Side Effects of Restoril for Insomnia

Side Effects of Restoril for Insomnia Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Side Effects of Restoril for Insomnia By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Updated on January 07, 2020 Ian Spanier / Cultura / Getty Images More in Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Symptoms Diagnosis Restoril (generic name Temazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia, which is when a person has difficulty falling asleep or wakes up frequently throughout the night. Its prescribed only for the short-term therapy of insomnia, meaning approximately 7 to 10 daysâ€"its not a medication a person should be taking every night. Common and Serious Side Effects There are a number of side effects that may occur with Restoril. Common side effects include: Drowsiness and tiredness that may persist into the next dayHeadacheNervousnessDizzinessNauseaFeeling hungover-like the next day Due to the persistent drowsiness that may occur with Restoril, its important that you not drive or engage in any dangerous activity until the tiredness has worn off and you feel fully awake and safe. In addition, a potentially disturbing and serious effect of taking Restoril is that some people participate in activities when they are sleeping or not fully awakeâ€"and they usually do not recall these activities in the morning. Examples include eating, having sex, or even driving. Its really important you notify your doctor if this happens to you or your loved one while taking Restoril. The likelihood of this serious side effect happening is greater if you drink alcohol or take other medications that make you sleepy. So be sure to avoid alcohol when taking Restoril and tell your doctor all the medications you are taking, including herbals, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications.   Other potentially serious side effects that warrant you notifying your doctor right away include: Thinking or behaving differently than normal, like confusion or seeing or hearing things that are not really there (hallucinations)Memory lossAnxietyâ€"some people experience a paradoxical reaction with benzodiazepines, meaning they feel more anxious and agitated instead of feeling more sleepyTrouble breathing, swelling of your tongue, mouth, or lips, and nausea or vomitingâ€"this could signal a severe allergic reaction (seek emergency medical attention in this instance) Its also important to tell your doctor about any other health problems you have besides insomnia, as it may not be safe for you to take Restoril. For instance, if you have a history of drug addiction, Restoril is likely not a good option for your insomnia, as it can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. Discontinuing Restoril Serious withdrawal symptoms can occur if you stop taking Restoril suddenly, like seizures. This is why its important you taper off Restoril gradually under the guidance of your doctor. With that, you still may experience some mild withdrawal symptoms like a depressed mood or problems sleeping. Bottom Line Restoril is a good medication when prescribed for the right person, for short-term use, and when under the guidance of a persons doctor.

Heart of Darkness - 971 Words

1. Does Conrad really otherize, or impose racist ideology upon, the Africans in Heart of Darkness, or does Achebe merely see Conrad from the point of view of an African? Is it merely a matter of view point, or does there exist greater underlying meaning in the definition of racism? br2. How does Achebes personal history and the context in which he wrote An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrads Heart of Darkness reflect the manner in which he views Conrads idea of racism in the novel? br3. Taking into account Achebes assumptions and analysis of racism in Heart of Darkness, how does this change Conrads novel as a literary work, if it does at all? br br brThe literal heart of darkness in Conrads novel Heart of Darkness does†¦show more content†¦Instead, the real question is the dehumanization of Africa and Africans which this age-long attitude has fostered and continues to foster in the world. (12). Questioning whether a novel which celebrates this dehumanization, which depersonalizes a portion of the human race, can be called a great work of art (12), Achebe responds by doubting Conrads talents as a writer. br brAchebe accounts for Conrads racism against black Africans because of his personal history-- there remains still in Conrads attitude a residue of antipathy to black people which his peculiar psychology alone can explain. His own account of his first encounter with a black man is very revealing: brblockquoteA certain enormous buck nigger encountered in Haiti fixed my [Conrads] conception of blind, furious, unreasoning rage, as manifested in the human animal to the end of my days. Of the nigger I used to dream for years afterwards. br brCertainly Conrad had a problem with niggers. (13)/blockquote br brThus, Achebe clearly sees Heart of Darkness as a racist text, one which parades in the most vulgar fashion prejudices and insults from which a section of mankind has suffered untold agonies and atrocities in the past and continues to do so in many ways and many places today. [He is] talking about a story in which the very humanity of black people is called into question (15) However, Achebe partly does save the reputation of Conrad when he concedes that ConradShow MoreRelatedHeart of Darkness1958 Words   |  8 PagesSTUDY GUIDE Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness Each detail to which your attention is drawn by the Study Guide is part of the puzzle of Heart of Darkness. It is important to notice the details, to ponder them, to see how patterns repeat themselves, and to see how the pieces fit together. Marlows journey and your reading about the journey require constant alertness, discipline, patience, and a willingness to look for what is not immediately apparent. Section 1 A. The Thames Setting 1. NoticeRead More The Darkness of Colonialism and Imperialism in Heart of Darkness1235 Words   |  5 PagesThe Light and Dark of Colonialism in Heart of Darkness      Ã‚  Ã‚   In the opening of his novel, Heart of Darkness, Conrad, through Marlow, establishes his thoughts on colonialism. He says that conquerors only use brute force, nothing to boast of because it arises, by accident, from anothers weakness. Marlow compares his subsequent tale of colonialism with that of the Roman colonization of Northern Europe and the fascination associated with such an endeavor. However, Marlow challenges this viewpointRead MoreThe Meaning Of Heart Of Darkness Essay1138 Words   |  5 PagesNishi Natalia AP Literature Comp The Meaning of Heart of Darkness Although, as a society, we discourage the process of not judging a book by its cover, we have all been guilty of doing it at some point. The first item we look at when we pick up a new book is the title and the cover as a whole. These are two key components when it comes to using our heuristics to decide if a book is worthwhile reading or not. With only two items to judge by, each has to hold significant importance in orderRead MoreHeart of Darkness Essay1068 Words   |  5 Pages1. Some critics believe that in Heart of Darkness Conrad illustrates how ‘’the darkness of the landscape can lead to the darkness of the social corruption.† This statement means that if the environment is dark, then the people in that environment will match the surrounding feeling, which is dark and depressing. For example, if it is a gloomy rainy day, most people feel tired and not as happy. If it is a bright sunny day, the most people feel motivated to get things done and joyful . Yes, thisRead MoreHeart of Darkness Paper984 Words   |  4 PagesHeart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, is an intriguing and extremely disturbing portrayal of mans surrender to his carnal nature when all external trappings of civilization are removed. This novel excellently portrays the shameful ways in which the Europeans exploited the Africans: physically, socially, economically, and spiritually. Throughout the nineteenth century, Europeans treated their African counterparts savagely. They were beaten, driven from their homes, and enslaved. Heart of DarknessRead MoreEssay on Heart of Darkness981 Words   |  4 PagesHeart of Darkness The nightmare of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is found in its stark portrayal of madness under the influence of an environment filled with desolation. Its protagonist, Mr. Kurtz, was raised amongst civilized people, adapted virtues that were regarded proper in society during the Victorian era, yet when he travels into the Congo, where these qualities are of no consequence, he abandons them to become wild. To understand how Kurtz fell to this emotional corruptness, a readerRead MoreEssay on Heart of Darkness1208 Words   |  5 PagesJoseph Conrads The Heart of Darkness is a dark and haunting tale about the search for a substantial and mysteriously powerful man named Mr. Kurtz. Heart of Darkness centers around Marlow, a sailor and also narrator of the novella. Throughout the work, Conrad uses an array of literary devices to suggest his style of writing. The title of the work itself, The Heart of Darkness, is an example of the use of metaphor. Darkness is a significant part of the books title conceptually. However, it isRead More Heart of Darkness Essay941 Words   |  4 PagesHeart of Darkness Darkness permeates every circumstance, scene, and character in Joseph Conrads novella, Heart of Darkness. Darkness symbolizes the moral confusion that Charlie Marlow encounters, as well as the moral reconciliation he has within himself while searching for Kurtz. Marlows morals are challenged numerous times throughout the book; on the Congo river and when he returns to Brussels. Charlie Marlow characterizes the behavior of the colonialists with, The flabby, pretendingRead MoreEssay on Heart of Darkness934 Words   |  4 PagesHeart of Darkness The dark thoughts, which are usually ignored and not allowed to be brought up in conversation, are pushed back into the remote corners of the mind, but have the ability to run free when man is in his most vulnerable state. Sleep, the unconscious. It is in dreams where twisted stories of malevolence and horror take place. The soul’s core is full of sin from the first minute man is born. Even Adam, the original man, who was born when the earth began its timeline, has sin runningRead MoreHeart of Darkness Essay4410 Words   |  18 PagesThe Visions of Light Vs Darkness When Joseph Conrad composed Heart of Darkness he created a literary masterpiece which embodied the essence of light contrasting with darkness. Throughout the novel Conrad constantly utilizes the images of light and dark and uses them to mold a vision, which the reader is then able to use to decipher the literal and metaphorical meanings of the novel. As Conrad said, my task which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word to make you hear, to

The Value of the Value Menu and Promotions - 722 Words

The Value of the Value Menu and Promotions Fast food is a food that can be prepared and served quickly. When a person thinks of fast foods, McDonalds, Wendys, and many others usually comes to mind. When a person looks at the menu, there are combo meals, entrà ©es, drinks, sides, desserts, and usually a value menu. The value menu is usually a group of items ranging in price from $.99 to $2. Depending on the chain, their value menu may be different. A person may analyze the portions size, or the quantity for the dollar amount. McDonalds, Wendys, Rallys, Arbys, and Sonic are some examples of fast food restaurants that have value menus, which is actually a value deal! First, lets take a look at the McDonalds value menu. McDonalds not only has a value menu, but also a dollar menu that has breakfast items and lunch items. McDonalds dollar menu is actually a dollar (excluding tax). Now, the extra value menu has items that range from $1.19 to $4.99. Did you know that some of the entrees sa ndwiches cost twice as much as the Dollar Menu sandwiches. For instance, a McChicken costs $1, while the Angus Bacon Cheese costs about $3.69. A person could buy three McChickens for the price of one Angus Bacon Cheeseburger. Another type of value are the promotions McDonalds runs. For instance, some of the current promotions includes: the two Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuits for the $3 and the any size soft drink for $1. Knowing this information, a person can create a value menuShow MoreRelatedSubway Chain Tested International Waters1102 Words   |  5 Pageslengths to bring great taste and fresh ingredients to consumers in the farthest reaches of the globe with more than 3900 locations. If we search SUBWAY’s menu in different countries, we can see SUBWAY target some kind of cultural and religious segments while keeping their original values maintaining. Wherever SUBWAY restaurants are located, the core menu stays relatively the same- with the exception of some cultural an d religious variations. World travelers can expect the same high quality ingredientsRead MoreCreative Value Of A Value Chain1566 Words   |  7 PagesCreative Value in the Making Identifying the primary and secondary components of a value chain helps balance the activities that a company performs internally to create value for the buyers. A value chain is made up of primary and secondary activities. Primary activities relate directly to the physical creation, sale,maintenance, and support of a product or service. Primary activities consist of supply chain management, operations, distribution, sales and marketing, and service, as seen in figureRead MoreThe Marketing Strategy Of Mcdonalds New Zealand And A Country Of Your Choice Essay1583 Words   |  7 Pages 1.1 To meet the requirements of task 1 you need to make sure that the role of promotion in marketing is defined in terms of achieving promotional objectives for the brand McDonalds in New Zealand and a country of your choice. The objectives of any marketing promotion are based on goals and strategies of the company launching the product. This include increase business, increase sale, repeat business, brand awareness, new product introduction etc. Each nation has various cultures and foodRead MoreTarget Marketing : Nick s Diner II Markets Essay1122 Words   |  5 Pagesinclusion of which also grasps the percentage of outlier whom have not started a family, have been widowed, or are married without kids. 8.2. Positioning: In a slowly improving economy, customers still want value, the large portions, and low prices at Nick’s Diner II gives the customers the value they expect. Compared to the numerous fast food restaurants in the area, Nick’s Diner II offers customers nearly equal prices, with better quality and quantity. Along with including the expectations of theseRead MoreMcdonalds Service1417 Words   |  6 Pagesalways been at the front of the menu however they have extensive their menu and offers their consumers full range of desert, hot drinks and cold drinks. McDonald’s model Only a small number of percentages of restaurants are owned by McDonald’s company (15%) and the remaining of 85% of McDonalds is operating by franchises. The main owner of the Mc Donald’s monitors and trains them to make sure that they are stick to the Quality, service, and cleanliness and the value that they offered by the McDonaldsRead MoreMcDonald’s The Dollar and Up Menu A burger costs more than $ 1 now. 1522 Words   |  7 PagesI. Establish a sense of urgency McDonalds is facing a financial crisis The Dollar Menu is no longer producing the desired outcomes; providing a drawn for customers and profits for the franchise. The Dollar Menu itself had little opportunity to generate profits directly (6 cents per burger), but the indirect sales of higher profit generating items by customers once they were enticed into the store by the Dollar Menu was the means of generating profits. (Ransom, 2009) Inflation, recession, and severalRead More7ps analysis for Caffe Nero Essay1613 Words   |  7 Pagesthat can be used to influence buyer decisions(Kotler et al. 2009) When marketing FMCG the first 4P’s: 1.) product which is value or benefit provide to customer. 2.) place which is distribution channel granting accessible to organization including internet, retailer and wholesaler 3.) promotion which is communicating message and value to customer in relevance to benefit and value of using particulars product rather than the feature of product. and 4.) price which factor that costing to consumer andRead MoreMcdonald s Marketing Journey : Mcdonalds Essay1442 Words   |  6 Pagesmarketing journey is a noteworthy one for anyone studying the marketing. In 1954, Roy Kroc, milkshake machine salesman, visited a restaurant in San Bernardino that run by two brothers, Dick and Mac McDonald. The restaurant offered a very limited menu but operated with great efficiency, focusing on quality and speed (Our History, 2016). He was so impressed by their operation that he seized the opportunity to become their agent. In 1955, Kroc founded McDonald’s Systems, Inc and in 1961, he purchasedRead MoreMarketing Strategies For Fast Food Outlets1593 Words   |  7 PagesThis study relates to the economic and environmental area of study as it addresses contemporary marketing strategies and the promotion of purchases within the franchise. The aim of this study will be to investigate marketing strategies, particularly promotional and advertising, adapted by fast food outlets in order to unveil successful advertising strategies. What promotions are used by fast food outlets to encourage more sales? What advertising strategies are used by fast food outlets to encourageRead MoreMarket Strategy for Kfc Japan1245 Words   |  5 PagesStrategy/ Focus Marketing strategy is a method of focusing an organizations energies and resources on a course of action which can lead to increased sales and dominance of a targeted market niche. A marketing strategy combines product development, promotion, distribution, pricing, relationship management and other elements; identifies the firms marketing goals, and explains how they will be achieved, ideally within a stated timeframe. Marketing strategy determines the choice of target market segments

Career path Free Essays

The skills that I think are necessary for success in college are being self-motivated, having effective time management and a strong dedication and willpower to want to succeed. The desire to succeed can only come from you. There are people to help you along the way, but you are the only person that can make a change for yourself and for the better. We will write a custom essay sample on Career path or any similar topic only for you Order Now Self-motivation is the number one factor in having a successful college experience. Once you have made a decision to further your education you must realize that there will conflicts throughout. Conflicts with work or family may arise. If you lack self-motivation, there is a possibility you will lose sight of what your goal is. There must be a balance between school and other obligations. You are responsible for finding that balance to ensure a successful college experience and a happy personal or work life as well. Effective time management is imperative in college. There are many times when tests and papers are due at the same time for each class. It is important to know what lies ahead in each class. A monthly calendar allows you to note upcoming due dates, midterm and final dates. It is helpful to have a visual so you can plan on a teeth to allow yourself adequate time for each class. Some people may be good at procrastination but when taking multiple classes, I don’t think waiting until the last minute is effective. You made a decision to invest time and money to enter college. You have a goal in mind. In order to reach that goal you need a strong dedication and willpower to succeed. There will be bumps along the way. Each class will introduce new ideas and responsibilities; when those responsibilities conflict with other responsibilities, I think you need the willpower to push through it. You need the dedication to the lasses and program you enrolled in. Keep the end goal in sight. The skills that I already have are being self-motivated, having effective time management and a strong dedication to being successful in college. I am a lifetime learner. I enjoy attending my classes and what is involved to succeed. Part of what helps me succeed in my classes is being effective with time management. I have learned how to handle a full time class load, working and having a happy family. My last Job required you to be great at multi-tasking. Multi-tasking is useful when attending college and having a young family. I have learned how to study while my hillier are occupied or napping. I also have my husband’s support which is crucial when attending school. In order to write a paper or study for an exam I will either go to the library, my parents’ house or at times my husband will take our children somewhere, Just to give me the time I need. I don’t think you could succeed in college and in personal life if you don’t have the dedication to school. I want to succeed and do well in college to better the life for my family. I am dedicated in accomplishing my goal and I know I will succeed. I have developed these skills through experience. I graduated from high school in 999 and have been attending college since, taking breaks to start my family. I have an associate degree already but have always wanted to pursue nursing. Since graduating with my associates degree, I have always taken part time classes, while working full time and having a family. However, I made the decision to enroll full time and complete my degree. I have three young daughters, all less than six years old. I know that to better their lives I must finish schooling. I want them to see that a higher education is something to strive and work toward. I want them to see my self-motivation and my dedication, to only to them but to school. Effective time management is a necessity when raising my children, being a spouse and being a successful student. I have learned to love my calendar. I write everything down. I have to see lies ahead for my family and for school. One weakness that I have is being committed to too many different things with my children, all while I am trying to finish school. I sign up to help with a lot of their events and organizations. I need to realize that I am only one person and cannot do it all. I need to only sign up for a select number of events and commit myself to those instead off little bit here and there. I also have bad test anxiety. I am hoping that I can alleviate the anxiety I get by allowing myself adequate time to study and prepare for tests. I also need to have confidence in myself to know that I will succeed on the test. I try to go into each test with a positive attitude. I will be taking the TEAS test on 11/16/12. I have heard so much negativity towards the test from peers that I try to distance myself from the negativity. I know that going into the test Friday that I have done all I was able to do and look forward to seeing my results. I have chosen a nursing career. The same skills listed for a college experience are also needed for a successful nursing career. In addition to these, strong interpersonal skills and critical thinking skills are needed. I have worked in the health care field for over 10 years, so I have seen first hand what skills are needed and already have knowledge of medical terminology and Anatomy and Physiology. This is only my first semester at Bryant Stratton. I still need to pass my TEAS and am looking forward to being accepted in the nursing program. I would like to improve upon my confidence. As a nurse you don’t have time to second guess yourself. I need to realize that I know the answer and stick to it. I also need to stop being afraid of failure. I need to set little goals and as those are accomplished, celebrate them. This will make my long term goal seem not so far out of reach. I previously stated that I like to avoid negativity. I do not want to be surrounded by negative people or situations. This only brings my confidence down. I also want to remain an active learner. Whether this means taking continuing education courses or reading a health Journal related to my field; I know that this will increase my confidence because I will be full of knowledge. In conclusion, it is important to understand that the decision to enter college is a life changing decision. Dedication, time management, and the desire to succeed and take responsibility for what needs to be are commitments that must be made upon making the decision to enroll in college. The approach I took when writing this paper is following the outline given and responding to each question. The outline style was effective for this paper since a list of skills were required. I did not forget to expand on any skill since I had it in the outline format. How to cite Career path, Papers

The Declaration Of Language Essays (737 words) -

The Declaration Of Language Slang The Declaration of Language [WR122 paper, using Jefferson's Declaration of Independence as a model]-RJ The Declaration of Language When, in the course of human language, it becomes necessary for people to create or redefine, words or phrases to express an object or an action; and to assume, among society, the acceptance and usage of these words and their definitions, in one's own language, or idiolect. A decent respect to the opinions of mankind, requires that Americans should recognize slang adopted into language. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that language is expression of thought, in the form of speech or written symbols, that have agreed-upon meanings. That, many large speaking languages contain dialects, or other versions of languages within a community, that are different in some aspects of grammar, pronunciation, or vocabulary. That, because language is a form of one's own ideas and expression, everyone possesses his or her own individual language, or idiolect. That, not only does perception change language, but that language changes perception. That, through the course of history, idiolects have shaped dialects, which have shaped language, which in turn, have shaped concepts. Conservatives, indeed, will dictate that languages will follow a narrow path toward a standard language. And accordingly, expression will follow the rules and guidelines that limit thought, rather than the ability to rethink old vocabulary and enrich new ones. When we speak, write, learn, and think in a slowly evolving vocabulary, which does not adapt to the more rapid introduction of cultures, concepts, fashion, and technology, we must add new meaning to conventional vocabulary. Such has been the language of Conservative American English speakers and writers, who have discouraged the use of creative language and the use of dialects and idiolects. Many individuals have not noticed that new vocabulary is, at many times, adopted into one's language. A large number of slang words and phrases have been considered standard in today's daily speech. To prove this, let us claim a few of the many slang terms that have been adopted. Slang has been used, where other words seemed unfit to describe a thought or feeling: Awesome. Radical. Cool. Far Out New words that were created to describe new technology: A cellular or mobile telephone. The internet or the computer and modem accessed information highway. Electronic mail or computer generated mail. A beeper or an electronic paging device. Metaphors, similes, and creativeness also create slang: A coward is a chicken. Money is bread. A ride is a car. One thousand dollars is a grand. People eat grub. Smoking marijuana is the same thing as smoking weed or pot. A toilet is the John. A toilet is the can. A toilet is the hole. A Cop is policeman. A Pig is also a policeman. If something is bad it is really good. Those who are plastered are drunk. Those who are hammered are drunk. People who are driving too close behind another car are tailgating. Slang, also evolves in the form of phrases: A person Kicking Back, is relaxing. Cut to the chase or get to the point. Accept the consequences, or face the music. Two cents worth, or an opinion. The whole nine yards or everything. In the English language, we have petitioned for the use of slang in language. But our creative language has been considered meaningless to conservatives of standard English. Conservatives, who themselves use vocabulary that was at one time considered slang, are unfit to argue against it. Every language around the world adopts slang that, at one point, was considered nonstandard to the majority of the people. Slang is used to provide new shades of meaning. Slang is shared by introducing new concepts, just as new objects and ideas are shared. All vocabulary establishes its meaning through the acceptance of its concept into one's language. We must continue to express thoughts through one's choice of language, and accept them, as we would accept the importance of originality and creativity within individuals. We, therefore, the representatives of a linguistic society, do, in the Name, and by authority of speakers and writers of English, declare that slang refreshes language with new concepts, ideas, and interest; that slang allows language to evolve with society; that there are no determining factors in declaring a true language; and, that language contains vocabulary where its meanings are changed and new ones are introduced. Put your paper here. English

The Scarlett Letter Essays - English-language Films, Free Essays

The Scarlett Letter Essays - English-language Films, Free Essays The Scarlett Letter The Effective Use of Symbolism The novel, The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne is an intriguing account of a Puritan community that experiences a breakdown in beliefs. The story deals with a woman, Hester, who commits adultery with a Calvinistic minister resulting in the birth of a child (Martin 110). As compensation for her crime of passion and her refusal to name her lover, Hester is sentenced to wear an embroidered scarlet letter on her bosom. It is this letter, or secret sin, that becomes the emphasis of the novel and assumes many different roles (Martin 111). Hawthorne starts the novel by portraying the literary reality associated with the different aspects of the letter (Martin 110). From the start, Hawthorne seems to say, this is a scarlet letter; because of that, it is capable of further meaning. The letter will have to carry the burden of the tale (Martin 111). Hawthornes use of symbolism is fully developed in the multi-meanings hidden in the scarlet letter through a variety of characters. The scarlet letter represents different ideals to different people and should be given the proper consideration (Martin 114). In the Puritan community, the letter is viewed as a moral obligation to inform others of Hesters sin, one that they feel should be dragged out into the sunshine (Hawthorne 43). They believe the letter symbolizes psychological and religious truth. The Puritans are a people amongst whom religion and law were almost identical, and in whose character both were so thoroughly Foti 2 interfused, that her mildest and severest acts of public discipline were alike made venerable and awful (Hawthorne 40). It is said that meager, indeed, and cold, was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for, from such bystanders at the scaffold (Hawthorne 40). The Puritans are firmly against Hesters actions and feels that she has disgraced them along with herself. They feel that she must take responsibility for her actions. The effect of her punishment however is not what the Puritans had hoped to achieve. Hesters sin has grown from that of passion to one of purpose. Even with Hesters sympathetic attitude, she was not filled with regret and therefore the letter had not done its task (Martin 122). To the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, the scarlet letter contains a whole new meaning. He views the letter as a constant reminder of his sin and cowardice. His guilt continues to grow as a result of his not being able to come forth in front of the community and take responsibility for his actions. His guilt and sin become magnified by his inability to stand beside Hester at the scaffold. Dimmesdale, also is ironically charged with questioning Hester and trying to convince her of the importance of identifying her fellow sinner (Hawthorne 52). He begins to feel more and more grief and it begins to affect his mental and physical state. He soon becomes weak; however, it is believed by the community to be because of his too unreserved self-sacrifice to the labors and duties of the pastoral relation (Hawthorne 80). When Dimmesdale is believed to be near death, the community again believes it is because the world was not worthy to be any longer trodden by his feet (Hawthorne 88). Dimmesdale se ems to be haunted by Satans emissary, in the guise of old Roger Chillingworth. This diabolical Foti 3 agent had the Divine permission, for a season, to burrow into the clergymans intimacy and plot against his soul (Hawthorne 94). Chillingworth proposes to Dimmesdale that a sickness, a sore place, if we may so call it, in your spirit, hath immediately its appropriate manifestation in your bodily frame (Hawthorne 99). However, Dimmesdale denies and refuses to discuss it with him. Dimmesdale becomes weaker and weaker because by the constitution of his nature, he loved the truth, and loathed the lie, as few men ever did. Therefore, above all things else, he loathed his miserable self! (Hawthorne 105). Before Dimmesdales death, he finally confesses to his sin on the scaffold and frees his soul and conscience. Spectators have testified to seeing on the breast of the unhappy minister, a SCARLET LETTERthe very semblance of that worn by Hester Prynneimprinted in the flesh (Hawthorne 182).

The Friendship Story of Damon and Pythias

The Friendship Story of Damon and Pythias Turn of  the 20th-century storyteller James Baldwin included the story of Damon and Pythias (Phintias) in his collection of 50 famous stories children should know [See Learning Lessons From the Past]. These days, the story is more likely to appear in a collection showing the contributions of ancient gay men or on the stage, and not so much in childrens storybooks. The story of Damon and Pythias shows true friendship and self-sacrifice, as well as concern for family, even in the face of death. Perhaps its time to try to revive it. Damon and Pythias endured either the father or the same despotic ruler as Damocles of the sword hanging on a slender thread-fame, which is also in Baldwins collection. This tyrant was Dionysius I of Syracuse, an important city in Sicily, which was part of the Greek area of Italy (Magna Graecia). As is true of the story of the Sword of Damocles, we can look to Cicero for an ancient version. Cicero describes the friendship between Damon and Pythias in his De Officiis III. Dionysius was a cruel ruler, easy to run afoul of. Either Pythias or Damon, young philosophers in the school of Pythagoras (the man who gave his name to a theorem used in geometry), ran into trouble with the tyrant and wound up in prison. This was in the 5th century. Two centuries earlier there had been a Greek named Draco, an important law-giver in Athens, who had prescribed death as the penalty for theft. When asked about his seemingly extreme punishments for relatively minor crimes, Draco said he regretted there was no punishment more serious for more heinous crimes. Dionysius must have agreed with Draco since execution appears to have been the intended fate of the philosopher. It is, of course, remotely possible that the philosopher had engaged in a serious crime, but it hasnt been reported, and the reputation of the tyrant is such that it is easy to believe the worst. Before the one young philosopher was scheduled to lose his life, he wanted to put his familys affairs in order  and asked leave to do so. Dionysius assumed he would run away and initially said no, but then the other young philosopher said he would take his friends place in the prison, and, should the condemned man not return, he would forfeit his own life. Dionysius agreed  and was then greatly surprised when the condemned man returned in time to face his own execution. Cicero doesnt indicate that Dionysius released the two men, but he was duly impressed with the friendship exhibited between the two men and wished he could join them as a third friend. Valerius Maximus, in the 1st century A.D. does say that Dionysius released them and kept them near him ever after. [See Valerius Maximus: The History of Damon and Pythias, from De Amicitiae Vinculo or read the Latin 4.7.ext.1.] Below you may read the story of Damon and Pythias in the Latin of Cicero, followed by an English translation that is in the public domain. [45] Loquor autem de communibus amicitiis; nam in sapientibus viris perfectisque nihil potest esse tale. Damonem et Phintiam Pythagoreos ferunt hoc animo inter se fuisse, ut, cum eorum alteri Dionysius tyrannus diem necis destinavisset et is, qui morti addictus esset, paucos sibi dies commendandorum suorum causa postulavisset, vas factus est alter eius sistendi, ut si ille non revertisset, moriendum esset ipsi. Qui cum ad diem se recepisset, admiratus eorum fidem tyrannus petivit, ut se ad amicitiam tertium adscriberent.[45] But I am speaking here of ordinary friendships; for among men who are ideally wise and perfect such situations cannot arise.They say that Damon and Phintias, of the Pythagorean school, enjoyed such ideally perfect friendship, that when the tyrant Dionysius had appointed a day for the execution of one of them, and the one who had been condemned to death requested a few days respite for the purpose of putting his loved ones in the care of friends, the other became surety for his appearance, with the understanding that if his friend did not return, he himself should be put to death. And when the friend returned on the day appointed, the tyrant in admiration for their faithfulness begged that they would enrol him as a third partner in their friendship.M. Tullius Cicero. De Officiis. With An English Translation. Walter Miller. Cambridge. Harvard University Press; Cambridge, Mass., London, England. 1913.