S5W4DQs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

S5W4DQs - Assignment Example These proceedings were instituted in a way that allowed the rapid use of Germany’s industrial potential to stimulate Western Europe economic recovery and growth in the years between 1945 and 1957. The punitive measures went hand in hand with reconciliatory measures in order to avoid resistance in the future. The United States provided Western Europe the necessary resources for economic reconstruction under the aid plan known as the Marshall plan (Dobbins et al, 2003). This was done in exchange for cooperation. Additionally, the United States maintained their military presence in Germany and other occupied Western Europe Countries to prevent the resurfacing of German power and also prevent Soviet expansion. In a nutshell, there was a mix between military weapons and economic weapons (Lecture notes, 2007). The Marshall plan led to transformation of the perception the German’s had towards the United States as colonialist occupants to perceiving them as economic partners. Western Europe recorded the highest growth in economy during the first quarter of the century after 1948. This rapid progress was branded as loirtschaftwundery (economic miracle) in Germany. The economic growth led to reduction of communist influence in Germany (Kunz, 1997; Reynolds 2004). Financial recovery spurred political stability in the region because financial assistance and the consequent economic growth led to cooperation among the citizens of Germany. The military security also followed as the Americans empowered the Europeans to contribute to their own defense. The Marshall plan was adopted as an Economic Recovery Program (ERP) in Western Europe and particularly Germany. This has become a model for future reconstruction programs. There are several aspects in the program that are applicable in the 21st century. The Marshall plan provided financial aid to spur economic growth in Western Europe, the result of this led the Western Europe to Shift their

Free

Free trade Blessing in Disguise Essay Antagonists of government intervention envisage a liberalized or free trading arena. While international trade has been present throughout much of history , its economic, social, and political importance has only recently become apparent. Walter Block sees free trade as the only philosophy compatible with international peace and prosperity. Free trade involves the eradication of current trade barriers so as to encourage countries to specialize in production. Society thrives on trade simply because trade makes specialization possible. (Blinder p. 1). The basis of the free trade argument is an economic theory known as comparative advantage and was devised by David Ricardo in the late 19th Century. The Ricardian model is perhaps the most important concept in international trade theory. In a Ricardian model, countries specialise in producing what they produce best. Unlike other models, the Ricardian framework predicts that countries will specialise solely instead of producing a broad array of goods. Ricardo argues that trade will not affect . Take for example the situation of the Lawyer and the secretary. Some lawyers are better typists than their secretaries. Should such a lawyer therefore fire his secretary on these grounds, and do his own typing? Not likely. Though the lawyer may be better at both typing and presenting cases, he will fare better if concentrating his energies on arguing cases and leaving the typing for his secretary. Specialization not only aids in making the economy more efficient, it also leaves the lawyer and secretary with productive work to do. Nations act in much the same way. Countries are said to hone their skills on a particular good or service and trade with others that have done the same. Through peoples desire to acquire new skills and knowledge, coupled with the yearning for a greater range of products growing, the call for countries to abandon protectionist policies is imminent. Conclusion In conclusion protectionist policies should be abandoned in order to make way for the freer flow of goods. As discussed protectionist policies are detrimental to the overall economic success of a nation. Through such policies as subsidies, producers are less likely to better their products due to the absence of international competition. The implementation of freer trade promotes specialization of production and aids in consumers receiving better quality goods at a reduced price. In order for greater consumer choice and freedom protectionist policies should be re-evaluated. Reference List Blinder, A 1992, Free Trade, Liberty Fund Inc, Princeton, USA Bigelow, B Peterson, B (ed.) 2002, Rethinking Globalization: Teaching For Justice In An Unjust World, Rethinking Schools Press, Wisconsin, USA. Dunning, H 1993, The Globalization of Business, Routledge, London Dunning, H 2000, Regions, Globalization and the Knowledge-Based Economy, Oxford, New York Economic Planning Advisory Council 1994, Regional Trading Agreements, Australia, August 1994, background paper no. 40, Canberra. Hill, Charles W.L. 2006, Global Business Today, Mcgraw-Hill Irwin, New York. International Monetary Fund 1988, Issues and Developments in International Trade Policy, December 1988, Occasional Paper no. 63, Washington.

Examining the different disciplines of forensic science

Examining the different disciplines of forensic science Forensic science provides a form of applied science contextualised with the law, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦inextricably in the service of the public.1 However, increasing publicity through visual media that glorifies and deceptively portrays the field as fool-proof, is having negative impacts in courts worldwide. These impacts are largely due to incorrect protocol and overstating of results beyond what the jury can comprehend. Mystery and awe has surrounded forensic science, captivating audiences with programmes such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The series of forensic-related footage has enabled the field to become known widely, however understanding the complexities is being shown to be a serious constraint. The advantages have seen the industry receive large grants and funding in some areas, however the majority of juries misinterpret the strength of evidence, easily overestimating the weight it offers the court. This is significant as the jury is typically made up of everyday people, r ather than scientists. Therefore, further transparency is needed for the jury to interpret the weight to apply to various types of evidence. It is apparent that the multidisciplinary science of forensics is lacks the appropriate strength to govern the entire framework under a common model; forensic science. Whilst there have been huge amounts of research into the chemical , biological and physical sciences, many of the evidences, such as tool mark and fingerprint evidence, that are relied on to provide individualisation and uniqueness lack adequate funding and research to develop their validity, reliability and statistical significance. It is a flaw in the system that we are required to comprise the entire variety of disciplines that interpret forensic evidence under one umbrella-like concept. Encompassing the forensic disciplines under the one term is the result of rapid expansion in the field. It is appropriate to appreciate that some fields, particularly areas of DNA research, have received significant attention, where others have been neglected. Perhaps forensic science and its community are at a stage where disciplines can be distributed between what is forensic evidence and what is forensic intelligence. Or perhaps it is more suitable to divide on the basis of scientific / analytical based or expert interpreted. Forensic science as a whole needs to be thoroughly evaluated to determine an effective distinction for the legal system it is meant to benefit, where the absolute science can be provided solely on the condition that there is reliability, validity, and known uncertainties, while the interpretational evidence that cannot be substantiated with statistics and databases, yet can potentially be validated with further research to assist individual experience of so-c alled forensic experts. The National Research Council of the National Academies has identified in the United States the significance of the overestimation and misinterpretation regarding the forensic evidence that is being produced for the courts.2 Their report dissects the major disciplines, establishing recommendations for strengthening forensic science, including but not limited to establishing stringent protocols, better definition of expert witness phrases and implement and enforce better practices and standards for forensic science professionals and laboratories.2 This report will not examine in detail each discipline of forensic science. However, it is the poor attempt of classification of all forensic practices into the one structure of forensic science that will be the focus. Forensics and the CSI effect Forensic science evolved from the need to prosecute criminals more effectively. Criminal activity occurs in many facets, and can occur at any time.3 Illegal activity can also be promoted by drugs which is both dangerous for the criminal and people around them.3 Crime scenes, whether physical harm have occurred, or just simply theft, are usually rich in biological and physical information which, if interpreted correctly, can allude to the events that occurred.3 The processes and people whom this information was handled between, from the collection to analysis, to the use in court as evidence, is known as the chain of custody. If this chain of custody is not maintained with the highest integrity, the information gathered has no use in court. Often carelessness and poor decisions from handlers lead to potential evidence being reprimanded. Each time forensics fails in court, it adds to the pressure of sceptics who criticise the entire field because of the encompassing of all forensic sci ences under one domain. It is the Hollywood glamour that has given television programmes associated with forensic science an established excitement among viewers for their 60 minute showcases. The episodes make forensic science appear deceptively simple which invites illusionary expectations of analysis and value at trial. The CSI effect does not replicate the true intricacies of real forensics. Whilst the digitised world is a real thing, it is greatly overstated the power and graphical interfaces of the computer systems used, tapping into databases that are only dreamt about by certified forensic experts. It is then a false assumption that everyday forensic analysts are assisted with these capabilities. It is examples in these shows such as fingerprint comparisons that search through computer databases in minutes, and DNA samples that are analysed for STRs and specific loci by the time they arrive back from the crime scene. In reality, DNA analyses are backlogged in many cases because of the time it takes to analyse. In reality, simple PCR amplification can take the time that one episode of CSI establishes, develops and solves an entire case. The effect broadcasting has had in portraying the dramatic evolution of criminal cases also has confused the role individual forensic experts have, that is, to assist law enforcement in establishing a case, and then to assist the court to understand and interpret the evidence and their findings. The CSI effect has led people to believe they also take on the role police investigators, and even lawyers and counsellors in some instances. This CSI effect has extended into the court room where the jury are potentially faced with this expectation that the evidence that is going to be explained is decisive. Unless the expert makes it absolutely clear with the significance of the evidence, the jury can add substantial weight to the case, on some occasions be the fundamental basis of their decision. It is up to the defence to cross-examine expert witnesses and source potential mishandling that can question the evidence. Once questioned, the integrity of the case is in jeopardy due to misconduct. Many wrong convictions have been made on evidence that has been incorrectly examined and weighted. Every time forensic science fails in court, the pressure is placed back on the entire field to argue the truth behind the science. The problem extends not only from poor expert witness testimony skills, but an inadequate framework with which the system is explained. Strength of Forensic Science Encompassing the many disciplines that currently make up the forensics framework within one title lacks the fundamental strength that is needed to maintain the integrity of applied science for the benefit of the public. A model should essentially provide the basic theory for all disciplines it governs. This is not the case as we begin to dissect this concept. The first basis of which the current framework of forensic science does not adequately distinguish between the disciplines is the misperception of differing areas of science, being pure and applied. Science can be described as a body of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truthsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦concerned with the physical world and its phenonomen.4 With this understanding, it is clear that when combined with the context of forensics, the overall concept of science should be contextualised with the legal system.1 The variety of natural sciences, such as chemistry, biology, and physics have be around for decades and their theories, methods and techniques have been strongly developed. It is the disciplines that have evolved out of necessity for law enforcements requirement for further evidence, such as fingerprinting, tool mark impression and document examination, which do not have the established literature and research.8 James and Nordby (2003) consider th is, pointing out that natural sciences are based on theory and are controlled and certain, whilst forensic sciences are practical, applied, uncertain, and compromised. This view does not consider the human interface that science is controlled by, and that the flaws of science are generally the flaws in the procedure and protocol used. Whilst in many cases what James and Nordby (2003) observe is true, it is the professionalism that accompanies the process which determines whether the integrity is maintained. James and Nordby (2003) contradict themselves to agree with the above, noting that Good science, and good forensic science, produces reasoned opinions. This truth of this statement is derived from the procedures used by individual scientists to derive their opinions. The quality of the scientists analysis ensures the validity of their opinion, accounting for both natural and forensic sciences. A second delusion of the current framework has caused non-scientific evidence being cunningly used as trickery in the courtroom. It is dangerous that the courts, since admitting evidences such as CCTV footage, are leaving the defence to discredit the opinion evidence that has blatantly no scientific theory behind it. This report will not be used to argue the reasons other than that disciplines such as document examination, fingerprinting, profiling, and facial mapping are significant forensic intelligence for law enforcement, and are often used to establish a list of suspects. However their use is currently limited by the research and funding that has gone into their development, and until analytical and statistical significance is analysed for each discipline, they should be not collectively assigned within a broad forensic science framework. When evidence is presented in the courts, it is often seen that the applied sciences come undone from both the lack of foundation of the disci plines, and poor forensic expert testimony. Starrs (2003) is mindful of the relationship between lawyers and forensic practitioners, conscious that forensic scientists often struggle with the legality of the courts.11 To contrast this, lawyers are identified to narrow-mindedly focus on discrediting scientific opinion, due to their insufficient knowledge of science.11 Starrs (2003) comments that the contrasted view of science and the law requires experts reconciliation so that they can work in both amicably and advantageously. An example of the injustice that expert witness testimony is causing is demonstrated in the Atkins v The Queen trial. The facial mapping discipline is not a direct science. It has developed out of the need for visual identification from video and photographic evidence. However, because judges, jurors interpret faces of known and unknown people every day, there is a misconception that the area of expertise is more simple than uncommon knowledge, such as DNA analysis.5 Potential prejudice and miscarriages of impartiality due to underestimating the difficultly in establishing identification by facial mapping is now commonly evident in courtrooms due to the increasing footage of CCTV and other photographic material that is being submitted as evidence.5 In the example Atkins v The Queen trial, the expert witness that testifies only similarities between the exemplar and the captured footage of Dean Atkins failed to inform the discrepancies into their testimony.5 It is believed that the jurors understood the expert opinion as a positive identification. It is a known fallacy that jurors cannot weight appropriately the evidence that is given to them, and therefore it should be made clear what basis the opinion of the evidence is made. Also, there are ways to mislead the jury into thinking that there is science involved. Establishing scientific-like terms such as the Bromby scale, in the Atkins v The Queen case, should not be used as forensic evidence in the court room as the courts are not the place for experts to sit and testify indecisive opinions. The use of expert opinion established on experience rather than the science needs to be frowned upon, and should begin to discredit users from being professionals. An alternate example is the Brandon Mayfield case. Mayfield was arrested in March 2004 as a material witness in an investigation into the terrorist attack in Madrid, Spain, on commuter trains. It was found by the FBI using IAFIS that it was Mayfields fingerprints that were left on the bag of detonators. However, the Spanish National Police later informed the FBI that the fingerprints were in fact from an Algerian national as the source. The misidentification from the Brandon Mayfield case was due to many factors such as bias, prejudice, human error and insufficient methodology .6 While the automated approach to fingerprint analysis is mostly sufficient in establishing a collection of suspect fingerprints that have similar markers, it still requires human interpretation to establish which fingerprint has all the same individual characteristics as the sample print. For this reason, it is essential that if such evidence was to be admitted to court, the jury is aware of this, and other, types of error, and that the expert evidence should be used to aid other evidence. While fingerprint evidence does have noteworthy research it should still be considered by juries carefully. The technique relies of observation of markers from experts rather than analytical techniques that can be verified and thus, should be considered under an alternate framework. Fingerprint analysis is a discipline that has received more attention than facial recognition and many others, however, it is essential that a strategy is implemented to amend the framework strength that forensic science is lacking. At third concept that prompts further debate is the misuse of the term science in forensic science. It is observed that society perceives that science provides à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦hard facts, definite conclusions, and uncompromised objectivityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ in every case.9 Due to the rapid expansion of forensic science, the definition has not adopted its use today, where research provides methodology. Then it is perceivable that forensic science is the use of these methodologies in the search for facts, although the result may not always provide the statistical significance. This is reported by Starrs (2003) to be the key issue with forensic science. Starrs (2003) observed the public portrayal of forensic science needs to capture à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦a more realistic scientific levelà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ so that juries wont measure up expert witnesses and their testimony based on expectations far beyond the scope of the forensic framework.11 It may be that forensic experts are struggling to keep pac e with the growth of forensics and public misunderstanding, and are expressing opinions that are greater than the significance of their results.11 As Inman and Rudin (2001) explained, in many cases science becomes a misused term, employed to gain credibility and legitimacy in society.9 It is important for the future of forensic science that the understanding of the science body is clarified, being that science provides process rather than truth.9 Clarification can be assisted by the observation of the continual evolution of science, where at any point of time a discovery enhances the knowledge we have, and refutes (or refines) what was once known to be true.9 Potential frameworks A framework is an à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦underlying set of ideasà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦that provide the basis or outline for something intended to be further developed at a later stage.7 To encompass all forensic disciplines, developed and undeveloped, under the one forensic science framework is misleading, particularly when justifying evidence in court. It has been discussed through auditing the strength of forensic science by the National Academy of Sciences, many forensic science methods have been developed due to the evidence that has been able to be collected from the crime scene.8 Whilst it is known that many disciplines, such as serology, forensic pathology, toxicology, fingerprint analysis, and chemical analysis have a solid backbone regarding their theories and methodologies, there are many facets that are not as well developed.8 These include pattern / impression analysis, firearms analysis, hair and fibre analysis, handwriting and document analysis, explosive and fire debris analysis, for ensic odontology, blood spatter pattern analysis, paints and coatings analysis and many more.8 Inman and Rudin (2001) agree with this concept, in that The realm of science can be divided into pureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦and applied science.9 Their approach highlights the need for science disciplines to be distinguished. However there are potentially many errors is segregating on the basis of pure and applied sciences. For example, analysis of forensic analysis of crime scene evidence relies on the foundation on the pure or natural sciences. Therefore, at what point does an applied science be sufficient to be classed as a natural or pure science? Potentially, there are a number of possibilities that could divide disciplines adequately for the use of expert evidence weight in courts. Some of these include: Forensic evidence vs. forensic intelligence Analytical vs. interpretational Scientific vs. intuitive Objective vs. subjective In a forensic context, forensic evidence and forensic intelligence seem the obvious option. However, exploring into how each are defined establishes that much forensic evidence assists also as forensic intelligence and vice versa. More appropriately, objective and subjective establish the specificity required for absolute classifications. Forensic evidence with a scientific approach could be defined as the objective analysis while forensic evidence with an interpretational approach could be defined as the subjective analysis. Correlating this idea, Inman and Rudin (2001) suggested that objectivity of science is always being sought after, realistically, we must understand that human interpretation of evidence, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦regardless of whether the items of interest are two fingerprints or two spectraà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, places subjectivity into the equation.9 Whilst this is true in this day and age, the reality is that technology is developing exponentially to the point where automated systems will replace much of the bias that evidence is faced with. A framework that adheres to this objective and subjective system would be able to provide evidence weighting guidelines for the significance between these two types of forensic analysis. Potentially, jurors could then differentiate forensic evidence based on this system and already for-see pragmatic value for a fair trial. It must also be recognised here, that due to method and protocol refinement from continuous scientific research, it is important for regular auditing of each discipline to establish the type of analysis that fits best for the time. By having an appropriate framework employed, CCTV footage and other photographic medium that is being used as evidence, would shift the onus back upon the Crown to demonstrate evidential value. The Crown would then be required to demonstrate the convicting expert opinion has à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦probative valueà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ by exposing its reliability and validity.5

Urging the Acceptance of Plus Size Fashion Essay -- Health Weight Body

Throughout the centuries, history finds women doing whatever they can to fit into the current cookie cutter mold of popular, accepted society. From the whale bone corsets of the late 1800s to the psychedelic style of hippies in the 1960s and 1970s, one major trend that followed these fashions through the ages is weight. For the past fifty years or so, since the dawn of models like Twiggy and Verushka von Lehndorff, the world turned away from the â€Å"plus size† and opened its arms only to the phenomenon of thin. But what did society think of plus sized fashion in a time when thin was unaccepted? A web article from articalesbase.com sheds some light on the subject: â€Å"In the past, a big beautiful body was associated with health and wealth. As a matter of fact, up until the 1960’s, BBW and plus size women were lauded for their beautiful physiques. The plus size woman appeared in almost all of the fashion photographs, films, and paintings of the 1920’s-1950’s† (Brown). According to dictionary.com, plus size means â€Å"an extra-large size category of clothing, esp. for women.† (plus). However, recent years have shown a push towards plus size, and even â€Å"real† size fashion. This can especially be seen in the banning of very skinny models from Madrid Fashion shows, and the more liberal Full Figured Fashion Week. While the acceptance of plus size fashion continues to increase, it still does not completely conform to the wants and needs of its wearers. Full figured, curvy, big-boned - any woman who describes herself with these terms automatically finds her self categorized into the â€Å"plus size† by retailers and manufacturers. Today, plus size generally encompasses sizes 14W to 30W, however some retailers consider sizes as low as a... ...odel-ordinary-women-No-Miss-England-finalist-fat-lazy-poster-girl-ill-health.html>. Lacey, LB. "What Size Is the "Average" Woman?" Full & Fabulous Inc. - A State of Mind, Not a Dress Size! Web. 28 Nov. 2010. articles_view.asp?articleid=17064>. Morton, Camilla. "Show Report - John Galliano Spring/Summer 2006." Www.vogue.co.uk. Vogue Magazine, 8 Oct. 2005. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/id,2862#. The Phit. Digital image. Missphit.com. Missphit. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. "plus size." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 26 Nov. 2010. . Postrel, Virginia. "The Real Reason That Ann Taylor Hates Plus Sizes." Blog | Double X. 9 June 2009. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. http://www.doublex.com/section/life/real-reason-ann-taylor-hates-plus-sizes?page=4,0.

Growing Up In A Single-Parent Family Essay -- Single Parent Family Pap

Growing Up In A Single-Parent Family With the divorce rate as high as it is, more and more children are growing up in single-parent families. Ideally, it is better for children to live with their mom and dad happily married; however, children who grow up in single-parent households can still be well- adjusted children, teenagers, and adults. Although there are always exceptions to every rule, for the most part, children who grow up in single-parent working households are more mature, realistic and independent. First, in a single-parent working family, children tend to be more mature. The children are more mature because they often have to be responsible for themselves. For example, if their mom or dad has to work late, or if they work evenings, the children are in control of when to do their homework or even in some cases when to go to bed. Also, children in this environment or situation sometimes have to be responsible for taking care of their brother, sister or other close relatives. For example, they have to be re...

Pleasantville Essay

David and Jennifer lead different high school social lives. Jennifer is shallow and extroverted. David is introverted and spends most of his time watching televisions. One evening while their mother is away, they fighting over the TV. Jennifer wants to watch a concert but David wants to watch a marathon of the Pleasantville. During the fight, the remote control breaks and TV cannot be turned on manually. When the mysterious TV repairmen show up to quizzes David about the Pleasantville and gives him a strange remote control. David and Jennifer resume fighting right after the repairman leaves, however they are somehow transported into Pleasantville living room. David and Jennifer must pretend they are Bud and Mary Sue, the son and daughter of the show. David tell Jennifer they must stay in character and do not disrupt the lives of the town, who does not know any difference between Bud and Sue to David and Jennifer. David and Jennifer have to fix in the show, but Jennifer doesn’t like lives they has in Pleasantville and David love the roles he play as Bud. Jennifer was a popular girl in high school, and she never focus on school but her boyfriend. David always focus on school and the Pleasantville show. David doesn’t have much reaction to show like Jennifer. David always wanted his life as Pleasantville show. Jennifer went along with her role as Mary Sue but she changes her roles a little. Jennifer changes the Pleasantville by having sex with her boyfriend that made him color. Jennifer didn’t play her role exactly the way she supposed to, but David plays his perfect role as Bud. He went along with the Pleasantville until Jennifer start changing her role as Mary Sue. She shows them how her lives were as Jennifer not Mary Sue. When people starting become color, they freak out; they didn’t know what was happening to them. Jennifer and David started showing the Pleasantville village people about their lives outside of Pleasantville, about how they are color and things they have outside of village. The end of Pleasantville, people reaction became angry about people and village changes. David started changing people feeling in the court, David show them about how emotion feel and once emotional get in them, they start changing color and feeling reaction toward to others. David and Jennifer reaction has changes a little from beginning of the movie. David wanted play his roles as Bud, until he found out about the changes with his mother and his boss. David helps his family by showing everybody about the emotion and their lives outside of Pleasantville. David didn’t want his live as Bud, he miss his lives at home with his mother. Jennifer reaction has change a little, she didn’t play her role as Mary Sue. She hasn’t changed her lives outside of Pleasantville to inside of the village. Jennifer realizes that she like her life as Mary Sue and Pleasantville has changed her to become better person. End of the Pleasantville David went home while Jennifer stay in the village to enjoy her life.

Madness of Lear & Edgar

Madness is considered to be the root of all endings. In addition, the overall mental and physical state of madness is seen as shameful to many people, as well as disrespectful to oneself and others. With that being said, the motif of madness one thing that no man wants to experience. But in Shakespeare’s King Lear, madness appears in various forms and functions as the central theme, and leads many of the characters, including Lear himself, to their demise. In the beginning of the play, Lear is characterized as a very prideful individual, who is obsessed with power and self-love.But as the plot of the play progresses, numerous situations arise and Lear endures a rollercoaster of emotions, which ultimately shape him into a different person. Lear’s overall changes throughout the play all have something in common: a decrease in power and an increase in grief and sympathy. Each obstacle that Lear goes through pushes his pride more and more towards self-pity and sadness, whic h are emotions that a King of his stature is not used to having to deal with.Through his perspective at this point, he fears that he is going mad, and Lear is so obsessed with control that the thought of losing it all makes him believe that he is losing his sanity as well. However, after he constantly gets pushed to experience self-evaluation with each situation. Lear undergoes a rebirth, even though it is too late for the King at this stage of the play. Another character in King Lear, Edgar, also endures the play’s central theme of madness, but in a different way.Edgar feigns his insanity to stay alive, by disguising himself as the beggar â€Å"Poor Tom†, in order for his father, Gloucester, to accept him after Edmund, Gloucester’s illegitimate son, tricks their father into thinking that Edgar is a madman and wants to murder his father. Edgar fames madness throughout the play and disguises himself as the madman that Edmund has betrayed him to be, since at the t ime the insane were virtually invisible to society. Ironically, Edgar’s time as a supposedly insane beggar prepares him to defeat Edmund at the close of the play.Shakespeare uses both of these characters to mirror and contrast one another’s states to madness and to illustrate the play’s deeper meanings. While Edgar pretends to be mad, Lear is actually mad. Edgar stimulates insanity and foreshadows Lear’s madness, as it grows stronger throughout the play. The two end up joining, and it ultimately provides Lear with important wisdom by reducing him to his bare humanity, stripped of all royal pretentions. However, the real madness ofLear and the assumed madness of Edgar both play against one another to make out of the chaos a harmony in the kingdom through self-revelation, wisdom, and humility. Eventually, the madness comes to an end. Edgar unveils his disguise of madness and overthrows Edmund, while Lear’s madness leads to his demise. Overall, Shakes peare delves into the issues of age, power, lust, betrayal, and most of all, pure madness. The play shines a light on various faults in humanity, including self-indulgence and the desires to only think about oneself. In the end, greed and egotism can really only result in madness.