Energy Climate Greenhouse - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2497 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? 2 Directives Legislation driving Energy Efficiency 2.1Introduction Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Energy Climate Greenhouse" essay for you Create order The debate is ongoing, but there is now overwhelming scientific evidence that mans activities are causing significant climate change. Climate change has the potential to affect all aspects of life on earth and will have major detrimental social, economic and environmental impacts. The best response to these challenging issues is to change. Change the way we think. Change the way we act. (Get source) 2.2Background to Directives for Climate Change The International climate change agenda containing the Directives and Legislation that drives for energy efficiency began in 1992 with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The objectives of the UNFCCC were to: stabilise the atmospheric greenhouse gases at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climatic system, to be achieved in a time frame to ensure food production is not threatened and to enable economic development proceeds in a sustainable manner. The UNFCCC is the parent treaty of the Kyoto Protocol (1997) which was developed to implement the UNFCCC effectively and properly. (www.euroace.org/reports) Irelands relation to the Kyoto Protocol is outlined in the subsequent sub-chapter. In December 2007, the latest climate change conference took place in Bali, Indonesia and it included representatives of over 180 countries. The two week period included the sessions of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, as well as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The Bali Roadmap was adopted from the conference which charts the course for a new negotiating process to be concluded by 2009 that will lead to a post 2012 international agreement on climate change. The next meeting of the parties to the climate change convention is scheduled to take place on December 2008 in Poland. After the Kyoto Protocol was established, Europe needed to take action to succeed in cutting its greenhouse gas emissions to 8% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012, as required by the Kyoto Protocol. This action was taken by launching the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP) in June 2000 which was then ratified in October 2005. The main goal of the ECCP was to develop all of the necessary elements of an EU strategy to implement the Kyoto Protocol. From this European Climate Change Programme, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2003) was developed. This is explained in chapter 2.4 of this text. (www.euroace.org/reports) In order for Ireland to meet its Kyoto target of limiting the increase of greenhouse gas emissions to 13% above 1990 levels by 2008-2012, a National Climate Change Strategy was implemented. 2.3Ireland and the Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol was adopted to tackle the threat of climate change. It contains legally binding greenhouse gas emission targets for developed countries for the post 2000 period. The Protocol promises to move the international community one step closer to achieving the Conventions (UNFCCC) ultimate objective of preventing man-made interference with the climate system. As a first step towards tackling the threat of climate change, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) required developed countries to put in place policies and measures with objectives of returning emissions of greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by the end of the decade. However, in recognition of the need to take more substantial and urgent action, industrialised or developed countries committed to reduce their combined emissions of greenhouse gases by at least 5% compared to 1990 levels by the first commitment period 2008-2012. The protocol came into force on 16 February 2005. As of November 2007, 174 parties have ratified the protocol. Of these, 36 developed countries are required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the levels specified for each of them in the treaty. The EU has an overall reduction target of 8% below 1990 levels and has agreed a burden sharing agreement that recognises the different economic circumstances of each member state. Irelands target is to limit the increase in its greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol to 13% above 1990 levels by 2008-2012. To date Ireland has struggled to get on target and at this stage looks unlikely to meet the 13% figure. With the help of the National Climate Change Strategy and the Protocol flexible mechanisms, this target may yet be achieved. The National Climate Change Strategy 2007- 2012 provides the national policy framework for addressing greenhouse gas emission reductions and ensuring that Ireland meets its target for the purpose of the Kyoto Protocol. Ireland may achieve their individual targets through domestic actions and use of flexible mechanisms provided for in the Protocol. The Government has decided that it will use the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms to purchase up to 3.607 million Kyoto Units in each year of the 2008-2012 period. (www.environ.ie) 2.3.1Kyoto Protocol Flexible Mechanisms / Emissions Trading An important part of the Kyoto Protocol was the introduction of three flexible mechanisms to reduce the costs of achieving emission reductions for the member states with emission reduction or limitation targets. The mechanisms enable Parties to purchase Kyoto Units from other Parties or to invest in cost-effective opportunities to reduce emissions. While the cost of reducing emissions varies considerably between projects and between countries, the effect for the atmosphere of limiting emissions is the same no matter where the action occurs. The three mechanisms are outlined below: Joint Implementation (JI) This is provided for under Article 6 of the Protocol, and enables Parties with reduction commitments to implement projects that reduce emissions in other member states with reduction commitments, in return for credits. The tradable unit under the JI mechanism is an Emissions Reductions Unit (ERU). Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) This is provided for under Article 12 of the protocol and enables Parties with targets to participate in projects that reduce emissions in those Parties that do not have targets under the protocol. This mechanism is aimed at developing countries. Credits generated using the CDM mechanism can be used by the investing Party for compliance purposes. The tradable unit under the CDM mechanism is a Certified Emissions Reduction (CER). International Emissions Trading This is provided under Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol and enables Parties or member states that have a greenhouse gas emissions limitation or reduction target under the Protocol to acquire Kyoto Units from those Parties that have reduced their emissions beyond their target under the Protocol. The tradable unit under emissions trading is an Assigned Amount Unit (AAU). The National Treasury Management Agency is the designated purchasing agent for Ireland and will administer and manage purchases of Kyoto Units on behalf of the Government. A dedicated Carbon Fund has been established for this purpose. All purchases will be made in accordance with the following objectives: That they contribute to the ultimate objective of the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change That risk is minimised, particularly in relation to the timely delivery of credits That they represent good value for money The National Treasury Management Agency will use the following mechanisms to purchase Kyoto Units: Direct purchase of Kyoto Units from other Kyoto Protocol member states Direct investment in joint implementation and clean development project activities Direct market purchases of Kyoto Units Any surplus Kyoto Units held by the State at the end of the 2008-2012 commitment period can be banked and used in a subsequent commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol or any successor treaty. (National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government) Below is a graph illustrating the total greenhouse gas emissions for all sectors of all the member states up to 2005. As we can see, Ireland is somewhat off reaching its Kyoto target. 2.4The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2.4.1Introduction Energy performance demands in the building sector within the EU range from rather demanding energy regulations and already established energy certification schemes in countries like Denmark and Germany, to the situation in countries like France and Spain with low regulation demands and without certification processes established at national level (Casal, 2006). EU legislation and policies, implemented through the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD), aim to provide a more uniform approach to implementing building energy saving measures and reaching Co2 emission goals. Each member state is required to translate and implement the policies and guidelines within the context of its legal and economic framework. The EPBD was enacted by the European Union in line with the Kyoto Protocol to: reduce European building energy consumption by 10 per cent by 2010 and 20 per cent by 2020; complete energy ratings of 2 million existing buildings by 2010; and cut Co2 emissions by 45 million tonnes by 2010 (Casal, 2006). The directive is the first move to target buildings specifically to reduce emissions and overall energy consumption in the construction sector. 2.4.2Overview of the EPBD The EPBD is a legislative act of the European Union which requires member states to achieve particular results with respect to the energy performance of buildings. The directive 2002/91/EC (EPBD, 2003) of the European Parliament and Council on energy efficiency of buildings was adopted by member states and the European Parliament on 16th December 2002 and came into force on 4th January 2003. This directive is a very important legislative component of energy efficiency activities of the European Union designed to meet the Kyoto commitment. The directive concerns a large number of participants on all levels with different impacts and different motivations: designers, housing associations, architects, providers of building appliances, installation companies, building experts, owners, and tenants effectively all energy consumers in the European Union. It will greatly affect awareness of energy use in buildings, and is intended to lead to substantial increases in investments in energy efficiency measures within these buildings. The EPBD has created a great challenge for the transformation of the European building sector towards energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources. The 4th of January 2006 was the official deadline by which the 25 member states had to transpose the directive. 2.4.3Objectives and Requirements of EPBD The objective of the EPBD is to improve the energy performance of buildings within the community, taking into account outdoor climate conditions as well as indoor climate requirements and cost effectiveness. The directive lays down requirements regarding: The framework for a methodology of calculation of the integrated energy performance of buildings The application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of new buildings The application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of large existing buildings that are subject to major renovation The energy performance certification of buildings The regular inspection of boilers, an assessment of the heating installation in which the boilers are more than 15 years old and an inspection of air conditioning systems in buildings The requirements for experts and inspectors for the certification of buildings, the drafting of the accompanying recommendations and the inspection of boilers and air conditioning systems. The requirements of each member state are set out in the EPBD under different articles. (EPBD, 2002) 2.4.4Summary of Articles 2.4.4.1Adoption of a methodology Each member state is required to have a method of calculating the energy performance of buildings. This calculation method can be set at a national or a regional level. This is an extract of the directive on article 3: Member States shall apply a methodology, at national or regional level, of calculation of the energy performance of buildings on the basis of the general framework set out in the Annex. Parts 1 and 2 of this framework shall be adapted to technical progress in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 14(2), taking into account standards or norms applied in member state legislation. This methodology shall be set at national or regional level. The energy performance of a building shall be expressed in a transparent manner and may include a CO2 emission indicator (EPBD, 2002) 2.4.4.2Setting of energy performance requirements These minimum requirements shall be reviewed every five years. Some categories of buildings may be exempted from the requirements. These include: Protected buildings and monuments Buildings used as places of worship Temporary buildings Residential buildings intended to be used for less than 4 months of the year Stand alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m 2.4.4.3 Setting of energy performance requirements for new buildings Each member state will set minimum energy performance requirements for new buildings. For large new buildings with a floor area of over 1000m member states should consider alternative energy systems before construction starts. These include: Decentralised energy supply systems based on renewable energy CHP (combined heat and power) District or block heating or cooling, if available Heat pumps, under certain conditions The consideration of the alternative energy systems should take technical, environmental and economic feasibility into account. 2.4.4.4 Setting of energy performance requirements for existing buildings Each member state will ensure that when buildings over 1000m undergo major renovation that their energy performance is upgraded to meet minimum requirements. The minimum standards may be applied to the whole building or limited to the renovated part. 2.4.4.5 Energy performance certificate Each member state must ensure that when a building is constructed that an energy performance certificate is made available to the owner. When a building is sold or rented out an energy performance certificate must be made available to the prospective buyer or tenant. The certificate is valid for 10 years. For buildings over 1000m occupied by public authorities, an energy certificate must be placed in a prominent place clearly visible to the public. 2.4.4.6 Independent experts Member States shall ensure that the certificate of buildings, the drafting of the accompanying recommendations and the inspection of boilers and air-conditioning systems are carried out in an independent manner by qualified or accredited experts, whether operating as sole traders or employed by public or private enterprise bodies. (EPBD, 2002) Implementing EPBD in Ireland 2.5.1Building Control Act 2007 The Building Control Act provides for the legal transposition of the EUs Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) into Irish law. This will lead to energy efficiency becoming an important aspect of design concern for all buildings, both residential and non-residential. It is essential that the general public and companies involved in the industry understand the impact of the directive on residential and commercial property in Ireland. The Act requires that there will have to be mandatory building energy rating (BER) certificates for some buildings. This means that when a building is constructed, sold or rented out, the owner must provide a BER certificate to the prospective buyer or tenant. The BER will be accompanied by an advisory report setting out recommendations for cost-effective improvements to the energy performance of the building. This is further explained in chapter 3. The successful implementation of the directive will require that systems are in place to guarantee the day-to-day delivery of assessment and inspection services by qualified people in a way that is consistent, practical and cost efficient, and with acceptable response times that maintain levels of service in the construction and property markets. (www.lkshields.ie/htmdocs/publications/newsletters) www.sei.ie www.epbd.ie https://www.euroace.org/reports/CIBSE_EUBD.pdf Casal, X.G. (2006), Analysis of building energy regulation and certification in Europe: their role, limitations and differences, Energy and Buildings, Vol. 38 No.5, pp.381-92 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2002

High Correlation Between Aggression And Violence - 1376 Words

Studies square measure proving that violence in {early kidhood|infancy|babyhood|time of life} doesn t stop or maybe decrease because the child grows and matures. several oldsters believe aggressive behavior in early to mid-childhood is simply a part or it ll decrease because the kid matures, however this can be not the case. Longitudinal studies show that there s a high correlation between aggression and violence in early and middle childhood with violence in adolescence and into adulthood (Astor, 1995). Aggression is stable throughout a child’s development, very similar to the steadiness of IQ measures throughout a person’s development (Astor, 1995). Aggression in grammar school students is measured essentially by the amount of aggressive acts that the kid has performed and therefore the frequency of the acts, peer ratings (by asking students WHO they suppose is that the most aggressive student out of their category, second-most aggressive, etc.), and by asking academi cs to rate the child’s behavior against different youngsters constant age (Astor, 1995). Aggression has additionally been shown to be manifested otherwise in youngsters of various ages. as an example, in elementary school-age youngsters, violence is especially manifested in pushing, hitting, and gentle to extreme bullying. because the kid ages, their violence usually becomes additional physical and additional extreme (Astor, 1995). samples of additional extreme violent behavior embody assault, arson, andShow MoreRelatedLiterature Review On Media Violence1461 Words   |  6 Pagesacross research suggest exposure to media violence positively correlates with subsequent violent behaviour In this era of internet connectivity, access to an array of violent media stimuli is readily available. Scientific exploration of the effects of such exposure on real world violent behaviour carries potential ramifications for the safety of global communities. 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The Classless America Essay Example For Students

The Classless America Essay The myth of a classless American society coupled with social stratification impedes race relations in the U.S. far more than any racial differences. The never ending struggle of the have-nots to become one of the haves produces a frustration and feeling of oppression that acts as a catalyst for spawning racial tensions. Minorities see the majority of wealth in the hands of the white population and feel that the wealth is unevenly distributed. Whites hear of government programs for minorities and feel as if they are lazy or just looking for a handout. This occurs and stereotypes are formed. Combine all of this with the United States system of dual welfareand the perfect environment for racial strife is created. In our classlesssociety of false hope the working class and poor are continually seeking opportunities to excel that just arent there. They have been led to believe that intelligence and ambition are key contributors to ones success. This belief lays blame on the unsuccessful themselves, even if they do possess ambition and intelligence. These people are in a never ending cycle of struggle, followed by minimal rewards, which eventually produces a frustration that sometimes leads to desperate measures. Cornell West expands on this with the following statement : . . . homicidal assaults by young black men on one another are only the most obvious signs of this empty quest for pleasure, property, and power (Race and Racism p.123). This statement shows the extremes one will go to in his empty quest for a better life. This is not only happening to blacks by blacks. It is happening to all races by all races. People hear of events like these and categorize them as a racial crime or a raciall y motivated crime just because the victims may be of a different race. As Wests statement demonstrates the killings occur as a means to an end, the end being a better life. In our ever diversifying melting pot of a country, same race victim and criminal crimes are becoming less and less statistically likely anyway. Events such as these dont occur because of race. They occur because of the frustration and desperation bred by the false hope that hard work and determination leads to success. It is no mystery that most of the wealthy people in America are white. West again points out (Race and Racism p.124) that 86% of the wealth in the United States is owned by only 10% of the population. In this 10% the number of minorities is minute. The wealth owned by this few is there because they have kept it in their families throughout the generations. These are the same super-rich bloodlines as that of 150 years ago. These families were rich when no minorities (and hardly any whites for that matter) were. Almost everyone was working class or poor besides them. Minorities are aware of this uneven wealth distribution and this leads to resentment. Our government tries to compensate for this through special programs for minorities. When this occurs whatever groups are not receiving compensation see the other as lazy or as taking a handout. In turn this leads to resentment. Different groups begin stereotyping each other due to the resentment which evolved through unequal wealth distr ibution, which itself is a product of our classless system. So in turn stereotypes that Mexicans are lazy, African Americans steal, Whites cannot dance and White men have small penises, Jews are ultra- thrifty, Lesbians are men haters, Gay men all like antiques, and Asians are shrewd at business and all stick together, are in all probability (definitely) unfounded. .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff , .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff .postImageUrl , .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff , .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff:hover , .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff:visited , .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff:active { border:0!important; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff:active , .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u8695a6a4668d7b21b271cf9a24ed29ff:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: A Comparison Between ?Traveling through the dark? EssayDespite the fact that these stereotypes are unfounded, much of the resentment may not be. Here in the United States as much, if not more, money is spent on programs for the rich as is spent on programs for the poor. Donna Langston points this out with the following statement: We have a dual welfare system in this country whereby welfare for the rich in the form of tax- free capital gain, guaranteed loans, oil depletion allowances, etc., is not regarded as welfare (Race And Racism p.129). Here Langston compares the welfare of the poor (food stamps, w.i.c., medicaid, etc.) with the welfare of the rich (tax-free capital g ain, guaranteed loans, etc.). These few examples of welfare for the rich are just the tip of the iceberg. Before you come to any premature conclusions consider the following. The majority of corporations in the United States are owned by Whites. Each year these White owned corporations get $125 billion dollars in the from of corporate welfare. This is money that could be used on the less fortunate, who are mainly minorities, but instead it is funneled into primarily White owned corporations. People hear of this and once again assume that this is based on race, thereby making it a racial issue. Its not, it is a class issue. Billions and billions of dollars are spent each year on national defense for the United States. Who really benefits from this the most, the wealthy or the poor? Of course everyone benefits somewhat, but the rich benefit considerably more. If the United States was invaded and taken over by another country the decrease in the quality of living for the rich would be far greater than that of the poor. In all actuality the lifestyle change of the poor would probably be somewhat minimal. Consider the millions and millions of dollars that are spent each year on the United States Coast Guard (which is under the D.O.T.s budget, and not the national defense budget) and the waterways that it protects. How often is it that you see a yacht traveling on the U.S. waterways filled with poor people or minorities? How many poor people even own a boat? These waterways are mainly used by the United States White upperclass. And what about the tax dollars spent on police and fire protection? Of course these are necessities, but who benefits more? The rich have more material possessions that can be stolen or destroyed. And last but not least is our countries system of social security. Every race in the country pays the same percent of social security at about six percent. The only people exempt from this standard six percent is the green minority. Once a person reaches the income level of $60,000 or more they top out, thats as high as one can go. The higher the income above $60,000, the lower the percentage they pay. If someone makes 50 billion dollars a year they pay the same amount as someone making $60,000 a year, or roughly about $3,600. So theoretically, if you were to take a husband and wife that each make $30,000 a year, the combined amount that they pay in is equal to the amount that Bill Gates pays in. Theres something about this whole system that just doesnt seem proportionately correct. It seems like the percentage sacrificed should be the same across the board. All the examples I have given may seem like this paper is about the wealthy and the poor, and not about racial differences in the United States. If it does there is a reason for that. The upper class or super rich, whichever you want to call them, receive more benefits than the poor. The upper class is mainly white and the poor and working class are a mixture of all races. This gives the appearance that assistance is based on race, when its not. It is based on class. People see these events and make generalizations and this in turn leads to raci al tension. If steps are taken to make classless America a reality, then these racial tensions would ease. Unit 1 : Interlocking Axes of OppressionLangston, Donna. Class and Inequality. Race , Class, and Gender . 20 January 2000. .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba , .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba .postImageUrl , .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba , .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba:hover , .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba:visited , .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba:active { border:0!important; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba:active , .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3a2b0f42f8881386a1ce0578e2c428ba:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Essay About AbortionBelmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company 1998. West, Cornell. Race and Racism. Race, Class, And Gender . !9 January 2000. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company 1998. Bibliography:

The Wanderer and the Seafarer free essay sample

The Seafarer, and the Wanderer accurately reflect the values and ideals of Anglo-Saxon society by illustrating what happens when the chain of loyalty is broken, when a society is without a lord, and the conflict of Christianity and paganism. Out of the four values most important to the Anglo-Saxons, loyalty was the most important; when men are no longer loyal to their lord their society collapses. Loyalty formed the backbone of Anglo-Saxon society and was the only way in which law and order could be maintained and people protected. Loyalty was also the only way through which men acquired wealth and fame. When a mans oath of loyalty is broken, it is a betrayal to the highest value of the society. This is clearly illustrated in Beowulf. When Beowulf goes to fight the Dragon none of his chosen warriors will help him, except Wiglaf, A beaten warrior. None of his comrades Came to him, helped him, his brave and noble followers; they ran for their lives, fled Deep in a wood (746-749). We will write a custom essay sample on The Wanderer and the Seafarer or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This contrasts starkly to the beginning of the epic where Beowulfs followers and eager to help him fight Grendel. The mens gradual loss of loyalty signifies their societys impending collapse. After Beowulfs death they bury the dragons great treasure with him. Although the Geats have a brave and noble leader in Wiglaf, he can no longer be confident in his mens loyalty, breaking the backbone of their society. The lord was the most important figure in Anglo-Saxon society. The lord gave rings, laws, and protection to his people. When a society is without its lord, nothing good is possible. As seen in the Seafarer and the Wanderer, when a man loses his lord he wanders around helplessly, doomed to a life of weary exile. The Wanderer sails looking for a new gold lord but, When friends are no more, his fortune is exile. 27). The Seafarer is in self exile to the seas as, The days are gone when the kingdoms of earth flourish in Glory: Now there are no rulers, no emperors, No givers as gold as once there were. (81-83). There are differences between the lives of the Seafarer and the Wanderer. The Wanderer seeks a new gold lord while the Seafarer chooses the harsh life of the sea over living in a land where society where, Those powers have vanished, those pleasures are dead. The weakest survives and the world continues. Kept spinning by its toil. All glory is tarnished. The worlds honor ages and shrinks. (86-89). The Wanderers weary search for a new lord reflects what happens to society as a whole when their lord dies. They are lost and troubled without a leader and his presence is fundamental to Anglo-Saxon society, without him they would be doomed to the life of the Wanderer. The constant conflict between the Pagan religions and Christianity is revealed throughout early Anglo-Saxon literature. In the Anglo-Saxon era, the only centers of the written word were the monasteries, thus the objectivity regarding religious matters was often tilted in Christianitys favor when Beowulf, the Seafarer, and the Wanderer were recorded. However, the underlying themes of Christianity against paganism can be seen in Beowulf. When the monster Grendel continues to attack and destroy Herot, there is one thing he cannot touch, Hrothgars throne which is protected by God. However, in their desperation Hrothgars men, sometimes they sacrificed to the old stone Gods, Made Heathen vows, hoping for Hells support, the Devils guidance in driving their affliction off. That was their way and the Heathens only hope. (90-94). This comparison of the Pagan religion to asking for Hells support suggests that Grendel was sent by God to punish the Danes for their heathenism. The Seafarer is a poem in which the objectivity has again been tilted in Christianitys favor by the monks of Anglo-Saxon England. Although the heart of the poem contains no references at all to God, the introduction and conclusion to the Poem contains hopeful images of God helping the wander as it says, Oft to the Wanderer, weary of exile, Cometh Gods pity, compassionate love(1-2). This hopeful, lighter mood contrasts starkly to the elegiac mood of the rest of the poem. This clearly shows some monks addition to the poem. The Seafarer is a much more about Christianity than the first two, and it mentions God several times throughout the poem, this most likely signifies it was written later than Beowulf or the Wanderer and symbolizes Christianitys eventual defeat of paganism in Anglo-Saxon England. Anglo-Saxon society was built upon the values of loyalty, led by their lords, and conflicted in religion. Loyalty was the single most important aspect of Anglo-Saxon society and the breakdown in mens loyalty would inevitably lead to the collapse of their society. The lord was the absolute leader of any Anglo-Saxon society, he gave law and order, rings, and protection to his followers, when he died a new leader must be found or society will break down, like the society of the Wanderer. The Anglo-Saxons were a pagan people and the conflict between their paganism and Christianity is an underlying theme in Beowulf and the Wanderer and reflects the religious turmoil of their society. Through the illustration of these values and conflicts Beowulf, the Wander, and the Seafarer accurately reflect Anglo-Saxon society