about the Aztecs to the north, the Inca, the Tupanimbá (in Brazil), and the Tehuelche (in Patagonia) to the south, and the Caribs (in the Caribbean), among others. And what about the Americas farther north? Slaves were owned by many cultures in what are currently the United States and Canada. A few examples include the Comanche of Texas, the Creek of Georgia, the Yurok that lived along the coast from California to Alaska, the Pawnee, the Klamath, the Haida and the Tlingit of Alaska, and the Nootka of Vancouver Island. It is estimated that among some tribes in the Pacific Northwest, 25% of the population was made up of slaves. When the European voyages of exploration began in the 15th century, the dynamics of the slave trade and slavery itself changed. Not only did Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, and Dutch ships, among others, create new routes, but most of the slaves taken to the “New World” came from the African continent south of the Sahara. But it was not the Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, and Dutch themselves who went into the heart of Africa to take slaves. They merely acquired them at markets along the coast and transported them elsewhere. There were plenty of nations with slaves to sell: 30% of the population of Senegambia was made up of slaves, in the Islamic states of Mali and Ghana also 30%, in Bornu (in central Africa) about 40%, perhaps 90% in Arab Zanzibar (which, due to its location, was a convenient place for the creation of its large slave market; it is estimated that 80,000 Africans died each year before reaching that market). Other peoples with large numbers of slaves were the Ashanti, the Yoruba, and the people of the Kingdom of Kongo. But even those nations that had fewer slaves participated actively in the slave trade. Many of them waged war for the sole purpose of acquiring slaves, or else they organized raids: the Oyo Empire, the Kingdom of Benin, the Imamate of Futa Toro, the Kingdhom of Kaabu, the Ashanti Confederacy, the Kingdom of Dahomey, and many others. Then they sold their slaves to the Europeans, and most of them were taken to the Americas (somewhere between 12 and 20 million). Trading in slaves was not seen as something wrong, and statements have survived, made by African rulers, one of whom said the trade had been ordained by God himself (king of Bonny in present-day Nigeria), while another one said the trade was the source and glory of his people’s wealth (king of Dahomey But while this was going on, the Muslims continued buying slaves and sometimes capturing them themselves, then taking them overland (across the Sahara) or on ships crossing the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Including the ones they sold to Europeans, they benefited from the sale of 25 to 35 million Africans. They also continued enslaving others, including Christians during the Ottoman wars. And Muslim pirates raided coastal cities in addition to taking ships, for the purpose of taking captives and selling them into slavery. In the 19th century, one country after another abolished the slave-trade, and then slavery itself. However, it took some African countries until the 20th century to follow suit. By then, countless individuals had been enslaved and sold, and used and abused, all over the world. Many still are, although outside of the context of legal slavery. **************************** Now I come back to the question which I posed in the title of my blog: Who is to blame for slavery? My readers will probably agree that there is no simple answer. Blame the Sumerians? The Egyptians? Slavery was hardly new when they began leaving evidence of slave-holding and trading more than 4,000 years ago. The Romans bought, sold, and used them on a much larger scale than other peoples, but they did not come up with the institution of slavery. Whether it was a byproduct of private property or of patriarchy, it had been around for a long time. We cannot blame the Mongols, the Arabs, the English, the French, or the Spanish either, despite the changes they made to trade and/or ownership. The same goes for all the individuals all over the globe who have participated in a system that was perceived to be OK. But we can blame those who, despite the fact that they operate outside the law, enslave and sell human beings in the 21st century. And I want to encourage all those who are aware of trafficking to speak up. **************************** Note 1. Being forcefully transported from one’s place of origin is, of course, not the only reason why our ancestors moved. The search for better land or opportunities, as well as the need to escape persecution, religious or of another nature, are a few other reasons that account for that. Note 2. As the reader may have noticed, no attempt has been made to describe the many ways in which a person could become a slave, or about how slaves were treated in different parts of the world at different times, and even in the same part of the world depending on a number of factors. But there are some excellent books that go into a lot of detail, including the following: Five Thousand Years of Slavery (Marjorie Gann and Janet Willen; 2011), and Slavery and Social Death (Orlando Patterson; 1982).

[of-faunsandyellowflowers]

One of my biggest issues with organized religion (concerning Christians, Catholics, and Mormons, Jehovah's witnesses mostly) is the idea that in order to be a good person of faith, you must warn people about the devil, or convert people by going to other countries or door to door. It's always bugged me. (Please, if this doesn't obtain to you, then don't read it.) That being said I know I'll get hate from this.

When Christianity and Catholic religions started, they slaughtered the people who fought against them due to those people not wanting to be in said religion. It was mainly pagans, to which, btw, Christianity has stolen the majority of their beliefs and ideas from pagans, only to demonize said gods such as Pan, and using him as the face of the devil. Another interpreted image they used is of basphomet, the three horned god...so forth.

Pan is a god of wilderness is Greek mythology and paganism. He also is a god of beasts, fertility, ext.

Basphomet is both male and female, and from what I have studied, is a representation of fertility as well (but I cannot remember all he stands for).

In the eyes of old Christians, anything that is seen as deformed, dark, perverted, sexual in nature or part animal is depicted to be evil. Because "Jesus" is a human, and the son of their god, which is supposedly the ruler of the world. You must abide to his rule, never question, or you go to Hell.

Hell is viewed as a place where heathens go, fiery depth, torture, and is ruled by the devil. Anyone who commits a sin must be asked upon god to be forgiven, stay faithful and never question. The seven deadly sins in fact are all emotion or actions many humans do today. Such as envy, lust, gluttony and sloth. We ALL do those, so does that mean every single time we do this we MUST ask for forgiveness? Don't you all see something wrong here?

Gays, people who have sex before marriage, the whole nine yards that we all know about.

But to get on with what I wanted to say,

It is completely wrong to tear down another civilization and wipe out people or their faith due to the idea that YOURS is the true word. And this has happened for many many years. The crusades long ago, even the Vietnam war Americans tried to convert Buddhists to a Catholic faith, in which many people DIED.

I don't know many Christians or Catholics that have read their bible, front to cover. I've come accrossed many who claim that if the bible says something that it must be true, yet do not know certain passages.

I'm going to list passages about certain horrendous things, to which many of you may not know IS in the bible.

Rape:

Judges 21:10-24 NLT So they sent twelve thousand warriors to Jabesh-gilead with orders to kill everyone there, including women and children.  “This is what you are to do,” they said. “Completely destroy all the males and every woman who is not a virgin.”  Among the residents of Jabesh-gilead they found four hundred young virgins who had never slept with a man, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan. The Israelite assembly sent a peace delegation to the little remnant of Benjamin who were living at the rock of Rimmon. Then the men of Benjamin returned to their homes, and the four hundred women of Jabesh-gilead who were spared were given to them as wives.  But there were not enough women for all of them.  The people felt sorry for Benjamin because the LORD had left this gap in the tribes of Israel.  So the Israelite leaders asked, “How can we find wives for the few who remain, since all the women of the tribe of Benjamin are dead?  There must be heirs for the survivors so that an entire tribe of Israel will not be lost forever.  But we cannot give them our own daughters in marriage because we have sworn with a solemn oath that anyone who does this will fall under God’s curse.” Then they thought of the annual festival of the LORD held in Shiloh, between Lebonah and Bethel, along the east side of the road that goes from Bethel to Shechem.  They told the men of Benjamin who still needed wives, “Go and hide in the vineyards.  When the women of Shiloh come out for their dances, rush out from the vineyards, and each of you can take one of them home to be your wife!  And when their fathers and brothers come to us in protest, we will tell them, ‘Please be understanding.  Let them have your daughters, for we didn’t find enough wives for them when we dest60royed Jabesh-gilead. And you are not guilty of breaking the vow since you did not give your daughters in marriage to them.'”  So the men of Benjamin did as they were told.  They kidnapped the women who took part in the celebration and carried them off to the land of their own inheritance.  Then they rebuilt their towns and lived in them.  So the assembly of Israel departed by tribes and families, and they returned to their own homes.

(Deuteronomy 22:28-29 NAB) If a man is caught in the act of raping a young woman who is not engaged, he must pay fifty pieces of silver to her father.  Then he must marry the young woman because he violated her, and he will never be allowed to divorce her. (Exodus 21:7-11 NLT) When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not be freed at the end of six years as the men are.  If she does not please the man who bought her, he may allow her to be bought back again.  But he is not allowed to sell her to foreigners, since he is the one who broke the contract with her.  And if the slave girl’s owner arranges for her to marry his son, he may no longer treat her as a slave girl, but he must treat her as his daughter.  If he himself marries her and then takes another wife, he may not reduce her food or clothing or fail to sleep with her as his wife.  If he fails in any of these three ways, she may leave as a free woman without making any payment.

That's only a few verses and passages about rape, to which are many more. You're bible condones rape. You don't get to pick and choose.

Slavery:

However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you.  You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land.  You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance.  You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way. (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT)

When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished.  If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property. (Exodus 21:20-21 NAB) Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear.  Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. (Ephesians 6:5 NLT) Christians who are slaves should give their masters full respect so that the name of God and his teaching will not be shamed.  If your master is a Christian, that is no excuse for being disrespectful.  You should work all the harder because you are helping another believer by your efforts.  Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. (1 Timothy 6:1-2 NLT)

Once again, only a few. Slavery is condoned in the bible. And yes, I understand this book is very very old, but you do not get to pick and choose phrases from your bible and yet claim it to be true. You claim it to be true, you claim the whole thing. Why are we following a book that is over a 1000 years old?

Women:

Timothy 2:11-15 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 The women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 1 Corinthians 11:5 (this ones funny since you all love to claim hijabs are bad.) But every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. Ephesians 5:22-33  Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, Women are viewed as objects, wives, slaves and servants in the bible. They are below men in EVERY aspect.

Homosexuality:

Leviticus 18:22, "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."

1Leviticus 20:13, "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltness is upon them."

1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God."

Romans 1:26-28, "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

Menstration:

Leviticus 18:19-23 “You shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness while she is in her menstrual uncleanness. And you shall not lie sexually with your neighbor's wife and so make yourself unclean with her. You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. And you shall not lie with any animal and so make yourself unclean with it, neither shall any woman give herself to an animal to lie with it: it is perversion. These are just some verses to be known. There are plenty of "good"things in the bible,

But overall it is manipulative, vindictive, and downright AWFUL. I know this was a different time, but once again....if you choose to love the bible, but not all the bible, and follow the faith of this, you are not following it's true purpose, which is to blindly follow a very vengeful god.

THIS IS why I reject all bible teachings. Because you shouldn't need the bible to tell you not to commit murder, not to be racist, and to welcome thy neighbor. It's common sense to be a god damn decent human.

So I'll say it again, why are you following a vengeful god, why are you saying that gay, sex, or human emotion is wrong? Why is it a sin to live your life how YOU see fit?

The devil isn't the cause of plagues, hurricanes, illness, death and torment. That's just being a human. There is no good versus evil. We are all good and evil. Things happen to us so we can learn and grow.

To get into how Satan is so very misrepresented in your bible is a whole nother post. Your god is not loving. He is vengeful, jealous, and downright fucking idiotic.

[marjaystuff]

Elise Cooper Interviews the authors of Hush

Hush is a compilation of stories by best-selling crime authors. The premise for each story delves into what is truth and how can someone be trusted. The authors are Ruth Ware, Lisa Unger, Laura Lippman, Alison Gaylin, Jeffery Deaver, and Oyinkan Braithwaite.

These stories feature conspirators, psychics, deceptive lovers, and desperate killers. The collection of six stories ranges from political mysteries to psychological thrillers, in which deception can be a matter of life and death.

Below is a Q A with all six authors:

Elise Cooper: Do you enjoy writing short stories?

Oyinkan Braithwaite: I was excited to be a participant. The premise covered what I am interested in writing.  The theme of my story included some things I wanted to play around with.  For me, short stories are easier to write.  They allow me to be a bit more creative, and I do not have to worry about keeping up the momentum.

Jeffery Deaver: When I write a novel or a short story the emotional payoff needs to be just as high.  With a short story there is no time to develop the character.  They must jump off the page.  Every twist must be earned.  Throughout the chapters there must be “buried” clues.  In a sense a misdirection.

Laura Lippman: Most of the time the reason I write a short story is because someone will ask me.  For me, short stories are hard to write.  In the time it takes me to write a short story I can write a good chunk of a novel.  It takes me at least a month to write a short story, off and on, which is about the time it takes me to write about 1/6 of a novel.

Lisa Unger: I do enjoy writing short stories; although I express myself best with novels.  I like writing the long relationships of the characters.  Everything starts with the character’s voice and I then find my way to the story.  In this story it started with Will’s voice.

 Elise Cooper:  How did you get the idea for this story?

Ruth Ware: I thought about the nature of truth and lies.  How do we deceive ourselves and allow ourselves to be deceived?  Now people are obsessed with fake news. What would happen if the most significant people in your life lied to you?  For me a significant influence was Educated by Tara Westover.

Lisa Unger: The original name for the compilation was The End of Truth.  For me, this was basically catnip, since that is the theme that runs through all my books. What is real and what is not?  How is perception altered by addiction, sleep deprivation, or insanity.? This is what I live for. In this story, my character, Will, has a problem with anger and jealousy and has been stunted by his childhood trauma.  He has made the relationship toxic because of his problems.

Laura Lippman: I am interested in tech and spying.  What happens to people who eavesdrop?  Are they curious about what is being said behind their backs? In a bad marriage, who is to blame? People grow in different directions and sometimes grow apart.  There is power in balance and their dynamics.  In this story, the wife feels she has been left behind. 

Alison Gaylin: I wanted to write about psychic situations, a missing child, and a Hollywood couple.  I hoped I showed how a missing child is a great equalizer.  It doesn’t matter what wealth or social status someone has if the person cared about it gone.

Jeffery Deaver: In this story it was about deception.  The character manipulated the media.  I thought about a Gravedigger because it makes for a good headline.  Ever since I graduated from the University of Missouri with a journalism degree I have been fascinated about truth in journalism.  Can fake news ever be weaponized? 

Oyinkan Braithwaite: I like to explore the role of social media.  I am fascinated by it.  What are the influences that create a whole false life to get money or popularity? 

 Elise Cooper:  There were interesting tidbits in some of the stories?

Jeffery Deaver: I have been putting grammar teachings in all my books since the beginning. My main character in my novels, Lincoln Rhymes, is a grammar totalitarian. If someone messes up in front of him, he will correct them, no matter who it is.  In a book, dialogue might have grammatical errors, but the descriptive writings by the author should not or they will be called out.  This story dealt with the apostrophe plurals and the articles, “the and a.”

Alison Gaylin: I put in this quote, “Her daughter never calls; she texts.” The context is that the mother will not answer her phone.  She does not care who is calling because she knows it is not her daughter.  Her daughter never calls, but texts just like the millennials today.  

Laura Lippman: I love Greek mythology.  This story had a love triangle and how natural it is to be angry at the third person.  But is it misplaced anger?  The Greek Gods, Zeus and Hera, and their relationship have always bothered me.  He is never punished for his infidelities. Why does Hera punish the other woman?  It is because she cannot punish Zeus. Immortality of the Gods is an interesting mirror to the idea of ‘until death do us part,’ because he can never die. They cannot be parted and end their marriage.

Lisa Unger: I wanted to explore the world of social media.  I did it through this quote, “This is my point. The world. The real world is fraught with imperfections. It’s messy and complicated, often uncomfortable, awkward, painful, dull. It’s not curated and filtered for consumption. “But that’s social media.” “It’s not … true.”

Ruth Ware: I deliberately left the setting understated.  English readers will probably think it takes place in America because of the reference to guns.  I suspect American readers will think it takes place close to the UK, because of my British voice.  From a plausibility point of view, it could maybe happen in Canada.  It would be easier for someone to hide because of the territory, coast line, and fewer population. I hope readers felt slightly foreign no matter where they live.

 Elise Cooper:  Can you give a shout out about your next book?

Oyinkan Braithwaite: It is a novella titled The Baby Is Mine.  I set in during the lockdown period.  The plot has a man finding himself in a situation where he has to discover who is the mother of a particular baby.

Jeffery Deaver: There will be a short story that leads into the novel plot where Lincoln Rhyme has to figure out who is trying to kill him.  It comes out a month before the novel.

Alison Gaylin: Out late spring is The Collective.  It is about people whose children are missing, but has nothing to do with this short story.  The plot has a woman who never got over the death of her young child.  She discovers on the dark web, a group of mothers who were in a similar situation. They are killing those responsible for their children’s death.

Laura Lippman: It is titled Dream Girl about a mystery in a high rise.  I started writing it over a year before the virus.  The main character questions their sanity.  They are thinking, either I am losing my mind or someone wants me to think I am losing my mind.

Lisa Unger: It is titled Confessions on the 7:45 and comes out October 6th. It is based loosely on Strangers on A Train. There is this chance encounter where two women sitting next to each other on a commuter train start conversing after the train has stalled.  This young woman confesses her dark secrets. They end up seeing each other again.

Ruth Ware:  Out in September will be One By One. It is set in the French Alps.  During a corporate retreat one of the founders goes missing.  Soon after there is an avalanche, which traps the group from getting out.  People are getting killed one bye, hence the title.

THANK YOU!!

Snowflakes by Ruth Ware delves into family trust. Her character, Leah, has spent her formative years isolated on a remote island with her family. But their quiet existence, far from the devastated mainland, is cracking. Her father, sensing a coming threat, demands that a wall be built. As the stone blockade rises, the father’s paranoia escalates and so does Leah’s dread that the violence the family left behind has found its way to their sanctuary.

 Let Her Be by Lisa Unger begins with an aspiring novelist regretting his stalker instincts. He can’t stop parsing his ex-girlfriend’s popular social media accounts for clues that her ideal new rural life with the perfect man has a dark side. After all, nobody he knows has actually seen the blissful blogger in the flesh for nearly a year. When Will draws a wary friend into his “investigation,” the real question becomes who’s truly in danger.

 Slow Burner by Laura Lippman has a woman watching her marriage implode over text messages and decides that ignorance is not bliss. Her character, Liz Kelsey promised herself she’d never again spy on her feckless husband, Phil. But then she discovers a string of suggestive texts on his secret burner phone. Even worse, he’s flirting with the woman who shook their unstable marriage once before. But knowledge is power. What’s more dangerous; what Liz knows or what Phil doesn’t know?

 The Gift by Alison Gaylin has a story that is every mother’s nightmare, the disappearance of a child. Actress Lyla McCord and her husband, Nolan received the news that their eight-year-old daughter has vanished. To find her, Nolan reaches out to a psychic gifted with uncanny visions about the lost girl. But Lyla thinks she sees right through him. Is he a con artist or the real thing? Either way, he might be telling the truth. And that’s too frightening for Lyla to bear.

 Buried by Jeffery Deaver will keep readers up at night.  Per his usual, he has many twists in the story. After a long run as a respected journalist, Edward “Fitz” Fitzhugh is on his way out when he stumbles across the story of a lifetime. The Gravedigger is a serial kidnapper who taunts the police with riddles. The other puzzle is his motive, which Fitz is determined to piece together. When an eyewitness to the latest abduction leads Fitz closer to the facts, he realizes that the last great story of his career is not at all what it appears to be.

 Treasure by Oyinkan Braithwaite delves into class divide. The main character Treasure is a wannabe Instagram influencer in Lagos, Nigeria. She shows off a luxurious life in a gated community that her almost five thousand followers can only dream of. The macho mechanic is Treasure’s number one fan, and double taps and blushing emojis are no longer enough. He needs to meet her in the flesh. If only Treasure were more prepared for destiny.

[trinhhungthin]

Deliver Order Bride-to-be FAQ

That is why all of us decided to commence helping guys from various countries of the world to find the exotic beauties from the East. In addition , its also wise to upload a smiling photo and make it clear that you are family-oriented and have a well balanced and solid job.

The moment Family Members Hesitate To Each Other

All mail order brides are a the latest phenomenon and a lot of people could possibly be unaware of the intricacies involved in this system. Whenever you already know, almost all women manage their families and homes in Korea. But the is actually that the Korean men benefit themselves right from it. According to the statistics, Korean girlfriends or wives do more than 80 percent of the cleaning. Girls and young women see it using their own eyes and so they don’t believe that marriage with a Korean guy is normally something eye-catching.

You should talk to a approved user. It will save you a lot of time and effort. Also, usually do not transfer your personal data and financial data to third parties. It really is something that will certainly not be important for an ordinary girl. These are generally also incompatible moments for such a format of communication.

Remember, Genuine Asian Wedding brides has the greatest women to men ratio in the industry and that we average some engagements daily! All excursions have two American Tour Directors to make certain that you have got the time ever and satisfy the ladies you are interested in! The foreign personnel also converse English and will be eager to help you enjoy your journey. In fact , a lot of men decide to generate a return trip since they possessed these kinds of a good experience the first time.

Local Violence was first seen in the law in the year 700BC. Ancient Aventure at this point declared that once hitched a man had every right to beat his wife for just about any reason and to virtually any degree this individual saw healthy. In those days if a woman was found accountable a crime it will be her spouse who would receive the punishment for it, so this law was used as being a deterrent for you if you to manage to get their husbands in legal hassle. This may have been completely the origin on the phrase “rule of thumb” as the switches used to beat these women weren’t supposed to be fuller than the man’s thumb.

In the promotional rhetoric by relationship agencies and rural open public bodies, the brides were rendered comfortable to the possible husbands, with their racial indicators being either understated or overstated to increase their marriageability. The videos constructed an image of marriages between disadvantaged Asian” women and countryside farmers, and successfully put them outside the framework of homogenised middle-class individuality.

As for matrimony inside the Philippines – ABSOLUTELY NOT! You prefer your wife being to come here with a Fiancée Visa, not a K-1 Significant other Visa. A Fiancée Visa took 8 months total, and by what I listen to it’s continue to about almost 8 months. At the moment we reached, a Significant other Visa can take 2 . 5 various to 3 YEARS! I have certainly not heard everything with that time duration being shortened, so individually I might not take a probability.

Every Cookware girl goal of meeting a strong person who will manage her. Statistics show a minimum percentage of splitting of marriages in many areas of Asia. Which means that your Asian wife is ready to go through all the difficulties mutually and will fully support the relationship.

i actually am online dating a philippino girl and she is precious. but i will state she can be moody of course, if i upset her and it doesn’t take much to do that therefore she will not talk to me for several days. its easy to find a willing philippina girl happy to get to know you but its much easier to lose her than to hold her.

Do ride buses, bicycles, tricycles, motorcycles, trike motorcycles, Jeepney truck taxis, or other tiny vehicles with respect to transportation. When ever possible, use a car taxi with hvac and try to package your day so you can keep using the same car and drivers for the whole day time if you can. They’re glad to have one clients pay them for multiple hours rather than having to discover a lot of Philippine customers who also don’t have much money to go incredibly far.

This Wedding Firm Is Giving Wedding Dresses To Brides Influenced by The Outbreak

Asian brides are extremely well-liked in America and over the Western world. A rare nonetheless growing demographic you will notice in the U. S. will be black women of all ages married to white males, but to me personally they are the many special. For what reason? Because this market reflects my marriage. Allows give homage to the magnificence of all the onyxes with their pearl jewelry, and all the sweet cacao and vanilla cookies sweeten up the world. Yes, everything starts with going out there and dating white-colored men, but it surely can lead to good solid matrimony.

I’ve just a few Korean good friends and I reverence them quite definitely. Korean culture is a very historic culture and Korean folks are one of the nicest and amazing people in the world. However , they’re very different by Offshore. Many Chinese language thought Chinese suppliers has the most ancient civilizations in the world earlier than Sumer and Egypt. The fact is Far east civilization is certainly 2000 years behind these two most ancient civilization. The misunderstanding came from the discovery of very classic archaelogical sites unearthed in China that predated seen the Sumerians and Egyptians. So Chinese people believed they were the earliest many people coming from all. But all those sites unearthed are sites of prehistoric humans (paleolithic time) the moment mankind don’t have virtually any form of way of life at all. Whenever we use this seeing to determine who began the initially culture prior to any other people in the same region, afterward it’ll be very misleading.

Gorgeous Asian girls are usually thin, delicate and petite and therefore are therefore sometimes perceived as almond-eyed sweethearts”. Their particular behavior is generally childishly lovely. And it is accurately this combination of graceful looks and childishly cute action that not a handful of single guys find very attractive, which is the reason they certainly want to get to learn Asian young girls.

In China themed weddings, white is viewed bad luck (the color of death) and reddish colored and dark are good (colors of luck and prosperity). You’ll want to keep that in mind while planning big event and picking your wedding party favors. These Hard anodized cookware themed marriage favors commonly feature smart colors and nature motifs. Some ideas to consider for your Chinese themed wedding happen to be: red and gold place note cards held in a Oriental themed place card holder, take out containers filled with lot of money cookies, lucky bamboo sections, chopsticks, things with the twice happiness identity, brocade besace or box, red tiny lanterns, handheld fans, purple envelopes with lucky coins tucked inside, or Oriental themed mints and sweets are just ideas you could choose for your favors.

We have regarded each other regarding 11 months. We speak every day on Skype and she is ever present for me. We am pretty rough and can smell a seafood a mile apart. No funny business occurring with her (or me personally for that matter). She’s in her early on 40’s and i also am with my early fifties. No kids (it’s ok). Her family is well enough away that we do not have to worry about financial issues (although I would support if needed-they are all hence cool). I am aware at the start she was skeptical like too great to be true-and to me that was a positive – seeing that she would not just “appease” me. We have are the case solid couple. When your sweetheart gets below I will educate her to drive, she could work if your lover wants-I own hotel associations for her. We will join a Filipino group, we both will be Catholic and so she will be described as a new House of worship member and beyond that take this as it comes.

How To Find Ideal Mail Buy Groom

Aren’t find that perfect diamond necklace for you? 5 A homemaker: This criterion sometimes can be difficult to identify and is left to the discretion of the father and mother to the value of their little girl. Other factors that might favor the groom is if he originates from the same ethnic tribe, or perhaps has father and mother known to the grooms family and if the brides to be father wants to waiver the star of the wedding price.

Women often make meals that family can eat for over just one daytime, such as macarona béchamel, levels of dinero with minced beef and a coarse, broth-and-egg-infused béchamel sauce, a great Egyptian home staple similar to Greek pastitsou. It is sometimes made a day in advance and baked the day of serving.

Yet don’t settle back! Asian young girls make choice ones within their lives, for this reason , the process of choosing an just one man – their partner – is very important and scrupulous. In certain Asian countries right now there still be assault in a family members. Man enables beating his wife, barring her undertaking something this girl likes or perhaps making her doing anything she isn’t going to want. Unfortunately, but the case. That’s why Asian singles are looking for a foreigner hoping to get an elementary dignity in a spouse and children life. Every time they make their very own choice, they are at your identity at firs. If you want to create an Cookware woman your wife, make an effort to follow some points they like.

Are looking for one or more foreign cash cows to support her spouse and children without in fact committing to marriage with any of them. She may be using telephone loads that you just bought to talk to other males in other countries and possess them mail her cash too, in order to her far friends. The woman may be applying funds you give her with respect to everyday needs to buy Net time and cellular telephone loads for the purpose of talking to other men, employing your money to acquire new apparel to impress or meet other men, and using your money for partying and going to discos (yes, they have disco fever) with Filipina friends to satisfy Filipino men.

Unlike a number of other mail order brides, that have very diverse features and may fit the required parameters of all kinds of males, Bangladeshi women have a very specific appearance type which has millions of fans around the world. The looks genuinely combine olive skin area and raven black scalp.

Are you new to the concept of -mail order brides or are you skeptical of trying it out thinking it’s not safe to do so? Fear not! We have become here to reply to your questions. It is crucial to realize that Asian Seeing is normally an industry which hasn’t received a global attention it really is deserves. This is the way of selecting your true love who could possibly be thousands of kms away from where you stay. The platform is a good in the part where you can find a bride of your dreams. It is very dependable the instrument as we take data and identity protection of our customers very seriously.

Emotional Southerly Asian Muslim brides are definitely the norm during marriages. Viral videos of brides sobbing and Bollywood depictions only give a glimpse in to the world of conjugal somberness intimately linked with weddings via Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and the diaspora.

A up to date Chinese star of the wedding knows for certain how to continue her hubby happy as a result values will be instilled in her by simply her mother. One more thing that one could be sure of is the superb food you are going to eat with you female. Chinese females love to http://findmailorderbride.com/asian-brides prepare scrumptious meals with regard to their husbands.

The post Deliver Order Bride-to-be FAQ appeared first on LUẬT NHÀ ĐẤT.

[wanderonwardsvanessa]

Forget what you’ve heard about Tunisia. Tunisia is safe and ready to welcome you to its incredible beaches and unbeatable hospitality. I was blown away by the comforts of Tunisia and inspired by the diverse history of this great country. It’s a 5 star destination that is perfect for families, romantic getaways, and relaxing retreats.

In this article, you’ll learn about:

Tunisia’s Diverse History

Safety in Tunisia

Women in Tunisia

Where to Stay

Things to do

For this guide, I’ll mostly be focusing on the Hammamet/Cap Bon area. It is easily accessible and there are incredible 5 star resorts and picturesque beaches for all to enjoy.

Tunisia’s History

Being located along the edge of the Mediterranean came with its advantages as well as its disadvantages. Over the years, many well-known empires have ruled over Tunisia – which was home to the mighty city-state of Carthage – and this diversity is reflected in the present-day culture, architecture, and tradition. Tunisia is highly influenced by nearby Arab countries, but it possesses a certain modernized history that is unique in its own right. After declaring independence from France in 1956, Tunisia continued to blend together Islamic traditions with European modernization to create an open and inviting environment for all genders and religious preferences.

Cap Bon – Tunisia’s tourist hub – is a small peninsula in far northeastern Tunisia. Known today for its incredible beaches and fine wine, Cap Bon grazes the Mediterranean and has a rich history that spans into the early 5th century BC. As a lush agricultural region, Cap Bon was responsible for feeding the major cities and acting as a strategic military base. The Romans called the region the ‘beautiful peninsula’ and for good reason, with white sand and turquoise waves, Cap Bon is a holiday-maker’s dream.

Safety in Tunisia

The most common question I get about Tunisia is this – “Is Tunisia Safe?” If you’re late to the party, Tunisia gets a bad reputation for a terrorist attack in 2015. It was horrible and the world mourned. But this is not a unique experience for any country. Terrorism knows no boundaries, has no sympathy, and does not discriminate based on passport. But with so many horrible things happening in the world, it’s easy to forget what has happened in our own countries.

A few examples include:

Paris, France (2015) – 130 people were killed

Vegas, U.S. (2017) – 58 people we killed and 422 were wounded

Manchester, UK (2017) – 22 people were killed and 116 injured

Bali, Indonesia (2002) – 202 people were killed and 209 injured

Even with these bleak moments in our history, the above tourist hubs aren’t considered to be synonymous with terror – so why is Tunisia? Perhaps it’s because Tunisia is not in the news as predominantly so people have fewer things to associate the country with. Well – here are some things to change your perception!

Tunisia is...

Alive with energy and culture

Vibrant with natural landscapes untarnished by man

Flushed with local produce and spicy delicacies

Ready to welcome the world

In terms of day-to-day safety, the government is now relatively stable and Europe is investing heavily in local initiatives and programs. In fact, the European Council on Foreign Relations reports:

“Tunisia’s security services have improved significantly since the country’s high-profile terrorist attacks in 2015 (2018).”

Recently, European countries have worked very closely with Tunisia specifically on security, by ‘providing training and equipment for counter-terrorism and conducting some joint operations with Morocco’ (ECFR, 2018).

On a personal note, I felt safe walking around in the markets, on the streets, and we regularly spoke to friendly people. As a precaution and to ease the concern of tourists, large resorts will check under all taxis and cars coming in and out of the grounds for anything suspicious. There are also security guards and lifeguards on all of the beaches as well.

Women in Tunisia

Women are not expected to dress or behave in any specific way. There are active laws in place to protect young girls from forced marriage and assault (UNICEF, 2017) and Tunisia’s youth literacy rates for girls is 96% (UNICEF), which is one of the highest in the Arab world. The education system here actively encourages women to better themselves, whether that’s inside the home or outside. It’s up to them really.

In terms of clothing, Tunisian women dress on a wide spectrum. Some are in traditional wear and others look like they are strolling the streets of Paris. The tourists wore whatever they wanted (including tiny bikinis), but I would recommend being respectful to the some-what conservative nature of North Africa generally.

Where to Stay – Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa 

Tunisia is most known for its incredible beaches and there’s nowhere better to experience this than at the Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa in Hammamet. Located just 1 hour from the Tunis-Carthage International Airport, the Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa is just outside the tourist mecca of Hammamet. The Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa is a 5 Star Resort that specializes in:

Luxury Suites

Restorative Spa & Hammam

Pristine Private Beaches

5 Star Hospitality and Service

Dynamic Dining

Events and Weddings

We were lucky enough to enjoy an Ambassador Suite with a pool view (1668 sq ft), which was 10 times bigger than any flat I have seen in London (lol). The resort had graciously left us a table of specialty dates, nuts, fruit, and a bottle of wine upon our arrival and this was just a small example of Tunisia’s incredible hospitality legacy.

Most of the tourists at Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa were regulars. Visitors are greeted by name and with a firm handshake. You can tell that years have gone into the relationship and many of the staff members have been working for this hotel for YEARS (some over a decade).

The treatments at the Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa were pretty incredible as well.  ‘Thalassa‘ derives from the Ancient Greek “Thálassa (Θάλασσα)”, meaning “sea or salt water,” and Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa did NOT  disappoint. I chose to do a hammam session with a full-body mud mask, a restorative massage, and a collagen facial. I walked out feeling like Aphrodite herself.  I noticed there were multiple solo travelers doing the same thing during my time there. Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa has a rich history of catering to those who are looking to relax their bodies and mind. Even Mariah Carey has been known to frequent the Presidential Suite!

Cities & Regions to Visit

Some notable highlights are:

Hammamet – Beach resorts, boardwalks, and 5 star accommodation. What’s not to love! This is the perfect place to have as your basecamp to visit other beautiful areas of Cap Bon.

Sidi Bou Said – Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque town of blue and white Mediterranean buildings that’s buzzing with tourists. Enjoy delicious cinnamon bambalonis (pastry) whilst you’re visiting.

Matmata – Tunisia’s warm and dry climate makes it a perfect setting for the fictional planet Tatooine (The Phantom Menace). Head south and have a look.

I hope this guide gives you the confidence you need to experience Tunisia’s wonderful magic for yourself. Tunisia is such a wonderful and beautiful country; it’s ready to welcome the world.

    Tunisia: A Guide to Tunisia for First Time Travelers Forget what you've heard about Tunisia. Tunisia is safe and ready to welcome you to its incredible beaches and unbeatable hospitality.

[caddyxjellyby]

Alcott Readathon 2018: Jo’s Boys (1886)

"Miss Alcott's books are all delightful, and Jo's Boys is one of the best of them." - Boston Evening Transcript

"Thousands of readers will approach this later book with keen curiosity. They will find it lacking in some of the spontaneity of its predecessors, yet still an interesting volume[.]" - Unknown

"Its romance has a singular strain of youthfulness about it, which hardly enables one to feel in it the dignity of real love, courtship, and marriage." - The Critic

"The fault of the story is that there is too much of it. One is bewildered by the numerous boys and girls, and finds it hard to keep the run of 'who is who.' " - The Providence Sunday Journal

"A trifle labored and tedious." - The Graphic

In 1882 LMA helped start Concord's temperance society, destroyed most of her mother's diaries, raised her niece Lulu, and mourned her hero Emerson. In October she started Jo's Boys, originally intended a St. Nicholas serial. That same month Bronson had a stroke. In February 1884 she described the book's future as uncertain.  In December 1884 she started again, writing two hours for three days, which made her ill with vertigo for a week. In April 1886 she mentions working on it for one hour a day, a limit ordered by her doctor. In June she moved from Boston to Concord and was able to finish 15 chapters. July she turned in the manuscript and it was published in England in September and America in October.

1: Ten Years Later

Mr. Laurence is dead and left his fortune to found Laurence College. Marmee is also gone. Hannah is not mentioned. Mr. March is the school chaplain.

Franz is in Germany with his merchant uncle. Emil was sent on a long voyage in the hopes that he would give up on sailing, but the opposite happened. Dolly, George, and Ned study law. Nan and Tom study medicine. It's not mentioned where Nan went, but LMA's friend Dr. Rhoda Lawrence went to Boston University School of Medicine.

Jack is in business in Chicago. Nat attends the Conservatory. Dick and Billy are dead, the narrator claiming "life would never be happy" for them which is both disgusting and an odd contradiction of statements made in Jack and Jill. Rob is gentle and quiet but manly inside. Ted is loud and mischievous. Demi disappointed Meg by becoming a reporter, as LMA's elder nephew Frederick Pratt did. Daisy is "her mother's comfort and companion." Josie, 14, amuses them with her love of theater. Bess, 15, is tall and beautiful. Dan went to South American for a geological expedition, then Australia for sheep farming and is now in California.

Nan and Tom walk to Plumfield. He's in love with her and she brushes him off. He got a blue anchor on his arm to match hers. Josie runs after Ted, who stole her copy of The Lady of Lyons by Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

The four meet Jo, Meg, and Daisy for tea. Demi arrives with the news that Emil will return soon and Franz is engaged to Ludmilla.

2: Parnassus

Amy and Laurie's house. Laurie critiques Bess's clay baby. "You can't see beauty in anything but music," she answers. Amy made marble busts of Beth and John.

Nat's about to leave for Leipzig. He loves Daisy, but Meg disapproves because they don't know his family and music is a hard living.

Josie and Ted ask their grandfather to weigh in on their debate.

'Why, we were pegging away at the Iliad and came to where Zeus tells Juno not to inquire into his plans or he'll whip her, and Jo was disgusted because Juno meekly hushed up. I said it was all right, and agreed with the old fellow that women didn't know much and ought to obey men,' explained Ted, to the great amusement of his hearers. 'Goddesses may do as they like, but those Greek and Trojan women were poor-spirited things if they minded men who couldn't fight their own battles and had to be hustled off by Pallas, and Venus, and Juno, when they were going to get beaten. The idea of two armies stopping and sitting down while a pair of heroes flung stones at one another! I don't think much of your old Homer. Give me Napoleon or Grant for my hero.' Josie's scorn was as funny as if a humming-bird scolded at an ostrich, and everyone laughed as she sniffed at the immortal poet and criticized the gods. 'Napoleon's Juno had a nice time; didn't she? That's just the way girls argue—first one way and then the other,' jeered Ted. 'Like Johnson's young lady, who was “not categorical, but all wiggle-waggle”,' added Uncle Laurie, enjoying the battle immensely. 'I was only speaking of them as soldiers. But if you come to the woman side of it, wasn't Grant a kind husband and Mrs Grant a happy woman? He didn't threaten to whip her if she asked a natural question; and if Napoleon did do wrong about Josephine, he could fight, and didn't want any Minerva to come fussing over him. They were a stupid set, from dandified Paris to Achilles sulking in his ships, and I won't change my opinion for all the Hectors and Agamemnons in Greece,' said Josie, still unconquered. 'You can fight like a Trojan, that's evident; and we will be the two obedient armies looking on while you and Ted have it out,' began Uncle Laurie, assuming the attitude of a warrior leaning on his spear.

They're interrupted by Emil, Josie's favorite cousin, who has presents for everyone. Nan's earrings are skulls, but Josie says she won't wear them.

3: Jo's Last Scrape

Several years before, when Plumfield was in bad shape, Jo "hastily scribbled a little story" about herself and her sisters. To her astonishment it became a bestseller. Rumors exaggerate her fortune, which makes me wonder about the rumors because in 1887 LMA gave John and Frederick Pratt $25,000 each. In then dollars.

Rob reads her fanmail over breakfast - people seeking autographs, advice, donations; a love poem; and a little boy who thinks her books are first-rate.

Ted tells a reporter who visits that, "She is about sixty, born in Nova Zembla, married just forty years ago today, and has eleven daughters." (Forgive me the mixed quotation marks.) A woman and her three daughters come, Fritz with a bunch of his students, and a woman collecting a grasshopper and a shawl to put in a rug.

Jo retreats to her room, determined to finish 30 pages, but there's a man who won't leave. It's Dan. "I've been longing to see you for a year," she says.

4: Dan

He tells her about California and the money he got from investing in mines. He doesn't recognize Bess - "I thought it was a spirit." "Two years have changed you entirely," she replies.

Everyone starts making plans to head West. Dan thinks he might settle on a farm or return to the Montana Indians. They're dying of starvation, "a damned shame."

I don't think I understood before that "she never grudged her Jack a glass" referred to alcohol.

Jo calls the girls and the seven boys "the flower of our flock" and mentions for the first time Alice Heath, a Laurence College student.

Dan brought Ted a mustang, Josie a dress to play Namioka in Metamora, and a buffalo head for Bess.

'Thought it would do her good to model something strong and natural. She'll never amount to anything if she keeps on making namby-pamby gods and pet kittens,' answered irreverent Dan, remembering that when he was last here Bess was vibrating distractedly between a head of Apollo and her Persian cat as models. 'Thank you; I'll try it, and if I fail we can put the buffalo up in the hall to remind us of you,' said Bess, indignant at the insult offered the gods of her idolatry, but too well bred to show it except in her voice, which was as sweet and as cold as ice-cream. 'I suppose you won't come out to see our new settlement when the rest do? Too rough for you?' asked Dan, trying to assume the deferential air all the boys used when addressing their Princess. 'I am going to Rome to study for years. All the beauty and art of the world is there, and a lifetime isn't long enough to enjoy it,' answered Bess. 'Rome is a mouldy old tomb compared to the “Garden of the gods” and my magnificent Rockies. I don't care a hang for art; nature is as much as I can stand, and I guess I could show you things that would knock your old masters higher than kites. Better come, and while Josie rides the horses you can model 'em. If a drove of a hundred or so of wild ones can't show you beauty, I'll give up,' cried Dan, waxing enthusiastic over the wild grace and vigour which he could enjoy but had no power to describe. 'I'll come some day with papa, and see if they are better than the horses of St Mark and those on Capitol Hill. Please don't abuse my gods, and I will try to like yours,' said Bess, beginning to think the West might be worth seeing, though no Raphael or Angelo had yet appeared there. 'That's a bargain! I do think people ought to see their own country before they go scooting off to foreign parts, as if the new world wasn't worth discovering,' began Dan, ready to bury the hatchet. 'It has some advantages, but not all. The women of England can vote, and we can't. I'm ashamed of America that she isn't ahead in all good things,' cried Nan, who held advanced views on all reforms, and was anxious about her rights, having had to fight for some of them. 'Oh, please don't begin on that. People always quarrel over that question, and call names, and never agree. Do let us be quiet and happy tonight,' pleaded Daisy, who hated discussion as much as Nan loved it.

Jo, Meg, and Amy all vote for the school board; Demi says he'll escort Nan and Daisy next year.

5: Vacation

Funny how in books like this and The Secret Garden, exercise makes you grow less thin because working up an appetite makes you eat more.

Demi takes photos, particularly of Bess. Nat and Daisy hang out all they can.

At the good-bye dance Laurie takes Jo on a tour. Emil sits on the roof serenading girls with Mary's Dream and tossing them roses.

The second window framed a very picturesque group of three. Mr March in an arm-chair, with Bess on a cushion at his feet, was listening to Dan, who, leaning against a pillar, was talking with unusual animation. The old man was in shadow, but little Desdemona was looking up with the moonlight full upon her into young Othello's face, quite absorbed in the story he was telling so well. The gay drapery over Dan's shoulder, his dark colouring, and the gesture of his arm made the picture very striking, and both spectators enjoyed it with silent pleasure, till Mrs Jo said in a quick whisper: 'I'm glad he's going away. He's too picturesque to have here among so many romantic girls. Afraid his “grand, gloomy, and peculiar” style will be too much for our simple maids.' 'No danger; Dan is in the rough as yet, and always will be, I fancy; though he is improving in many ways. How well Queenie looks in that soft light!' 'Dear little Goldilocks looks well everywhere.' And with a backward glance full of pride and fondness, Mrs Jo went on. But that scene returned to her long afterward and her own prophetic words also.

Nan takes a splinter out of Tom's hand; he says it's the only time she was kind to him and too bad he didn't lose his arm. "I wish you'd lost your head," she says because his hair pomade stinks.

Ted poses on a stool as Josie and others give commentary. Jo explains they're planning for the upcoming play.

George and eat while complaining about the unladylike amount the girls eat. It proves that studying is bad for them.

A girl says to another that the dress she thought was elegant at home looks countrified here. Second girl tells her to ask Mrs. Brooke for advice.

Nan and Alice interrogate the young men over whether they believe in Women's Suffrage (yes, yes, and yes). You know what I really like? When people recognize that voting isn't the be-all end-all of women's legal right. When people recognize that legal rights aren't social rights and the former existing doesn't magic the latter into existence.

6: Last Words

Meg, weren't you married at 20? Isn't Daisy 20? I'm just saying.

"Girls, have you got nice pocket handkerchiefs?" jokes Jo as her sisters leave for church.

Jo talks to Nat about himself and about Daisy, claiming it's better to have no promises made until his return. "No one will be quicker to see and admire the brave work than my sister Meg. She does not despise your poverty or your past; but mothers are very tender over their daughters, and we Marches, though we have been poor, are, I confess, a little proud of our good family. We don't care for money; but a long line of virtuous ancestors is something to desire and to be proud of."

On the roof she lectures Emil on his new duties as second mate. "Jack ashore is a very different craft from what he is with blue water under his keel," he says. The narrator hints he'll remember this later.

Dan confesses that in San Francisco he gambled a little. Jo cautions him against it and he reassures her. He knows his biggest fault is not gambling but his temper, and he's afraid he'll kill someone one day. She gives him Undine and Sintram to borrow.

7: The Lion and the Lamb

With their parents at the mountains and the Laurences at the shore, Rob and Teddy have the run of the house.  Dan's dog Don won't eat or play. Ted suggests he's sicks; Rob says he's just pining for Dan and goes back to writing Latin verses. Ted switches Don, Don gets angry, Rob jumps in front of Ted and Don bites his leg. Nan decides it must be burnt with a poker. Rob takes it like a trooper but Ted faints.

Jo and Fritz note that Rob's even more serious and Ted's a little less wild. Ted claims it's his brother's influence but Jo coaxes the truth out of them.

8: Josie Play Mermaid

Josie's idol Miss Cameron is also at the shore, but she has a private beach and it's hard to see her. One day she loses her bracelet and Josie dives down to fetch it. Miss Cameron invites her over and Josie gives Ophelia's mad scene and a bit from a farce and Portia's speech.

"You've a good voice and natural grace," says the actress and advises her to finish her education and start training when she's older. They blah blah about purifying the stage. Josie starts hitting the books and piano to the delight of her family.

9: The Worm Turns

Tom appears at Jo's with an awful scrape: he's engaged. Oh no Nan didn't! says Jo, but it's not Nan, it's Dora West. Nan mentioned her in Chapter 1.

Down at Quitno he was rowing and the boat capsized but she wasn't mad about it. Later she was riding on the back of his bicycle and a donkey kicked it and they fell. She cracked up and said "Let us go on again" and he replied about going on forever. Jo thinks it's hilarious and a good match. Dora's ability to take things in stride will serve her well if their hypothetical future child is anything like young Tom.

Tom hints that Demi flirted with Alice. "A great dead of courting goes on in those [tennis] courts."

Nan is pleased and resolves to buy Dora a medicine chest for a wedding present. He gives up medicine and goes into business with Bangs Sr.

10: Demi Settles

Demi tells Meg he quit reporting and she's very glad. He got a place at Jo's publisher as Frederick and the real John did.

They talk about Josie and the upcoming plays and Demi promises he'll protect her if she treads the boards.

Josie teases him, via a reference to The Old Curiosity Shop, about spooning with Alice and he tells her not to be silly.

11: Emil's Thanksgiving

My favorite chapter! The Brenda, Englishman Captain Hardy commanding and his wife and daughter Mary aboard, is en route to China when there is a FIRE IN THE HOLD. ABANDON SHIP. Captain Hardy is pushed overboard by a falling mast and knocked out.

They float for three days and then start to worry. During the fourth night two sailors steal the brandy bottle and fall overboard.

A sail appears, but it's too far away to notice the little boat. Emil despairs during the night until Mary singing a hymn he knows from Plumfield brings to mind Jo's talk.

Then it starts to rain and a ship comes to rescue them. What day is it? Emil asks. Thanksgiving!

12: Dan's Christmas

Dan, traveling west, befriends a younger boy, Blair, who reminds him of Ted. Some guys cheat at cards with Blair, Dan calls them out, one draws a pistol, and Dan punches him. The guy hits his head on a stove and dies. Dan gets sentence to a year in prison.

A real life incident appears. LMA and Bronson visited a prison in 1879 and she told the occupants a hospital story. The Sunday before Thanksgiving, the same thing happens to Dan, and it inspires him to not participate in the revolt the other men are planning.

He sends Jo a note at Christmas.

13: Nat's New Year

In Leipzig, Nat brags a little too much about his connections, so people assume he's upper-class and invite him to balls and plays and beer-gardens. He spends a little too much money and plays the gallant with Minna, whose mother confronts him about his intentions. When the bills and a letter from Plumfield arrive at New Year's he resolves to stop being a socialite.  His landlady gets him a job teaching English. It must be nice to have connections.

14: Plays at Plumfield

"As it is as impossible for the humble historian of the March family to write a story without theatricals in it as for our dear Miss Yonge to get on with less than twelve or fourteen children in her interesting tales, we will accept the fact, and at once cheer ourselves after the last afflicting events, by proceeding to the Christmas plays at Plumfield; for they influence the fate of several of our characters, and cannot well be skipped."

Everyone is excited by Miss Cameron's attendance. First a farce with Alice as Marquise, Demi as the Baron, and Josie as a soubrette. An accident with the scenery leads to Nan plastering up Demi's injury, but the look on Alice's face makes it worth it to him.

Meg stars as a country widow with Demi and Josie as her kids.

Up until now I thought Owlsdark Marbles was a real play, but turns out it isn't. Laurie is a professor who introduces the audience to his statues: Ted as Mercury, Josie as Hebe, Nan as Minerva, Demi as Apollo, Jo and Fritz as Juno and Jove, someone (Tom?) as Bacchus, and Bess as Diana.

Dan's letter arrives but he gave Jo no address.

15: Waiting

Word reaches Plumfield of the shipwreck and they all mourn Emil. Jack writes and Ned actually visits. Josie takes it very hard until Miss Cameron tells her to take her tragedy like her fictional heroines do. They learns he's not dead and Ted expresses it: "Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious by these sons of Bhaer!"

Nat studies hard, gets a visit from Franz and Emil (a good potential fanfic scene), and is chosen to play in a London concert.

Dan counts the days til he's released in August. He can't bear Ted and Jo knowing his shame so he decides to head back to Montana.

16: In the Tennis Courts

Josie and Dolly play tennis and drag each other's schools. Bess chimes in that the cousins are accustomed to sensible conversation, not gossip. Dolly asks why she wears Harvard's color if it sucks so much and she tells him her hat is scarlet, not crimson.

The cousins leave and Jo brings finds Dolly and George. "I knew the boys would be killing themselves with ice-water; so I strolled down with some of my good, wholesome [root] beer. They drank like fishes. But Silas was with me; so my cruse still holds out. Have some?"

She lectures them about overeating, alcohol, and having sex with girls from the Opera Bouffe.

17: Among the Maids

Jo, Meg, and Amy host a sewing circle for the young women.

Here Mrs Meg was in her glory, and stood wielding her big shears like a queen as she cut out white work, fitted dresses, and directed Daisy, her special aide, about the trimming of hats, and completing the lace and ribbon trifles which add grace to the simplest costume and save poor or busy girls so much money and time. Mrs Amy contributed taste, and decided the great question of colours and complexions; for few women, even the most learned, are without that desire to look well which makes many a plain face comely, as well as many a pretty one ugly for want of skill and knowledge of the fitness of things. She also took her turn to provide books for the readings, and as art was her forte she gave them selections from Ruskin, Hamerton, and Mrs Jameson, who is never old. Bess read these aloud as her contribution, and Josie took her turn at the romances, poetry, and plays her uncles recommended. Mrs Jo gave little lectures on health, religion, politics, and the various questions in which all should be interested, with copious extracts from Miss Cobbe's Duties of Women, Miss Brackett's Education of American Girls, Mrs Duffy's No Sex in Education, Mrs Woolson's Dress Reform, and many of the other excellent books wise women write for their sisters, now that they are waking up and asking: 'What shall we do?'

One girl would like to be George Eliot and Jo likes her but not as much as Charlotte Bronte. I haven't read Eliot and I love Jane Eyre the character but not so much the book.

Amy's friend Lady Ambercrombie visits them.

18: Class Day

I used to think Class Day was a Victorian thing, but I found that Harvard and Yale still use it. Harvard's website has

a piece on its history from the year JB was published.

Ted dandies up, leading Jo to call him "the ghost of a waiter" and Josie a "long, black clothespin." For part of the day he wears a false mustache which leaves some visitors thinking there are three Bhaer sons.

Alice gives the best speech of the day.

While everyone's chilling and singing a carriage rolls up. Out step Franz, Ludmilla, and Emil with Mary. "Uncle, Aunt Jo, here's another daughter! Have you room for my wife too?" Wouldn't you love to see this scene on film? I so would. Why not tell us? asks Jo. Because you thought it was hilarious when Uncle Laurie did it, says Emil.

19: White Roses

Demi wants to tell Alice; Josie suggests he copy a Maria Edgeworth story and send her three roses - bud, half-blown, and full-blown. Josie delivers them and Alice ponders the questions. Her parents are ill and need her at home. Is it fair to ask him to wait? She overhears Meg and Daisy praising her and John.

They meet at the party and good old Tom interrupts them. "Music? just the thing." Alice starts to play Bide a Wee, which describes her situation so well she can't even sing the middle verse. It was one of the first things I ever researched on the internet.

20: Life for Life

Dan chances upon a mining friend who hires him as overseer. The mine caves in and Dan leads the rescue of the miners. He gets injured but they all survive. The family learns about it from a newspaper. Ted runs away to see Dan and Laurie chases after him.

When he's better they bring him to Plumfield. He confesses to Jo about prison.

21: Aslauga's Knight

Everyone fusses over Dan; Josie reads to him; Bess molds her buffalo head in his room. He asks Bess to read him Aslauga's Knight. She and Jo are surprised he likes that story. Jo realizes he's in love with Bess. Dan confirms it and tells how he used to dream of Bess in prison.

22: Positively Last Appearance

Laurie's connections get Dan a post as a Native American agent. He startles Bess by kissing her good-bye.

After Dan leaves, Nat returns. It's a bit strange that barely interact in this book. Daisy cries and hugs him. He plays the same song he did at the beginning of LM.

Epilogue time. All the marriages turn out well. Nan, Josie, and Bess have successful careers and the younger two find "worthy mates." I love how mates doesn't mean husbands. "Dan never married, but lived, bravely and usefully, among his chosen people till he was shot defending them, and at last lay quietly asleep in the green wilderness he loved so well, with a lock of golden hair upon his breast, and a smile on his face which seemed to say that Aslauga's Knight had fought his last fight and was at peace." George is an alderman and dies of apoplexy. I don't think LMA likes him. Dolly finds himself in a tailor's employ. Rob is a professor and Ted follows in his grandfather's footsteps as a minister "to the great delight of his astonished mother. And now, having endeavoured to suit everyone by many weddings, few deaths, and as much prosperity as the eternal fitness of things will permit, let the music stop, the lights die out, and the curtain fall for ever on the March family."

The final line gets brought up a lot. IMO it reflects LMA's state of mind and her struggles with her health. She died less than two years later.