Canonical Status Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare

Introduction Shakespeare’s works have been received with mixed reactions. Not because of the rare quality attributed to his works but due to difficulties in comprehending his original texts. However, Shakespeare continues to influence and inspire each and every generation with his creative artistic mind of playing around with words. Shakespeare applied early modern English in his works, a concept that many current literature readers view as difficult to understand.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Canonical Status Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The grammar, sentence structure, spelling and word interpretation differs from the current modern English. Studying Shakespeare’s original manuscripts has been heavily criticised. Most of his critics argue that being a canonical author, understanding the play scripts pose a challenge to many readers. This paper will discuss t he impact of comprehending the canonical play manuscript and the mode of its reception by the modern reader by reviewing one of Shakespeare’s plays. The Concept of Literary Canon The literary canon is archaic works that have been passed from one generation to another. These works continue to make an impact in current modern literature due to their unique artistic nature that captivates a reader’s mind (Vanhoozer 2). In most cases, it becomes hard to understand the deep rich language used in the texts. However, the works are interestingly written and have played an important role to shape the western culture. Literary canon dates back from the works of Homer, John Milton, Jane Austen, the Bible and the great William Shakespeare amongst others. The Gutenberg Revolution saw the introduction of this canon culture that appreciated the historical culture at the time. This revolution period, also known as the age of printing, introduced various forms of non-print mass media. The era was established by Johannes Gutenberg in mid 1450. However, canon literature at the time seemed to invite mixed reactions from both its supporters and critics. The critics on one hand claimed that the literature created a rift between the high and the low popular culture while the supporters on the other hand argued that its taste and value was ideal for the high-cultural required standards. The canon works gained popularity with thousands of people thronging cinema halls to watch plays written by Shakespeare and other canon play writers such as Charles Dickens (Lyons 23). Canon is conceptualized as complex and privileged. For a text to qualify as a canon, it should be of high aesthetic quality that gives the reader pleasure after reading it. Literary canon is constantly changing due to the experiences and thoughts of authors and the canon readers. This has been interpreted to mean that literary work is important to describe continuous trends in historical events. It is for this reason that canon literature has not conformed to a specific definition due to its subjectivity (Branagh and Shakespeare 23).Advertising Looking for essay on british literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Demystifying Canon Literature: Hamlet By William Shakespeare It is best if we understood William Shakespeare himself in order to have the ability of reading him canonically. The historic information regarding Shakespeare is sketchy as regards to the exact date of his birth and life. Born to a local alderman, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway who bore him three children. However, the exact dates remain unknown but he became famous around 1592 when he began his theatre career. Interpreting Shakespeare’s canon literature is very difficult though his works continue to be celebrated from one generation to another due to the richness in their textual quantity that lead to a great storyline (University of Southern Q ueensland 13). Hamlet is perhaps one of the longest yet popular plays written by Shakespeare. It has been labelled as a literally canon. Hamlet is a tragedy of a prince, Hamlet, who wants to revenge on the current king of Denmark. The king, who is Hamlet’s uncle, is accused of killing Hamlet’s father and later taking Hamlet’s mother as his wife (Brooks 4). In order to succeed in his set out plan, Hamlet pretends to be insane. However, the story ends tragically when most of the characters including Hamlet are killed. The play has been praised for its classic artistic texts used in its script. Hamlet’s script was written using a unique technique called functional shift. Shakespeare used this kind of technique in all his works to enable his readers to understand the meaning of a word used in a sentence prior to comprehending its functionality. A good example is his ability of replacing a verb with a noun. Though this technique seems to cause confusion in the mind of a reader, it causes the brain to react. When Hamlet’s good ally Horatio requests him to call off a duel, he declines by telling him, â€Å"If it be now, ‘tis not to come. The readiness is all.† Such play text causes confusion in the mind of a reader and the canonical status of understanding Hamlet by use of manuscripts has been put in question by scholars. Understanding the Canonical Status Used in Hamlet’s Language The language used to write the play script has struck most readers as complex and difficult to comprehend. Much of the language used in the play script has been conceptualised as courtly. This form of writing is both amusing and inventive in nature. It is also enriched with rhetorical figures. He makes good use of stichomythia to develop dialogue in the play.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Canonical Status Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is a skill of writing dialogue in single lines to which the characters converse alternately. In addition, Shakespeare skilfully applies the use of anaphora and asyndeton in his words to captivate the minds of his audience. This he succeeds by using similar words in the same sentence to create an effect. The words also apply hendiadys as a figure of speech (Marino 34). This is a rare rhetorical device used to express a certain idea by using two words that are linked by a conjunction. A good example is during Ophelia’s speech when she says, ‘And I, of ladies most deject and wretched.’ The use of hendiadys throughout the play has caused a reaction among scholars, most of whom find it odd to use this particular form of rhetoric device in most of his texts. However, the technique has been defended by some of the scholars who argue that Shakespeare’s skill is to develop and emphasize the purpose of duality and dislocation in the play. The language u sed in Hamlet’s script is unique as the characters have the ability to say several words simultaneously that seem contradictory to the audience. This concept helps the character to appear confused and possessed by disturbed feelings. A sentence like ‘Get thee to a nunnery’ is such an example which showed Hamlet’s confusion about sexuality and purity. Hamlet’s soliloquies have also been criticised by most scholars who argue that the dialogue is based on Shakespeare’s beliefs. This claim has however been rejected by Hamlet’s supporters who argue that the use of this technique is to emphasize the character’s process of thinking (Jardine 13). Analysing the Ideal Mode of Reception of Understanding Canonical Works It has been discussed above on the complexity of studying the original works of Shakespeare in play script form due to its complicated nature. The play Hamlet in particular causes more confusion not only to its audience but also to students trying to analyse the play. Most scholars have come to a conclusion that this mode of reception is boring to students and should be interpreted and edited as printed matter. However, some scholars seem to be in disagreement with this theory by arguing that Shakespeare’s works should not be interpreted as suggested by literature critics. They base their arguments on the fact that stage performance is reflective of the intended real issue, a concept that is largely ignored when the play text is presented in printed form. In response to the need of editing Hamlet’s text due to its immoral nature, they argue that Shakespeare intention was to reflect his life as it was and should not be subjected to any changes. Various versions of the play Hamlet have been analysed and most of them contain numerous mistakes derived from the printing process. This changes the original meaning of the play. This has been attributed to the fact that most editors are unable to give accurate translations to the original text as applied in the play script hence altering the meaning of words in their final draft.Advertising Looking for essay on british literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Textual scholarship argues that the primary text by Shakespeare is actually indefinable due to the fact that none of his original manuscripts has survived. The attempt by numerous editors to interpret the works in their own way has caused a stir among literature tutors and scholars alike. The question that arises is whether print form is the ideal mode of reception and how it influences the understanding of the canonical status in Shakespeare’s works. It has been suggested that Shakespeare’s future editors should take into account the textual instability that has been characterised with textual authority during the printing process. Based on the fact that the current generation is inclined towards digital media, the mode of understanding canonical works in primary mode poses a challenge. The issue that therefore need to be discussed is whether the play should be performed or studied in its textual content. Whilst most people have supported the former, others seem to fa vour the art of performing Shakespeare’s play to enhance the level of understanding. However, understanding the play using print form mode of reception has been favoured by many scholars (Benchimol and Maley 45). What then is the impact of studying Shakespeare’s work in print form? As earlier discussed, canonical texts are not easy to read and watching a stage performance becomes even more difficult. The printing process offers an interpretation that eases the reader’s mind hence offering some form of pleasure. Use of manuscripts to study the works of Shakespeare limits the understanding of the reader as opposed to the printed form. This therefore limits the level of literacy circulation among the readers. However, most people could possibly argue that the future of canon literature is likely to be affected by interpreting the play text in print form. On the contrary, with so much advancement in technology, it is highly unlikely to wipe out the culture of canon literature. On the other hand, technology will help to filter some of the technical words used in the manuscript without necessarily changing the intended meaning. It has been argued that the ideal mode of understanding a play is by reading it in text form rather than through stage performance. This does not entirely mean that the historical stage performance should be disregarded. As a matter of fact, a play script that guides the stage performance serves as a guide towards any play text transformed in print form. However, reading Shakespeare in print form makes understanding his works a lot easier hence enhancing its popularity especially to the current generation. Most critics argue that transition to print form will not only change the entire meaning of the play but that it will lose the purpose and theme of the play (Mclver and Stevenson 22). It should be noted that Shakespeare himself seems to encourage authorship in Hamlet by using a play within a play. Most of the protagonis ts in Hamlet are learned, a concept that emphasizes the authorial role very well (Howard and O’Connor 45). Conclusion Stage performance of a canonical play elicits some form of excitement in the audience but it should be noted that only few people understand the concept of the play. Most Shakespeare lovers admit that they did not understand his canonical words during performance and prefer reading them in print form. Transition from manuscripts to print form in Shakespeare does not only make the brain to function but also engages the reader in comprehending the canonical works as intended by the author. However, care should be taken by the editors not to misinterpret the canonical words as they appear in the original manuscripts. This is possible by the editors taking into consideration the previous works by the canonical writer and interpreting the words as they are. Works Cited Benchimol, Alex and Maley, Willy. Spheres of Influence: Intellectual and cultural publics  from Shakespeare to Harbemas. Germany: European Academic Publishers, 2007. Print. Branagh, Kenneth and Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. London: W.W Norton Co., 1996. Print. Brooks, Jean. Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Denmark: Macmillan Education, 1986. Print. Howard, Jean and O’Connor, Marion. Shakespeare Reproduced: The text in History  and Ideology. Britain: Routledge, 2005. Print. Jardine, Lisa. Reading Shakespeare Historically. New York: Barnes Noble, 1996. Print. Lyons, William. Canon and Exegesis: canonical praxis and the Sodom narrative. London: Sheffield Academic Press, 2002. Print. Marino, James. Owning William Shakespeare: The King’s Men and their intellectual  property. USA: University of Pennysylvania Press, 2011. Print. Mclver, Bruce and Stevenson, Ruth. Teaching with Shakespeare: critics in the  classroom. London: W.W Norton Co., 1995. Print. University of Southern Queensland. The Literary canon: how to read great books. Australia: University of Southe rn Queensland, 2011. Print. Vanhoozer, Kevin. The drama of doctrine: a canonical-linguistic approach to Christian  theology. Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005. Print. This essay on Canonical Status Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare was written and submitted by user Madisyn Henderson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Klu Klux Klan essays

Klu Klux Klan essays Discuss to what extent did the Ku Klux Klan contributed to racial disharmony in American society during the early 1900s. While the Ku Klux Klan contributed to racial disharmony in America during the early 1900s, it was more an expression of the most extreme elements of hatred that already existed in the society. Racial disharmony was evident in American society since the introduction of Black slaves, but it intensified after the American Civil War because of the poor economic conditions that followed and continuing white opposition to equal rights for blacks. The Ku Klux Klan were able to flourish in this atmosphere of discontent, setting horrifying examples for people to follow and acting as a role model for others in the new century, but they didnt succeed in stopping American society from advancing. Racial disharmony was first evident in American society after Black Africans were sent as slaves to work on southern plantations by 1850, nearly four million Black slaves were working on plantations. In 1861 war broke out between the northern and southern states because those in the North believed the slaves should be freed. The North won the war and the slaves were freed, but racial tensions flared because most of the white population in the South were bitterly dissatisfied with the outcome. Although equal rights were implied for all, in reality this was not the case for Blacks. Blacks were separated from whites and were deprived of employment and education. Many whites despised and feared the Blacks, who were often terrorised or murdered by whites. The situation was made worse because there was great competition for jobs and resources after the war. The southerners had suffered greatly many had lost friends and loved ones and their homes and plantations. It was against this bac kground of anger and resentment that the Ku Klux Klan was able to develop and thrive. The Ku Klux Klan began in 1865 during the reco...

Energy consumption and the US Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Energy consumption and the US Economy - Essay Example On the other hand, the support from environmental organizations and public figures has initiated programs of adaptation to changes in infrastructural needs and emissions reduction, which has been efficient so far in handling global warming in America. The public is informed about these policies through media campaigns and social forums where individuals are allowed to air their personal views towards pollution and global warming. QUESTION TWO The energy efficiency and the economy of vehicles fuel produce too many environmental emissions that interfere with the atmosphere. Improvements of these factors, act as a major step to reduction of global warming on earth but with continued use of personal vehicles in America this will lead to increased pollution as a result of emission. Emissions from motor vehicles exhaust form the major component of smog which results in invisibility (Spencer 2008). In addition, motor vehicle emit carbon dioxides to the atmosphere, this is an anthropogenic c ontribution to the development of carbon dioxide accumulation in the environment which is considered by scientist to have major impact on climate change. It is estimated motor vehicles contributes about 22% of the United States artificial carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere with passengers cars contributing about 11% of the 22 % emissions. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates of average passenger car emissions in the United States Component Emission Rate Annual pollution emitted Hydrocarbons 3.0 Â  grams/mile 77.4 pounds Carbon Monoxide 21.9Â  grams/mile 578 pounds NOx 1.4Â  grams/mile 38.5 pounds Carbon Dioxide - Green house gas 0.938 pounds per mile (260Â  g/km) 11,460... The energy efficiency and the economy of vehicles fuel produce too many environmental emissions that interfere with the atmosphere. Improvements of these factors, act as a major step to reduction of global warming on earth but with continued use of personal vehicles in America this will lead to increased pollution as a result of emission. Emissions from motor vehicles exhaust form the major component of smog which results in invisibility (Spencer 2008). In addition, motor vehicle emit carbon dioxides to the atmosphere, this is an anthropogenic contribution to the development of carbon dioxide accumulation in the environment which is considered by scientist to have major impact on climate change. It is estimated motor vehicles contributes about 22% of the United States artificial carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere with passengers cars contributing about 11% of the 22 % emissions.Although global warming will continue indefinitely, what we do makes a tremendous difference about tomorrow. GHG emissions from motor vehicles should be reduced through technological upgrading. According to two researchers Stephen Pacala and Robert Socolow, an approach called stabilization wedges, were convenient for this objectives (Houghton et al 2004). The wedges include ways that carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced and held at current levels for the next fifty years. With Reductions of motor vehicle emissions will be a significant step in environmental pollution control and global warming.

The Concepts of Financial Intermediation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Concepts of Financial Intermediation - Essay Example A lot of these imperfections lead to particular types of transaction costs. These asymmetries can produce unfavourable selection, they can be temporary, generate moral exposure, and they can result a costly verification and enforcement. Based on studies, financial intermediaries emerge to at least partially overcome these costs. Leland and Pyle (32) interpreted financial intermediation as a coalition of sharing information. And intermediary coalitions according to Diamond (51) can achieve economies of scale. He also envisioned that financial intermediaries act on behalf of ultimate savers by effectively monitoring returns. According to Hart (1995), savers positively value the intermediations in terms of ultimate investments. On banker's behalf, according to Campbell and Kracaw (863-882) financial intermediations can create a constructive incentive result of short-term debt. The deposit finance can produce the right incentives for the management of the bank. A delicate financial structure needed to discipline the bank managers resulted illiquid assets (Diamond 393; Miller 21). In cases wherein the bank borrower preferred direct finance; financial intermediaries still act as a brokerage which was explained by Fama (39-58) as investment banks. In this, reputation is at stake and according to Campbell and Kracaw (885) in financing, the borrower's reputation as well as the financier is relevant. B. The transaction costs approach argument- This approach does not disagree with the statement of complete markets unlike the first approach mentioned. It is in accordance with a no convexities transaction process. The financial intermediaries in this approach work as alliances of borrowers who make use of economies of scale in the transaction process. According to many experts, the concept of transaction costs covers not only monetary transaction costs, but also searches, auditing and monitoring costs. In this instance, the function of the financial intermediaries is to convert particular financial claims into a so-called qualitative asset transformation. Ross (23-40) called it offering liquidity and diversified opportunities. The stipulation of liquidity is a key function for investors and savers and highly for corporate customers, in which the stipulation of diversification is being appreciated in institutional as well as personal financing. This liquidity should play a key role i n asset pricing theory (Oldfield and Santomero WP #95). With transaction costs the basis for the existence of financial intermediation is exogenous. C. Approach based on the regulation of money production - Regulation influences liquidity and solvency within the financial organization or market. It is argued that the capital of the bank affects its refinancing ability, bank safety, and ability to extract repayment from the borrowers (Diamond 414). Regulation as viewed on the basis of legality convenes as a vital factor in financial economy. However, the actions of the intermediaries intrinsically need regulation. The reason is that the banks specifically, are intrinsically illiquid and

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address Essay Example for Free

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address Essay John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address The Inaugural Address, by John F. Kennedy is about the people cooperating to make America a better place for everyone. John F. Kennedy’s speech was delivered in the east side of the capitol on January 20, 1961. In John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, he emphasizes the need for unity among mankind. John F. Kennedy utilizes anaphora to evoke togetherness throughout the world. Throughout his speech, Kennedy repeats, â€Å"we pledge† several times. Kennedy means to convey unity by using â€Å"we† to connect to the people. Because the phrase is repeated so many times it shows how bad he wants the idea grasped in to the peoples minds. By using the word â€Å"pledge† he is able to emphasize the promise that the people made to America. Kennedy also reiterates the phrase, â€Å" we shall† many times. Through the phrase â€Å"we shall† he is able to highlight that everyone is going to help. It makes the people see that they have a part in constructing America, for Kennedy cannot do it on his own. He wants to build a unity where everyone is on the same team; together they will help each other out and strive for the unity of America. Kennedy wants to be on the same side as the people; he constantly say’s â€Å"let both sides† so that he can come into an agreement with them. If Kennedy makes a connection with the people they will do as he says. He wants â€Å"both sides† to collaborate with each other to create a strong nation. If he were able to create a unified nation, the people would live in a civilized manner, all-willing to help. Through anaphora, Kennedy is able to present the theme that together you can conquer all.

Friday :: essays research papers

FRIDAY A handsome, in about 26 years old, with straight and strong limbs, tall and well shaped fellow who bare name Friday which he got for the memory of a day he was rescued. The native who was saved from a certain death by Robinson Crusoe during one of the cannibal rituals of a local tribe. By the man who was actually on his way to Africa to buy Negroes! His hair was long and black but not curled, he had very high forehead and great sparkling sharp eyes. Friday’s appearance was somewhere in between Negro and European, black but tawny skin, round face and small but not flat nose as most of the Negroes have. Of course, like all Negroes have, had he fine teeth well set and white as ivory, but oddly enough – thin lips. To lay his head flat upon ground, close to person’s foot and set other foot upon his head – this was Friday’s way of showing the servitude and submission. Robinson understood him in many things and let him know how very pleased he was with him. This was something Friday understood before he could speak Robinson` s language. Still he was a cannibal in his nature, full of lot abhorrence. We can see how the other culture is suppressed from the very beginning. Robinson cures Friday of his cannibalistic habits and gives him a new Western name. But the first words he taught him in English were words that one servant has to know and use! So Friday was domesticated and incorporated into Western society. The main fear and an idea throughout the book is Crusoe `s goal to re-educate Friday to a civilised human being and if he wouldn’t have, he would have no mercy but to kill him!

Film/novel “True Grit” Essay

Out in a middle of nowhere, a man rides a horse in haste as if it were chasing after something. This is the common image of the cowboy that we have all become familiar with. In fact, it is next to impossible not to recognize the image of the cowboy because it is so powerful in pop cultural myths. It is interesting to examine the myth and image of the cowboy in a comparison of the legendary film/novel â€Å"True Grit† and the unique paintings of Remington Remington. A sparse description is the hallmark of the style of Remington’s usage of blurry touches and specific colors on the painting as seen in â€Å"against the sunset† which portrays a man’s masculinity in the form of a mythical hero figure of west. In the previously mentioned painting, Remington emphasized a man’s masculinity by using the environment of the painting. There is nothing in the frame besides the land and many small bushes. Although these bushes are small as a group they seem like an obstacle for a man. Moreover, their dark colors emit a negative image and even evoke threatening obstructions for a challenger. However, as a man, he seems to be not hesitating to face challenges in front him, but rather to keep going forward even faster. Although it seems like sun is setting, a man still rides a horse and never looks down in twilight. Just like Mattie he must be not â€Å"scared of the dark† (True Grit 60). Also it seems like the unknown man’s image is similar to my opinion of LaBoeuf from â€Å"True Grit†. The unknown man is â€Å"wearing two revolvers† (True Grit 67) just like LaBoeuf. Also, his â€Å"belt [is] thick and wide and bedecked with cartridges† (True Grit 67). Additionally, his appearance matches with LaBoeuf although his face is blurry on the painting. Also he looks like he is â€Å"around thirty years of age† (True Grit 67). There are other similarities, In the novel â€Å"True Grit†, though LaBoeuf was not as good at shooting as Rooster, he did not fear chasing a criminal in Unknown Territory which can be very dangerous for strangers. Also, at the novel’s conclusion, he sacrifices himself for â€Å"little sister Mattie† proving that he is also a man with â€Å"true grit†. As a result, LaBoeuf-like image evokes an essence similar to the unknown man’s masculinity. On the other hand, â€Å"against the sunset† gives an image of changes through its back ground color and empty surroundings. The unknown man seems almost lonely in the painting with no buildings or people around. However, â€Å"An area of free land† (Turner 199) portrays this image of the west during the nineteenth century which was a period of sudden change. By the time when Eastern part of the United States became industrialized, the west still remained a wilderness. However, many people started to immigrate west because the west was the land of opportunity. Therefore, many immigrants and migrants were â€Å"compelled to adapt themselves to the changes†¦ involved in crossing a continent, in defeating a wilderness and in [developing the newly expanded territory] out of the primitive economic and political conditions of the frontier into the complexity of city life† (Turner 199). As Turner said, developing caused many changes in the west including economic status, surroundings, and political view. Now, the portrait â€Å"Sunset† makes distinguishable the day and the night. As sun goes down and the whole colors of surrounding changes. Shadow gets shorter and shorter and by the time the sun sets, it disappears. As visible in Remington’s piece, the background color remains very bright and looks like a strange mix of yellow and orange. It must be right when sun set started. However, if the artist was intended to capture one additional, the image would turn out to be whole different color. Also, it already seems to appear darker because the edges of painting depict themselves darker than the middle. Also, although it is not shown in the painting completely, we can imagine that soon the twilight will be gone. â€Å"Against the sunset† also evokes an image of mythical hero figure by cowboy-like dressed man. It is ironic that even though cowboy does not maintain a particular status and never was what is considered a â€Å"cowboy† by their stereotyped and commonly depicted appearance. Of course, what is real and what we expect are clearly not the same item, but it does not matter. What does matter is that our expectations in the image we have are met (that is, the cowboy wears a cowboy hat and not a derby) and that the character is presented in slightly dissimilar manner as well so that we are not treated to everything we expect. In other words, there must be some deviations and subtle if not outright differences present so we experience something new enough to pique our interested while staying within the framework of our expectations of the genre. For example, Rooster, the narrator from â€Å"True Grit†, never said that he is a cowboy, but we categorize him as a cowboy anyway. He is old, but tall, big, â€Å"one-eyed† man, and â€Å"wear[s]† a dusty black suit of clothes (True Grit 40). It is not described in the book in a detail, but it is clear in the movie that he wears cowboy hats and carries big rifles with him. Just as people categorize native Indians by skin color and appearance, cowboys are categorized by their way of dress, their status and masculinity. In a manner similar to Rooster, the Unknown Man seems to be a â€Å"cowboy† because he wears cowboy hat, leather vest, and dusty pants. By the mere fact that the Unknown Man looks like cowboy makes him very powerful because from the media and books we have always receive impression that cowboys symbolize justice, machism and a heroism. In a way, the novel â€Å"True Grit† portrays Rooster as a super hero who is not a mere human. When Rooster meets Lucky Ned Pepper’s gang, he faces a crisis because it was a showdown between him alone versus three relatively young men. However, by way of a miracle, Rooster stays alive and manages to kill all three of the other men. This determines Rooster’s character as a super hero because in reality such melodrama could never actually happen. (It is more akin to a RAMBO film than a serious treatise on life in the old west) This is similar in how the way of dress makes the Unknown Man’s image similar to the super hero Rooster. From this connection, we provide the Unknown Man with many known traits that we have come to expect from a cowboy. These expectations are overwhelming and they create an image that transfers our positive images from one source (cowboy films, novels, etc) to the portrait. In a way the portrait â€Å"air lifts† imagery from another area that is already established as having certain positive traits. The cowboy image is powerful enough to do this because the cowboy is a character that is the essence of independence and the American spirit. It is a difficult thing to depart from the collective and live the life of the individual. This is what the cowboy does and he gains massive respect and an eternal mythos because of it. The cowboy is a complex individual and this complexity manifests itself in different mediums that borrow from the cowboy’s rich history. This mythos of the cowboy can be seen in novels/films such as â€Å"True Grit† and in the amazing portraits of Remington. The mythos becomes even more interesting when one looks at the mythos and compares it to the portraits and â€Å"True Grit. † From this examination, we learn the mythos is more powerful than we ever imagined.